CN101680230B

CN101680230B - Mechanical locking of floor panels with vertical folding

Info

Publication number: CN101680230B
Application number: CN200780049875.9A
Authority: CN
Inventors: D·佩尔万
Original assignee: Valinge Innovation AB
Current assignee: Valinge Innovation AB
Priority date: 2006-11-15
Filing date: 2007-10-25
Publication date: 2014-03-26
Anticipated expiration: 2027-10-25
Also published as: PL3540146T3; EP3971368A1; ES2401735T3; UA97966C2; RU2009122485A; DK2082103T3; CN103291050A; MX2009005150A; ZA200902959B; BRPI0717182A2; SE0602429L; JP5542443B2; RU2458221C2; BRPI0717182B1; TR201902438T4; PT2082103E; SE532607C2; DE202007019541U1; JP2011503388A; CN101680230A

Abstract

Floor panels (1, 1', 1' ' ) are shown, which are provided with a mechanical locking system on long and short edges (5a, 5b, 4a, 4b) allowing installation with vertical folding and where the long edge (5a, 5b) locking system prevents separation of the short edges (4a, 4b) during the folding action.

Description

The mechanical caging of the floor panel of realizing by vertical folding

Technical field

The present invention relates generally to the floor panel field with mechanical locking system, and this mechanical locking system has makes to install the movable joint tongue that is easy to flexibility.The invention provides new improved locking system and mounting method.

Background technology

Especially but without limitation, the present invention relates to a kind of for thering is the mechanical locking system of the rectangle floor panel of long edge and minor face edge.Should emphasize, long edge and minor face edge are only for simplified characterization.Floor panel can also be square.But the present invention can be applicable to building panel equally conventionally.More particularly, the present invention relates to regulate (angling) operation to make whole four edges edge of panelling lock onto the mechanical locking system on other panellings by single drift angle, this mechanical locking system preferably includes flexible or the joint tongue of partially flexible and/or movable joint tongue and/or flexible bolt, to contribute to the installation of building panel.

This floor panel has been described in WO 2006/043893, the document discloses the floor panel with locking system, this locking system comprises and cooperating with latch recess to carry out the locking member of horizontal lock, and cooperates with tongue groove so that the flex tongue of locking vertically.During the connection of floor panel, flex tongue, at horizontal in-plane bending, makes or only by vertical movement, panelling to be installed by vertical folding (folding)." vertical folding " refers to this connection of three panellings: wherein the first and second panellings are in connection status, and the single drift angle adjustment operation that is called as the new panelling of " folding panelling " is connected to this first and second panelling by two vertical edges of this new panelling simultaneously.This connection occurs when for example the long edge of the first panelling in the first row has been connected to the long edge of the second panelling in the second row.Then new folding panelling regulates by drift angle the long edge that is connected to the first panelling in the first row.The drift angle adjustment operation that also connects this particular type of the minor face edge that newly folds panelling and the second panelling is called as " vertical folding ".When panelling is when subfloor tilts at a certain angle, as scissors, minor face edge is folded together gradually, and is locked into another marginal portion from a marginal portion.Also can only by the vertical movement with respect to another panelling, reduce whole panelling, to connect two panellings.The locking of this particular type is called as " vertically ".The first row in the floor system that is designed to lock by vertical folding often connects by vertically, and one of them minor face edge is by towards another short edge-perpendicular to pressing down.Other row connects by vertical folding.Also can whole floor be installed by utilizing vertically to connect a line.Then whole row is regulated and is connected to previous mounted row by drift angle.

In WO2003/016654, further described similar floor panel, the document discloses the locking system that comprises the joint tongue with flexible tabs.This joint tongue extends substantially in vertical direction and is crooked, and the end of this lug cooperates for vertically with tongue groove.

When the flexible portion horizontal movement of the drift angle conditioning period flex tongue at long edge or joint tongue, this vertically and vertical folding produce separating pressure on minor face edge.Present inventor has analyzed several floor panels, and finds to exist minor face edge during installation mutually to be pushed away and produce the grave danger in gap between the marginal portion of minor face edge.This gap may hinder further installation, and floor panel can not connect.Also the locking system of possibility Dui Duan edge causes serious harm.Towards minor face edge, laterally promote floor board block during installation and can prevent gap.But this mounting method is complicated and be difficult to use, this is because as described below, in the time of in conjunction with the downward deviation at long edge, three operate necessary in conjunction with and use.

A) must make the edge of new floor panel contact with the first floor panel being laid on floor, and the long edge of new panelling must be pushed forward in angled position towards the first panelling;

B) must make new panelling be extruded and the position lateral displacement of the deviation that makes progress, and be laterally pressed against on the minor face edge that is laid on the second panelling on floor, to offset the back pressure of joint tongue;

C) must make new panelling finally downwards towards floor deviation, and must keep forward direction and lateral pressure during the adjustment operation of drift angle.

Inventor finds; when panelling has little thickness and have little compact locking system on long edge; or when panelling core comprises that the material with smooth surface for example during high density fiberboard (HDF), usually separation and installation question can occur.This problem also may occur in short-term at panelling, or relevant with the installation of first or last panelling in every a line, this be because this installation conventionally with being cut into smaller length so that floor is suitable for the panelling of wall locations realizes.The separation problem having in the panelling of any type of locking system of firm flex tongue in use is certainly extremely difficult, and during vertical folding, this firm flex tongue produces the separating pressure of basic horizontal.This firm joint tongue is extremely important in the high-quality connected vertically many application of needs, and by known mounting method, the panelling with this flex tongue to be installed be very difficult.

Summary of the invention

The present invention is intended to solve the separation problem in the floor of installing by vertical folding or vertically.

the definition of some terms

Hereinafter, the visible surface of mounted floor panel is called as " front ", and the opposite flank of facing the floor panel of subfloor is called as " back side ".Edge between front and back is called as " trip edge "." horizontal plane " refers to the plane of the exterior section extension that is parallel to surface course.The tight juxtaposed top part at two adjacent bond edges of the floor panel of two joints defines " vertical plane " perpendicular to this horizontal plane jointly.

" joint " or " locking system " refers to coefficient linkage, and it vertically and/or flatly connects floor panel." mechanical locking system " refers to and can in the situation that not using bonding adhesive, realize joint.Mechanical locking system also can combine with gluing in many cases." be integral " to refer to panelling and form en bloc or be connected to panelling in factory.

" flex tongue " refers to so independent joint tongue: this joint tongue has the length direction along trip edge, forms a part for vertically system, and horizontal movement at least in part between lockup period.Whole joint tongue is for example flexible, or it can have and can bend to locked position or can be crooked and flexibility and the resilience part of the initial position that rebounds go back to.

" drift angle adjusting " refers to the connection occurring by rotation, during this rotates, between two parts that connect or depart from connection, Angulation changes occurs.When drift angle adjusting relates to the connection of two floor panels, angular movement is carried out like this: during at least a portion of angular movement, the top part of trip edge is in contact with one another at least in part.

" drift angle adjusting locking system " refers to and can regulate vertically and the mechanical locking system being flatly connected by drift angle, this system is included in joint tongue and the groove that locks two neighboring edges in vertical direction, and the bolt with locking member in an edge of panelling that is called as " bolt panelling ", this locking member cooperates with the latch recess being called as on another edge of panelling of " groove panelling ", and lock-in edge in the horizontal direction.Locking member and latch recess have the guide surface that locking member is guided to the roughly sphering in latch recess, and the locking surface that locks and prevent occurred level separation between edge.

When " established angle " refers to a panelling in two panellings of the starting stage of regulate installing in drift angle in deviation position upwards and is pressed against in the top edge that is laid in another panelling on subfloor by its top edge, normally used angle between these two panellings.Established angle is typically about 25 degree, and in this position, only has two contact points between bolt panelling and groove panelling.Between connector, may exist therein in the very special situation of two above contact points, established angle is higher than 25 degree.

" 3 contact angles " refers at drift angle conditioning period when there is at least three contact points between the part of locking system, the angle between two floor panels.

" contact angle " refer to when the minor face edge of a panelling with will horizontal movement and the vertically of Duan edge in the part of the flex tongue that works while occurring initially contact, fold the angle of panelling.

" guide angle " refers at drift angle conditioning period the locking member on the bolt and/or the guide surface of latch recess is in contact with one another, or while contacting with the top part of locking member or the bottom part of latch recess respectively, the angle between two floor panels.Guide surface part normally sphering or that cut sth. askew, pushes the top edge of panelling toward each other in this part of drift angle conditioning period, and contributes to locking member to insert latch recess.Most of locking system of market sale has the guide angle of about 5 degree.

When " lock angle " refers to terminal stage at the drift angle adjustment operation locking surface working in locking member and latch recess initial being in contact with one another occurs, the angle between two floor panels.Most of locking system has about 3 degree or less lock angle.

" angle of friction " refers to when owing to regulating plural contact point in locking system to work in drift angle, this truely makes the angle when the drift angle conditioning period from established angle significantly increases and hinder the displacement at long edge, edge along the frictional force at long edge.

The pressure that " joint tongue pressure " refers to when the unit of joint tongue during in precalculated position is N." maximum joint tongue pressure " refers to the pressure when the joint tongue during in interior location at joint tongue during vertical folding, and " joint tongue pretension " refers to the pressure of the joint tongue in latched position when joint tongue is pressed against in the part of tongue groove.

Summary of the invention

The one group of floor panel or the floating floor that the present invention relates to have mechanical locking system, this mechanical locking system will improve the installation of the floor panel of installing by vertical folding, and by obstruction or prevent short during installation edge separation.

The present invention is based on the first basic comprehension, that is, this separation problem is main relevant with the locking system that is positioned at long edge.When floor panel is during relative to each other in initial angled position, for regulate all known locking system of locking panelling to be very easy to along joint displacement by drift angle.When floor panel is during almost in latched position, frictional force significantly increases under little angle.This means that during the starting stage of vertical folding, the frictional force between long edge is not enough to prevent short edge dislocation when angle is high and when a part for flex tongue must be pushed by level to allow to carry out vertical folding.In most of locking systems, frictional force between long edge increases under little angle, but this is a defect, because minor face edge may be separated, and the locking system on minor face edge can not overcome the frictional force when low-angle and minor face edge is moved to together.Because panelling during installation must be angled and by lateral compression, therefore this separation makes to install more complicated, and has the impaired grave danger of locking system on minor face edge.

