EP3325736B1 - Panel with chamfers on the upper sides of two opposed edges - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a panel with a panel upper side and a panel lower side and with at least two opposing panel edges, each of which has an edge break in the form of a bevel on the panel upper side, the edge breaks in turn forming a joint in a covering surface when connected to one another, the edge breaking one of the panel edges is made larger than the edge break of the opposite panel edge, and that a lower part of the large edge break of one panel edge is overlapped in the connected state by the small edge break of the opposite panel edge.

The panels usually have decorative surfaces. In particular, the invention relates to a panel of the above type which is intended to be glued to a load-bearing substrate. Such panels are used, for example, as floor panels and glued to a screed, etc. The opposing panel edges of the proposed panel have contoured panel edges which are designed complementary to one another, i. H. In principle, two panel edges of the same panel can be joined together if the panel were severed. When laying panels, it is quite common to shorten the last panel at the end of a row of panels if necessary, if there is not enough space to place the entire panel at the end of a row of panels.

Panels that are intended to be glued to a substrate often do without contoured panel edges. You then simply have flat panel edges that are arranged perpendicular to the top of the panel and butt against each other. On the other hand are in favor of bonding Panels with contoured panel edges are known which have complementary tongue and groove. Tongue and groove panels can also be glued to the substrate, but in many cases they are intended for floating installation and not glued to the substrate. Then only the tongue and groove edges are glued together.

The edge breaks at the top of the panel edges represent a blunt effect, which makes the respective edge less sensitive to mechanical impacts and in this way protects the panel edges. The joints between panels that are joined to one another can be irregular in practice. Although panel edges are pressed against each other when glued to a substrate, inclinations and gaps can arise, which disrupt the desired uniform appearance of a covering surface. Edge breaks, which together form a joint or notch, help to hide inequalities such as misalignments or gaps a little.

As a generic panel (board) according to DE 10 2011 111 166 A1 viewed, which proposes at least two boards for a floor covering made of wood, which are arranged with their long sides to form a joint next to one another in a laying plane. The joining connection has: an engagement section, which is designed in such a way that the two adjacent boards can be held in the laying plane and mobility transverse to the laying plane can be prevented, and a first contact section in which a projection is seen on at least one side surface of a board in cross section is formed in the width direction of the board, which rests at its distal end on a portion of the side surface of the adjacent board, so that the movements of the board in the width direction during swelling and shrinking can be compensated for by the elastic deformation of the projection. With this structure is it is possible to keep the boards in the laying plane by means of the engagement section and to elastically compensate for movements during swelling and shrinking due to changes in moisture by means of the projection of the contact section, with a closed surface of the floor covering being maintained.

The DE 20 2014 005 148 U1 suggests: A panel in the form of a cuboid dry screed slab for a subfloor in dry construction, having a slab height direction, a first, flat broad side of the screed slab, in particular a screed slab support surface, a second broad side of the screed slab opposite this in the slab height direction, in particular a screed slab top, and four screed slab side surfaces adjoining each other in pairs (20 ), each having a rebate, the dry screed panel having at least one first rebate and at least one complementary, second rebate, and the rebates each having a first rebate joint surface, a second rebate joint surface and a rebate contact surface in between, characterized in that the first rebate joint surface of the first rebate has a first, inclined clamping surface and the complementary first rebate joint surface of the second rebate has a second, inclined clamping surface The first two rabbet surfaces are designed in such a way that after two dry screed panels have been put together in such a way that the two step rabbets interlock with one another in a form-fitting manner, - the two clamping surfaces lie flat against each other at least in some areas in a clamping area, and - the two first rabbet surfaces on both sides as seen in the panel height direction of the clamping area are spaced apart.

From the US 2011/0146188 A1 known are panels in the form of semi-floating floorboards / building boards with mechanical connection systems, a core with curved edge sections, so that the surface layer and the top of the core lie below the board surface, and wherein the edges of the plank have a bevel such that the surface layer and part of the core of the joint edge portion in the second joint edge overlap the surface layer which is essentially parallel to the horizontal plane the first joint edge of the other board is when two boards are joined and pressed against each other. Furthermore, floorboards / building boards are produced by processing the surface structure with a multiplicity of core grooves and applying the cover layer to the top of the core in order to at least partially cover a floor element. Pressure is applied and the cover layer forms around the core grooves.

The DE 102 56 501 A1 proposes a panel, in particular a floor panel, made of a wood material, which is provided with means for releasably connecting at least two panels, with positive locking elements for locking in the vertical direction and in the horizontal direction with a further panel being formed on at least one side edge of a first panel, whereby from Starting from a top side, a bevel is formed on at least one side edge, as well as a method and a device for producing such a panel. The bevel should at least be covered with a layer of lacquer.

From the WO 2011/114387 A1 What is known is a panel called a floor element, as a flexible object. A decorative sheet is laminated on the surface of a woody substrate by impregnating and solidifying pattern paper obtained from melamine resin. In addition, a vinyl chloride resin-based resin mat is laminated on the back of the substrate. Furthermore, a tongue and groove connection is formed in each of four circumferential end faces of the base element in such a way that a central part has a tongue and a groove. In addition, several floor elements can be continuously connected to one another in a continuous manner by means of a construction connecting material. The adhesive strength of the construction connecting material is lower than the delamination strength of each floor element. The invention is based on the object of proposing a panel provided for gluing to a substrate with an improved design of at least two opposing panel edges for thin panels. According to the invention, the object is achieved in that a projection is provided on that panel edge with the large edge break, which has a rounded shape at the free end, that the complementary panel edge has a recess that is provided with a matching round shape so that the projection nestles against the cross-section of the recess, and that in the assembled state the panel edges can be centered relative to one another by means of the projection and the recess and a locking can be effected against the panels moving apart in a direction perpendicular to the panel plane.

