EP2250330B1 - Method for laying floor panels - Google Patents

Description

1. a) zur Ausbildung der ersten Reihe R₁
   • a₁) ein erstes Paneel in der Verlegeebene ausgelegt und ein zweites Paneel mit seiner Querkante an der Querkante des ersten Paneels angelegt und durch Herabschwenken oder vertikales Absenken des zweiten Paneels in die Verlegeebene beide Paneele miteinander verbunden und verriegelt werden, und
   • a₂) nach dieser Art so viele Paneele miteinander verbunden und verriegelt werden, bis die erste Reihe R₁ komplettiert ist,
2. b) zur Ausbildung der zweiten Reihe R₂,
   • b₁) ein weiteres erstes Paneel mit seiner Längskante an die Längskante mindestens eines in der ersten Reihe R₁ ausgelegten Paneels angelegt und durch Herabschwenken in die Verlegeebene mit diesem mindestens einen Paneel verbunden und verriegelt wird.
   • b₂) ein weiteres zweites Paneel mit seiner Längskante an der Längskante mindestens eines in der ersten Reihe R₁ ausgelegten Paneels so angelegt wird, dass durch sein Herabschwenken in die Verlegeebene die Längskante des weiteren Paneels mit der Längskante des mindestens einen Paneels in der ersten Reihe R₁ und dessen Querkante mit der Querkante des ersten Paneels in der zweiten Reihe R₂ verbunden und verriegelt wird, wobei
   • b₃) nach dieser Art so viele Paneele verbunden und verriegelt werden, bis die zweite Reihe R₂ vollständig ausgelegt ist,
3. c) zur Ausbildung der dritten R₃ und jeder weiteren Reihe R_i werden die Schritte b₁) bis b₃) so lange wiederholt, bis der Raum vollständig ausgelegt ist, wobei
4. d) beim Verbinden und Verriegeln der Querkanten wenigstens ein aus dem Kernmaterial des Paneels bestehendes und einstückig mit diesen verbundenes Verriegelungselement des einen Paneels schnappend mit einer Verriegelungskante des anderen Paneels in Kontakt tritt und
5. e) während des Verriegelns durch Herabschwenken oder Absenken in die Verlegeebene auf das Verriegelungselement des einen Paneels eine Kraft in vertikaler Richtung einwirkt, die sich zumindest teilweise in eine in horizontaler Richtung wirkende Kraftkomponente wandelt und zunächst eine Ausweichbewegung und danach eine entgegen gerichtete Schnappbewegung des Verriegelungselementes bewirkt wird.

The invention relates to a method for glueless laying of floor panels, in particular consisting of a wood material, such as MDF or HDF, which are provided at their opposite transverse edges and longitudinal edges with a mutually corresponding profiling, in a space for forming a closed floor surface on a laying plane in which a plurality of panels are connected with their transverse edges to a row R _i and with their longitudinal edges to a plurality of rows R _n and locked to each other, in which

1. a) to form the first row R ₁
   • a ₁ ) designed a first panel in the laying plane and a second panel with its transverse edge at the transverse edge of the first panel and connected by pivoting down or vertical lowering of the second panel in the laying plane both panels are interconnected and locked, and
   • a ₂ ) according to this type, so many panels are interconnected and locked until the first row R _{1 is} completed,
2. b) for forming the second row R ₂ ,
   • b ₁ ) another first panel is applied with its longitudinal edge to the longitudinal edge of at least one panel designed in the first row R ₁ and connected and locked by pivoting down into the laying plane with this at least one panel.
   • b ₂ ) another second panel with its longitudinal edge on the longitudinal edge of at least one designed in the first row R ₁ panel is designed so that by its pivoting down into the laying plane, the longitudinal edge of the further panel with the longitudinal edge of the at least one panel in the first row R ₁ and whose transverse edge is connected to the transverse edge of the first panel in the second row R ₂ and locked, wherein
   • b ₃ ) according to this type, so many panels are connected and locked until the second row R _{2 is} completely laid out,
3. c) to form the third R ₃ and each further row R _i , the steps b ₁ ) to b ₃ ) are repeated until the space is completely designed, wherein
4. d) when connecting and locking the transverse edges, at least one of the core material of the panel existing and integrally connected to these locking element of a panel snaps into contact with a locking edge of the other panel in contact and
5. e) acts during locking by pivoting down or lowering in the laying plane on the locking element of a panel, a force in the vertical direction, which at least partially converts into a horizontally acting force component and initially causes an evasive movement and then an oppositely directed snap movement of the locking element becomes.