Main purpose of the present invention is, in contrast to the prior art, by the frictional force increasing between long edge before the final latched position during in angled position and at them at long edge, solves the separation problem between minor face edge.The frictional force of the increase between long edge can hinder or even prevent during vertical folding when flex tongue extruding floor panel make it mutually away from time the displacement of the joint along long edge, and it can hinder or prevent even completely the separation of the minor face edge between this installation period.

The present invention is based on the second and understand, that is, the compound action of long edge locked system and minor face edge locking system is necessary in the floor that is designed to install by vertical folding.Long edge locked system and minor face edge locking system should fit each other, to provide simple, be easy to and install reliably.

According to the different aspect that attendant advantages is provided, the invention provides the new embodiment of the locking system that is positioned at long edge and minor face edge.Available area of the present invention is for example floor panel of laminate of any shape and material; The panelling especially with the surfacing that comprises thermosetting resin, timber, HDF, facing or stone material.

According to First Principle, the present invention includes the floor panel at the long edge with locking system, when panelling connects by vertical folding, this locking system hinders the displacement along joint under the large angle of the angle of using than current known technology.

According to First Principle embodiment, the invention provides one group of essentially identical floor panel, described in each, floor panel comprises long edge and minor face edge, and has and described floor panel all-in-one-piece the first and second connectors.Connector structure becomes to connect adjacent edge.The first connector is included in the bolt with the directed locking member that makes progress of the edge of a floor panel, the latch recess under shed with neighboring edge place at another floor panel, for flatly connecting adjacent edge in the direction perpendicular to neighboring edge, the second connector comprise be positioned at a floor panel edge perpendicular to the horizontally extending joint tongue in this edge, with the tongue groove of horizontal opening in the neighboring edge of another floor panel, for connecting in vertical direction adjacent edge.The connector structure that is positioned at long edge becomes by drift angle, to regulate lockedly, and the connector structure that is positioned at short edge becomes to pass through vertical folding locked.The long edge configuration of the new panelling in the second row becomes to regulate by drift angle the long edge that is connected to the first panelling in the first row.The minor face edge of the new panelling in the second row is configured to be realized and being connected by identical angular movement with the minor face edge of the second panelling.When new panelling is pressed against the top edge of the first panelling with the angles with respect to principal plane one-tenth at least 10 degree by top edge, the connector at long edge has at least three separated contact points or contact surface between the adjacent part of connector.

Owing to thering is so long edge according to the floor panel of First Principle of the present invention,, this long edge has three contact points at the deflection angle place of 10 degree, therefore very large frictional force will be produced between long edge, and this frictional force is by the displacement of the minor face edge that hinders or prevent from causing due to the joint tongue pressure during vertical folding.Advantage is on minor face edge, to form and to locate flex tongue, and wherein initial contact point is near long edge, and for example, in the distance of the about 15mm in distance edge, this makes on the very big-length of minor face edge, to carry out vertically.

If 3 contact angles are greater than 10 degree, preferably 15 degree or higher, can obtain improved installation function in certain embodiments.In other embodiments, need to be greater than 18 degree or even be greater than 20 and spend to realize and be easy to install.

According to the second principle of the present invention, the position of the preferred flex tongue of Duan edge and shape and the locking system on long edge make when panelling is from the downward deviation of established angle during to contact angle, when flex tongue is due to vertical folding operation and when adjacent minor face edge occurs initially to contact, and when the adjusting of further drift angle causes first flexible edge's horizontal movement of flex tongue and produces the horizontal separation pressure of minor face edge, the frictional force at long edge, edge will increase.

According to this second principle embodiment, the invention provides one group of essentially identical floor panel, described in each, floor panel comprises long edge and minor face edge, and has and described floor panel all-in-one-piece the first and second connectors.Connector structure becomes to connect adjacent edge.The first connector is included in the bolt with the directed locking member that makes progress of the edge of a floor panel, the latch recess under shed with neighboring edge place at another floor panel, for flatly connecting adjacent edge in the direction perpendicular to neighboring edge, the second connector comprise be positioned at a floor panel edge perpendicular to the horizontally extending joint tongue in this edge, with the tongue groove of horizontal opening in the neighboring edge of another floor panel, for connecting in vertical direction adjacent edge.The connector structure that is positioned at long edge becomes by drift angle, to regulate lockedly, and the connector structure that is positioned at short edge becomes to pass through vertical folding locked.The long edge configuration of the new panelling in the second row becomes to regulate by drift angle the long edge that is connected to the first panelling in the first row.The minor face edge of the new panelling in the second row is configured to be realized and being connected by identical angular movement with the minor face edge of the second panelling.The joint tongue being positioned on minor face edge is made by independent material, is connected to connecting groove, and has flexible portion, and this flexible portion has the edge section at the long edge that approaches the first panelling most.This edge section is configured to horizontal movement during folding, and cooperates in vertical direction floor panel is locked together with the tongue groove in adjacent short sides edge.The first and second connector structures that are positioned on long edge become: when using identical pressure and making panelling mutually press in the situation that upper joint edges contacts, the frictional force along long edge under established angle is less than the described frictional force under contact angle.Established angle is 25 degree, and contact angle is corresponding to the initial smaller angle contacting between edge section and adjacent short sides edge.

The frictional force of the increase between the long edge under contact angle can obtain by plurality of optional mode, for example, by increasing the pressure between contact point, and/or by increasing between the first and second connectors the size at the contact surface at contact point place, and/or by contact point is increased to 3 or be increased to 4 from 3 from 2.

According to the 3rd principle of the present invention, the locking system on long edge has rubbing device, thereby while only there is two contact points between the connector on long edge, in angled position, the frictional force at long edge, edge will be higher.

According to this 3rd principle embodiment, the invention provides one group of essentially identical floor panel, described in each, floor panel comprises long edge and minor face edge, and has and described floor panel all-in-one-piece the first and second connectors.Connector structure becomes to connect adjacent edge.The first connector is included in the bolt with the directed locking member that makes progress of the edge of a floor panel, the latch recess under shed with neighboring edge place at another floor panel, for flatly connecting adjacent edge in the direction perpendicular to neighboring edge, the second connector comprise be positioned at a floor panel edge perpendicular to the horizontally extending joint tongue in this edge, with the tongue groove of horizontal opening in the neighboring edge of another floor panel, for connecting in vertical direction adjacent edge.The connector structure that is positioned at long edge becomes by drift angle, to regulate lockedly, and the connector structure that is positioned at short edge becomes to pass through vertical folding locked.The long edge configuration of the new panelling in the second row becomes to regulate by drift angle the long edge that is connected to the first panelling in the first row.The minor face edge of the new panelling in the second row is configured to be realized and being connected by identical angular movement with the minor face edge of the second panelling.The joint tongue being positioned on minor face edge is made by independent material, be connected to connecting groove, and have flexible portion, this flexible portion is configured to horizontal movement during folding, and cooperates in vertical direction floor panel is locked together with the tongue groove in adjacent short sides edge.The first and second connectors on long edge comprise rubbing device, and this rubbing device is configured to when panelling is in the angle only between the first and second connectors with two contact points, increase the frictional force along long edge.

When there is three or more contact points in locking system, rubbing device can work or be inoperative under smaller angle

The 3rd principle provides following advantage,, even under wide-angle, for example, under established angle, frictional force along long edge also can be higher, and this principle can be used in conjunction with such mounting method, wherein, as shown in Fig. 4 b and 4c, the displacement at the Bei Chang edge, edge of flex tongue compression during the starting stage of vertical folding.Rubbing device will prevent or hinder during vertical folding along the displacement at long edge and the separation of minor face edge.

This rubbing device can be included in the part of locking system, the parts that the machinery that for example the use rotary cutter on joint tongue and/or on bolt or pressure wheel form forms, for example little lug boss.They also can comprise and being applied in locking system to increase along chemicals or the granule of the frictional force at long edge.

According to the 4th principle of the present invention, the floor system on long edge and minor face edge with locking system is provided, wherein can lock floor panel by vertical folding, and the position of the preferred flex tongue on minor face edge, shape and material behavior combine with long edge locked system, this length edge locked system comprises connector, this connector makes a floor panel that is cut into 20cm length to be connected to another floor panel in same a line by vertical folding, and the friction between long edge will prevent short edge separation.

According to this 4th principle embodiment, the invention provides one group of essentially identical floor panel, described in each, floor panel comprises long edge and minor face edge, and has and described floor panel all-in-one-piece the first and second connectors.Connector structure becomes to connect adjacent edge.The first connector is included in the bolt with the directed locking member that makes progress of the edge of a floor panel, the latch recess under shed with neighboring edge place at another floor panel, for flatly connecting adjacent edge in the direction perpendicular to neighboring edge, the second connector comprise be positioned at a floor panel edge perpendicular to the horizontally extending joint tongue in this edge, with the tongue groove of horizontal opening in the neighboring edge of another floor panel, for connecting in vertical direction adjacent edge.The connector structure that is positioned at long edge becomes by drift angle, to regulate lockedly, and the connector structure that is positioned at short edge becomes to pass through vertical folding locked.The long edge configuration of the new panelling in the second row becomes to regulate by drift angle the long edge that is connected to the first panelling in the first row.The minor face edge of the new panelling in the second row is configured to be realized and being connected by identical angular movement with the minor face edge of the second panelling.The joint tongue being positioned on minor face edge is made by independent material, be connected to connecting groove, and have flexible portion, this flexible portion is configured to horizontal movement during folding, and cooperates in vertical direction floor panel is locked together with the tongue groove in adjacent short sides edge.Long edge becomes with the connector structure on minor face edge: when described panelling is in the contact position under established angle and during vertical folding, the second panelling and new panelling can not be subjected to displacement away from another panelling, and one of wherein said panelling is cut into the length of about 20cm.