The new design of the opposing panel edges means that any gap is less noticeable than with a covering surface made of known panels. If the broken edges of two panel edges are joined together to form a joint, then there may be a gap at the bottom of the joint. Due to the design of the large edge breakage and the small edge breakage, however, a gap can never arise that could be viewed vertically from above by a viewer. As a result, the appearance of a flooring surface is far less disturbed than a flooring surface made of known panels.

In addition, the design of the panel edges is particularly suitable when the panel is to be made very thin overall.

An undercut contour with a lateral projection is expediently provided on a panel edge in an upper area near the panel top, the small edge break being located at the top of the lateral projection of this contour.

The lateral projection preferably forms the distal area of the panel edge. No other area of the panel edge protrudes laterally than this lateral projection.

Another benefit arises when the lateral projection has a blocking surface facing the underside of the panel.

It is also helpful that the overlapped part of the large edge break in the connected state is aligned parallel to the blocking surface that is provided on the contour of the lateral projection.

In any case, the overlapped area of the large edge break cannot move unhindered perpendicular to the plane of the panel in the direction of the panel top, because the blocking surface of the lateral projection blocks the path.

It is also helpful if a recessed abutment surface is provided between the underside of the panel and the lateral projection. This abutment surface limits the joining path when two panels are moved against each other in the panel plane and perpendicular to their panel edges.

The free end of the complementary panel edge also expediently has an abutment surface which interacts with the abovementioned abutment surface arranged below the lateral projection. If the abutting surfaces of the complementary panel edges are aligned perpendicular to the panel plane, then this avoids the creation of a force component acting perpendicular to the panel plane, which is an undesirable one Height offset of the panel edges could result.

The opposite panel edges can each have a lower edge break on the underside of the panel. Here, too, the resulting blunting protects the respective edge from damage. The edge breaks also form a joint on the underside of the covering. This favors the bonding in that the adhesive that has been applied to the underside of the panel can flow to the joint on the underside. So adhesive gets at least a little way between the panel edges and can also get between the abutting surfaces and glue them to one another, whereby an additional material bond is produced between the abutting surfaces and the strength of this connection is improved.

That panel edge with the lateral projection can have a lower edge break that is equal to or greater than the lower edge break of the complementary panel edge. This embodiment can be designed, for example, so that the large edge break on the underside of the panel extends so far that it intersects the small breakage on the top of the panel. The entire panel edge then forms an asymmetrical point, with each of the two edge breaks forming a flank of this point. The two flanks of the tip can differ in size, angle and surface shape. For example, the surfaces do not have to be planes.

The underside of the panel can be prepared as an adhesive underside. This can be adhesive tape that is applied to the underside of the panel or, for example, an adhesive that has to be activated in order to develop its adhesive effect.

In one alternative, the adhesive underside is created by that the surface quality of the underside of the panel is prepared for good adhesion of an adhesive. The adhesive is then applied during the manufacture of a covering surface.

In order to produce a covering surface, a method for gluing a panel according to the invention is proposed in which the adhesive is applied to the underside of the panel, but with an edge area of the underside of the panel remaining free of adhesive. An edge area around the underside of the panel is not provided with adhesive.

When the panel is pressed against the substrate, the adhesive can flow to the edge region of the underside of the panel and some of it reaches between the panel edges.

With regard to the adhesive or the adhesive, this can be, for example, a reactive adhesive or a reactive adhesive. A reactive adhesive can in particular be understood to be an adhesive of this type whose curing is based on a chemical reaction, such as a polymerization, for example a polyaddition or polycondensation. In particular, the reaction can produce large-molecular, cross-linked plastics of high strength.

Essentially two reaction partners are involved in the reaction. The reaction partners can, for example, be combined and mixed immediately before processing, in which case it is a 2-component adhesive. Alternatively, a 1-component adhesive can be present if one of the two components is contained in the adhesive system in a capped form or both components are free, but a reaction only takes place under certain conditions.

In particular, such a reactive adhesive comprises a Resin and a hardener therefor. By mixing or bringing the two reactants into contact or by setting suitable reaction conditions, hardening is triggered and a stable adhesive bond is thus provided.

Exemplary adhesive systems include, for example, epoxy systems, it being possible, for example, to add an epoxy resin as the basic component and also a hardener for the basic component, such as amines or acidic hardeners, such as carboxylic acid anhydrides. Polyurethane-based systems can also be present, in which the reaction components can have polyols as basic components and isocyanates as hardeners. Furthermore, prepolymers can be present which can cure by means of appropriate functional groups with the addition of an appropriate hardener.

In particular, but not limited to the use of reactive adhesives, an adhesive system can be used which can be activated. In other words, it can be provided that the adhesive does not have an adhesive effect until after activation and therefore, for example, only immediately before the panels are laid or even only after the laying.

