DE202007019281U1 - Connection for plate-shaped components - Google Patents

Abstract

Connection for plate-shaped components, in particular floor panels, with a horizontal connection (14) which engages by lowering one component (1, 2) to another, already installed component (2, 1) along an end or longitudinal edge (10, 12) can be brought in order to connect the components in the horizontal direction, and with a locking device (14) for vertically locking the components (1, 2), wherein a locking part arranged on one component (1) can be brought into locking engagement with the other component (2), characterized in that the locking part is a slide (32) which can be adjusted from a release position into a locking position in which it engages behind a locking shoulder (62, 64) of the other component (2, 1), the slide (32) passing through Attaching a component (R) can be actuated and is guided in a link guide (30) along an edge (10, 12) of the component (1, 2) so that it is adjusted is adjustable in the locking direction in the longitudinal direction of the edge (10, 12).

Description

The invention relates to a compound for plate-shaped components, in particular for floor panels according to the preamble of claim 1 and thus executed floor panels.

Under the slogan "glueless connection" or "click connection", a large number of solutions are currently being offered, which are used in particular for laminate floors made of HDF / MDF or parquet floors.

At one in the EP 0 098 162 B1 known solution adjacent peripheral edges of the floor elements or panels, ie the longitudinal edges and the front or transverse edges are executed with a tongue and groove connection. The lower, facing a bearing surface groove cheek of a panel is extended beyond a vertical parting plane between the panels out and has at its end a locking projection which dips into a corresponding recess on the underside of a spring of the other floor panel. In order to facilitate the laying of the panels, the connection is made in the engagement region of the extended groove cheek with the spring with a game, so that a displacement of the panels along the longitudinal edges is possible.

In the WO 97/47834 A1 a glue-free connection is shown in which, similar to the above-described solution, the lower groove cheek of a floor panel extends beyond the vertical parting plane and is provided with a projection which engages in an associated locking recess of the spring. In contrast to the solution described above, engagement between the elastically deflectable elongated groove cheek and the associated locking recess of the spring is performed without play.

A disadvantage of these known solutions is that the lower groove cheek must each be designed to be elastic in order to bring about the locking intervention can. In unfavorable conditions, such as material defects or excessive stress on the elastically deflectable lower groove cheek or swelling due to moisture and temperature influence, it may happen that in the connection area of the lower groove cheek cracks, so that they can no longer fulfill their locking function.

In the DE 199 62 830 C2 The Applicant is proposed to solve this problem to perform the horizontal locking via a separate locking pin, which is formed in addition to a conventional tongue and groove connection. Even with a breakage of this locking pin, the relative arrangement of the panels in the vertical direction is ensured in this technically superior solution.

In particular, the two latter solutions are preferably connected to each other by pushing together in the horizontal direction. Some customers, however, prefer to connect the panels by angle with each other, wherein an already laid panel a panel to be laid is placed in an inclined position along the longitudinal edge, so that, for example, the spring of the panel to be laid dips into the groove of the laid panel. Subsequently, the panel to be laid is folded down from its oblique position, wherein the groove is completely immersed in the spring and horizontal interlocking means engage each other so that the two panels are locked along the longitudinal edge in both the horizontal direction and in the vertical direction. The problem with such a solution is that the lock on the shorter end or transverse edges in the above Einschwenkvorgang is difficult to produce, so that - depending on the constructive solution - along the front edges either no vertical locking or this can be produced only with considerable effort.

That's how it shows DE 299 24 454 U1 a solution in which the floor panels are locked along their end edges in the vertical direction via one or more end projections of a panel, which engage in corresponding recesses of the other panel. These projections must be made relatively small by design, so that on the one hand, the production is likely to cause difficulties, on the other hand laying is done with extreme caution, so as not to damage the small locking projections.

In the DE 201 12 474 U1 and EP 1 350 904 A1 discloses a glueless connection, wherein the above-described front projections are formed on a spring tongue over which an elasticity in the horizontal direction is provided, so that the engagement of these projections is simplified into corresponding recesses of the other panel. In this solution, the vertically effective part of the locking projections is made relatively small, so that when laying a special attention must be paid to ensure that these locking projections are not damaged when swiveling down the panel to be laid on the front edge.

The JP 07300979 shows a glueless connection, in the front side only a horizontal lock is provided. A locking in the vertical direction is not provided in the region of the end edges in this known solution.

To improve the locking is in the DE 10 2005 002 297 proposed a compound in which the locking takes place via an elastic spring tongue, which is used as a separate component in the front edge region of the panels. The spring stiffness of this spring element can be very easily and essentially adapted without regard to the material of the panels to the respective conditions of use. The disadvantage of such a solution is that the production is relatively expensive, since a separate component must be punched, bent and fixed to the panel.

