Abstract
A substrate installation unit for installing with other substrate installation units, in particular of the same type, for covering a substrate, wherein the substrate installation unit comprises a substrate-side attachment structure, which is designed for attaching to the substrate; and a plug connection structure, facing away from the substrate, for releasably plug connecting, in particular with a formation of a snap-in plug connection with a correspondingly designed plug connection structure of a surface installation unit, which comprises a utilization structure.
Claims
1. A substrate installation unit for installing with other substrate installation units, for covering a substrate, wherein the substrate installation unit comprises: a substrate-side attachment structure, which is designed for attaching to the substrate; and a plug connection structure facing away from the substrate, for releasably plug connecting with a formation of a snap-in plug connection, with a correspondingly designed plug connection structure of a surface installation unit; wherein the plug connection structure comprises a number of plug connection elements which protrude in a raised manner relative to the substrate-side attachment structure; wherein the substrate installation unit comprises at least one of the following features: the plug connection elements comprise positioning nubs, which are configured for engaging, enabling a compensating movement, in corresponding guide ring structures of the plug connection structure of the corresponding surface installation unit; or the plug connection structure is designed as a two-dimensional periodically repeating grid of plug connection unit cells and the grid is formed by a two-dimensional, alternating sequence of the plug connection unit cells, which extend alternately in a first direction of orientation, and in a second direction of orientation that is orthogonal to the first direction of orientation; and wherein the plug connection elements comprise a snap-in body for forming a snap-in plug connection with corresponding leaf spring structures of the plug connection structure of the corresponding surface installation unit.
2. The substrate installation unit as set forth in claim 1, wherein the positioning nubs align leaf spring structures with related snap-in elements, such that the snap-in body latches securely independently of any deformation and/or movement within an extension plane of the substrate installation unit.
3. The substrate installation unit as set forth in claim 1, further comprising at least one of the following features: load-accommodating ribs, which are arranged between the plug connection elements, protrude in a raised manner relative to the substrate-side attachment structure, and are designed for accommodating mechanical loads acting on the substrate installation unit; or the snap-in body, in a first extension direction comprises a larger dimension than in a second extension direction that is orthogonal to the first, wherein along the first extension direction the snap-in body, is arranged between two load-accommodating structures extending along the second extension direction, wherein along the second extension direction the snap-in body, is arranged between two positioning nubs.
4. The substrate installation unit as set forth in claim 1, wherein the substrate installation unit comprises at least one of the following features: a respective plug connection unit cell is formed by an arrangement of a snap-in body, load-accommodating structures, and positioning nubs; or the plug connection structure comprises a number of plug connection elements; or a vertical thickness in a range between 0.5 mm and 10 mm.
5. The substrate installation unit as set forth in claim 1, further comprising at least one of the following features: a dovetail structure or a coupling structure for fixation along five different spatial directions, in at least one edge region of the substrate installation unit, which is designed for coupling with a corresponding coupling structure of another substrate installation unit; or the substrate-side attachment structure is designed so as to attach the substrate installation unit to the substrate in a point-form bonding, line-form bonding, or full-surface bonding.
6. The substrate installation unit as set forth in claim 1, further comprising a functional structure between the plug connection structure and the substrate-side attachment structure.
7. A surface installation unit installing with other surface installation units on substrate installation units for forming a changeover cover, wherein the surface installation unit comprises: a utilization structure, which forms an exposed outer surface of the changeover cover; and a plug connection structure facing away from the utilization structure for releasably plug connecting with the formation of a snap-in plug connection, with a correspondingly designed plug connection structure of the substrate installation units, which comprise a substrate-side attachment structure, wherein the plug connection structure is designed as a frame structure, consisting of strips connected together, with a number of plug connection elements integrated therein; wherein the surface installation unit comprises at least one of the following features: the plug connection elements comprise guide ring structures, which are configured for accommodating, enabling a compensating movement, corresponding positioning nubs of the plug connection structure of the corresponding substrate installation unit; or the plug connection structure is designed as a two-dimensional periodically repeating grid of plug connection unit cells and the grid is formed by a two-dimensional alternating sequence of the plug connection unit cells, which extend alternately in a first direction of orientation, and in a second direction of orientation that is orthogonal to the first direction of orientation.
