EP1900889B1 - Flooring panel - Google Patents

Abstract

The floor panel (2), of high density (HDF) or medium density (MDF) fiberboard or oriented strand board (OSB), can have a patterning layer on its upper surface (15), and a lower surface (7) against the ground. The edges are structured so that at least two panels can be locked together in the lateral (Q) and vertical (V) directions. The edges are shaped with positive fit structures (23,24) at one side edge with spaced vertical walls (21,22), displaced laterally and vertically to lock neighboring panels in the vertical direction. At the other side, a step (20) is cut out from the under side, with an inner (21) and an outer (22) wall to shape the positive fit structures. At the opposite edge, a projecting step (200) is cut out with an inner (210) and an outer (220) wall, in a matching shape to the positive fit structures.

Description

The invention relates to a floor panel according to the preamble of claim 1.

From the WO 01/75247 A1 a floor panel is known which has at a first side edge connecting means for locking in the transverse and vertical directions. These locking means are arranged on the longitudinal side of the panel and effect the locking by inserting and pivoting the connecting means into a corresponding recess of a second panel. The transverse side of the panel has two snap hooks, which engage in corresponding undercuts of an adjacent panel during installation and impede the vertical movement between the laid panels. The two snap hooks lie in vertical direction with each other.

A disadvantage of such a profile is the fact that such a profile design does not ensure a secure locking of the panels with each other, since the snap hooks arranged one below the other are pressed in during the laying movement and, in the case of a resilient substrate, for example a carpet, in a strong occurrence, the transverse side jumps out of the lock. This is also due to the fact that the provided with the Einschnapphaken panel relative to the corresponding panel in an occurrence slightly angled, so that the panel is virtually unscrewed.

The AT 005922 U2 describes a panel element with a useful side and an opposite counter-pull and two longitudinal sides, which are formed with a spring and a groove. The spring has a payload side in a first direction which is parallel to the payload side and normal to the longitudinal side of the spring, protruding first projection and in the region of the counter pull on a extending in the first direction second projection. Between the first projection and the second projection, a first undercut is formed. At least a first region of the second projection has a smaller distance from the edge of the useful side than a second region of the first undercut.

The WO 00/66856 A1 describes a locking system for floor panels with a protruding lip, which is arranged on the underside of the panel. An upwardly projecting locking member is disposed at the outer end of the lip and engages a locking recess on the back of an opposing panel. The return below the lip is removed to prevent the lip from deflecting.

The DE 200 10 913 U1 relates to a bottom plate having at least two edge profiles arranged on opposite sides, which are formed as groove profiles and spring profiles which can be joined together to form a planar surface of a plurality of plates. The groove profile has an inclined surface extending to the contact surface, which rests in the assembled state at a contact surface of the spring profile. A protruding portion of the spring profile engages in the assembled state in the groove profile and is held in a wedge-like manner in the groove profile.

The DE 79 287 03 U1 relates to a plate for a play surface composed of a plurality of such plates. At the edges profile configurations are provided, with which it is possible to allow insertion and pivoting.

The DE 201 21 196 U1 relates to a device for connecting and locking building panels with a provided in at least one side edge over its length, an upper lip and a lower lip forming groove and formed on the opposite side edge, corresponding to the groove spring. For locking interconnected plates, the spring is provided with at least one projection. The groove has on the lip opposite the projection at least one recess which is longer than the projection. The lip has a recess reaching down to the recess, the length of which is at least as long as the length of the projection, the recess and the projection being offset from one another in the longitudinal direction of the side edge.

The WO 01/02669 A1 relates to a fastening system for panels with arranged on narrow sides holding profiles, the holding profiles fit together so that more panels are fastened to the free narrow sides of the laid panel, wherein at least the holding profiles of the long narrow sides of the panels are formed as mutually associated form-fitting profiles and the panels by a rotating joining movement can be fastened to each other. The respective associated positive-locking profiles have a projection on whose upper side facing away from the base an oblique removal of material is provided, so that a freedom of movement for the common joint is created.

The WO 01/88306 A1 relates to panels with coupling elements that allow a positive connection between the panels. A first panel comprises as a coupling element laterally at the bottom of a protruding edge. A second panel has as a coupling element laterally on the top of a protruding edge. One of the aforementioned flanks has a first projecting locking element, which in a corresponding first Recess or recess of the other edge engages in the assembled state of the two panels. Further coupling elements are provided which lock the panels positively in the vertical direction relative to the surface of the panels. The coupling elements are designed so that a panel is positively connected by lowering relative to the other panel.

The DE202 03 311 U1 describes a panel member having a lip disposed on the underside thereof with an upwardly projecting projection with a holding channel opening to the top and a corresponding projection located on the opposite side edge and extending in the direction of the retaining channel. Within the retaining channel, a recess is provided to allow the projection to move at least slightly around the narrowest point between the recess and the underside of the panel element. The bottom of the retaining channel is aligned substantially parallel to the plate surface.

The WO 97/47834 A1 relates to a floor covering with coupling elements formed on two opposite side edges, which engage with each other. These have substantially the shape of a spring and a groove, the coupling elements being provided with an integrated mechanical locking means which prevents two floor panels coupled together from being moved apart in a direction parallel to the underside of the coupled floor panels and perpendicular to the side edges.

The object of the present invention is to provide a panel with which a simple installation is possible and a secure locking both in the transverse direction and in the vertical direction is ensured.

According to the invention the object is achieved by a floor panel having the features of claim 1.

Advantageous embodiments and further developments of the invention are listed in the dependent claims.

