EP2318612B1 - Surface cladding system - Google Patents

Description

Field of the invention

The invention relates to a surface covering system for covering surfaces with a cladding material and to a cladding module for use in such a surface cladding system. Such surface covering systems and cladding modules are used to cover almost any surfaces, such as wall surfaces, floor surfaces, decorative surfaces or the like, especially in the field of construction technology. However, other applications are possible in principle.

State of the art

Particularly in the field of construction engineering, numerous surface covering systems are known, which are designed according to various criteria. Such surface covering systems, as they are also proposed in the context of the present invention, serve, for example, for cladding wall surfaces, floor surfaces or ceiling surfaces with a cladding material. This cladding material may comprise different materials, for example metallic materials, ceramic materials, wood, glass, plastic or similar materials commonly used for cladding systems or combinations of said and / or other materials.

When cladding surfaces, such as flat, angled or even curved surfaces, it is important to pay attention to various criteria. An essential criterion in many cases is that the installation must be quick and easy. The surface covering systems are usually either simply placed on the surface to be covered or connected to this surface to be covered. The latter can be done for example by a cohesive connection, in particular by tile adhesive or similar types of substance-liquid compounds. Alternatively or additionally, for example, mechanical fasteners, for example, for a non-positive and / or positive connection, use, for example, hooks, screws or the like.

Surface covering systems are known from the prior art, which are composed of individual modules. These individual modules can be mechanically connected to one another via connection systems, for example in the form of so-called click connections. Examples of such click-connections, which can work, for example, according to the known tongue and groove principle, are out DE 101 58 215 A1 known. There is a laying system for plates, especially for stone tiles, presented for creating a ceiling, wall or floor covering, in which the plates are provided with a support frame on which the plates rest at least part of the area. The support frame included on each two adjacent legs an approach that is designed to accommodate a joint width defining rubber-elastic sealing profile.

Apart from the mechanical requirements of such surface covering systems, however, in many cases, further requirements. In particular, these are requirements in terms of compatibility with liquid media, such as water or detergents. So many surface covering systems are used in the field of bathrooms, bathrooms, toilets, kitchens or living areas in which they have frequent contact with water or other liquids.

An essential criterion of such surface covering systems is therefore in many cases a suitable seal between the individual modules of the surface covering system. In conventional systems in which the modules are glued to the surface to be covered, therefore, a grout or joint is usually introduced between the individual modules, in particular between individual tiles, which prevents moisture through the cracks between adjacent modules behind the Module, in particular to the surface to be covered, advised.

In the mentioned, easy and quick to install surface covering systems, in particular according to the click principle, seals are therefore provided on the individual modules. An example is the in DE 101 58215 A1 described sealing profiles. Another example of such sealing profiles is out CH 508 792 known. There is a method for sealing joints between components, in particular between concrete slabs described. Such devices are intended to replace the conventional puttying methods of grouting and are based on adjacent ones Each component has a seal, these seals are pressed against each other when laying the components.

However, these known devices and methods have in practice a plurality of disadvantages, which are not tolerable in any case and which sometimes lead to unsatisfactory results in the surface disguise. Thus, for example, in the forms in DE 101 58 215 A1 described method in many cases, a gap between the sealing profile of a module and the plate of the other module. This is particularly due to the fact that the plates are subjected to manufacturing tolerances in many cases, in particular natural plates such as plates made of wood, stone or similar natural materials. Also, changing the size of the panels over the period of use, for example, by absorbing moisture or "working" in the wood, can lead to the formation of such gaps. However, these gaps cause moisture between the sealing profile and the plate to fall to the underlying support frame and / or the underlying surface to be covered.

A similar problem arises in systems like the one in CH 508 792 described system in which two seals of adjacent modules are pressed together. Since the seals lie directly on the plate materials of the components, which, however, in turn, for example, may be subject to the manufacturing tolerances described above, the pressure with which the seals are pressed against each other, and thus the sealing effect of the system or method subject to the said fluctuations, even if two-piece sealing systems, like the one in CH 508 792 described sealing system, usually have a higher density than, for example, the in DE 101 58 215 A1 described sealing system.

Another disadvantage of known two-part sealing systems, such as in CH 508 792 described sealing system, is both aesthetic and technical nature. Thus, these seals are designed such that between the individual pressed against one another seals a generally clearly visible edge. The seals are arched around this edge in many cases, with an overall discontinuity in the surface shape of the co-formed, two-piece seal due to the pressure required for the seal. This discontinuity is not only aesthetically undesirable, but it can even form in the region of this edge due to the curvature and the stresses occurring there leaks, especially with an increasing, for example, age-related, embrittlement of the sealing material.

DE 199 62 812 shows a system for closing joints using edge profile strips and a cover profile strip, which are each available by the meter.

WO 037012224 relates to a floor system based on wood or wood fiber. The floor system comprises Fossbodenpaneele with core plate and covering, wherein the plates are provided with a sealing strip of an elastically deformable material.

EP 1 593 795 shows a system for laying floor elements, in which interlocking elements along the edges of a hardenable mass are made.

US 200470016197 has a laying system to the content, in which the interlocking elements have a spring which is introduced into a groove of a plate and cured there.

DE 102 25 579 shows a bottom plate with edge profiles made of aluminum.

WO 03/040491 shows a laying system with support frame for floor slabs.

WO 2006/039726 relates to a laying system with a support substrate.

Object of the invention

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a surface covering system which at least largely avoids the above-described disadvantages of known surface covering systems. In particular, the surface covering system should be modular and at the same time be able to provide an aesthetically pleasing and yet technically improved seal between the individual modules.

Disclosure of the invention

This object is achieved by a surface covering system having the features of independent claim 1 and by a cladding module for use in a surface covering system according to the invention. Advantageous developments of the invention, which can be implemented individually or in combination, are shown in the dependent claims.

The surface covering system serves to completely or partially cover surfaces with a cladding material. It can be made to a large extent on the possibilities described above of the design of such surface covering systems. In particular, flat, curved or angled surfaces can be clad. For example, floor surfaces and / or wall surfaces and / or ceiling surfaces in the building area can be clad in this way with the cladding material. The cladding may serve aesthetic purposes and / or may be functional in nature, the latter, for example, to protect the surface to be clad against liquids, gases, impurities or similar attacks. In principle, the surface to be covered does not have to be completely closed, but it is also possible, for example, to produce at least partially self-supporting surface covering systems.

Under a cladding material can be understood any material that forms the majority of the visible after the cladding surface of the surface covering system. For example, a surface of this cladding material may constitute at least 50% of the overall apparent outer surface of the surface cladding system. As typical examples of such cladding materials can be mentioned the above-mentioned materials, which may for example also have a smooth, a flat, a roughened, a lacquered or glazed, a curved, a relief-like shaped or a differently shaped, outwardly facing surface. The cladding materials can also be at least partially transparent or translucent or non-transparent configured, for example by using transparent or translucent glass materials, plastic materials, crystal materials or ceramic materials. Alternatively or additionally, it is also possible, for example, to use reflective cladding materials. Typical cladding materials useful in the present invention are natural materials such as stone, clay, ceramics, wood or similar natural materials. Alternatively or additionally, it is also possible to use artificial materials, for example ceramics, glasses, plastics, concrete materials or the like. Combinations of said materials and / or other materials are conceivable.

