EP1950349A2 - Floor covering - Google Patents

Abstract

The locking system for floor covering sections has two part-sections (24,26), with openings (34), to be locked together. When fitted together, a locking channel is formed to take a bonding unit also with an opening to take the lock. The bonding unit projects sideways from the lock into the locking channel of a neighboring lock to hold them together. The lock dimensions are set to lie below the floor covering surface. The first part-section has a claw (30) for a floor covering segment with a double hook (32) to grip the floor covering segment. The other part-section has a double hook to lock into the claw at the first section.

Description

The present invention relates to a connection element for floor segments of a floor covering.

Floor coverings are often used as soil protection systems, but they often also serve to create a uniform, even, flat surface and thus ensure even load distribution. They are suitable as transport routes or stage substructures for events, construction site entrances, travel extensions, assembly platforms and storage areas. But they can also be used to protect sensitive surfaces such as cobblestones or on tarmac in stadiums, but especially on lawns such as football fields and the like. For this purpose, other protective measures, such as placing the floor covering with rubber mats or textiles often make sense.

Floor coverings of this type usually consist of individual floor segments, which are connected to each other by means of connecting means on site. The floor segments have for this purpose mostly through openings, which are arranged along the longitudinal and / or transverse sides. When laying on site, the floor segments are first placed against each other, suitable tabs, the end also have openings are placed on the openings of two floor segments, connecting means preferably screws inserted through the openings and the tabs bolted to the floor segments, which are then interconnected.

A disadvantage of this type of connection that the tabs and possibly also the connecting means protrude from the newly created background. There is a risk of people tripping over them or vehicles or their tires or chains being damaged when driving over them.

Another major disadvantage of such systems is the high weight of the ground segments. Since often large areas, such as football fields or the like, are occupied, a correspondingly large number of floor segments is to be delivered and moved on site. Since ground segments in many cases have to withstand a wheel load of up to 6 tons, they are correspondingly solid, they are made of solid material or have in a design as a hollow body large wall thicknesses.

The object of the present invention is to provide a connection element for a floor covering, which allows a reliable connection of floor segments. Here, the newly created by the flooring surface should be as flat as possible and have no protruding elements. Furthermore, the laying or mounting of the floor covering and the connecting means should be possible quickly and easily. The connecting element should be inexpensive to produce and have the lowest possible weight.

According to the invention the object is achieved by a connecting element, consisting of a first sub-element and a second sub-element, each having connection openings, via which they are connectable to each other with a connecting means and in the assembled state form a connection channel in which a connector can be arranged, the also has a connection opening for the connection means, wherein the connector protrudes laterally from the connection element so that it can be inserted into a connection channel of an adjacent connection element and there likewise a connection means can extend through a second connection opening, so that two connection elements arranged next to one another via the connector can be connected to each other, wherein the connecting means has such dimensions that it does not protrude over a floor space of the floor, solved.

An essential advantage of the invention is that with the floor covering a flat surface is created from which no connecting means, tabs or the like protrude. For this purpose, the sub-elements openings in which the connecting means, preferably screws, are retractable, screw head and nut are not opposite to the connecting element and the effective surface over. The connectors, which are necessary to connect floor segments also in the transverse direction, are arranged within the connecting elements which connect the floor segments in the longitudinal direction. The connecting means, which are pushed through the connection openings of the sub-elements and the connector, thus simultaneously connect the connector with the connecting elements, as well as the sub-elements of a connecting element with each other. In contrast to the customary in the prior art attachment of the connector on the top of the floor covering according to the invention arranged within the connecting element connector are advantageously better protected against contamination and weathering.

Another essential advantage of the invention is that both the connecting element and the ground segments themselves have only a relatively low weight. The connecting element is designed substantially as a hollow body, whereby a significant weight crossing is already achieved.

According to the invention the sub-segments are designed such that as much material of the sub-segments is located between the screw head and the nut. In other words, the screw head and the nut are maximally spaced apart, so use the total height of the connecting element. This means that the connection is also very resistant to bending or pivoting movements. Such forces can occur, for example, when a vehicle is standing on a first ground segment and a second ground segment connected to this ground segment is inadvertently lifted (for example by a forklift) or pressed by a second vehicle, for example, into a ground depression. In both cases, the connection in the area of the screws due to the lever forces by the movement of the ground segments up or down heavily stressed and could be solved in case of insufficient execution of the connecting element. The connecting element according to the invention prevents an excessive bending or pivoting movement within the connecting element by dissipating the forces on the material between the screw head and the nut and the frame construction of the sub-segments in the adjoining floor segments.