The 4th principle has the following advantages: even when panelling is cut into fritter and is arranged in a line as the first panelling or last panelling, the separation of minor face edge can install and can not occur with high accuracy to the floor panel with this locking system also.Approximately the separation of 0.01mm is for throwing into question and undesirable gap is enough, and this gap visible or moisture in floor surface can infiltrate joint at this place.

The second target of the present invention is to provide a kind of mounting method that connects floor panel by vertical folding.This panelling has the drift angle being positioned on long edge and regulates locking system and be positioned at the vertical folding system on minor face edge, for vertically and flatly locking panelling, wherein the first panelling and the second panelling are laid on subfloor in the interconnective situation in long edge, it is characterized in that, the method comprises the following steps:

A) the long edge of angled new panelling and the top part at the long edge of the first panelling are contacted;

B) make the short EDGE CONTACT of minor face edge and second panelling of new panelling, thereby by the locking system on long edge and/or minor face edge, new panelling is remained on to this position;

The short edge section of c) pressing new panelling towards subfloor downwards, thus by vertical folding, the first panelling, the second panelling and the 3rd panelling are interconnected.

This mounting method makes it possible to for example by the top part of locking member and the bottom part of latch recess, floor panel be remained on to the upwards position of deviation.This will contribute to install, because setter can be by the position of hand from making the position of panelling in established angle change to the position that is suitable for pressing towards subfloor the short edge section of this panelling downwards.Its advantage is, by top edge be pressed together at a certain angle, lateral press panelling can be avoided with the combination operation of avoiding short edge separation and panelling is folded on floor downwards, and by three separated and independently operation substitute.

The 3rd target of the present invention is to provide and can be used on long edge and/or minor face edge and be especially designed to reduce the new locking system of separation problem or the combination of locking system.These locking systems certainly can be separately for connecting floor board block or the building panel of any type on minor face edge and/or long edge.

According to the first aspect of this 3rd target, a kind of flex tongue is provided, described flex tongue comprises two flexible portions,, be arranged in displacement groove interior section inner flexible part and be positioned at the outside flexible portion at the exterior section place of displacement groove, this outside flexible portion is locked in the tongue groove of neighboring edge of another panelling.Interior section preferably has more flexibility than exterior section, and preferably can carry out displacement greatly than the exterior section with higher rigidity of vertically panelling.The invention enables and intensity can be combined with low resistance to displacement.

According to the second aspect of this 3rd target, the minor face edge locking system with preferably flexible joint tongue with can regulate the compact tongue lock system locking to combine by drift angle.This locking system is cost-effective, and geometry is favourable, and can be used for designing at drift angle conditioning period the locking system along the very large frictional force of long edge generation.The alternative long edge locked system with outstanding bolt in above-mentioned all principles and method of this tongue lock.The first connector that this embodiment of the present invention has an edge that is positioned at a floor panel be positioned at another floor panel neighboring edge place the second connector for flatly be vertically connected neighboring edge, this first connector comprises joint tongue, on the top of this joint tongue, part has the directed locking member that makes progress, and this second connector comprises and is arranged in the latch recess to downward-extension that side is cut tongue groove.In this embodiment, the connector at long edge is even configured to regulate locking by drift angle, at the connector structure of minor face edge, becomes to lock by vertical folding.As example, can point out, according to First Principle, when new panelling presses the top edge of the first panelling with the angles with respect to principal plane one-tenth at least 10 degree by top edge, the connector at long edge has at least three separated contact points or contact surface between the adjacent part of connector.

According to the third aspect of this 3rd target, provide and there is the preferably minor face edge locking system of flex tongue, this locking system hinders or prevents long edge dislocation during vertical folding.As mentioned before, this locking system is included in the bolt with locking member in bolt panelling and independent flex tongue, and tongue groove and latch recess in folding panelling.The locking surface of latch recess is vertical substantially, is parallel to vertical plane VP, and preferably has the height of 0.1 times that is at least ground plate thickness.This locking system is preferably designed so that: when not contacting between folding panelling and flex tongue, under lock angle, locking member contacts by the top part of its locking surface and the bottom part of the locking surface of latch recess.When joint tongue is when further drift angle conditioning period contacts with folding panelling, substantially vertical locking surface will prevent separation.In a preferred embodiment, a part for locking surface is arranged on protuberance and cavity.

Clearly, two or more in principle mentioned above even all can be in conjunction with, and whole embodiment of the locking system of describing in the application ground capable of being combined or use individually, to connect long edge and/or minor face edge.Accompanying drawing is only for showing the example of different embodiment, the combination that these examples can be different will interconnective identical panelling type or the long edge of different panelling types and minor face edge on use.The long edge of panelling and/or all locking systems on minor face edge can form with core, or they can comprise independent material, for example independent joint tongue and/or bolt, and it can combine with floor panel or be connected during installation.Even latch recess and/or tongue groove can be made by independent material.This means that the present invention also comprises the monolithic locking system being positioned on minor face edge, wherein for example joint tongue and/or bolt and/or locking member are flexible to the part of this locking system, and preferably include for example HDF of material based on wood fiber, suppose that this locking system produces separating force between lockup period, it can lock by vertical folding.Independent material based on wood fiber also can for example be fixedly attached to panel edge by bonding, and the mode that this material can be identical by the integrated system with above-mentioned is machined into locking system.

The present invention can be used for all types of floors.But, the present invention is particularly suitable for wherein along the short panelling of the low for example 40-120cm of the frictional force at long edge, wherein flex tongue width long and that will produce large joint tongue pressure surpasses the wide panelling of 20cm, and wherein in locking system due to the surface of very smooth and low friction cause frictional force low such as the panelling with the core that HDF, close bed pressing plate or plastic material etc. make.It is 6-9mm that the present invention also can be used for thickness for example, more preferably 8mm and thinner thin panelling, especially can be used for such panelling: this panelling has compact locking system on long edge, for example have the bolt that is shorter than 6mm, this is because this floor panel and this locking system will have the little contact surface that frictional force is low.

By realizing a plurality of advantages according to the floor system of the one or more structures in above-mentioned principle.The first advantage is to realize installation by simple mode, does not need during installation to apply lateral pressure to prevent that floor board block is separated at minor face edge place.The second advantage is possible cause the danger of the edge separation that locking system breaks during folding obviously to reduce.The 3rd advantage is that locking system can form and has the firmer joint tongue that has more rigidity, and the intensity that this joint tongue can be higher and very large joint tongue pretension carry out vertically panelling.During vertical folding, this joint tongue with very large maximum joint tongue pressure and pretension will produce high separating force in latched position.The 4th advantage is that flex tongue can be near location, long edge, although and this flex tongue by the contact angle place generation separating pressure higher, still can obtain reliable lock function.

Can to initial contact friction force and installation frictional force, measure according to following principle.When should contacting with minor face edge for the first time in the first edge section of the flex tongue working in vertically during the starting stage of vertical folding operation, measures the contact angle of new floor board block and the first floor board block.Contact friction force along the long edge of 200mm sample should be measured when the conventional setting pressure that uses 10N press panelling mutually under this contact angle.Frictional force is installed should be measured according to same procedure under the established angle of 25 degree.Contact friction force should be than setting pressure height at least about 50%.

The rubbing device that comprises frame for movement such as protuberance, napping fiber, scraping edge etc. in locking system is easy to detect.Chemicals is relatively difficult to detect.

If unclear, with frame for movement, chemicals, dipping, coating, independent material etc., be increased in the frictional force between the floor panel under established angle, should measure by another kind of method the frictional force of the increase causing due to rubbing device.Have with the new locking system of the essentially identical design of primary sample and should be produced by identical original floor panel and core material.Frictional force should be measured under identical established angle and pressure, and the frictional force between two samples, between primary sample and fresh sample should compare.Certainly, this method of testing supposes that whole core does not comprise the material that increases frictional force.

A large amount of floor panels based on HDF of selling on market are tested, and result shows, the sample with the long edge of 200mm that the pressure that uses 10N is pressed against on another long edge with the angle of 25 degree has about 10N or lower frictional force conventionally.This frictional force is too low to such an extent as to can not prevent short edge dislocation during vertical folding.Rubbing device can significantly increase frictional force.

Contact angle is defined as: the angle of the new panelling when an edge initially contacts with a part for the flex tongue of will displacement and working in vertical folding.For example, in the edge of joint tongue, can have protuberance, during vertical folding, this protuberance can not cause any larger horizontal pressure force.This protuberance and similar device should not be counted as a part for flex tongue.

Unless otherwise expressly noted, otherwise all should be by open at least one example that is interpreted as referring to described element, structure, parts, device, step etc. to all descriptions of "// should [element, structure, parts, device, step etc.] ".

Accompanying drawing explanation

Fig. 1 a-d illustrates the locking system of prior art.

Fig. 2 a-b illustrates the flex tongue of the prior art during lock operation.

Fig. 3 a-b is illustrated in the floor panel on minor face edge with the mechanical locking system of prior art.

Fig. 4 a-d illustrates according to prior art and how by vertical folding, locks the minor face edge of two floor panels.

Fig. 5 a-e illustrates the embodiment of the minor face edge locking system that can be combined with the present invention.

Fig. 6 a-c illustrates according to the movable joint tongue in embodiments of the invention.

Fig. 7 a-d illustrates the separated 3D view between the panelling during vertical folding.

Fig. 8 a-d illustrates the separating pressure of the joint tongue on the minor face edge between installation period.

Fig. 9 a-o illustrates the locking system of a large amount of uses on market, and carries out the contact point between the surface in this system in various angles between installation period regulating by drift angle.

Figure 10 a-c illustrates according to the embodiment of the long edge locked system of the angle of friction with 10 degree of the present invention.

Figure 11 a-c illustrates according to the embodiment of the long edge locked system of the angle of friction with 15 degree of the present invention.

Figure 12 a-c illustrates the position of long according to an embodiment of the invention edge and minor face edge locking system and flex tongue.

Figure 13 a-d illustrates the embodiment of the panelling position in contact angle.

Figure 14 a-d illustrates the position of relevant with long edge according to an embodiment of the invention flex tongue.