The surface covering system, as stated above, modular construction and has at least two cladding modules. These cladding modules contain the cladding material, such as a tile material. For example, such cladding material in the form of panels, for example rectangular, round or polygonal panels, may be incorporated in the cladding modules, for example (as further detailed below) in a frame of these cladding modules. The individual cladding modules and / or the finished surface cladding system can be temporarily or permanently connected to the surface to be clad and / or placed only on this surface to be clad. The former can be done for example by the above-described cohesive, non-positive or positive connection techniques or combinations of these connection techniques. The latter can be used, for example, in the field of only temporarily to be used panels, for example, to temporarily decorate a room area with a parquet or parquet-like surface covering system or protect. Various other possibilities are conceivable.

In order to ensure this modular design, the cladding modules, which are claimed in the context of the present invention as individual parts, to be laid adjacent to each other on the surface to be clad. By "contiguous" is to be understood that these cladding modules along at least one abutting edge can make a touch. In this case, an impact edge is generally understood to mean an outer boundary region or a boundary line, which is a cladding module and / or a cladding material limited to the outside, for example, to an adjacent cladding module. In this case, in the installed state, the individual cladding modules only loosely adjoin one another, without a tighter mechanical connection being provided. Alternatively, however, the cladding modules can also be mechanically connected to one another by appropriate connecting elements, as explained in more detail below.

The cladding modules are designed such that a first cladding module, in particular at a first abutting edge, has a first sealing profile. A second of the cladding modules has, in particular on a second abutting edge, a second sealing profile. Under a sealing profile is generally an element to understand, which, alone or in cooperation with other elements, in particular sealing elements, a sealing effect. This sealing effect is intended in particular to effect the penetration of fluid media, in particular liquids, into a space between adjacent lining modules. This sealing effect is intended to delay this penetration at least considerably, although a slow penetration in the rule can not be completely prevented. For this purpose, it is particularly preferred if the sealing profiles are at least deformable, preferably even elastically deformable, configured. Various embodiments of such elastic or deformable materials are mentioned in the prior art described above and / or will be explained in more detail below.

The sealing profiles of the adjacent cladding modules should interact in a complementary manner. For this purpose, it is proposed to design the sealing profiles in such a way that they can interlock when laying. An intervention is to be understood as a process in which, when installed, at least one region of a sealing profile belonging to a lining module is further away from the lining material of this lining module than a region of a sealing profile of another lining module. In other words, the sealing profiles of adjacent cladding modules, in plan view of a plane perpendicular to the surface cladding system, at least partially be designed to overlap. This can be realized, for example, as a simple overlap. Alternatively or additionally, the sealing profiles can also, as will be explained in more detail below, be hooked into one another or otherwise form a mechanically more stable connection than is the case with a simple overlap.

The two sealing profiles thus form a common seal when meshing. Under a common seal is, in contrast to directly adjacent individual sealing profiles as in the CH 508 792 to understand a seal that does not include a straight continuous gap between the adjacent trim modules. In particular, no flat gap surface should be formed, such as in the in CH 508 792 described arrangement.

This embodiment proposed according to the invention causes a greatly increased sealing effect of the finished surface covering systems. By the intermeshing of the adjacent sealing profiles in particular the penetration of moisture is greatly impeded. In addition, as explained in more detail below by way of examples, the interlocking of the sealing profiles can additionally be used to increase the mechanical stability of the connection of adjacent cladding modules.

The surface covering system can be advantageously developed in various ways. Thus, a first advantageous aspect of the invention is both aesthetic and technical in nature. In this embodiment of the surface covering system according to the invention, the common seal is designed such that it has a substantially joint-free surface. Under a substantially joint-free surface is a surface to understand, which is composed for a viewer of two or more individual faces. This can in particular take place in that the joint-free surface is formed essentially either from the first sealing profile or from the second sealing profile. Thus, for example, the first sealing profile completely overlap the second sealing profile, or vice versa, so that a viewer perceives in the installed state of the surface covering system in the joints between the individual covering materials, such as tiles, only a common sealing material, namely that of the first sealing profile or second sealing profile.

In this way, by a substantially complete overlap (wherein overlaps of at least 95% in the aspect of the invention can still be tolerated) on the one hand lead to an increased sealing effect. The omission of the gap between adjacent seals, as in CH 508 792 is clearly visible leads to avoid the disadvantages described above, a leak at this joint. There remain only the joints between the cladding materials and the associated sealing profiles, which, however, constructive in the context of the production of individual cladding modules can be minimized. In contrast to, for example, too DE 101 58 215 A1 in which also for a viewer a substantially joint-free sealing surface between the individual cladding modules is recognizable, this common seal is still composed of two individual parts, namely the two complementary sealing profiles, which improves the mechanical sealing effect.

A further advantageous embodiment of the invention relates to the nature of the meshing of the individual sealing profiles. For example, as illustrated above, this engagement may include overlapping elements of the complementary sealing profiles. Alternatively or additionally, one of the two sealing profiles can be configured as a male sealing profile, ie as a sealing profile with at least one projection. For example, this projection may be a projection with a rounded and / or polygonal profile and / or a hook profile, for example a hook profile with at least one undercut. The respective other of these sealing profiles preferably comprises a female sealing profile. A female sealing profile is accordingly to be understood as a depression into which the male sealing profile can engage in a complementary manner. This engagement can be force-free and easily reversible or, alternatively, can also be associated with a hooking or latching, which at least makes it more difficult to re-separate the sealing profiles. The design of the sealing profiles in the form of male and female sealing profiles increases the sealing effect in addition. In this case, the sealing profiles can also be configured only partially as a male or female sealing profiles. Thus, for example, a hermaphroditic configuration is possible in which each sealing profile is partially male and partially female, which can further improve the engagement in adjacent sealing profiles. As before, however, a complementary design of these two sealing profiles should be ensured.

Analogous to the example in DE 101 58 215 A1 The devices according to the invention can advantageously also be equipped with a frame. Thus, the cladding modules may each have at least one frame, wherein on the frame, the cladding material is applied. This frame, for example a laying frame, can be made of a conventional material that ensures a mechanical stability. For example, plastic frames, wooden frames, ceramic frames, metal frames (such as steel frames) or similar materials or combinations of materials may be used.

The frame may provide the mechanical support function and may in particular have one or more support surfaces which may rest on the surface to be covered. For example, these support surfaces can be configured in the form of feet or support pads, which rest on the surface to be covered. Depending on the type of connection between the lining modules and the surface to be covered, these frames can also provide the corresponding connecting elements. In a cohesive connection, these may be, for example, adhesive surfaces. In positive and / or non-positive connections corresponding mechanical elements may be provided on the frame, which may serve for connection to the surface to be covered. Various configurations are possible.

The frame should be set up to receive the trim material. This can be done, for example, in that the frame has a corresponding receptacle for the cladding material, for example a receptacle, which substantially corresponds in terms of its dimensions to the cladding material. In the case of plate-shaped cladding materials, this can be done, for example, in the form of depressions, protruding edges, latching noses, grippers or similar types of receiving elements and / or in the form of simple bearing surfaces on which the cladding material can rest. The connection between the cladding material and the frame can in turn be done in any way, for example by a non-positive and / or positive and / or material connection. For example, the cladding material may be glued to the frame, for example, with joints between the frame and the cladding material can be sealed with the same. However, other types of attachment are in principle possible, for example, a terminals, a screw or the like.

