EP1624130B1 - System with at least two structural components and manufacturing process of such a component - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a system having the features of the preamble of claim 1. Furthermore, the invention relates to a cover having the features of the preamble of claim 9. Finally, the invention relates to a method for producing a corresponding cover with the features of the preamble of claim 12.

Such panels are typically used for flooring, such as parquet or laminate flooring, or for ceiling and wall coverings. A panel is a possibly multilayer, plate-shaped component, in particular made of wood material, for example one or more layers of wood chips or fibers provided with binder and compressed, optionally with a laminate layer additionally applied as a finish.

The individual panels can be combined by a mechanical connection to a flat whole, so that laying the panels usually without adhesives or additional mechanical fasteners, such as screws or nails, is possible. In particular, this results in the advantage that the panels can be laid without gluing and thus removed again.

As a rule, a tongue-and-groove connection, that is to say a connection of mutually interacting profile edges of the respectively adjacent panels, serves as a mechanical connection. The profile edges are advantageously shaped so that a vertical and / or horizontal locking, in each case in both directions, takes place, so that assembled panels can not easily slip apart. The profile edge of the one component is to at least partially correspondingly formed with the profile edge of the other component, wherein the profile edges in the assembled state of the components have opposing mating surfaces. To ensure a vertical and / or horizontal fit, the mating surfaces must be made to fit perfectly, for example to within 1/10 mm.

Panels of this type with a profile edge, which corresponds at least in sections with a profile edge of the other component are, for example, from DE 203 19 119 U1 , of the DE 203 19 121 U1 , of the WO 94/26999 A1 , of the WO 97/47834 A1 , of the WO 01/66876 A1 or the WO 01/66877 A1 known.

WO-A-03048481 discloses a system according to the preamble of claim 1.

The production of such profiles takes place in high-speed milling machines, which, in today's mass production of panels, have a propulsion of up to several meters per second. At the same time, the milling machines must work with high accuracy in order to maintain the accuracy of fit, for example, 1/10 mm can. Usually relatively fast milling heads, such as Diamantfräsköpfe be used in such high-speed and high-precision milling machines, which further increases the acquisition and maintenance costs of the already relatively expensive machines. Despite the use of such hard milling heads, however, it comes at some point due to wear at some point, from which the required accuracy is no longer achieved. The result is a reduced accuracy of fit, which in the assembled state of the components or panels has an undesirable game result. Frequently, less hard milling heads are used for cost reasons, which additionally increases the frequency of fit inaccuracies.

In order to counteract the almost inevitable occurrence of play, which in the assembled state of the panels can lead to a relative movement between the panels, a noise when loaded or a wear of the tread edges and thus to a further increase in the game, it is known with the profile edges to provide an adhesive. This can already factory, for example in the form of a contact adhesive, which exerts its adhesive force only after extensive evaporation of the solvent under the greatest possible pressure, as for example from the DE 297 03 962 U1 is known to be applied. Also encapsulated reaction adhesive systems are known in which the adhesive force is used only when destruction of the encapsulation, as for example in the EP 1 229 181 A1 or DE 103 33 627 A1 is described. Although the use of adhesives has the advantage that a possibly existing game does not lead to a relative movement between the panels, a noise when loaded or a wear of the tread edges. However, they are glued together panels due to the natural durability of an adhesive connection in hindsight barely detachable from each other. But at least a disassembly of glued panels leads to damage to the profile edges or adhesive residues on the edges remain, which ultimately leads both to unevenness of the profile edges and thus makes subsequent re-use without expensive post-processing of the profile edges almost impossible.

The present invention is therefore based on the technical problem of specifying a panel of the type described above, and a cover of a plurality of such panels and a corresponding manufacturing method of such a panel, whereby an occurrence of play is prevented as possible.

The above-indicated technical problem is first solved in a system according to claim 1.

The filling compound is thus applied at locations where in the assembled state of two components Game can be present, wherein during the assembly of the components, the filling compound is still in a soft state, so that they can be distributed in the possibly existing spaces between the mating surfaces. The filling compound then hardens, so that the possibly existing game is at least partially compensated.