In the claimed solution, the floor panel is bounded in a horizontal plane by a top provided with a decorative layer o. The like., And provided for resting on a subfloor bottom and provided with means for releasably connecting at least two panels, wherein at least a first side edge of the floor panel a tongue extending in the longitudinal direction of the side edge and a recess corresponding to the spring are formed on the opposite side edge of the floor panel, wherein the spring is designed so that a locking by insertion into the recess of the second panel and pivoting about an axis parallel to the first side edge and causes a locking in the transverse direction and vertical direction. The recess is formed as a groove with an upper lip and a lower lip, in which the spring is latched in the transverse direction, wherein the lower front portion of the spring is rounded and connects to the rounded front of the spring a flattened, substantially horizontally extending support area. As a result, a precise and large contact surface is achieved, which leads to a stable support due to the increased effective contact surface and a reduced bending tendency of adjacent panels. The support area ensures a large-area support and thus a precise assignment of the two adjacent panels and is arranged on the underside of the spring.

In order to further increase the contact surface, the spring is adjoined by a support region for supporting on a shoulder terminating the groove of the second panel, which increases the effective contact surface and allows a uniform distribution of force. The support region has a slight inclination to the horizontal for effecting a horizontal movement in the case of a vertical load acting from above, so that the gap between the panels is reduced.

By providing corresponding interlocking elements on a front shoulder and a subsequent to an undercut and a support area wall is preferably achieved that an additional lock in Vertical direction is effected when these interlocking elements engage in the assembled state. A second locking point in the vertical direction makes it possible for an effective connection to be successfully carried out already by the insertion and pivoting about a first side edge. The spring and the groove itself require no training such that a bias between the panels is present, so that the profile is less loaded during installation. This additionally ensures that the laying process is simplified as such.

In a further development, it is provided that the positive-locking element on the wall is a projection and on the front shoulder a corresponding recess, which were produced by a corresponding cutout.

For locking in the vertical direction on the first side edge is preferably provided that an upper side of the spring in the assembled state rests against a lower side of the upper lip in order to effect a further positive locking.

In order to absorb any existing abrasion, which may arise when laying the first side edges, without this presses the panels apart, preferably the spring and the recess are formed such that in the assembled state between the front of the spring and the adjoining the upper lip A gap is present in the region of the recess, in which the abrasion can collect and which serves as a movement space of the two panels on each other. The gap tapers toward the front lip of the lower lip to provide a smooth transition between the areas of full surface area and clearance for moving and accumulating debris. Any existing abrasion can also be absorbed in a space formed between the spring and the top of the panels by an undercut.

In order to achieve a transversely effective locking of two panels, a substantially flat surface at an angle to the horizontal, preferably 45 °, is preferably formed in the rear region of the spring. This surface interacts with a corresponding projection in the groove of the adjacent panels and causes a locking in the transverse direction, so that slipping perpendicular to the first side edge is effectively prevented.

By the spacing of interlocking elements on the second side edge in the transverse and vertical direction, two spatially separated locking points on the second side edge, in particular the transverse side, created whereby a safer locking of laid and laid panels is guaranteed. The arrangement of the positive locking elements on two different walls increases the stability of the entire connection and prevents by sliding over a plurality of successively arranged interlocking elements a deformation of the interlocking elements and ensures the effectiveness of the lock.

The second, at an angle to the first side edge extending side edge preferably has an outgoing from the bottom, step-shaped cutout with an inner wall and an outer wall. On each of these walls, a form-fitting element extending in the transverse direction is formed, preferably milled out, which engage in corresponding undercuts of a stepped cut-out starting from the upper side of the second panel to be connected. The step-shaped cut-out starting from the upper side likewise has an inner and an outer wall, on which the corresponding undercuts are formed, so that a positive locking in the vertical direction can occur at the second side edge.

The step-shaped cut-out starting from the underside preferably has a shoulder projecting in the direction of the underside, which forms a substantially horizontally oriented head surface, this shoulder having a locking effective transversely, perpendicular to the second side edge provides. The substantially horizontally oriented head surface is used to adjust the minimum height offset and provides a relatively large contact surface for introducing vertically acting forces.

A further embodiment provides that in the top surface of the paragraph, a groove aligned in the longitudinal extent of the second side edge is incorporated. This grooving creates a dust bag that can be trapped in the abrasion or imperfections created during installation without adversely affecting installation accuracy. The groove further causes a slight spring effect, so that the locking on the second side edge is under a certain bias.

The walls of the shoulder are preferably aligned with the head face at an acute angle, resulting in either an easy insertion into a corresponding recess of the corresponding cutout of the second panel or when forming an undercut to the head face an additional locking effect.

It has been found that a transverse extension of the top surface in a range of 2 mm to 6 mm provides very good durability values and a very good locking effect, wherein preferably the top surface has 0.25 to 0.4 times the total transverse extent of the step-shaped cut-out.

A particularly effective and simple locking on the second side edge is preferably given when a positive-locking element projects horizontally beyond the terminal edge of the upper side. It may be expedient that a recess is arranged between the top and the outstanding form-fitting element, which undercuts the end edge of the panel to accommodate any existing abrasion or deforming material of the panel, so that the most accurate installation possible with minimal gap width, because no abraded or deformed material exerts a barrier effect.

The side edge of the panel opposite the second side edge preferably has a step-shaped cutout projecting from the upper side, with a shoulder projecting in the direction of the upper side. This shoulder likewise has a substantially horizontally oriented head face, wherein an undercut is formed in the lower area of the shoulder outer wall, which undercut corresponds to the corresponding positive locking element of the inner wall of the male side edge to be accommodated. The arrangement of the recess in the lower portion of the Absatzaußenwandung increases the effectiveness of the lock.

A further development preferably provides that between the heel inner wall and the inner wall of the cutout, a horizontal base surface is formed, which is designed such that when laid panels, the top surface rests on the base surface and the tops of the panels lie in a plane, which means there is a minimum or no height offset between the panels. Due to the interaction of horizontal base surfaces and top surfaces, a particularly accurate assignment and adjustment of the height offset is possible, as well as the Abwinkelneigung adjacent panels is reduced, which increases the strength of the lock.