A method according to the preamble of claim 1 is described in WO 2007/020088 A1 described.

Such a method is for example in the DE 102 24 540 A1 just described. To connect the panels to the transverse sides of the seed material is first compressed and provided on the spring as a locking element nose then snaps behind an acting in the groove of the opposite panel as a locking edge undercut. In order for the Verrating forces of two interconnected panels are sufficiently high, the nose or the entire spring beirn must connect accordingly strong compressed. However, a tightly tolerated profile of the spring must also ensure that the compressive forces do not become too high, which could destroy the locking lug or the locking edge.

The laying must be done very carefully. If the panel to be newly created is tilted so that the compressive forces are at least partially too high, there is a risk that the destruction of the locking elements takes place only partially and is not recognized from the outside, because the butt joint of the two panels is closed. After some time, and in particular as a result of temperature and humidity fluctuations, which lead to swelling and shrinking of the panels, the connection then ruptures, which is visually visible even by high connecting edges, even if only a very small offset between two panels occurs.

Starting from this problem, the method described above is to be improved so that the laying is also possible with less care and an unnoticed permanent destruction of the locking elements is largely excluded.

To solve the problem, the generic method is characterized in that the movement of the locking element is ensured both in the horizontal direction and in the vertical direction by an exemption of the locking element relative to the core of the panel.

Due to the free mobility of the locking element only small forces are necessary to dodge this during locking and then snap back. Even if the panels are tilted, the forces necessary for the evasive movement do not rise, but the locking element safely deviates from any force acting on it and springs back when the force is no longer applied. The spring element can move through the inventive design in a horizontal plane and avoid the space created by the exemption.

Preferably, at least one substantially horizontal slot and at least one substantially vertical slot is provided for the release of the locking element from the core.

The width of the slots not only determines the strength of the connection of the spring element to the core material, but by choosing the width of the vertical slot and a stop in the horizontal direction for the spring element can be created so that it is safely protected against overstretching. To expose the spring element and a plurality of horizontal slots can be provided behind each other and a single vertical slot. Likewise, a single horizontal slot and a plurality of vertical slots may be provided one behind the other. It is also conceivable to provide both a plurality of horizontal and a plurality of vertical slots in succession.

Preferably, the spring element is connected at one of its ends to the core.

If at least one outgoing from the underside of the panel slot is provided for the release of the locking element, the horizontal slot can be omitted, since the locking element is free both to the top and to the bottom.

The substantially vertical slot in this case preferably extends at least partially through a lower locking section.

With the help of a drawing, the inventive method will be described in more detail below.

Figur 1

die schematische Darstellung einer ersten Reihe R₁ Paneele;

Figur 2

die schematische Darstellung der Bildung der zweiten Reihe R₂ Paneele durch ein erstes weiteres Paneel;

Figur 3

die schematische Darstellung der Fortbildung der zweiten Reihe;

Figur 4

den Schnitt durch zwei Paneele an der Verbindungsstelle an den Querkanten;

Figur 5

die Seitenkante II' des ersten Paneels;

Figur 6

die Seitenkante II des zweiten Paneels;

Figur 7

die Draufsicht gemäß Sichtpfeil VII in Figur 5;

Figur 8

die Darstellung gemäß der Schnittpfeile VIII-VIII in Figur 6;

Figur 9

die Ansicht der Längskante eines Paneels;

Figur 10

die Teildarstellung zweier miteinander an ihren Längskanten verbundenen Paneele in der Verbindungsstelle;

Figur 11

den Schnitt durch zwei Paneele einer anderen Ausführungsform an der Verbindungsstelle an den Querkanten.