It can thus be particularly preferred if the underside of the panel, prepared as an adhesive underside, is provided with an adhesive, the underside of the panel, in a state in which the panel can be sold, for example, does not adhere or only adhere to a limited extent, but can be activated in order to maintain the adhesive properties cause or reinforce the laying.

In principle, activation of the adhesive, for example a one-component adhesive or a two-component adhesive, can be as described above can be done in several ways. Examples of activatable adhesives or adhesives include such systems which can be activated by mixing two substances, light-induced, for example by UV radiation, pressure-induced, temperature-induced and / or in some other way.

With regard to the mixing of two substances and in particular with regard to two-component systems, it can be provided, for example, that one component, such as a resin or resin base, is applied to the panel and the other component, such as the hardener, is applied to the one to be coated Surface is applied, or vice versa. A sufficient adhesive effect is therefore only immediately available when the panel is laid. Before laying, however, the panel has no or only reduced adhesive properties.

With reference to light-induced systems or photo-initiated curing systems, epoxy systems can be mentioned as examples. Photoinitiated curing epoxy resins, such as epoxysiloxanes, can be summarized in particular light-activated and UV-curing adhesives. A photoinitiator contained in the adhesive mixture can release light-activatable substances that start a polymerization of epoxy resins when irradiated with visible light in an exemplary wavelength range of 400 to 550 nm (VIS initiator). The photoinitiator can be, for example, an aryldiazonium salt, pyridinium salt, phosphonium salt or the like. In the case of the UV-curing products, this can take place during the action of UVA light in the exemplary wavelength range from 310 to 380 nm, the photoinitiator being, for example, a hexafluorophosphate salt. In such systems, the adhesive comprising the base material, such as the epoxy resin, and the photoinitiator can be applied to the panel can be applied and activated by exposure to light immediately before laying. For this purpose, for example, an opaque adhesive film can be removed from the adhesive layer immediately before laying in order to start light-induced curing. Furthermore, appropriate lamps can improve or start the light induction.

Pressure-induced systems can, for example, be based on a one-component system or on a two-component system, as explained above. The activator component or the hardener can for example be arranged in a capsule which is located in the matrix of the first adhesive component, such as the resin. This capsule can then be designed in such a way that it can be destroyed using a particularly defined pressure, so that the two components mix and hardening can thus be achieved. This can be realized, for example, by forming the capsule with a capsule wall which has a thickness or stability corresponding to the destruction pressure. Thus, for example, the panel can first be laid and then the adhesive can be activated by pressing the panel from above. This initially enables the panels to be partially or completely laid, whereupon the adhesive can be activated and the adhesive effect made possible by targeted pressure in a laid state. It goes without saying that activation can also take place before the installation.

In a further embodiment, capsules or capsule walls can be dissolved or loosened, for example by the action of a solvent, so that a substance present in the capsules can mix with the basic component, such as the resin. In this embodiment, activation can thus be solvent-induced respectively.

The latter can also take place if, for example, a reactivation takes place in that a dry adhesive acquires tacky properties again with the aid of a solvent. For example, it is possible to soften and make the adhesive tacky by means of a volatile organic solvent or its vapor. The choice of solvent depends on the specifically chosen adhesive system in a manner known to the person skilled in the art.

With regard to the aforementioned capsules, it is also possible to destroy them by ultrasound radiation or by microwave radiation in order to enable the components to be mixed. In this embodiment, a radiation-induced activation can again be present.

With regard to temperature-induced or heat-induced adhesives, for example, systems can be used which are based on polyurethane, polyvinylidene chloride, polyvinyl acetate and polyacrylate, as a dispersion or in the organic solvent. Such systems can be activated, for example, by the action of heat, so that the adhesive can be activated after at least partial laying, for example, or also before laying, and can thus develop its adhesive effect. Even comparatively low temperatures of 60 ° C., for example, can be sufficient to activate the adhesive. Depending on the desired application, however, it can also be advantageous to choose higher activation temperatures in order to prevent unwanted activation of the adhesive.

Further possibilities to specifically induce an adhesive state or to activate the adhesive, include, for example, covering the adhesive, such as a layer of adhesive, with a releasable coating. For this purpose, a plastic film can be used, for example, which can be removed if necessary.

The panels according to the invention preferably consist essentially of a carrier or core made of a solid material, for example a wood-based material, which is provided on at least one side with a decorative layer and a cover layer and optionally with further layers, for example a wear layer arranged between the decorative and cover layers .

In the context of the invention, “wood-based materials” are, in addition to solid wood materials, also materials such as cross-laminated timber, glued laminated timber, cross-laminated timber, veneer plywood, laminated veneer lumber, veneer strips and flexible plywood. In addition, wood-based materials for the purposes of the invention also include chipboard materials such as chipboard, extruded boards, coarse chipboard (Oriented Structural Board, OSB) and chipboard wood as well as wood fiber materials such as wood fiber insulation boards (HFD), medium-hard and hard fiber boards (MB, HFH), and in particular medium-density To understand fiberboard (MDF) and high density fiberboard (HDF). Modern wood-based materials such as wood-polymer materials (Wood Plastic Composite, WPC), sandwich panels made of a light core material such as foam, rigid foam or paper honeycomb and a wood layer applied to it, as well as wood-based chipboard bound mineral, for example with cement, form wood-based materials within the meaning of the invention. Cork also represents a wood material in the sense of the invention.