8. The surface installation unit as set forth in claim 7, further comprising at least one of the following features: the utilization structure comprises a thickness in a range between 0.5 mm and 10 mm; or two plug connection elements opposing one another, comprise leaf spring structures, which are configured for forming a snap-in plug connection with a snap-in body, of the plug connection structure of the corresponding substrate installation unit.
9. The surface installation unit as set forth in claim 7, further comprising at least one of the following features: leaf spring structures designed so as to provide a spring function in a spring direction, which is arranged so as to be essentially orthogonal with respect to a compensating movement direction of the guide ring structures; or a respective plug connection unit cell is formed by an arrangement of leaf spring structures and guide ring structures.
10. The surface installation unit as set forth in claim 9, wherein the plug connection structure comprises a number of plug connection elements, which are designed with features of the plug connection elements.
11. The surface installation unit as set forth in claim 7, further comprising at least one of the following features: a vertical thickness in a range between 1 mm and 10 mm; or a functional structure that is integrated into the utilization structure and is designed as a wear protection layer; or the utilization structure comprises a plug connection structure-side support structure, and an external utilization coating formed thereon.
12. A changeover cover for covering a substrate, wherein the changeover cover comprises: a number of substrate installation units as having a plug connection which together are designed for an essentially gap-free, covering of the substrate; a number of surface installation units as recited in claim 7 which are designed for an essentially gap-free, covering of the substrate installation units, which are covering the substrate; wherein the plug connection structure of the substrate installation units and the plug connection structure of the surface installation units are matched to one another in such a manner that they can be brought into a plug-in engagement with one another with the formation of a snap-in plug connection.
13. The changeover cover as set forth in claim 12, wherein the plug connection structure of the surface installation units and the plug connection structure of the substrate installation units are matched to one another such that with the formation of a releasable plug connection a snap-in process takes place between the plug connection structures exclusively in a plane that is arranged parallel to the utilization structure.
14. The changeover cover as set forth in claim 12, wherein the plug connection structure of the surface installation units comprise a higher bending stiffness than the plug connection structure of the substrate installation units.
Description
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
(1) In the following exemplary examples of embodiment of the present invention are described, with reference to the following figures:
(2) FIG. 1 shows a cross-sectional view of a changeover cover in accordance with an exemplary example of embodiment of the invention.
(3) FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional view of a changeover cover in accordance with another exemplary example of embodiment of the invention.
(4) FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of a changeover cover in accordance with yet another exemplary example of embodiment of the invention.
(5) FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of a changeover cover in accordance with a further exemplary example of embodiment of the invention.
(6) FIG. 5 shows a 3D view of components of a changeover cover in accordance with one exemplary example of embodiment of the invention.
(7) FIGS. 6 to 9 show interacting plug connection structures of surface installation units and substrate installation units of changeover covers in accordance with exemplary examples of embodiment of the invention.
(8) FIG. 10 shows a plan view and FIG. 11 shows a 3D view of a plug connection structure of a substrate installation unit in accordance with an exemplary example of embodiment of the invention.
(9) FIG. 12 shows a part of a changeover cover in accordance with an exemplary example of embodiment of the invention.
(10) FIG. 13 shows a detail view and FIG. 14 shows an overview of a plug connection between a plug connection structure of a substrate installation unit and a corresponding plug connection structure of a surface installation unit, in accordance with an exemplary example of embodiment of the invention.
(11) FIG. 15 shows a plan view and FIG. 16 shows a 3D view of a plug connection structure of a substrate installation unit in accordance with yet another exemplary example of embodiment of the invention.
(12) FIG. 17 shows a plan view of a plug connection between a plug connection structure of a surface installation unit and a plug connection structure of a substrate installation unit in accordance with an exemplary example of embodiment of the invention.
(13) FIG. 18 shows a 3D view of a plug connection structure of a surface installation unit in accordance with an exemplary example of embodiment of the invention.
(14) FIGS. 19 to 21 show various 3D views of a plug connection between a plug connection structure of a substrate installation unit and a plug connection structure of a corresponding surface installation unit, in accordance with an exemplary example of embodiment of the invention.
