EP1789642A1

EP1789642A1 - Panel in particular floor panel

Info

Publication number: EP1789642A1
Application number: EP05783029A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Dirk Dammers
Original assignee: HDM GmbH
Current assignee: Dammers Dirk
Priority date: 2004-09-17
Filing date: 2005-09-09
Publication date: 2007-05-30
Anticipated expiration: 2025-09-09
Also published as: EP1789642B1; JP2008513634A; WO2006032378A1; CA2581021A1; US20070266666A1; US7861483B2; CA2581021C

Abstract

The invention relates to a panel, with a tongue on a longitudinal and a transverse edge, projecting beyond said longitudinal or transverse edge, with essentially parallel tongue surfaces and a groove on the opposing longitudinal or transverse edge, enclosed by lateral panel sections, corresponding to the tongue of an adjacent panel with essentially parallel groove edges. In order to lock two adjacent panels such as to run into each other, a projecting locking element is provided on at least one tongue surface at least in parts and in each region of (a) panel section(s) corresponding to said locking element(s) for connected panels a recess(es) is provided, whereby the region (B) of the tongue with the locking element and/or at least one of the regions of the tongue and the panel sections which are in contact on introducing the tongue into the groove, before the locking element clips into the recess, have an elastic embodiment such that said elasticity is greater than the elasticity of the locking element.

Description

Panel, in particular floor panel

The invention relates to a panel, in particular a floor panel, which has at one longitudinal and / or one transverse edge a spring which protrudes over the respective longitudinal and / or transverse edge and has substantially parallel spring surfaces and at the opposite longitudinal and / or Quer¬ edge one with the spring of an adjacent panel kor¬ responding, surrounded by lateral panel sections groove having substantially parallel flanks, wherein for locking two adjacent nested mated on at least one spring surface be¬ richly at least one projecting Verriegelungsele¬ element and each in the area of the panel section (s) corresponding to the respective locking element, a depression (s) assigned to the locking element (s) is provided in the panel connected to one another.

Such panels are usually made of wood or wood materials, such. As chipboard, HDF boards (Hoch¬ dense fiber plates) or MDF boards (Mitteldichtefaser¬ plates). They are suitable for laying laminate or parquet floors or as wall and ceiling panels. Holz¬ materials are usually with a top-side De- Corschicht provided. This may be a lacquered or printed decorative paper which is laminated to a carrier material. In the case of floors, a counter-pull is usually applied on the lower side due to the tension compensation. The panel itself may be formed ein¬ layered but also multi-layered.

For locking, the panels to be joined are pushed into one another. It proves to be a disadvantage that the panel sections are spread apart due to the protruding locking element (locking elements) until each locking element encounters its corresponding recess on further insertion.

The object of the invention is to improve a known panel so that the aforementioned disadvantages wer¬ avoided.

This object is achieved in that the area of the spring carrying the locking element and / or at least one of the areas of the spring and the panel sections which are in contact with the recess when the spring is inserted into the groove before the locking element engages in the recess. In each case, such elasticity is (are) formed such that the respective elasticity is greater than the elasticity of the locking element. The locking element on the one hand and the region of the spring carrying the locking element or the spring bearing the locking element on the other hand can be formed in one piece or in one piece, for example.

But it is also quite possible that the Verriegelungs¬ element on the one hand and the locking element tra- lowing region of the spring or the spring carrying the locking element on the other hand are formed in two parts.

The object is also achieved by a panel, in particular a floor panel, which has at one longitudinal and / or one transverse edge a spring projecting over the relevant longitudinal and / or transverse edge with substantially parallel spring surfaces and / or at the opposite longitudinal and / or or transverse edge has a groove with substantially parallel groove flanks corresponding to the spring of a neighboring panel and surrounded by lateral panel sections, at least one panel section partially closing at least one projecting locking element for locking two adjacent panels and in each case in the area of the spring surface corresponding to the respective locking element, a depression associated with the respective locking element is provided in the region of interconnected panels, the area of the corresponding panel section bearing the locking element and / or at least one of the areas He the spring and the panel sections, which are in the groove during insertion of the spring into engagement in the recess before engagement of Verriege¬ element, each is so elastic (are) that the respective elasticity is greater than the elasticity of the Verriegelungs¬ element ,

As a result of the locking, the two panels connected to one another are locked both in and against the insertion direction and in the direction perpendicular to the top side of the panels.

