EP3372749A2 - Floorboard system - Google Patents

Abstract

A floorboard system includes floorboards made of structurally sound material, such as plastic injection molding, and has a connection system for adjacent connection of the floorboards 11 with each other, the interengaging projections 25b and recesses 20, wherein the connection system includes a connector 30 made of a flexible material, a on the underside projecting support surface 31 for supporting the floorboard system on a substrate 47 has.

The system is intended to provide a simple and secure connection between the adjoining floorboards in all directions, ie horizontally across and along the joint, and in the vertical direction. It should allow in addition to its function connecting the floorboards a flexible and uneven compensating support on the ground. When attaching one of the floorboards to the other floorboard, the flexible connector can be pressed into the gap 46 from the underside 47. The engagement projections are barb-like acting. To secure the horizontal position in the transverse direction, gripping elements engaging on the longitudinal sides 14, 15 of the floorboards 11 are provided on the connector in the manner of a bracket.

Description

The invention relates to a floorboard system comprising floorboards made of structurally sound material, which have an upper side, a lower side and surrounding sides, namely longitudinal and end sides, with a connection system for the adjoining connection of the floorboards to one another, which has recesses engaging in recesses Connection system includes a connector made of a flexible material having a projecting over the underside support surface for supporting the floorboard system on a substrate.

Floorboards, which may also be called floorboards, floor panels, etc., are laid as a running and stepping surface on a substrate consisting of a more or less smooth or rough surface, for example a screed, or another substructure, e.g. from beams, can exist. In the following descriptions, the terms horizontal, vertical, top, bottom, etc. are used on a lying in use position, ie lying flat on the floor floorboard.

From the DE 10 2009 014 603 A1 is a floor covering has become known, are connected to the four square base plates by means of a connecting element, which has the shape of a cross, from whose arms protrude knobs and engage in holes on the underside of the floor panels. The cross is supported on the ground with its underside. A safeguard against lifting one floor panel over the other does not offer the system.

Similar connecting elements describe the DE 10 2011 012 023 A1 . DE 4222 936 A1 and 10 210 014 131 A1 , There strip-shaped or plate-shaped connecting elements are shown, of which the knobs are up. Partially they have a ribbed profiling to hold themselves in the holes of the floorboards. A towering central pier is used for Spacing to form a gap between the plates. A spoke wheel-shaped embodiment of this type shows the DE 202 01 654 U1 for the floor slabs of an exhibition stand. The DE 3902 419 A1 describes pressed from scrap tires plates in which pits are formed in recesses on the rings can be pushed to connect.

There is a great deal of floor coverings on the market, such as engineered parquet or laminate floors, whose connection works according to the tongue and groove system. Projections on one side of the plate engage in recesses on the other side of the plate adjacent plate and there are connected to each other either by snapping or by pivoting tensile strength. An example of the snap connection is in the DE 60213161 T2 shown, the swinging shows the DE 10 2005 034 0494 A1 ,

Finally, in Fig. 32a to d of the WO 00 2916 926 A1 a double-T connector is shown, which engages in a respective groove in the side surface and at the bottom of the plates. To connect the two plates must be joined together at an offset in the direction of the joint and then moved horizontally in the correct position in the joint direction.

Task and solution

The object of the invention is to provide a floorboard system, which creates a connection between the adjoining floorboards in all directions, ie horizontally across and along the joint, and in the vertical direction, wherein the connection system comprises a connector which in addition to its connecting the floorboards Function allows a flexible and uneven compensating support on the ground and also at several, at an angle to each other extending sides of a floorboard is used.

This object is achieved according to the invention in a floorboard system of the type mentioned in that at least in the Longitudinal recesses are present, engage in the Eingreifvorsprünge for positive securing the vertical position of a joint adjacent floorboards. When connecting one of the floorboards to the other floorboard, the flexible connector is movable relative to at least one of the floorboards into an engaged position, eg the connector can be pressed into the joint from the bottom or the floorboard to be connected can be pushed in from above the already attached to the other floorboards and abgestüzten for example on the ground connectors are pressed. The engagement projections are formed barb-like acting and to secure the horizontal position are provided in the transverse direction like a clip on the longitudinal sides engaging gripping elements on the connector.

The invention includes a connection system with a flexible connector, which has a dual function, namely on the one hand to secure the floorboards form fit for all relevant degrees of freedom to each other and on the other hand to form supports that can be supported on the ground, can compensate for unevenness of the ground and ensure that the form-solid floorboards between the connectors have a ground clearance. Between these, the floorboards can be self-supporting. The system thus places lower demands on the ground and is nevertheless flexible and easy to assemble.

In order to optionally allow a laying of the floorboards without distance from each other (zero joint) or with a distance joint, either different sized connectors can be used or it can be provided on the floorboards and / or the connectors already alternative securing positions that the two (or define multiple) joint distances.