(15) FIG. 22 shows a 3D view and a cross-sectional view of a plug connection between a plug connection structure of a substrate installation unit and a plug connection structure of a corresponding surface installation unit in accordance with an exemplary example of embodiment of the invention.
(16) FIG. 23 shows a plug connection unit cell of a plug connection structure of a surface installation unit in accordance with an exemplary example of embodiment of the invention.
(17) FIG. 24 shows a detail view of a plug connection of a changeover cover in accordance with an exemplary example of embodiment of the invention.
(18) In the various Figures the same or similar components are provided with the same reference symbols.
(19) It is to be noted that, for all the Figures and examples of embodiment shown and described, it applies that a first plug connection structure of a surface installation unit and a corresponding second plug connection structure of a substrate installation unit can be interchanged, i.e. that the first plug connection structure can alternatively be provided at the substrate installation unit and the second plug connection structure can alternatively be provided at the surface installation unit.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS
(20) FIG. 1 shows a cross-sectional view of a changeover cover 150 in accordance with an exemplary example of embodiment of the invention.
(21) The changeover cover 150 serves to overlay, or cover a substrate 102, and is constructed from a number of substrate installation units 100 and a number of surface installation units 110. The substrate installation units 100 form a first cover layer and together cover the substrate 102 in an essentially gap-free manner. The surface installation units 110 form a second cover layer near the surface, and together cover the first cover layer, made up from the substrate installation units 100 cover the substrate 102 in an essentially gap-free manner.
(22) The substrate installation units 100, which among one another are of the same type, comprise in each case a substrate-side attachment structure 104, which is designed for attaching at the substrate 102. Furthermore, each of the substrate installation units 100 comprises a plug connection structure 106 facing away from the substrate 102, for a releasably plug connecting, with the formation of a snap-in plug connection, with a correspondingly designed plug connection structure 108 of a related surface installation unit 110.
(23) Each one of the surface installation units 110, among one another of the same type, has a utilization structure 112 which forms an exposed outer surface of the changeover cover 150. Furthermore, each of the substrate installation units 110 comprises a plug connection structure 108 facing away from the utilization structure 112, for a releasably plug connecting, with the formation of a snap-in plug connection, with one of the corresponding plug connection structures 106 of the related substrate installation unit 100.
(24) The plug connection structures 106 of the substrate installation units 100 and the plug connection structures 108 of the surface installation units 110 are, as shown in FIG. 1, matched to one another (i.e. so dimensioned and shaped) such that they can be brought into a form-fit plug-in engagement with one another with the formation of a snap-in plug connection that can be released by hand. They are located in this state in FIG. 1.
(25) In accordance with FIG. 1 the attachment structure 104 has a full-surface continuous adhesive layer at the lower face of a flat support layer.
(26) The plug connection structure 106 has a number of plug connection elements 114, which protrude relative to the attachment structure 104 in a raised manner, so as to be able to form a form-fit with plug connection elements 116 of the plug connection structure 108.
(27) The substrate installation units 100 can be designed as bodies made of plastic manufactured by means of injection molding in a cost-effective manner, at the lower face of which the adhesive layer can be attached.
(28) A vertical thickness d of the substrate installation units 100 can, for example, be 2.5 mm.
(29) Each of the substrate installation units 100 comprises, at end sections opposing one another, components of a coupling structure 118, which is designed for a form-fit coupling with a corresponding adjacent coupling structure 118 of another substrate installation unit 100 of the same type. By this means substrate installation units 100 that are laterally adjacent to one another can be coupled with one another mechanically. In accordance with an exemplary example of embodiment the coupling structure 118 can only be formed in the substrate installation unit 100, since the surface installation unit 110 is not displaced during the vertical disassembly. Examples for the configuration of the coupling structure 118 can be seen in FIG. 5, FIGS. 15 to 17, FIG. 19, FIG. 20, and FIG. 22.
(30) In each of the surface installation units 110 the utilization structure 112 can comprise solid wood, or can consist of the latter, if a changeover parquet is to be installed as the changeover cover 150. The utilization structure 112, designed as a layer of even thickness, can have a thickness D of, for example, 2 mm. A vertical thickness B of the total surface installation unit 110 can be, for example, 3 mm. The utilization structure 112, designed as a utilization layer, can be designed to be self-stabilizing.
