NO338807B1 - Panel, especially floor panel - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a panel, in particular a floor panel, with the features stated in the introduction to patent claim 1, which panel can be mechanically connected to further panels. Such panels are typically used as a floor covering, for example parquet or laminate flooring, or for ceiling and wall coverings.

In all cases, the individual panels can be united into a surface unit by means of mechanical connections, so that it is possible to lay the panels without the use of glue or additional mechanical fastening elements, for example screws or staples. In particular, the advantage is achieved that the panels can be laid without gluing and thus can be removed again.

The panel is preferably used as a floor panel and as a laminate floor panel preferably made of a wooden material. The panels can also be used for other purposes, for example as wall or ceiling panels.

EP 1367194 A2 describes floor panels, of high density (HDF) or medium density (MDF) fiberboard which may have a patterned layer on its upper surface, and a lower surface towards the ground. The edges are structured so that at least two plates can be locked together in the lateral and vertical directions.

According to the technique known from WO94/26999 and WO 97/47834, profile geometries are known which include tongue-and-groove connections for vertical interlocking. In addition, the profiles have a horizontal locking system, where a pair of locking surfaces, which are usually slanted in relation to the upper side of the panels, are used. The locking surfaces for the horizontal locking are brought into interlocking connection.

Locking connection means that the locking elements for the horizontal locking of a first panel's first side edge come into contact with the locking surfaces for horizontal locking of a second panel's second side edge. During the contact, at least one element in the connection is bent, so that a snapping occurs, i.e. a bending back of the element. During the connection, a mechanical resistance must be overcome, regardless of whether the panels are pushed horizontally towards each other or whether they are brought into mutual engagement by means of a swinging movement. The connections are therefore also drawn as locking or snap connections.

Particularly from WO 97/47834, it is also known to design such a connection between panels in a force-locking manner. This means that the locking elements in the connected state are at least partially bent and exert a contracting force.

From US 4426820, a connection with a purely shape-locking profile geometry is also known. During the joining of the building components, there is no bending of the connecting elements, but it cannot be prevented that the elements in the horizontal connection will lie against each other when the panels are put together.

A very precise fit between the elements is important, not only for the vertical tongue and groove locking, but also for the horizontal connection. This adaptation is affected by the fact that forces build up during the joining of the panels which can deform the connecting elements in the horizontal connection. This results in a poor adaptation.

The technical problem underlying the present invention is to provide a panel in which the fit accuracy as well as the vertical locking and also the horizontal connection are improved.

The aforementioned technical problem is solved by a panel according to the invention with the help of the features specified in patent claim 1's characteristic. Further advantageous embodiments are specified in the independent patent claims and will be explained in more detail in the subsequent description.

According to patent claim 1, the panel according to the invention has the following features.

As with all right-angled panels, a first side edge and an opposite second side edge are provided. It is true that the invention mainly relates to a pair of side edges, but the profile geometries described below can however be arranged at both pairs of side edges. The profiles of the first and second side edges are complementary and can be brought together to provide the vertical locking and the horizontal connection.

Below, first the first side edge and then the second side edge are described.

The first side edge has the following features:

a first contact surface, arranged at the upper end of the first side edge,

a groove, formed at the first side edge,

an upper lip, which limits the note above,

a lower lip, which limits the notch below, the distal end of the lower lip

protrudes above the distal end of the upper lip,

a first fitting surface, arranged at the upper lip,

a second fitting surface, arranged at the lower lip in the area at the bottom of the groove, and a second contact surface, arranged at the lower lip, in the area at the distal end.

The first fitting surface and the second fitting surface form the fitting surfaces for the vertical locking at the first side edge. The first contact surface and the second contact surface form the surfaces for the formation of the horizontal connection at the first side edge.

The other side edge has the following features:

- a third contact surface, arranged at the upper end of the other side edge,

a spring, formed at the other side edge,

- a third fitting surface, arranged at the upper side of the spring,

- a fourth fitting surface, arranged on the underside of the spring, in the region of the distal end, and

a fourth abutment surface, arranged at a distance from the distal end at the underside of the spring.

