JP2004518042A - Floorboard, method of manufacturing and installing the same - Google Patents

Abstract

A releasable locking system for a floorboard and a floorboard having an undercut groove provided on one long side of the floorboard and a protruding tongue provided on the long side opposite the floorboard. I will provide a.
The undercut groove has a corresponding inner locking surface directed upward at a predetermined distance from a tip of the undercut groove. The tongue and undercut grooves are brought together and separated by pivoting with a center (C) near the intersection of the surface plane (HP) and the common joining plane (VP) of two adjacent floorboards. It is formed as follows. The undercut in the groove of such a locking system forms the inner part of the undercut portion of the groove first and then forms a locking surface positioned near the opening of the groove, so that the rotating shafts It is produced by at least two disc-shaped cutting tools inclined with respect to each other. Such a board installation method includes a step of laying a new board adjacent to the previously installed board, a step of moving the tongue of the new board into the mouth of the undercut groove of the previously installed board, Includes tilting the new board upward during continuous insertion of the tongue into the cut groove, and tilting the new board downward to its final position. The manufacturing method for manufacturing the undercut groove uses machining with at least two different rotary cutting tools with the rotating shaft set at different angles. The wedge-shaped tool for laying floorboards is wedge-shaped and has an upwardly directed engaging surface at its thicker end.
[Selection diagram] Fig. 1

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a locking system for mechanically joining floorboards, a floorboard having such a locking system, a method for installing these floorboards, a method for manufacturing these floorboards, and installing a floorboard. Tools for use with such tools.
[0002]
[Prior art]
The invention is particularly suitable for mechanically bonded floorboards based on wood, usually with a wooden core. Accordingly, the prior art, and the following description of objects and features of the present invention, relates to this field of application, and in particular, to a rectangular parquet floor with joined long and short sides. The invention is particularly suitable for floating floors, i.e. floors that can move with respect to the base. However, the present invention relates to homogeneous wooden floors, wooden floors with a platy or plywood core, floors with a surface made of veneer and a core made of wood fiber, thin bonded floors, floors with a plastic core, etc. It must be emphasized that it can be used for all existing types of hard floors. The invention can of course also be used with other types of floorboards, such as plywood that can be machined with a cutting tool or subfloor made of particleboard. Although not preferred, the floorboard can be fixed to the base after its installation.
[0003]
(Technical background of the present invention)
Mechanical joints have largely occupied the market in a short time, mainly due to their excellent layability, joint strength and joint quality. Floors according to WO 9426999 and floors sold under the trademark Aloc (Alloc is a registered trademark), which are described in more detail below, have significant advantages compared to conventional glued floors, but further improvements Is desirable.
[0004]
The mechanical joining system is very convenient not only for joining bonded floors but also for joining wooden floors and composite floors. Such floorboards include a number of different materials on the surface, core, and backside. As discussed below, these materials are also included in various components of the joining system, such as strips, locking elements, and tongues. However, a solution comprising an integrated strip providing a horizontal joint and further comprising a tongue providing a vertical joint, for example formed in accordance with WO9426999 or WO9747834, involves a mechanical joint of machined board material. Costly in the form of material waste associated with formation.
[0005]
For optimal functioning, for example, a parquet floor of 15 mm thickness should include a strip approximately the width of the floor, ie about 15 mm. For a tongue of about 3 mm, the amount of waste is 18 mm. The width of the floorboard is usually about 200 mm. Thus, material waste is about 9%. In general, the cost of wasted material is that if the floorboard is made of expensive material, if it is thick, or if the format is small, then 1m of the floor ² It increases when the number of laid meters of the joint per hit increases.
[0006]
Specifically, the use of separately manufactured strips in the form of aluminum strips, which are pre-fixed to the floorboard at the factory, can reduce material waste. Furthermore, aluminum strips provide a better and less expensive joining system than strips machined from a core in many applications. However, aluminum strips are quite expensive to invest and require a thorough factory reconfiguration to change existing legacy production lines to produce floorboards with such mechanical joining systems. Is disadvantageous. However, an advantage of the prior art aluminum strip is that the starting format of the floorboard does not need to be changed.
[0007]
The reverse is true when manufacturing strips by machining floorboard material. Thus, the format of the floorboard must be adjusted so that there is enough material to form the strips and tongues. For bonded floors, it is often necessary to change the width of the decorative paper used. In addition, all of these adjustments and changes require costly changes in manufacturing equipment and significant product compatibility.
[0008]
In addition to the above-mentioned problems with undesired material waste and production costs and product compatibility, strips have the disadvantage that they are highly susceptible to damage during transport and installation.
[0009]
In summary, there is a great need to provide mechanical joints at low manufacturing costs, while at the same time the goal is to maintain the current excellent properties regarding laying, removal, joint quality and strength. Prior art solutions cannot reduce price without reducing strength and / or laying function standards.
[0010]
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a solution aimed at lowering price while retaining strength and function.
[0011]
The present invention starts with a floorboard having a core, a front side, a rear side, and both joining edges. One of these joint edges is formed as a tongue groove having a bottom end defined by upper and lower lips, and the other is formed as a tongue having an upwardly directed portion at a free outer end. I have. The tongue groove has the shape of an undercut groove having an opening, an inner portion, and an inner locking surface. At least a portion of the lower lip is integrally formed with the floorboard core and the tongue cooperates with the inner locking surface of the adjacent floorboard tongue groove when mechanically joining two such floorboards. Having a locking surface designed to work, so that the front side of these floorboards is located in the same surface plane (HP) and the joining plane (VP) oriented perpendicular thereto Join at This technique is disclosed, inter alia, in DE-A-3041781. This is discussed in more detail below.
[0012]
However, before that, the general techniques relating to floorboards and locking systems for mechanically locking these floorboards together are described as background of the present invention.
[0013]
[Description of Prior Art]
In order to facilitate and explain the invention and the problems to be solved by the invention, both the basic structure and function of a floorboard according to WO 9426999 and WO 9966151 are described below with reference to FIGS. Where applicable, the following description of the prior art also applies to embodiments of the invention described below.
[0014]
3a and 3b show the floorboard 1 according to WO 9426999 from above and from below, respectively. The board 1 is rectangular and has an upper side 2, a lower side 3, two opposite long sides with joint edges 4a and 4b, and two opposite short sides with joint edges 5a and 5b. .
[0015]
The joining edges 4a, 4b on the long side and the joining edges 5a, 5b on the short side meet at the joining plane VP (see FIG. 2c), and in the laid state their upper side is the common surface plane HP. As shown in FIG. 2C, mechanical joining can be performed without using an adhesive in the direction D2 of FIG. 1C.
[0016]
In the illustrated embodiment (see FIGS. 1 to 3), which is an example of a floorboard according to WO 9426999, the board 1 has a flat strip 6 which is fitted at the factory. This strip extends along the entire long side 4a and is made of a flexible elastic aluminum sheet. The strip 6 extends outward beyond the joining plane VP at the joining edge portion 4a. The strip 6 can be attached mechanically or with an adhesive or in some other way according to the embodiment shown. As described in said document, any other strip material, such as some other metallic sheet or aluminum or plastic profile, can be used as the material for the strip that is factory mounted on the floorboard. . As described in WO 9426999 and as described and illustrated in WO 9966151, the strip 6 can be integrally formed with the board 1, for example by suitably machining the core of the board 1.
[0017]
The present invention can be used for floorboards in which the strip or a portion of the strip is integrally formed with the core, and solves the particular problems encountered in such floorboards and their manufacture. The core of the floorboard may not be formed of a uniform material, but is preferably formed of a uniform material. However, the strip 6 is always integrated with the board 1. That is, the strip 6 must be formed on a board or installed at the factory.
[0018]
In the well-known embodiment according to WO 9426999 and WO 9966151 mentioned above, the width of the strip 6 may be about 30 mm and the thickness may be about 0.5 mm.
[0019]
A similar but shorter strip 6 ′ is arranged along one short side 5 a of the board 1. At the part of the strip protruding beyond the joining plane VP, a locking element 8 is formed which extends along the entire strip 6. This locking element 8 has on its lower part a working locking surface 10 facing the joining plane VP. The height of the action locking surface 10 is, for example, 0.5 mm. The locking surface 10 cooperates with the locking groove 14 formed in the lower side 3 of the facing long side joining edge portion 4b of the adjacent board 1 'when laying. A corresponding locking element 8 'is provided in the strip 6' provided along the short side, and a corresponding locking groove 14 'is provided in the opposite short side joining edge 5b. The edges of the locking grooves 14, 14 'facing away from the joining plane VP form a working locking surface 10' for cooperating with the working locking surface 10 of the locking element.
[0020]
Since the long side and the short side are also mechanically joined in the vertical direction (direction D1 in FIG. 1c), the board 1 has one long side (joining edge portion 4a) and one short side thereof. Along the section (joining edge portion 5a), the upper side is defined by the upper lip of the joining edge portion 4a, 5a and the lower side is an opposed laterally open recess defined by the respective strip 6, 6 '. That is, the tongue groove 16 is further formed. The edge portions 4b, 5b are provided with upper recesses 18 which define locking tongues 20 which cooperate with recesses or tongue grooves 16 (see FIG. 2a).
[0021]
FIGS. 1a to 1c show two such long sides 4a, 4b of two boards 1, 1 'on a base U, while keeping the boards essentially in contact with each other. Figure 7 shows a method of joining together by pivoting and tilting down about a center C near the intersection between the HP and the joining plane VP.
[0022]
2a to 2c show how the short sides 5a, 5b of the boards 1, 1 'are joined together by a snap action. While the long sides 4a, 4b can be joined by both methods, the joining of the short sides 5a, 5b, which is performed first after laying the first floorboard row, usually involves joining the long sides 4a, 4b. It is performed only by the snap action after the initial joining.
[0023]
If the new board 1 'and the previously laid board 1 are to be joined along their long edges 4a, 4b according to FIGS. 1a to 1c, the long edges 4b of the new board 1' are It is pressed according to FIG. 1 a against the long edge 4 a of the previously laid board 1, so that the locking tongue 20 is inserted into the recess or tongue groove 16. The board 1 'is then tilted downward towards the subfloor U according to FIG. The locking element 8 of the strip 6 snaps into the locking groove 14 as soon as the locking tongue 20 has completely entered the recess or tongue groove 16. When tilted in this manner, the upper part 9 of the locking element 8 can act to guide the new board 1 ′ towards the previously laid board 1.
[0024]
In the joint position according to FIG. 1 c, the boards 1, 1 ′ are locked to some extent along their long edges 4 a, 4 b in the directions D 1 and D 2, while the boards 1, 1 ′ It can be displaced relative to each other in the longitudinal joining direction along the long sides (ie direction D3).
[0025]
2a to 2c show that the short sides 5a and 5b of the boards 1, 1 'are displaced in the direction D1 by displacing the new board 1' essentially horizontally towards the previously laid board 1. Also, a method of mechanically joining in the direction D2 is shown. This can be done, in particular, after the long side of the board 1 'has been joined in a row adjacent to the previously laid board 1 by tilting inward according to FIGS. 1a to 1c. . In the first step of FIG. 2a, the chamfer of the recess 16 and the locking tongue 20 cooperate so that the strip 6 'is depressed as a direct result of the short edges 5a, 5b being brought together. When finally aligned, the strip 6 'snaps into place when the locking element 8' enters the locking groove 14 ', so that the active locking surfaces 10, 10' of the locking element 8 ' And the locking groove 14 'engage with each other.
[0026]
By repeating the operations shown in FIGS. 1 a to 1 c and FIGS. 2 a to 2 c, the entire floor can be laid along all joint edges without adhesive. Thus, prior art floorboards of the type described hereinabove generally have a new board 1 'in front by first tilting the long side down and after locking the long side. By displacing in the horizontal direction (direction D3) along the long side of the laid board 1, the short sides can be mechanically joined by snap-fitting each other. These boards 1, 1 'can be removed in the reverse order of the laying without damaging the joints and can then be laid more than once. These parts of the laying principle can be applied in connection with the present invention.
[0027]
In order to function optimally and to facilitate laying and removal, the boards of the prior art, after joining, along their long sides, act on the locking surfaces 10 and the locking grooves 14 of the locking elements. It must be possible to assume a position with a slight play between the locking surface 10 '. However, in an actual butt joint, no play is needed between the boards at the joint plane VP near the upper side of the board (ie, the surface HP). To take such a position, one board must be pressed against another board. A more detailed description of this play is given in WO 9426999. Such play may be of the order of 0.01 mm to 0.05 mm between the active locking surfaces 10, 10 'when the long sides of adjacent boards are pressed together. This play makes it easier to put the locking element 8 in the locking groove 14, 14 'and leave it there. However, as described above, when the surface HP and the joint plane VP intersect on the upper side of the floorboard, no play is required at the joint between the boards.
[0028]
The joining system allows for displacement along the joining edges in the post-joining locked position of the optional side. Thus, the laying can be done in many different ways, which are variants of the three basic methods.
[0029]
* Tilt the long side and snap fit the short side.
* Snap fit on long side and snap on short side.
* Tilt the short side, tilt the two boards up, displace the new board along the short edge of the previous board, and finally tilt the two boards down.
[0030]
The most common and safest laying method is to first tilt the long side down and lock it to another floorboard. Thereafter, the third floorboard is displaced toward the short side of the third floor board at the locking position, so that the short side can be snap-fitted. Laying can also be performed by snap-fitting one side, the long side or the short side, together to another board. Then, in the locked position, the displacement is performed until the other side snaps together with the third board. These two methods require a snap fit on at least one side. However, the laying can also be performed without snap action. In a third variant, the short side of the first board is first inclined inward toward the short side of the second board whose long side has already been joined to the third board. After this alignment, the first and second boards are tilted slightly upward. The first board is displaced in an upwardly inclined position along its short side until the upper joining edges of the first and third boards touch each other, after which the two boards are kept joined while Tilt to.
[0031]
The above described floorboard and its locking system have been very successful in the market in connection with a bonded floor of about 7 mm thickness with an aluminum strip 6 of about 0.6 mm thickness. Similarly, the commercial variant of the floorboard according to WO9966611 shown in FIGS. 4a and 4b was also successful. However, this technique is not particularly suitable for wood-fiber based materials for forming parquet floors, particularly floorboards made of heavy wood or glued wood. know. One of the reasons that this known technique is not suitable for this type of product is that a large amount of material is wasted to machine the edges to form a tongue groove with the required depth. .
[0032]
To partially address this problem, the techniques shown in FIGS. 5a and b of the accompanying drawings can be used. This technique is described and shown in German Patent DE-A-3334601. That is, both joining edge portions are formed of separate elements, and these elements are attached to the long side edge portion. Furthermore, this technique requires expensive aluminum profiles and considerable processing costs. Furthermore, it is difficult to attach the profile elements to the edges in a cost-effective manner. However, the shape shown cannot be mounted and dismounted by tilting up and down without significant play. This is because if these components are manufactured in an interference fit, the components will not fit together well during their movement (see FIG. 5b).
[0033]
Another known design of a floorboard with a mechanical locking system is shown in FIGS. 6a-d of the accompanying drawings. This design is described and shown in Canadian Patent No. CA-A-0991617. When using this mechanical locking system, all the forces trying to pull apart the long sides of the board are absorbed by locking elements provided at the outer ends of the strip (see FIG. 6a). When laying and removing the floor, the material must be flexible so that the tongue can be released by rotating about two centers at the same time. The interference fit between all surfaces makes reasonable manufacturing and displacement in the locked position impossible. There is no horizontal stop on the short side 6c. However, this type of mechanical lock wastes a large amount of material due to the large locking element design.
[0034]
One more well-known design of a mechanical locking system for boards is shown in GB-A-1430429 and FIGS. 7a and b. This system is basically a tongue-and-groove joint with an additional retaining hook on the extension lip on one side of the tongue groove and a corresponding retaining ridge on the upper side of the tongue. This system requires that the lip on which the hook is provided has considerable elasticity and cannot be removed without breaking the joint edges of the board. Manufacture is difficult due to interference fit, and large amounts of material are wasted due to the geometry of the joints.