(31) The plug connection structure 108 can be attached at the utilization structure 112 by means of an attachment structure 120, designed, for example, as an adhesive layer. The attachment structure 120 serves the purpose of attaching the plug connection structure 108 at the utilization structure 112 over the full surface. Independently of the attachment the individual components of the surface installation unit 110 should be able to permit an elastic compensating movement of these components relative to one another, for example to compensate for thermal stresses. The attachment structure 120 can act in a manner supportive of stabilization.
(32) Furthermore FIG. 1 shows schematically that an optional floor heating system 130 can be implemented in the substrate 102, which can be formed, for example, from screed.
(33) In addition in accordance with FIG. 1 a functional structure 202 is integrated in the utilization structure 112. This functional structure 202 can be, for example, a paint finish, which protects an exposed surface of the utilization structure 112 from mechanical damage. The functional structure 202 thus serves as a wear protection layer.
(34) The plug connection structure 108, shown only schematically in FIG. 1 and described in more detail below, serves as a support layer with a plug connection capability, and is also self-stabilizing. The plug connection structure 106 serves as a base element with a plug connection capability, and is self-stabilizing. The attachment structure 104 is designed as a connecting layer, and functions as a base element relative to the substrate 102. The substrate 102 can be, for example, a screed, or an existing floor cover.
(35) FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional view of a changeover cover 150 in accordance with another exemplary example of embodiment of the invention.
(36) In addition to the components of the changeover cover 150 according to FIG. 1, in the case of the changeover cover 150 according to FIG. 2, a further functional structure 200 is arranged between the plug connection structure 106 and the attachment structure 104. The functional structure 200 which is integrated or embedded in the plug connection structure 106 of the substrate installation unit 100, can be, for example, a sensor film. Alternatively, the functional structure 200 can be a floor heating system, a floor cooling system, a footfall sound insulation system, or a mechanical strengthening device.
(37) In addition to the changeover cover 150 according to FIG. 1, in the case of the changeover cover 150 according to FIG. 2, a compensating layer 144 is provided. Furthermore, a connecting layer 142 is provided between the compensating layer 144, and the substrate 102. With reference symbols 142 and 144, a compensating cover is thus implemented between the substrate 102 and the changeover cover 150.
(38) FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of a changeover cover 150 in accordance with yet another exemplary example of embodiment of the invention.
(39) The changeover cover 150 according to FIG. 4 contains, in addition to the changeover cover 150 according to FIG. 1, a number of functional structure installation units 300, which are inserted in between a number of substrate installation units 100 and a number of surface installation units 110. This takes place with the formation of plug connections at both surfaces, opposing one another, of the functional structure installation units 300, namely at the upper face with the surface installation units 110, and at the lower face with the substrate installation units 100. For this purpose each of the functional structure installation units 300 contains an upper face plug connection structure 302 to form an upper face releasable snap-in plug connection with a corresponding plug connection structure 108 of the surface installation unit 110, and a lower face plug connection structure 304 to form a lower face releasable snap-in plug connection with a corresponding plug connection structure 106 of the substrate installation unit 100. A functional structure 306 serves to provide an ancillary function in the changeover cover 150, for example, a footfall sound insulation system.
(40) The changeover cover in accordance with FIG. 3 differs from the changeover cover 150 according to FIG. 1 by the additional provision of a functional cover in the form of the functional structure 302. This can selectively be installed in between the substrate installation unit 100 and the surface installation unit 110, or optionally can also be permanently connected (for example, bonded with adhesive) with one of the substrate installation units 100 or the surface installation units 110.
(41) FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of a changeover cover 150 in accordance with a further exemplary example of embodiment of the invention.
(42) The changeover cover 150 in accordance with FIG. 4 differs from that according to FIG. 3 by the additional provision of a compensating cover 142, 144, compare FIG. 2.
(43) FIG. 5 shows a 3D view of components of a changeover cover 150 in accordance with an exemplary example of embodiment of the invention.