The third fitting surface and the fourth fitting surface form the fitting surfaces for the vertical locking at the other side edge. The third contact surface and the fourth contact surface form the surfaces for the formation of the horizontal connection at the other side edge.

In the connected state of two panels, the first and third contact surfaces, the second and fourth contact surfaces, the first and third fitting surfaces and the second and fourth fitting surfaces are paired against each other along two complementary side edges.

According to the invention, it has been recognized that

- the second fitting surface and the fourth fitting surface in cross-section must have a circle segment-shaped contour, the center of the circle being in the area of the upper section of the side edges and the circle having a given radius from the centre, that the second contact surface and the fourth contact surface have a distance from the middle the point which is greater than the radius, and that the distance of the second contact surface and the fourth contact surface from the center point increases in the direction towards the distal end of the lower lip.

This means that when two panels are to be connected along a first side edge and a second side edge, a new panel with a second side edge is first brought forward at an angle to the first side edge of a panel already lying on the floor. Then the first panel and the second panel will have contact in the area at the upper corner of the side edges at the same time as the front end of the fourth fitting surface at the spring rests against the lower lip. During the subsequent downward swing of the second panel relative to the first panel, the fourth mating surface will slide along the second mating surface. This is because these fitting surfaces form a segment of a circle and the panels lie against each other in the area at the center point and can be pivoted about this center point. This means that during the movement it will not be necessary to exert any special force and that the second and fourth fitting surfaces are not pressed too strongly against each other.

During the swinging movement described above, the second and fourth contact surfaces will have a mutual distance, which is ensured with the new geometry according to the invention. Because the second abutment surface and the fourth abutment surface have a contour where the distance to the center point of the turning movement constantly increases in the direction of the distal end of the lower lip, there will thus be no surfaces that come into contact with each other before the end of the turning movement. The geometry is chosen so that only after the end, or due to manufacturing tolerances only just before the end of the swing movement, will the second contact surface come into contact with the fourth contact surface.

In connection with the description of the profile geometry, a distinction is made between vertical locking and horizontal connection. This is done to make it clear that the tongue-and-spring connection, in addition to a positive fit, can also be a press fit, that is to say that a very firm vertical connection can be provided, i.e. a locking. In contrast, the horizontal connecting means deliberately only represent means for providing a shape-locking connection, a connection which, within the manufacturing tolerances, cannot therefore result in a press fit. This combination, consisting of a press fit for the vertical locking and a form fitting for the horizontal connection, has its own inventive character, regardless of the specific profile design.

The panels described above can consist of different materials and material combinations. As wood material for laminate floor panels, a laminate, a medium-density fiberboard (MDF), a high-density fiberboard (HDF), a chipboard or so-called oriented strand boards (OSB) can be used, among other things. The panels can also consist of wood in the form of parquet sticks or panels or of a plastic material. In particular, core layers of polyethylene (PE) insulation mats, styrofoam, polyurethane hard foam or polystyrene hard foam are relevant here.

The present invention will now be explained in more detail in the form of exemplary embodiments, with reference to the drawing where

fig. 1-4 show a first exemplary embodiment in cross-section,

fig. 5-8 show a second exemplary embodiment in cross-section,

fig. 9-11 show a third exemplary embodiment in cross-section,

fig. 12 shows a fourth exemplary embodiment in cross-section,

fig. 13 shows a fifth exemplary embodiment in cross-section,

fig. 14 shows a sixth exemplary embodiment in cross-section, and

fig. 15 shows a seventh exemplary embodiment in cross-section.

Figures 1 to 4 show a first embodiment of the invention. Fig. 1 shows the exact profile geometry of the interconnected panels. Fig. 2 and 3 show separately the first and the second side edge and fig. 4a to 4c show the swing movement when the two side edges are joined together.

In fig. 1 two panels are shown. These are provided with mutually corresponding side edges and can be mechanically connected to each other. It is true that the invention mainly relates to a single panel in and of itself, so that a panel with two different side edges is described below using two in fig. 1 panels depicted next to each other, the side edges of which are separately shown in fig. 2 and 3.