The solution according to the invention has the advantage that now also profiles can be assembled without play with a low accuracy of fit, so that in each case, whether a game is present or not, a relative movement between the panels, a noise when loaded or wear of the Profiles is prevented. In this case, of course, it is also possible that in the assembled state without filling mass is no match, in which case the filling mass can be pressed into the material of the profile edges and / or regularly provided spaces between the profile edges, resulting in an increase in stability of the connection between the Leads components.

Another advantage in addition to achieving a backlash is that as a result, an improved tightness at the top of the laid panels is achieved, which reduces the problem of penetration of dirt and moisture.

Since the filling compound has no appreciable adhesive effect, joined panels can easily be separated from each other again at any time without the profile edges, in particular the mating surfaces, being damaged and without any residues on the profile edges remain. It is so even after disassembly still a completely intact profile available, so that the components can be used again at any time without further processing, preferably also using a filling compound.

The filling compound according to the invention can be converted from a passive to an active state. This allows the filling compound to be applied at the factory to the profile edges in a condition in which the filling compound does not yet cure directly. On site when assembling several components to a larger area then the filling compound can be transferred from the passive to the active state, which will be exemplified in the following. Ideally, the active state is only reached when the components are in their final position in the assembled state. Only then should the filling compound ideally begin to cure.

It is also conceivable that the filling compound is a swellable filling compound which increases its volume when transferred to the active state. In this case, the filling compound would be factory-applied on the component in a compressed, that is, non-swollen form, on the tread edges and activated only during assembly of the components, whereby a swelling is achieved. With a passive state of the filling compound, therefore, a state may be meant in which the filling compound is soft, that is to say not yet hardened, and / or compressed, that is to say not yet swollen. Accordingly, an active state may mean a state in which the filling compound hardens and / or swells.

Preferably, the filling compound is in the passive state in encapsulated form, in particular in microencapsulated form, before, wherein the encapsulation for transferring the filling compound can be destroyed in the active state by external action. The destruction of the encapsulation is preferably carried out by the user shortly before or during the assembly of the individual components, so that only when the final position of the components is reached, a curing and / or swelling is achieved. Preferably, the encapsulation by force, in particular by pressure and / or friction, under the action of external energy, in particular heat energy, ultrasonic energy, high-frequency energy, light energy or UV energy, or under the action of a liquid, in particular water, destroyed. Thus, it is conceivable that the user shortly before joining the components sweeps the provided with the filling compound profiles, for example, with water and thereby induces the desired activation of the filling mass. It is therefore also conceivable that the encapsulation is destroyed automatically, for example by the forces acting on the profiles when joining the two parts, so that an automatic activation takes place when assembling the two components.

It is also conceivable that the filling compound is part of a multicomponent system, in particular a two-component system, wherein the filling compound forms a first component and, in the active state, interacts with a further component which may be applied to the other panel. It is therefore conceivable that one component on the profile of the first panel and the other component, the first

Component activated, is provided on the profile of the second panel. Of course, it is also conceivable that the second component, which leads to the activation of the filling compound, is applied by the user immediately before the assembly of the components.

The panel preferably has a plurality of profile edges, the first component of the multi-component system being applied to one profile edge and another component of the multicomponent system interacting with the first component being applied to a further profile edge. Since only one and the same type of component, for example panel, is used in the manufacture of large surfaces such as floors, it is ensured that two cooperating components always meet during assembly, thereby bringing about activation of the filling compound.

Preferably, the filling compound contains polyurethane, wherein it is in particular part of a multi-component, preferably a two-component, polyurethane system. Thus, it is conceivable that at the factory a polyurethane-containing filling compound containing in a passive state is applied to a profile edge, thereby forming the first component of the polyurethane system. When joining the components, the filling compound is then brought into contact with another component of the polyurethane system in order to activate the filling compound.