It shows:

FIG. 1

the schematic representation of a first row R ₁ panels;

FIG. 2

the schematic representation of the formation of the second row R ₂ panels by a first further panel;

FIG. 3

the schematic representation of the training of the second series;

FIG. 4

the section through two panels at the junction at the transverse edges;

FIG. 5

the side edge II 'of the first panel;

FIG. 6

the side edge II of the second panel;

FIG. 7

the top view according to viewing arrow VII in FIG. 5 ;

FIG. 8

the illustration according to the sectional arrows VIII-VIII in FIG. 6 ;

FIG. 9

the view of the longitudinal edge of a panel;

FIG. 10

the partial representation of two interconnected at their longitudinal edges panels in the connection point;

FIG. 11

the section through two panels of another embodiment at the junction at the transverse edges.

The panels 1.1, 1.2, ..., 1.n, 2.1, 2.2, ... are identical. They consist of a core 17 of wood material such as HDF or MDF or a wood-plastic mixture. At their opposite transverse edges II, II 'are the panels 1.1, 1.2, ..., 1.n, 2.1, 2.2 profiled, wherein the transverse edge II of the top 18 and the transverse edge II' from the bottom 19 was machined milled , Formed at the transverse edge II 'is the spring element 3 which has been produced by free milling of the core 17 by milling in a horizontal slot 11 and a substantially vertical slot 10. The transverse edges II, II 'have the width B. The exposure of the spring element 3 from the core 17 takes place exclusively through the slots 10, 11. The outer edge 3c of the spring element 3 is inclined relative to the top 18 of the panel 1.2 at an angle α. The vertical surfaces of the transverse edges II, II 'are machined so that 18 contact surfaces 15, 16 form in the region of the top.

At the side edge II opposite the spring element 3, the panel 1.1, 1.2,..., 1.n is provided with a locking nose 22 extending essentially in the horizontal direction H, the lower side wall of which forms an essentially horizontally extending locking edge 4 as an undercut. The locking lug 22 protrudes laterally beyond the contact surface 16 of the panel 1. Below the locking lug 22, a groove 9 is formed, which is a part of the spring element 3 for locking two panels 1.1, 1.2; 2.1, 2.2 in the vertical direction V receives. As in FIG. 4 is shown, the groove bottom 9a of the groove 9 extends parallel to the outer edge 3c of the spring element 3, which facilitates the production of the groove 9, but it could also be performed strictly in the vertical direction V or with an angle deviating from the angle a. Compared to the length of the hook member 20, the locking lug 22 is short. Between the top of the locking lug 22 and the contact surface 16, a dust bag 23 made of the material of the core 17 is machined on the side edge II of the panel 1.1.

The locking of the two panels 1.1, 1.2; 2.1, 2.2 in the horizontal direction H takes place via the hook elements produced by milling in a step profiling 20, 21 and in the vertical direction V via the spring element 3 in conjunction with the locking edge 4 on the locking lug 22. At the downwardly extending shoulder 5 of the hook element 21, an at least partially planar head surface 12 is formed, which cooperates with a on hook element 20 at the opposite side edge II 'trained bearing surface 13, which projects behind the projection 6. The top surface 12 and the support surface 13 end in the same horizontal plane E, so that the interconnected panels 1.1, 1.2; 2.1, 2.2 support each other. The core 17 facing surface 24 of the hook member 21 extends inclined relative to the vertical and forms together with the corresponding inclined, the core 17 facing surface 25 on the shoulder a locking edge of two connecting panels 1, 2. The profiling of the hook elements 20, 21 is selected in that a bias voltage is generated in the connection point and the vertical contact surfaces 15, 16 of the panels 1.1, 1.2; 2.1, 2.2 are pressed against each other, so that no visible gap is formed at the top 18 of two interconnected panels 1.1, 1.2, ..., 1.n, 2.1, 2.2, ..., 2.n. To the joining of the panels 1.1, 1.2; 2.1, 2.2, the upwardly projecting shoulder 6 of the hook element 20 and the downwardly projecting shoulder 5 of the hook element 21 are taken or rounded at their edges. In order to simplify the production of the formation of the spring element 3, either the horizontally extending slot 11 or the substantially vertically extending slot 10 may be continuous, so over the full width B of the transverse edge II 'rich. For further details of the locking element is on the DE 10 2007 041 024.9 directed.