[0035]
Another known design of a mechanical manufacturing system for floorboards is disclosed in DE-A-4 242 530. Such a locking system is also shown in FIGS. 8a and b of the accompanying drawings. This known locking system has several disadvantages. Not only is a large amount of material wasted during manufacturing, but it is difficult to manufacture in an efficient manner when high quality joints are desired on high quality floors. An undercut groove that forms a tongue groove can only be formed by using a shank end mill and moving the mill along the joining edge. Thus, large disc-shaped cutting tools cannot be used to machine the board from the side edges.
[0036]
Various types of boards, especially floor boards, are mechanically joined, so that the amount of wasted material is small, the production can be performed efficiently, and wood-fiber board materials and wood-based board materials There are many teachings when using. Thus, WO9627721 (see FIGS. 9a and b in the accompanying drawings) and Japanese Patent No. JP31669967 (see FIGS. 10a and b in the accompanying drawings) show two types of materials that produce little waste. Although snap joints are disclosed, they cannot remove the floorboard by tilting up. These joining systems can be efficiently manufactured using large disc-shaped cutting tools, but re-laying the boards by mechanical locking, as tilting up and removing can severely damage the locking system. Can not do it.
[0037]
Another known system is disclosed in German patent DE-A-121 275 and is shown in FIGS. This known system is suitable for sports floors made of plastic material, but cannot be produced by using large disc-shaped cutting tools to form sharp undercut grooves. In addition, this known system cannot be removed by tilting it up unless the upper and lower lips surrounding the undercut groove have great elasticity so that they deform significantly when pulled apart. Therefore, this type of joint is not suitable for floorboards based on wood-fiber based materials where a high quality joint is desired.
[0038]
Tongue and groove joints with angled grooves and tongues have also been proposed in accordance with U.S. Pat. No. 1,124,228. This type of joint, shown in FIGS. 12c-d of the accompanying drawings, allows a new board to be mounted by pressing it down on a tongue which is directed obliquely above the previously laid board. Use nails to secure the newly laid board. These nails are driven obliquely through the board above a tongue directed obliquely upward. This embodiment cannot be used in the embodiment according to FIGS. This is because a dovetail joint is used. This technique has a particularly low waste of material, but is not at all suitable if one wishes to provide a floating floor with individual floorboards with high quality joints that can be easily installed and removed without damage.
[0039]
DE-A-3041781 discloses and illustrates a locking system for joining boards, in particular for producing roller skating rings and bowling arrays made of plastics material. Such a joining system is further illustrated in FIGS. 13a-d of the accompanying drawings. The system has a longitudinal undercut groove along one edge of the board and a protruding tang that curves upward along the opposite edge of the board. In cross section, the undercut groove has a first portion defined by parallel surface portions and parallel to a major plane of the board, and a second inner portion having a trapezoidal or semi-trapezoidal shape (FIG. 13a and 13b and 13c and d, respectively). In cross section, the tongue has two parts whose planes are parallel to each other at an angle to each other. Here, the portion closest to the center of the board is parallel to the main plane of the board and the outer free portion is angled upward corresponding to the corresponding surface portion in the trapezoidal portion of the undercut groove.
[0040]
The tongue and edge of the board are used to mechanically join two such boards, while the upper and outer ends of the tongue between the surface of the tongue and the corresponding surface of the undercut groove. Engagement is made along the entirety and along the underside of the inner planar parallel portion of the tongue, while engaging between the respective upper and lower edge surfaces of the tongue and groove of the bonded board. Designed. If the new board is to be joined to a previously laid board, insert the new board at an angle appropriate to insert the angled outside of the tongue into the outside plane parallel of the groove in the previously laid board. Tilt up. After that, insert the tongue into the groove with the new board tilted down. Due to the angled shape of the tongue, a significant amount of play is required in the first portion of the groove to accomplish this insertion and inward tilt. A significant degree of elasticity of the floor material is required. The floor material, according to the literature, must be made of plastic material. In the laying joint position, most of the surface of the tongue and undercut groove engage except under the upwardly inclined outer portion of the tongue.
[0041]
A significant disadvantage of the locking system according to DE-A-3041781 is that it is difficult to manufacture. As a manufacturing method, it has been proposed to use a mushroom type shank end mill which forms the inner part of the trapezoidal cross section of the tongue groove. Such a manufacturing method is not particularly rational and must be used to manufacture wood floorboards or other boards to form wall panels or parquet floorboards with high quality joints. In this case, there is a problem that the tolerance is large.
[0042]
As mentioned above, a drawback of this prior art mechanical locking system is that the insertion of the angled tongue into the groove can be tilted down if the board material does not have a significant amount of elasticity. This means that a considerable amount of play is required between the tongue and the groove (see FIG. 5 of DE-A-304 1781 and FIG. 13b of the accompanying drawings). In addition, the pivot center of the downward tilting movement when the new board and the previously laid board are brought together so that they touch each other near the upper edge of the board above each of the tongue and groove is at this point. It cannot be tilted down this way to be positioned.
[0043]
One further disadvantage of the prior art mechanical locking system according to DE-A-3041781 in connection with fairly thick wood boards is that a new board is laid along the previously laid board. Is difficult to displace in the laying position or the partial lifting position. This is because the boards engage one another along a large surface portion. Even if the machining of wooden boards or boards based on wood fibers is carried out very accurately, these surface parts are, of course, not smooth and have protruding fibers, which results in very high friction. Become. When laying parquet floors or the like, long boards (often 2 to 2.4 m long and 0.2 to 0.4 m wide) and essentially natural materials are used. Long boards of this type warp and therefore often deviate from a completely floating configuration (these boards adopt a "banana" configuration). In such a case, if it is desirable to mechanically align the newly laid board and the previously laid board with each other even on the short side, it is further necessary to displace the newly laid board along the previously laid board. It becomes difficult.
[0044]
Another disadvantage of the mechanical locking system according to DE-A-3041781 is that it is not at all suitable for high-quality floors made of wood or wood fiber-based materials, and therefore cracks are not generated. It is necessary to have a tight vertical fit between the tongue and the groove to prevent this from happening.
[0045]
WO 9747834 discloses floorboards having various types of mechanical locking systems. These locking systems adapted to lock the long sides of the boards together (see FIGS. 2 to 4 and 22 to 25 of the above document) can be mounted and dismounted by connecting-tilting movement. Most that are designed to be performed, but are adapted to lock the short sides of the board together (see FIGS. 5-10), are directed toward each other for connection by a snap lock. Although they are designed to be connected to each other by pushing in translation, these locking systems provided on the short side of the board cannot be removed without breaking or in any case without damage.
[0046]
Some of these boards disclosed in WO9747834 and designed to be connected and disconnected by a tilting motion (FIGS. 2, 3 and 4 of WO9747834 and FIGS. 14 ac of the attached drawings) Has a groove on one edge, the strip protruding below the groove and extending beyond the joining plane where the upper sides of the two boards joined meet. The strips are designed to cooperate with essentially complementary formed portions on opposite edges of the boards so that two similar boards can be joined. A common feature of these floorboards is that the upper tongue of the board and the corresponding upper interface of the grooves are flat and parallel to the upper or top surface of the floorboard. The board is laid exclusively on the one hand by the locking surface provided on the underside of the tongue, and on the other hand by the locking surface provided on the upper side of the lower lip or strip provided below the groove, in the transverse direction of the joining plane. Are connected so as not to be separated. Furthermore, these locking systems have the disadvantage that they require a strip section that extends beyond the joining plane. This results in waste of material in the joint edge where the groove is formed.
[0047]
WO 9747834 further discloses a mechanical joining system in which arcuate tongues and correspondingly shaped grooves are provided on opposite side edges of the floorboard (see FIGS. 14 d and e in the accompanying drawings). Please see). When connecting such a locking system, the tip of the tongue is directed downward toward the opening of the arc-shaped groove and then starts to tilt downward. In this downward tilt, a large surface contacts between all arcuate surfaces of the tongue and groove. When using this type of joining system on long boards made of wood or wood fiber based materials, it is very difficult to smoothly and easily match each other. In addition, friction between the arcuate surfaces and between the tip of the tongue and the bottom of the groove requires significant force to displace one board along another board in the bonded state. This prior art is certainly better than the technique disclosed in the above-mentioned DE-A-304 1781, but has a number of disadvantages.
[0048]
U.S. Pat. No. 2,740,167 (see FIG. 15a and plane in the accompanying drawings) discloses that two parquet tiles are hooked together when laid in rows. Disclosed wooden parquet boards or tiles. One edge portion is provided with a hook directed downward, and the opposite edge portion is provided with a hook directed upward. The lower side of the hook, which is pointed upward, is chamfered so that a new parquet board can be inserted under the previously laid parquet board. Parquet boards joined at the vertical joining plane are fixed only in the horizontal direction transverse to the joining plane. To secure the board vertically to the top side of the parquet board, a pre-spread adhesive layer is used on the base on which the parquet floor is to be placed. Thus, the previously laid parquet board can only be lifted before bonding the adhesive layer. Thus, in practice, this parquet floor is permanently fixed to the base after laying.
[0049]
Canadian Patent No. CA-A-2252791 shows a floorboard in which a specially designed groove is formed along one long side and a complementary tongue is formed along the other long side. And described. As shown in FIG. 16a and the plane of this patent specification and the accompanying drawings, the tongue and groove are rounded and angled obliquely upward. Thereby, after simultaneously lifting and tilting a new board arranged near the laid board, the grooves are inclined obliquely upward while simultaneously aligning and tilting these boards downward. One board can be joined to another board by pulling down on the pointed tongue. Since the tongue and the groove are formed complementarily, the connection is difficult, and it is difficult to separate the adjacent floorboard again. It is more difficult to connect two such boards because they are not in a planar form, i.e. in a "banana shape". Therefore, there is a high risk of damaging the tongue, and this design creates a large frictional force between the tongue and the surface of the groove.
[0050]
U.S. Pat. No. 5,797,237 discloses a snap lock system for joining parquet boards. In the accompanying drawings, FIG. 17a is a cross-sectional view through two joined boards, and FIG. 17b shows such a view by tilting the board up against the remaining laid floorboard. It cannot be removed from any known floorboard. Instead, as shown in FIG. 4b of the patent specification, in order to pull the tongue out of the groove, both the board to be removed and the board to which it has to be connected must be lifted. This system is very similar to the aforementioned U.S. Pat. No. 2,740,167 (see snaps 15a and b in the accompanying drawings), but with a short lower lip below the hook-shaped upper protrusion or lip. Is formed. However, there is a gap between the lower side of the tongue and the upper side of this short lip when joining the two boards, so this short bottom lip has no joining effect. This play is necessary for the removal method shown in FIG. Indeed, the joining system is a snap joint, but perhaps the laid board is tilted slightly up and the tongue is placed under the hook-like lip of this board. This mechanical locking system can be manufactured using a large disc-shaped cutting tool, as shown in the patent specification. In this locking system, there is no undercut groove, and the upper and lower lips abut against the inserted tongue, locking it both vertically and horizontally. Thus, the groove has a larger vertical dimension than the corresponding part of the tongue. Thus, the laid floor can move toward and away from the base, which causes creaking at the joint and unacceptable vertical displacement. Due to insufficient locking, a high quality joint cannot be obtained.
[0051]
French patent FR-A-2 675 174 discloses a mechanical joining system for ceramic tiles whose edges are formed complementarily. In such a case, separate spring clips mounted at a predetermined distance from each other are used. These clips are formed to grip the bead at the edge of an adjacent tile. This joint system is not designed for pivotal removal. This is evident from FIG. 18a of the accompanying drawings and in particular from FIG. 18b.
[0052]
FIGS. 19a and b show a floorboard formed by extrusion of a metallic material according to Japanese Patent No. JP 7180333. Removal of such a floorboard after installation is virtually impossible due to the joint geometry evident from FIG. 19b.
[0053]
Finally, FIGS. 20a and b show another known joining system for large insulated wall panels disclosed in GB-A-2117813. This system is very similar to the system described above according to Canadian Patent No. CA-A-2252791 and the system of WO9747834 shown in FIGS. This system has the same drawbacks as the last two mentioned systems, especially in the efficient production of floorboards based on wood or wood fiber material, where high quality joints of high quality floors are desired. Not suitable for The structure according to this British patent uses metal profiles as connecting elements and cannot be opened by tilting it up.
[0054]
Other prior art systems are described, for example, in German Patent No. 20013380 U1, Japanese Patent No. JP200179137A, German Patent No. DE3041781, German Patent No. DE19925248, German Patent No. DE2000001225, European Patent EP0622324. , EP 09768989 and EP 1045083.
[0055]
As is apparent from the foregoing, prior art systems have both disadvantages and advantages. However, it has an optimal locking system in terms of manufacturing technology, material waste, laying and removing functions, and is very suitable for reasonable production of floorboards that are high quality, strong and functional in the laid state There is no locking system.
[0056]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
It is an object of the present invention to fulfill this need and to provide an optimal locking system for floorboards and such an optimal floorboard. Another object of the present invention is to provide a rational method of manufacturing floorboards having such a locking system. Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a new installation method that can be installed more easily and more reasonably than the prior art. It is another object of the present invention to provide a tool that facilitates the laying of floorboards by tilting and joining the floorboards upward. Yet another object of the present invention is to provide the use of such a tool for laying floorboards. Other objects of the present invention will be apparent from the above description and the following description.
[0057]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
Thus, the floorboard and the releasable locking system have an undercut groove on one long side of the floorboard and a protruding tongue on the opposite long side of the floorboard. The undercut groove has a corresponding upwardly directed inner locking surface at a predetermined distance from its tip. The tongue and the undercut groove are formed so as to be aligned with each other and to be separated from each other by a pivotal movement. The center of pivoting is near the intersection between the surface plane of two adjacent floorboards and the common joint plane. The undercut of the groove in such a locking system is achieved by first forming the inner part of the undercut portion of the groove and then rotating the shafts together so as to form a locking surface positioned near the opening of the groove. It is formed by a disc-shaped cutting tool that is inclined with respect to. The method of laying a floor made of such a board is the process of laying a new board adjacent to the previously laid board, moving the tongue of the new board into the opening of the undercut groove of the previously laid board Tilting the new board up and simultaneously inserting the tongue into the undercut groove while simultaneously tilting the new board down to its final position.
[0058]
However, the features of the locking system, the floorboard and the laying method according to the invention are described in the independent claims. The dependent claims describe particularly preferred embodiments according to the invention. Other advantages and features of the present invention will be apparent from the following description.
[0059]
Before describing certain preferred embodiments of the invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, the basic concept of the invention and the requirements for strength and function will be described.
[0060]
The invention is applicable to rectangular floorboards having a first pair of parallel sides and a second pair of parallel sides. For simplicity, the first pair will be referred to as the long side and the second pair will be referred to as the short side in the text below. However, it must be pointed out that the invention is also applicable to square boards.
[0061]
[High joining quality]
The term high bond quality means that the floorboards fit snugly both vertically and horizontally in the locked position. The floorboards must be joined under no load as well as under normal load without very large visible gaps or height differences between the joining edges. For high quality floors, the difference in joint gap and height should not be more than 0.2 mm and 0.1 mm, respectively.
[0062]
[Tilting and guiding downward by rotation at the joint edge]
As will be apparent from the following description, it must be possible to lock by tilting at least one side, preferably the long side, downward. When the boards come into contact with each other, they must not be able to tilt down by rotation about the intersection between the surface plane of the floorboard and the joint plane, i.e. about the center near the "upper joint edge" of the board. Must. Otherwise, it is not possible to form a joint with a tight joining edge at the locking position.
[0063]
The floorboard must be able to end its rotation in a horizontal position where it is locked vertically without play. This is because play causes unwanted height differences between the joining edges. Must be able to simultaneously guide the floorboards toward each other, form a tight joining edge and tilt inward in a way that straightens the banana shape, i.e. the deviation of the floorboard from a straight flat shape . The locking element and the locking groove must have guiding means that cooperate with each other during the inward tilt. The inward tilt must be done very safely, without the boards getting stuck or pinched. If the boards get stuck or get stuck together, there is a risk of damaging the locking system.