The locking element can be designed, for example, as a punctiform elevation. Alternatively, the be formed locking member as elongated, preferably in Kan¬ tenlängsrichtung extending survey. This can be interrupted or designed to be continuous.

The number of areas can vary. If only an area with a higher elasticity is provided, this is preferably compressible by such a degree that corresponds approximately to the height of the locking element. When two corresponding areas are arranged, it is sufficient, for example, if each area can be compressed about half the height of the locking element.

In the arrangement of the area (s) there are different configurations. For example, only one area can be provided which is part of the spring or of the panel section. However, it is also quite possible for two areas to be distributed over the two spring surfaces or the two panel sections or to the feet and a panel section.

Also, three or four areas distributed on the spring and the two panel sections are conceivable. For example, one area may each be provided in the area of the two spring surfaces and in one panel section or vice versa. The arrangement of a respective area in both spring surfaces and in both panel sections is possible.

It is also possible that the respective complete panel section or the complete spring has such an elasticity which is greater than the elasticity of the locking element. But it is also quite possible that only in which the locking element bearing Region or in the area in contact with the insertion of the spring a correspondingly higher elasticity is provided.

The material of this region with the higher elasticity and the material of the remaining part of the spring or of the panel section connected therewith may in principle be different, whereby by means of a positive connection or an adhesive or another suitable fastening means the area with the remaining part of the spring and / or the panel section is connected.

The area with the higher elasticity and the remaining part of the spring or the panel section can also be made of a quasi-uniform material, wherein the material is differently conditioned, for example in the area with the hö¬ heren elasticity, so that the area with The higher elasticity beispiels¬ example, another density.

The high elasticity of the panel section (s) and / or the spring enables the material of the panel section or the spring to be inserted into the groove of an adjacent panel by pivoting and / or horizontally displacing the panel is compressed by the protruding (n) Verriegelungs¬ element (s) and so there is enough space so that the spring can be fully inserted into the groove without spreading the panel sections. When the spring reaches its locking position, each locking element is approximately at the height of the corresponding recess, so that due to the elasticity of the panel section (s) and / or the spring, each locking element fits into its associated one Recess is shifted. During disassembly, ie when pulling out the spring from the groove, the reverse sequence takes place.

The arrangement of the locking elements can be arbitrary. For example, only one locking element can be arranged on the spring or on a panel section. Alternatively, for example, depending on a Verrie¬ gelungselement on the two spring surfaces or on the two groove flanks or alternatively be provided on a Federflä¬ surface and a groove flank.

It is also conceivable that the panel sections are arranged flush with each other. But it is quite possible that, for example, the lower panel section is formed above.

When using the panel according to the invention for Verklei¬ a ceiling, the installation is considerably simplified, as a yet to be fixed panel can be easily inserted into the groove of a panel already mounted on the ceiling. Due to the snap-in connection, the panel, which has not yet been completely assembled, is sufficiently fixed in a slightly tilted state, so that it can then be secured to the ceiling in a second work step, for example with nails or clamps.

The locking element on the one hand and the panel section bearing the locking element or the area of the panel section bearing the locking element on the other hand can be formed integrally or in one piece. Alternatively, the locking element on the one hand and the panel section carrying the locking element or the area of the panel section bearing the locking element on the other hand can be designed in two parts. The locking element itself can for example unelas¬ table, z. As a survey made of metal, be. But it is also quite possible that the Verriege¬ element is at least a little elastic.

At least one locking element may be provided on the underside and / or upper side of the spring.

Additionally or alternatively, at least one locking element can be provided on the underside on the upper and / or upper side on the lower panel section.

At least two locking elements can be provided. These two locking elements can beispiels¬ example offset at the same height on opposite sides of the spring or seen in the insertion direction, be arranged on one or on two opposite sides. It is also possible that, for example, two locking elements are arranged on the spring and two further locking elements are arranged on a panel section. An arrangement of a locking element on the spring and a locking element on a Paneelab¬ section is of course possible.