The heel inside of the cutout emanating from the top preferably runs parallel or at a shallower angle than the corresponding heel inside of the heel engaged in the laid state, either to effect a precise abutment or to provide a movement component for the two panels in the transverse direction.

By preferably forming an undercut through the paragraph inner wall to the top surface of the corresponding paragraph an additional locking effect is achieved.

In order to effect a particularly simple installation, the upwardly projecting shoulder of the cut-out starting from the top is preferably not formed over the entire length of the second side edge, but is in particular at an end region of the second side edge, which is in the direction of that with a spring provided first side edge is milled down to the base surface or not formed. The removal or non-formation of the protruding shoulder facilitates pivoting about the axis parallel to the first side edge, so that a blocking effect by the positive locking elements only takes place when the adjacent at the second and the opposite side edge panels at an acute angle to each other lie. This means that only a short distance in the vertical direction must be covered in order to fully lock the panels at the second and opposite side edge.

Advantageously, the first side edge is formed on the longitudinal side and the second side edge on the transverse side of the panel, so that the Einschwenkbewegung takes place over the longitudinal side. In this way it is ensured that a large locking length is achieved by means of the secure and stable pivoting lock. Alternatively, it is provided that the spring and corresponding thereto on the opposite side surface, the groove is formed on the transverse side and a positive locking takes place via the insertion into a cut-out introduced on the longitudinal side.

By providing corresponding interlocking elements on a front shoulder and a subsequent to an undercut and a support area wall is achieved that additional locking in the vertical direction is effected when these interlocking elements engage in the assembled state. A second locking point in the vertical direction makes it possible for an effective connection to be successfully carried out already by the insertion and pivoting about a first side edge. The spring and the groove itself require no training such that a bias between the panels is present, so that the profile is less loaded during installation. This additionally ensures that the laying process is simplified as such.

In a further development, it is provided that the positive-locking element on the wall is a projection and on the front shoulder a corresponding recess, which were produced by a corresponding cutout.

For locking in the vertical direction on the first side edge, it is provided that an upper side of the spring rests in the mounted state on an underside of the upper lip in order to effect a further positive locking.

The parallel formation of the underside of the spring and the top of the lower lip to the top of the panels allows a large-area support of a panel on the other panel, so that a low surface pressure in the tongue and groove connection prevails and a very low height offset of the panels to each other can be realized.

The formation of the recess as a groove with an upper lip and a lower lip ensures that a reliable assignment of the panels to be laid is done to each other, so that a minimal height offset of the panels can be achieved, which is a quality feature in floor panels. The spring is latched in the transverse direction in the recess, wherein the spring and the recess in cross section have a wedge-shaped contour to allow easy insertion and to achieve a good self-centering of the spring in the groove.

An advantageous embodiment of the invention provides that the floor panel is at least partially made of a HDF or MDF material. Alternatively, the entire floor panel may be made of an OSB material. The use of an OSB material results in a natural wood look as well as a textured surface. Likewise, the top of the panel may have no decorative layer, but be made of a wood material. The structure of the wood material can make a decorative layer superfluous, so that as the top, for example, a layer of wood, wood fibers or wood chips can be applied. Also, the panel may be formed entirely or partially of a plastic, wherein preferably the area of Connecting means with spring and recess (groove) is made of a plastic.

Figur 1 -

eine Querschnittsansicht eines Fußbodenpaneels mit einer ersten Seitenkante;

Figur 2 -

zwei miteinander verbundene Paneele an der Verbindungsstelle im Teilquerschnitt;

Figur 3 -

ein Fußbodenpaneel in Querschnittsansicht mit einer zweiten Seitenkante;

Figur 4 -

zwei miteinander verbundene Paneele an einer zweiten Verbindungsstelle im Teilquerschnitt;

Figur 4a -

eine Variante zu Figur 4;

Figur 5 -

eine alternative Ausgestaltung der zweiten und korrespondierenden, gegenüberliegenden Seitenkante im Teilquerschnitt;

Figuren 6 bis 13 -

Varianten der Ausgestaltung der Nut und Feder sowie eingeschobener Verriegelungselemente;

Figuren 14 bis 16 -

Varianten des Profils an der ersten Seitenkante im Querschnitt; sowie

Figuren 17 bis 19 -

Querschnittsansichten eines Paneels mit einer alternativen Profilgestaltung.

The invention will be explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying figures. Like reference numerals in different figures indicate like objects. Show it:

FIG. 1 -

a cross-sectional view of a floor panel having a first side edge;

FIG. 2 -

two interconnected panels at the junction in the partial cross section;

FIG. 3 -

a floor panel in cross-sectional view with a second side edge;

FIG. 4 -

two interconnected panels at a second connection point in the partial cross section;

FIG. 4a -

a variant too FIG. 4 ;

FIG. 5 -

an alternative embodiment of the second and corresponding, opposite side edge in the partial cross section;

FIGS. 6 to 13 -

Variants of the configuration of the tongue and groove and inserted locking elements;

FIGS. 14 to 16 -

Variants of the profile at the first side edge in cross section; such as

FIGS. 17 to 19 -

Cross-sectional views of a panel with an alternative profile design.

FIG. 14 and Fig. 15 shows a floor panel according to the invention. The other illustrated panels are examples that facilitate the understanding of the invention.

FIG. 1 shows a floor panel 1, which consists of a medium density or high density fiberboard (MDF or HDF). At its top 15, the floor panel 1 is provided with a decorative layer 16, for example, by a wood grain having paper layer may be formed, which is coated with a serving as a wear protection synthetic resin layer. On the bottom 7 a Schalldämmlage 8 may be glued to improve the footfall sound properties of laid floor panels. As an alternative to using an HDF or MDF board, the panel 1 can be made of an oriented strand board (OSB) material. At a first side edge, preferably at the longitudinal side of the panel 1, the panel 1 is provided with a spring 10 and at the opposite side with a groove 3. The groove 3 and the spring 10 extend over the full length of the side edge. On the spring 10 an outwardly projecting, rounded nose is provided, which merges into a rounded front portion 11. At this front portion 11, a flattened, in the installed state substantially horizontally extending support region 12 connects to the underside of the spring, over which the panel 1 on a corresponding surface of the groove 3 of a second panel 2, as in FIG. 2 shown, supported.