The panel 2 has, as shown in fig. 2 a first side edge 4 and as shown in fig. 3 an opposite other side edge 6.

The first side edge 4 has a first contact surface 8, arranged at the first side edge 4's upper end.

Furthermore, a groove 10 is designed, with an upper lip 12 which limits the groove 10 upwards, and with a lower lip 15 which limits the groove 10 downwards. The distal end of the lower lip 14 protrudes above the distal end of the upper lip 12.

A first fitting surface 16 is arranged on the upper lip 12, and a second fitting surface 18 is arranged on the lower lip 14 in the area at the bottom of the groove 20.

A second contact surface 22 is arranged on the lower lip 14, in the area at the distal end of the lip.

The other side edge 6 has a third contact surface 24 at the upper end.

In addition, a spring 26 is formed at the other side edge 6. This spring has a third fitting surface 28 on the upper side and a fourth fitting surface 30 on the underside.

A fourth contact surface 32 is arranged at a distance from the distal end at the underside of the spring 26.

In the one in fig. 1 shown connected state of two complementary side edges 4 and 6 lies the first contact surface 8 and the third contact surface 24, the second contact surface 22 and the fourth contact surface 32, the first fitting surface 16 and the third fitting surface 28 as well as the second fitting surface 18 and the fourth fitting surface 30 paired against each other.

According to the invention, the second fitting surface 18 and the fourth fitting surface 30 have a circular segment-shaped contour seen in cross-section. The center Mi of the circle lies in the area of the upper section of the side edges 4 and 6 and the circle has a radius Ri from the center Mi. In a three-dimensional view, the second fitting surface 18 and the fourth fitting surface 30 therefore have a semi-cylindrical shape.

Furthermore, the second contact surface 22 and the fourth contact surface 32 have a distance A from the center point Mi which is greater than the radius Ri. Moreover, the distance A from the center Mi increases in the direction towards the distal end of the lower lip 14. This is visualized with the aid of the drawn distance arrows ai, a and & 2. The distance ai closest to the bottom is shorter than any further distance a, which in turn is smaller than the farthest distance & 2. In other words, increases the distance a from the inside and in the direction towards the distal end of the lower lip. The increase is steady.

To clarify this, in fig. 1, a dashed auxiliary line H is drawn. This characterizes a circle segment that begins at the innermost point on the contact surfaces 22 and 32 and has a radius ai. The geometry described above is clearly seen from the increasing distance between the auxiliary line H and the contact surfaces 22 and 32.

The swing movement during the connection of two side edges is explained in more detail with reference to fig. 4a to 4c.

In fig. 4a, a first panel 2 lies on the floor in a horizontal position and from the right a further panel 2 is brought into contact with the first panel 2. The two upper corners of the side edges 4 and 6 touch each other and the front area of the fitting surface 30 rests against the fitting surface 18 In this position, the contact surfaces 22 and 32 have a mutual distance, as the gap in fig. 4a shows. The same applies to the pass surfaces 16 and 28 and to the construction surfaces 8 and 24.

In fig. 4b, the panels 2 are swung further towards each other, but the swinging movement has not yet been completed. The fitting surfaces 18 and 22 abut against each other over a longer section than in fig. 4a while the contact surfaces 22 and 32 still have a mutual distance. The latter distance is, however, smaller than as shown in fig. 4a. The same also applies to the mating surfaces 16 and 28 as well as to the contact surfaces 8 and 24.

In the one in fig. In the position shown in 4c, the pivoting movement has ended and the described mating surface pair and contact surface pair are in contact with each other.

In this way, a form-locking connection is provided between the groove 10 and the spring 26 or, if appropriate, by corresponding dimensioning of the elements, a press fit. In the area of the contact surface pairs 8, 24 as well as 22, 32, a purely form-locking connection is provided within the manufacturing tolerances.

The fitting surfaces and contact surfaces which are essential for the connection will therefore not be exposed to greater loads during the provision of the connection, and two panels can be brought into interlocking cooperation along the side edges without risk of damaging the locking and connecting elements.