In the case in which frames are provided, the sealing profiles may in principle be connected, for example, to the cladding material. However, it is particularly preferred if the sealing profiles are at least partially connected to the frame or formed integrally with the frame. A one-piece design of the sealing profiles with the frame can be done for example by a multi-component manufacturing process by which, for example, different materials for the sealing profiles and for the frame can be used. As examples here are multi-component injection molding, multi-component injection molding or similar To name a shaping process, which allow the production of individual components of one and the same workpiece made of different materials.

In the case in which the sealing profiles are respectively connected to the frame, it is particularly preferred to connect them by a material-locking and / or non-positive connection. As an example of a cohesive connection, for example, a bonding should be mentioned. Alternatively or additionally, the multicomponent molding methods described above may also be regarded in some respects as cohesive bonding methods. Alternatively or additionally, non-positive connections can be used, for example non-positive connections by pressing. For example, the sealing profile can be pressed against a connection region of the frame. This connection region may be configured, for example, corrugated or roughened or have corresponding hook elements or other elements which engage in the compression during compression in the sealing profiles and additionally improve the compression and their mechanical strength.

As shown above, the sealing profiles can also be formed integrally with the frame. For example, the sealing profiles and the frame may be made in the same molding process. For example, a plastic material may be poured or injected into a tool having mold cavity components for the frame and for the gasket profiles. Subsequently, a curing of the plastic can take place in this tool, for example by simply cooling and / or by a cross-linking process. As examples of materials for such a one-piece design of frame and sealing profile, in particular polyurethanes and / or silicones may be mentioned. In general, for example, thermosetting and / or elastomeric plastic materials can be used, but in principle also thermoplastic materials can be used. Combinations of plastic materials and / or other materials are possible, for example, the use of filled plastics.

Another advantageous aspect of the invention relates to the connection of the individual cladding modules with each other. For example, as shown above, adjacent trim modules may simply be loosely attached together. However, it is particularly preferred if the cladding modules are also mechanically connected to each other, so that a separation of the cladding modules is at least difficult. Also, this can be pressed against each other, the complementary sealing profiles, So each acted upon with a force, so that a permanent sealing effect is improved.

For this purpose, the cladding modules may have mechanical connecting elements, which are set up to make a mechanical connection when laying the cladding modules. In particular, this may be a non-positive and / or positive mechanical connection.

The mechanical connecting elements can in turn be formed in principle on any elements of the cladding modules. For example, these can be formed on the cladding materials. However, it is particularly preferred if the mechanical connecting elements are at least partially formed on the optional frame of the cladding modules shown above, for example similar to that in FIG DE 101 58 215 A1 described construction. The mechanical stability function thus preferably remains completely left to the frame, whereas the cladding materials, which are often brittle and difficult to machine, can only be accommodated in the frame and contribute little or nothing to the actual connection.

The mechanical connecting elements can basically be designed in various ways. For example, the mechanical connecting elements may comprise plug-in elements, tongue and groove elements, hook connections, click-laminate connectors or combinations of said and / or other connecting elements. Under a click-laminate connectors are to be understood latching connections, which cause engagement of complementary mechanical fasteners adjacent cladding modules and how they for example from the field of parquet technology and / or from the DE 101 58 215 A1 are known. In general, the described advantageous embodiment with the mechanical connecting elements causes the surface covering system to be quickly and easily assembled without the need for complex mechanical fixing of the individual covering modules.

The mechanical connection of the cladding modules by means of the connecting elements can in particular be such that in the connected state, the cladding modules are held together in such a way that a sealing effect increasing, the sealing profiles individually or both deforming force is exerted on these sealing profiles. The connecting elements or the mechanical connection formed by these can be configured such that when joining two cladding modules in a non-planar orientation of the cladding modules to each other a substantially force-free assembly of the mechanical fasteners is possible. In a planar orientation of the cladding modules to each other, however, a force can be exerted on at least one of the sealing profiles, in particular by the respective other sealing profile, so that the force applied to the force seal profile is mechanically deformed.

In other words, the assembly of the cladding modules in an orientation of the cladding modules, in which they have no planar alignment with each other, can be configured such that the sealing profiles are not deformed substantially. In a planar orientation of the cladding modules to each other, which can be brought about for example by the weight of the cladding modules and / or by an external force, then, for example, by a corresponding configuration of the connecting elements, a deformation of the sealing profiles carried out, through which, for example, the sealing profiles of the assembled Cladding modules are pressed against each other and / or deformed, which in particular the sealing effect can be increased. For example, the connecting elements may have a cooperating male connecting element and a female connecting element. For example, they can easily fit into one another in the non-planar orientation mentioned, essentially without exerting deformation forces. In a planar orientation, however, this fit can be removed, for example, by pulling or pushing the male connecting element into a position in which the female connecting element is deformed by the male connecting element in this orientation. Various configurations are possible. Examples are described below.

The sealing profiles can be designed in particular deformable. The connecting elements and / or the sealing profiles may have at least one relief space. This at least one relief space can be configured to accommodate deformations occurring during the joining of two cladding modules, for example the deformations occurring in the production of a planar orientation described above. This relief space can be arranged for example within the sealing profiles and / or between the sealing profiles. For example, the at least one relief space may comprise at least one relief gap, for example a relief gap, which in one of the other sealing profile assigning Surface is arranged. In general, the at least one relief space may comprise free spaces into which elements of the sealing profile can also escape in the assembled state of the cladding modules when they are deformed. Examples are described below.

A further preferred embodiment of the invention relates to the materials which can be used for the sealing profiles. The sealing profiles are preferably wholly or partially designed plastically and / or elastically deformable. In particular, it is preferred if the sealing profiles comprise at least one of the following materials: a foamed material, in particular a polyurethane foam; an elastomeric material, in particular a silicone and / or a rubber material; a plastically deformable material, for example a plastically deformable thermoplastic material, an elastically deformable material; an at least partially transparent to visible light material. Combinations of these materials or material properties are conceivable. By using at least partially transparent materials, including translucent materials can be understood, special lighting effects can be achieved, which can be of particular aesthetic appeal in various areas of decorative wall coverings.

A further preferred embodiment of the surface covering system, which also has an effect on the design of the cladding modules according to the invention, consists in the arrangement of the sealing profiles. Thus, as described above, in the surface covering system according to the invention, a first sealing profile is provided on a first lining module, and a second sealing profile is provided on a second lining module. However, the individual cladding modules are not necessarily designed differently. In particular, a single cladding module may have both at least one first sealing profile and at least one second sealing profile. For example, each cladding module may have two first sealing profiles and / or two second sealing profiles. Thus, for example, the first sealing profiles or the second sealing profiles may be arranged in each case on opposing abutting edges of the cladding modules. Alternatively and in the context of the present invention, however, an embodiment is particularly preferred in which the first sealing profiles are arranged in each case over the corner, that is, on adjoining abutting edges, for example on abutting edges extending at a right angle. Alternatively or additionally, the two second sealing profiles can also be attached to abutting abutting edges, for example, in turn, perpendicular to one another Butt edges, be arranged. As will be explained in more detail below with reference to the exemplary embodiments, this makes it possible to produce a gapless, large-area surface covering without interruption of the seal in a particularly simple manner.