As FIG. 11 shows, the locking element 3 'may also be formed on the underside 19 of the panel 1.2. In this case, the substantially vertical slot 10 'extends at least partially through the lower locking portion 38. Since the locking element 3 'is free both to the bottom 19 of the panel 1.2 and to the top 18, it requires no further horizontal slot, so that the edge profiling and the production of the panels is simplified.

This type of locking described above is provided only on the transverse side of the panels, which can be connected to each other on their longitudinal side I, I 'by angle and pivoting down to the subsoil, as shown in the DE 102 24 540 A1 is described with a corresponding edge profiling.

FIG. 9 shows the view of the longitudinal edge I, I 'of a floor panel. At its upper side 18, the floor panel is provided with a decorative layer 25, which may be formed, for example, by a paper layer having a wood grain, which is coated with a synthetic resin layer serving as wear protection. On the underside 19, a Schalldämmlage be glued to improve the footfall sound properties of the laid floor panels 1.n, 2.n, .... As an alternative to the use of an HDF or MDF board, the panel 1.n, 2.n, ... can be manufactured from an Oriented Strand Board (OSB) material, whereby a decorative layer 25 can be dispensed with here. Visible is the panel 1.n, 2.n provided with a spring 30 and at the opposite second side edge with a recess 29.

The recess 29 and the spring 30 extend over the full length L of the longitudinal edges I, I '. Provided on the spring 30 is an outwardly projecting, nose-shaped nose which merges into a front region having an arcuate contour. At this front region of the spring 30, which forms an undercut 31, adjoins a bearing region 28, which is inclined at an angle μ to the top 8 of the panel 1.n. The support area 28 is adjoined by a vertically oriented wall 27.

The undercut 31 causes, as in FIG. 10 shown a locking in the transverse direction Q by a positive locking with a corresponding shoulder 32 of the recess 29 is made. In the assembled state, the spring 30 engages in an undercut formed by an upper lip 26 of the recess 29, so that the upper side 33 of the spring 30 abuts on an underside 40 of the upper lip 26 and a locking in the vertical direction V along the longitudinal edge I, I 'takes place. The shoulder 32 is formed on a lower lip 33 of the recess 29 and closes it off, wherein on the top of the shoulder 32, an inclined shoulder surface 35 is formed, which serves as a support for the support area 28. The conclusion of the panel 1.n forms a substantially vertically extending front shoulder 34, which merges into the heel top 35 via a rounding.

Through the heel top 35 on the longitudinal edge I and the support area 28 on the opposite longitudinal edge I ', a relatively large bearing surface is provided, on which the two panels 1.2, 2.1 lie on one another in the connected state. 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 at a force acting from above component of the gap between the two panels 1.2, 2.1 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 shoulder 32 is formed so that the front shoulder 34 has no contact with the vertical wall 27 at 2 interconnected panels 1.2, 2.1. There is thus a free space 36, so that there is no unwanted blocking effect between the panels 1.2, 2.1 and a movement towards one another upon initiation of a force acting from above can be effected.

Between the spring 30 and the top 18 of the panels 1.n, 2.n an undercut 37 is formed, which adjoins a running at right angles to the top 18 edge. The undercut 37 forms in the mounted state of a free 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 30 is provided, so that the spring 10 in the assembled state also forms a gap 39, the can act as a dust bag and movement space.