Figure 15 a-c illustrates the embodiment that has rubbing device according to of the present invention.

Figure 16 a-d illustrates the method for the frictional force of measuring according to an embodiment of the invention all angles place.

Figure 17 a-c illustrates the optional embodiment that has three contact points according to of the present invention.

Figure 18 a-c illustrates other the optional embodiment that has three contact points according to of the present invention.

Figure 19 a-c illustrates other the optional embodiment that has two and three contact points of the friction of producing according to of the present invention.

Figure 20 a-c illustrates the optional embodiment that has four contact points of the angle in 20 degree according to of the present invention.

Figure 21 a-d illustrates the flex tongue with two flexible portions.

Figure 22 a-c illustrates the installation that has the panelling of flex tongue according to of the present invention.

Figure 23 a-b illustrates tongue lock fixed system.

Figure 24 a-e illustrates the locking system can be used in the present invention.

Figure 25 a-c illustrates the method for measuring contact point.

Figure 26 a-d illustrates the embodiments of the invention with vertically surface.

Figure 27 a-c illustrates the locking system being positioned on long edge and minor face edge according to of the present invention.

The specific embodiment

Fig. 1-6 and associated description have below illustrated the embodiment having announced, and for explaining cardinal principle of the present invention, and the example that can be used for the embodiment in the present invention is shown.Shown embodiment is only example.Should emphasize, all types of flex tongue and the single-piece joint tongue that can in can carrying out the locking system of vertical folding and/or vertically, use can be used, and this description can form a part of the present invention by applying portion.

The floor panel 1,1 ' of the prior art with mechanical locking system and movable joint tongue is described with reference to Fig. 1 a-1d.

The cross section of the joint between the minor face edge trip edge 4a of the schematically illustrated panelling 1 of Fig. 1 a and the relative short edge edge trip edge 4b of the second panelling 1 '.

The front of panelling is positioned in public horizontal plane HP substantially, and the top part 21,41 of

trip edge

4a, 4b is mutually abutted against in vertical plane VP.Mechanical locking system is realized the mutual locking of floor panel in the vertical direction on D1 and horizontal direction D2.

For two trip edges are engaged in D1 and D2 direction, the edge of floor panel has the bolt 6 with locking member 8 being below called as on a trip edge of " bolt panelling " in a manner known way, this locking member 8 cooperates with the latch recess 14 being below called as in another trip edge of " folding panelling ", and horizontal lock is provided.

The mechanical locking system of prior art comprises independent flex tongue 30, and this joint tongue 30 is fixed therein in the displacement groove 40 forming in a trip edge.Flex tongue 30 has the concave part P1 that is arranged in displacement groove 40, and is projected into the protuberance P2 of displacement groove 40 outsides.The protuberance P2 of the flex tongue 30 in a trip edge cooperates with the tongue groove 20 forming in another trip edge therein.

Flex tongue 30 has protuberance P2, and this protuberance P2 has exterior section 31 and the slidingsurface 32 of sphering, and this slidingsurface 32 forms inclined plane shape in this embodiment.Flex tongue 30 has top joint tongue displacement surface 33 and bottom joint tongue displacement surface 35 and interior section 34.

Displacement groove 40 has in this embodiment by the upper opening 42 of sphering and lower openings 46, bottom 44, preferably upper grooves displacement surface 43 and the lower recess displacement surface 45 substantially parallel with horizontal plane HP.

Tongue groove 20 has joint tongue locking surface 22, and it cooperates with flex tongue 30 and on D1, locks trip edge in the vertical direction.Folding panelling 1 ' has vertically surface 24, and this surface 24 more approaches the back side 62 than tongue groove 20.Vertically surface 24 cooperates with bolt 6, and along another vertical direction locking trip edge.In this embodiment, folding panelling has slidingsurface 23, and this slidingsurface 23 cooperates with the slidingsurface 32 of flex tongue 30 between lockup period.

Flex tongue can be wedge shape, and can be locked in tongue groove by pretension, and this pretension will fold panelling 1 ' and be pressed against on bolt panelling.This embodiment will realize very firmly high-quality joint.

Fig. 3 a illustrate from above, see according to the cross section A-A of the panelling of Fig. 3 b.Flex tongue 30 has the length L along trip edge, is parallel to horizontal plane and perpendicular to the width W of length L, and the thickness T of D1 vertically.The summation of maximum concave part P1 and maximum protuberance P2 is overall width TW.In this embodiment, flex tongue also has centre portion MS and two the edge section ESs adjacent with this centre portion.In this embodiment, the size of protuberance P2 and concave part P1 changes along length L, and joint tongue and two

turning section

9a and 9b spaced apart.Flex tongue 30 has frictional connection portion 36 in an edge section therein, and this frictional connection portion 36 can for example be configured as local little vertical protrusion.During installation, or when production, packing and the In transit of flex tongue in the situation that factory and floor panel are combined into one, this frictional connection portion remains on flex tongue in displacement groove 40.

Fig. 2 a and 2b are illustrated in and towards the bottom 44 of displacement groove 40, carry out the first displacement position of flex tongue 30 afterwards.This displacement is mainly to cause by being parallel to the crooked flex tongue 30 of width W on the length direction L in flex tongue 30.This feature is that the prior art institute is requisite.The embodiment of market sale has the maximum joint tongue pressure of about 20N.

Folding panelling can be departed from connection by means of needle tool, and this needle tool can be inserted tongue groove 20 from turning section 9b, and flex tongue is pushed back in displacement groove 40.Then, when bolt panelling is still positioned on subfloor, can make the folding panelling deviation that makes progress.Certainly, also can panelling be departed from by traditional approach connects.

Fig. 4 a illustrates an embodiment of vertical folding.The first panelling 1 in the first row R1 " be connected to the second panelling 1 in the second row R2.New panelling 1 ' with the conventional established angle of about 25-30 degree by its long edge 5a towards the first panelling 1 " long edge 5b move, be pressed against on neighboring edge, and utilize drift angle adjusting by its long edge 5a, to be connected to the long edge 5b of the first panelling.This drift angle adjustment operation is also connected to the minor face edge 4b of new panelling 1 ' the minor face edge 4a of the second panelling 1.Vertical and rotational motion by the combination along vertical plane VP, will fold panelling 1 ' and be locked on bolt panelling 1.Protuberance P2 has folded part P2 ' sphering and/or angled, and during folding, this folded part P2 ' cooperates mutually with the slidingsurface 23 of folding panelling 1 '.The compound action of the slidingsurface 32 of folded part P2 ' and the joint tongue that cooperates with the slidingsurface 23 of folding panelling 1 ' during folding contributes to the first displacement of flex tongue 30.A substantive characteristics of this embodiment is the position with turning section 9a and the isolated protuberance P2 of 9b.This is spaced apart at least 10% of length that trip edge-is in the case visible minor face edge 4a-.

Fig. 4 b-c illustrates embodiment and the optional mounting method of one group of floor panel with movable joint tongue.In this embodiment, the length of joint tongue surpass panelling positive width W S 90%, in other preferred embodiment, the length of joint tongue preferably the width W S from positive 75% in the scope substantially equating with this width W S.Preferably, the overall width that the length of joint tongue is approximately panelling deducts the width of locking system of the neighboring edge of panelling.End that can its outer edges arranges little inclined-plane, but the length of the straight part of the joint tongue at its outer edges place preferably equals the length of joint tongue substantially, or wish to be greater than its 90%.New panelling 1 ' is in angled position, wherein the top part of trip edge and the first panelling 1 in the first row " contact.Minor face edge 4a and 4b are spaced from each other.As seen in Fig 4 b, new panelling 1 ' is then towards the second panelling 1 lateral displacement, until minor face edge 4a contacts substantially with 4b, and a part for flex tongue 15 is pressed in displacement groove 40.New panelling 1 ' is then folded downwards towards the second panelling 1.Because the newly displacement of panelling 1 ' is only expressed to the edge section of flex tongue 30 in displacement groove 40, therefore can in the situation that resistance is less, carry out vertical folding.Can install by thering is straight outer peripheral movable joint tongue.When having the panelling of known arc joint tongue 30 (seeing Fig. 2-4) and be mounted, whole joint tongue must be pressed into displacement groove.During when more known arc joint tongue and according to joint tongue of the present invention, for the joint tongue with identical spring constant (for the per unit length of joint tongue), need less power.Therefore, can use per unit length to there is the joint tongue of taller springs constant and higher bounce, thereby realize the final location more reliably of joint tongue.Utilize this mounting method, the slidingsurface of cutting sth. askew of folding panelling is optional, or can be less, and this is favourable in thin panelling.The defect of the method is, during vertical folding, new panelling must be angled and by lateral compression.All embodiment that Fig. 4 c illustrates joint tongue can be positioned on folding panelling.Certainly, need to carry out some adjustment.

Joint tongue is positioned on bolt panelling normally favourable, this is because part sphering or that cut sth. askew on folding panelling can be used for helping the flexible portion displacement of joint tongue.Defect the embodiment that having shown in Fig. 4 d is positioned at the joint tongue on folding panelling has:, joint tongue must slide against the sharp edges of panel surface.

Joint tongue can consist of plastic material, and can be for example by injection-molded production.Utilize this production method, 3D shape that can the various complexity of low-cost production, and flex tongue can easily interconnect to form joint tongue base substrate.Joint tongue also can be made by plastics that extrude or machining or metal section, and these plastics or metal section can for example further be shaped to form flex tongue by punching press.Except extra production stage, the defect of extruding is to be difficult to for example by fiber, strengthen joint tongue.

Can use the polymeric material of any type, for example PA (nylon), POM, PC, PP, PET or PE or there is the similar item of the characteristic described in different embodiment above.When using when injection-molded, for example can use glass fiber, Kevlar fiber, carbon fiber or talcum or chalk to strengthen these plastic materials.Preferred material is glass fiber, is preferably enhancing PP or the POM of overlength.