At the support region 12, an inclined surface 13 connects, which causes a locking in the transverse direction Q with a corresponding projection 5 of the corresponding groove 3 of the second panel 2. In the assembled state, the spring 10 engages in an undercut formed by an upper lip 4 of the groove 3, so that along the first side edge also takes place a locking in the vertical direction V. The projection 5 is formed by a groove 3 final paragraph 9, on its upper side a horizontally extending surface is formed. This surface serves as a support for a support region 14, which adjoins the inclined surface 13 on the groove 10. By the support area 12 and the support area 14, a relatively large support surface is provided, on which the two panels 1, 2 are in the connected state to each other. The chamfered surface 13 causes, in conjunction with the projection 5, in a transversely acting force component, a component of movement in the transverse direction towards each other, so that in the locked state in a force acting from above component of the gap between the two panels 1, 2 is reduced.

The paragraph 9 is formed so that in the transverse direction Q no contact between a vertically extending surface of the paragraph and an opposite, also vertically extending surface of the first side edge exists. There is thus a free space 30, so that there can be no unwanted blocking effect and thus no gap between the two panels 1, 2 on the upper side 15.

Between the spring 10 and the upper side 15 of the panel 1, an undercut 17 is formed, which forms a free space 18 in the assembled state, can be absorbed in the abrasion or not removed chips from the manufacturing process. Also, a corresponding design of the rounded front portion 11 is provided so that at the top of the spring 10 in the assembled state, a free space 19 is also formed, which can act as a dust bag.

The laying and locking of two panels 1, 2 takes place with such a profile picture, in which the first panel 1 is attached with the spring 10 at an angle to the second panel 2 and the spring 10 is inserted into the groove 3 of the second panel 2. Subsequently, the angled first panel 1 is pivoted about an axis parallel to the longitudinal direction of the first side edge, in this case clockwise, so that the rounded front portion 11 slides along in the groove 3 until the support portion 12 rests flat on the corresponding surface of the groove 3. In this state, as in the FIG. 2 is shown, is achieved by the undercut of the upper lip 4 and the projection 5 of the paragraph 9 effective locking in the vertical direction V and transverse direction Q.

In order not only to enable locking with another panel on two opposite side edges of one panel, a profile is formed on a second side edge, which extends at an angle, preferably a right angle to the first side edge, in the FIG. 3 is shown. Here, too, corresponding profiles are formed on opposite side edges, their interaction in the FIG. 4 is shown:

FIG. 3 shows such a profile at a second side edge in cross-section, which is preferably formed on the transverse side of the panel. Starting from the bottom 7, a step-shaped cutout 20 is incorporated in the panel 2, which forms an inner wall 21 and an outer wall 22. Both on the inner wall 21 and on the outer wall 22 form-fitting elements 23, 24 are formed here milled, which engage in the form of projections in corresponding undercuts 230, 240 of a corresponding recess 200 of a second panel 1, in the cutout 20 is a Paragraph 25 is formed, which protrudes in the direction of the bottom 7, wherein the Absatzaußenwandung is formed by the outer wall 22 and the paragraph inner wall 27 in the illustrated embodiment forms an upwardly flared cross-section. The underside of the shoulder 25 forms a head surface 26, which runs parallel to the top 15 of the panel 2 and on which the panel 2 is supported in the mounted state via a corresponding base surface 280 of a corresponding recess 200 of a second panel 1.

As an alternative to the illustrated embodiment, it is provided that the inner surface 27 extends substantially parallel to the outer wall 22, so that the heel inner wall 27 to the top surface 26 forms an undercut. It is also provided that in addition to a substantial straight formation of the outer wall 22 at an acute angle α to the vertical, the outer wall 22 has a rounded shape or a vertical course. In this case, it is necessary for the positive-fit element 24 to protrude beyond the terminal edge 28 of the upper side 15 in order to perform a positive locking with the second panel 1.

Above the positive-locking element 24, a recess 29 is formed, which acts as a dust bag.

If the inner wall 27 is formed as an undercut to the top surface 26, an additional locking in the vertical direction is provided, in particular if the corresponding paragraph inner wall 270th of the upwardly directed paragraph 250 is also formed as an undercut. A positive locking then takes place by a slight bending or elastic deformation of the profiles, so that the positive-locking elements 23, 24 and the undercut pass through the paragraph inner wall 27 with the corresponding undercuts 230, 240 and the undercut through the paragraph inner wall 270 engage effectively can.

The outgoing from the top 15 cutout 200 is formed such that it can accommodate the opposite profile, so that the top surface 26 on the one hand rests completely flat on the base surface 280, on the other hand, the surfaces 15 of the two panels 1, 2 in the assembled state, as it in the FIG. 4 is shown, complete in a plane and lie as flush as possible. Through the recess 29 above the positive-locking element 24, a free space 290 is created, which serves as a dust bag, the same applies to the free space 300, which is formed by a corresponding positioning of the inner wall 210 of the cutout 200.

Like in the FIG. 4 can be clearly seen, an effective locking is given both in the transverse direction Q and in the vertical direction V, wherein the locking in the transverse direction is positively realized by the paragraphs 25, 250. A locking in the vertical direction V is effected by the locking elements 23, 24, which engage positively in the undercuts 230, 240, wherein the positive-locking elements 23, 24 are arranged on spaced-apart walls 21, 22. In addition, the form-fitting elements 23, 24 are arranged at different vertical levels, so that form an upper locking point and a lower locking point. The upper locking point is formed by the positive-locking element 24 and the undercut 240, the lower locking point by the positive-locking element 23 and the undercut 230.