As shown above, the two sealing profiles are configured complementary to each other. A preferred embodiment of the invention relates to this complementary embodiment. Thus, for example, a first of the two sealing profiles have a receiving part with a first bearing surface, whereas the other of the two sealing profiles has an overlap part with a second bearing surface. For example, one of the two bearing surfaces may indicate the surface of the clad surface and the other bearing surface in the opposite direction. However, other embodiments are possible. In particular, the support surfaces should have a vectorial surface component parallel to the surface to be covered. In the installed state, the overlapping part should at least partially overlap the receiving part. In this case, the second bearing surface is at least partially on the first bearing surface. It is particularly preferred if, during laying, the overlapping part is pressed down against the receiving part. For this purpose, the overlapping part can be configured such that it is pushed away during installation of the receiving part, so that a restoring force is formed, which presses the overlapping part against the receiving part. Alternatively or additionally, a lever element may also be provided which, when laying the surface covering system, causes the overlapping part to be pressed against the receiving part. This contact pressure of the receiving part against the overlap part or vice versa generally causes an increased sealing effect of the common seal.

The interaction of overlap part and receiving part can also be combined with a meshing between overlap part and receiving part. Thus, for example, the overlapping part may have a projection, for example a projection pointing toward the receiving part, the receiving part having a groove which points towards the overlapping part. The projection and the groove are designed such that engages in the connection of the two cladding modules of the projection in the groove.

The bearing surfaces of the overlap part or the receiving part can be configured in various ways. For example, these can be used as inclined bearing surfaces, ie as bearing surfaces, which are at an angle other than 0 ° (for example 45 °). extend to the surface of the surface panel, be configured. These oblique bearing surfaces can be configured for example as a flat bearing surfaces. Alternatively or additionally, the bearing surfaces may also be formed in whole or in part as round or rounded bearing surfaces, for example with corresponding radii of curvature. This too can increase the sealing effect.

It has been described above that in a preferred embodiment, the cladding modules can engage in one another by mechanical connecting elements, for example in the form of male and female connecting elements. Analogously, as an alternative or in addition, such an engagement can also take place via the sealing profiles. Thus, for example, one of the two sealing profiles may have a male engagement element, ie an engagement element with a projection, whereas the other of the two sealing profiles has a female engagement element, ie an engagement element with a corresponding recess into which the male engagement element can engage. In this case, the engagement elements may be arranged to interlock when laying and reinforce a sealing effect of the common seal. For example, corresponding grooves and springs may again be provided in the sealing profiles. In general, the engagement elements, in addition to achieving a sealing effect, also be arranged to increase a mechanical stability of the common seal, for example by these engaging elements engage or hook into each other.

As shown above, the cladding modules can each be configured with at least one first sealing profile and with at least one second sealing profile. It is particularly preferred if the cladding modules are all configured substantially the same. This can greatly simplify warehousing since only one type of trim module needs to be provided, including possibly different trim materials. For example, this equality of the cladding modules and / or the frame of these cladding modules can be achieved in that they each have at least one first sealing profile and at least one second sealing profile at the corresponding locations, for example, as stated above, on adjacent abutting edges. Other embodiments are possible. Various examples of such embodiments will be explained in more detail below.

As stated above, in addition to the multi-module fairing system, a single fairing module will also be used for such a fairing system proposed and claimed. In this case, the surface covering system can be designed according to one or more of the embodiments described above. Accordingly, for possible details and embodiments of the trim module, reference may be made to the above description. The trim module comprises at least a first gasket profile and / or at least a second gasket profile, wherein the trim module is arranged to be supplemented with at least one further trim module to the surface covering system.

Furthermore, according to the invention, a frame is proposed for use in a surface covering system according to one or more of the embodiments described above. Accordingly, reference may also be made to the above description for possible embodiments of the surface covering system or of the frame, in particular the aspects relating to a frame of such a surface covering system. The frame comprises at least one receptacle for receiving the cladding material, in particular the tile material. Furthermore, the frame has at least one first sealing profile and / or at least one second sealing profile, wherein the first or the second sealing profile is adapted to intervene in a laying in a second sealing profile or a first sealing profile of a second frame such that a common Seal is created.

Overall, the inventive surface covering system, the cladding module and the frame over known devices of this type a lot of advantages. Thus, it is possible to produce a surface-laying system that can be laid quickly and quickly and possibly exchanged again, which can preferably be laid quickly and easily, even without a tool. Nevertheless, a good mechanical stability is ensured. In addition, seals can be achieved, which are far superior in terms of their tightness and durability from well-known from the prior art seals of comparable systems. Also aesthetically, numerous advantages can be observed because, as shown above, substantially joint-free surfaces can be produced on the common seal, which affect the aesthetic impression of the seal not or only insignificantly. In addition, visual effects can also be generated, such as transparent common seals or the like.

embodiments

Further details and features will become apparent from the following description of the preferred embodiments in combination with the subclaims. In this case, the individual features illustrated in the exemplary embodiments can be implemented individually or in combination. The same reference numerals in the individual figures designate the same or functionally identical or mutually corresponding elements in their functions. The invention is not limited to the illustrated embodiments.

Figur 1

eine perspektivische ausschnittsweise Darstellung eines ersten Ausführungsbeispiels eines Flächenverkleidungssystems;

Figur 2

ein Dichtungsprofil, welches beispielsweise in dem Flächenverkleidungssystem gemäß Figur 1 einsetzbar ist;

Figur 3

ein Ausführungsbeispiel von Rahmen für ein Flächenverkleidungssystem;

Figur 4

eine Schnittdarstellung eines zu Figur 1 alternativen zweiten Ausführungsbeispiels eines Flächenverkleidungssystems;

Figur 5

eine Abwandlung des Flächenverkleidungssystems gemäß Figur 1 mit einem männlichen und einem weiblichen Dichtungsprofil;

Figur 6

eine Abwandlung des in Figur 5 gezeigten Flächenverkleidungssystems in Schnittdarstellung;

Figur 7

eine weitere Abwandlung des Flächenverkleidungssystems gemäß Figur 1 in Schnittdarstellung;

Figur 8

eine Abwandlung des Flächenverkleidungssystems gemäß Figur 7 in perspektivischer Darstellung;

Figur 9

eine erste Ecke eines Verkleidungsmoduls eines Flächenverkleidungssystems gemäß Figur 8;

Figur 10

eine zweite Ecke eines Verkleidungsmoduls des Flächenverkleidungssystems gemäß Figur 8;

Figur 11

ein zu den Figuren 7 bis 10 alternatives Ausführungsbeispiel eines Flächenverkleidungssystems;

Figur 12

eine Abwandlung des Flächenverkleidungssystems gemäß Figur 11; und

Figuren 13 und 14

Abwandlungen des Flächenverkleidungssystems gemäß Figur 6.