At least one connection opening of the sub-elements for receiving the connecting means is advantageously designed as a slot in order to allow a certain movement of the connection in the transverse direction. The same applies to the connector, also in this case, at least one connection opening is designed as a slot in order to achieve the desired tolerance in the longitudinal direction. As a result, material tolerances, mechanical deformations of the ground segments and fasteners or uneven and uneven ground on site during installation of the soil can be reacted quickly and easily.

In a particularly advantageous embodiment variant, the connector has a smaller width than the connecting channel, whereby it is pivotable within the connecting channel about each end arranged connecting means by some degrees, namely to the lateral stop of the connector on the connecting channel wall in the region of the open end of the connecting channel , which further facilitates mounting and laying on site. The pivotability of the connector causes the floor segments can be arranged offset from each other in certain frames. The degree of possible pivotal movement within the connecting channel can be further increased according to the invention by a waist of the connector. The sidecut causes the stop of the connector on the connecting channel wall takes place later. Furthermore, such a sidecut also has the advantage of a significant weight reduction.

The connectors preferably have a height which exceeds the height of the connecting channel by a certain amount, for example by 0.1 mm at a height of the connecting channel of about 4 mm. The supernatant results in the assembly and screwing of the sub-elements to a clamping action, so that the two sub-elements are firmly connected together and unwanted noise due to vibrations or movements of the connector is avoided within the connecting channels.

The connecting means embedded in the connecting element can be covered on its upper side by a cover in order to create a continuous floor covering without openings. In contrast to known floor coverings, the use of the floor covering according to the invention is thereby also conceivable for a large number of other possible uses. This includes u.a. for use as a sports floor or similar events where a floor area without protruding elements or even without openings is necessary. The ground created with the help of the connecting elements according to the invention corresponds in contrast to previously known floors of this type the requirements of the Assembly Venues Ordinance in the sense of EU law, since he has no impermissible stumbling blocks.

The connecting elements according to the invention furthermore have fastening means for attachment to the floor segments to be connected on their longitudinal sides. In principle, these attachment means can be designed as desired, but detachable connections have proved to be advantageous. In an advantageous embodiment variant, the first subelement has a kind of claw, the second subsegment has a double hook compatible therewith. The ground segments also have the claw on one side and the double hook on the other side.

Thus, it can be decided depending on the requirement on site, whether the ground segments are connected directly to each other via their claws / double hook connection or whether a ground segment to be connected via a connecting means with the next ground segment. The connection of floor segments via connecting means is therefore necessary in order to connect rows of floor segments frontally together.

It has proven to be advantageous if two or more, preferably four floor segments are connected to one another via the fastening means according to the invention directly to a panel, wherein a plurality of such panels are in turn connectable to each other via an inventive row connecting elements of any length. About the connector of the individual fasteners is such a series with an adjacent Row connectable, so that the two connected rows are almost gap-free next to each other.

For use as a stadium flooring floor segments have been found to be suitable, which have a length of about 3 meters and a width of about 0.5 m. A panel consisting of four floor segments thus has a total area of about 3 x 2 meters and can be easily transported in a closed truck. On site, the prefabricated panels must then be connected to each other only via the connecting elements according to the invention.

According to the invention, ground segments, which are designed for a wheel load of up to 6 tons, are made of aluminum, approximately 5 cm high and designed to save weight as a hollow body. In order nevertheless to have sufficient static, supporting webs are provided within the hollow body, which connect the underside with the top and thus support the accessible upper side. With a total width of a bottom segment of about 0.5 m, the support webs at a distance of about 6 cm to each other, forming 8 chambers within the bottom segment.

According to the invention, the wall thickness of the upper side is 3.5 mm, whereas, on the other hand, the wall thickness of the underside is only 3 mm. The wall thickness of the support webs is also only about 3 mm. This inventive design with relatively few supporting webs and only small wall thickness is much lighter than comparable known ground segments. The hollow chamber design and the use of the support webs allows the significantly lower wall thickness of the top and bottom. The slightly thicker wall thickness of the top effectively prevents punching, for example, by lying nails or the like. An inventive panel composed of four floor segments with two laterally arranged sub-elements weighs only about 175 kg, which represents a significant improvement over known floors. Such a panel can easily be carried by four people and can be easily installed on site. Nevertheless, the floor segment according to the invention is sufficiently dimensioned to withstand the required wheel loads of up to 6 t.