The upwardly directed shoulder 250 is not formed over the entire length of the second side edge, but is milled over an area except for the base surface 280, which milled off in the direction of the first side edge with a Spring 10 is located. By this cutout or non-education of the paragraph 250, the initially angled inserted panel can be further lowered down before laying by a pulse-like assembly movement down a final locking on the second side edge, preferably the transverse side occurs.

Between the top surface 260 of the shoulder 250 and the corresponding surface of the cutout 20, a free space is present in the mounted state, which is necessary so that the positive-locking element 23 can engage behind the undercut 230. Also, this space serves as a dust bag.

In addition to the formation of a panel with a groove 3 on one side edge, which has an upper lip 4 and a lower lip 6, can be dispensed with a corresponding profile design on a lower lip 6, provided in another way a lock in the transverse direction Q and vertical direction V. is ensured. This locking is done so that no movement in the direction of the double arrows in the locked state is possible.

Due to the presented profile and the laying method described, it is possible to lay panels easily and quickly. The profile also has the advantage that on the one hand, a slight pivoting and locking, on the other hand, a stable support and thus the possibility of a precise setting of the height offset is given on the particular configuration of the spring 10 and the groove. Also, a secure locking of the first side edges in the vertical direction V and transverse direction Q is given, and this profile can be particularly well milled in OSB panels.

The profile design on the second side edge allows a particularly durable positive lock on the second side edges, preferably the transverse sides of the panels, without complex additional equipment or special skills would be necessary during installation. In addition to the staggered interlocking elements prevents the large bearing surface a Verwinkelung and thereby easy opening of the lock on the second Side edge. In addition, the keyed interlock, which produces a characteristic noise, indicates to the user of the panels that an effective interlock has occurred.

The profile of FIG. 4a is essentially the same as the FIG. 2 , is given by the effective locking in both the transverse direction Q and in the vertical direction V. In the FIG. 4a It can also be clearly seen that in the top surface 26 of the shoulder 25, a groove 26 'is formed, which extends over the entire length of the side edge. The groove 26 'serves as a dust bag and as a material weakening, so that a certain spring effect in the locking of the two panels 1, 2 is present.

The profile design of the FIGS. 5 to 13 on the second side edge allows a particularly durable positive lock on the second and opposite side edge, preferably the transverse sides of the panels, without complex additional equipment or special skills would be necessary during assembly. In addition to the staggered interlocking elements prevents the large bearing surface a Verwinkelung and thereby easy opening of the lock on the third side edge. In addition, the keyed interlock, which produces a characteristic noise, indicates to the user of the panels that an effective interlock has occurred.

FIG. 5 shows an embodiment of the second and opposite side edge of the panels 1, 2, wherein both panels are each formed with a spring 51, 52 and a groove 61, 62. The springs 51, 52 and the grooves 61, 62 are offset in height from each other arranged such that the springs 51, 52 can engage in the corresponding grooves 62, 61, so as to effect a locking in the transverse direction Q. The panels are first locked to the realization of a corresponding lock on the first side edges and then moved in the transverse direction Q to each other until the illustrated end position is achieved to form a minimum butt joint 73.

The joints 61, 62 are each formed by a first lip 63, 64 and a respective second lip 65, 66, wherein in the first panel 1, the second lip 65 protrudes beyond the first lip 63 in the transverse direction Q. In the second panel 2, this is reversed, the first lip 64 protrudes beyond the second lip 66 in the transverse direction Q, wherein the respective protruding lips 64, 65 pass into the underside or top of the springs 52, 51.

In the illustrated embodiment, in the lower, second lip 65 of the first panel and the upper, first lip 64 of the second panel depending a corresponding channel-shaped, semi-circular in cross-section recess 71, 72 milled, which form a channel 75 in the assembled state shown , In this channel 75, a separate locking element 80, preferably made of plastic, is inserted, so that a positive locking in the transverse direction Q is effected. By an elastic configuration of the locking element 80 and a slight oversizing can be achieved that the panels 1, 2 are braced to each other, so that the butt joint 73 can always be kept minimally small. As a result, a bias between the panels 1, 2 is effected after installation by the insertion of the locking element 80, which has a secure assignment of the panels 1, 2 to each other and a minimum surface offset result. Also, the butt joint 73 is kept closed so that no dirt or moisture can penetrate and softens the core of the panels 1, 2.

The recesses 71, 72 are arranged so that the channel 75 or the locking element 80 extends parallel and below the butt joint 73, whereby on the one hand an optimal manufacturing possibility due to the almost symmetrical design is given because a cutout only partially within the corresponding grooves 61, 62 must be made, on the other hand, there is still enough material to absorb corresponding forces in the panel material available.

The FIG. 6 shows a variant of the profile design on the second and opposite side edge of the panels 1, 2, wherein on the first panel 1, a spring 51 and on the second panel a groove 62 along the respective Side edges is formed. Both in the top of the spring 51 and in the first lip 64 of the groove 62 are milled in cross-section semicircular recesses, which result in the joining of the two panels 1, 2, a cylindrical channel 75. In this channel 75, a cut to the appropriate length, extruded plastic tube can be inserted as a locking element 80, so that via the locking element 80 takes place a lock in the transverse direction Q. The groove 62 and spring 51 lock the panels 1, 2 in the vertical direction.

In the FIG. 7 is a variant of FIG. 6 represented, in which the corresponding recesses 71, 72 are formed on the underside of the spring 51 and the second lip 66 of the groove 62. The recesses 71, 72 are formed corresponding to one another, so that a hexagonal locking element 80 is formed in the correspondingly formed channel 75. The channel 75 is in the FIG. 9 illustrated, the corresponding configuration of the recesses 71, 72 and the groove 62 and the spring 51 according to FIG. 6 are in the FIG. 8 shown.