Fig. 5 a-5e illustrates the embodiment that can be used for locking the flex tongue 30 of minor face edge according to of the present invention.Fig. 5 a illustrates the independent joint tongue 30 having on the folding panelling of being positioned at of upwardly extending flexible buckle lug.Fig. 5 b illustrates the independent joint tongue 30 on bolt panelling that is positioned at having to the flexible buckle lug of downward-extension.Fig. 5 c illustrates the independent joint tongue that is arranged in the flexible buckle lug of having of displacement groove 40.According to the same principle shown in Fig. 5 a and 5b, buckle lug can extend up or down, and can be positioned on bolt panelling or be positioned on folding panelling.Fig. 5 d illustrates the flex tongue that comprises the protuberance shown in Fig. 6 a, and these protuberances can be arranged in displacement groove 40, or extends to tongue groove 20 from vertical plane.Fig. 5 e illustrates joint tongue 30 and can form with panelling, and can realize locking due to the fiber of planking stuff or the compression of part and/or the bending of bolt 6.

Fig. 6 a-c illustrates the embodiment of the spendable joint tongue 30 according to the present invention.These joint tongues are all configured to insert the groove in floor panel.Fig. 6 a illustrates the flex tongue 30 with flexible protuberance 16.Fig. 6 b illustrates arc joint tongue 30, and Fig. 6 c illustrates the joint tongue 30 with flexible buckle lug 17.

The flex tongue that is similar to the embodiment shown in Fig. 1-4,5d, 6a and 6b for example also can be made by the material based on wood fibre, for example HDF, solid wood or have the veneer of a plurality of layers.Especially, if be designed to be basically parallel to the fiber orientation acquisition flexibility of HDF fiber, can make very firm and flexible joint tongue by HDF.

Fig. 7 a-d divides four steps to show to utilize installation that vertical folding carries out and the problem relevant with this installation.For simplified characterization, an embodiment with the flex tongue 30 being positioned on bolt panelling is shown.As explanation above, joint tongue can be positioned on folding panelling.New panelling 1 ' with established angle by its long edge 5a towards the first panelling 1 " long edge move, until top edge contacts.After this, new panelling is by lateral displacement, until as shown in Figure 7a, and minor face edge 4b and short EDGE CONTACT with the second adjacent panelling in a line.Then, as shown in Figure 7b, new panelling 1 ' is folded to contact angle by downward bias, and now the marginal portion 30 ' of flex tongue 30 initially contacts for the first time with the minor face edge of new panelling 1 '.Further drift angle regulate-for realize best function its should in the situation that contacting between minor face edge, carry out-by the major part of Level Promoting flex tongue little by little, and the flexibility of joint tongue will produce the pressure increasing, and this pressure may be pushed minor face edge 4a and 4b open mutually.As shown in Figure 7 c, will produce undesirable clearance G.In many cases, locking member 8 can not retract the minor face edge of panelling, this be because when the friction of panelling between little angle duration edge very large, and as shown in Fig. 7 d, at access phase, will keep clearance G.This can cause and break or other infringement in locking system.Because moisture can easily infiltrate joint, even therefore the very little residual gap of 0.01-0.1mm also can cause serious problems.

Fig. 8 a-8d is shown specifically the separation problem that flex tongue 30 causes.According to Fig. 8 a, panelling 1,1 ' is in contact angle, and wherein the

slidingsurface

23,32 of folding panelling 1 ' and flex tongue contacts.The flexibility that Fig. 8 b and 8c illustrate joint tongue will produce separating pressure SP, if panelling is mounted person, not press together, and this separating pressure may make panelling 1,1 ' be separated from each other and produce clearance G.Fig. 8 d illustrates the panelling with permanent gap G in latched position.In the case, bolt 6 is bent, and locking member 8 is only partly arranged in latch recess 14.In the worst case, in locking member 8, have crack, and panelling can not Duan edge flatly be locked.

Fig. 9 a-9o is illustrated in by drift angle and regulates into a large amount of three kinds of drift angles of using in line-locked traditional floor and regulate locking systems.Fig. 9 a-c illustrates the floor panel of the established angle A in 25 degree.In this position, between the first and second connectors, only there is two contact point CP3, CP2 or CP3, CP4.At upper joint edges place, always there is top contact point CP3 or contact surface, and have the second bottom contact point or contact surface CP4, CP2 in the part of the bottom of joint tongue or in the inner lower part of joint tongue 10 and the somewhere between latch recess 14.Especially in thering is the floor based on HDF of smooth surface, very low in this position along the displacement frictional force of trip edge.Fig. 9 d-f illustrates further deviation to the angle of 15 degree, and Fig. 9 g-i illustrates the angle of 10 degree.In these positions, still only have two contact points, and frictional force keeps very low.Position when Fig. 9 j-l is illustrated in the angle of 5 degree, this angle is angle of friction in these embodiments.Fig. 9 j and 9k illustrate locking system in lock angle, wherein locking surface 51,52 part contacts.Fig. 9 l illustrates the locking system in guide angle, and wherein guide surface 11,12 contacts.Fig. 9 j illustrates this locking system and has 4 contact points, comprises two top contact point CP3 and the CP1 of the top part that is positioned at upper joint edges and joint tongue, and at the bottom of joint tongue part and two bottom contact point CP2 between locking surface and CP4.Fig. 9 k illustrates two top contact point CP1, CP3 and a bottom contact point CP4.Fig. 9 l is similar to Fig. 9 j, but between guide surface 11,12, has a bottom contact point.Especially, if exist and closely cooperate between contact point or contact surface, if and/or contact surface there is very large size, the displacement frictional force along trip edge will significantly increase in these positions.Pretension is increasing friction force further, even in the floor panel of fritter, the displacement along long edge relevant with vertical folding also may be obstructed, and is in most of the cases completely eliminated.But, this locking system is greater than on the long edge of vertical folding system of 5-8 degree at contact angle be inappropriate, if especially this locking system is produced as, have normal cooperation between connector, this is because this locking system will not stop along the displacement at long edge and the separation of minor face edge.

Figure 10 a illustrates the embodiment according to first object of the present invention.This locking system can preferably be used on the long edge of the vertical folding system with about 10 degree and lower contact angle A.Also can be by this system for thering is the locking system of larger contact angle, this is because this system will prevent the displacement when the downward foldable locking system generation of great majority highest order is moved pressure at 10 degree.Figure 10 a illustrates the position of the panelling 1 ' of the angle in 15 degree when only having two some CP3, CP2 contacts., wherein there is three contact point CP3, CP2, CP4 ' in the angle of friction position of panelling 1 ' in 12 degree.This position is characterised in that, only has a contact point CP2 on joint tongue, and guide surface 11,12 contacts.This is favourable, because joint tongue is pressed in groove at the further drift angle conditioning period guide surface shown in Figure 10 b.Frictional force further increases, and is to be caused by the level contact between the vertical contact between joint tongue 10 and tongue groove 9 and cooperation (CP1, CP2), top edge CP3 and the guide surface 11,12 that forms the second bottom contact point CP4.Ideal position preferably has the embodiment of the contact angle that is equal to or less than this angle of friction and guide angle.This embodiment for example can have friction and the guide angle of about 10 degree, and the contact angle of about 8-9 degree.Locking can realize by very simple mode, and when panelling being located with guide angle, only need on new panelling, apply downward pressure.Figure 10 c illustrates this locking system and is configured between locking surface, to have high angle, and during the terminal stage regulating in drift angle shown in the 1 ' a of position, fiber must be at top CP4 place and compressed at locking surface CP4 place, to can lock.This configuration has been realized a plurality of advantages.Frictional force will increase and separating force during in highest level in high level.As shown in Figure 10 b, floor panel by locked element and latch recess independently or with the minor face edge of folding panelling and the edge section of flex tongue between contact and remain in combination the upwards position of deviation.Frictional force will prevent the minor face edge flex tongue that slips away.To contribute to like this to install, because setter can be by the position of hand from making panelling change into the vertical extrusion operation of Duan edge in established angle.Therefore, the invention provides a kind of vertically system with drift angle, long edge regulating system, this system makes a panelling rest on angled position near another panelling, and wherein upper joint edges contacts.A kind of like this locking system is also provided, and wherein,, when a part for latch recess 14 contacts with locking member 8, there is the pressure increasing in the terminal stage regulating in drift angle between upper joint edges and locking member and/or between joint tongue and groove.

Figure 11 a-11c illustrates identical principle and can be used for forming for example locking system of the higher angle of friction A of 15 degree that has as shown in Figure 11 a.Locking member 8 has been made for higher, and in this preferred embodiment, locking member 8 vertically extends LH from the minimum point of bolt 6, is approximately 0.2 times of floor thickness T.Joint tongue has bottom part 54, and it is basic parallel with horizontal plane HP, and from vertical plane VP preferably along apart from TD extension, this is about 0.1 times of floor thickness T apart from TD.

Below with reference to Figure 12 d-13d, be described in the importance of contact angle and the compound action of long edge and minor face edge during vertical folding and vertically.

Figure 12 a illustrates by the long edge locked system 1 in vertical folding or the blocked mounted floor system of vertically ", 1 ' with minor face

edge locking system

1,1 '.Long edge has can regulate by drift angle the locking system of locking.Minor face edge has can be by the locking system of vertically or vertical folding locking.

Figure 12 b illustrates when new panelling 1 ' moves vertically downward, the position of the slidingsurface 23 of the new panelling 1 ' of seeing towards new panelling 1 ' from the second panelling 1.This locking can be used for for example connecting the first row.Slidingsurface 23 is located in the plane in the bottom part of panelling 1 '.

Figure 12 c illustrates when the first panelling 1 " and the second panelling 1 while being laid on floor, the end 31 of slidingsurface 32, flex tongue and the position of slidingsurface 23.

Figure 12 b and 12c are illustrated in whole panelling vertically downward in mobile vertically, and the position of the flex tongue on the length direction of minor face edge is not important.