Fig. 1 bis 3:

einen Bodenbelag mit erfindungsgemäßen Verbindungselementen im Schnitt,

Fig. 4:

Prinzipskizze eines Bodenbelags von oben,

Fig. 5:

zwei Teilelemente im Schnitt und von oben,

Fig. 6:

ein erstes Teilelement eines Verbindungselements im Schnitt gemäß I-I in Fig. 5,

Fig. 7:

ein zweites Teilelement eines Verbindungselements im Schnitt gemäß I-I in Fig. 5,

Fig. 8:

die beiden Teilelemente aus Figur 6 und Figur 7 im zusammengesetzten Zustand mit einem Verbindungsmittel.

Fig. 9 bis 11:

Darstellungen der Teilelemente bzw. des Verbindungselementes im Schnitt gemäß II-II in Fig. 5,

Fig. 12:

einen erfindungsgemäßen Verbinder,

Fig. 13:

einen erfindungsgemäßen Verbinder, eingesetzt in zwei Teilelemente.

Based on the following figures, the invention will be explained in more detail. Show it:

1 to 3:

a floor covering with connecting elements according to the invention in section,

4:

Schematic sketch of a floor covering from above,

Fig. 5:

two partial elements in section and from above,

Fig. 6:

a first sub-element of a connecting element in section according to II in Fig. 5 .

Fig. 7:

a second sub-element of a connecting element in section according to II in Fig. 5 .

Fig. 8:

the two sub-elements FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 in the assembled state with a connecting means.

9 to 11:

Representations of the sub-elements and the connecting element in section according to II-II in Fig. 5 .

Fig. 12:

a connector according to the invention,

Fig. 13:

a connector according to the invention, used in two sub-elements.

The FIGS. 1 to 3 show a floor covering 20 consisting of individual interconnected floor segments 22, which consist of a resistant material such as steel, aluminum or plastic. The floor covering 20 formed from floor segments 22 has a useful surface 21 and a support surface 23 facing a substrate, which in the embodiment shown are both corrugated or slightly profiled. The floor segments 22 are designed as hollow bodies with support webs 42 extending vertically therein.

The floor segments 22 have along side end-mounted claws 30 and arranged on the other side double hooks 32 which are inserted into the claws 30 of the adjacent bottom segment 22. The floor segments 22 are connected to one another either directly or via connecting elements 24.

The individual floor segments 22 preferably have a length L of about 3 m (see. Fig. 4 ) and a width B of about 0.5 m, preferably 0.53 m.

The FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate the laying of floor segments 22 to a series, wherein after four floor segments 22, a connecting means 24 is provided. The connecting means 24 serves not only the connection of the series lying floor segments 22, but serves primarily the frontal connection of two adjacent rows of ground segments 22nd Fig. 4 illustrates this laying principle in a highly simplified representation from above. Shown are two rows of floor segments 22, which are connected to each other via claws 30 and double hooks 32. Between groups of four floor segments 22, connecting elements 24 are provided instead of the claws 30 / double hook 32 connection. The two rows of floor segments 22 are arranged such that the connecting elements 24 of the two rows are each frontally adjacent to each other. Connectors 40 extend into the adjacent connectors 24, are bolted, thus holding the two rows together.

The FIGS. 5 to 8 show the connecting element 24, which can also be made of a resistant material such as steel, aluminum or plastic, in section and from above ( Fig. 5 ). The sectional views correspond to the section line II in FIG Fig. 5 , The connecting element 24 consists in this embodiment of a first sub-element 26 and a second sub-element 28. The first sub-element 26 has a claw 30 which corresponds to the claw 30 of a bottom segment 22 and via which it is connectable to a double hook 32 of a bottom segment 22. The second sub-element 28 accordingly has a double hook 32, which is connectable to a claw 30 of a bottom segment 22. The two sub-elements 26, 28 are seen in cross-section partially above one another and together form approximately the same height H as the bottom segments 22 (see. Fig. 2 ).

The sub-elements 26, 28 each have hollow chambers 44, which leads to a relatively low weight. From the FIGS. 6 to 8 It is clear that in the assembled state of the sub-elements 26, 28, a connecting channel 38 is formed, in which a connector 40 can be inserted (see also Fig. 11 ). Furthermore, a nut channel 46 can be seen, in which a nut 35 of a connecting means 36 is inserted and held in this. The nut 35 and the nut channel 46 have such dimensions that the nut 35 is rotationally held in the nut channel 46, which facilitates the assembly of the compound.