A similar solution is in the EP 1 415 056 B1 disclosed. In this variant, a spring tongue of an elastic insert is supported from below on a shoulder of the other component in order to effect a vertical locking.

In the EP 1 650 375 A1 is disclosed a solution in which a spring is inserted for locking in a sliding groove of the components, which is formed in the plan view approximately U-shaped. In the unlocked state, the base of this U-shaped spring protrudes outwards and is deformed in the attachment of the other component inwardly into the sliding groove and then snaps after the complete swinging down of the other component in a recording on this component, so that the elements are fixed in position.

Solutions in which the frontal vertical locking is effected via integral or as an insert running spring elements are referred to in professional circles as "push-button connection" as the swinging down the panel to be laid in a locking recess of the other laid panel latching locking projection acts much like a push button. In practice, it has been found, however, that such a push-button connection can either not effect the desired vertical locking under heavy loads or require a relatively high production outlay.

In contrast, the present invention seeks to provide a simple connection for plate-shaped components, which can be brought by lowering a component with respect to another component in engagement and ensures a reliable vertical locking.

This object is achieved by a connection for plate-shaped components with the features of claim 1, by floor panels with such a compound and by a slider.

The inventive concept dissolves from the conventional constructions, in each case an elastic spring element snaps into the locking position and it is a kind of slider used, which is adjustable from a release position in which there is no horizontal locking in a locking position. This adjustment can be done for example by connecting the two components or arbitrarily by a further step. The solution according to the invention makes it unnecessary to use complex spring elements to be produced, since the locking engagement takes place by active displacement of the slide. The term slide is not necessarily to be understood as an adjustable in the linear direction element, but it may also be a rotary valve, which performs a rotational movement or a combined linear and rotary motion or pivotal movement.

Such a slide can be particularly simple to perform as a planar component, so that the production and assembly costs are much lower than in the solutions described above.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the slide is guided in a sliding guide along an edge of the component, so that it is adjustable in the locking direction in the longitudinal direction of the edge when moving.

This adjustment in the locking direction is preferably carried out via a control cam in the slide or on the slider along which a control cam of the other component slides, so that the slider movement preferably a component of movement in the direction of the edge and a component of motion perpendicular thereto, d. H. has in the locking direction.

The adjustment of the slide is particularly reliable when it is designed with a large number of cams, which interact with corresponding control cams on the slide guide. Of course, in kinematic reversal, the cams on the slide and the cams can be performed on the slide guide.

The production is particularly simple if two cams and two corresponding cams are provided.

The cam is preferably formed as a concave Stirnausnehmung, which can be easily formed by a router.

The adjustment of the slider can be simplified if the control cam and the curves to an adjacent edge of the device, For example, offset to a longitudinal edge, so that the slide is mounted virtually eccentric.

This development makes it possible, for example, to allow the slide to project in the release position with an end region, so that, for example, when attaching a further component, this runs onto this projecting end portion and actuates the slide. However, the operation of the slider can also be done arbitrarily by the person laying over the end portion.

The slider is preferably made slightly shorter than the edge length of the component, so that the horizontal locking extends over a wide range.

In its locking position, the slider engages behind a locking shoulder on the other component. This locking shoulder can be executed by a front groove on this other component.

The horizontal connection of the components is preferably carried out via a conventional hook connection with a projection on an element which dips into a recess on the other element.

It is preferred if the slider is designed above the engagement region of the hook connection.

The slider can be easily made of wood, metal or plastic by stamping, injection molding or machining.

The connection according to the invention can be used particularly advantageously in floor panels in which a lock connection which can be connected by angling is provided on the longitudinal edges, so that the connection according to the invention is made on the end edges.

A preferred embodiment of the invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to schematic drawings. Show it:

1 the front edge region of two connected by a compound according to the invention floor panels;

2 a sectional view of the front edge region of the panels 1 ;

3 a sectional view of the panels in the locked state;

4 a plan view of the panels in the locked state and

5 a sliding bar in the 1 to 4 illustrated connection.

The invention can be used, for example, in panels for floor, wall or ceiling cladding, but the use of floor panels is likely to be the most common. These floor panels may be, for example, parquet panels with 3-layer or 2-layer structure or laminate floors or the like.

1 shows a section parallel to the laying plane by two frontally interconnected panels 1 . 2 , which generally have a rectangular shape, wherein at the longitudinal edges of a so-called lock connection is provided, in which the panels are connected by an angle. Such Lockverbindungen are well known and, for example, on the domain www.Hamberger.de the applicant described. The compound of the invention is at the shorter end edges of the panels 1 . 2 intended.