As shown in fig. 1, the center point Mi is in the upper corner of the side edges 4 and 6. This ensures that the fitting surfaces 18 and 20 can slide against each other during the swing movement and are not wedged firmly in each other. The pivoting movement is therefore not hindered by the fitting surfaces 18 and 30.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, shown in Figures 1 to 4, the second contact surface 22 and the fourth contact surface 32 have a curved contour seen in cross-section. Thereby it is achieved that in the area at the distal end of the lower lip 14, the contour of the contact surfaces 22 and 32 will run as steeply as possible, so that a good connection is made possible in the horizontal direction.

In particular, the second abutment surface 22 and the fourth abutment surface 32 have a circular segment-shaped contour in cross-section at least in sections. The center point M2 of the circle is arranged at a distance b (see fig. 1) from the first center point Mi in the direction towards the distal end of the lower lip 14, i.e. in fig. to the right, and is arranged on the upper side 36 of the panel 2. The radius r2 for the contour of the contact surfaces 22 and 32 is thus greater than the radius ri or is equal to the radius ri. This ensures in all cases that the distance a for the contact surfaces 22 and 32 increases evenly to the right in the drawing figures.

Under certain conditions, it is even possible that the radius r% for the contour of the contact surfaces 22 and 32 can be chosen smaller than the radius ri. Thereby, a steeper course of the contact surfaces 22 and 32 is achieved in the area at the distal end of the lower lip 14.

Likewise, it will be possible to choose an elliptical cross-section for the contact surfaces 22 and 32. This will result in the upper projecting end of the lower lip having an increasingly steep course, whereby the horizontal connection is improved.

Several embodiments will be explained below, starting from the first embodiment example. In the drawings, the same reference numbers are used for features found in the first embodiment example. Features that have deviations compared to the first design example are given one or more apostrophes in addition. Below, only the differences relative to the first design example will be explained. The peculiarities and advantages mentioned in connection with the first embodiment therefore also apply to the other embodiments, without this being specifically mentioned.

In fig. 5 to 8 shows a second embodiment of a panel 2 according to the invention. In contrast to the first design example, here the second contact surface 22" and the fourth contact surface 32" in cross-section have a rectilinear and in the direction towards the distal end of the lower lip 14 obliquely upwards rising contour. This can be seen in figures 5 to 7.

Despite this difference compared to the first embodiment, it is ensured that the distance for the contact surface 22" and 32" to the center point Mi increases in the outward direction. This is in fig. 5 indicated by means of the drawn distance arrows ai, a and & 2 and the auxiliary line H.

The one in fig. The swing movement shown in 8a to 8c is basically the same as in the first embodiment. Here too, above all, the contact surface 22'' and 32'' will first come into contact with each other at the end of the swing movement.

Otherwise applies to fig. 5 to 8 the same considerations as given above in connection with the one in fig. 1 to 4 showed the first embodiment.

Fig. 9 to 11 show yet another design example. This essentially represents a combination of features from the first two design examples. The contact surfaces 22"' and 32"' are composed of a curved, particularly circular segment-shaped section 22"'a and 32"'a respectively and a rectilinear section 22"'b and 32"'b respectively.

That in fig. 12a to 12c, the design example shown has identical mating surfaces and contact surfaces as in the first design example in fig. 1 to 4.

In addition, a strip reinforcement 34 is attached in the area of the first contact surface 8. This strip is made of an elastic material, in particular plastic, for example a PVC material, and has a geometry as described below.

The strip 34 is flush with the upper side 36 of the panel 2 and projects slightly beyond the first contact surface 8. Below it in fig. 12a to 12c shown swinging movement, the strip 34 will be pressed together in the direction towards the upper side 36 under the influence of the increasing contact force which comes into effect with the contact surface 24. Thereby a sealed connection is formed between the side edges 4 and 6, as here as a result of the strip 34's elasticity a force acting against the contact surfaces 22 and 32 is provided. The strip 34 is visible from the outside and can be used for optical purposes.