For the purposes of the invention, the term “fiber materials” includes materials such as, for example, paper and nonwovens based on vegetable, animal, mineral or also to understand artificial fibers, as well as cardboard. Examples are fiber materials made from vegetable fibers and, in addition to paper and nonwovens made from cellulose fibers, panels made from biomass such as straw, corn stalks, bamboo, leaves, algae extracts, hemp, cotton or oil palm fibers. Examples of animal fiber materials are keratin-based materials such as wool or horsehair. Examples of mineral fiber materials are made of mineral wool or glass wool.

According to one embodiment, a carrier or a carrier plate based on a plastic or a wood-plastic composite material (WPC) can be used for a panel according to the invention. For example, the carrier plate can be made from a thermoplastic, elastomeric or thermosetting plastic. Furthermore, recycling materials made from the materials mentioned can be used in the context of the panel according to the invention. Thermoplastics such as polyvinyl chloride, polyolefins (for example polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyamides (PA), polyurethanes (PU), polystyrene (PS), acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS), polymethyl methacrylate can be preferred as carrier plate material (PMMA), polycarbonate (PC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyetheretherketone (PEEK) or mixtures or co-polymers of these. Independent of the base material of the carrier, for example, plasticizers can be provided which are in a range of> 0 wt. % to 20% by weight, in particular 10% by weight, preferably 7% by weight, for example in a range from 5% by weight to 10% by weight. A suitable plasticizer comprises such as the plasticizer sold under the trade name "Dinsch" by the company BASF. Furthermore, copolymers such as acrylates or methacrylates can be provided as a replacement for conventional plasticizers. Furthermore, in or in front of the two-belt press in In this embodiment, the carrier can be cooled to a temperature below the melting temperature of the plastic component. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the carrier plate is essentially free of plasticizers, with “essentially free of plasticizers” in the context of the invention being understood to mean a plasticizer concentration << 1%.

Thermoplastics in particular also offer the advantage that the products made from them can be recycled very easily. Recycled materials from other sources can also be used. This results in a further possibility for reducing the production costs in the production of panels according to the invention.

Such carriers are very elastic or resilient, which allows a comfortable impression when walking and can also reduce the noises that occur when walking in comparison to conventional materials, so that improved impact sound can be achieved.

In addition, the aforementioned carriers offer the advantage of good water resistance, since they have a swelling of 1% or less. In addition to pure plastic carriers, this surprisingly also applies to WPC materials, as these are explained in detail below.

In a particularly advantageous manner, the carrier material can have wood-polymer materials (Wood Plastic Composite, WPC) or consist of them. A wood and a polymer can be suitable here, for example, which can be present in a ratio of 40/60 to 70/30, for example 50/50. Polypropylene, polyethylene or a copolymer of the two aforementioned materials can be used as polymer components, and wood flour can also be used as a wood component.

Furthermore, the carrier plates described above based on such WPC materials show good water compatibility with a swelling of less than 1%. WPC materials can have stabilizers and / or other additives, for example, which can preferably be present in the plastic component.

Furthermore, it can be particularly advantageous that the carrier material comprises or consists of a PVC-based material. Such materials can also be used in a particularly advantageous manner for high-quality panels, which can also be used without problems in damp rooms. Furthermore, PVC-based carrier materials are also suitable for a particularly effective manufacturing process, since here, for example, line speeds of 8 m / min can be possible with an exemplary product thickness of 4.1 mm, which can enable a particularly effective manufacturing process. Furthermore, such carriers also have advantageous elasticity and water compatibility, which can lead to the aforementioned advantages.

In the case of plastic-based panels as well as WPC-based panels, e.g. based on polypropylene, mineral fillers can be advantageous. Talc or talc or calcium carbonate (chalk), aluminum oxide, silica gel, quartz powder, wood flour, gypsum are particularly suitable here. For example, chalk can be provided. The proportion of mineral fillers can be in a range from 30% by weight to 80% by weight, for example from 45% by weight to 70% by weight. The slip of the carrier can be improved by the fillers, in particular by the chalk. Using talc, for example, can enable improved heat resistance and moisture resistance to be achieved. The fillers can also be colored in a known manner. For example, a mixture of talc and Polypropylene are present, in which talc is present in the aforementioned quantity range, approximately at 60% by weight. In particular, it can be provided that the plate material has a flame retardant.

According to a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the carrier material consists of a mixture of a PE / PP block copolymer with wood. The proportion of PE / PP block copolymer and the proportion of wood can be between ≥ 45% by weight and 55% by weight. Furthermore, the carrier material can contain between 0% by weight and 10% by weight of further additives, such as flow aids, thermal stabilizers or UV stabilizers. The particle size of the wood is between> 0 µm and ≤600 µm with a preferred particle size distribution D50 of ≥400 µm. In particular, the carrier material can have wood with a particle size distribution D10 of 400 μm. The particle size distribution is related to the volumetric diameter and relates to the volume of the particles.