[0064]
[Upward tilting around the joining edge]
It must be possible to tilt the long side up so that the floorboard can be removed. The boards in the starting position are joined by a tight joining edge, so that this upward tilt cannot be done by bringing the upper joining edges into contact with each other and rotating around the joining edges. No. It is very important to be able to tilt up in this way not only when changing floorboards, but also when moving the floor. Many floorboards are trial laid during installation, adjacent to doors, in corners, etc., and laid in the wrong way. This is a significant disadvantage if the floorboard cannot be easily removed without damaging the joining system. A board that can be tilted inward cannot always be tilted up again. In connection with tilting downward, the locking element curves backward and downward and opens, as the strip usually curves slightly downward. If the proper angles and radii are not formed in the joining system, the board is locked after installation so that it cannot be removed. After the short side is opened by tilting the long side joint up, it is usually pulled out along the joint edge, but advantageously the short side can also be opened by tilting up. This is particularly advantageous when the board is long, for example 2.4 m, and it is difficult to withdraw the short side. Tilting up must be able to be done very safely without the boards getting stuck or pinched. If the boards get stuck or get stuck together, there is a risk of damaging the locking system.
[0065]
(Snap fit)
The short side must be able to be locked by a horizontal snap fit. This requires that the parts of the joining system must be flexible and capable of bending. Even if it is much easier and faster to tilt the long side inward than a snap fit, it is advantageous that the long side can also be snap fit. This is because certain laying operations, such as circular doors, require joining the boards in a horizontal direction.
[0066]
[Material cost on long side and short side]
If the floorboard is, for example, 1.2 × 0.2 m, each square meter of the floor surface is about six times larger at the long side joint than at the short side joint. Thus, large amounts of material waste and expensive joint material are less important on the short side than on the long side.
[0067]
[Horizontal strength]
In order to obtain high strength, the locking element generally has to have a large locking angle, so that the locking element does not snap off. The locking element must be high and wide so that the floor does not break when subjected to high tensile loads due to contraction in winter due to low relative humidity. This also applies to the material closest to the locking groove of the other board. The short side joint must be stronger than the long side joint. This is because the tensile load during winter contraction is distributed along the length of the short side joint along the short side rather than along the long side.
[0068]
(Vertical strength)
The board must be able to hold flat when subjected to vertical loads. In addition, the joints must be kept stationary as the surfaces that move under pressure, the flat upper joint edges, squeak.
[0069]
[Possibility of displacement]
In order to be able to lock all four sides, the newly laid board must be able to displace along the previously laid board in the locked position. This uses horizontal blocks and a hammer to strike each other using a suitable amount of force, without damaging the joining edges, and providing a visible play in the joining system both horizontally and vertically. Must be done without forming in. Displaceability is more important on the long side than on the short side. This is because the longer side has a longer joint and therefore inherently greater friction.
[0070]
[Manufacturing]
The joining system must be able to be reasonably manufactured using large rotary cutting tools with very good accuracy and performance.
[0071]
〔measurement〕
Good performance, manufacturing tolerances, and quality require that the profile of the joint can be measured and inspected continuously. Critical components of the mechanical joining system must be designed to be easy to manufacture and measure. It must be able to be manufactured with tolerances of a few hundredths of a millimeter and therefore be able to measure with great precision, for example with so-called contour projectors. If the joining system is manufactured by linear cutting, the joining system has the same profile over the entire edge, except for certain manufacturing tolerances. Thus, the bonding system can measure with great accuracy by cutting out some samples by sawing from the floorboard and measuring these samples with a contour projector or measuring microscope. However, rational manufacturing requires that the bonding system can be measured quickly and easily in a non-destructive manner, for example using a gauge. This is easily done when the key components of the locking system are as few as possible.
[0072]
[Optimization of long side and short side]
In order to produce floorboards optimally with minimal cost, the long and short sides must be optimized with respect to the various features described above. For example, the long side should be optimal for tilting down, tilting up, placement and removal, while the short side should be optimal for snap fit and high strength. Thus, an optimally designed floorboard must have various joining systems on the long and short sides.
[0073]
[Possibility to move the joining edge in the horizontal direction]
Wood-based floorboards and floorboards that entirely contain wood fibers swell and shrink as the relative humidity changes. The swelling and shrinking usually starts from above, so that the surface layer can move more than the core forming part of the joining system. To prevent the upper joint edge from lifting and crushing when the degree of swelling is large, and to prevent the gaps in the joint from rising during drying, the joint system should be moved to compensate for swelling and shrinkage. It is formed as possible.
[0074]
[Disadvantages of conventional systems]
FIGS. 4a and 4b show prior art systems of the Aloc (Alloc is a registered trademark) and Alochome type with protruding strips which can be tilted and snap-fit to each other.
[0075]
The prior art system according to FIGS. 9 to 16 can form a mechanical joint with less waste than a mechanical locking system with a machined protruding strip. However, they all do not meet the requirements mentioned above and do not solve the problem sought by the present invention.
[0076]
The snap joint according to FIGS. 7, 9, 10, 11, 12, 18 and 19 cannot be locked and released by pivoting about the upper part of the joining edge. 8, joints according to FIGS. 11 and 19 cannot be produced rationally by machining the board material with a rotary cutting tool having a large tool diameter.
[0077]
The floorboards according to FIGS. 12a and 12b cannot be tilted or snap-fitted, but must first be inserted by pressing parallel to the joining edge. The joints according to c and d in FIG. 12 cannot be snap-fitted. It can be tilted inward, in which case the play of the joining system becomes too great. Since the upper and lower engagement surfaces are parallel, the strength in the vertical direction is small. The joint is also difficult to manufacture and difficult to displace in the locked position. This is because it does not include any free surfaces. Furthermore, it has been suggested that nails are nailed to the base using nails which are obliquely driven into the floorboard from above a tongue extending obliquely upward.
[0078]
The joining system according to FIGS. 6 c and d, FIGS. 15 a and b and 17 a and b has no vertical locking, ie a joint that can move vertically with respect to the upper side of the board This is an example.
[0079]
The inclining joint according to d and e in FIG. 14 has a number of disadvantages. This means that this joint must fit tightly and the parts above and below the tongue and groove form an arc centered at the upper joint edge, ie at the intersection between the joint and the surface plane. This is because it is manufactured and configured according to the principle of moving. This joint does not have the necessary guiding components, and the joint is difficult to tilt together due to incorrect design and too large an engagement surface. Therefore, when it is tilted inward, it undergoes a so-called pull-out action. Horizontal strength too low. This is determined by the low upper locking angle being low and the angle difference between the upper and lower engaging surfaces being too small. In addition, the upwardly angled portions in front of and above the tongue groove are too small to handle the forces required for a high quality bonding system. The lateral surface of the floorboard along the joining edge, due to the contact surface between the tongue and the groove being too large, without the free surface without the necessary contact and the requirement for a tight fit of the entire joint Displacement becomes considerably more difficult and, moreover, difficult to manufacture rationally with the possibility of achieving good tolerance differences.
[0080]
The joining system according to FIGS. 16a and 16b has a design in which the material cannot be tilted to one another without a considerable deformation of the material. This is not possible with normal board materials suitable for floors. In this case, all parts of the tongue and the groove come into contact with each other. This makes lateral displacement of the board in the locked position difficult or impossible. Or, since all surfaces are in contact with each other, reasonable machining is not possible. Snap fit is not possible either.
[0081]
The joining system of FIGS. 6a and 6b cannot be tilted relative to each other because it is configured to move about two pivot centers simultaneously. Not locked horizontally in the tongue groove. All surfaces are in interference contact with each other. In practice, the displacement and manufacturing of the joining system cannot be performed rationally. It is intended to be used with the locking system shown in FIGS. 6c and 6d, which is formed on adjacent vertically set edges of the board and which is displaced laterally for the purpose of connection. You don't need to.
[0082]
The joining system according to FIGS. 8a and 8b has tongue grooves which cannot be produced with a rotary cutting tool with a large tool diameter. It is not snap-fitted and is configured to not be displaced laterally due to the initial stresses and the interference fit adjacent the vertical outer portion of the strip.
[0083]
The joining system according to FIGS. 5a and 5b comprises two aluminum profiles. Manufacturing with a rotary cutting tool having a large tool diameter for forming the tongue groove is impossible. This joining system is formed so that the new board cannot be tilted inward by holding the upper joining edge of the new board in contact with the upper joining edge of the previously laid board, Thus, the inward tilting is about a pivot center at the intersection between the joining plane and the surface plane. In order to be able to tilt inward when using this prior art system, a significant amount of play is greater than would be acceptable on a normal floorboard requiring a high quality aesthetically pleasing joint. It is necessary to provide. The joining system according to FIGS. 13a to 13d is difficult to manufacture because it requires contact over the outer part of the tongue and the large surface part of the tongue groove. Furthermore, this makes lateral displacement in the locked position difficult. This joint shape makes it impossible to tilt up about the upper joint edge.
[0084]
(The present invention)
The present invention uses modern manufacturing methods with reasonably high precision by using appropriate manufacturing methods, essentially by machining and using tools whose tool diameter is much larger than the thickness of the board. Based on a first understanding that it can be made of wood, wood-based boards, and plastic materials. This type of machining can be performed at a predetermined distance from the joining plane in the tongue groove. Thus, the geometry of the joining system must be adapted to reasonable production, which must be able to be performed with very small tolerances. However, such an adaptation cannot be made without sacrificing floor board and other important features of the locking system.
[0085]
The invention is further based on a second understanding based on knowledge of the requirements that must be fulfilled by the mechanical joining system for optimal functioning. With this understanding, these requirements can be determined in ways previously unknown: a) the design of the joining system, for example with respect to specific angles, radii, play, free surfaces and ratios between the various parts of the system, and b) can be met by a combination of the use of core material properties such as compression, stretching, bending, tensile strength, and compressive strength.
[0086]
The present invention can further provide a joining system at a low cost while retaining function and strength, or in some cases, providing function and strength with manufacturing technology, joint design, material selection, and long side and short side. Based on a third understanding that it can be improved by side optimization.
[0087]
The present invention develops bonding systems, manufacturing techniques, and metrology techniques, which must be adjusted to minimize the number of critical components that require small tolerances, and in continuous manufacturing. Based on a fourth understanding that it must be designed to be able to perform measurements and inspections.
[0088]
According to a first feature of the invention, thus, all four sides of the floorboard are in a first vertical direction D1, a second horizontal direction D2, and a third direction D3 perpendicular to the second horizontal direction. A locking system for mechanically joining the corresponding side of another floorboard with a unique locking system and a floorboard having such a locking system are provided.
[0089]
The floorboard may have a removable mechanical joining system on two sides. This mechanical joining system is a known type of system, which can be displaced laterally in the locked position, locked by tilting inward about the upper joining edge or by a horizontal snap fit. The floorboard is provided with a locking system according to the invention on the other two sides. The floorboard may furthermore be provided with a locking system according to the invention on all four sides.
[0090]
Thus, at least two opposite sides of the floorboard are provided with a joining system designed according to the invention. The joining system has a tongue and a tongue groove defined by upper and lower lips. The tongue has a portion directed upward at an outer upper portion thereof, and an undercut is provided at an inner upper portion of the tongue groove. The upwardly directed portion of the tongue and the undercut of the tongue groove provided in the upper lip have a locking surface which cooperates so as not to separate horizontally in a direction D2 transverse to the joining plane. The tongue and the tongue groove further have a co-operating support surface which prevents vertical separation in a direction D1 parallel to the joining plane. Such a support surface is provided at least in the lower part of the tongue and in the upper part provided on the lower lip of the tongue groove, while the cooperating locking surface serves as an upper support surface, but the upper lip of the tongue groove and The tongue may advantageously further comprise another upper support surface. The tongue, tongue groove, locking element, and undercut are designed to be manufactured by machining using a tool whose diameter is greater than the thickness of the floorboard. The tongue can be inserted upwardly into the tongue groove and its undercut by tilting inward with the center of rotation near the intersection of the joining plane and the surface plane. When the board is pivoted or tilted upward with its upper joint edge in contact with the upper joint edge portion of the adjacent floorboard, the tongue can be released from the tongue groove. Facilitates the manufacture, measurement, inward tilt, upward tilt, and lateral displacement of joints in the longitudinal direction and avoids squeaking, reducing problems due to swelling / shrinking of floor material For this purpose, the joining system is formed with surfaces that do not touch each other both during the inward tilt and in the locked position.
[0091]
According to a second aspect of the invention, a floorboard has two edge portions with a joining system according to the invention, in which case both the tongue and the portion directed above it are connected to the floorboard. By holding the upper joint edges near the intersection between the joint plane and the surface plane of each other in contact with each other and pivoting about this pivot point near this point, By tilting and tilting, respectively, they can be inserted into or removed from the tongue groove and its undercut. Furthermore, the locking system can be snap-fitted to each other by the horizontal displacement, essentially bending the lower part of the tongue groove and snapping the locking element of the tongue into the locking groove. In another aspect, or in addition, the tongue can be flexible to facilitate such a snap fit on the short side after joining the long side of the floorboard. Thus, the invention further relates to a snap joint which can be released by tilting up with the upper joint edges in contact with each other.
[0092]
According to a third aspect of the invention, a floorboard has two edge portions with a joining system formed according to the invention. In this case, the tongue can be snap-fitted into the tongue groove with the board held in the up-tilted position and then tilted down by pivoting about the upper joining edge. In the up-tilted position, the tongue is partially inserted into the tongue groove by moving the board in this position into the tongue groove in a translational motion until the upper joint edges touch each other, and then the tongue and the tongue groove Tilt down to make final joints and to lock together. The lower lip may be shorter than the upper lip so that the degree of freedom can be increased when designing the undercut of the upper lip.
[0093]
The features of the present invention are applicable to known systems that do not have these features in combination with the preferred locking systems described herein.
[0094]
The present invention further describes the basic principles to be fulfilled for a tongue-and-groove joint that snaps inward with the upper joint edges in contact with each other and with minimal bending of the joint components. The present invention further describes how material properties can be used to obtain high strength and to reduce the costs associated with tilting and snap-fitting methods, and laying methods.
[0095]
Next, various features of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings showing various embodiments of the present invention. Parts of the board of the present invention that are equivalent to parts of the prior art board of FIGS. 1 and 2 have the same reference numerals throughout the figures.
[0096]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
A first preferred embodiment of a floorboard 1, 1 'equipped with a mechanical locking system according to the invention is described in detail below with reference to FIGS. 21a and 21b. To facilitate understanding, the joining system is shown schematically. It should be emphasized that good performance can be obtained with the other preferred embodiments described below.
[0097]
FIGS. 21a and 21b schematically show a cross section through the joint between the long edge 4a of the board 1 and the long edge 4b of another board 1 'facing it.
[0098]
The upper side of the board is essentially positioned in a common surface plane HP, and the upper parts of the joining edges 4a, 4b engage one another in a vertical joining plane VP. The mechanical locking system locks the boards against each other both in a vertical direction D1 and in a horizontal direction D2 extending perpendicular to the joining plane VP. However, when the floors are laid in a juxtaposed board row, one board (1 ′) can be displaced along the other board (1) in the direction D3 (see FIG. 3A) along the joining plane VP. . Such a displacement can be used, for example, to lock floorboards positioned in the same row together.
[0099]
In order to join the two joining edges that are perpendicular to the vertical plane VP and parallel to the horizontal plane HP, the edge of the floorboard is connected in a manner known per se to one edge of the floorboard inside the joining plane VP. The part 4a has a tongue groove 36, and a tongue 38 projecting beyond the joint plane VP is formed in the other joint edge part 4b.
[0100]
In this embodiment, the board 1 has a core or wooden core 30. The core has a wooden surface layer 32 on its front side and a balance layer 34 on its rear side. The board 1 is rectangular and further has a second mechanical locking system on two parallel short sides. In some embodiments, this second locking system may have the same design as the long side locking system, but the locking system provided on the short side may have a different design according to the present invention. Or a conventionally known mechanical locking system.