An advantageous embodiment of the invention comprises a connector having a flexible body with a support surface on its underside, lateral, upwardly directed, for engagement on the longitudinal sides of Floor boards provided gripping elements and having on a central web laterally projecting engagement projections, which are designed to engage in the laterally open recesses of the floorboards to be joined. They are advantageous by their flexibility able to provide when taking their final position for both the engagement of the Eingreifvorsprünge in the recesses and for the positive engagement of the gripping elements to ensure the cohesion of the floor panels, for example in the form of lateral webs from below on the inside of the long sides like a clamp attack.

The dimensions of the recesses in the longitudinal direction of the joint in the longitudinal sides and the corresponding dimensions of the connector are matched to one another, so that there is also a positive connection in this direction. It is advantageous that the connector has a profile that is the same in the longitudinal direction of the joint, so that it can also be produced as a section of a rod profile.

The engagement projections may be latched into the recesses on the sides of snap-in members on the central web of the connector. This connector can be attached to one side of a floorboard from below and then the other floorboard can be attached from above and pressed down, pushing back the latch-like resilient engagement projection until it snaps into the recess on this floorboard.

This connection system with a connector which can be pressed from below into the gap between the adjacent sides of two floorboards or by a vertical parallel displacement parallel to the joint and has barb-like engagement projections, is advantageous for laying floorboards advantageously used, however also in addition to and completion of the drawings and description also included embodiments in which a connection is made by swinging. So it is possible to use this connector for Provide example in addition to the Einschwenk connectors described below or to connect floorboards entirely with this type of connector, ie by pressing the connector from below or pressing down the connected floorboards.

All of these compounds provide significant benefits. The floorboards are not over their entire length and width on the ground, but at precisely defined locations, namely the support surfaces of the connector. These can also be structured or ribbed if elastic support and even better adaptation to the substrate is desired. Also a production with different elasticity between the gripping area and the support area, e.g. by multi-component injection molding or continuous casting is possible. The connectors can also be used in a floorboard both between the longitudinal sides and on the front sides, so also at an angle to each other laid floorboards. In all versions, the connection between the floorboards by a load, so committing, reinforced, although without them a secure connection in all relevant degrees of freedom exists. Unevenness in the ground is less disturbing for a level installation of the floorboard system, because there is a gap between the undersides and the ground, which also serves to dissipate penetrated moisture or to lay cables, etc.

The floorboards are in particular made of plastic injection molding, for example made of natural fibers reinforced and / or filled plastic, ie fiber composite (NFK), based on polyolefin, epoxy, polyester, phenolic or polyamide. For their rigidity and also for the creation of channels under their preferably provided with a non-slip structure surface they are ribbed in the longitudinal and transverse directions. Thus, they are designed so that they bear even when resting only at their endpoints the desired loads without significant deformation. Furthermore, they are weather-resistant and easy to clean, so they are particularly suitable for terraces and balconies. A laying can be done in different patterns and, since there are numerous connection options (recesses and / or projections) on relatively short distances on all sides, it is also possible to adapt the covering to the structural conditions by shortening the floorboards.

These and other features will become apparent from the claims but also from the description and drawings, wherein the individual features each alone or more in the form of sub-combinations in an embodiment of the invention and in other fields be realized and advantageous and protectable Can represent versions. The subdivision of the application into individual sections and subheadings does not limit the statements made thereunder in their generality.