The panels 1.n, 2.n are laid as follows:

To form a first row R ₁ , a first panel 1.1 is first placed on the subfloor. At the transverse edge II 'of this panel 1.1, a second panel 1.2 is created with its transverse edge II and, as in FIG. 1 shown, either lowered onto the subfloor or, as shown for panel 1.n, lowered in the vertical direction V, and this process is repeated until the first row R ₁ 1.1, 1.2, ... 1.n is completely designed. To form the second row R ₂ , another first panel 2.1 is first applied with its longitudinal edge I at the longitudinal edge I 'at least one, preferably two in the first row R ₁ designed panels 1.1, 1.2 and by pivoting in the laying plane E _v with these Panels 1.1, 1.2 connected and locked. A further second panel 2.2 is applied with its longitudinal edge I at the longitudinal edge I 'of at least one second panel (1.2, 1.3) designed in the first row such that by its pivoting down into the laying plane E _v its longitudinal edge I with the longitudinal edge I' of the or the already designed in the first row R ₁ panels 1.2, 1.3 and its transverse edge II with the transverse edge II 'of the first panel 2.1 in the second row R _{2 is} connected and locked. After this way as many panels are connected 2. _i and locked until the second row is fully designed. To form the third and each further row, the above steps are repeated until the space is completely designed.

By the substantially vertical joint connection in the direction of the laying plane E _v , when the spring element 3 abuts with its lower edge 3d at the top 18 of the panel 1, this in the further joining movement. pressed in contact with the contact surface 16 in the direction of the core 17 as a result of its running at an angle α outer side edge 3c so that it evades in the horizontal direction H. The panel 1.2 is lowered further down. If the spring element 3 is in a position relative to the groove 9, it will as a result of the material inherent restoring forces rebound and then snaps into the groove 9, where it rests with its substantially horizontally extending upper surface 3 e on the locking edge 4. At the same time, the hook elements 20, 21 engage until the head surface 12 is supported on the bearing surface 13. The panels 1.1 and 1.2 are then connected and locked at their transverse edges II, II '. The inner wall 10a of the slot 10 serves as a limitation of the compression travel for the spring element 3 in order to prevent the connection of the spring element 3 at its ends from tearing with the core 17 due to an excessively plunging movement. The area, ie the height and the width, with which the ends of the spring element are connected to the core 17, determine the spring rate of the spring element 3. Wie FIG. 2 shows, three spring elements 3 over the length L of the side edge II and on the opposite side edge I three locking lugs 22 are formed. It is also conceivable to make the spring elements 3 shorter and to provide five, six or even seven or more spring elements 3 and corresponding locking lugs 22.

If the vertical slot 10 is made narrow enough, it is possible to keep the spring element 3 connected to the core 17 only at one of its ends. Such a configuration has the advantage that the spring element 3 can also extend in the direction of the width B of the side edge II. The then free end is then supported on the inner wall 10 a of the slot 10.

The working out of the spring element 3 by means of transversely displaceable tools to the processing direction. As tools milling, laser or water jet tools or even standing blades or broaches can be used. It is necessary for both side edges II, II 'each only one movable tool, so that the respective other exemption can be performed by means of a conventional rigid tool. In this case, the non-exposed area that connects the spring element 3 with the core 17 in one piece decreases.

As a result, different degrees of locking forces can be set.

The lock is in all embodiments solvable by the panels 1.1, 1.2, ... relative to each other along the side edges II, II 'are moved or by a not shown unlocking pin is inserted laterally into the joint.

The immersion of the milling tools not shown here takes place while the panel is transported in its longitudinal direction. In FIG. 8 the inlet 10b and the outlet 10c of the milling tool can be seen, with which the vertical slot 10 is milled and the inlet 11b and the outlet 11c of the milling tool can be seen, with which the horizontal slot 11 has been milled. The inlets 10b, 11b and the outlets 10c, 11c are arcuate, the radius depending on the feed rate of the panel 2.