[0101]
As an illustrative non-limiting example, the floorboard may be parquet, 15 mm thick, 2.4 m long, and 0.2 m wide. However, the invention can be used with square parquet boards of different sizes.
[0102]
The core 30 may be a plate-like type made of a narrow-width wooden block made of inexpensive wood. The thickness of the surface layer 32 may be between 3 mm and 4 mm, is made of a decorative type of hardwood, and is varnished. The rear balance layer 34 is preferably made of a 2 mm veneer layer. In some cases, it is advantageous to use different types of wood for different parts of the floorboard in order to optimize the properties within the individual parts of the floorboard.
[0103]
As mentioned above, the mechanical locking system according to the invention has a tongue groove 36 in one of the joint edges 4a of the floorboard and a tongue 38 in the opposite joint edge 4b of the floorboard. .
[0104]
The tongue groove 36 is defined by upper and lower lips 39 and 40 and has the form of an undercut groove having an opening between the two lips 39 and 40.
[0105]
The various parts of the tongue groove 36 are best seen in FIG. A tongue groove is formed in the core or core 30 and extends from the edge of the floorboard. An upper edge portion extending upward to the surface plane HP, that is, a bonding edge surface 41 is provided above the tongue groove. In this embodiment, an upper engagement surface or upper support surface 43 parallel to the surface plane HP is provided in the opening of the tongue groove. This engagement surface or upper support surface follows an inclined locking surface 45 which forms a locking angle A with the horizontal plane HP. A surface portion 46 that forms an upper boundary surface of the undercut portion 35 of the tongue groove is provided inside the locking surface. The tongue groove has a bottom end 48 that extends down to the lower lip 40. An engagement or support surface 50 is provided above the lower lip. The outer edge of the lower lip is provided with a joining edge surface 52, which in this case extends slightly beyond the joining plane VP.
[0106]
The shape of the tongue is also best seen in FIG. The tongue is made of the material of the core or core 30, and extends beyond the joining plane VP when mechanically joining this joining edge 4b to the joining edge 4a of the adjacent floorboard. The joint edge portion 4b further has an upper edge or upper joint edge surface 61 extending downward along the joint plane VP to the root of the tongue 38. Above the root of the tongue there is provided an upper engagement surface or support surface 64, which in this case extends to an inclined locking surface 65 of the upwardly directed portion 8 near the tip of the tongue. . The locking surface 65 passes through the guide surface portion 66 and terminates at the upper surface 67 of the portion 8 directed above the tongue. After the surface 67, a chamfer is provided which serves as a guide surface 68. It extends to the tip 69 of the tongue. At the lower end of the tip 69, another guide surface 70 is provided which extends obliquely downward to the lower edge of the tongue, that is, to the engagement surface or support surface 71. The support surface 71 is such that when mechanically joining two such floorboards, the upper sides of these floorboards are located in the same surface plane HP and meet at a joining plane VP perpendicular to this surface plane, The upper mating edge surfaces 41 and 61 cooperate with the lower lip support surface 50 so that they engage each other. The tongue has a lower joining edge surface 72 that extends to the lower side.
[0107]
In this embodiment, separate engagement surfaces or immediate support surfaces 43, 64 are provided in the tongue groove and on the tongue, respectively, which are engaged with each other in the locked state, and are provided on the lower lip and the tongue, respectively. In cooperation with the lower supporting surfaces 50 and 71, the locking is performed in a direction D1 perpendicular to the surface plane HP. In other embodiments described below, both locking surfaces 45 and 65 serve as locking surfaces for locking each other in a direction D2 parallel to the surface plane HP and in a direction perpendicular to the surface plane. Used as a support surface against movement in D1. In the embodiment according to FIGS. 21a and 21b, the locking surfaces 45, 65 and the engagement surfaces 43, 64 cooperate as upper support surfaces of the system.
[0108]
As will be apparent from the accompanying drawings, the tongue 38 extends beyond the joining plane VP and has an upwardly directed portion 8 at its free outer end or tip 69. The tongue is such that when mechanically joining two such floorboards, the front sides of these floorboards are located in the same surface plane HP and meet at a joining plane VP oriented perpendicular to the surface plane. Additionally, there is a locking surface 65 formed to cooperate with the inner locking surface 45 of the tongue groove 36 of the adjacent floorboard.
[0109]
21b, the tongue 38 has a surface portion 52 between the locking surface 51 and the joining plane VP. When joining the two floorboards, the surface portion 52 engages the surface portion 45 of the upper lip 8. To facilitate the insertion of the tongue into the undercut groove by inward tilting or snap fitting, the tongue is chamfered between the locking surface 65 and the surface portion 67 as shown in FIGS. It has a part 66. Furthermore, a chamfer 68 may be arranged between the surface portion 67 of the tongue and the tip 69. The chamfered portion 66 serves as a guide portion whose inclination angle to the surface plane is smaller than the inclination angle A of the locking surfaces 43 and 51.
[0110]
The support surface 71 of the tongue is in this embodiment essentially parallel to the surface plane HP. The tongue has a chamfer 70 between the support surface and the tongue tip 69.
[0111]
According to the invention, the support surface 50 of the lower lip 40 cooperates with the corresponding support surface 71 of the tongue 38 at a predetermined distance from the bottom end 48 of the undercut groove. When the two floorboards are joined together, engagement occurs both between the support surfaces 50, 71 and between the engagement surface or support surface 43 of the upper lip 39 and the corresponding engagement surface or support surface 64 of the tongue. . Thus, the board is locked in the direction D1 perpendicular to the surface plane HP.
[0112]
According to the present invention, at least a majority of the bottom end 48 of the undercut groove, which appears parallel to the surface plane HP, is spaced farther than the outer end or tip 69 of the tongue 36 from the joint plane VP. This design greatly simplifies manufacturing and facilitates displacement of one floorboard along the joint plane with respect to the other floorboard.
[0113]
Another important feature of the mechanical locking system according to the invention is that all parts of the part of the lower lip 40 connected to the core 30 when viewed from the point C where the surface plane HP and the joining plane VP intersect. , Outside the plane LP2. This plane is located farther from the point C than the locking plane LP1, which is parallel to the plane LP2 and tangent to the cooperating locking surfaces 45, 65 of the undercut groove 36 and the tongue 38. ing. The locking surfaces 45 and 65 are most inclined with respect to the surface plane HP. With this design, the undercut groove can be formed using a large disc-shaped cutting tool for machining the edge of the floorboard, as described in more detail below.
[0114]
Another important feature of the locking system according to the invention is that the upper and lower lips 39, 40 and the tongue 38 of the joining edge portions 4a, 4b have a point C at the intersection between the surface plane HP and the joining plane VP. By pivoting one floorboard upward with respect to the other floorboard such that the tongue of the floorboard pivotally disengages from the undercut groove of the other floorboard about an adjacent pivot center, It is designed to allow two mechanically bonded floorboards to be removed.
[0115]
In the embodiment according to FIGS. 21a and 21b, such removal can be effected by slightly bending the lower lip 40 downward. However, in another more preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is no need to bend the lower lip downward in connection with connecting and disconnecting floorboards.
[0116]
In the embodiment according to FIGS. 21a and 21b, the joining of two floorboards according to the invention can be performed in three different ways.
[0117]
One way is to place the board 1 'on a base and move towards the previously laid board 1' until the narrow tip 69 of the tongue 38 is inserted into the opening of the undercut groove 36. Then, the floor board 1 'is tilted up so that the upper portions 41, 61 of the board contact each other on both sides of the joint plane VP. While maintaining this contact state, the board is tilted downward by pivoting about the pivot center C. The insertion is performed by sliding the tongue chamfered portion 66 along the locking surface 45 of the upper lip 39 while the chamfered portion 70 of the tongue 38 contacts the upper outer edge of the lower lip 40. Done. The locking system can then be opened by tilting the floorboard 1 'up by pivoting about a pivot center C near the intersection between the surface plane HP and the joining plane VP.
[0118]
A second interlocking method is provided by moving a new board having a tongue groove in the joint edge 4a towards the joint edge 4b with the tongue of the previously laid board. The new board is then pivoted upward until contact is made between the upper portions 41, 61 of the board near the intersection between the surface plane and the joining plane, after which the board is pivoted downward and the final engagement Align the tongue and groove until the stop position is reached. According to the following description, a floor board can also be joined by moving one board toward the other board while tilting the board upward.
[0119]
A third joining method of the floorboard of this embodiment of the floorboard according to the invention displaces a new board 1 'in the horizontal direction towards the previously laid board 1. This allows the tongue 38 to be inserted into the tongue groove 36 with the locking element or upwardly directed portion 8 and the flexible lower lip 40 to snap-fit the locking element 8 to the undercut portion 35 of the tongue groove. Bend slightly downward. Also in this case, the removal is performed by tilting up as described above.
[0120]
During the snap fit, the upper lip 39 can be curved slightly upward in connection with the snap fit, because all parts of the groove 36 and the tongue 38 that are in contact with each other can be compressed to some extent. This facilitates a snap fit and can be used to form an optimal joining system.
[0121]
Has a tight upper joint edge to facilitate manufacturing, inward tilt, upward tilt, and snap fit, to facilitate displacement in the locked position and to prevent squeaking All surfaces that do not function in forming the joint and in forming the vertical and horizontal joints will not contact each other in the locked position, and preferably during locking and unlocking. ing. This allows these joints to be manufactured without requiring large tolerances and reduces friction in lateral displacement along the joint edges. Examples of surfaces or portions of the joining system that must not be in contact with each other in the locked position are 46-67, 48-69, 50-70, and 52-72.
[0122]
A bonding system according to a preferred embodiment includes several combinations of materials. The upper lip 39 can be formed of a rigid and hard top layer 32 and a soft lower portion that is part of the core 30. The lower lip 40 may be made of the same soft upper portion 30 and a soft lower portion 34, which may be another type of wood. The directions of the fibers of the three types of wood may be different. This can be used to provide a bonding system that uses these material properties. Thus, according to the invention, the locking element is positioned near a rigid, rigid upper part. This part is thus of a limited degree of flexibility and compressibility, whereas the snap function is provided by a soft lower flexible part. It must be pointed out that joining systems can also be formed into homogeneous floorboards.
[0123]
FIG. 22 schematically illustrates the basic principle of inward tilting about point C (upper joint edge) when using the present invention. FIG. 22 schematically illustrates a method of designing a locking system such that it can be tilted inward about the upper joining edge. With this inward tilt, the part of the joining system follows a circular arc centered on the center C near the intersection between the surface plane HP and the joining plane VP, as before. Tongues and grooves can be formed in many different ways, if large play is possible between all parts of the joining system or if they can be largely deformed during inward tilting. On the other hand, if the joining system must have a contact surface between the engaging or supporting surface to prevent horizontal and vertical separation without play, and if the material cannot be deformed, The joining system must be formed according to the following principles.
[0124]
The formation of the upper part of the joining system is performed as described below. C1B is an arc having its center C at the upper joining edges 41, 61 and in this preferred embodiment intersects the point of contact between the upper lip 39 and the upper portion of the tongue 38 at point P2. All other contact points between P2, P3, P4, and P5 between the upper lip 39 and the upper portion 8 of the tongue 38, and between the intersection P2 and the vertical plane VP, are on this arc C1B. Or it is positioned inside it. In contrast, P2 through P1 between the upper lip 39 and the upper portion of the tongue 38 and all other points of contact between the intersection P2 and the outer portion of the tongue 38 are on or outside this arc C1B. Is positioned at These conditions must be met for all contact points. With respect to the contact point P5 and the arc C1A, all other contact points between P1 and P5 are positioned outside the arc C1A, and with respect to the contact point P1, all other contact points between P1 and P5. Are positioned inside the arc C1C.
[0125]
The lower part of the joining system is formed according to corresponding principles. C2B is an arc concentric with arc C1A, which in this preferred embodiment intersects the point of contact between lower lip 40 and the lower portion of tongue 38 at point P7. Between P7, P8 and P9, between the lower lip 40 and the lower part of the tongue 38, and all other points of contact of this contact point P7 with the vertical plane are positioned on or outside the arc C2B. And all other points of contact between P6 and P7 and between the lower lip 40 and the lower part of the tongue 38 and between this intersection P7 and the outer part of the tongue 38 are on the arc C2B or It is positioned inside. This also applies to the contact point P6 and the arc C2A.
[0126]
A bonding system formed in accordance with this preferred embodiment has good inward tilt characteristics. It can be easily combined with the upper engagement surface, that is, the upper support surface 43, 64. The upper engagement or support surface may be parallel to the horizontal plane HP, thus providing a good vertical lock.
[0127]
FIGS. 23a and 23b show a method for manufacturing the joining system according to FIGS. 21a and 21b. Normally, a floorboard 1 according to the prior art is placed, with its surface 2 down, on a ball bearing chain of a milling machine. Ball bearing chains transport the board with great precision through many milling cutters. The milling cutter has a tool diameter of, for example, 80 mm to 300 mm and can be set at an optimum angle with respect to the horizontal plane of the board. For better understanding and in comparison with the other figures, the floorboard is shown with its surface plane HP pointing upwards. FIG. 23a shows a method in which the first tool forms a conventional tongue groove at the tool position TP1. The tool operates in this case at a tool angle TA1 of 0 °, ie parallel to the horizontal plane. The rotation axis RA1 is perpendicular to the HP. The undercut is formed by the second tool. The position TP2 and the design of the tool are determined so that the tool can form the undercut 35 without affecting the shape of the lower lip 40. In this case, the angle TA2 of the tool is equal to the angle of the locking surface 45 of the undercut 35. This manufacturing method is possible by arranging the locking plane LP1 at a predetermined distance from the joining plane so that the tool can be inserted into the previously formed tongue groove. Thus, the thickness of the tool cannot exceed the distance between the two planes LP1 and LP2, as discussed in connection with FIGS. 21a and b. This manufacturing method is a conventional technique and does not constitute a part of the manufacturing method according to the present invention described below.
[0128]
FIGS. 24a and 24b show another modification of the present invention. This embodiment is characterized in that the joining system is formed completely according to the basic principle of tilting inward about the upper joining edge, as explained above. The locking surfaces 45, 65 and the lower support surfaces 50, 71 are flat in this embodiment, but may have different shapes. C1 and C2 are two arcs having their centers C at the upper ends of adjacent joining edges 41,61. The smaller arc C1 is in contact with the lower contact point closest to the vertical plane between the locking surfaces 45 and 65 at the point P4, and has a tangent line TL1 corresponding to the locking surface LP1. The locking surfaces 45, 65 have the same slope as this tangent. The larger arc 62 contacts the upper contact point between the lower support surfaces 50, 71 closest to the inner portion 48 of the tongue groove at point P7 having the tangent line TL2. The support surfaces 50, 71 have the same slope as this tangent.
[0129]
All contact points between the tongue 38 and the upper lip 39 located between the point P4 and the vertical plane VP satisfy the condition that these contact points are located inside or on the arc C1. However, all the contact points (locking surfaces 45, 65 in this embodiment) positioned between P4 and the inner portion 48 of the tongue groove satisfy the condition that they are positioned on or outside the arc C1. A corresponding condition is fulfilled for the contact surface between the lower lip 40 and the tongue 38. All contact points between the tongue 38 and the lower lip 40, which are positioned between the point P7 and the vertical plane VP (in this case only the lower support surfaces 50, 71) are positioned on or outside the arc C2. However, all the contact points positioned between the point P7 and the inner portion 48 of the tongue groove are positioned inside or on the arc C2. In this embodiment, there is no point of contact between P7 and the inner portion 48 of the tongue groove.