The aforementioned lock connection along the longitudinal edges of the panels 1 . 2 consists essentially of a spring 4 and a groove 6 , in the representation according to 1 a lower, projecting groove cheek can be seen. By applying the spring 4 in the groove 6 engage locking elements, which in the illustration according to 1 are not visible, so the panels 1 . 2 can be connected to adjacent panels along the longitudinal edges. The connection along the shorter end edges takes place via the end edge connection according to the invention. To visualize them is in 1 a sectional view chosen. The section runs along the line AA in 2 , This cut line extends, for example, in a parquet through the dividing plane between a precious wood layer and an underlying central layer of solid wood (3-layer structure) or a support layer of wood or HDF / MDF (2-layer structure).

As can be seen in particular from the sectional view according to 2 which gives a section along the line BB in 1 shows is at front edges 10 . 12 the two panels 1 . 2 a hook connection 14 running over the two panels 1 . 2 in horizontal direction (horizontal in 2 ) are connected. Such hook connections 14 are known from the prior art, so that only the essential components for understanding the invention will be described here. The hook connection 14 has one over the front edge 10 of one panel 1 extended hook hook 16 , at the free end portion of a hook projection 18 is formed, in the vertical direction to the other panel 2 protrudes. The hook lip 16 extends in the Representation according to 2 in extension of the lower large area 22 of the panel 1 ,

In the illustration according to 2 bottom corner corner of the other panel 2 is according to the hook lip 16 stepped freely cut, so that an inner hook recess 20 is formed, in which the hook projection 18 dips. The hook recess 20 is to the left ( 2 ) through a cutter 24 bounded in the area between the front edge 10 and the hook projection 18 dips. The hook projection 18 is with sliding or slight press fit in the hook recess 20 recorded so that a reliable horizontal locking is present. For vertical alignment of the cutter sits 24 with its bottom face 26 on the top of the hook lip 16 on, leaving the panel 2 down on the panel 1 is supported. In the 2 right side surface of the cutter 24 runs at a distance to the front edge 10 ,

With such a connection, an over tooth can not be prevented because, for example, the panel 2 still opposite the panel 1 can be moved upwards. For vertical locking according to the invention is a slide assembly 28 intended. This consists essentially of a along a slotted guide 30 guided slide 32 who is from his in the 1 and 2 shown release position can be adjusted in a locking position in which the slide 32 in sections in a Stirnnut 34 on the other panel 2 dips. This locking position is in the 3 and 4 shown.

According to the sectional views in the 1 and 2 is the scenery guide 30 through one in the front edge 10 opening leadership 36 formed, which is milled above the hook connection. At a groove bottom 38 this extending in the horizontal direction guide groove 36 are by a disc cutter circular arc or concave control recesses 40 . 42 educated. According to 1 are these two tax cutouts 40 . 42 spaced apart and slightly upwards, to the spring 6 staggered. Ie. the tax cut-outs 40 . 42 are not symmetrical to the longitudinal centerline 44 the panels 1 . 2 arranged.

5 shows a single representation of the in the control recess 40 inserted slider 32 , Accordingly, this is designed as a slide bar whose overall length L is slightly less than the width of the panels 1 . 2 is executed. The slider 32 has an approximately rectangular basic shape with a straight locking edge 46 , The approximately parallel to the other longitudinal edge of the slider 32 is as a control edge 48 with two approximately trapezoidally projecting control cam 50 . 52 executed. The geometry and relative arrangement of the control cams 50 . 52 is chosen so that these in the release position shown in the control recesses 40 respectively. 42 can dip, so the slider 32 with its control edge 48 at the bottom of the groove 38 is applied. The locking edge 46 then close as per 2 about with the front edge 10 so that the swinging down of the panel 2 is not hindered for the production of the front edge lock. As shown in 1 protrudes an end section 54 of the slider 32 laterally out of the guide groove 36 out and is about as far as the end of an extended Nutunterwange 55 the groove 4 in front.

To adjust to the locking position, the end portion 54 by hand, by means of a tool or by attaching another panel to the longitudinal groove 4 in the guide groove 36 postponed. Because the slider 32 in its release position with side cheeks 56 . 57 the control cam 52 respectively. 50 at the adjacent end faces of the control recesses 40 . 42 (when using trapezoidal control cam 50 . 52 If a tangential system is created), the spool becomes 32 when moving down in 1 by sliding down the sidewalls 56 . 57 at the end edges of the control recesses 40 . 42 also offset to the right, so he with his through the locking edge 46 limited area in alignment with the guide groove 36 trained forehead groove 34 on the other panel 2 dips. If the end section 54 completely in the guide groove 36 moved, the slider has 32 his in the 3 and 4 achieved locking position shown in the control cam 50 . 52 with cam end faces 58 . 60 at the bottom of the groove 38 the guide groove 36 issue. The locking edge 46 with the adjoining longitudinal edge region of the slider 32 is then in the Stirnnut 34 recorded, so that a very stable vertical locking is effected.