According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the carrier material consists of a mixture of a PE / PP polymer blend with wood. The proportion of PE / PP polymer blend and the proportion of wood can be between 45% by weight and 55% by weight. Furthermore, the carrier material can contain between 0% by weight and 10% by weight of further additives, such as flow aids, thermal stabilizers or UV stabilizers. The particle size of the wood is between> 0 µm and ≤600 µm with a preferred particle size distribution D50 of ≥400 µm. In particular, the carrier material can have wood with a particle size distribution D10 of 400 μm. The particle size distribution is related to the volumetric diameter and relates to the volume of the particles. Particularly preferred is the carrier material as a granulated or pelletized, pre-extruded mixture of a PE / PP polymer blend provided with wood particles of the specified particle size distribution.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the carrier material consists of a mixture of a PP homopolymer with wood. The proportion of PP homopolymer and the proportion of wood can be between ≥ 45% by weight and 55% by weight. For example, the components wood and polypropylene can be present in a ratio of 0.5: 1 to 1: 0.5, approximately 1: 1. Furthermore, the carrier material can contain between 0% by weight and 10% by weight of further additives, such as flow aids, thermal stabilizers or UV stabilizers. The particle size of the wood is between> 0 µm and ≤600 µm with a preferred particle size distribution D50 of ≥400 µm. In particular, the carrier material wood can have a particle size distribution D10 of 400 μm. The particle size distribution is related to the volumetric diameter and relates to the volume of the particles. Particularly preferably, the carrier material is provided as a granulated or pelletized, pre-extruded mixture of a PP homopolymer with wood particles of the specified particle size distribution. The granulate and / or the pellets can preferably have a grain size in a range of ≥ 400 μm to ≤ 10 mm, preferably ≥ 600 μm to ≤ 10 mm, in particular ≥ 800 μm to ≤ 10 mm. In a further embodiment of the invention, the carrier material consists of a mixture a PVC polymer with chalk. The proportion of PVC polymer and the proportion of chalk can be between 45% by weight and 55% by weight. Furthermore, the carrier material can have between 0% by weight and 10% by weight of further additives, such as flow aids, thermal stabilizers or UV stabilizers. The particle size of the chalk is between> 0 μm and 1000 μm, for example between 800 μm and 1000 μm with a preferred particle size distribution D50 of 400 μm, for example 600 μm. In particular, the carrier material have chalk with a particle size distribution D10 of ≥400 µm, for example ≥600 µm. The particle size distribution is related to the volumetric diameter and relates to the volume of the particles. The carrier material is particularly preferably provided as a granulated or pelletized, pre-extruded mixture of a PVC polymer with chalk of the specified particle size distribution. The granulate and / or the pellets can preferably have a grain size in a range of ≥ 400 μm to ≤ 10 mm, preferably ≥ 600 μm to ≤ 10 mm, in particular ≥ 800 μm to 9 10 mm, for example ≥ 1000 μm to ≤ 10 mm.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the carrier material consists of a mixture of a PVC polymer with wood. The proportion of PVC polymer and the proportion of wood can be between 45% by weight and 55% by weight. Furthermore, the carrier material can contain between 0% by weight and 10% by weight of further additives, such as flow aids, thermal stabilizers or UV stabilizers. The particle size of the wood is between> 0 µm and 1000 µm, for example between 800 µm and 1000 µm with a preferred particle size distribution D50 of 400 µm, for example 600 µm. In particular, the carrier material wood can have a particle size distribution D10 of 400 μm, for example 600 μm. The particle size distribution is related to the volumetric diameter and relates to the volume of the particles. Particularly preferably, the carrier material is provided as a granulated or pelletized, pre-extruded mixture of a PVC polymer with wood particles of the specified particle size distribution.

To determine the particle size distribution, it is possible to fall back on the generally known methods such as laser diffractometry, with which particle sizes can be determined in the range from a few nanometers to several millimeters. This method can also be used to determine D50 or D10 values which are 50% or 10% of the measured particles smaller than the specified value.

According to a further embodiment, the carrier material can have hollow microspheres. Such additives can in particular have the effect that the density of the carrier and thus of the panel produced can be significantly reduced, so that particularly simple and inexpensive transport and, furthermore, particularly convenient laying can be ensured. In particular, by inserting hollow microspheres, a stability of the panel produced can be ensured which is not significantly reduced in comparison to a material without hollow microspheres. Thus, the stability is completely sufficient for the majority of applications. In this context, hollow microspheres can in particular be understood to mean structures which have a hollow base body and a size or a maximum diameter that is in the micrometer range. For example, hollow spheres that can be used can have a diameter which is in the range from 5 μm to µ 100 μm, for example 20 μm to 50 μm. In principle, any material such as glass or ceramic can be used as the material of the hollow microspheres. Furthermore, because of their weight, plastics, such as those also used in the carrier material, for example PVC, PE or PP, can be advantageous, whereby these can be prevented from deforming during the manufacturing process, for example by suitable additives.

According to a further embodiment, a fiber material can be incorporated into the carrier. For example, a glass fiber fleece can be used in the carrier material in this embodiment. In this embodiment, a carrier can be generated with a particularly high load capacity or stability, since the strength of the carrier can be significantly increased by the incorporated fiber material. In addition, the carrier can be specially tailored in this embodiment, since, for example, by providing a plurality of scattering units, as explained in detail above, the carrier material can be adjusted as desired, for example above and below the fleece. Furthermore, a solution that can still be tailored can be made possible by providing a plurality of fiber material webs, wherein the carrier material can in turn be variable or adaptable as desired.