According to a preferred embodiment of the system according to the invention, the filling compound is a foam, in particular a foam compressible foam. It is conceivable that the filling mass is factory already applied in foam form on the profile edges or the foam is formed only by activation of the filling edges located on the profile edges. In particular, the foam is compressed by the joining of the components.

The indicated technical problem is further solved in a cover according to claim 9.

Such a cover is, for example, a floor covering or a wall or ceiling covering. The cover according to the invention is characterized in particular by one or more of the features described above.

Advantageously, the filling compound in the active state, the possibly existing match between the opposite mating surfaces completely.

It should be clearly emphasized that the filling compound is preferably applied already at the factory in the passive state on at least one profile edge at least partially. Of course, it is also conceivable that the components at the factory yet Have coating with a filling mass, so that the filling compound is applied by the user only for the purpose of assembling the components.

Finally, the indicated technical problem in a method according to claim 13.

Advantageously, the method according to the invention is characterized by one or more of the aforementioned features.

The present invention offers several significant advantages. On the one hand, the connection between two components is additionally solidified by the filling compound. In addition, manufacturing tolerances are compensated, so that the necessary accuracy of the cutter settings can be reduced, which in turn offers a significant cost advantage. Another advantage is that the sliding properties are improved when laying, since the filling mass also serves as a lubricant. Also, the long-term fit is significantly improved because at least in the area of the filling compound, no wear due to friction between the profile edges is to be expected. Finally, this is essential, a positive fit ensured, regardless of whether game is present or not. Finally, the pull-out values are also improved.

Figuren 1a) bis c)

jeweils miteinander korrespondierende Profilkanten zweier Bauteile einzeln und im zusammengefügten Zustand unter Verwendung einer Füllungsmasse gemäß einem ersten Ausführungsbeispiel der vorliegenden Erfindung;

Figuren 2a) bis c)

jeweils miteinander korrespondierende Profilkanten zweier Bauteile einzeln und im zusammengefügten Zustand unter Verwendung einer Füllungsmasse gemäß einem zweiten Ausführungsbeispiel der vorliegenden Erfindung;

Figuren 3a) bis c)

jeweils miteinander korrespondierende Profilkanten zweier Bauteile einzeln und im zusammengefügten Zustand unter Verwendung einer Füllungsmasse gemäß einem dritten Ausführungsbeispiel der vorliegenden Erfindung.

The invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to embodiments, reference being made to the accompanying drawings. In the drawing show

FIGS. 1a) to c)

each corresponding profile edges of two components individually and in the assembled state using a filling compound according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 2a) to c)

each corresponding profile edges of two components individually and in the assembled state using a filling compound according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 3a) to c)

each corresponding profile edges of two components individually and in the assembled state using a filling compound according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 1a ) shows a detail of a first component 1, this is a floor panel, with a profile edge 2, the sections with the profile edge 3 of in Fig. 1b ) corresponds to second component 4 corresponds.

The profile edge 2 has a plurality of mating surfaces 5a, 6a, 7a and 8a, which in the assembled state of the components 1 and 3 corresponding mating surfaces 5b, 6b, 7b and 8b of the profile edge 4 of the component 3 are opposite.

In Fig. 1b ), the assembled state of the panels 1 and 3 is shown, wherein clearly the opposing mating surfaces 5a and 5b or 6a and 6b or 7a and 7b or 8a and 8b can be seen. The profile edges and mating surfaces of floor panels are generally shaped to provide vertical and / or horizontal locking, both in both directions, so that assembled panels can not easily slip apart. In the present case ( FIGS. 1a ) to c)) is provided both a vertical lock and a horizontal lock. The horizontal locking is effected by the mating surface pairs 7a / 7b and 8a / 8b. The vertical locking is effected by the mating surface pairs 5a / 5b and 6a / 6b.