Laying the panels 1, 2 with a profile design according to the FIGS. 5 to 9 takes place at the second and these opposite side edges by first inserted and pivoted at the first side edge of a panel in one of these opposite side edge until the panels to be joined at the second and these opposite side edges lie in a plane. Subsequently, the panels along the first side edge are moved towards each other until the panels abut each other and form a minimal butt joint 73. At the same time, a channel 75 is formed by the recesses 71, 72, in which a correspondingly shaped locking element 80 is inserted. In this way, an effective locking in the vertical direction and in the transverse direction Q is effected.

After removal of the locking element 80, a disassembly of the panels can be made without destroying the profiles, so that any number of laying operations can be performed. Such an embodiment of the lock is particularly suitable for elements of exhibition construction.

In the FIGS. 12 and 13 further embodiments of the recesses 71, 72 are shown, which can also be laid with the method described above. In FIG. 12 the channel 75 has a triangular cross-sectional shape, wherein the upper recess 72 has the cross-section of an isosceles trapezium and the lower recess 71 in the spring 51 has a triangular shape. The locking member 80 is formed V-shaped and can cause a corresponding force component in the transverse direction Q by a resilient bias, so that the panels 1, 2 are moved towards each other.

In the FIG. 13 are each two triangular in cross-section recesses 71, 72 milled into the spring 51 and groove 62, and the locking member 80 has an X-shaped cross-section. By inserting the locking elements 80 according to the FIGS. 12 and 13 the legs are pressed together and also keep the butt joint 72 close together and thus tight against dirt and moisture. In order to facilitate the insertion, the locking elements 80 are formed tapered at their ends.

In the FIGS. 10 and 11 the groove 62 and the spring 51 are formed such that a locking takes place when engaging groove 62 and spring 51 in the transverse direction Q. At the vertical edges of the groove 62 and spring 51 corresponding recesses are milled into which a locking element 80 can be inserted. In the FIG. 10 These recesses are designed such that a rectangular locking element 80 is inserted.

In the FIG. 11 is a variant of FIG. 10 shown, in which the channel 75 is formed in a circular shape. By such a configuration of the second and this opposite side edge of the panels 1, 2, an effective locking in the transverse direction Q takes place already by the insertion of the spring 51 in the groove 62. The geometry shown, a very high contact surface is provided so that forces well received and can be derived. Also, the recesses 71, 72 are relatively easy to manufacture, in particular auszufräsen, and for both side edges only one tool is needed.

Furthermore, with a corresponding configuration of the locking elements 80, a pressure is built up, which moves the panels 1, 2 towards each other and braced. The secure locking in the vertical direction V is also ensured.

The locking elements 80 and the grooves and springs may also have different geometries, wherein by the locking element or the locking elements that component of movement is eliminated, which is not blocked by the tongue and groove connection. Advantageously, the locking element causes a tension of the panels to each other, so that the butt joint is minimized. The channel for inserting the locking element can extend over the entire joint width or groove width, only corresponding form-locking elements must be present in order to effect a lock.

FIG. 14 shows a floor panel 1 according to the invention, which consists of a medium density or high density fiberboard (MDF or HDF). At the top 15, the floor panel 1 is provided with a decorative layer 16, which may be formed for example by a wood grain having a paper layer, which is coated with a serving as a wear protection layer of synthetic resin. On the bottom 7 a Schalldämmlage be glued to improve the footfall sound properties of laid floor panels. As an alternative to the use of an HDF or MDF board, the panel 1 can be made of an OSB material (oriented strands board), wherein a decorative layer 16 can be dispensed with here. At a first side edge, preferably at the longitudinal side of the panel 1, the panel 1 is provided with a spring 10 and at the opposite side edge with a recess 3.

The recess 3 and the spring 10 extend over the full length of the side edges. Provided on the spring 10 is an outwardly projecting nose provided with a point, which merges into a front area which has an arcuate contour. At this front region of the spring 10, which forms an undercut 13, a support region 14 connects, which is formed inclined at an angle μ to the top 15 of the panels 1.

The support region 14 is adjoined by a substantially vertically oriented wall 111.

The undercut 13 causes, as in FIG. 15 shown, a lock in the transverse direction Q, in which a positive locking with a corresponding shoulder 9 of the recess 3 is made. In the assembled state, the spring 10 engages in an undercut formed by an upper lip 4 of the recess 3, so that the top 120 of the spring 10 abuts an underside 40 of the upper lip and locking in the vertical direction along the first and the opposite side edge , The shoulder 9 is formed on a lower lip 6 of the recess 3 and closes it off, wherein on the top of the paragraph 9, an inclined shoulder surface 5 is formed, which serves as a support for the support area 14. The conclusion of the panel forms a substantially vertically extending front shoulder 81, which merges into the heel top 5 via a rounding.

By paragraph top 5 and the support portion 14, a relatively large bearing surface is provided, on which the two panels 1, 2 in the connected state to each other. The bevel by the angle μ causes a component of movement in the transverse direction Q is generated to each other during a vertical load, so that in the locked state in a force component acting from above, the gap between the two panels 1, 2 is reduced and the original locking by Insertion and pivoting of a first panel in a second panel can be done without a bias.

The paragraph 9 is formed so that on the front shoulder 81 a recess 311 is formed, in which, as in the FIG. 15 can be seen, a corresponding projection 300 engages the wall 111 of the first side edge. The recess 311 forms an undercut, so that a locking in the vertical direction V is formed by a positive engagement of the projection 300 in the recess 311. Above the rounded connection from the heel top 5 to the front shoulder 8.1 a free space 180 is formed in the mounted state, which is a certain movement of the panel 1 in the direction on the second panel 2 at a vertical load allows. Likewise, 180 chips can accumulate in this free space. The underside of the projection 300 rests on a corresponding slope of the recess 311, so that a precise angular allocation of the panels 1, 2 is ensured. In addition to the positive locking on the upper side 120 of the spring 10, a second locking point in the vertical direction is provided by the formation of the positive locking elements 300, 311, so that increased security against unwanted pivoting back of the first panel 1, in the present counterclockwise, is prevented

Between the spring 10 and the top 15 of the panel 1, an undercut 17 is formed, which adjoins a running at right angles to the top 15 edge. The undercut 17 forms in the assembled state of a space in which abrasion or not removed chips can be included in the manufacturing process. Also, a corresponding design of the round front portion of the spring 10 is provided, so that the spring 10 in the assembled state also forms a gap 19, which can act as a dust bag and movement space.