Brief description of the drawings

• Fig. 1 eine Draufsicht auf eine Bodendiele,
• Fig. 2 eine Unteransicht der Bodendiele,
• Fig. 3 eine Schrägansicht der Bodendiele von unten,
• Fig. 4 eine Perspektive eines Verbinders,
• Fig. 5 eine Draufsicht auf Details zweier Bodendielen vor ihrer Verbindung.
• Fig. 6a einen Schnitt nach der Linie VI-VI in Fig. 5 beim schrägen Ansetzen einer Bodendiele zur Verbindung mit einer auf dem Untergrund aufliegenden Bodendiele,
• Fig. 6b ebenfalls einen Schnitt nach der Linie VI-VI in Fig. 5 nach der Fertigstellung der Verbindung,
• Fig. 7a und 7b Darstellungen entsprechend Fig. 6a und 6b" jedoch nach der Schnittlinie VII-VII in Fig.5,
• Figuren 8 bis 10 verschiedene Verlegemuster von Bodendielen in Draufsicht,
• Fig. 11 eine Perspektive eines Details einer Verbindung zwischen Aufnahmevorsprung und Verbinder,
• Fig. 12 eine Perspektive eines Verbinders für eine andere Verbindung Aufnahmevorsprung/Verbinder,
• Fig. 13 eine Darstellung ähnlich Fig. 11 mit dem Verbinder nach Fig. 12,
• Fig. 14 einen Schnitt nach Linie XIV-XIV,
• Fig. 15 eine perspektivische Unteransicht eines Details einer Bodendiele mit einem alternativen Eingreifvorsprung,
• Fig. 16 eine Perspektive eines Verbinders für die Alternative nach Fig. 15,
• Fig. 17 ein Detail des Verbinders nach Fig. 16, an einem Aufnahmevorsprung der Bodendiele angebracht,
• Fig. 18 einen Querschnitt durch einen Verbinder einer vorteilhaften Ausführungsform,
• Fig. 19 ein Schnitt durch zwei Bodendielen und den Verbinder nach Fig. 18 während des Verbindungs-Vorgangs,
• Fig. 20 einen Schnitt entsprechend Fig. 19 nach Fertigstellung der Verbindung,
• Fig. 21 eine geschnittene Schrägansicht eines Details zweier gemäß Fig. 20 verbundener Bodendielen auf die Unterseite gesehen,
• Fig. 22 eine perspektivische Ansicht eines Verbinders für eine fugenlose Verbindung,
• Fig. 23 eine perspektivische Draufsicht auf eine Bodendiele, wie sie in Fig. 19 bis 21 gezeigt ist,
• Fig. 24 einen Schnittdurch zwei mit einem Verbinder nach Fig. 22 verbundene Bodendielen,
• Fig. 25 eine Darstellung entsprechend Fig. 21 einer Verbindung nach Fig. 24,
• Fig. 26 eine Unteransicht eines Verlegemusters unter Verwendung von Verbindern gemäß Fig. 22 und 27 bzw. 32,
• Fig. 27 eine Frontansicht eines Einschnapp-Verbinders für eine "Null-Fugen"-Verbindung,
• Fig. 28 eine perspektivische Ansicht des Verbinders nach Fig. 27,
• Fig. 29 eine Perspektive eines Details des Verbinders nach Fig. 27 und 28 nach vorbereitender Anbringung an einer Bodendiele,
• Fig. 30 eine Schnitt-Darstellung zweier Bodendielen und eines Einschnapp-Verbinders während des Verbindungsvorganges,
• Fig. 31 die Verbindung nach Fig. 30 nach ihrer Fertigstellung,
• Fig. 32 eine Frontansicht eines Verbinders für eine Verbindung mit definierter Abstands-Fuge,
• Fig. 33 eine perspektivische Ansicht des Verbinders nach Fig. 32,
• Fig. 34 eine Darstellung entsprechend Fig. 29 mit dem Verbinder nach Fig. 32 und 33,
• Fig. 35 ein Detail einer Verbindung zweier Bodendielen mit dem Verbinder nach Fig. 32 und 33,
• Fig. 36 einen Verbinder zum Zusammenwirken mit einem Eingreifvorsprung nach Fig. 15,
• Fig. 37 einen Querschnitt nach der Linie XXXVII-XXXVII in Fig. 38 durch die Verbindung mit einem Verbinder gemäß Fig. 36 und
• Fig. 38 eine Unteransicht zweier mit dem Verbinder nach Fig. 36 verbundener Bodendielen.

Embodiment and application examples of the invention are shown schematically in the drawing and are explained in more detail below. Show it:

• Fig. 1 a plan view of a floorboard,
• Fig. 2 a bottom view of the floorboards,
• Fig. 3 an oblique view of the floorboards from below,
• Fig. 4 a perspective of a connector,
• Fig. 5 a top view on details of two floorboards before their connection.
• Fig. 6a a section along the line VI-VI in Fig. 5 obliquely applying a floorboard for connection to a floorboard resting on the ground,
• Fig. 6b also a section along the line VI-VI in Fig. 5 after the completion of the connection,
• Fig. 7a and 7b Representations accordingly Fig. 6a and 6b "but according to section line VII-VII in Figure 5 .
• FIGS. 8 to 10 various laying patterns of floor boards in plan view,
• Fig. 11 a perspective of a detail of a connection between receiving protrusion and connector,
• Fig. 12 a perspective of a connector for another connection female tab / connector,
• Fig. 13 a representation similar Fig. 11 with the connector after Fig. 12 .
• Fig. 14 a section according to line XIV-XIV,
• Fig. 15 a perspective bottom view of a detail of a floorboard with an alternative engagement projection,
• Fig. 16 a perspective of a connector for the alternative Fig. 15 .
• Fig. 17 a detail of the connector behind Fig. 16 , attached to a receiving projection of the floorboards,
• Fig. 18 a cross section through a connector of an advantageous embodiment,
• Fig. 19 a section through two floorboards and the connector after Fig. 18 during the connection process,
• Fig. 20 a cut accordingly Fig. 19 after completion of the connection,
• Fig. 21 a sectional oblique view of a detail of two according to Fig. 20 connected floorboards seen on the bottom,
• Fig. 22 a perspective view of a connector for a seamless connection,
• Fig. 23 a top perspective view of a floorboard, as shown in Fig. 19 to 21 is shown
• Fig. 24 a section through two with a connector after Fig. 22 connected floorboards,
• Fig. 25 a representation accordingly Fig. 21 a connection after Fig. 24 .
• Fig. 26 a bottom view of a laying pattern using connectors according to Fig. 22 and 27 or 32,
• Fig. 27 a front view of a snap-in connector for a "zero-joint" connection,
• Fig. 28 a perspective view of the connector according to Fig. 27 .
• Fig. 29 a perspective of a detail of the connector behind FIGS. 27 and 28 after preliminary attachment to a floorboard,
• Fig. 30 a sectional view of two floorboards and a snap-in connector during the connection process,
• Fig. 31 the connection after Fig. 30 after its completion,
• Fig. 32 a front view of a connector for a connection with a defined distance joint,
• Fig. 33 a perspective view of the connector according to Fig. 32 .
• Fig. 34 a representation accordingly Fig. 29 with the connector after FIGS. 32 and 33 .
• Fig. 35 a detail of a connection of two floorboards with the connector FIGS. 32 and 33 .
• Fig. 36 a connector for cooperating with an engagement projection according to Fig. 15 .
• Fig. 37 a cross section along the line XXXVII-XXXVII in Fig. 38 by the connection with a connector according to Fig. 36 and
• Fig. 38 a bottom view of two with the connector after Fig. 36 connected floorboards.