To ensure a vertical and horizontal fit, the mating surfaces are to work as accurately as possible, preferably to 1/10 mm accurate. Since unwanted play between mating surfaces can nevertheless be present, in order to avoid disadvantages caused by the game according to the invention, as in Fig. 1b ) dagestellte the mating surface 5 b of the profile edge. 4 provided with a filling mass 9. The filling compound 9 is applied in such a way that in the assembled state of the components 1 and 3, a possibly existing clearance between the fitting surfaces 5a and 5b is compensated by the filling compound 9. The filling mass, which is applied in a factory in a relatively soft state, is activated only when assembling the panels 1 and 3, with the result that the filling mass 9 begins to harden. After the filling compound 9 is completely cured, the assembled profile edges 2 and 4 are free of play at least in the vertical direction.

In Fig. 1c ) is also shown how, when joining the panels 1 and 3, the still soft filling compound 9 initially distributed. In the present case, a portion of the excess filling compound 9 is pressed in each case in the regular spaces between the profile edges 2 and 4. It is also conceivable that at least a portion of the excess filling compound 9 is pressed into the profile edge material in the region of the fitting locations 5a and 5b, thereby additionally stiffening or solidifying it.

In the FIGS. 2a ) to c), another possible arrangement of the filling compound 9 on the same components 1 and 3 or profile edges 2 and 4 is shown in another embodiment of the invention.

In this case, the filling compound 9 is to compensate for any existing vertical clearance - the filling compound 9 is basically applied, regardless of whether a game is present or not - factory applied to the mating surface 6a of the profile edge 2 of the first component 1. In the assembled Condition of the panels and 3, as he in Fig. 2c ), the filling compound 9 is initially distributed in the intermediate space (s) that may form the undesired play, surplus filling compound 9 being pressed towards the sides into the regular spaces between the profile edges 2 and 4.

In the FIGS. 3a ) to c) is based on the same components 1 and 3 or profiles 2 and 4, as shown in the FIGS. 1a ) to c) and 2a) to c) are shown, the compensation of an optionally present in the horizontal direction game, namely a game between the mating surfaces 7a and 7b. In contrast to the two embodiments of the FIGS. 1a ) to c) and 2a) to c) is here, however, the filling material factory part of a two-component system, in which activation of the filling compound is achieved only by joining together and thus interaction of the two filling mass components 9a and 9b. When activated, the mixture then hardens out of the components 9a and 9b. Moreover, the functioning of the in the FIGS. 1a ) to c) and 2a) to c).

Of course, it is also conceivable to apply the filling compound at other locations of the profile edges 2 and 4, in particular on other mating surfaces or on several mating surfaces at the same time. In particular, when a possibly existing game is to be compensated in both the vertical and in the horizontal direction, it is advantageous, the filling compound 9 both in the assembled state of the components vertically opposite mating surfaces than also to be arranged on horizontally opposite mating surfaces.

Claims (12)

1. A system comprising a first panel (1;3), and at least one further panel (3;1), wherein the first panel (1;3) can be joined together with the further panel (3;1),

   - wherein the first panel (1;3) has a profile edge (2;4) which corresponds at least in sections with a profile edge (4;2) of the further panel (3;1),

   - wherein in the joined state of the panels (1,3), the profile edges (2,4) have fitting surfaces (5a,5b;6a, 6b;7a,7b;8a,8b) which oppose one another, characterized in