The strip 34 can also be fixed in the area of the second contact surface 24, so that it is pressed against the contact surface 8 during the swinging movement.

That in fig. 13a to 13c, the design example shown has the same mating surfaces and contact surfaces as in the first design example in fig. 1 to 4.

In addition, in the area of the second contact surface 22, an elastic element 38 is arranged which protrudes slightly from the second contact surface 22. This elastic element 18 is made of an elastic material, in particular a plastic material, for example a PVC material, and has the below described geometry.

The elastic element 38 is inserted into the contact surface 22 and protrudes slightly from the contact surface 22. Below it in fig. 13a to 13c shown swing movement, the elastic element 38 is pressed in the direction towards the contact surface 22 under the influence of the increasing contact force which the contact surface 32 exerts. Thereby, as a result of the elasticity of the element 38, a force acting against the contact surfaces 8 and 24 will be provided.

The elastic element 38 can also be arranged in the area of the fourth contact surface 32, so that during the swing movement the element is compressed with the increasing contact force that the contact surface 22 will provide.

As shown in fig. 1, 4c, 5, 8c, 1lc, 12c, 13c and 14c, in the connected state a cavity 40 will be formed between the opposing second and fourth mating surfaces 18 and 30 and the opposing second and fourth contact surfaces 22 and 32 Such a cavity represents only one possible solution. It is, of course, also possible to choose the profile geometry so that the mating surface 18 and the contact surface 22 as well as the mating surface 30 and the contact surface 32 merge smoothly into each other.

Preferably, an adhesive layer 42 is laid in the cavity 40 from the factory edge, so that when the side edges 4 and 6 are joined together, an adhesive connection occurs which counteracts a movement of the side edges apart, in addition to the effect that the locking and connecting elements provide.

As glue, you can use all common types of glue that are suitable for an application in advance.

The adhesive can thus be an easily applied adhesive, a fully synthetic adhesive, a universal adhesive or an anaerobic adhesive. An anaerobic adhesive has the advantage that it only hardens in the absence of air and that the hardening thus only takes place after the joint surfaces have been placed against each other and the transverse edges have been connected to each other.

Particularly preferably, the adhesive or adhesive material can be a contact adhesive whose adhesive effect only develops when the adhesive is affected by compressive forces. Such a contact adhesive has the advantage that an adhesive inserted by the manufacturer in the cavity 40 is only activated when the corresponding counter surfaces are activated, that is to say touch each other, and the adhesive thus does not interfere during assembly.

According to a further preferred embodiment, a two-component reaction adhesive can be used as glue, the adhesive effect of which only occurs when the two components are brought together. It would then be particularly advantageous if one component is arranged in the form of capsules, as these capsules are destroyed by an external influence, for example by pressure or shear forces, and thus come into contact with the other component, so that the adhesive can work. The adhesive or glue is thus only activated when the joint surfaces come into contact during laying and the necessary pressure or shear force is brought to bear on the capsules. Such a reaction adhesive, where one component is encapsulated, enables, firstly, an assembly that is not hindered by adhesive surfaces along the transverse edges, and secondly, that the adhesive can be inserted already during the production of the panels, without the risk of the adhesive being destroyed by long time storage. Naturally, other adhesives can also be inserted at the manufacturer's premises.

Fig. 15 shows yet another design example of a profile according to the invention. The same reference numbers are used to denote the same details as described above. The difference relative to that in fig. The embodiment shown in 1 to 4 is located in the location of the center point M2.

Here, too, the second contact surface 22 and the fourth contact surface 32 have a circular segment-shaped contour in cross-section and at least in sections. The center point M2 of the circle is arranged at a distance b (see fig. 15) from the first center point 1, in the direction towards the distal end of the lip 14, i.e. to the right in the drawing figure. However, the center point here is not on the upper side 36 of the panel 2, but inside the material of the panel 2. This enables the radius r2 for the contour of the contact surfaces 22 and 32 to be chosen smaller than the radius ri. This gives a steeper or steeper course for the contact surfaces 22 and 32 in the area at the distal end of the lower lip 14. The condition, that the distance a should increase in the distal direction of the lower lip 14, also applies here.