Description of preferred embodiments

Fig. 1 shows a floorboard 11, which is made by injection molding of a natural fiber composite (NFK). Plastics such as polyolefins, epoxies, polyesters, phenolic or polyamide, which are filled with natural fibers and thus also reinforced, are particularly suitable for this purpose. The floorboard has a top 12 which is provided with a non-slip structure such as structured longitudinal ribs 13. It gets from sides or sidewalls, namely longitudinal sides 14,15 and end faces 16, limited, which, as from Fig. 3 can be seen, the floorboard 11 surrounded. The floorboard thus has a flat box-like shape whose interior, ie its underside, has continuous longitudinal ribs 17, 18, of which the longitudinal ribs 17 extend to the same level as the sides 14 to 16, while in each case lower longitudinal ribs 18 run between them. At their level, transverse ribs are provided, which also stiffen the floor boards in the transverse direction. Between the ribs 17, 18 channels 19 are formed in which cables, cables, etc. can run. In conjunction with the relatively hard material thus creates a form-solid floorboard that is resistant to bending and breakage and still can be produced inexpensively from ecologically advantageous material.

In the in the FIGS. 1 to 14 shown embodiments, the sides 14, 15, 16 recesses 20, here formed as cutouts, which are open to the lower edge 21 of the pages. On the longitudinal side 14 protrude horizontally gripping elements 9 in the form of receiving projections 22, which are formed as flat tongues whose top is at the level of the cutout top edges 26. They have in the middle a recess 23 in the form of a through hole with a countersink 24 at the top. Complementing complementary gripping elements 9 are provided in the form of two engagement projections 25 on the opposite longitudinal side 15, the top is also at the level of the cutting top edges 26, while their bottom is at the level of the side lower edges 21. The receiving projections 22 and the engagement projections 25 are each flanked by two recesses 20 of the longitudinal sides. The Eingreifvorsprünge 25 are narrower than the receiving projections 22. The Eingreifvorsprünge 25 are, apart from the areas near the end faces 16, arranged in pairs so that they are opposite the receiving projections 22, so in an assembly of two floorboards on both sides next to the recording projections can intervene. In each case, when viewed in the longitudinal direction of the floorboard, a plurality of groups of spaced apart from each other are each provided with a pair of engaging projections 25 with opposite receiving projection, wherein in the middle of two groups are provided with a smaller distance from each other.

This constellation is such that when joining two floorboards each with a longitudinal side 14 adjacent to a longitudinal side 15, a connection with a joint with theoretically a width of zero, hereinafter referred to as "zero joint" would result, in which the floorboards on rest their entire length on the ground. This could, in each case before the attachment of the adjacent floorboards, the previous be screwed over the recesses 23 in the receiving projections 22 to the ground. It resulted in a horizontally secured in the longitudinal direction and vertical against lifting positioning, but in the transverse direction only by screwing. In addition, in such a case, the ground should be very even, because even a slight increase, e.g. in the middle of a floorboard would cause an unstable situation.

The following embodiments make it possible to avoid these limitations. In addition shows Fig. 4 a connector 30 made of a flexible material, a plastic injection molding material with rubber-like properties, in the form of a plate-shaped body 29 with a bottom 31 forming a support surface 31, a towering, a protrusion 32 for engaging the recess 23 in the receiving projection forming knob, with a also upwardly projecting support web 33 on a longitudinal side 28, and with on the opposite longitudinal side 37 upwardly projecting securing projections 34 in the region of the corners, which serve as later explained security elements. Between these projections 34, a gap 35 is formed. The support web 33 has on its inner side 39 in the center a projection 40 which, in the assembly of the connector and the receiving projection 22, fits into a recess 41 at the foot of the receiving projection and secures the connector in addition to the projection 32 (nub) against pulling in the transverse direction. By doing plate-shaped body 29 of the connector 30 are formed adjacent to the two transverse sides 36 oblique insertion recesses 38. For the details of the design and sizing of the connectors 30 and other elements of the floorboard system in this patent, reference is expressly made to the drawings.