In detail shows:

FIG. 1

a perspective fragmentary view of a first embodiment of a surface covering system;

FIG. 2

a sealing profile, which, for example, in the surface covering system according to FIG. 1 can be used;

FIG. 3

an embodiment of frame for a surface covering system;

FIG. 4

a sectional view of an FIG. 1 alternative second embodiment of a surface covering system;

FIG. 5

a modification of the surface covering system according to FIG. 1 with a male and a female sealing profile;

FIG. 6

a modification of the in FIG. 5 sectional area system shown in section;

FIG. 7

a further modification of the surface covering system according to FIG. 1 in sectional view;

FIG. 8

a modification of the surface covering system according to FIG. 7 in perspective view;

FIG. 9

a first corner of a cladding module of a surface covering system according to FIG. 8 ;

FIG. 10

a second corner of a cladding module of the surface covering system according to FIG. 8 ;

FIG. 11

one to the FIGS. 7 to 10 alternative embodiment of a surface covering system;

FIG. 12

a modification of the surface covering system according to FIG. 11 ; and

FIGS. 13 and 14

Modifications of the surface covering system according to FIG. 6 ,

In FIG. 1 a first embodiment of a surface covering system 110 according to the invention is shown in a perspective view. In this case, sections of two cladding modules 112 are not to scale and not to scale shown to each other, which interact in a complementary manner. These lining modules 112 are joined to the surface covering system 110 during laying, possibly together with further lining modules 112.

The trim modules 112 each include a frame 114. This frame 114 may, for example, be configured as a plastic frame and provides at least one support surface 116 for contact with the surface to be covered. The frame 114 may for example be designed as a lattice-shaped frame and has, for example, a recess 118 in the illustrated embodiment.

In the recess 118 of the frame 114 respectively lining materials 120 are inserted. These cladding materials 120 are shown in the illustrated embodiment as rectangular plates, for example in the form of stone tiles, ceramic tiles, glass tiles or the like. Other materials are possible, with reference to the list of embodiments described above.

Furthermore, the frames 114 each have connecting elements 122. By means of these connecting elements 122, the cladding modules 112 can be connected to each other to the surface covering system 110, so that the mechanical stability of the cohesion of the surface covering system 110 is increased. The connecting elements 122 are configured in the illustrated embodiment similar to a click-laminate system and have a male connection element 124 and a female connection element 126. The male connector 124 may be used when laying in engage the female connector 126 and lock there by means of an enlarged head. It is in FIG. 1 only one edge of the cladding modules 112 is equipped with such connecting elements 122. Alternatively or additionally, however, other edges can be equipped with such connecting elements 122, for example, the in FIG. 1 facing the viewer edges. In this way, numerous cladding modules 112 can be joined together.

Furthermore, the trim modules 112 in the in FIG. 1 illustrated embodiment, each sealing profiles 128. These sealing profiles 128 include a in FIG. 1 formed on the left cladding module 112 first sealing profile 130 and in the in FIG. 1 The first sealing profile 130 and the second sealing profile 132 cooperate complementary and form, when the two lining modules 112 are joined together, a common seal 134 between the two facing abutting edges 136 of the two in FIG. 1 It should also be noted in this regard again that in FIG. 1 only one of the abutting edges 136 of each cladding module 112 is provided with such a sealing profile 128. However, analogous to the connecting elements 122, further edges of the cladding modules 112 can be designed in such a way, in turn, to enable a planar connection of a plurality of cladding modules 112. For example, all four abutting edges 136 of a cladding module 112 may be provided with sealing profiles 128, wherein, for example, first and second sealing profiles 130, 132 may also be provided together on a cladding module 112. In particular, all trim modules 112 may be identical or substantially identical, in particular with regard to the configuration of the frame 114 and the sealing profiles 128. The trim material 120 may optionally vary from the trim module 112 to the trim module 112.

The two sealing profiles 128 of the cladding modules 112 act, as described above, complementary together. For this purpose, in the in FIG. 1 illustrated embodiment, the second sealing profile 132 an overlap portion 138, which closes this second sealing profile 132 upwards, so facing a viewer. Accordingly, the first sealing profile 130 comprises at its upper end a receiving part 140. While the receiving part 140 is provided with an upwardly facing, oblique first bearing surface 142, the overlap part 138 has a downwardly facing, inclined second bearing surface 144. Will the two cladding modules 112 joined together along their abutting edges 136 so that the common seal 134 is formed, the overlap portion 138 rests on the receiving part 140, so that the second bearing surface 144 comes to rest on the first bearing surface 142. The two sealing profiles 128 thus overlap. The overlapping part 138 has on its upper side a surface 146, which in the illustrated embodiment is designed as a flat surface 146. If the two surface covering modules 112 are joined together along their abutting edges 136, this surface 146 in the illustrated embodiment essentially extends from the covering material 120 of the left covering module 112 up to the covering material 120 of the right covering module 112. The surface 146 is thus a common one in FIG Essentially joint-free surface 146. As a result, on the one hand, the sealing effect is increased, since the overlap between the sealing profiles 128 according to the invention now requires a smaller number of joints. In addition, the common seal 134 is now no longer recognizable as a two-part seal for a viewer, which improves the overall aesthetic impression of the seal.

Furthermore, in the embodiment according to FIG. 1 an optional origin 148 can be seen, which can additionally improve the sealing effect. This projection 148 extends horizontally and parallel to the abutting edge 136 of the left-side trim module 112 in FIG FIG. 1 , The projection 148 may be formed, for example, as a round projection and may press against the corresponding counter surface of the second sealing profile 132. Alternatively, however, this projection 148 can also engage in a corresponding depression or groove 150 in the second sealing profile 132. This groove 150 is in FIG. 2 shown. FIG. 2 shows only the second sealing profile 132, which in this embodiment along two adjacent abutting edges 136, for example, perpendicular to each other extending abutting edges 136, the cladding modules 112 may be arranged. The remaining two abutting edges 136, which in FIG. 2 are not shown, for example, may be equipped with a first sealing profile 130.

In the embodiment according to FIG. 2 in combination with the projection 148 in the first sealing profile 130 according to FIG FIG. 1 Thus, the first sealing profile 130 is designed as a male sealing profile, whereas the second sealing profile 132 is designed as a female sealing profile. The projection 148 sealingly engages the groove 150. Other types of engaging elements which engage with each other may also be provided in the sealing profiles 130, 132. In this way, the sealing effect of the common seal 134 is reinforced, since this sealing effect no longer only by the overlap between Überlappteil 138 and receiving part 140 and by the compression of the sealing profiles 130, 132, but in addition also by the engagement of the projection 148 in the groove 150th

The sealing profiles 128 may be composed of a variety of different materials. Particularly preferred are flexible, elastic or at least plastically deformable materials. Particularly preferred are silicone materials or foamed polyurethanes. Even transparent materials can be used, which can be used for the production of special lighting effects.

The sealing profiles 128 can be integral with the frame 114 in FIG. 1 be connected. This can be achieved for example by multi-component molding processes, such as multi-component injection molding or multi-component injection molding.