Figure 13 a is illustrated in an embodiment of the locking system identical with Figure 12 during vertical folding.In this embodiment, the edge of flex tongue 30 is positioned in apart from the first panelling 1 " long Edge Distance be FD place.Figure 13 b illustrates the vertical folding of turning section CS, and works as the position that new panelling 1 ' approaches the stylish panelling 1 ' of contact angle.Due to the

slidingsurface

23,32 of cutting sth. askew, between folding panelling 1 ' and flex tongue 30, still there is not any contact.It is the contact angle of 10 degree in this embodiment that Figure 13

c illustrates.Slidingsurface

32,23 is overlapped at initial contact point CP5 place.Further drift angle regulates and will between panelling 1,1 ' minor face edge, start to produce the separating pressure increasing gradually, this is that the major part TPC of flex tongue is flatly inwardly pressed into displacement groove by the slidingsurface of folded panelling 1 ' 23 because as shown in Figure 13 d.

Figure 14 a and 14b are illustrated in the position of the flex tongue 30 in two embodiment of the present invention.In these embodiments, flex tongue 30 can be flatly crooked in the longitudinal direction.In Figure 14 a, the edge of flex tongue be positioned at approach long edge 5b, for example, apart from the FD1 place, position of this long about 15mm in edge.In having the laminate flooring of conventional thickness, this locking system will have the contact angle of about 10 degree.If as shown in Figure 14 b, the edge of joint tongue is positioned at the distance FD2 place of long further away from each other edge 5b, and contact angle can be less.In the case, can use the locking system with less contact angle.This embodiment is enough in thick and stable floor panel or narrow floor panel.On thinner floor for example in the lamination and facing floor of 6-8mm, if flex tongue can approach long edge locked minor face edge and cover the very large distance of minor face edge, be favourable.Figure 14 c and 14d illustrate when the first of flex tongue 30 is by horizontal curvature and while being flatly inwardly pressed onto in displacement groove, the flex tongue in basic contact position.Clearly, when the major part of joint tongue during folding operation is bent and during by lateral compression flatly, separating pressure will increase.Long edge locked system is shown for these and previously described embodiment and minor face edge locking system interdepends, and must be mutually adaptive to guarantee simple and reliable lock function.

Figure 15 a-c illustrates rubbing device 53,53 ', and this rubbing device forms the top part of the bolt 6 being positioned on bolt panelling 1 and is positioned at the bottom part of joint tongue or is positioned at the little local crowning portion on groove panelling 1 ' in this embodiment.This protuberance can form on other surface of locking system, and they will prevent the displacement in high angle when for example only there is two contact points shown in Figure 15 a.Rubbing device also can comprise the similar material of applying in the material of any type or for example little grit, rubber, adhesive and the locking system of chemicals.Preferred material is on the one or more surfaces that can be applicable in locking system, for example be applied in joint tongue and/or tongue groove, on bolt, on locking member and/or in latch recess, one of guide surface or both are upper, etc. soft wax, for example microwax or the wax based on paraffin, and they can increase the especially initial friction between HDF surface.In veneer core, different layer and fibre structures can be used to form joint tongue 10 and bolt 6, thereby obtain high frictional force at drift angle conditioning period.Above-mentioned rubbing device is also capable of being combined.Little local crowning portion, rough surface, fibre structure of being directed etc. can be for example combined with wax or chemicals.

Figure 16 a-d illustrates the method for the frictional force between the long edge of measuring floor panel.The pressure F1 that uses 10N is pressed against bolt panelling 1 with angle A by the sample of groove panelling 1 ' with the width W 2 of about 200mm " upper, this bolt panelling 1 " be fixed and there is the width W 1 over 200mm.Pressure F1 is applied on groove panelling 1 ' by the wheel with low-frictional force rotation.Displacement frictional force is defined as: make groove panelling 1 ' along the required maximum, force F2 of joint displacement.Curve Fa in Figure 16 b illustrates the measurement result for the sample of the laminated panel of 8mm, and this laminated panel has surface and the HDF core of the printing paper formation of heat of immersion thermosetting resin.Frictional force should be measured from established angle, and under lower angle, measures gradually.The displacement frictional force of this sample is about 10N at established angle IA place, and is almost identical at the contact angle CA place of 10 degree.Angle of friction FA is about 5 degree in this sample.The displacement frictional force of many locking systems based on HDF of market sale at established angle place is less than 10N.Frictional force can be low to moderate 5N.In this locking system, because angle of friction is less than contact angle, so long edge only limitedly contributes to hinder the displacement of minor face edge during the starting stage of vertical folding.Curve Fb illustrates a kind of specific locking system, wherein due to the geometry of locking system, in the frictional force at established angle place higher than the frictional force at smaller angle place.The present invention is based on following principle: with established angle or wherein the established angle of frictional force in floor level and any other angle between contact angle compare, the frictional force at contact angle place should increase.Preferred embodiment is: the frictional force at contact angle place surpasses 15N, more preferably 20N.Preferred embodiment still has the vertically system of such flex tongue: this flex tongue produces and be greater than 20N, is even greater than the joint tongue pressure of 30N.

On market, there is the locking system that shows very high frictional force at high angle place.Can not utilize the pressure F1 of 10N to make in a usual manner this locking system fold to contact angle or guide angle from established angle downward bias, this pressure F1 is corresponding to the pressure that is applied to during installation the 60N on the floor panel of 120cm, and this locking system is such locking system: wherein drift angle regulates and must combine with very high pressure or the buckle operation in angled position.In vertical folding system, do not use this locking system.According to the present invention, do not get rid of this locking system, but this locking system is not favourable in vertical folding system, this be because use with routine by means of long edge and minor face edge being carried out to drift angle adjusting, minor face edge and long edge being carried out buckle or long edge is carried out drift angle adjusting and the installation that minor face edge carries out buckle compared to the only limitedly improvement installation in some special applications of this locking system.

Figure 16 c illustrates according to more favourable locking system of the present invention, and wherein angle of friction FA is about 15 degree, and contact angle CA is 10 degree.Angle of friction FA is higher than contact angle CA, and compares with established angle IA, and the frictional force between contact angle director CA edge significantly increases.How two samples 1,1 ' that Figure 16 d illustrates the width W 3 with 200mm are mounted, according to the 4th principle of the present invention, suppose that panelling has according to locking system of the present invention, when folding panelling completely vertically and not had towards any lateral pressure of minor face edge while being pressed onto on subfloor, this installation should not cause the separation of minor face edge.Also can test by panelling 1 and a panelling 1 ' that is cut into about 20cm length of a full-size.This locking system with the long edge frictional force that prevents this little floor board block displacement will not only make normal floor panel easily install, but also make near all being cut wall should have the floor panel of size easily to install.

Figure 17 a-c illustrates how locking system in Figure 11 is conditioned to produce frictional force by initial three contact point CP3, CP1 and CP4.Frictional force is mainly to obtain by the pressure between the top part of locking member 8/ latch recess 14 and joint tongue 10/ tongue groove 9.In this embodiment, joint tongue has bottom part 54, and this bottom part 54 is basically parallel to horizontal plane HP, and from vertical plane preferably along extending than the shorter distance TD of Figure 11, this is less than 0.1 times of floor thickness T apart from TD.

Figure 18 a-c illustrates that locking system in Figure 11 also can be conditioned to produce frictional force by initial three other contact point CP3, CP1 and CP2.Frictional force is mainly to obtain by the top part of joint tongue 10/ tongue groove 9 and the pressure between the part of bottom.In this embodiment, joint tongue has bottom part 54, and this bottom part 54 is basically parallel to horizontal plane HP, and preferably along the distance TD identical with Figure 11, extends from vertical plane.But the height LH of locking member is less.Shown rubbing device 53 is for being positioned at the form of the wax in the bottom part of joint tongue 10.Described wax preferably should be very soft, and preferably can be out of shape at drift angle conditioning period.This soft wax is by the initial displacement preventing along joint.This wax can be applicable in all locking systems, and can prevent the surperficial displacement of especially making with respect to HDF.

If Figure 17 and 18 illustrates the size that regulates joint tongue 10, groove 9, bolt 6, locking member 8 and latch recess 14 in concept of the present invention, can obtain a large amount of combinations of angle of friction and friction point.

Figure 19 a illustrates an embodiment of the angle of friction with 20 degree, and wherein only two contact point CP1 between the top part by joint tongue 10/ tongue groove 9 and bottom part and CP2 obtain frictional force.In this embodiment, joint tongue also has bottom part 54, and this bottom part 54 is basically parallel to horizontal plane HP, and extends along the distance TD of 0.2 times that is greater than floor thickness T from vertical plane.In this embodiment, joint tongue has the space 55 between the bottom of joint tongue part and tongue groove, and this space 55 contributes to locking, and makes that

guide surface

11,12 can be for example shown in the 15 wide-angle places of spending overlapping as Figure 19 b.

Figure 20 a-c illustrates and can design such locking system: this locking system of established angle place that is shown in 25 degree as Figure 20 a has three contact point CP3, CP1 and CP2.Locking member has been made into higher than the locking member in (LH) previous embodiment, and groove panelling 1 ' has protuberance 56 between joint tongue 10 and tongue groove 9.The top part of joint tongue with respect to the horizontal plane has certain angle, and this contributes to use large rotary cutter to carry out machining to tongue groove 9.

If do not combined with the long edge locked system that can realize the works fine with extraordinary guiding and lockout feature being connected of long edge and minor face edge by simple drift angle adjustment operation, the simple vertically on minor face edge can not bring any significant improvement to prior art.From for example embodiment shown in Figure 10 b, 11a, 17a, 13c, 18b, 19b and 20b, can form such locking system: this locking system has angle of friction and the guide angle of combination, and there is locking member 8 and the latch recess 14 of the folding panelling of maintenance in the deviation position that makes progress.Except the required operation of locking panelling, only operation is near the folding panelling of vertical extruding minor face edge.

Based on this principle, the invention provides a kind of mounting method of three panellings, wherein example the first panelling 1 as shown in Figure 7a " and the second panelling 1 be laid on subfloor, their long edge interconnects.The method comprises the following steps:

A) make new panelling 1 ' in angled position, wherein long edge 5a and the first panelling 1 " the top part of long edge 5b contact;

B) the minor face edge 4b of new panelling 1 ' and the minor face edge 4a of the second panelling 1 are contacted, thereby by the locking system being positioned on long edge and/or minor face edge, new panelling 1 ' is remained on to this position, guide surface that can be by the locking member as shown in Figure 10 a and latch recess and/or the edge by flex tongue remain on this position by new panelling 1 ';

C) the short edge section of new panelling is pressed to floor downwards, thereby by vertical folding, first, second, and third panelling is interconnected, preferably between minor face edge, do not have large visible gap.