Fig. 5 shows a detail of two floorboards 11 before their connection to the floorboard system 10 in plan view. On the projecting from the longitudinal side 14 of the left floorboard 11 receiving projection 22 from the bottom of the connector 30 according to Fig. 4 attached, wherein its projection 34 or knob engages in the recess 23 and determines the connector 30 on the receiving projection 22 due to its flexibility. For this purpose, the head of the knob may be somewhat thickened and / or be barbed-like and insert into the countersink 24. The support bar engages behind the side wall 14. The attachment of the connector 30 to the receiving projections 22 can already be done at the factory, with other attachment options such as gluing, welding, 2-component syringes or the like. possible are. However, the connectors 30 may also be mounted just prior to assembly of the floorboards, with the user being able to load all or some of the receiving projections with connectors, depending on the requirements or substrate condition. In addition, he may then choose to use connectors for laying with a joint 46 at a defined distance between the sides of the floorboards, hereinafter referred to as a gap joint, or with "zero joint". This increases flexibility and reduces the types available in the trade.

The in the FIGS. 6a, b and 7a, b shown sections according to the section lines VI and VII in Fig. 5 show two phases of joining two floorboards. The receiving projection 22 of in Fig. 5 left floorboard is provided with the connector 30 in the manner described, it being noted that the projection 32 (nub) has a thickened and somewhat barb-like shaped head 39 extending into the Inserting counterbore 34 and thus secures the connector 30 to the receiving projection 22. The right floorboard is introduced at an insertion angle α so that, as out Fig. 7a can be seen, the engagement projection 25 penetrates into the space 58, the recess 20 and the insertion recess 38 between them when the right floorboards in the insertion direction (arrow 41) is pushed into or in the left floorboard. In this case, the engagement projection 25 slides with its underside on the securing projections 34, supported by the insertion bevel 42 (see Fig. 4 ). The size of the insertion angle α depends on the dimensions of the floorboards and in particular of the connector 30, there mainly the height of the securing projections 34 and will be between 10 ° and 30 °. In the present example, it is about 20 °. When the engagement projection 25 has penetrated into the insertion recess 38 to the end, the inner edge 43 of the engagement projection 25 provided with a central projection 44 is released from the upper side of the securing projection 34 and can engage in front of it (FIG. Fig. 7b ). The central projection 44 engages in the recess 45, which interrupts the insertion bevel 42 of the securing projections centrally (see also Fig. 4 ). It also secures the connection in the direction parallel to the joint 50, which forms between the two floorboards 11. This joint is determined in its existence and size by the dimensions of the connector 30, mainly by the position of the projection 32. In the Figures 6a to 7b a dimension of the connector 30 is shown, which generates a distance joint of eg 5mm, with an offset of the projection 32 and the corresponding dimension of the support bar 33, a "zero joint" would arise.

It can be seen that this connection system performs a multiple function. It stores the floorboards at a distance 48 elastically with the support surface 31 of the flexible connector 30 on the substrate 47 and secures the connection of the floorboards 11 both in the transverse direction, as well as in the longitudinal direction and in the vertical direction, ie against lifting. The connection in the transverse direction is made by that, like the Figures 6a and 6b show, the support bar 33 and its projection 40 engage behind the inner edge 49 of the side wall 14 of the left floor board 11, while the inner edge 43 of the side wall 15 of the right floor board 11 is engaged behind by the safety projections 34. The connector 30 thus forms a bottom of both floor boards engaging flexible clip, which is additionally secured by an operating load from above. Also, the connection in the vertical direction is elastic, because the engagement projection 25 rests on the inner surface 51 of the flexible connector 30.

The FIGS. 8 to 10 show different laying patterns of floorboards 11, without offset next to each other ( Fig. 8 ), by about one third ( Fig. 9 ) and at an angle to each other ( Fig. 10 ). The arrangement of the receiving and engaging projections 22, 25 allow this and a large number of other variations of the installation. The connection of the longitudinal sides with the end faces can not be done in the manner described by pivoting, if at the same time a connection between longitudinal sides is made. Connection systems that make this possible, but will be described below.

Fig. 11 shows a variant of the connection between the receiving projection 22 and connector 30 in which the receiving projections 22 are divided into two and tapered towards each other inside so that the dovetailed projection 32 on the connector 30 with the receiving projections forms a dovetail connection.