It is advisable if the distance between the center points of at least two locking elements deviates somewhat from the distance between the centers of the corresponding recesses. As a result, the adjacent panels are more strongly locked because, due to the deviation of both distances, the locking elements engage Apply tension to the walls of the respective recesses.

At least one locking element may be formed as an approximately halb¬ circular projection. It is also possible that a locking element for easy insertion, at least on the front side rising, in particular triangular or arrow-shaped, is formed. However, other cross-sectional shapes are also conceivable.

In order to avoid, for example, unintentional release of the Verriege¬ lungselementes of its carrier material during disassembly, at least one locking element can be embedded in an inlet. By suitable additional measures, such as. As bonding, the adhesion between the locking element and the carrier material can be improved.

At least one locking element may consist of ethylene vinyl acetate or polyurethane. This may be, for example, hot melt adhesive, which in the heated state directly on the substrate, d. H. is applied to the Pa¬ neelabschnitt or the spring and enters into a connection here during cooling.

The lower panel section may be flush with the upper edge of the panel or flushed with respect to the back of the panel.

Preferably, the volume of the protruding locking element is significantly less than the respective volume of the region (s) of the lower or upper panel section or of the spring when compressed due to the elasticity. The surface of the panel may be rounded off or chamfered on at least two side edges. As a result, the individual panels abut each other at the respective side edges in a conventional manner. However, a panel with an uneven or at least two-dimensional deformed surface results, as in the case of a floorboard or the like. In this case, the top-side decorative layer can be formed eintei¬ lig, ie also include the bevelled or rounded areas with. But it is also quite possible that the bevelled or rounded areas are covered with a separate decorative layer or painted.

In the following, exemplary embodiments of the invention illustrated in the drawings are explained. Show it:

1 to 5 partial sections through two panels according to the invention to be joined together,

6 to 10 different embodiments of a

Locking element,

11 to 13 further embodiments and

Fig. 14 is a partial section through two interconnected wall or ceiling panels.

In all figures identical reference numerals are used for identical or similar Bau¬ parts.

FIGS. 1 to 5 and 11 to 13 show partial sections through two panels 1, 2 of different configuration to be joined. For connection to the panel 1, an edge-projecting spring 3 with two in the We- sentlichen parallel spring surfaces 3 a, 3 b, which is arranged offset both with respect to the front side 4 and against the back 5.

The panel 2 has a groove 3 corresponding to the tongue 3, which is surrounded by an upper and lower panel section 7, 8. The groove 6 has two substantially mutually parallel groove flanks 9, 10.

In FIGS. 1 to 5 and 13, the upper and lower panel sections 7, 8 are flush with one another. In FIGS. 11 and 12, the lower panel section 8 is formed protruding above the upper panel section 7.

In the exemplary embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3 and 11 to 13, the side edges of the upper panel section 7 facing the respective adjacent panel 1 and 2 are aligned at right angles to the front side 4, so that in this respect the panels 1, 2 are themselves touch in the area of the front side 4. FIG. 5 shows an exemplary embodiment in which the region is chamfered, while in FIG. 4 a rounded embodiment of a panel 1 or 2 according to the invention is shown.

In the exemplary embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 2 to 5 and 11 to 13, a respective locking element 11 is provided on at least one spring surface 3a or 3b, in FIGS. 2 and 3 on both spring surfaces 3a, 3b which preferably extends over the entire length of the respective edges, which may be both the longitudinal and the transverse edges. FIG. 1 shows an exemplary embodiment in which the locking element 11 is arranged on the underside of the upper panel section 7. The locking element 11 may have different cross-sectional shapes. In FIG. 3, the locking element 11 is designed to be angled in the insertion direction (arrow 12) and has an approximately arrow-shaped design. The locking element 11 is embedded in a spring-side inlet 13.

In the embodiment shown in Figure 2, the locking element 11 is formed in approximately rectangular aus¬ and arranged in an opening 13.

In FIGS. 1, 4 and 5, the locking element 11 has an approximately semicircular contour, wherein the locking element 11 according to FIG. 1 is fastened only on the plane surface of the upper panel section 7, whereas in the exemplary embodiments according to FIGS. 4 and 5 each one entry 13 is located in the spring surface 3a of the spring 3.