The laying and locking of two panels 1, 2 with such a profile picture takes place by the first panel 1 with the spring 10 attached at an angle to the second panel 2 and the spring 10 is inserted in the recess 3 of the second panel 2. Subsequently, the angled first panel 1 is pivoted about an axis parallel to the longitudinal direction of the first side edge, in this case in the clockwise direction, so that the provided with a round contour front portion of the spring 10 slides along in the correspondingly shaped recess 3 until the top 120 of the spring 10th on the corresponding bottom 40 of the upper lip 4 is present. In this state, as in the FIG. 15 is shown, is achieved by the undercut of the upper lip 4 and the paragraph 9 effective locking in the vertical direction V and in the transverse direction Q.

FIG. 16 shows a floor panel 1 according to a variant in the profile design of the first side edge, wherein the panel provided with a spring 10 and on the opposite side with a correspondingly formed groove 3. The groove 3 and the spring 10 extend over the full length of the side edge. On the spring 10 an outwardly projecting, rounded nose is provided, to which the underside 12 of the spring 10 connects with a rounded contour. The radius of this contour is constant over at least 90 degrees of circumference and thus allows easy insertion of the spring 10 in the groove. 3

In the assembled state, the spring 10 engages in an undercut formed by the upper lip 4 of the groove 3, so that a locking in the vertical direction V takes place along the first edge. The locking in the transverse direction Q takes place by the positive engagement of the underside 12 of the spring 10 on a shoulder 9, which closes the groove 3. On the top of the paragraph 9, a horizontally extending surface is formed, which serves as a support for a support area 14.

Figures 17 and 18 show a floor panel 1 with an alternative profile design. Again, the panel 1 is provided with a spring 10 and at the opposite side edge with a recess 3. The recess 3 and the spring 10 extend over the full length of the opposite side edges. On the spring 10, an outwardly projecting, provided with a vertical front tip 101 is provided, wherein the spring 10 has an upwardly rising, wedge-shaped contour. From the top 101 of the spring 10 extends a horizontal bottom 12, to which an undercut 13 connects, which is formed by an inclined, rectilinear wall 130 which extends at an angle β to the top 15 inclined. A subsequent to the wall 130 support portion 14 extends parallel to the top 15 of the panels 1, and provides a convenient support surface for receiving vertical forces. The support area 14 is bounded on the panel side by a wall 111 which is inclined slightly to the vertical, the angle λ being an acute angle.

The undercut 13 causes, as in FIG. 19 shown, a lock in the transverse direction Q, in which a positive locking with a corresponding shoulder 9 of the recess 3 is made. In the assembled state, the spring 10 engages in an undercut formed by an upper lip 4 of the recess 3, so that a rectilinear, presently inclined top 120 of the spring 10 abuts a lower side 40 of the upper lip 4 and a locking in the vertical direction V along the first and opposite side edge takes place. The shoulder 9 is formed on a lower lip 6, which has a horizontal top 60, the recess 3 and closes it off, wherein on the top of the paragraph 9, a horizontal shoulder surface is formed, which serves as a support for the support area 14. The end of the panel forms a sloping paragraph front 81, which passes over a rounding in the paragraph top.

Due to the heel top and the support area 14, a relatively large bearing surface is provided, on which the two panels 1, 2 lie on one another in the connected state. The paragraph 9 is formed so that on the front shoulder 81 a recess 311 is formed, in which, as in the FIG. 19 can be seen, a corresponding projection 300 engages the wall 111 of the first side edge. The recess 311 forms an undercut, so that a locking in the vertical direction V is effected by a positive engagement of the projection 300 in the recess 311.

The top of the projection 300 rests on a corresponding slope of the recess 311, so that a precise angle assignment of the panels 1, 2 is ensured. In addition to the positive locking on the upper side 120 of the spring 10, a second locking point in the vertical direction is provided by the formation of the positive locking elements 300, 311, so that increased security against unwanted pivoting back of the first panel 1, in the present counterclockwise, is prevented. The locking effect is increased by the rectilinear design of the spring top 120, the bottom 40 of the upper lip 4, the top 60 of the lower lip 6 and the bottom 12 of the spring 10, since the rectilinear configuration makes pivoting difficult and the Profile is held in position due to the elastic restoring force of the panels. Furthermore, by the parallel formation of the tip 101 of the spring 10 and the groove bottom 50 of the recess 3 causes a further .Festlegung.