The FIGS. 12 to 14 show a variant of the connector 30 having a shoe 52 for receiving the receiving projection 22, which need not have a hole 23 in this case. The shoe is designed as a flat rectangular compartment and has on its upper side a stop bar, which serves as a spacer 53 between the two longitudinal sides 14, 15 for defining, ie, the joint width, the gap 46. Fig. 12 shows the connector in an oblique view and Fig. 13 after its attachment to a floorboard 11. Fig. 14 shows on average XIV-XIV, due to the Flexibility of the connector 30 on the receiving projection 22 of this can be like a foot inserted into the shoe 52, wherein the support bar 33, so to speak, behind the hacking of the receiving projection engages and, as in the dovetail design, the connector 30 to the floorboards 11 determines. The side protrusions 54 on the connector 30 on both sides of the shoe 52, as well as the dovetail design, serve as a lateral guide of the connector to the floorboard. The connection with the adjacent floorboard 11 is done as in particular in the FIGS. 6 and 7 shown, wherein for simplicity here the insertion recesses 38 are not shown or due to the flexibility of the connector can also be omitted.

The FIGS. 15 to 17 show a variant in which a laying with zero joint and gap joint is already provided. In this embodiment, the attachment of the connector 30 on the receiving projection 22 is as based on the FIGS. 4 to 7 described. Also the in Fig. 16 in an oblique view connector 30 resembles with its features Fig. 4 However, in the region of the insertion recesses 38 three grooves or cuts 55 are present at the bottom. In it fit strip-shaped gripping ridges 56 projecting from the bottom of the engagement projections 25 down. If, how Fig. 17 shows, the connector 30 is fixed by snapping the knob 32 with its head 39 in the hole 23 and the countersink 24 on the receiving projection, according to the FIGS. 1 to 7 is equal, then the engaging projection 25 or, as not shown here, two paired adjacent engagement projections are pivoted into the space 58. Depending on the laying request with zero joint or gap gap, the gripping ribs 56 engage in the two front or rear grooves and thus determine the distance between the two floorboards from each other. In this case, in the "zero-gap" version, the rear securing protrusion 34 is not engaged. Here, 30 different installation principles can be accomplished with an embodiment of the connector.

The FIGS. 18 to 25 show a preferred embodiment of the connection system. In Fig. 22 is in oblique view and in Fig. 18 shown on average in each case a connector 30 for a "zero-gap" -Verlegung and laying with distance joint. The flexible material connector has a constant profile over its length in the jointing direction, which also allows production from an extruded profile, and has a plate-shaped body 59 with an upper inner surface 51 and a lower support surface 31. This is in the case of Fig. 22 ribbed in order to increase the flexibility and adaptability to a level and even surface and also to improve the position of the floorboards 30 on the ground. The flexibility in the area of the support surface 31, without allowing the rest of the body to become soft, could also be achieved by different material properties in the injection or extrusion process, for example by 2-component spraying.

From the body 59 laterally protrude securing projections 34 upwards, the function of the support web 33 and the safety projections 34 of the embodiment according to Fig. 4 correspond. At a central web 60 gripping elements 9 are provided in the form of projecting laterally from the central web engagement projections 25a, which have a fillet 62 on its underside. at Fig. 22 is the top of the engaging projections 25a flat, so that the middle part of the connector 30 is T-shaped. In the connector 30 after Fig. 18 protrudes from the center of the two laterally extending engagement projections 25a, a spacer 53 in the form of a strip-shaped projection upwards, but which is much narrower than the central web 60th

Fig. 23 shows an oblique view of a floorboard 11. It can be seen that the floorboards, which for the embodiments of the FIGS. 4 and for the designs FIGS. 18 to 22 are provided, have no gripping elements in the form of receiving and Eingriffvorsprüngen, but only recesses 20, which are provided distributed at equal intervals on the longitudinal sides 14, 15 and end faces 16.

This is a great advantage not only for the production, but also for storage and assembly, since the floorboards do not have to be brought into a specific orientation when laying. The recesses 20 (see in particular on Fig. 19 ) are provided in pages 14, 15, 16 and consist of horizontally aligned incisions or openings (see also Fig. 21 ). Between them and the lower edge 21 of the pages these are set back slightly, so that a space 61 for the central web 60 is formed.

Fi g. 19 now shows the joining together of two floorboards 11. Although it would be possible and useful the other way around, the connector 30 has been attached to the to be applied, right floorboard 11 before connecting. In this case engages an engagement projection 25a in the recess 20 on the right floorboard 11 and the securing projection 34 on this side engages behind the side wall 15. The thus connected to the right floorboard 11 connector 30 can now with its engagement projection 25a in the recess 20 of the left floorboard 11 are pushed, which allows the rounding 62. The strip-shaped securing projection 34 on the left, on insertion front side of the connector slides under the lower edge 21 of the side wall 14 of the left floorboard forward until it engages the inner edge of the side wall 14 when swung down into the aligned position ( Fig. 20 ). This also helps a rounding 63 on the inner edge of the securing projections 34th

FIGS. 20 and 21 show the completed joint with gap gap in the cut. It will be appreciated that the engagement projections 25a secure the floorboards 11 against vertical displacements while the securing projections 34 hold the floorboards 11 together in a clip-like manner. The spacer 53 at the top of the cross-shaped central portion of the connector 30 ensures a uniform dimension of the gap 46. Like Fig. 21 shows, the connectors could be used on any of the numerous recesses 20, but this is not necessary. It can be seen that too Here, a burden of the floorboard system, the compound additionally reinforced and secure and ensures a degree of flexibility by the body 59 of the connector 30 between the floorboards and the ground 47 balancing and slightly flexible, so it is also sound-absorbing.