[0130]
This embodiment shows in particular that all the contact surfaces between the contact point P4 and the joining plane VP (in this case, respectively the point P5 and the inner part 48 of the tongue groove) are inside the arc C1 and It is characterized by being positioned on each of the outer sides and thus not on the arc C1. The same can be said for the contact point P7. In this case, all points of contact between P7 and the vertical plane VP (in this case, respectively point P8 and the inner part 48 of the tongue groove) are positioned inside and outside the arc C2, respectively, and thus. It is characterized in that it is not on the arc C2. As can be seen from the dashed line in FIG. 24a, the joining system can be designed such that if this condition is fulfilled, it can be tilted inward with a gap during essentially full angle travel. This can be terminated by locking in an interference fit or a press fit when the boards assume their final horizontal position. Thus, according to the present invention, inward tilt and outward tilt can be combined without resistance, and locking can be performed with high joining quality. The lower support surfaces 71, 50 can be formed at a somewhat smaller angle to provide a bonding system, throughout the inward tilt, until the final locking position is reached, and until the boards can be released from each other. Throughout the upward tilt, only the two points mentioned above, the point P4 on the upper lip and the point P7 on the lower part of the tongue, are the contact points between the tongue groove 36 and the tongue 38. Locks with gaps or only line contact provide low friction and allow the board to be easily tilted in and out without danger of damaging or joining the parts of the system and damaging the joining system. It is very advantageous because it can. In particular, for strength, press fitting in the vertical direction is very important. If there is a gap between the engaging or supporting surfaces, the board will slide along the engaging surfaces when a tensile load is applied until the lower engaging or supporting surface assumes a predetermined position in a press fit. Move. Thus, play occurs at both the joint gap and the height difference between the upper joint edges. As an example, an interference fit or press when the locking surface is at an angle of about 40 ° to the surface plane HP and when the lower engagement surface or support surface is at an angle of about 15 ° to the surface plane HP. It can be said that high strength can be obtained by fitting.
[0131]
In FIG. 24a, the locking plane LP1 has a locking angle A with respect to the horizontal plane HP of about 39 °, while the supporting angle VLA of the supporting plane TL2 along the supporting surfaces 50 and 71 is about 14 °. is there. The angle difference between LP1 and the support plane TL2 is 25 °. A high locking angle and a large angular difference between the locking angle and the support angle must be compatible. This is because this increases the horizontal locking force. The locking surface and the supporting surface can be formed in an arc shape, a step shape, a shape with some corners, etc., which makes manufacturing difficult. As explained above, the locking surface may further comprise an upper support surface or may be complementary to a separate upper support surface.
[0132]
Even if the locking and supporting surfaces have contact points that deviate somewhat from these basic principles, the joining system will ensure that the contact points or contact surfaces are small with respect to the thickness of the floor, and that they are compressed, stretched and bent. Can be tilted inward at their upper joint edges if the properties of the board material in the form of are adjusted for maximum use in combination with very small play between the contact surfaces. This can be used to increase the locking angle and the difference between the locking angle and the support angle.
[0133]
Thus, the basic principle of inward tilting indicates that the important parts are the locking surfaces 45, 65 and the lower support surfaces 50, 71. Furthermore, other parts, such as the upper support surfaces 43 and 64, the guide portion 44 of the locking groove, the guide portion 66 and the upper surface 67 of the locking element 8, the inner portions 48 and 49 of the tongue groove 36 and the lower lip 40, and the lower lip Shows that there is a great deal of freedom with regard to the design of the guide and outer part 51 and the outer / lower parts 69, 70, 72 of the tongue. They should preferably deviate from the shape of the two arcs C1 and C2, so that there is free space between all parts except the upper support surfaces 43, 64, so that these parts are in the locking position and Do not touch each other during inward and upward tilts. This greatly simplifies manufacturing. This is because these parts can be formed without the need for large tolerances, which contributes to a safe inward and upward tilt, and furthermore the joints along the joint plane VP Reduce the friction associated with the lateral (direction D3) displacement of the board. Free space means a joint without any frictional means to prevent vertical and horizontal displacements and displacements along the joint edge in the locked position. Thus, loose wood fibers and small deformable contact points should be considered equivalent to a free surface.
[0134]
If the joining system is formed such that there is a small play between said locking surfaces 45, 65 when the joining edges of the boards are pressed together, as mentioned above, the upper joining edge Can be easily tilted around the center. In addition, this play in the configuration facilitates lateral displacement in the locking position, reduces the risk of creaking, increases the degree of freedom in manufacturing, and moves the locking surface more inward than tangent LP1. And can contribute to the compensation of the swelling of the upper joint edge. This play significantly reduces the bonding gap at the top of the board and the vertical displacement is much less than the play between the engagement or support surfaces. This is due, inter alia, to this small play and to the fact that the sliding under tension follows an angle which is essentially smaller than the angle of the lower support surface, ie the locking angle. This minimal play between the locking surfaces, if present, is very small, for example only 0.01 mm. In the normal joining position there is no play, i.e. zero, and the joining system can be formed such that the play only appears when the joining edges of the boards are pressed to each other to the maximum. It has been found that a very high joint quality can be obtained with a larger play of about 0.05 mm. This is because the joint gap generated at the position where the tensile load is applied, which is formed on the surface plane HP, is hardly visible.
[0135]
It has to be pointed out that the joining system can be formed without any play between the locking surfaces.
[0136]
The play between the locking surfaces and the compression of the material, and the bending of the joints at the locking surfaces, are based on the joint system under tensile load and the upper joint edges 41, 61 measured at a given load below the strength of the joint system. However, it can be easily measured indirectly by the joint gap. The term strength means that the joining system does not break or snap off. A suitable tensile load is about 50% of the strength. As a non-limiting standard value, it can be stated that the normal strength of the long side joint is 300 kg / m or more. The short side joints must have greater strength. Parquet with a suitable joining system according to the invention can withstand a tensile load of 1000 Kg / m of joint. The joint gap at the upper joining edges 41, 61 of a high quality joining system is about 0.1 mm to 0.2 mm when a tensile load of about half of the maximum strength is applied. The joint gap decreases when the load is removed. By varying the tensile load, the relationship between structural play and material deformation can be determined. At low tensile loads, the joint gap is essentially a measure of structural play. When the load is high, the joint gap increases due to deformation of the material. The joining system can furthermore be formed with internal stresses and with a press fit between the locking surface and the support surface, so that the aforementioned joint gap is not visible under the aforementioned load.
[0137]
The play of the joining system, the play between the locking surfaces in combination with the compression of the material around the upper joining edges 41, 61, can also be measured by sawing the joint transversely to the joining edges. Since the joining system is manufactured by linear machining, it has the same profile along its entire joining edge. The only exception is the measurement tolerance in the form of a lack of parallelism. This occurs because the board is optionally rotated or displaced vertically or horizontally as it passes through the various milling tools of the milling machine. However, looking at the two samples from each joint edge gives a very reliable drawing of what the joint system looks like. After grinding the samples and removing the loose fibers so that sharp joint profiles are visible, the samples can be analyzed for joint shape, material compression, bending, etc. For example, the two parts to be joined can be compressed by force so as not to damage the joining system, especially the upper joining edges 41,61. The play between the locking surfaces and the joint shape can then be measured with a measuring microscope with an accuracy of 0.01 mm or more, according to the instrument. If a stable state-of-the-art machine is used in production, it is generally sufficient to measure the profile in two small areas of the floorboard to determine the average play, joint geometry, etc.
[0138]
All measurements must be made with the floorboard adjusted at a normal relative humidity of about 45%.
[0139]
In this case too, the part 8 directed above the locking element or tongue has a guide part 66. The guide part of the locking element constitutes a part whose inclination is smaller than the inclination of the locking surface, in this case a part which is smaller than the inclination of the tangent line TL1. A suitable inclination of the tool forming the locking surface 45 is indicated by TA2, which in this embodiment is equal to the tangent TL1.
[0140]
The locking surface 45 of the tongue groove has a guide portion 44, which cooperates with the tongue guide portion 66 during the inward tilt. The guide portion 44 further has a portion whose inclination is smaller than that of the locking surface.
[0141]
The front part of the lower lip 40 is provided with a rounded guide part 51 which cooperates at the point P7 with the radius of the lower part of the tongue associated with the lower engagement surface 71 and moves inward. Facilitates tilting.
[0142]
The lower lip 40 may be elastic. In connection with the inward tilt, a small degree of compression occurs at the point of contact between the lower portion of the tongue 38 and the lower lip 40. In general, this compression is much less than for the locking surface. This is because the lower lip 40 has significantly better elasticity than each of the upper lip 39 and the tongue 38. The lip can bend downward in connection with the inward tilt and the upward tilt. The bending properties of only a tenth of a millimeter or somewhat larger, combined with the compaction of the material and the small contact surface, provide for example good formability of the lower support surfaces 50, 71 and are therefore smaller than the tangent TL2 The incline can be easily performed at the same time as having the inclination. Flexible lips must be combined with relatively high locking angles. When the locking angle is small, the large amount of tensile load pushes the lip downward, which makes the gap and height difference between the joint edges undesirable.
[0143]
Both the tongue groove 36 and the tongue 38 have guide portions 42, 51 and 68, 70 that guide the tongue into the groove and facilitate a snap fit and inward tilt.
[0144]
FIG. 25 shows a variant of the invention in which the lower lip 40 is shorter than the upper lip 39 and thus is positioned at a predetermined distance from the vertical plane VP. The advantage is that the degree of freedom in designing the locking groove 45 is large, so that it can be used at a high tool angle TA and a relatively large tool can be used. To facilitate the snap fit by bending the lower lip 40 downward, the tongue groove 36 is formed deeper than required in the space for the tip of the tongue 38. The joining edge portion 4b shown in dashed lines shows how the parts of the system relate to each other in relation to the inward tilt about the upper joining edge, while the joining edge portion 4b shown in dashed lines Shows how the parts of the system relate to one another in connection with snapping the tongue into the tongue groove by displacing the joint edge 4b straight towards the joint edge 4a.
[0145]
FIG. 26 shows a modification of the basic principle mentioned above. In this case, the joining system is provided with locking surfaces that are at an angle of 90 ° to the surface plane HP, these locking surfaces making an angle that is significantly greater than the tangent line TL1. However, such a preferred locking system can be opened by tilting the locking surface very slightly upwards, and by locking the joint essentially only by line contact. If the core is rigid, such a locking system can provide high strength. Due to the design of the locking element and the locking surface, the lower lip can be snap-fitted with only a slight bend down as indicated by the dashed line.
[0146]
27a, 27b and 27c show the laying method by tilting inward. For ease of explanation, one board is called a groove board, and the other is called a tongue board. In fact, these boards are the same. Possible laying methods include tongue boards as unbonded boards or with one, two or three sides joined to other boards depending on the laying order / positioned rows, Lay flat on the subfloor. The groove board is placed with its upper lip 39 partially overlapping the outer part of the tongue 38 so that the upper joining edges touch each other. The groove board is then rotated downwards towards the subfloor while simultaneously pressing against the joining edge of the tongue board until the final locking condition according to FIG. 27c is obtained.
[0147]
The sides of the floorboard may bend to some extent. The groove board is then pressed and rotated downwards until the upper lip 39 contacts the upwardly directed part or locking element 8 of the tongue and the lower lip 40 contacts the lower part of the tongue. Let it. In this way, the side curvatures can be straightened and the boards can then be tilted and locked to their final position.
[0148]
27a, b, and c show inward tilts, with gaps or otherwise in contact only with the tongue groove and the upper part of the tongue, i.e. the upper and lower parts of the tongue and the tongue groove It can be performed in a state where the line is in line contact. Line contact occurs at points P4 and P7 in this example. The inward tilt can be easily done without great resistance and can be finished in a very tight fit that locks the floorboard in the final position with high joint quality in vertical and horizontal directions.
[0149]
In summary, the downward tilt can actually be performed as follows. The groove board is moved toward the tongue board at a predetermined angle. The tongue groove extends beyond the tongue. Press the groove board against the tongue board and tilt it down gradually. This is done, for example, by using compression at the center of the board and then at both edges. The upper joint edges may be close to or in contact with each other throughout the board, and may eventually tilt down if the board is at a particular angle to the subfloor.
[0150]
When the boards are joined, they can be displaced in the locking position in the locking direction, i.e., parallel to the bonding edge.
[0151]
Figures 28a, 28b and 28c show how to perform the corresponding laying, for example by tilting the board into the grooved board.
[0152]
FIGS. 29a and 29b show joining by snap fitting. As the boards are moved horizontally toward each other, the tongue is guided into the groove. As compression continues, the lower lip 40 bends and the locking element 8 snaps into the locking groove or undercut 35. It must be emphasized that the preferred joining system exhibits the basic performance of a snap fit when the lower lip is flexible. Of course, the joining system must be adjusted to the bending performance of the material and the depth of the tongue groove 36, the height of the locking element 8, and the thickness of the lower lip 40, so that a snap fit is easy. Must be dimensioned. The basic principles of the joining system according to the present invention, which is convenient to use with materials having a low degree of flexibility and bendability, will become apparent from the following description and FIG.
[0153]
The laying methods described herein are optional, but can be used on all four sides and combined with each other. After the laying of one side, a lateral displacement usually takes place in the locked position.
[0154]
In some cases, for example, in conjunction with tilting the short side inward as a first task, it is common to tilt the two boards upward. FIG. 30 shows the first board 1, the second board 2a tilted upward, and a new third board 2b tilted upward. The second board 2a is already joined to the short side of the third board. After displacing the new board 2b laterally along the short side of the second board 2a that is tilted upward and in the short side locking position, the two boards 2a and 2b are tilted downward, The long side is joined to the first board 1 and locked. To make this method work, when the board is displaced in parallel with the second board 2a, when the tongue of the second board 2a is partially inserted into the tongue groove, The need to be able to insert the tongue of the new board 2b into the tongue groove when in contact with the upper joint edge shows that the tongue groove, tongue and locking element of such a design can form a joint system To indicate that this is possible.
[0155]
All laying methods require displacement in the locked position. The only exception to lateral displacement in the locked position is the way in which several boards are joined at their short sides and then the entire row is laid simultaneously. However, this is not a reasonable laying method.
[0156]
FIGS. 31a and 31b show a portion of a floorboard having a combination joint. The tongue groove 36 and the tongue 38 can be formed according to one of the embodiments described above. The groove board has a known strip 6 with a locking element 8b and a locking surface 10 on its underside. The tongue side has a locking groove 35 according to a known embodiment. In this embodiment, the locking element 8b has a relatively large guide part 9 which functions as a good guide during the first part of the inward incline, so that this inward incline when positioning takes place. Significantly facilitates the first part and straightens the banana shape. The locking element 8b causes the guiding portion of the tongue to engage with the locking groove 35, and the floorboard is automatically positioned and compressed until final engagement is obtained. The laying is considerably facilitated and the cooperation of the two locking systems makes the connection very strong. This joint is very convenient, especially for joining large floor surfaces in public spaces. In the illustrated example, the strip 6 is attached to the groove side, but it can be attached to the tongue side. Thus, the position of the strip 6 is optional. Further, the joint can be formed with both a snap fit and an upward tilt and can be laterally displaced in the locked position.
[0157]
Of course, this joint may optionally be used on both the long side and the short side in various variations, and may include all of the joint variations described herein, as well as other known systems. They can be combined at will.
[0158]
A convenient combination is a snap system provided on the short side where no aluminum strip is provided. This facilitates manufacturing in some cases. The strip attached after manufacture also has the advantage that it can form part or possibly all of the lower lip 40. This provides a great deal of freedom, for example, in forming the upper lip 39 with a cutting tool and in forming a locking surface with a high locking angle. Of course, the locking system according to this embodiment can be snap-fitted and manufactured so that the strip 6 does not protrude outside the outer part of the upper lip 39 at any strip width, for example as in the embodiment according to FIG. it can. The strip need not be continuous over the entire length of the joint, but may be made up of several small parts attached to the long and short sides with a space in between.
[0159]
The locking element 8b and its locking groove 35 can be formed at various angles, heights, and radii that can be selected at will to prevent separation or facilitate inward tilting or snap fit.
[0160]
32a to 32d show four steps of inward tilting. The wide strip 6 allows the tongue 38 to be easily placed on the strip at the beginning of the inward tilt. The tongue can slide into the tongue groove 36 essentially automatically in this case in connection with the downward tilt. By inserting the strip 6 under the tongue board, the laying can be performed correspondingly. Furthermore, all the laying functions described above can be used on floorboards with this preferred combination system.