The FIGS. 9 to 11 show a sectional view according to the section line II-II Fig. 5 , Through connecting openings 34, a connecting means 36, preferably a screw 35 is inserted and connected to the nut 37. Furthermore, it can also be seen that the connecting opening 34 of the first partial element 26 ultimately arises by opening the hollow chamber 44. The upper, the useful surface 21 facing side of the hollow chamber 44 has for this purpose a first opening 48 which is designed as a slot and in their dimensions, the lower, the second sub-element 28 facing the second opening 50 of the hollow chamber 44 exceeds. The first opening 50 therefore has larger dimensions, because in addition to a screw head 52 and a nut, not shown, of a fastening tool for tightening and loosening the screw 37 must be insertable. The second opening 50 of the first sub-element 26 is preferably designed as a slot, whereby the two sub-elements 26,28 shifted by a certain amount against each other and still can be connected (see also Fig. 5 ).

The sub-elements 26, 28 are firmly connected to each other, wherein the connecting means 36 is disposed completely within the connecting element 24 ( FIG. 8 ). It can also be seen that as much material as possible is enclosed between the nut 35 and the screw head 52. A column S forms, which gives the connection stability, in particular against buckling and swiveling forces, upwards and downwards in the direction of the useful surface 21 or the bearing surface 23.

The FIGS. 12 and 13 illustrate the arrangement and function of the connector 40. The connector 40 is preferably formed as an elongated tab, each having at their free ends connecting openings 34 which are insertable between the sub-elements 26, 28, that the connecting means 36 through all the connection openings 34 is feasible , The connecting means 36 thus connects the sub-elements 26, 28 with each other, but it also holds the connector 40 between the sub-elements 26, 28. The connector 40 thus serves the frontal connection of two juxtaposed fasteners 24. At least one connection opening 34 of the connector 40 is designed as a slot , The width of the connector is less than the width of the connection channel 38 to allow pivoting of the connector 40 within the connection channel 38. In a preferred variant of the invention, the connector 40 is designed waisted, which is indicated by the dashed line in Fig. 13 is indicated. The waist allows a further offset of the two connected fasteners 24 to each other.

The invention is not limited to the illustrated embodiment, but also includes other equivalent embodiments.

Claims (10)

Connecting element (24) for a floor covering (20), consisting of a first part element (26) and a second part element (28), each having connecting openings (34), via which they are connectable to each other with a connecting means (36) and in the assembled state, a connecting channel (38) form, in which a connector (40) can be arranged, which also has a connection opening (34) for the connecting means (36), wherein the connector (40) from the connecting element (24) projects laterally in that it can be introduced into a connecting channel (38) of an adjacent connecting element (24) and there likewise a connecting means (36) can extend through a second connecting opening (34), so that two connecting elements (24) arranged next to one another via the connector (40 ) are connectable to each other, wherein the connecting means (36) has such dimensions that it does not have a usable surface (21) of Bodenb elags (20) protrudes. Connecting element (24) according to claim 1, characterized in that the sub-elements (26, 28) fastening means for attachment to floor segments (22) of the floor covering (20). Connecting element (24) according to claim 2, characterized in that the first sub-element (26) has a claw (30) as fastening means and the second sub-element (28) has a double hook (32) as fixing means, which with corresponding corresponding fastening means of the floor segments (32). 22) are connectable. Connecting element (24) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the sub-elements (26, 28) hollow chambers (44). Connecting element (24) according to claim 4, characterized in that the connecting opening (34) of the first sub-element (26) by opening the hollow chamber (44) is formed, wherein one of the effective surface (21) facing side of the hollow chamber (44) has a first opening (48), which is designed as a slot and in its dimensions a lower, the second sub-element (28) facing the second opening (50) of the hollow chamber (44), which is also designed as a slot exceeds. Connecting element (24) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the connector (40) is formed as an elongate tab whose width is smaller than the width of the connecting channel (38). Connecting element (24) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the connector (40) is formed as an elongated tab whose height exceeds the height of the connecting channel (38). Connecting element (24) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized by a connection with floor segments (22), which are designed as hollow bodies with support webs (42) extending vertically therein. Connecting element (24) according to claim 8, characterized in that the bottom segments (22) have a length (L) of about 3 m, a width (B) of about 0.5 m and a height (H) of about 0.05 m have lag. Connecting element (24) according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that the bottom segments (22) consist of aluminum and have a wall thickness of about 0.003 m.

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