Other possible embodiments of the Verriegelungsele¬ mentes 11 are shown in Figures 6 to 10, in which case both an upper side application to the cut Paneelab¬ I ₁ 8 and to the spring 3 and an embedding is possible in an entering an. 13

The locking element 11 shown in FIG. 6 has an approximately rectangular, locking element 11 shown in FIG. 7, an approximately semicircular and the locking element 11 shown in FIGS. 8 and 10 having an approximately triangular cross-section. wherein the Ver¬ shown in Figure 10 Ver¬ locking element 11 is formed for better insertion in approximately arrow-shaped. FIG. 9 shows a locking element 11 which has a round cross section, so that the inlet 13 in turn has a corresponding semicircular contour.

FIG. 12 shows an exemplary embodiment in which the lower panel section 8 is designed to protrude.

For locking two adjacent panels 1, 2 each locking element 11 is associated with a recess 14 which is arranged in the region of the other panel 1, 2 corresponding to the locking element 11.

For example, in Fig. 1, the recess 14 in the spring surface 3a of the spring 3 is provided. In one embodiment according to FIGS. 2 and 3, one depression 14 is arranged on the panel section 7 or 8.

In the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 12, two depressions 14 in the lower panel section 8 and a depression 14 in the upper panel section 7 can clearly be seen. The spring 3 of the adjacent panel 1 therefore has a locking element 11 on the spring surface 3a and two locking elements 11 on the spring surface 3b.

While in this embodiment, the recesses 14 is provided in the lower panel section 8, in the embodiment illustrated in Figure 1, the recess 14 in the spring surface 3a of the spring third

In order to increase the locking effect, the distance a between the centers of the two locking devices deviates. 11 at least somewhat from the distance b of the associated recesses 14 from. Thus, the locking elements 11 exert an opposing tension on parts of the wall of the recesses 14.

A similar arrangement is also shown in FIG. Here, the center points of both locking elements 11 are at the same height, while the center points of the corresponding recesses 14 are arranged at a distance b from one another.

In Figure 13 possible arrangements of areas A, B, C and D, which are printed together during assembly (in the direction of the arrow 12) or during disassembly (contrary to the direction of the arrow 12) due to their greater elasticity, indicated in wavy lines.

It is quite conceivable that only the area B carrying the locking element 11 has an elasticity greater than the elasticity of the locking element 11. The height of this region B is chosen so that the panel 1 can be inserted into the panel 2 by pivoting and / or hori¬ zontales moving in the direction of the arrow 12, without causing the Paneel¬ sections 7 and 8 spreading ,

Other arrangements are conceivable. Thus, for example, the panel can have two areas A, D, which have a corresponding elasticity. If two areas A, D are provided, the extent to which the areas A, D must be printed together in total is divided between the two areas A, D. Of course, other combinations are possible. For example, only the region C alone or in combination with another region A, B or D or other regions could have a correspondingly higher elasticity.

The areas A to D and the adjoining remaining parts of the spring 3 and the panel sections 7 and 8 may consist of fundamentally different materials, which are provided by suitable means such. B. adhesive or positive connection are interconnected. However, it is also quite possible that the areas A to D and the adjoining remaining parts of the spring 3 and the panel sections 7 and 8 consist of a quasi-uniform material, the area (s) A to D then differently conditioned.

If, for example, only the region A has greater elasticity, this region A is compressed by the height of the locking element 11 during insertion in the direction of the arrow 12 until the locking element 11 strikes the corresponding depression 14 and locks in here. Due to the elasticity of the area A then resumes its original design.

Since in the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 12 two depressions 14 are provided in the lower panel section 8, here too the region E, which is arranged between the depressions 14, can have a higher elasticity, if this is an example for an insertion ¬ way is erfqrderlich by horizontal displacement.

In addition, during insertion, the locking element 11 may also be provided that it has sufficient elastic properties. Shafts has to be compressed, which is also shown wavy in Figure 13.

In the embodiment shown in Figure 14, the width of the groove 6 is greater than the thickness of the spring 3 in the inserted into the groove 6 area. This is due to the fact that a wing 15 of a single-leaf clamp 16 is inserted into the groove 6, which in turn is fastened to an indicated substrate 17, for example by nailing or screwing.