This mounting method can for example remain on the upwards position of deviation by the

guide surface

11,12 shown in Figure 10 by floor panel.This will contribute to install, this is because setter can change the position of hand from primary importance, at the established angle of this primary importance panelling in 25 degree, towards the first panelling 1 of having installed " edge be extruded, and preferably downwards slight deviation to friction and guide angle.Setter can move to the second place by hand, and this second place is suitable for preferably pushing towards subfloor two short edge section of panelling downwards.Guide surface guides to locking member in latch recess, and joint tongue is guided in tongue groove.Friction between long edge will stop displacement.Its advantage is, at a certain angle top edge is pressed together, lateral compression panelling can be avoided with the combination operation of avoiding short edge separation and panelling is folded on floor downwards, and can be by two or three independent and simple independent operation substitute.

Figure 21 a-c illustrates the flex tongue 30 with inner flexible part 62 and outside flexible portion 61.There is following defect in the flex tongue shown in Fig. 5 a-c:

1. they are made by the extrusion plastic section of cost-effective conventionally, but production tolerance is not enough to obtain high-quality locking.

2. owing to only using a flexible buckle lug crooked in very limited vertical distance in thin floor board block, so flexible not enough.This low flexible very large edge separation power that produces.

3. especially in the flex tongue shown in Fig. 5 a, b, be difficult to flexibility and locking intensity to combine.According to embodiments of the invention, reduce or eliminated the problems referred to above.Inner flexible part 62 is not a part for vertically, because its Main Function is to make flex tongue 30 displacement in displacement groove, therefore can be made into have very much flexibility.Once the edge of floor panel is compressed against on outside flexible portion 61, the top part 67 of inner flexible part will be compressed against on the interior section of displacement groove, and will be bent or compress.Preferably, compare with interior section 62, exterior section 61 has higher rigidity and firmer.The flexibility combining of interior section and exterior section can be designed to compare with known joint tongue the firmer locking that realization has less separating force.Flex tongue 30 can have vertically upward certainly or to interior section and/or the exterior section of one or more for example W shapes of downward-extension, this can be used for producing larger flexibility and displacement.This joint tongue also may be made in the inflexible exterior section with rigidity.This joint tongue can be connected to folding panelling.In such an embodiment, outside flexible portion 61 will extend vertically upward, and lock near the top part of tongue groove.

Figure 21 b illustrates or to grind by for example machining and compensates for example by plastics or the metal joint tongue of extruding.To production tolerance be significantly improved to being similar to injection-molded level or better level like this.Displacement, locking action and locking intensity can significantly improve.In an illustrated embodiment, bottom contact surface 64 and/or locking surface 65 were compensated before inserting displacement groove 40.When joint tongue is connected to or be connected to edge, a part for flex tongue, preferably outside flexible portion 61 can be compensated.This can realize or canbe used on line when forming locking system in independent production stage.Flex tongue can be designed to during vertical folding horizontal curvature in the longitudinal direction.If be positioned at the joint tongue section 68 at edge as shown in Figure 21 d, be removed, will contribute to this bending, and separating force will reduce.The width W that this means joint tongue 30 will change along length L.This joint tongue section also can remove from inner elastomeric part 67, and joint tongue will be compared with crooked in the longitudinal direction under slight drag, and contributes to vertical folding.All types ofly extruding in joint tongue, especially having in limited flexible joint tongue, for example, in the embodiment only with an outside resilience or flexible portion shown in Fig. 5 a, 5b and 6c, can carry out the shaping of the part at section place, this cut edge.Flex tongue also can be designed to have rigidity protuberance and flexible elbow joints according to hinge principle, thus can be between lockup period horizontal curvature.Such embodiment can realize firmly locking.But, may there is very large separating force.This can for example eliminate by such embodiment: this embodiment comprises the separated a plurality of inside of the otch 69 of for example being made by punching press or machining or outside independent flexible portion 61a, 61b.This independent flexible portion can be distinguished buckle, and this can reduce production tolerance, if especially joint tongue is made by independent flexible portion, this flexible portion has for example can change the length of about 0.1mm and be designed to and mutually locks with specific predeterminated level.This guarantees that some independent flexible portions are always in extraordinary latched position.Each independent part can combine with flex tongue, and this flex tongue is connected in a fixed manner to panel edge, is preferably connected in horizontally extending groove.

The present invention also comprises the independent flex tongue of extruding of the vertically that is designed to floor, it is characterized in that, this joint tongue is preferably compensated on top contact surface 63 and/or bottom contact surface 64 and/or locking surface 65.This joint tongue and the above-mentioned joint tongue with the edge section being removed also can have and be similar to the shape shown in Fig. 5 a-c, and wherein flex tongue only comprises inside or outside flexible buckle lug.

Machining, grinding and similar production stage will produce the surface different from the initial surface being extruded conventionally.This in most of the cases can be detected in microscope.This machining also can be used for increasing or reducing the frictional force between joint tongue and displacement groove.

Figure 22 a-c illustrates vertical folding or vertically.A panelling 1 ' preferably moves towards another panelling 1 along vertical plane VP.When the folding edge section of panelling 1 ' and when the exterior section of flex tongue 30-preferably outside flexible portion 61-enters and contacts, inner flexible part 62 is by vertical curve, and flex tongue will inwardly be displaced in displacement groove 40, and in this displacement groove, it is preferably connected by frictional connection.As shown in Figure 22 b, little by little even this outside flexible portion 61 will start crooked.Finally, both will return to rapidly its initial position interior section 62 and exterior section 61, and flex tongue will be towards tongue groove 20 displacements in displacement groove 40.The locking surface 65 of flex tongue 30 is by the part locking near tongue groove 20.Connection between joint tongue and displacement groove can have little gap, makes easily displacement of joint tongue and the certain inclination of generation between lockup period.The preferably main level displacement between lockup period of outside flexible portion 61, and carry out small rotation around top elbow 70.Bottom contact surface 65 may be made in respect to horizontal plane has certain angle, is preferably less than 10 degree, and this will increase locking intensity.

Figure 23 a illustrates and can regulate by drift angle the tongue lock system of locking.New panelling 1 ' has the first connector that comprises joint tongue 10, and this joint tongue 10 has locking member 8a in top part.The first panelling 1 " there is side and cut tongue groove 9, this groove 9 has upper flange 6b and lower flange 6a, and in upper flange 6b, form and the latch recess 14a towards lower flange 6a to downward-extension.The first and second connectors vertically and flatly lock panelling.Lower flange 6a preferably extends beyond vertical plane VP, and preferably has horizontal contact surface, and this horizontal contact surface contacts with the bottom part of joint tongue 10.Locking system can for example be designed to have three contact point CP1, CP2, CP3 at the angle place that surpasses 15 degree, as shown in Figure 23 a.Tongue lock can be used as the replacement scheme of the bolt locking system in above-mentioned all embodiment.Be positioned at tongue lock on long edge can with minor face edge on hook to link system combined, this hook links preferably only flatly locking as shown in Figure 24 d of system.

Figure 24 a illustrate there is double tongue 10,10 ' and two corresponding tongue groove 9,9 ' locking system, if joint tongue is adjusted to and allows to carry out vertical buckle operation with bolt, can with this locking system by drift angle adjusting, buckle or even vertically lock long edge.This system can have four above contact points, and can be very large along the frictional force of joint.

Figure 24 b illustrates the locking system with independent bolt 6 ', and this bolt 6 ' can be used for locking long edge in the identical mode of embodiment with in Figure 24 a.This bolt can comprise material or the surface with the frictional behavior more favourable than core material.

Figure 24 c illustrates the locking system with independent joint tongue 10 ', and this joint tongue 10 ' can be flexible or rigidity, and can on long edge and/or minor face edge, be connected to bolt panelling 1 " or folding panelling 1 ', to improve frictional behavior or saving material.

Figure 24 d only illustrates the flatly hook of locking and links system.

Figure 24 e illustrates an embodiment of locking system, and this locking system has and core all-in-one-piece flex tongue 30 processed.The side forming below in flex tongue 30 is cut the flexibility that groove 71 can increase joint tongue.When machining minor face edge, can preferably by scraper, form this groove.This scraping or broaching technology can be used for especially the material based on fiber for example in HDF, but even in solid wood and plastic material, form the senior shape that is similar to extrusion plastic section.Flex tongue 30 also can above form at folding panelling 1 ' by means of large rotary cutter, and has upwardly extending exterior section.This locking system also can have two flex tongue, on an edge, has a joint tongue.Wood fiber in flex tongue can be impregnated and/or be applied for example adhesive 70, to gain in strength and flexible.Dipping can carry out before or after joint tongue or edge formation.Whole edge or the part of locking system, for example tongue groove 20, locking member 8 or latch recess 14 also can impregnated and/or coatings.Side cuts that groove can be filled flexible material to improve intensity and flexibility.If bolt 6 and/or locking member 8 can deflections during vertical folding, contribute to vertical folding.Wax in locking system will contribute to locking.Cavity 72 in the substantially vertical groove 73 above bolt in folding panelling 1 ' or the bolt 6 of the contiguous locking member 8 in bolt panelling 1 will increase the flexibility of locking system, and makes some parts have more flexibility.Part 78 and/or the balance layer of the downside of bolt can be removed, and the flexibility that this can increase bolt makes to be easier to towards subfloor crooked.Folding panelling can have protuberance 74, and preferably also has as the locking surface of Figure 27 c shown type.Flex tongue also can be formed by independent material, and this material is fixedly attached to panelling by for example gluing, friction or buckle.This independent material can be for example local edge part 77, and it can be connected to edge before final machining.Side is cut groove 71 and also can before independent material 77 is connected to the edge of panelling, be pre-formed.This connection can be carried out in each panel edge, or after this by being cut on the panelling piece of each floor panel, is being undertaken.Independent material 75,76 also can be connected to the edge of bolt panelling 1 and/or folding panelling 1 ', thereby it comprises the major part of locking system.In wood flooring, this independent material preferably can be bonded to top top layer and bottom balance layer.Independent material for example can comprise hard preferably and flexible solid wood for example rubber wood timber or birch, dip bonding agent for example acryloid cement timber, plastic material, close bed pressing plate, HDF that by wood fiber material, made with phenol and that can comprise glass fiber or the HDF being strengthened by adhesive, have substantially vertical fiber orientation HDF, there is the material that comprises wood fiber and/or plastic material and/or glass fiber of a plurality of layers.These materials can be used alone or be used in combination.If use suitable material and joint configuration to can obtain required flexibility, locking system also can according to the above-mentioned principle that does not have side and cut groove 71, for example, be made according to the embodiment shown in Fig. 5 e certainly.