Alternatively or additionally, the sealing profiles 128 may also be non-positively or positively connected to the frame 114. An example of such positive or positive connection method is a pressing. In order to facilitate compression of the sealing profiles 128 with the frame 114, the frames 114 may also have lugs 152, which facilitate a compression of the sealing profiles 128 with the frame 114. This is exemplary in FIG. 3 shown. It can be seen that the projections 152 represent peripheral, raised edges, which in FIG. 3 only along the common abutting edges 136 of the later cladding modules 114 are shown. Also a supplement of these approaches 152 to the viewer in FIG. 3 assigning side is, however, in principle possible and even preferred. These tabs 152 form the recess 118 for receiving the in FIG. 3 Not shown lining materials 120.

As in FIG. 3 can be seen, the projections 152 in this embodiment, outwardly facing barbs 154. In this embodiment, three barbs 154 are provided. These barbs 154 increase the cohesion between the sealing profiles 128 and the projections 152 during pressing. However, other types of connecting elements which increase cohesion are also possible in principle.

In order to ensure the highest possible sealing effect of the common seal 134, a horizontal compression of the adjacent cladding modules 112 is basically sufficient. However, it is preferable if, in particular in the case of overlapping parts the sealing profiles 130, 132, a force is applied opposite to this direction, ie a force which also perpendicular to the plane of the cladding system 110, the sealing profiles 130, 132 compresses. This can be done in different ways. An embodiment of this embodiment of the invention is in FIG. 4 shown. The embodiment is basically similar to that in FIG FIG. 1 illustrated embodiment, so that the first sealing profile 130 has a receiving part 140 with a first bearing surface 142, and the second sealing profile 132 has an overlap portion 138 with a second bearing surface 144th

At the in FIG. 4 illustrated embodiment, the support surfaces 142, 144 may be configured, for example, non-parallel to each other. The second sealing profile 132 in this exemplary embodiment comprises a lever element 156 in the form of a prism-shaped projection which assigns the first sealing profile 130. If the two lining modules 112 are joined together along their abutting edges 136 and held, for example, by the connecting elements 122, the first sealing profile 130 presses on this lever element 156 FIG. 4 indicated by arrows, thereby the overlap portion 138 in FIG. 4 bent down so that the second bearing surface 144 is pressed onto the first bearing surface 142. As a result, the sealing effect is additionally increased.

Another way to improve the sealing effect of the common seal 134 is to design the overlap portion 138 and the second support surface 144 from the outset at a shallower angle to the plane of the surface covering system 110 than the first support surface 142 FIG. 6 that related to the below FIG. 5 is explained in more detail shown. As in FIG. 6 that does not show the sealing profiles 128 facing the viewer, is illustrated by arrows, the overlapping part 138 is then bent upwards by the receiving part 140 when the lining modules 112 are pushed together. As soon as the second bearing surface 144 rests on the first bearing surface 142, the overlap part 138 is then subjected to a bias towards the receiving part 140, so that the overlapping part 138 is likewise pressed against the receiving part 140 in order to improve the sealing effect. This embodiment may alternatively or in addition to the lever member 156 according to FIG. 4 be implemented.

Also in the embodiment according to FIG. 6 forms after joining again a common seal 134 with a substantially joint-free surface 146 between the cladding materials 120 of assembled cladding modules 112. In FIG. 6 In this case, the cladding material 120 of the right cladding module 112 is not shown.

In the previous embodiments, the connection between adjacent cladding modules 112 in the surface covering system 110 has always been maintained substantially by the connecting elements 122. In principle, however, no such mechanical connection would be required at all, but the mechanical stability of the surface covering system 110 could be ensured, for example, by fixing the individual covering modules 112 on the surface to be covered. Gluing the adjacent cladding modules 112 would also be theoretically possible.

In the FIGS. 5 and 6 is shown a further alternative in which the connection between adjacent cladding modules 112 is not effected by fastened to the frame 114 connecting elements 122, but by a configuration of the first and second sealing profiles 130, 132 as male and female sealing profiles. FIG. 5 shows a single cladding module 112, and in FIG. 6 For example, the connection of this trim module 112 to an adjacent trim module 112 is shown.

It can be seen that the cladding modules 112 according to FIG. 5 again at each two adjacent mutually perpendicular abutting edges 136 first sealing profiles 130, whereas second sealing profiles 132 are provided at the two opposite, also adjacent and mutually perpendicular abutting edges 136. As a result, all the cladding modules 112 can be made substantially identical and can be assembled together to form a surface cladding system 110.

It can be seen that the first sealing profiles 130 and the second sealing profiles 132 each have a projection 148 and a groove 150. These projections 148 and grooves 150 correspond to each other. This means that in the illustrated embodiment, the projections 148 are disposed in the second sealing profile 132 below and correspond with a groove 150 also disposed below in the first sealing profiles 130. Similarly, extending in the second sealing profiles 132 above parallel to the abutting edges 136 grooves 150, which correspond to projections 148 in the first sealing profiles 130.

In FIG. 6 the interaction of these projections 148 and grooves 150 is shown. Each of the sealing profiles 128 is thus configured both as a male sealing profile and as a female sealing profile, in order to cooperate with a corresponding opposite sealing profile. The projections 148 are preferably designed such that they engage in the grooves 150 in undercuts in these grooves 150, so that as soon as the projections 148 are engaged in the grooves 150, a mechanical holding function is ensured.

This mechanical holding function by the projections 148 or grooves 150 can be used as an alternative or in addition to the connecting elements 122 connected to the frame 114. This increases the strength of the connection of adjacent trim modules 112 along the abutting edges 136, and the sealing effect of the common seal 134 is improved.

In the FIGS. 7 to 9 is a modified embodiment of the embodiment according to the Figures 1 and 2 to recognize. It shows FIG. 7 a sectional view through the surface covering system 110, and the FIGS. 8 to 10 show various perspective detail views of this surface covering system 110 or individual cladding modules 112.

Again, the trim modules 112 have contiguous abutting edges 136, first sealing profiles 130 and second sealing profiles 132, respectively. In FIG. 9 For example, a perspective view is shown showing the transition from a butt 136 to a first gland 130 to a butt 136 to a second gland 132. In FIG. 10 a transition between two abutting edges 136 with first sealing profiles 130 is shown.

For the embodiment according to the FIGS. 7 to 10 can be largely referenced to the above figures. Optionally, as in the FIGS. 7 and 8 shown, the cladding modules 112 again connecting elements 122, for example, again according to the click-laminate principle. Furthermore, in FIG. 7 illustrated that in turn can optionally be carried out pressing the sealing profiles 128 with the frame 114, which in turn can be optimized for example by approaches 152 barbs 154. Alternatively, however, is basically a one-piece design of the sealing profiles 128 with the frame 114 or a direct bonding (for example, bonding) of Sealing profiles 128 with the cladding materials 120 or other components of the cladding modules 112 possible.

As continues in FIG. 8 , in FIG. 9 and in FIG. 10 indicated, the sealing profiles 128 may be configured in pairs as a male-female sealing profile pairs. This is in turn indicated by the projections 148 and corresponding grooves 150 in corresponding sealing profiles 130, 132. For the advantages and details, reference may be made to the above description.

Again, in the embodiment in the FIGS. 7 to 10 the second sealing profile 132 has an overlap part 138 with a second contact surface 144. This overlap part 138 in turn comes to lie on a corresponding receiving part 140 with a first bearing surface 142 of the first sealing profile 130, as in FIG FIG. 7 is indicated. In this respect, reference may largely be made to the above description, for example, of the preceding embodiments.