   - that a hardenable filler (9,9a,9b) in a passive state, in which the filler (9,9a,9b) does not yet immediately harden, is applied at least in sections onto the profile edge (2;4) of the first panel (1;3) in such a manner that in the joined state of the two panels (1,3), a play potentially present between the fitting surfaces (5a,5b;6a,6b;7a,7b;8a,8b) is at least partially compensated by the hardened filler (9,9a,9b) and a relative movement between the panels is prevented, wherein the filler (9,9a,9b) can be transferred from the passive state into an active state, in which the filler (9,9a,9b) begins to harden and/or to swell, and wherein the hardened filler (9,9a,9b) has no significant adhesive effect so that joined panels (1;3) can be separated from one another at any time without any problem and without damaging the profile edges (2;4).
2. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that the filler (9,9a,9b) is a swellable filler (9,9a,9b) which increases its volume when being transferred into the active state.
3. The system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that in the passive state, the filler (9,9a,9b) is present in an encapsulated form, in particular in a micro-encapsulated form, wherein for transferring the filler (9,9a,9b) into the active state, the encapsulation can be destroyed through external influences.
4. The system according to claim 3, characterized in that the encapsulation can be destroyed under the application of a force, in particular by pressure and/or friction, under the influence of external energy, in particular heat energy, ultrasonic energy, high-frequency energy, light energy or UV energy, or under the influence of a liquid, in particular water.
5. The system according to any one of the claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the filler (9,9a,9b) is a constituent of a multi-component system, in particular a two-component system, wherein the filler (9,9a,9b) forms a first component (9a;9b) and interacts in the active state with a further component (9b;9a) which can be applied onto the other panel (3;1).
6. The system according to claim 5, characterized in that the element (1;3) has a plurality of profile edges, wherein the first component (9a;9b) of the multi-component system is applied onto one profile edge (2;4) and another component (9b;9a) of the multi-component system, which said other component interacts with the first component (9a;9b), is applied onto a further profile edge.
7. The system according to any one of the claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the filler (9,9a,9b) contains polyurethane and is in particular a constituent of a multi-component, preferably a two-component, polyurethane system.
8. The system according to any one of the claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the filler (9,9a,9b) is a foam, in particular a compressible foam.
9. A covering with a system according to any one of the claims 1 to 8,

   - wherein the panels (1,3) have profile edges (2,4) which correspond to one another at least in sections,

   - wherein the profile edges (2,4) have fitting surfaces (5a,5b;6a,6b;7a,7b;8a,8b) which oppose one another, characterized in

   - that a hardenable filler (9,9a,9b) is arranged at least in sections between the fitting surfaces (5a,5b;6a,6b;7a,7b;8a,8b) in such a manner that a play potentially present between the fitting surfaces (5a,5b;6a,6b;7a,7b;8a,8b) is at least partially compensated by the hardened filler (9,9a,9b) and a relative movement between the panels is prevented, wherein the filler (9,9a,9b) can be transferred from a passive state, in which the filler (9,9a,9b) does not yet immediately harden, into an active state, in which the filler (9,9a,9b) begins to harden, and wherein the hardened filler has no significant adhesive effect so that joined panels can be separated from one another at any time without any problem and without damaging the profile edges.
10. The covering according to claim 9, characterized in that in the active state, the filler (9,9a,9b) completely compensates the play potentially present between the opposing fitting surfaces (5a,5b;6a,6b;7a,7b;8a,8b).
11. The covering according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that the filler (9,9a,9b) is already at least partially applied ex factory in the passive state onto at least one profile edge (2;4).
12. A method for manufacturing a covering, in particular a covering (1;3) according to any one of the claims 9 to 11, comprising a first panel (1;3) and at least one further panel (3;1), wherein the first panel (1;3) can be joined together with the further panel (3;1),

    - wherein the first panel (1;3) has a profile edge (2;4) which corresponds at least in sections with a profile edge (4;2) of the further panel (3;1),

    - wherein in the joined state of the panels (1,3), the profile edges (2,4) have fitting surfaces (5a,5b;6a, 6b;7a,7b;8a,8b) which oppose one another, characterized in

    - that a hardenable filler (9,9a,9b) in a passive state, in which the filler (9,9a,9b) does not yet immediately harden, is applied at least in sections onto the profile edge (2;4) in such a manner that in the joined state of the two panels (1,3), a play potentially present between the fitting surfaces (5a,5b;6a,6b;7a,7b;8a,8b) is at least partially compensated by the hardened filler (9,9a,9b) and a relative movement between the panels is prevented, wherein the filler (9,9a,9b) can be transferred from the passive state into an active state, in which the filler (9,9a,9b) begins to harden and/or to swell, and wherein the hardened filler (9,9a,9b) has no significant adhesive effect so that joined panels (1;3) can be separated from one another at any time without any problem and without damaging the profile edges (2;4).

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