[0161]
Figures 33 and 34 illustrate a joining system specifically and optimized for the manufacture of floorboards with wooden cores. FIG. 33 shows a method of forming the long side portion. In this case, the joining system is optimized, inter alia, for inward tilt, upward tilt, and waste of small amounts of material. FIG. 34 shows a method of forming the short side portion. In this case, the joining system is optimized for snap fit and high strength. The differences are as follows. The tongue 38 and the locking element on the short side 5a are longer as measured on a horizontal plane. Thereby, the shear strength of the locking element 8 increases. The tongue groove 36 is deep on the short side 5b, which helps to bend the lower lip significantly downward. The locking element 8 is vertically lower on the short side 5a, thereby reducing the need for downward bending of the lower lip in connection with a snap fit. The engaging surfaces 45 and 65 have a large engaging angle, and the lower engaging surface has a small angle. The guide elements for the locking elements and the locking grooves provided on the long sides 4a, 4b are large for optimal guidance and at the same time the contact surfaces between the locking surfaces are small. This is because the strength requirements are small for the short side. Bonding systems provided on the long and short sides can provide a variety of materials or material properties for the upper lip, lower lip, and tongue, which properties are respectively associated with the long and short sides. Can be adjusted to contribute in optimizing the various properties desired for function and strength.
[0162]
FIG. 35 details a method of forming a bonding system on the long side of the floorboard. Of course, the principles described herein can be used for both long and short sides. Only those parts which were not discussed in detail above are specifically described below.
[0163]
Locking surfaces 45, 65 have an angle HLA greater than tangent TL1. This increases the horizontal locking force. This excessive curvature must be adjusted for the core wood so that inward and upward tilts can be made, and must be optimized for compression and flexural stiffness. The contact surface of the locking surface must be minimized and adjusted to the characteristics of the core.
[0164]
When joining the boards, a small part of the locking element, preferably less than half the vertical dimension, forms the contact surface of the locking element 8 and the locking groove 14. The large part constitutes a rounded, inclined or curved guide part which does not touch each other during the joining position and during the inward and upward tilts.
[0165]
The present inventor has found that if the contact surface between the locking surfaces 45 and 65 is very small with respect to the thickness T of the floor, for example, several tenths of a millimeter, the locking force becomes very large. Exceeds the shear strength of the locking element in the horizontal plane (i.e., the surface plane HP). This can be used to give the locking surface an angle greater than tangent TL1.
[0166]
In this case, the locking surfaces 45, 65 are flat and parallel. This is particularly advantageous with respect to the locking surface 55 of the locking groove. If the tool is displaced parallel to the locking surface 45, this does not affect the vertical distance to the joint plane VP and it is easy to provide high joint quality. Of course, small deviations from the planar configuration will give the same result.
[0167]
Correspondingly, the lower support surfaces 50, 71 are formed essentially flat and form an angle VLA2. This angle is in this case greater than the tangent TL2 to the point P7 positioned on the support surface 71 closest to the bottom of the tongue groove. Thereby, an inward tilt is performed with a gap essentially throughout the tilt movement. Furthermore, these support surfaces 50, 71 are relatively small with respect to the floor thickness T. These support surfaces can also be formed essentially planar. A flat support surface facilitates manufacture according to the principles described above.
[0168]
Further, the support surfaces 50 and 71 can be formed to have an angle smaller than the inclination angle of the tangent line TL2. In this case, the tilting can be done in part by compressing the material of the lower lip 40 to some extent and bending it downward. If the lower support surfaces 50, 71 are small with respect to the floor thickness T, each of these surfaces can be given a larger and smaller angle than the tangents TL1 and TL2, respectively, to make them larger.
[0169]
FIG. 36 shows an upward tilt of a board having the shape according to FIG. The locking surface of the board thus has a slope greater than tangent TL1, its support surface has a slope less than tangent TL2, and at the same time these surfaces are relatively small. In this case, the overlap at points P4 and P7 associated with inward tilt and upward tilt is very small. Point P4 can be tilted at an angle determined by the combination of the materials compressed at the upper joining edges K1, K2 and points P4, K3, K4, while the upper lip 39 and tongue 38 move in direction B1 from contact point P4. And B2. The lower lip can be bent downward in the direction B3 away from the contact point P7.
[0170]
The upper support surfaces 43, 64 are preferably perpendicular to the joining plane VP. If the planes of the upper and lower support surfaces are parallel, preferably horizontal, the manufacture is greatly facilitated.
[0171]
FIG. 35 is referred to again. The circular arc C1 indicates, for example, that the upper support surface can be formed in this arc C1 in many different ways so that it does not interfere with the tilting and snap-fitting. In the same way, the arc C2 shows that the inner part of the tongue groove and the outer part of the tongue can be formed in many different ways in accordance with the preceding, preferably principle, so as not to obstruct the tilting and snap fit.
[0172]
The upper lip 39 is thicker than the lower lip 40 over its entire length. This is advantageous from a strength point of view. Furthermore, this is advantageous for parquet floors. This is because parquet floors can thereby be formed with a thick surface layer made of hard wood.
[0173]
S1 to S5 denote the regions on both sides of the joining surface, at least in the joined state, preferably not to contact each other during the inward tilt. The contact between the tongue and the tongue groove in these areas S1 to S5 contributes only a slight improvement in the locking in the D1 direction and hardly at all in the D2 direction. However, contact prevents inward tilt and lateral displacement, creates unnecessary tolerance issues associated with manufacturing, and increases the risk of undesirable effects such as squeaks when the board swells. .
[0174]
The tool angle TA indicated by TA4 in FIG. 38d forms the locking surface 44 of the undercut 35, acts at the same angle as the angle of the locking surface, and is positioned inside the vertical plane toward the tongue groove. The width of the tool in the direction perpendicular to the tool angle TA is indicated by TT. The angle TA and the width TT partly determine the possibility of forming the outer part 52 of the lower lip 40.
[0175]
Multiple ratios and angles are important for optimal manufacturing, function, and strength.
[0176]
The size of the contact surface must be minimized. This reduces friction, facilitates displacement in the locked position, inward tilt, and snap fit, simplifies manufacturing, and reduces the risk of swelling problems and creaking. In a preferred example, 30% or less of the surface portion of the tongue 38 forms a contact surface with the tongue groove 36. The contact surface of the locking surfaces 65, 45 in this embodiment is only 2% of the floor thickness T, and the contact surface of the lower support surface is only 10% of the floor thickness T. As mentioned above, the locking system has, in this embodiment, a plurality of parts S1 to S5 constituting free surfaces that do not touch each other. The space between these free surfaces and the rest of the bonding system can be filled with adhesives or sealants and impregnated with various types of lubricants and the like within the scope of the present invention. The term free surface here means the form of the surface of the joining system obtained in connection with machining with the respective cutting tool.
[0177]
If the joint is an interference fit, the locking surfaces 65, 45 prevent horizontal separation even if the angle HLA with respect to the horizontal plane HP is greater than or equal to zero. However, the tensile strength of the joining system is such that when this locking angle is large, and when the locking angle HLA of the locking surfaces 45, 65 and the engaging angle VLA2 of the lower support surfaces 50, 71 are smaller, When there is an angle difference with VLA2, it is greatly improved. When high strength is not required, the locking surface can be formed at a small angle and with a small angle difference with respect to the lower engagement surface.
[0178]
For good joint quality on a floating floor, the locking angle HLA and the angle difference HLA-VLA2 to the lower support surface should generally be about 20 °. When the locking angle HLA and the angle difference HLA-VLA2 are, for example, 30 °, even better strength is obtained. In the preferred example according to FIG. 35, the locking angle is 50 ° and the angle of the support surface is 20 °. As shown in the above embodiment, the joining system according to the present invention can be formed with a larger locking angle and a larger angle difference.
[0179]
A number of tests were performed at various locking and engagement angles. These tests show that a high quality bonding system can be formed with a locking angle of 40 ° to 55 ° and a bearing surface angle of 0 ° to 25 °. It should be emphasized that satisfactory performance can be obtained with other ratios.
[0180]
The horizontal length PA of the tongue should exceed one third of the thickness of the floorboard, and should preferably be about 0.5XT. In general, this is necessary in order for the upper lip 39 to have sufficient material available between the locking surface 65 and the vertical plane VP for the strong locking system 8 in which the guiding part is to be formed.
[0181]
The horizontal length PA of the tongue 38 must be divided into essentially equal portions PA1 and PA2. Here, PA1 must constitute the locking element and the majority of PA2 must constitute the support surface 64. The horizontal length PA1 of the locking element must not be less than 0.2 times the thickness of the floor. The upper support surface 64 should not be too large, especially on the long side of the floorboard. Otherwise, the friction associated with the lateral displacement may be too large. In order to be able to manufacture rationally, the depth G of the tongue groove must be 2% deeper than the protrusion PA of the tongue from the joint plane VP. The minimum distance of the upper lip to the floor surface adjacent to the locking groove 35 must be greater than the minimum distance of the lower lip between the lower support surface 71 and the rear side of the floorboard. The tool width TT must be at least 0.1 times the floor thickness T.
[0182]
Figures 37a, b and c show a floorboard according to the invention. This embodiment specifically states that the short side joining system may be made of different materials and material combinations 30b and 30c, which may be different from the long side joining material 30. Show. For example, the short side tongue groove portion 36 may be made of, for example, a harder and more flexible wood than the tongue portion 38 which is rigid and rigid and has different properties than the long side core. . In the short side portion provided with the tongue groove 36, for example, it is possible to select a type of wood 30b that is more flexible than the type of wood 30c on the other short side where the tongue is formed. This is particularly useful on parquet floors with a plate-like core, where the upper and lower sides are made of different types of wood and the cores are made of blocks glued together. This structure can vary the composition of the material significantly to optimize function, strength, and manufacturing costs.
[0183]
Further, the material can be varied along the length of one side. Thus, for example, the blocks positioned between the two short sides may be made of different types of wood or material, so that some of them may be provided with appropriate properties to improve laying, strength, etc. You can choose regarding their contribution. With different fiber orientations, different properties can be obtained on the long side and the short side, and furthermore, plastic materials can be used on the short side and, for example, on different parts of the long side. If the floorboard or its core part is made of, for example, plywood with several layers, these layers will have all the upper lip, tongue and lower lip on both the long and short sides. And portions made of different material compositions, fiber orientations, etc., which can be selected to provide different properties with respect to strength, flexibility, processability, and the like.
[0184]
38a to 38d show a manufacturing method according to the present invention. In the embodiment shown, the production of the joining edge and the tongue groove takes place in four steps. The tool diameter of the tool used is greater than the floor thickness. The tool is used to form a high locking angle undercut groove into a tongue groove having a lower lip extending beyond the undercut groove.
[0185]
For ease of understanding and ease of comparison with the bonding system described above, the edges of the board are shown with the floor surface facing upwards. However, the boards are typically positioned with their surfaces down during machining.
[0186]
The first tool TP1 is a roughing cutter that operates at an angle of TA1 with respect to a horizontal plane. The second tool TP2 operates in the horizontal direction and forms upper and lower support surfaces. The third tool TP3 can operate essentially vertically, but can also operate at an angle, forming an upper joining edge.
[0187]
An important tool is the tool TP4 which forms the outer part of the locking groove and its locking surface. TA4 corresponds to TA in FIG. As is evident from Fig. 38d, this tool removes only a minimal amount of material and, importantly, forms a high angle locking surface. A wide portion extending outside the vertical plane must be formed to prevent the tool from breaking. In addition, the amount of material to be removed should be as low as possible to minimize wear and distortion on the tool. This is achieved with a suitable angle and design of the roughing cutter TP1.
[0188]
Thus, the manufacturing method specifically requires at least two cutting tools operating at two different angles to form the undercut locking groove 35 in the upper part of the tongue groove 36. . The tongue groove can be formed using more tools, and these tools are used in a different order.
[0189]
A method of forming the tongue groove 36 on the floorboard having the upper surface 2 on the surface plane HP and having the bonding edge portion 4a having the bonding surface VP perpendicular to the upper surface will be described in detail below. The tongue groove extends from the joint plane 4a and is formed by two lips 39, 40 each having a free outer end. The tongue groove has an undercut 35 including a locking surface 45 on at least one lip. This undercut is positioned more than the free outer end 52 of the other lip and away from the joining plane VP. According to the method, the machining is performed by a plurality of rotary cutting tools having a diameter greater than the thickness T of the floorboard. In this way, the cutting tool and the floorboard move relative to each other and parallel to the joining edge of the floorboard. The method comprises: 1) an undercut is formed by at least two such tools, the rotating shaft of which is inclined at various angles with respect to the upper side 2 of the floorboard, 2) the first of these tools being: It is driven to form a part of the undercut farther from the joining plane VP than the intended undercut locking surface 45; 3) the second of these tools forms the undercut locking surface 45; It is characterized by being driven to The first of these tools is driven with its rotating shaft set at a greater angle to the upper side 2 of the floorboard than the second of these tools. The lower lip 40 can be formed to extend beyond the joining plane VP. The lower lip 40 can further be formed to extend to the joining plane VP. In another aspect, the lower lip 40 can be formed to terminate at a predetermined distance from the joint plane VP.
[0190]
According to one embodiment, the first tool can be driven with its rotary shaft set at an angle of up to 85 ° with respect to the surface plane HP. According to one embodiment, the second tool can be driven with its rotary shaft set at an angle of up to 60 ° with respect to the surface plane HP. These tools are independent of the angles of their rotating shafts with respect to the surface plane HP, so that the floorboards are machined by tools with a large rotating shaft angle before tools with a small rotating shaft angle. It can be engaged with a floorboard.
[0191]
Further, the third tool can be driven to form the lower portion of the tongue groove 36. The third tool can be brought into contact with the floorboard between the first tool and the second tool. The third tool can be further driven by setting its rotary shaft at an angle of about 90 ° with respect to the surface plane HP.
[0192]
Further, the first tool can be driven to machine the surface portion of the joint edge portion 4a of the floorboard more widely than the second tool. The second tool can be formed such that its surface facing the surface plane HP shapes the thickness of the tool so as to be small in the radially outer part of the tool, as viewed parallel to the rotating shaft. To form the undercut portion of the tongue groove, at least three tools can be driven with their rotating shafts set differently. These tools can be used for machining floorboards made of wood or wood fiber based materials.
[0193]
FIG. 39 illustrates a method of forming a bonding system to compensate for swelling. As the relative humidity in the transition between cold and warm climates increases, the surface layer 32 swells and the floorboards 4a and 4b are pushed apart. If the joint is not flexible, the joint edges 41 and 61 will collapse or the locking element 8 will break. This problem can be solved by forming the joining system so as to obtain the following properties that contribute individually and in combination to reduce the problem.
[0194]
The joining system can be formed such that the floorboards can have a small play when the joining edges are pressed together horizontally in connection with the production and at normal relative humidity. A few hundredths of a play will help alleviate the problem. Negative play, the initial stress, has the opposite effect.
[0195]
If the contact surface between the locking surfaces 45, 65 is small, the joining system can be formed such that the locking surface is more easily compressed than the upper joining edges 41,61. In the locking element 8, a groove 64a can be formed between the locking surface and the upper horizontal support surface 64. By proper design of the tongue 38 and the locking element 8, the outer part 69 of the tongue can be bent outwardly with respect to the inner part 48 of the tongue groove, as an elastic element associated with the swelling and shrinking of the surface layer. Can work.
[0196]
In this embodiment, the lower support surface of the joining system is formed parallel to the horizontal plane for maximum locking in the vertical direction. In addition, expandability can be obtained, for example, by applying a compressible material between the two locking surfaces 45, 65 or by selecting a compressible material for the material of the tongue or groove portion.
[0197]
FIG. 40 shows a joining system according to the invention optimized for the high stiffness of the tongue 38. In this case, the outer part of the tongue is in contact with the inner part of the tongue groove. If this contact surface is small, and if contact occurs without significant compression, the joining system can be displaced in the locked position.