In addition, however, the overlap part 138 at its end facing the adjacent cladding module 112 has a projection 158 pointing downwards, that is to say towards the surface to be clad. This projection engages in a corresponding groove 160 which is formed in the first bearing surface 142 at the end facing the cladding material 120 and facing upward, ie away from the surface to be clad. If the cladding modules 112 are laid, the projection 158 engages in the groove 160. Other types of engagement elements, in which a part of the overlap part 138 engages in a further part of the receiving part 140, can also be provided. If the overlap 138 is subjected to a downward bias, such as above with reference to FIG. 6 has been described, this engagement of the projection 158 in the groove 160 is additionally favored by restoring forces of the overlap portion 138. Thereby, the cohesion of the common seal 134 in the embodiment according to the FIGS. 7 to 10 further reinforced and increases the sealing effect.

In FIG. 10 It is shown how the grooves 160 of first sealing profiles 130 on adjacent abutting edges 136 crosswise terminate. However, only a portion of the formation of the grooves 160 along the abutting edges 136 is possible, as well as a mere sectional configuration of the sealing profiles 128 is possible.

In the embodiments illustrated so far, the first bearing surface 142 and the second bearing surface 144 are each shown as flat surfaces. However, this is not necessarily required. So show the FIGS. 11 and 12 each slightly divergent embodiments in which these surfaces 142, 144 are not configured as flat surfaces, but as curved surfaces. The two embodiments differ essentially in that in the embodiment according to FIG. 12 in turn projections 148 and grooves 150 are provided, which correspond to each other, analogous to the embodiments already described above. These in turn can interlock and enhance the sealing effect. Otherwise, reference may largely be made to the above description.

Apart from the fact that in the embodiments according to FIG. 11 and FIG. 12, the surfaces 142, 144 are of curved design, these exemplary embodiments largely correspond to the above exemplary embodiments with the overlap part 138 and the receiving part 140. In this respect, the above description can also be largely referred to. The arcuate configuration of the surfaces 142, 144 can further enhance the engagement of the overlap portion 138 and the protrusion 158, respectively, in the groove 160, thus enhancing the integrity of the gaskets 128 in the common gasket 134 and increasing the sealing effect. Otherwise, for further possible details and for further possible embodiments, reference may be made largely to the above description.

In the Figures 13 and 14 another embodiment of a surface covering system 110 is shown. It shows FIG. 13 the two frames 114 of the surface covering modules 112 to be joined together, whereas FIG. 14 shows the surface covering system 110 in a disassembled state.

Again, the trim modules 112 for the connection exhibit gaskets 128, namely a first gasket 130 and a second gasket 132. These gaskets 128 are similar to the gaskets 128 in FIG FIG. 6 on. Thus, the first sealing profile 130 in turn comprises a first bearing surface 142, and the second sealing profile 132 comprises an overlap part 138 which has a downwardly facing second bearing surface 144. In this case, the angles of the second bearing surface 144 with the first bearing surface 142 do not correspond to one another. As indicated in Figure 13 by the arrow 162 (bending) and the dashed line 164 (position in a misplaced state), the overlap portion 138 when laying by the first Support surface 142 is bent upward, wherein the second bearing surface 144 is pressed by the restoring forces more intense on the first Auflägefläche 142. This is in FIG. 14 in which the lining modules 112 are shown in a laid-down state and in which the bending 162 is not yet taken into account, indicated by the overlapping region 166. The representation in FIG. 14 is not realistic in this respect. The first sealing profile 130 is shown in the illustration FIG. 14 hatched drawn, whereas the second sealing profile 132 is shown dotted.

Furthermore, the second sealing profile 132 in the illustrated embodiment optionally in turn a projection 148 and the first sealing profile 130 has a corresponding groove 150 or vice versa. In contrast to the embodiment according to FIG. 6 are in the exemplary embodiment according to the Figures 13 and 14 However, the projection 148 and the corresponding groove 150 is not configured round but wedge-shaped, with a substantially vertically upwardly facing top 168 and a slope 170 of the projection 148, or with corresponding surfaces in the groove 150. This wedge shape reinforces the intermeshing of the two Sealing profiles 128 in addition, so that the sealing effect is further increased by a longer path is provided, which must cover the moisture during penetration from above.

Furthermore, the sealing profiles 128 in turn comprise connecting elements 122, in this case again a male connecting element 124 and a corresponding female connecting element 126. The connecting elements 122 are basically configured similarly to the connecting elements 122 in the preceding exemplary embodiments, for example the exemplary embodiments in FIGS FIGS. 7 and 8 , Thus, the male connection element 124 has a body 172 and at the end thereof a thickening 174. The female connector 126 has a channel 176 and a cavity 178, respectively. The wall segments 180, 182 around the channel 176, as preferably the entire sealing profiles 128, are slightly flexible so that they can deform when the thickening 174 is inserted. The deformations are indicated in the figures by the arrows 184 and 186, respectively.

Furthermore, in FIG. 13 indicated a state in which the two cladding modules 112 are arranged in a non-planar orientation to each other. Such a condition may arise, for example, when laying or by uneven floors. The non-planar state is characterized by the angle α, which in this case is greater than 0 °.

In this state, preferably at an angle between 0 ° and 5 °, in a preferred embodiment, the thickening 174 can be inserted force-free into the cavity 178. Accordingly, the sealing profiles 130, 132 are dimensioned.
If, on the other hand, the cladding modules 112 are then placed in a planar orientation, which is shown in FIG FIG. 14 is indicated, that is towards an angle α of at least approximately 0 °, the thickening 174 is pulled out of the cavity 178 and pressed against the wall segments 180, 182. The movement is in FIG. 14 designated by the reference numeral 188. Again, it is in FIG. 14 selected a non-realistic, undeformed representation in which in the region of the upper wall segment 180 and the lower wall segment 182 each overlap regions 190, 192 are located. The wall segments 180, 182 would realistically move outwardly, again in the direction of the deformations 184 and 186, respectively. The sealing profiles 130, 132 preferably have one or more relief spaces 194 to accommodate these deformations 184, 186. A first relief space 194 is formed as a relief gap 196 and disposed above the upper wall segment 180. A second relief space 194 is formed as a free space 198 below the lower wall segment 182. In either case, these relief spaces 194 may accommodate deformations 184, 186 of either or both of the weatherstrips 130, 132 without these sealing profiles 130, 132 being forced apart thereby, which would degrade the sealing effect or would cause the trim modules 112 to lift off the ground. In addition, a further free space 200 is provided between the first sealing profile 130 and the second sealing profile 132, which also acts as a relief space 194 and which, however, does not influence the sealing effect.

Since the support surfaces 142, 144 preferably form an angle of at least 5 ° relative to one another in the uninstalled state, the cladding modules 112 can form an angle of preferably up to 5 ° or more relative to one another without the sealing effect by the overlap part 138 and the corresponding first bearing surface 142 would be interrupted. Up to this angle, which can be caused for example by unevenness in the floor, the overlap part 138 is still deformed during assembly and pressed against the first support surface 142 with a restoring force. The relief spaces 194 may receive such deformations 184, 186 when the cladding modules 112 are tilted relative to one another without interrupting the sealing action.