Claims (16)

1. Panel, in particular floor panel, suitable for mechanical connection with other, similar panels, with a first side edge (4) and an opposite second side edge (6), - with a first contact surface (8), arranged at the first side edge (4)'s upper end, - with a groove (10), designed at the first side edge ( 4), - with an upper lip (12), which limits the notch (10) upwards, with a lower lip (14), which limits the notch (10) downwards, being the lower the distal end of the lip protrudes above the distal end of the upper lip (12), - with a first fitting surface (16), arranged at the upper lip (12), - with a second fitting surface (18), arranged at the lower lip, in the area at the bottom of the groove (20), - with a second contact surface (22), arranged at the lower lip (14), in the area at the distal end, - with a third contact surface (24), arranged at the upper end of the second side edge (6) , with a spring (26), formed at the second side edge (6), - with a third fitting surface (28), arranged at the upper side of the spring (26), - with a fourth contact surface (32), arranged at a distance from the distal the end of the underside of the spring (26), in that in the connected state of two panels, the first contact surface (8) and the third contact surface (24), the second contact surface (22) and the fourth contact surface (32), the first mating surface (16) lie along two complementary side edges (4, 6) ) and the third fitting surface (28) as well as the second fitting surface (18) and the fourth fitting surface (30) paired against each other, - the second fitting surface (18) and the fourth fitting surface (30) in cross section have a circular segment-shaped contour, in that the center point (Mi) of the circle lies in the area of the upper section of the side edges (4, 6) and the circle has a radius (ri) from the center point (Mi), characterized in that the second contact surface (22) and the fourth contact surface (32) have a distance (a) from the center point (Mi) which is greater than the radius (ri), and that the distance (a) from the center point (Mi) increases in the direction towards the distal end of the lower lip (14). 2. Panel according to claim 1, characterized in that the center point (Mi) corresponds to the upper corner of the side edges (4, 6). 3. Panel according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the second contact surface (22) and the fourth contact surface (32) have a curved contour in cross section and at least section wise. 4. Panel according to claim 3, characterized in that the second abutment surface (22) and the fourth abutment surface (32) in cross-section and at least in sections have a circular segment-shaped contour. 5. Panel according to claim 4, characterized in that the center point (M2) of the circle is arranged at a distance (b) from the first center point (Mi), in the direction towards the distal end of the lower lip (14). 6. Panel according to claim 5, characterized in that the center of the circle (M2) is arranged in the area of the upper side (36). 7. Panel according to claim 5, characterized in that the center of the circle (M2) is arranged at a distance from the upper side (36). 8. Panel according to one of claims 4 to 7, characterized in that the radius (r2) of the contour of the second contact surface (22) and the fourth contact surface (32) is greater than the radius (rx) or equal to the radius (ri). 9. Panel according to one of claims 4 to 7, characterized in that the radius (r2) of the second contact surface (22) fourth contact surface (32) contour is smaller than the radius (ri). 10. Panel according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the second contact surface (22) and the fourth contact surface (32) in cross-section and at least in sections have a rectilinear contour. 11. Panel according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the second abutment surface (22) and the fourth abutment surface (32) in cross-section have a rectilinear and in the direction of the lower lip (14) distal end obliquely upwards rising contour. 12. Panel according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that in the area of the first contact surface (8) or the second contact surface (24) a molding (34) is attached. 13. Panel according to claim 12, characterized in that the strip (34) is flush with the upper side (36) of the panel and protrudes slightly from the first contact surface (8) and the second contact surface (24). 14. Panel according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that in the area of the second contact surface (22) and/or in the area of the fourth contact surface (32) an elastic element (38) is arranged, which element protrudes slightly from the other respectively fourth contact surface (22, 32). 15. Panel according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that in the connected state a cavity (40) is formed between the mutually opposite second and fourth fitting surfaces (18, 30) and the mutually opposite second and fourth contact surfaces (22, 32). 16. Panel according to claim 15, characterized in that the manufacturer has provided an adhesive layer (42) in the cavity (40).