The connection is released by moving the panels along the front edges.

According to the invention it is preferred if the strip-shaped slide 32 made of plastic. This can be done for example by punching plate material or by injection molding. In principle, it is also conceivable, the slide 32 to process from strip material at the production station. A losing the slider 32 during transport is almost impossible, as this very reliable in the guide 36 is guided. To increase the reliability, the protruding end section 54 be colored so that the laying person is aware of when the slide 32 is in its laying position or locking position.

The width of the end groove 34 corresponds to the width (perpendicular to the plane in 5 ) of the slider 32 , so that its upper and lower large areas fed on the upper and lower side walls 62 . 64 the forehead groove 34 issue. Through this fit is in addition to the support of the face 26 the cutter 24 on the lower hook lip 16 ensures a vertical alignment, so that the emergence of an over tooth is excluded. The above-described connection for plate-shaped components is superior to the solutions described above, both in terms of function and in terms of material and device complexity.

Disclosed is a connection for plate-shaped components, in particular floor panels, with a horizontal connection, which can be brought by lowering a component to another already laid component along a front or Längskannte, so that the components are connected in the horizontal direction. The connection furthermore has a vertical lock, wherein a locking part arranged on one component can be brought into locking engagement with the other component. In this case, a slider is moved from a release position into a locking position, in which a locking shoulder of the other component is engaged behind.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

paneling

2

paneling

4

groove

6

feather

8th

Leading edges link

10

front edge

12

front edge

14

hook connection

16

hook lip

18

hook projection

20

hook recess

22

large area

24

cutter

26

face

28

slide arrangement

30

link guide

32

pusher

34

front groove

36

guide

38

groove base

40

control recess

42

control recess

44

Longitudinal center line

46

locking edge

48

control edge

50

cam

52

cam

54

end

55

Nutunterlippe

56

side cheek

57

side cheek

58

Cam face

60

Cam face

62

sidewall

64

sidewall

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• EP 0098162 B1 [0003]
• WO 97/47834 A1 [0004]
• DE 19962830 C2 [0006]
• DE 29924454 U1 [0008]
• DE 20112474 U1 [0009]
• EP 1350904 A1 [0009]
• JP 07300979 [0010]
• DE 102005002297 [0011]
• EP 1415056 B1 [0012]
• EP 1650375 A1 [0013]

Cited non-patent literature

• www.Hamberger.de [0039]

Claims (10)

Connection for plate-shaped components, in particular floor panels, with a horizontal connection ( 14 ) by lowering a component ( 1 . 2 ) to another, already installed component ( 2 . 1 ) along a front or longitudinal edge ( 10 . 12 ) is engageable to connect the components in the horizontal direction, and with a locking device ( 14 ) for vertical locking of the components ( 1 . 2 ), one on a component ( 1 ) arranged locking member in locking engagement with the other component ( 2 ), characterized in that the locking part is a slide ( 32 ) which is adjustable from a release position to a locking position in which it has a locking shoulder ( 62 . 64 ) of the other component ( 2 . 1 ) engages behind, wherein the slide ( 32 ) can be actuated by attaching a component (R) and in a slotted guide ( 30 ) along one edge ( 10 . 12 ) of the component ( 1 . 2 ) is guided, so that it when adjusting in the longitudinal direction of the edge ( 10 . 12 ) is adjustable in the locking direction. A compound according to claim 1, wherein the slider ( 32 ) in the release position with an end portion ( 54 ) in the area of a connection ( 4 . 6 ) at an adjacent longitudinal or end edge of the component ( 1 . 2 protrudes so that when attaching another device ( 1 . 2 ) to this edge ( 4 . 6 ) the slider ( 32 ) is adjustable in the locking position. Connection according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the length (L) of the slider ( 32 ) is shorter than the edge length. A compound according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the locking shoulder is defined by a face groove (Fig. 34 ) on the other component ( 2 ) is formed, in which the slide ( 32 ) is immersed in sections in the locking position. A compound according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the horizontal connection comprises a hook connection ( 14 ) is, with a lead ( 18 ) on a component ( 1 ), which is in a recess ( 20 ) on the other component ( 2 immersed). A compound according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the slider ( 32 ) is made of metal, wood or plastic. A compound according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the slider ( 32 ) is a planar device. Floor panel with a connection according to one of the preceding claims on the end edges ( 10 . 12 ) and connectable by an angle lock connection at the longitudinal edges. Slider for a connection according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein this is a sheet-like device. A slider according to claim 9, wherein said plurality of control cams ( 50 . 52 ) Has.

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