The FIGS. 24 and 25 show the the FIGS. 20 and 21 corresponding representations for the execution "zero joint". The angular arrangement of Fig. 26 is also shown with connectors 30 on all possible connection points, ie recesses 20 of the floorboards 11, which is certainly necessary or appropriate only in exceptional cases. As before at Fig. 10 mentioned, the connections can be performed by pivoting in such over-corner joints only when this happens around a pivot axis.

The FIGS. 27 to 35 show a connection system in which the two floorboards 11 to be joined can be securely coupled to each other via the connector 30 without pivoting. Fig. 27 shows in cross section and Fig. 28 in an oblique view, the connector for a "zero joint" compound having a plate-shaped body 59 with a support surface 31 on its underside. On both sides of the body projecting securing projections 34 high, which are provided at its inner edge with a fillet 63. The connector 30 is also made of flexible material and has a constant length over its length in the joint direction, which also allows the production of an extruded profile. A central web 60 protrudes from the inner surface 51 of the body 59 upwards. This is adjoined by a narrower web region 71, at the tip of which engage engagement projections 25b, which give the upper part of the central web an arrow-like shape. The engagement projections are barb-like obliquely downwardly directed elastic pawls, which can apply under pressure from above to the central web in the narrower web portion 71, which forms wells 70 there, or at least can approach.

Fig. 29 shows the attachment of the connector 30 to a floorboard 11, as shown in FIG Fig. 23 that is, with recesses 20 in the sides serving as sidewall-engaging slots of a longitudinal dimension matching the length of the connector and having a recessed portion 73 providing space for the central web 60. A connector 30 is inserted in such recess , being, as well Fig. 30 shows the securing projection 34 engages behind the inner edge 49 of the side wall 15 and one of the engagement projections 25b rests with its front, ie lower end on the lower surface 74 of the recess 20. In this way, the in Fig. 30 be prepared left floor board 11 ( Fig. 29 ). This preparation is easy to do by the publisher, so it does not require any measures in production and distribution.

Fig. 30 shows the process of connection. The right-hand floor board 11 is inserted in the same orientation as the left floor board 11 already supported on the substrate 47 via the connector 30 and its supporting surface 31, ie horizontally from above, ie in the direction of the arrow 75 The bottom edge 66 of the side wall is inserted into the gap 67 between the securing protrusion 34 and the engaging protrusion 25b, and pushes it back, allowing it to fit into the recess 70. With the securing projection 34 already engaging behind the inner edge 49 of the side wall, the right floorboard is held in its sideways position and can not be pushed back to the right by the sideward pressure exerted by the engagement projection 25b. For this, it is important that the securing projections 34 protrude so high that the below the recess portion 76 of the floorboards 11 has already penetrated into the gap 67 before the portion 76 reaches the engagement projection 25b. When the recessed section 76 has its upper edge, namely the lower surface 74 of the recess 20, passed the outer end of the engagement projection 25b, it snaps back due to its flexibility and settles on the surface 74. In the previously described , not shown alternative version with Eingreifvorsprüngen, which are formed as a solid triangle, in addition to an elastic compression of the Eingreifvorsprünge the entire unit of Eingreifvorsprünge elastically slightly to the left and possibly the securing projection 34 are bent slightly to the right, so that lying below the recess 20 portion 76 of the side wall penetrates into the space formed between the inner surface 51, securing projection 34, central web 60 and engaging projection 25 b and remains secured there, as well as in Fig. 30 presented version. This inserting operation is the same as previously performed on the attachment of the connector 30 to the left floorboards, there by pushing the connector 30 into the gap 67 from below. The completed connection, here with "Nullfuge", is in Fig. 31 shown.

It can be seen that here a connection system has been created, which creates a secure connection simply with slot-shaped recesses in the sides provided floorboards 11 via flexible, depressible from below into the joint connector 30. The connector has a clip which engages behind both side walls and a shaft which can be inserted from below into the joint between the floorboards and the engagement projections, which penetrate into recesses on the side walls of the floorboards and hold themselves there.

The FIGS. 32 to 35 In the rest of the same design and function of the middle web 60 or shaft is also not the arrow-like or barb-like protruding engagement projections 25 b provided and beyond this with serving as a spacer 53 upper extension whose Thickness determines the joint width. Incidentally, the individual features and the connection function are the same as based on the Fig. 27 to 31 described.