Useful number of chemical goods flood or apply part or the whole locking system of locking system, and this chemicals is for example melamine, urea, phenol, thermoplastic for example PP or PUR.Can be such as make these chemicals solidify by heat, microwave, UV etc. in the situation that having or do not there is pressure.

Flex tongue 70 can be in standard HDF material the tens of millimeters of deflection, this is enough for particularly realize vertically in laminate flooring.Dipping and/or coating can significantly increase flexibility.

According to the present invention, the preferred embodiment that comprises minor face edge locking system is provided, this locking system can be locked by vertical folding or vertically, it is characterized in that, this locking system comprise there is bolt 6, the edge of locking member 8, flex tongue 30, this joint tongue 30 is to downward-extension, and forms with panelling core or formed by independent material, and this material is connected in a fixed manner to core.This flex tongue 30 is included in the side that this joint tongue forms below and cuts groove 70.

Figure 25 a-c is illustrated in the locking system of mainly being made by the core material based on wood fiber, how correctly to determine 3 the highest contact angles.On market, exist hundreds of only for connecting the different locking system of laminate flooring.In most of locking system therein, it is very easy measuring 3 the highest contact angles.This is shown in Figure 25 a.In the situation that contacting, top make the sample with width W 2 and about 100mm length from the downward deviation of established angle, until produce resistance from the contact between latch recess and locking member.In this position of 3 contact angles in the highest, sample should be able to keep its deviation position that makes progress, and can not drop on subfloor due to the weight of sample.This locking system has such design, and this design is characterised in that top and the groove CP1 that these three points are top edge CP3, joint tongue, and locking member/latch recess CP4.But locking system can have the design as shown in Figure 25 b, 25c, the top part that wherein three contact points are joint tongue and bottom part are together with top (CP1, CP2, CP3).But some this locking systems can not remain on the upwards position of deviation.In such system, should in microscope, analyze by the cross section of butt joint.If loose fiber makes to be difficult to limit 3 contact angles, should measure as shown in figure 16 frictional force.The frictional force increasing shows that contact point additional in locking system works.

Figure 26 a-d illustrates the embodiment of the locking system that is positioned at minor face edge, and this locking system hinders or stops long edge dislocation during vertical folding.Figure 26 a is illustrated in the cross section B-B near the minor face edge locking system of the folding edge part office starting as shown in Fig. 4 a.As described in conjunction with Fig. 1-3 for example, 5 and 8 above, this locking system is included in the bolt with locking member 86 in bolt panelling 1 and independent flex tongue 30, and the tongue groove 20 and the latch recess 14 that are arranged in folding panelling 1 '.Locking surface is vertical substantially, and is parallel to vertical plane VP.Preferably, this locking system can be designed such that as shown in Figure 26 a, the top part of the locking surface 8a of locking member 8 contacts with the bottom part of the locking surface 14a of latch recess 14 when not existing between folding panelling 1 ' and flex tongue 30 while contacting.This can realize by the following fact: near long edge, do not have joint tongue part, or joint tongue is arc and does not have the protuberance contacting with folding panelling 1 '.Figure 26 b is illustrated in the section at the C-C place in Fig. 4 a.It is substantially and preferably completely vertical to suppose locking surface 8a, 14a, and thereby their can prevent preferably 10 degree or higher angle place are subjected to displacement along vertical extension of very large distance, when joint tongue 30 during with the contact of folding panelling locking surface 8a, 14a will prevent separated, even be also like this in the embodiment locating near long edge in flex tongue 30.Locking surface should preferably have height H, and this height H is at least 0.1 times of floor thickness T or is even greater than 0.15 times.Vertically surface also may be made in has about 0.2*T or larger height H.

In the scope of cardinal principle of the present invention, can there are some modification.Figure 26 d illustrates as long as the locking surface 14a of latch recess 14 meets above-mentioned requirements, and function is equal to.Supposing to exist at least two parts and the distance along vertical plane, vertically locate is about 0.1*T, if latch recess 14b is for example the arc of edge towards the outside, function is also identical.

Figure 27 a illustrate latch recess 14 on minor face edge wherein with locking member 8 for preventing separated embodiment.The edge 8a of locking member 8 approaches the first panelling 1 " long edge 5b be favourable, this is because of edge for this reason, the angle place quite high to be clamped in the latch recess of new panelling, and flex tongue can be positioned adjacent to long edge locked.In this embodiment, flex tongue 30 be have cutting edge section 68 extrude section, this edge section contributes to the horizontal movement during folding.High, vertical locking surface on minor face edge is particularly suitable for having the locking system of the flex tongue that comprises extrusion plastic section, especially this section only has the situation of a flexible buckle lug in outside, and this lug is because limited flexibility causes very large separating pressure.

If Figure 27 illustrates and use compact tongue lock fixed system on long edge, flex tongue 30 can move further towards long edge 5b, and prevent from being subjected to displacement along long edge at higher angle place, this is because this locking system does not comprise the bolt 6a of the outstanding vertical plane VP of surpassing out and away.

Figure 27 c illustrates such locking system, and this locking system has the flex tongue 30 of preferably extruding, and is arranged in the substantially vertical locking surface between the latch recess 14 of locking member 8 on bolt 6 and folding panelling 1 '.Folding panelling 1 ' comprises the protuberance 74 of the locking surface of contiguous latch recess 14, and against the bottom contact surface 24 of the preferably basic horizontal of adjacent bolt contact surface 6 ' vertically, this protuberance 74 is received within the adjacent pocket 72 on bolt 6.This configuration is very suitable for having the floor of HDF core, and this is because cavity forms in the bottom part of the high core of density.This cavity only reduces the intensity of locking system in limited degree.The height H on vertically surface is preferably at least 0.1*T.Break and contribute to when shrinking on floor independent joint tongue 30 is fixed in displacement groove 40, the design of locking system is preferably: locking member 8 is positioned at horizontal plane H2 below, this horizontal plane H2 comprises the bottom part of displacement groove 40, and latch recess 14 is positioned at horizontal plane H1 below, and this horizontal plane H1 comprises interior section and the foot part of tongue groove 20.

Claims

1. one group of essentially identical floor panel (1, 1 ', 1 "), described in each, floor panel comprises having the first and second connectors (9, 10, 6, 8, 14, 20, 30) long edge (5a, 5b) with minor face edge (4a, 4b), described connector is integral and is configured to be connected adjacent edge with described floor panel, described the first connector is included in the bolt (6) with directed locking member (8) that make progress of the edge of a floor panel, the latch recess under shed (14) with neighboring edge place at another floor panel, for flatly connecting adjacent edge in the direction at the edge perpendicular to adjacent, described the second connector comprise be positioned at a floor panel edge perpendicular to the horizontally extending joint tongue (10 in this edge, 30), tongue groove (9 with horizontal opening in the neighboring edge of another floor panel, 20), for connecting in vertical direction adjacent edge, the connector structure that is positioned at long edge becomes to regulate by drift angle locked, the connector structure that is positioned at short edge becomes locked by vertical folding, wherein, the long edge configuration of the new panelling (1 ') in the second row (R2) becomes to regulate by drift angle the long edge (5b) of the first panelling of being connected in the first row (R1) (1 "), the minor face edge (4b) of the new panelling (1 ') in the second row (R2) is configured to be realized and being connected by identical angular movement with the minor face edge (4a) of the second panelling (1),

It is characterized in that, when new panelling (1 ') is pressed against the top edge of the first panelling (1 ") with the angles that become at least about 10 degree with respect to principal plane (HP) by top edge; the connector at long edge (9; 10,6,8; 14) has at least three separated contact points (CP1; CP2, CP3, CP4) or contact surface between the adjacent part of connector;

Described long edge has at least four contact points (CP1, CP2, CP3, CP4) in centre position;

When new panelling is pressed against the top edge of the first panelling by top edge, described long edge has vertical top contact point (CP1) and bottom contact point (CP2) between the adjacently situated surfaces at the first and second long edges in described centre position, and horizontal inner contact point (CP3) and external contact point (CP4);

The joint tongue being positioned on minor face edge comprises independent material and has flexible portion, this flexible portion is configured to horizontal movement during folding, and cooperates to above floor panel is locked together in the vertical direction (D1) that is parallel to vertical plane (VP) with the tongue groove in adjacent short sides edge; And

Wherein, in described centre position, new panelling (1 ') thus by drift angle, regulated its minor face edge (4b) to contact in initial with the described flexible portion of the minor face edge (4a) of the second panelling (1), described flexible portion is expected during vertical folding by flatly displacement.

2. one group of floor panel according to claim 1, is characterized in that, joint tongue has arcuate section, and is flexible in the longitudinal direction.

3. one group of floor panel according to claim 1 and 2, is characterized in that, joint tongue has flexible protuberance.

4. one group of floor panel according to claim 1, is characterized in that, a part for joint tongue is arranged in the displacement groove (40) of the edge that is formed at a described floor panel movablely.

5. one group of floor panel according to claim 1, is characterized in that, this flexible portion is buckle lug.

6. one group of floor panel according to claim 5, is characterized in that, this flexible portion is the buckle lug on bolt panelling, and this buckle lug is to downward-extension.

7. one group of floor panel according to claim 1, is characterized in that, this angle is at least about 15 degree.