The panels 1.n, 2.n are usually provided on their upper side 18 with a decor which can be imprinted directly on the upper side 18. The decoration is usually covered by a wear protection layer into which a patterning corresponding to the decor can be embossed.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

paneling

2

paneling

3 '

spring element

3a

The End

3b

The End

3c

outer edge

3d

lower edge

3e

top

4

locking edge

5

paragraph

6

paragraph

9

groove

9a

groove base

10 '

slot

10a

inner wall

10b

enema

10c

outlet

11

slot

11b

enema

11c

outlet

12

head face

13

bearing surface

14

dust bag

15

vertical surface / contact surface

16

vertical surface / contact surface

17

core

18

top

19

bottom

20

hook element

21

hook element

22

Locking elements / locking nose

23

dust bag

24

area

25

decorative layer

26

upper lip

27

wall

28

support area

29

recess

30

feather

31

undercut

32

paragraph

33

top

34

Paragraph front

35

paragraph surface

36

free space

37

undercut

38

locking section

39

gap

B

width

e

level

E ₁

level

E _v

laying plane

H

horizontal direction

L

length

Q

transversely

R _i

line

V

vertical direction

I; I '

longitudinal edge

II, II '

transverse edge

α

angle

μ

angle

Claims (5)

1. Method for the glue-free laying of floor panels (1.n, 2.n, ...), in particular consisting of a wooden material such as MDF or HDF, which are provided on their opposite longitudinal edges (I, I') and transverse edges (II, II') with mutually corresponding profiling, in a room in order to form a closed floor surface on a laying plane (E_v), in which method a plurality of panels (1.1, 1.2, ..., 2 . 1, 2,2,...) are connected by their transverse edges (II, II') to form a row (R₃) and by their longitudinal edges (I, I') to form a plurality of rows (R_n) and are locked to one another, in which method

   a) to form the first row (R₁)

   a₁) a first panel (1.1) is laid out in the laying plane (E_v) and a second panel (1.2) is placed with its transverse edge (II') on the transverse edge (II) of the first panel (1.1) and, by pivoting down or vertically lowering the panel (1.2) into the laying plane (E_v), the two panels (1.1, 1.2) are connected and locked to each other,

   a₂) so many panels (1.n) being connected and locked to one another in this way until the first row (R₁) is completed,

   b) in order to form the second row (R₂),

   b₁) a further first panel (2.1) is placed with its longitudinal edge (I) on the longitudinal edge (I') of at least one panel (1.1, 1.2) laid out in the first row (R₁) and, by pivoting down into the laying plane (E_v), is connected and locked to this at least one panel (1.1, 1.2),

   b₂) a further second panel (2.2) is placed with its longitudinal edge on the longitudinal edge (I') of at least one panel (1.2, 1.3) laid out in the first row (R₁) such that, as a result of its being pivoted down into the laying plane (E_v), the longitudinal edge (I) of the further panel (2.2) is connected and locked to the longitudinal edge (I') of the at least one panel (1.2, 1.3) in the first row (R₁) and its transverse edge (II) is connected and locked to the transverse edge (II') of the first panel (2.1) in the second row,

   b₃) so many panels (2.n) being connected and locked to one another in this manner until the second row (R₂) has been laid out completely,

   c) in order to form the third (R₃) and each further row (R_i), the steps b₁) to b₃) are repeated until the room has been laid out completely,

   d) when connecting and locking the transverse edges (II, II'), at least one locking element (3) consisting of the core material of the panel, formed in one piece with the latter and belonging to the one panel (1.2, 1.3) coming into snap-in contact with a locking edge (4) of the other panel (1.1, 1.2), and

   e) during the locking by pivoting down or lowering the panel (1.2, 1.3, ...) onto the locking element (3), a force acts in the vertical direction (V) which is at least partly converted into a force component acting in the horizontal direction and firstly effects an evasive movement and, after that, an oppositely directed snap-in movement of the locking element (3), characterized in that the movement of the locking element (3) both in the horizontal direction (H) and also in the vertical direction (V) is ensured by freeing the locking element (3) with respect to the core (17) of the panel.
2. Method according to Claim 1, characterized in that in order to free the locking element (3) from the core (17), at least one substantially horizontal slot (11) and at least one substantially vertical slot (10) are provided.
3. Method according to Claim 1, characterized in that the locking element (3) is connected to the core (17) at at least one of the ends (3a, 3b) of the said element.
4. Method according to Claim 1, characterized in that in order to free the locking element (3'), at least one slot (10') originating from the underside (19) of the panel is provided.
5. Method according to Claim 4, characterized in that the substantially vertical slot (10') is at least partly formed through a lower locking section (38).

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