(44) In accordance with FIG. 5 the plug connection structure 106 of the substrate installation unit 100 is designed as a frame structure 500 consisting of elastic strips connected with one another, with a number of plug connection elements 114 integrated therein. Longitudinal and transverse spring elements are also integrated into the frame structure 500, wherein the corner regions of the frame structure 500 lend mechanical stability. The plug connection elements 114 comprise two leaf spring structures 502 opposing one another, which are configured for forming a snap-in plug connection with an oval snap-in body 600 (see FIG. 6) of the plug connection structure 108 of the corresponding surface installation unit 100. The plug connection elements 114 in addition have oval guide ring structures 504, which are configured for accommodating, enabling compensating movement, corresponding positioning nubs 604 of the plug connection structure 108 of the corresponding surface installation unit 100 (see FIG. 6). The leaf spring structures 502 are designed so as to provide a spring function in a spring direction, which is arranged so as to be orthogonal to a compensating movement direction of the guide ring structures 504.
(45) The plug connection structure 106 is designed (as is the plug connection structure 108, not discernible in detail in FIG. 5) as a two-dimensional periodically repeating grid (i.e. in the longitudinal and transverse directions) of plug connection unit cells 510. The grid is formed by an alternating sequence of the plug connection unit cells 510, which extend alternately in a first direction of orientation (leaf spring structures 502 left-right), and in a second direction of orientation (leaf spring structures 502 above-below) that is orthogonal to the first direction of orientation. A particular plug connection unit cell 510 is in each case formed by an arrangement of two leaf spring structures 502 opposing one another and two guide ring structures 504 opposing one another.
(46) Although in accordance with FIG. 5 the plug connection structure 108 of the surface installation unit 110 is designed as a flat support panel with the plug connection elements (not shown in FIG. 5) protruding from the latter in a raised manner, together with the plug connection structure 106 of the substrate installation unit 110, as a frame structure, in another example of embodiment the plug connection structures 106 and 108 can also be changed over, that is to say, the flat support panel with plug connection elements protruding in a raised manner is provided as part of the substrate installation unit 100, and the frame-type plug connection structure 106 is provided as part of the surface installation unit 110.
(47) FIGS. 6 to 9 show interacting plug connection structures 108 of surface installation units 110 and plug connection structures 106 of substrate installation units 100 of changeover covers 150 in accordance with exemplary examples of embodiment of the invention. Here, in accordance with FIGS. 6 to 9, in contrast to FIG. 5, the frame-type arrangement of the plug connection structure 108 of the surface installation unit 110 and the panel-type arrangement of the plug connection structure 106 form the substrate installation units 100.
(48) In accordance with FIGS. 6 to 9 the plug connection structures 108 of the surface installation units 110 and the plug connection structures 106 of the substrate installation units 100 are matched to one another such that with the formation of a releasable plug connection a snap-in process takes place between the plug connection structures 106, 108, and in particular exclusively in a plane that is arranged parallel to the utilization structure 112. The plug connection elements 114 of the substrate installation unit 100 have a snap-in body 600 for forming a snap-in plug connection with corresponding leaf spring structures 502 of the plug connection structure 108 of the corresponding surface installation unit 110. The plug connection elements 114 of the substrate installation units 100 comprise positioning nubs 604, which are configured for engagement, enabling compensating movement, in corresponding guide ring structures 504 of the plug connection structure 108 of the corresponding surface installation unit 110. As can be discerned in FIGS. 6 to 9, the snap-in body 600 in a first extension direction has a larger dimension than in a second extension direction that is orthogonal to the first extension direction, i.e. it is arranged asymmetrically. In accordance with FIG. 9 the snap-in body 600 is arranged between two positioning nubs 604.
(49) In accordance with FIG. 6 the positioning nubs 604 can align the leaf spring structures 502 with related snap-in elements, such that the snap-in bodies 600 latch securely independently of any deformation/movement in the surface.
(50) In FIGS. 6 to 9 arrows indicate in which directions the various sections of the structures shown are able to undertake compensating movements in the event of temperature variation or for compensating for tolerances caused in manufacture.
(51) FIG. 10 shows a plan view and FIG. 11 shows a 3D view of a plug connection structure 106 of a substrate installation unit 100 in accordance with an exemplary example of embodiment of the invention.