Floor coverings are a preferred area of application for the panel. Of course, panels according to the invention can also be used for wall coverings, ceiling coverings or coverings for furniture surfaces. They are suitable, for example, as an alternative or as a replacement for wall or floor tiles and, depending on the choice of material, also for use in damp rooms.

Regardless of the exact design of the panel, but in particular depending on the locking form, it can have a thickness in a range of, for example, 1.5 mm to 5.0 mm, preferably 1.5 mm to 3.5 mm, and particularly preferably 2 mm to 2.8 mm.

In a further development, the panel can provide a recess to match the projection on the complementary panel edge. The recess can be designed in the shape of a wedge and have a recess surface which is undercut when viewed from the top of the panel. A lower surface of the recess can be designed so that it can e.g. B. merges in alignment with a blocking surface which is intended to interact with a blocking surface of the complementary panel edge.

In the assembled state, the large edge break can be overlapped by the undercut recess surface, wherein a gap can then advantageously be provided between the large edge break and this recess surface.

Expediently, a joint surface is provided below the blocking surfaces on the complementary panel edges, which is arranged approximately perpendicular to the panel plane.

The following applies to the abutment surfaces of all exemplary embodiments, these can alternatively be arranged parallel to one another in the assembled state with a slight incline. The inclination is preferably provided opposite to that direction in which the blocking surface arranged above it is inclined. In interaction with the complementary blocking surfaces, this creates a centering of the panel edges and a form-fitting locking effect which counteracts the panels moving apart in a direction perpendicular to the panel plane.

Fig. 1

eine schematische Draufsicht auf ein Paneel mit rechteckiger Form,

Fig. 2

gegenüberliegende Paneelkanten eines Paneels im verbundenen Zustand,

Fig. 3

gegenüberliegende Paneelkanten eines weiteren Paneels im verbundenen Zustand,

Fig. 4

eine Weiterbildung des Paneels gemäß Fig. 3

Fig. 5

gegenüberliegende Paneelkanten eines weiteren Paneels im verbundenen Zustand,

Fig. 6

gegenüberliegende Paneelkanten eines weiteren Paneels im verbundenen Zustand,

Fig. 7

gegenüberliegende Paneelkanten eines weiteren Paneels mit großer Fuge im verbundenen Zustand,

Fig. 8

gegenüberliegende Paneelkanten eines weiteren Paneels mit großer Fuge im verbundenen Zustand,

Fig. 9

gegenüberliegende Paneelkanten eines weiteren Paneels,

Fig. 10

gegenüberliegende Paneelkanten einer Ausführungsform des erfindungsgemäßen Paneels.

The invention is shown in Fig. 10 illustrated by way of example and described in detail using several similar examples. Show it:

Fig. 1

a schematic plan view of a panel with a rectangular shape,

Fig. 2

opposite panel edges of a panel in the connected state,

Fig. 3

opposite panel edges of another panel in the connected state,

Fig. 4

a further development of the panel according to Fig. 3

Fig. 5

opposite panel edges of another panel in the connected state,

Fig. 6

opposite panel edges of another panel in the connected state,

Fig. 7

opposite panel edges of another panel with a large joint in the connected state,

Fig. 8

opposite panel edges of another panel with a large joint in the connected state,

Fig. 9

opposite panel edges of another panel,

Fig. 10

opposite panel edges of an embodiment of the panel according to the invention.

Following the example of Fig. 1 it is a panel 1 with a rectangular base. The panel has two pairs of edges, the panel edges 2 and 3 or 4 and 5 of which are opposite each other in pairs.

Fig. 2 shows opposite panel edges 2 and 3 of a panel 1. The panel has a panel top side 1a and a panel bottom side 1b. In each case on the panel top side 1a, the panel edge 2 is provided with an edge break and the panel edge 3 with an edge break which is greater than the edge break of the panel edge 2. Both edge breaks are designed as a 45 ° bevel. In the connected state shown, the small edge break 6 and part of the large edge break 7 together form a V-shaped joint 8 in a covering surface 9. A lower part of the large edge break 7 of the panel edge 3 is in the connected state of the small edge break 6 of the opposite Panel edge overlaps.

In the example of Fig. 2 an undercut contour with a lateral projection 10 is provided on the panel edge 2 in an upper area near the panel top 1a, the small edge break 6 directed towards the panel top, i.e. at the top, on the lateral projection 10 of this contour. The lateral projection forms the distal area of the panel edge. It protrudes farthest from the edge of the panel.

The lateral projection has a blocking surface 11 facing the underside of the panel 1b.

The overlapped part of the large edge break 7 of the panel edge 3 is aligned in the connected state parallel to the blocking surface 11 provided at the bottom on the lateral projection 10 of the panel edge 2. In the example of FIG Fig. 2 the lateral projection 10 is designed as an asymmetrical tip. A The upper flank of the tip is formed by the small edge break 6 and a lower flank of the tip comprises the blocking surface 11 of the lateral projection 10. The lower flank continues in alignment and extends down to the underside of the panel 1b.

The panel edge 3 provided with the large edge break 7 has a lower edge break 12 in the form of a 45 ° bevel on the panel underside 1b. Between the edge break 7 and the edge break 12 there extends a free abutment surface 13 which is perpendicular to the top of the panel.