In the spring surface 3a of the spring 3, a semicircular opening 13 is provided into which the locking element 11, which has a round cross-section, is inserted. This may be, for example, an applied hot melt adhesive. On the underside of the upper panel section 7 of the panel 2, the cor¬ responding recess 14 is provided.

Of course, it is possible that, for example, in the embodiment shown in Figure 13 in the insertion direction (arrow 12) seen two successively arranged in the insertion direction (arrow 12) locking elements 11 and in the upper panel section 7, a corresponding number of recesses 14 are provided. Such an embodiment permits a change in the width of the visible joint between the panels 1, 2 from a zero joint to a joint whose width corresponds approximately to the spacing of the locking elements 11.

Claims

claims

1. panel, in particular floor panel, which at a longitudinal and / or a transverse edge in each case over the respective longitudinal and / or transverse edge projecting spring with substantially parallel spring surfaces (3a, 3b) and at the opposite longitudinal and / or transverse edge a groove with substantially parallel groove flanks (9, 10) corresponding to the spring of an adjacent panel, with at least one protruding locking element and in each case partially locking at least one spring surface (3a, 3b) for locking two adjacent nested panels the region (s) of the panel section (s) corresponding to the respective locking element is provided with a recess (s) associated with the locking element (s), characterized in that the region (B) supporting the locking element is provided Spring and / or at least one of the areas (C or A resp D and E) of the spring and the panel sections (7 and 8, respectively), which are in contact with the recess during insertion of the spring into the recess prior to engagement of the locking element, are each designed to be elastically elastic (that) that the respective elasticity greater than the elasticity of the locking element is.

2. Panel according to claim 1, characterized in that the locking element and the locking element supporting portion of the spring are formed in two parts.

3. panel, in particular floor panel, in particular according to claim 1 or 2, which at a longitudinal and / or a transverse edge in each case over the respective longitudinal and / or transverse edge projecting spring with substantially parallel spring surfaces (3a, 3b) and on the gegenü¬ overlying longitudinal and / or transverse edge corresponding to the spring of an adjacent panel, surrounded by lateral panel sections groove having substantially parallel groove flanks (9, 10), wherein for locking two adjacent nested panels at least one panel section partially at least one protruding locking element and in each case in the region of the spring surface (3a, 3b) corresponding to the respective locking element in the case of interconnected panels, there is provided a depression assigned to the respective locking element, characterized in that the region (B) of the corresponding panel section and / or bearing the locking element the at least one of the areas (C or A or D or E) of the spring and the panel sections

(7 or 8), which are in the groove during insertion of the spring into engagement in the recess prior to engagement of the locking element, each of which is elastically formed (are) that the respective elasticity is greater than the elasticity of the locking element.

4. Panel according to claim 3, characterized in that the locking element and the locking element supporting portion of the panel portion are formed in two parts.

5. Panel according to one of claims 1 to 4, as far as die¬ se back to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that at least one locking element is provided on the underside and / or upper side of the spring.

6. Panel according to one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that at least one locking element is provided on the underside of the upper and / or upper side of the lower panel portion.

7. Panel according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that at least two locking elements are provided.

8. Panel according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the distance (a) between the centers of at least two locking elements is slightly different from the distance (b) between the centers of the corresponding recesses.

9 ■ Panel according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that at least one locking element is designed as an approximately semicircular projection.

10. Panel according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that at least one locking element for easy insertion at least on the front side rising, in particular triangular or arrow-shaped, is formed.

11. Panel according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that at least one locking element is embedded in an inlet.

12. Panel according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that at least one locking element consists of ethylene vinyl acetate.

13. Panel according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that at least one locking element consists of polyurethane.

14. Panel according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the lower panel section on the edge side flush with the upper panel section is flush or this set back against ausgebil¬ det.

15. Panel according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the volume of the protruding locking element is significantly smaller than the respective volume of the (s) compressed during insertion due to the elasticity region (s) of the lower or upper panel section or the Feather .

16. Panel according to one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that the surface of the panel is rounded or bevelled at least two side edges.