(52) FIGS. 10 and 11 thus show a base cover, that is to say a substrate installation unit 100, with integrated elements. The segment size can be, for example, 25 mm25 mm. The grid dimension (i.e. the size of a plug connection unit cell 510) can be, for example, 50 mm50 mm. A module, i.e. a substrate installation unit 100, can have a size, for example, of 300 mm150 mm, and a height of 3 mm.
(53) In accordance with FIGS. 10 and 11 the grid is formed as a frame, wherein there are provided positioning elements, fixing elements, longitudinal and transverse spring elements, together with measures for tolerance compensation.
(54) FIG. 12 shows a part of a changeover cover 150 in accordance with an exemplary example of embodiment of the invention. With reference to FIG. 12, attention is drawn to the contact surface for the attachment structures 104 and 120.
(55) FIG. 13 shows a detail view, and FIG. 14 shows an overview of a plug connection between a plug connection structure 106 of a substrate installation unit 100 and a corresponding plug connection structure 108 of a surface installation unit 110, in accordance with an exemplary example of embodiment of the invention.
(56) In accordance with FIGS. 12 to 14 a combination is shown of a substrate installation unit 100 (also designated as a base cover element) and a surface installation unit 110 (also designated as a changeover cover element). The positioning takes place by means of a positioning pin 1300. The Fixation takes place by means of a snap-in hook 1302. The tolerance compensation takes place by means of sprung connecting elements. The snap-in hook 1302 and the positioning pin 1300 are arranged at a fixed distance from one another.
(57) FIG. 15 shows a plan view and FIG. 16 shows a 3D view of a plug connection structure 106 of a substrate installation unit in accordance with yet another exemplary example of embodiment of the invention.
(58) FIGS. 15 and 16 show a substrate installation unit 100 (also designated as a base cover element) with integrated elements. In accordance with this example of embodiment stabilizing ring elements 1500 are provided in the corners of individual plug connection unit cells 510. Elongated holes are formed as guide ring structures 504 for two positioning pins or positioning nubs 604 of a surface installation unit 110 (not shown in FIGS. 15 and 16). In addition, sprung strips are provided as leaf spring structures 502 for snap-in hooks as snap-in bodies 600 (not shown in FIGS. 15 and 16). Tolerance compensation takes place by means of sprung connecting elements in the form of frame struts 1504. The frame struts 1504 are part of the frame structure 500. T-elements for fixing the modules in the surface composite can also be provided. In accordance with the example of embodiment shown the grid dimension (that is to say, the size of a plug connection unit cell 510) can be, for example, 50 mm50 mm, wherein the module (that is to say, the whole of the substrate installation unit 100), can have a size of 600 mm200 mm, and a height of 3 mm.
(59) FIG. 17 shows a plan view of a plug connection between a plug connection structure 108 of a surface installation unit 110 and a plug connection structure 106 of a substrate installation unit 100, in accordance with an exemplary example of embodiment of the invention. The snap-in bodies 600 and the positioning nubs 604 are designed such that they can accommodate vertical loads.
(60) In accordance with FIG. 17, the snap-in body 600 of the plug connection structure 108 is arranged along a first (in FIG. 17, horizontal) extension direction between two rib-shaped and elongated load-accommodating structures 1700, extending along a second (in FIG. 17, vertical) extension direction. The load-accommodating structures 1700 protrude in a raised manner relative to a flat base panel 1702 of the surface installation unit 110, and are designed so as to accommodate mechanical loads acting on the surface installation unit 110.
(61) FIG. 18 shows a 3D view of a plug connection structure 108 of a surface installation unit 110 in accordance with an exemplary example of embodiment of the invention.
(62) The plug connection structure 108 is designed as a two-dimensional periodically repeating grid, with a grid dimension in a range between 10 mm and 100 mm, of plug connection unit cells 510. Stated more precisely, the grid is formed by a two-dimensional, alternating sequence of the plug connection unit cells 510, which extend alternately in a first direction of orientation, and in a second direction of orientation that is orthogonal to the first direction of orientation. In other words, adjacent plug connection unit cells 510 are rotated relative to one another by 90. Each of the plug connection unit cells 510 is designed as an arrangement of a snap-in body 600 designed as a snap-in ring, two load-accommodating ribs parallel to one another as load-accommodating structures 1700, and a pair of hollow cylindrical positioning nubs 604.