[0198]
FIG. 41 shows a joining system in which the lower support surfaces 50, 71 have two angles. The portion of the support surface outside the joining plane is parallel to the horizontal plane. The angle inside the joining plane closest to the inner part of the tongue groove corresponds to the tangent to the arc 32, which is the tangent to the innermost edge of the mutually engaging bearing surface parts. The locking angle of the locking surface is relatively small. The strength is sufficient because the lower lip 40 can be formed rigidly and rigidly, and the angle difference is large with respect to the parallel portions of the lower support surfaces 50 and 71. In this embodiment, the locking surfaces 45, 65 also serve as upper support surfaces. The joining system does not have an upper support surface in addition to the locking surface, thus preventing vertical separation.
[0199]
42a and 42b show a joining system which is convenient for short side locking and which allows the locking element 8 to have a large horizontal shear absorbing surface so that even soft materials can have high tensile strength. . The lower portion of the tongue 38 is positioned outside the arc C2, and thus does not follow the basic principles of inward tilt described above. As is evident from FIG. 42b, the joining system can still be released by tilting up about the upper joining edge. This is because the locking element 8 of the tongue 38 comes out of the tongue groove by pulling out horizontally after the initial upward tilting operation. The principle described above for tilting inward and upward about the upper joining edge is thus such that when the joining system is in some other way, for example by tripping or when the lower lip 40 is bent Must be filled so that it can be tilted upwards until it can be released by combining with a snap action release.
[0200]
FIGS. 43a, b and c illustrate the joining system with locking grooves in the rigid upper lip 39 and the flexible lower lip 40, in which the lower part of the tongue is adapted to facilitate a horizontal snap fit according to the invention. The basic principle of forming the lower lip 40 is shown. In this embodiment, the upper lip 39 is quite rigid. This is due in particular to being relatively thick or made of rigid and more rigid materials. The lower lip 40 may be thin and flexible, so that bending occurs at the lower lip 40 in connection with the snap fit. In particular, by limiting the maximum bending of the lower lip 40 as much as possible, a snap fit can be greatly facilitated. FIG. 43a shows that the bending of the lower lip 40 increases to a maximum bending level B1 characterized by a tongue 38 that is largely inserted into the tongue groove 36, showing that the rounded guide portions touch each other. . When the tongue 38 is inserted deeper, the lower lip 49 bends until the snap fit is finished and the locking element 8 is fully inserted into the locking groove 35 in its final position. The lower front portion 49 of the tongue 38 must be designed so as not to bend the lower lip 40 downwards, which must instead be pressed downward by the lower support surface 50. This portion 49 of the tongue must have a shape that is less than or equal to the maximum bending level of the lower lip 40 when bending the lower lip 40 about an outer portion of the lower engagement surface 50 of the tongue 38. No. If the tongue 38 has the shape shown by the dashed line 49b that overlaps the lower lip 40 at this position, the bend B2 shown in FIG. 43b will be quite large. This creates significant friction associated with the snap fit, increasing the risk of joint damage. FIG. 43c shows that the maximum bending can be limited by the tongue groove 36 and the tongue 38, which are designed so that there is a space S4 between the lower outer part 49 of the tongue and the lower lip 40.
[0201]
Generally, a horizontal snap fit can be used in conjunction with the short side snap fit after the long side lock. When snapping the long sides, the joint system according to the invention can be snap-fitted with one board in a slightly upwardly inclined position. The snap position tilted upward is shown in FIG. Only a small bend B3 of the lower lip 40 is required to bring the guide part 66 of the locking element into contact with the guide part 44 of the locking groove and can be inserted into the locking groove 35 by tilting the locking element downward.
[0202]
FIGS. 45-50 illustrate various variations of the present invention that can be used on the long and short sides and can be manufactured using large rotary cutting tools. According to the state-of-the-art manufacturing technology, the present invention allows complex shapes to be formed by low-cost machining of board material. Many of the features shown in these drawings and in the drawings referred to above can, of course, be formed by extrusion, but this method is usually considerably more expensive than machining and often involves many of the It must be pointed out that the formation of board material is inconvenient.
[0203]
FIGS. 45a and 45b show a locking system according to the invention in which the outer part of the tongue 38 is bent. This bendability is obtained by breaking the tip of the tongue in two. During the snap fit, the lower lip 40 bends downward and the outer lower portion of the tongue 38 bends upward.
[0204]
Figures 46a and b show a locking system according to the invention with two separate tongues or split tongues. During a snap fit, the two parts of the tongue bend toward each other, while the two lips bend away from each other.
[0205]
These two manufacturing systems can be tilted in and out to lock and release.
[0206]
Figures 47a and b show a combined joint in which a separate part 40b constitutes an extension of the lower lip and this part is elastic. The joining system can be tilted. The support surface of the lower lip, which forms part of the core, is formed so that it can be snap-fitted without having to bend this lip. Only separate extensions, which may be made of aluminum sheet, are elastic. The joining system may be formed such that both parts of the lip are elastic.
[0207]
FIGS. 48a and b show a snap fit of the mating joint and the lower lip including the two parts. Here, a separate lip forms the support surface. This joining system can be used with any other joining system according to the invention, for example on the short side. An advantage of this joining system is, for example, that the locking groove 35 can be formed with a large degree of freedom using a reasonably large cutting tool. After machining, the outer lip 40b is attached. The shape of this lip does not adversely affect machinability. The outer lip 40b is resilient and in this embodiment does not have a locking element. Another advantage is that this bonding system allows very thin core materials to be bonded. This is because the lower lip can be formed very thin. The core material may be, for example, a thin and compact laminate, and the upper and lower layers may be relatively thick layers made of, for example, cork or a soft plastic material that can provide a soft and sound absorbing floor. . Using this technique, core materials can be joined. The thickness of this core material is generally about 2 mm, which can be compared with a normal core material of 7 mm or more. The achievable thickness savings can be used to increase the thickness of other layers. Obviously, this joint can be used for even thicker materials.
[0208]
FIGS. 49 and 50 show two variations of a combined joint that can be used in combination with other preferred systems, for example, on the short side. The combination joint according to FIG. 49 can be formed in an embodiment in which the strip constitutes an extension elastic part of the tongue, and the system has the same function as the embodiment shown in FIG. FIG. 50 shows that this combined joint can be formed with the locking element 8b of the outer lower lip 40b positioned inside the joint plane.
[0209]
FIGS. 51a-f illustrate a laying method according to the present invention that can be used to join floorboards by a combination of horizontal alignment, tilting upwards, snap-fitting in an upwardly tilted position, and tilting downwards. Show. This method of laying can be used for floorboards according to the present invention, but can also be used with any mechanical joining system for floors that has characteristics that make this laying method applicable. For the sake of simplicity, the laying method will be described for one board called a groove board and joined to another board called a tongue board. These boards are actually the same. Obviously, the entire laying sequence can also be performed by the tongue side joined in the same way to the groove side.
[0210]
In the starting position, the tongue board 4a with the tongue 38 and the groove board 4b with the tongue groove 36 are laid flat on the subfloor as shown in FIG. The tongue 38 and the tongue groove 36 are provided with locking means for preventing separation in the vertical and horizontal directions. Next, the groove board 4b is directed in the direction F1 toward the tongue board 4a until the tongue 38 comes into contact with the tongue groove 36 and the upper and lower portions of the tongue are partially inserted into the tongue groove as shown in FIG. Until it is displaced horizontally. This first operation causes the joining edges of these boards to assume the same vertical relative position over the entire length of the board, thus straightening out any differences in arc shape.
[0211]
When the groove board is moved toward the tongue board, the joining edge of the groove board slightly lifts from this position. Next, the groove board 4b is tilted upward by the angular movement S1, and at the same time, is kept in contact with the tongue board, or is pressed in the direction F1 toward the tongue board 4a as shown in FIG. When the groove board 4b reaches the angle SA with respect to the subfloor floor corresponding to the snap position tilted upward, the groove board 4b can be moved toward the tongue board 4a according to the above description and as shown in FIG. As a result, the upper joining edges 41 and 61 come into contact with each other, and the locking means of the tongue is partially inserted into the locking means of the tongue groove by the snap function.
[0212]
This snap feature in the upwardly inclined position is characterized by the fact that the outer part of the tongue groove is widened and springs back. This broadening is substantially less than required in connection with a horizontal snap fit. The snap angle SA is determined by the force pressing the boards toward each other in connection with tilting the groove board 4b upward. When the pressing force in direction F1 is high, the board snaps at a lower angle SA than when the force is low. The snap-fit position is further characterized in that the guide parts of the locking means are in contact with each other, so that their snap-fit function can be performed. When the board is banana-shaped, it straightens and locks in connection with a snap fit. The groove board 4b can then be tilted downward according to FIG. 51e with an angular movement S2 combined with pressing towards the joining edge, and is locked against the tongue board in its final position. This is shown in FIG.
[0213]
Depending on the construction of the joint, the requirement that a snap fit be made with an appropriate amount of force, and that the guides of the locking means can retain some banana shape with each other in such engagement. The snap angle SA which provides the best function with respect to the requirement that the final locking must be able to be performed without any risk of damaging the joining system can be determined with high precision.
[0214]
The floorboard can be installed according to the preferred laying method without any practical assistance. In some cases, installation can be facilitated if done with appropriate assistance according to FIGS. 52a and b. A suitable aid according to the invention is an impact or pressure block 80, which is designed to have front and rear portions 81 which, when inserted under the edge of the floorboard, tilt the grooved board upwards. . It has an upper abutment edge 82 that contacts the edge of the grooved board when in an upwardly inclined position. When the impact block 80 is inserted under the groove board such that the abutment edge 82 is in contact with the floorboard, the groove board assumes a predetermined snap angle. Next, the tongue groove of the groove board 4a can be snap-fitted with the tongue of the tongue board by pressing or hitting the impact block. Of course, the impact block can be moved to various parts of the board. Obviously, this can be done in conjunction with pressing the other aid against the other part of the board. This uses multiple impact blocks and provides similar results, for example, the various types used to tilt the board upwards to a snap-fit angle while the other aid presses the boards together. This is done with the aid of The same method can be used if the groove side of the new board is to be tilted upward and this is to be joined to the tongue side of the previously laid board.
[0215]
This description, in turn, relates to various features of tools for laying floorboards. Such a tool for laying the floorboard by interconnecting the tongue and groove joints of the floorboard comprises an engaging surface 82 for engaging the joining edges 4a, 4b of the joining edges of the floorboard. It can be designed as a block 80 having. The tool is formed as a wedge for insertion under the floorboard, with its engagement surface 82 located near the thicker end of the wedge. The engagement surface 82 of the tool is concavely curved so as to at least partially surround the joining edges 4a, 4b of the floorboard. Further, the wedge angle S1 of the wedge and the position of the engagement surface 82 at the thicker portion of the wedge are determined by the predetermined height of the floorboard when the floorboard is lifted by the wedge 80 and the joint edge of the floorboard comes into contact with the engagement surface 82. Can be adjusted to obtain a lifting angle. The abutment surface 82 of the wedge 80 is directed obliquely upward to join the undercut tongue groove 36 formed in the facing joint edge portion 4a of the floorboard to the tongue 38 of the floorboard laid before. It can be formed so as to be in contact with the joining edge portion 4b having the tongue 38. In another aspect, the abutment surface 82 of the wedge has a joining edge with an undercut groove 36 for joining to a diagonally upwardly directed tongue 38 formed in the opposite joining edge portion 4b of the floorboard. It can be formed so as to abut on the portion 4a.
[0216]
The tool described above raises one floorboard with respect to the other floorboard and mechanically joins the floorboards by joining and locking the mechanical locking systems of these floorboards. Can be used. The tool may further mechanically snap such floorboards to such another floorboard by snap-fitting the mechanical locking systems of the floorboards to each other when the floorboards are in the raised position. Can be used to join to. Further, the tool can be used such that the wedge engaging surface 82 abuts the joining edge portion 4b. The tongue 38 of the joining edge portion 4b is directed obliquely upward to join the undercut groove 36 formed in the joining edge portion 4a on the opposite side of the floorboard to the tongue 38 of the floorboard laid in front. I have. In another aspect, the tool is provided with a wedge to join an obliquely upwardly directed tongue 38 formed at the opposite joining edge portion 4b of the floorboard to the undercut groove 38 of the previously laid floorboard. Can be used so that the engaging surface 82 abuts on the joining edge portion 4 a having the undercut groove 36.
[0219]
FIG. 53 shows the locked position so that the boards 2a and 2b, after being joined to the adjacent boards along the long edge, can be joined by horizontally snapping the other two sides together. It shows that it can be displaced in direction F2.
[0218]
The long side and the short side can be snap-fitted at a position tilted upward. If the short side of one of the boards is first joined, the locked short side of the board is tilted upward so as to take a snap angle, so that the long side is tilted upward. Can be snap-fitted. Then, a snap fit is performed at the position tilted upward, and at the same time, a displacement at the locking position is performed along the short side. After the snap fit, the board is tilted down and locked on both the long and short sides.
[0219]
Furthermore, FIGS. 53 and 54 illustrate the problems arising in connection with the snap-in of the two short sides of the two boards 2a and 2b whose long sides have already been joined to another first board 1. FIG. When the floorboard 2a is snap-fitted to the floorboard 2b, the inner corners 91 and 92 closest to the long side of the first board 1 are located in the same plane. This is because the longer sides of the two boards 2a and 2b are joined to the same floor board 1. According to FIG. 54b showing the cross section C3-C4, the downward bending of the lower lip 40 starts, so that the tongue 38 cannot be inserted into the tongue groove 36. In the outer corners 93 and 94 on the other long side, the tongue 38 can be inserted into the groove 36 in the cross section C1-C2 shown in FIG. The downward bending of the lower lip 40 is started by tilting the lower lip 40 upward.
[0220]
Thus, the inventor has discovered that there is a problem associated with snapping the inner corner with lateral displacement in the same plane. These problems show great resistance to snap fits and there is a danger of the joint system breaking. This problem can be solved by appropriate joint design and material selection that allows for deformation bending of the material at multiple joints.
[0221]
When snapping in such a specially designed joining system, the following occurs: In lateral displacement, the outer guide portions 42, 68 of the tongue and the upper lip cooperate to press the locking element 8 of the tongue below the outer portion of the upper lip 39. The tongue bends downward and the upper lip bends upward. This is indicated by the arrow in FIG. The corner 92 in FIG. 53 is pressed upward by the lower lip 40 of the long side of the board 2b to be bent, and the corner 91 is lowered by the upper lip provided on the long side of the board 2a to be bent upward. Pressed. Since the sum of these four deformations is so great, the joining system must be formed so that the locking element can slide along the upper lip and snap into the locking groove. It has been found that the tongue groove 36 must be able to widen in connection with the snap fit. However, it has proven to be advantageous if the tongue, which must normally be rigid, is designed to be able to bend in connection with a snap fit. Such an embodiment is shown in FIG. A groove 63 or the like can be formed inside the vertical plane VP in the upper inner portion of the tongue. The total length PB of the tongue from the inner part to the outer part can be extended, which may for example be more than half of the floor thickness T.
[0222]
FIGS. 56 and 57 relate to the snap fit at the inner corners 91, 92 (see FIG. 57) and the outer corners 93, 94 (see FIG. 56) of the two floor boards 2a and 2b, Figure 3 shows how parts of the joining system bend. All that is required is to bend the thin lip and tongue to facilitate manufacturing. In practice, of course, all parts subject to pressure are compressed and bend to varying degrees depending on the thickness, bendability, composition, etc. of the material.
[0223]
56a and 57a show the positions when the edges of the boards are in contact with each other. The joining system is formed such that the outermost tip of the tongue 38 is also located inside the outer part of the lower lip 40 in this position. As the boards are moved further toward each other, the tongues 38 at the inner corners 91, 92 push the board 2b upwards according to FIGS. 56b and 57b. The tongue bends downward and the board 2b is tilted upward at the outer corners 93,94. FIG. 57c shows that the tongue 38 is tilted downward at the inner corners 91,92. According to FIG. 56c, at the outer corners 93, 94, the tongue 38 is tilted upward and the lower lip 40 is tilted downward. According to FIGS. 56d and 57d, as the boards are moved further towards each other, they continue to bend and then the lower lip 40 bends at the inner corners 91, 92 as shown in FIG. 57d. 56e and 57e show the snap fit position. Thus, when the tongue 38 can be bent and when the board is placed in the same plane in connection with the snap-fit that takes place after the floorboard has already been locked along its two other sides. When the outer portion of the tongue 38 is positioned inside the outer portion of the lower lip 40 when the tongue and groove come into contact with each other, a snap fit can be made much easier.