The FIGS. 36 to 38 show a simplified embodiment of the connection shown in Figures 15 to 17. Out Fig. 36 can be seen in that the connector 30 has a body 59 which is not recessed obliquely to insertion recesses but has a substantially planar body 59, in the plane inner surface 51 of which the three grooves 55 are formed. The support web 33 and the securing projections 34 are formed as continuous webs. FIGS. 37 and 38 show in cross-section and in a bottom view the connection of two floorboards with the connector 30 after Fig. 36 , The floorboards have a receiving projection 22, as in Fig. 17 is shown and an engagement projection 25 with two gripping ridges 56 as in Fig. 15 shown. Fig. 37 shows the connection with "zero joint" in a section along the line XXXVII in Fig. 38 , The gripping ribs 56 engage in this case in the grooves 51 closer to the support rib 33. You could also use them in the two more distant grooves and would thus create a connection with distance joint. In the arrangement of further grooves or omission of one of the gripping ribs different joint widths of distance joints could be achieved in addition to the zero joint. The insertion of the engagement projection 25 is made possible by the flexibility of the connector 30.

Fig. 38 shows the connector 30 in transparent view. It can be seen that only one engagement projection 25 is used here, which further increases the flexibility of the system arrangement.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

insertion angle

α

bottom

8th

gripping elements

9

Floorboard system

10

floorboard

11

top

12

longitudinal ribs

13

long sides

14.15

front sides

16

longitudinal ribs

17, 18

transverse ribs

18a

channels

19

recesses

20

lower edge

21

receiving projections

22

Recess (hole)

23

countersink

24

engagement projections

25, 25a, 25b

Cutting top edges

26

long side

28

plate-shaped body

29

Interconnects

30

support surface

31

Projection (knob)

32

supporting web

33

securing projections

34

gap

35

transverse sides

36

long side

37

Einführvertiefungen

38

Head of 32

39

arrow

41

chamfer

42

inner edge

43

central projection

44

deepening

45

Gap

46

underground

47

distance

48

inner edge

49

palm

51

shoe

52

spacer

53

side projections

54

cuts

55

grip links

56

room

58

body

59

center web

60

room

61

rounding off

62

rounding

63

rounding off

65

outer edge

66

gap

67

wells

70

web region

71

section

73

area

74

arrow

75

section

76

Claims (10)

Floorboard system (10) comprising floorboards (11) made of structurally sound material, which have a top side (12), a bottom side (8) and surrounding sides, namely longitudinal and end sides (14, 15, 16), 1.1 with a connection system for the adjoining connection of the floorboards (11) with each other, which has recesses (20) engaging projections, 1.2 wherein the connection system comprises a connector (30) made of a flexible material having a support surface (31) projecting over the underside (8) for flexibly supporting the floorboard system on a substrate (47), characterized 1.3 that at least in the longitudinal sides (14, 15) recesses (20) are present in the Eingreifvorsprünge (25b) for positive securing the vertical position of a joint (46) adjacent floorboards (11) intervene, 1.4 that when one of the floorboards (11) is connected to the other floorboard, the flexible connector (30) is vertically movable in the joint (46) relative to at least one of the floorboards in an engaged position, 1.5, the engagement projections (25b) barb-like acting are formed and 1.6 that for securing the horizontal position in the transverse direction in the manner of a clip on the longitudinal sides (14, 15) engaging gripping elements (9) on the connector (30) are provided. Floor board system according to claim 1, characterized in that the connector (30) has a flexible body with the support surface (31) on its underside (8), lateral, upward, provided for engagement on the longitudinal sides of the floorboards gripping elements (33, 34) and with at a central web (60) lateral engagement projections (25b), which are designed to engage in the laterally open recesses (20) of the floorboards (11) to be joined. A floorboard system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connector includes spacers (53) which allow the floorboards (11) to be laid with a seam (46) with or without space between the sides of the floorboards (11). Floor board system according to one of claims 2 or 3, characterized in that the connector (30) above the engagement projections (25b) on the central web (60) as a spacer element (53) has an extension of the central web. Floorboard system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the support surface (31) of the connector (30) has a structuring or profiling. Floor board system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connector (30) is a profile, preferably an extruded section, with a cross section having a bottom surface with the support surface (31) on the underside (8), the gripping elements (33 , 34) as upwardly directed webs on both sides and the T, cross or arrow shaped center web (60). Floor board system according to one of claims 2 to 6, characterized in that the sides of the floorboards between the recesses and the underside each have a recess (73) for receiving the central web (60). Floor board system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the engagement projections (25b) are provided in the recesses (20) in the recesses (20) on the side snapping elements on the central web (60) of the connector (30). Floor board system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one side (14, 15, 16) of a floorboard (11) pushing back an engagement projection (25b) into a gap (67) between the latter and an engagement element (34) of the connector (11). 30) engages. Ground floor system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the floorboards (11) consist of plastic injection molding, and have at least one of the following features: 10.1 they consist of a composite material (NFP) mixed with filler, such as natural fibers, 10.2 they have at the top (12) a ribbed, non-slip surface, 10.3 the underside is provided with longitudinal and transverse ribs (17, 18), 10.4 are provided between the ribs channels (19) for cable laying, etc., 10.5 they are self-supporting between the support surfaces (31) of the connectors (30).

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