(63) In accordance with FIGS. 17 and 18 a substrate installation unit 110 (also designated as a base cover element) is represented with functional elements. In this case the panel thickness is 1 mm. Two positioning pins are provided as positioning nubs 604, and a snap-in body 600 is provided as a snap-in mandrel element. These snap-in hooks and positioning pins are arranged at a fixed distance from one another. In each case there are two longitudinal ribs per plug connection unit cell 510 for the accommodation of vertical loads.
(64) FIG. 19, FIG. 20, and FIG. 21 show different 3D views of a plug connection between a plug connection structure 106 of a substrate installation unit 100 and a plug connection structure 108 of a corresponding surface installation unit 110, in accordance with an exemplary example of embodiment of the invention. FIGS. 19 to 21 thus show a combination of a surface installation unit 110 (also designated as a changeover cover element) and a substrate installation unit 100 (also designated as a base cover element). In the example of embodiment shown the components are provided as injection molded parts. The injection molding molds can be designed without sliders.
(65) FIG. 22 shows a 3D view and a cross-sectional view of a plug connection between a plug connection structure 106 of a substrate installation unit 100 and a plug connection structure 108 of a corresponding surface installation unit 110, in accordance with an exemplary example of embodiment of the invention. FIG. 22 shows a cross-sectional view after the formation of a snap-in plug connection, wherein a build height of L=4 mm is represented. In FIG. 22 entry chamfers, together with the flat design of the snap-in plug connection, can also be discerned, which leads to a small build height.
(66) FIG. 23 shows a plug connection unit cell 510 of a plug connection structure 108 of a surface installation unit 110 in accordance with an exemplary example of embodiment of the invention. FIG. 24 shows a detail view of a plug connection of a changeover cover 150 in accordance with an exemplary example of embodiment of the invention. FIGS. 23 and 24 show a changeover floor cover system with a grid dimension of 2525 mm. Four positioning pins or positioning nubs 604 are provided, as is a double-acting snap-in mandrel as a snap-in body 600, in each plug connection unit cell 510. Snap-in hooks and positioning pins are geometrically optimized. Ring elements (see reference symbol 1500) are embodied in the corners as support elements. FIG. 23 represents how, by means of a snap-in body 600 corresponding to FIG. 24, which acts in two directions, the grid dimension can be halved. The leaf spring structures 502 represented are, for example, rotated through 90, Corresponding positioning nubs 604 can advantageously be embodied four times.
(67) It is to be noted that in all the examples of embodiment in accordance with FIGS. 5 to 24, the respective plug connection structure 106 can alternatively be embodied as a plug connection structure of the surface installation unit 110, and the respective plug connection structure 108 can alternatively be embodied as a plug connection structure of the substrate installation unit 100. In other words, the plug structures 106 and 108 can be interchanged with each other.
(68) It is also to be noted that having does not exclude any other elements or steps, and a or an does not exclude a multiplicity of items. Furthermore it is to be noted that features or steps that have been described with reference to one of the above examples of embodiment can also be used in combination with other features or steps of other above-described examples of embodiment. Reference symbols in the claims are not to be seen as any limitation.
LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS
(69) 100 Substrate installation unit 102 Substrate 104 Attachment structure 106 Plug connection structure 108 Plug connection structure 110 Surface installation unit 112 Utilization structure 114 Plug connection elements 116 Plug connection elements 118 Coupling structure 120 Attachment structure 130 Floor heating system 142 Connecting layer 144 Compensating layer 150 Changeover cover 200 Functional structure 202 Functional structure 300 Functional structure installation unit 302 Plug connection structure 304 Plug connection structure 306 Functional structure 500 Frame structure 502 Leaf spring structures 504 Guide ring structures 510 Plug connection unit cells 600 Snap-in bodies 604 Positioning nubs 1300 Positioning pin 1302 Snap-in hook 1500 Ring elements 1504 Frame struts 1700 Load-accommodating structures 1702 Baseplate