Fig. 3 represents an alternative embodiment in which the panel edge 3 also has a free abutment surface 13, from which the large edge break 7 extends upwards to the panel top side 1a. A lower edge break 12 extends from the free abutment surface 13 to the panel underside 1b. The contour of the panel edge corresponds in principle to that according to Fig. 2 . In Fig. 3 but a panel edge 2 is proposed that differs from that in Fig. 2 differs, namely in that the blocking surface 11 provided at the bottom of the lateral projection 10 is not continued in alignment up to the underside of the panel 1b. Instead, a recessed abutment surface 14 is provided, which is aligned perpendicular to the panel top 1a. The recessed abutment surface 14 of the panel edge 2 interacts with the free abutment surface 13 of the panel edge 3, which abut against one another and limit the joining path when the panel edges 2 and 3 are moved towards one another. In addition, the overlapped part of the large edge break 7 is also touched by the blocking surface 11 of the lateral projection.

On the underside of the panel 1b, the panel edge 2 is provided with a lower edge break 15, which is designed as a 45 ° bevel symmetrically to the lower edge break 12 of the panel edge 3.

Fig. 4 shows a further development of the previous example. The further development differs through a gap S1 that results between the blocking surface 11 and the overlapped part of the large edge break 7 when the panel edges 2 and 3 are joined. In this example, the panel edges 2 and 3 are only in contact between the free abutment surface 13 of the panel edge 3 and the recessed abutment surface 14 of the panel edge 2.

Fig. 5 shows an embodiment of the panel in which the broken edges have rounded edges. The joint created in the connected state is essentially V-shaped, but with curved V-legs. The V-legs protrude towards the inside of the V-section of the joint.

The large edge break 7 is in turn overlapped by the small edge break 6. The small edge break 6 is arranged on a lateral projection 10 and has a blocking surface 11 directed towards the underside of the panel. The overlapped part of the large edge break 7 runs with a bend under the small edge break 6 and touches the blocking surface 11, which has a matching bend. On the underside of the panel 1b, the panel edge 2 is provided with a lower edge break 15, which is designed as a 45 ° bevel symmetrically to the lower edge break 12 of the panel edge 3.

Fig. 6 differs from the previous example mainly in the changed rounding of the edge breaks. The large edge break 7 of the panel edge 3 here has the shape of a quarter circle. The small edge break 6 of the panel edge 2 has a radius of the same size as the radius of the quarter circle of the panel edge 3.

Fig. 7 shows an example of edge breaks in the form of curves, but which have their center outside of the panel cross-section. The curves are shaped like a chamfer. They form a V-shaped joint 8 with one another, but the V-legs are curved outwards so that they enlarge the V-cross section. In this example, too, the lateral projection 10 is provided with a blocking surface 11 directed towards the panel underside 1b, the blocking surface 11 arranged at the bottom of the lateral projection 10 being curved, and its radius being adapted to the radius of the overlapped part of the large edge break 7 of the panel edge 3. The panel edge 3 also has a free abutment surface 13 and the panel edge 2 has a recessed abutment surface 14, as in FIG Fig. 3 . They touch each other when the panel edges 2 and 3 are connected. On the underside of the panel 1b, the panel edge 2 is provided with a lower edge break 15, which is designed as a 45 ° bevel symmetrically to the lower edge break 12 of the panel edge 3.

The example of Fig. 8 is based on that of Fig. 7 . It retains the fillet-shaped small edge refraction 6 identically. The large edge break 7 is also fillet-shaped in the area which is not overlapped and which forms one side of the joint. In the overlapped area, however, the rounding is not hollow, but rather turned outwards. In addition, there is no edge breaking on the underside of the panel, which is also a possible alternative in all of the previous examples. Likewise, the present design could according to Fig. 8 Have edge breaks as shown in the previous examples.

The surface quality of the underside of the panel is prepared for good adhesion of an adhesive.

Based on Fig. 4 describes a training with 45 ° chamfers on the top of the panel, this training has a gap S1 when the panel edges 2 and 3 are connected are. Of course, the examples of Figures 5 to 8 be modified so that there is a gap under the blocking surface 11 of the lateral projection 10 of the panel edge 2 when the panel edges 2 and 3 are connected to one another.

Another example of a panel is in Fig. 9 shown. In this panel 1, opposite panel edges 2 and 3 are again provided and the panel has a panel top side 1a and a panel bottom side 1b. In each case on the panel top 1a, the panel edge 2 is provided with an edge break 16 and the panel edge 3 with an edge break 17, the edge break 16 of the panel edge 2 being greater than the edge break 17 of the panel edge 3. Both edge breaks are designed as a 45 ° bevel . In the connected state shown, the small edge break 17 and part of the large edge break 16 together form a V-shaped joint 8 in a covering surface 9. A lower part of the large edge break 16 of the panel edge 2 is in the connected state of the small edge break 17 of the opposite Panel edge 3 overlaps.

The large edge break 16 is located on a lateral projection 10, which has a blocking surface 11 directed towards the underside of the panel 1b. The blocking surface 11 is adjoined by an abutment surface 14 which, in the present example, is arranged perpendicular to the panel top 1a.