Claims (26)

1. Floor panel (1, 2) which is bounded in a horizontal plane by a top side (15), provided with a decorative layer (14) or the like, and an underside (7), provided for resting on an underlying surface, and which is provided with means for releasably connecting to at least one further panel (1, 2), it being the case that a tongue (10) is formed on at least one first side edge of the floor panel (1, 2), the tongue extending in the longitudinal direction of the side edge, and a recess (3) which corresponds to the tongue (10) is formed on the opposite side edge of the floor panel (1, 2), the tongue (10) being designed such that locking takes place by an introduction movement into the recess (3) of the further panel (2) and a pivoting-in movement about an axis parallel to the first side edge, and locking is brought about in the transverse direction (Q) and the vertical direction (V), the recess being designed as a groove (3) with a top lip (4) and a bottom lip (6), in which the tongue (10) can be latched in the transverse direction (Q), the bottom front region (11) of the tongue (10) being rounded, and the rounded front region (11) of the tongue (10) being adjoined by a flattened, essentially horizontally running supporting region (12), the tongue (10) being adjoined by a bearing region (14) for supporting on a shoulder (9) which terminates the groove (3), characterized in that the bearing region (14) runs at an angle (µ) to the horizontal such that in the locked state of the panels (1, 2), under the action of vertical loading from above, the panels are caused to move towards one another in the transverse direction (Q), with the result that the gap between the panels (1, 2) is reduced.
2. Floor panel according to Claim 1, characterized in that the bottom lip (6) forms a shoulder (9) with a top shoulder side (5) and a front shoulder side (81), said shoulder, with a corresponding undercut (13) of the tongue (10), blocking the panels (1, 2) in the transverse direction (Q), the undercut (13) being adjoined by a recess, with a bearing region (14) which corresponds to the shoulder (9), and a wall (111), which in the installed state is located opposite the front shoulder side (81), corresponding form-fitting elements (300, 311) being formed on the wall (111) and the front shoulder side (81), said form-fitting elements, in the installed state, engaging one inside the other and bringing about locking in the vertical direction (V).
3. Floor panel according to Claim 2, characterized in that a protrusion (300) is formed on the wall (111) and a recess (311) is formed on the front shoulder side (81).
4. Floor panel according to Claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, in the installed state, a top side (120) of the tongue (10) butts against an underside (40) of the top lip (4).
5. Floor panel according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the tongue (10) is provided with an undercut (17) opposite the top side (15).
6. Floor panel according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the tongue (10) and the recess (3) are designed such that, in the installed state, a gap (19) is present between the front region of the tongue (10) and that region of the recess (3) which adjoins the top lip (4), the gap tapering in the direction of the shoulder (9).
7. Floor panel according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the rear region of the tongue (10) is designed as an essentially rectilinear surface (13) which runs at an angle to the horizontal and, along with the corresponding protrusion (5) in the groove (3), brings about locking in the transverse direction (Q).
8. Floor panel according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that form-fitting elements (23, 24) for locking in the vertical direction (V) with a further panel are formed on a second side edge, which runs at an angle to the first side edge, and the form-fitting elements (23, 24) are spaced apart from one another in the transverse direction (Q) and in the vertical direction (V) on two spaced-apart, essentially vertically oriented walls (21, 22).
9. Floor panel according to Claim 8, characterized in that a step-like milled relief (20) which starts from the underside (7) and has an inner wall (21) and an outer wall (22) is formed on the second side edge, in each case one form-fitting element (23, 24) which extends in the transverse direction (Q) being formed on the walls (21, 22), and in that formed on the side edge which is located opposite the second side edge is a step-like milled relief (200) which starts from the top side (15) and has an inner wall (210) and an outer wall (220), on which are formed undercuts (230, 240) which correspond with the form-fitting elements (23, 24).
10. Floor panel according to Claim 9, characterized in that the step-like milled relief (20) which starts from the underside (7) forms a shoulder (25) which projects in the direction of the underside (7) and has an essentially horizontally oriented head surface (26).
11. Floor panel according to Claim 10, characterized in that a channel (26') is formed in the head surface (26) along the longitudinal extent in relation to the second side edge.
12. Floor panel according to Claim 10 or 11, characterized in that the walls (22, 27) of the shoulder (25) are oriented at an acute angle ( ) in relation to the head surface (26).
13. Floor panel according to one of Claims 10 to 12, characterized in that the inner shoulder wall (27) forms an undercut in relation to the head surface (26).
14. Floor panel according to one of Claims 10 to 13, characterized in that the head surface (26) has a transverse extent of 2 to 6 mm.
15. Floor panel according to one of Claims 10 to 14, characterized in that the head surface (26) has 0.25 to 0.4 times the overall transverse extent of the step-like milled relief (20).
16. Floor panel according to one of Claims 8 to 15, characterized in that a form-fitting element (24) of the second side edge projects horizontally beyond the termination edge (28) of the top side (15).
17. Floor panel according to Claim 16, characterized in that a recess (29), which undercuts the termination edge (28), is arranged between the top side (15) and the projecting form-fitting element (24).
18. Floor panel according to one of Claims 9 to 17, characterized in that the step-like milled relief (200), which starts from the top side (15), forms a shoulder (250) which projects in the direction of the top side (15) and has an essentially horizontally oriented head surface (260), the bottom region of the outer shoulder wall (220) containing an undercut (230) which corresponds with the form-fitting element (23) of the inner wall (21) of the milled relief (20) of the opposite side edge.
19. Floor panel according to Claim 18, characterized in that a horizontal base surface (280) is formed between the inner shoulder wall (270) and the inner wall (210) of the milled relief (200), said base surface being designed such that, when the panels (1, 2) have been laid, the head surface (26) rests on the base surface (280) and the top sides (15) of the panels (1, 2) are located in a single plane.
20. Floor panel according to Claim 18 or 19, characterized in that the inner shoulder wall (270) runs parallel to, or at a shallower angle than, the corresponding inner shoulder wall (27) of the shoulder (25), which engages in the laid state.
21. Floor panel according to one of Claims 18 to 20, characterized in that the inner shoulder wall (270) forms an undercut in relation to the head surface (260).
22. Floor panel according to one of Claims 18 to 21, characterized in that the upwardly projecting shoulder (250) has not been formed, or has been removed, in at least one end region of the second side edge.
23. Floor panel according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is produced from HDF, MDF or an OSB material.
24. Floor panel according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that no decorative layer is applied to the top side (15).
25. Floor panel according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first side edge is formed on the longitudinal side, and the second side edge is formed on the transverse side, of the panel.
26. Floor panel according to one of Claims 1 to 24, characterized in that the second side edge is formed on the longitudinal side, and the first side edge is formed on the transverse side, of the panel.

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