Furthermore, in the Figures 13 and 14 a preferred embodiment of the surface covering modules 112, in which the sealing profiles 128 may be formed integrally with the frame 114. For example, can be used for the gaskets 128 and the frame 114 plastics, which are both deformable and accordingly promote the sealing effect, as well as have corresponding mechanical load capacity, as required for the frame 114. For example, the frames 114 with the sealing profiles 128 can be formed simultaneously in one and the same tool, for example by an injection molding process and / or a casting process. For this purpose, appropriate tools can be used. <U> REFERENCE LIST </ u> 110 Surface covering system 176 channel 112 modular cladding 178 cavity 114 frame 180 upper wall segment 116 Support surface for contact 182 lower wall segment with surface to be covered 184 deformation 118 deepening 186 deformation 120 Decorating materials 188 Move 122 fasteners 190 overlapping region 124 male connector 192 overlapping region 126 female connector 194 relief chamber 128 sealing profiles 196 relief gap 130 first sealing profile 198 free space 132 second sealing profile 200 free space 134 common seal 136 abutting edges 138 overlapped 140 receiving part 142 first contact surface 144 second bearing surface 146 surface 148 head Start 150 groove 152 approach 154 barb 156 lever member 158 head Start 160 groove 162 bending 164 Position in misplaced state 166 overlap region 168 top 170 slope 172 body 174 thickening

Claims (14)

1. A surface cladding system (110) for cladding surfaces with a cladding material (120), in particular for cladding wall surfaces or floor surfaces with a tile material, wherein the surface cladding system (110) comprises at least two cladding modules (112), wherein the cladding modules (112) can be laid on the surface adjacently to one another, wherein each cladding module comprises a plate-like tile material as a cladding material and wherein a first cladding module (112) comprises at least one first sealing profile (128, 130) which is connected to the cladding material of the first cladding module, wherein a second cladding module (112) comprises at least one second sealing profile (128, 132) which is connected to the cladding material of the second cladding module, wherein the sealing profiles (128, 130, 132) are designed in order to engage into one another and to form a common seal (134) in a laid condition of the cladding modules (112), characterised in that the second sealing profile completely overlaps the first sealing profile in a manner such that in the laid condition of the surface cladding system, a viewer essentially only perceives the sealing material of the second sealing profile in the gaps between the cladding materials and the second sealing profile therefore forms an essentially gap-free surface (146).
2. A surface cladding system (110) according to claim 1, wherein one of the two sealing profiles (128, 130, 132) is designed complete or partly as a male sealing profile and wherein the other of the two sealing profiles (128, 30, 132) is designed completely or partly as a female sealing profile.
3. A surface cladding system (110) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the cladding modules (112) each comprise at least one frame (114), wherein the cladding material (120) is received in the frame (114), wherein the sealing profiles (128, 130, 132) are each connected to the frame (114) by way of a material connection and/or non-positive connection and/or are formed with the frame (114) as one piece.
4. A surface cladding system (110) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the sealing profiles (128, 130, 132) and the frame (114) are completely or partly manufactured from a plastic material, in particular from a thermo-setting and/or elastomeric plastic material, in particular of one or more of the following materials: of a polyurethane; a silicone.
5. A surface cladding system (110) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the cladding modules (112), in particular the frames (114) of the cladding modules (112) each comprise mechanical connecting elements (122), wherein the mechanical connecting elements (122) are configured to assume a mechanical connection, in particular a non-positive and/or positive mechanical connection, on laying the cladding modules (112), in particular one or more of the following mechanical connecting elements (122): and insert element; a tongue and groove element; a click laminate connector; a hook connection.
6. A surface cladding system (110) according to the preceding claim, wherein the mechanical connection is designed in a manner such that an essentially force-free joining-together of the mechanical connecting elements (122) is possible on joining together two cladding modules (112) in a non-plane orientation of the cladding modules (112) to one another, whereas in a plane orientation of the cladding modules (112) to one another, a force is exerted upon at least one of the sealing profiles (128, 130, 132), so that this sealing profile (128, 130, 132) is mechanically deformed.
7. A surface cladding system (110) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the connecting elements (112) and/or the sealing profiles (128, 130, 132) comprise at least one relief space (194), in particular at least one relief gap (196), wherein the relief space (194) is designed to accommodate deformations (184, 186) which occur on joining together two cladding modules (112).
8. A surface cladding system (110) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the sealing profiles (128, 130, 132) comprise at least one of the following materials: a foamed material, in particular a polyurethane foam; and elastomer material, in particular a silicone and/or a rubber material; a plastically deformable material; an elastically deformable material; a material which is at least partly transparent to visible light.
9. A surface cladding system (110) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein each cladding module (112) comprises at least one first sealing profile (128, 130), preferably two first sealing profiles (128, 130), and at least one second sealing profile (128, 132), preferably two second sealing profiles (128, 132), wherein for example the first sealing profiles (128, 130) are arranged on abutting edges (136) which are adjacent to one another and the second sealing profiles (128, 132) on abutting edges (136) which are adjacent to one another.
10. A surface cladding system (110) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first sealing profile (128, 130, 132) comprises a receiving part (140) with a first support surface (142) and wherein the second sealing profile (128, 130, 132) comprises an overlap part (138) with a second support surface (144), wherein the overlap part (138) at least partly overlaps the receiving part (140) in the laid condition, wherein the second support surface (144) at least party lies on the first support surface (142) and the overlap part (138) is configured to be pressed downwards against the receiving part (140) on laying.
11. A surface cladding system (110) according to the preceding claim, wherein the first support surface (142) and/or the second support surface (144) are each designed in one of the following manners: as oblique support surfaces; as rounded support surfaces.
12. A surface cladding system (110) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the sealing profiles (128, 130, 132) comprises a male engagement element (148), wherein at least one other sealing profile (128, 130, 132) comprises a female engagement element (150), wherein the engagement elements (148, 150) are configured to engage into one another and reinforce a sealing effect of the common seal (134) on laying.
13. A surface cladding system (110) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the cladding modules (112) are designed essentially equally.
14. A cladding module (112) for application in a surface cladding system (110) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a plate-like tile material as a cladding material as well as at least one first sealing profile (128, 130) and at least one second sealing profile (128, 132) wherein the first sealing profile / the first sealing profiles (128, 130) is/are arranged on an abutting edge / on abutting edges (136) which are adjacent one another, of the cladding module (112) and wherein the second sealing profile / the second sealing profiles (128, 132) is/are arranged on a further abutting edge / on further abutting edges (136) which are adjacent to one another, of the cladding module (112), wherein the cladding module (112) is configured to be complemented with at least one further cladding module (112) into the surface cladding system (110), wherein the sealing profiles (128, 130, 132) are designed in order to engage into one another and to form a common seal (134), in a laid condition of the cladding modules (112), characterised in that in the laid condition of the cladding modules (112), the second sealing profile completely overlaps the first sealing profile in a manner such that in the laid condition of the cladding modules (112), a viewer essentially only perceives the sealing material of the second sealing profile in the gaps between the cladding materials and the second sealing profile therefore forms an essentially gap-free surface (146).

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