The panel edge 3 has a recess 18 below the small edge break 17. The recess 18 has an undercut recess surface 19. A lower surface 20 of the recess merges in alignment with a blocking surface, which interacts with the complementary blocking surface 11 of the panel edge 2.

The projection 10 of the panel edge 2 protrudes into the recess 18 the panel edge 3 into it. The large edge break 16 has no contact with the undercut recess surface 19 of the recess 18.

The panel edge 2 is on the underside of the panel 1b, as in FIG Fig. 3 , provided with a lower edge break 15, which is designed as a 45 ° bevel symmetrically to a lower edge break 12 of the panel edge 3.

An embodiment of the invention is shown in Fig. 10 shown. As in the previous examples, two opposing panel edges 2 and 3 of a panel type are shown here in the connected state. The panel in turn has a panel top side 1a and a panel bottom side 1b. On the panel top 1a, the panel edge 2 is provided with an edge break 26 and the panel edge 3 with an edge break 27, the edge break 26 of the panel edge 2 being greater than the edge break 27 of the panel edge 3. Both edge breaks are designed as a bevel. In the connected state shown, the small edge break 27 and part of the large edge break 26 together form a V-shaped joint 8 in a covering surface 9. A lower part of the large edge break 26 of the panel edge 2 is in the connected state of the small edge break 27 of the opposite Panel edge 3 overlaps.

Furthermore, a lateral projection 30 is provided on which the large edge break 26 is located. The projection 30 has a free end, the cross section of which is rounded (convex). To match, the complementary panel edge 3 has a recess 38 with a round cross-section (concave). At the top of the projection 30, its rounding merges tangentially into the large edge break 26 designed as a chamfer. On the underside of the projection 30, this merges into a surface 31 which is arranged almost parallel to the panel plane.

The round recess 38 of the panel edge 3 has a lower wall 39 with a free end 40 which, when the panel edges 2 and 3 are connected, is at a distance from the complementary panel edge 2.

The rounding of the projection 30 nestles against the round cross section of the recess 38. In this way, precise positioning (centering) is achieved and, at the same time, locking is achieved, which acts against moving apart locked panel edges perpendicular to the panel plane.

List of reference symbols

1

Panel

1a

Panel top

1b

Panel underside

2

Panel edge

3

Panel edge

4th

Panel edge

5

Panel edge

6th

small edge breaking

7th

large edge breaking

8th

Gap

9

Covering surface

10

Lateral projection

11

Restricted area

12

lower edge break

13

free abutment surface

14th

recessed abutment surface

15th

lower edge break

16

large edge breaking

17th

small edge breaking

18th

Recess

19th

undercut recess surface

20th

lower surface

26th

large edge breaking

27

small edge breaking

30th

head Start

31

surface

38

Recess

39

lower wall

40

free end

S1

gap

Claims (10)

1. A panel (1) having a panel top side (1a) and a panel underside (1b) and at least two mutually opposite panel edges (2, 3, 4, 5), which respectively have an edge break (6, 7) designed as a bevel (26, 27) at the panel top side (1a), wherein the edge breaks in turn in the connected condition together form a join (8) in a covering surface (9) whereat the edge break (26) of one of the panel edges (2), is larger than the edge break (27) of the opposite panel edge (3) and that a lower part of the large edge break (26) of the one panel edge (2) in the connected condition is overlapped by the small edge break (27) of the opposite panel edge (3) characterised in that a projection (30) is provided on that panel edge (2) with the large edge break (26), which projection has a rounded cross-section at the free end, in that the complementary panel edge (3) has a recess (38) which is provided with a matching round configuration, so that the projection nestles against the cross-section of the recess, and that in the assembled state the edges (2, 3) of the panels can be centred relative to one another by means of the projection (30) and the recess (38) and a locking can be effected to prevent the panels from moving apart in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the panel.
2. A panel as set forth in claim 1 characterised in that an undercut contour having a lateral projection (10) is provided at a panel edge (2) in an upper region near the panel top side (1a) and that the small edge break (6) is disposed upwardly at the lateral projection (10) of said contour.
3. A panel as set forth in claim 2 characterised in that at least one of the edge breaks (8, 9) is in the form of a bevel.
4. A panel as set forth in claim 2 or claim 3 characterised in that the lateral projection (10) of the contour has a locking surface (11) which is directed towards the panel underside (1b).
5. A panel as set forth in one of claims 2 through 4 characterised in that a set-back butting surface (14) is provided between the panel underside (1b) and the lateral projection (10).
6. A panel as set forth in one of claims 1 through 5 characterised in that the mutually opposite panel edges (2, 3) each have a lower edge break (12, 15) at the panel underside (1b).
7. A panel as set forth in one of claims 2 through 6 characterised in that that panel edge (12) with the lateral projection (10) has a lower edge break (15) which is equal to or larger than the lower edge break (12) of the complementary panel edge (3).
8. A panel as set forth in claim 1 characterised in that the panel underside (1b) is prepared as an adhesive underside.
9. A method of adhesively bonding a panel (1) as set forth in one of the preceding claims characterised in that adhesive is so applied to the panel underside (1b) that an edge region of the panel underside (1b) remains free of adhesive.
10. A method as set forth in claim 9 characterised in that when the panel is pressed against the substrate adhesive flows to the edge region of the panel underside (1b) and in part passes between the panel edges (2, 3).

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