[0224]
There are several variations within the scope of the present invention. The inventor has noted that various parts of the joining system were manufactured in various widths, lengths, thicknesses, angles, and radii, in many different board materials, and in homogeneous plastic and wood panels. A number of variants were manufactured and evaluated. Testing of all joining systems was performed in an inverted position, with respect to the snap fit and tilt of the groove board and tongue board with respect to each other, and for the systems described herein and the prior art systems for the long and short sides. Made for various combinations. A locking system in which the upper engagement surface is a locking surface, a locking system in which the tongue and groove have a plurality of locking elements and locking grooves, and horizontal locking means in the form of locking elements and locking grooves. Locking systems formed on the lower portion of the lower lip and tongue have been manufactured.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG.
Figures a, b and c show in three steps the method of tilting down the long side of a floorboard according to WO 9426999 for mechanical joining.
FIG. 2
FIGS. 3a, 3b and 3c show a snap-fit method for mechanically joining the short sides of a floorboard according to WO 9426999 in three steps.
FIG. 3
a and b are figures respectively above and below the floorboard according to WO 9426999.
FIG. 4
Figures a and b show two different embodiments of a floorboard according to WO9966611.
FIG. 5
a and b show floorboards according to DE-A-3334601.
FIG. 6
Figures 1a to 1d show respective mechanical locking systems for the long and short sides of a floorboard according to Canadian Patent No. CA-A-091 373.
FIG. 7
1a and 1b show a mechanical locking system according to GB-A-1430429.
FIG. 8
a and b show a board according to DE-A-4 242 530.
FIG. 9
a and b show a snap joint according to WO9627271.
FIG. 10
FIGS. 2a and 2b show a snap joint according to Japanese Patent No. JP 3169967. FIG.
FIG. 11
a and b show a snap joint according to DE-A-121 275.
FIG.
FIGS. 2a-2d show another embodiment of a tongue and groove based locking system according to U.S. Pat. No. 1,124,228.
FIG. 13
1a to 1d show a mechanical locking system for a sports floor according to DE-A-3041781.
FIG. 14
Figures 1a to 1e show one of the locking systems shown in WO9747834.
FIG.
1a and 1b show a parquet floor according to U.S. Pat. No. 2,740,167.
FIG.
Figures 1a and 1b show a mechanical locking system for floorboards according to Canadian Patent No. CA-A-2252791.
FIG.
1a and 1b show a snap locking system for a parquet according to US Pat. No. 5,797,237.
FIG.
1a and 1b show a joining system for ceramic tiles according to FR-A-2675174.
FIG.
FIGS. 2a and 2b show a bonding system for floorboards formed by extrusion of a metal material, as described in Japanese Patent JP 7180333.
FIG.
1a and 1b show a joining system for large wall panels according to GB-A-2117813.
FIG. 21
FIGS. 2a and 2b schematically show the parallel joining edges of the first preferred embodiment of the floorboard according to the invention.
FIG.
FIG. 4 schematically illustrates the basic principle of inwardly tilting about the upper joining edge when using the present invention.
FIG. 23
1a and 1b schematically show the production of a joint edge of a floorboard according to the invention.
FIG. 24
a and b are diagrams showing a modification of the present invention related to production.
FIG. 25
FIG. 7 shows a variant of the invention and a snap fit in combination with bending of the lower lip and tilting upward.
FIG. 26
FIG. 4 shows a variant of the invention with a short lip.
FIG. 27
a, b, and c are diagrams showing a downward tilting method and an upward tilting method.
FIG. 28
a, b, and c are diagrams showing a tilting method of a modified example.
FIG. 29
a and b are views showing a snap fitting method.
FIG. 30
FIG. 9 illustrates a method of joining the long side of the two boards to the long side of the third board when the two boards are already joined together at the short side.
FIG. 31
a and b show two joined floorboards with a combined joint according to the invention.
FIG. 32
FIGS. 7A to 7D are diagrams showing inward tilts of the combined joint.
FIG. 33
It is a figure which shows an example of the method of forming a long side part on a parquet floor.
FIG. 34
It is a figure which shows an example of the method of forming a short side part on a parquet floor.
FIG. 35
FIG. 4 shows details of a method of forming a long side joining system on a parquet floor.
FIG. 36
FIG. 2 shows an example of a floorboard according to the invention, in which the joining system has been designed such that it can be tilted using the bending and compression of the joint material.
FIG. 37
FIG. 2 shows a floorboard according to the invention.
FIG. 38
4a and 4b show four steps of a production method using the production method according to the invention.
FIG. 39
FIG. 2 illustrates a bonding system suitable for compensating for swelling and shrinking of a floorboard surface layer.
FIG. 40
FIG. 9 is a view showing a modified example of the present invention having a rigid tongue.
FIG. 41
FIG. 9 shows a variant of the invention, in which the locking system constitutes the upper contact surface.
FIG. 42
a and b show the tilting and pulling out of a variant of the invention with a long tongue.
FIG. 43
FIGS. 5a, 5b and 5c illustrate a design method of a joining system for facilitating a snap fit. FIGS.
FIG. 44
It is a figure which shows the snap fit in inclination positioning.
FIG. 45
a and b show a joining system according to the invention with a flexible tongue.
FIG. 46
Figures 2a and 2b show a joining system according to the invention with a flexible split tongue.
FIG. 47
FIGS. 4a and 4b show a joining system according to the invention in which part of the lower lip is made of a different material from the core.
FIG. 48
Figures 7a and 7b show a joining system that can be used as a c-joint of a floorboard with all four sides locked.
FIG. 49
FIG. 3 shows a joining system that can be used, for example, on the short side of a floorboard.
FIG. 50
FIG. 4 shows another example of a joining system that can be used, for example, on the short side of a floorboard.
FIG. 51
a to f are diagrams illustrating a laying method.
FIG. 52
a and b are diagrams showing laying by a specially designed tool.
FIG. 53
FIG. 9 is a view showing joining of short sides.
FIG. 54
a and b are views showing a snap fit of the short side.
FIG. 55
FIG. 9 shows a variation of the present invention with a flexible tongue that facilitates short side snap fit.
FIG. 56
a and e are views showing a snap fit at the outer corner of the short side.
FIG. 57
FIGS. 7a and 7b are views showing a snap fit at the inner corner of the short side.
[Explanation of symbols]
1, 1 'floor board
4a, 4b Long side edge portion
HP surface plane
VP joining plane
36 Tongue groove
38 Tongue
30 core
32 surface layer

Claims (132)

A locking system for mechanically joining a floorboard (1,1 ') at a joining plane (VP), said floorboard (1,1') comprising a core (30), a front side (2, 32), a back side (34), and an opposing joining edge portion (4a, 4b), one of which joining edge portion (4a) is provided by upper and lower lips (39, 40). It is formed as a tongue groove (36) which is defined and has a bottom end (48), the other joining edge part (4b) having an upwardly directed part (8) at the free outer end. Formed as a tongue (38),
The tongue groove (36) has the shape of an undercut groove (36) having an opening, an inner portion (35), and an inner locking surface (45) when viewed from the bonding plane (VP);
At least some portions of the lower lip (40) are integrally formed with the core (30) of the floorboard;
Said tongue (38) holds two such floorboards (1, 1 ') with their front sides (4a, 4b) positioned in the same surface plane (HP) and perpendicular to this plane. Engagements formed to cooperate with the inner locking surface (45) of the tongue groove (36) of the adjacent floorboard when mechanically joined to meet at the oriented joining plane (VP). In a locking system having a stop surface (65),
Most of the bottom end (48) of the tongue groove is positioned farther from the bonding plane (VP) than the outer end (69) of the tongue (38) when viewed parallel to the surface plane (HP). Has been
The inner locking surface (45) of the tongue groove (36) cooperates with a corresponding locking surface (65) of the tongue (38) so that it is within the undercut portion (35) of the tongue groove. Formed on the upper lip (39), the locking surface (65) is for separating the two mechanically joined boards in a direction (D2) perpendicular to the joining plane (VP). Formed in the upwardly directed portion (8) of the tongue (38) to resist
The lower lip (40) places a support surface (50) for cooperating with a corresponding support surface (71) of the tongue (38) at a predetermined distance from the bottom end (36) of the undercut groove. Wherein the support surfaces cooperate to resist relative displacement of the two mechanically joined boards in a direction (D1) perpendicular to the surface plane (HP). Yes,
All parts of the lower lip (40) connected to the core as viewed from the intersection (C) of the surface plane (HP) and the joining plane (VP) are arranged outside the plane (LP2). This plane (LP2) is parallel to this plane and the locking surface is co-operatively locking the tongue groove (36) and the tongue (38) with the locking surface most inclined with respect to the surface plane (HP). It is arranged farther from said point than the locking surface (LP1) in contact with the surfaces (45, 65),
The upper lip (39) and the lower lip (40) of the joining edge portion (4a, 4b) and the tongue (38) are connected to the tongue (38) of the one floor board (1 ') and the other floor. To release the tongue groove (36) of the board (1), one of the floorboards is centered on a pivot center (C) near the intersection between the surface plane (HP) and the joint plane (VP). A locking system, characterized in that it is designed to be able to remove two mechanically joined floorboards by pivoting upward relative to the other floorboard. 2. The locking system according to claim 1, wherein the upper lip (39) and the lower lip (40) of the joining edge portion (4 a, 4 b) and the tongue (38) are the tongue of the one floorboard. Is joined to the tongue groove of the other floorboard, so that one floorboard is intersected between the surface plane (HP) and the joint plane (VP) with the two floorboards essentially touching each other. Are designed to be able to join two floorboards (1, 1 ') by pivoting downward about the pivot center (C) close to the other floorboard relative to the other floorboard. Locking system. 3. The locking system according to claim 1, wherein the undercut groove (36) and the tongue (38) join a floor board (1 ', 1) mechanically joined to a similar board. A locking system, characterized in that it is designed to be displaceable in the direction (D3) along the VP). 4. The locking system according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the tongue (38) and the undercut groove (36) are at an intersection between the surface plane (HP) and the joining plane (VP). One board can be connected to the other board by pivoting one board relative to the other board while maintaining contact between the boards at point (C) on the joining edge of the nearby board; A locking system, which is designed to be removable. 5. The locking system according to claim 1, wherein the tongue (38) and the undercut groove (36) are arranged between the surface plane (HP) and the joining plane (VP). 6. The direction away from the surface plane (HP) by pivoting one board relative to the other while maintaining contact between the boards at a point on the joining edge of the board near the intersection between Locking system designed to allow connection and disconnection of the board without essentially contact between the side of the tongue (38) facing the lower lip and the lower lip. . 5. The locking system according to claim 1, wherein the tongue (38) and the undercut groove (36) are arranged between the surface plane (HP) and the joining plane (VP). 6. The side of the tongue (38) facing the surface plane (HP) and the surface plane (HP), while maintaining contact between the boards at a point on the joining edge of the board near the intersection between Pivoting one board relative to the other with essentially line contact between the side facing away from the upper lip and each of the upper lip (39) and the lower lip (40). Locking system designed to be able to connect and disconnect boards (1, 1 '). 7. The locking system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the core (30) is outside the distance between the locking plane (LP2) and the plane (LPl) parallel thereto. ), Wherein all parts of said lower lip (40) connected to said floorboard are arranged, said distance being at least 10% of the thickness (T) of said floorboard. A locking system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the locking surfaces (45, 65) of the upper lip (39) and the tongue (38) are in the surface plane (HP). In contrast, the locking system forms an angle of less than 90 ° but at least 20 °. 9. A locking system according to claim 8, wherein the locking surfaces (45, 65) of the upper lip (39) and the tongue (38) form an angle of at least 30 with the surface plane (HP). A locking system. The locking system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the undercut groove (36) and the tongue (38) are such that the outer end (69) of the tongue (38) is The cooperating supporting surfaces (50, 71) of the lower lip (40) and the tongue (38) from the mutually engaged locking surfaces (45, 65) of the upper lip (39) and the tongue (38). A locking system designed to be located at a predetermined distance from the undercut groove (36) along essentially the entire length of the locking system. The locking system according to claim 10, wherein the size of any surface portion in contact between the outer end (69) of the tongue (38) and the undercut groove (36) is two such. A locking system characterized in that when the boards (1, 1 ') are mechanically joined, they are smaller in vertical plane than said locking surfaces (45, 65). 12. A locking system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the edges (4a, 4b) with tongues (38) and tongue grooves (36) when joining two floorboards, Between these edges (4a, 4b), the surface contacts along up to 30% of the edge surface of the edge (4b) supporting the tongue, measured from the top to the bottom of the floorboard. A locking system, characterized in that it is designed to: 13. The locking system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cooperating support surfaces (50, 71) of the tongue (38) and the lower lip (40) are arranged on the surface plane (HP). , Are oriented parallel or at an angle to this, the angle being set to the support surfaces engaging each other at the point closest to the bottom end (48) of the undercut groove. A tangent to an arc centered at a point (C) where the surface plane (HP) and the joining plane (VP) intersect as viewed in a cross-section passing through the board. Stop system. 14. The locking system according to claim 13, wherein the cooperating support surfaces (50, 71) of the tongue (30) and the lower lip (40) are between 0 ° and 30 ° with respect to the surface plane (HP). The locking system is set at an angle of: 15. The locking system according to claim 14, wherein the cooperating support surfaces (50, 71) of the tongue (30) and the lower lip (40) are at least 10 degrees with respect to the surface plane (HP). A locking system, wherein the locking system is set to: 16. The locking system according to claim 14 or 15, wherein the co-operating support surfaces (50, 71) of the tongue (30) and the lower lip (40) are at most 20 degrees with respect to the surface plane (HP). The locking system is set at an angle of: 14. The locking system according to claim 13, wherein the cooperating support surfaces (50, 71) of the tongue (30) and the lower lip (40) are arranged with respect to the surface plane (HP). , 71) and set at essentially the same angle as the tangent to an arc centered at the intersection of the surface plane (HP) and the joint plane (VP) when viewed in cross-section through the board A locking system, characterized in that: 14. The locking system according to claim 13, wherein the co-operating support surfaces (50, 71) of the tongue (30) and the lower lip (40) are of the undercut groove with respect to the surface plane (HP). To an arc which is in contact with the supporting surfaces (50, 71) engaging with each other at a point closest to the bottom end and which is centered at the intersection of the surface plane (HP) and the joining plane (VP) A locking system, wherein the locking system is set at an angle greater than a tangent. 19. The locking system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the support surfaces (50, 71) of the tongue (30) and the lower lip (40) are designed to cooperate. Is set at an angle to said surface plane (HP) smaller than said cooperating locking surfaces of said upper lip (39) and said tongue (38). 20. The locking system according to claim 19, wherein the cooperatingly designed supporting surfaces (50, 71) of the tongue (30) and the lower lip (40) are in the surface plane (HP). On the other hand, the locking is characterized in that it is inclined in the same direction as the cooperating locking surfaces (50, 71) of the upper lip (39) and the tongue (38), but at a smaller angle. system. 21. The locking system according to any one of claims 13 to 20, wherein the support surface (50, 71) is higher than the locking surface (45, 65) with respect to the surface plane (HP). A locking system, wherein the locking system forms an angle that is at least 20 ° greater. 22. The locking system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the portion of the locking surface (45) of the upper lip (39) is greater than the portion of the support surface (50, 71). A locking system, wherein said locking system is located near said bottom end (48) of said tongue groove. 23. The locking system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the upper lip (39) and the locking surface (45, 65) of the tongue (38) are at least two such locking surfaces. A locking system, wherein the boards are essentially planar within a surface portion adapted to cooperate when joined together. 24. The locking system according to claim 23, wherein the tongue (38) has a guide surface located outside the locking surface of the tongue (38), as viewed from the joining plane (VP). A locking system, wherein the angle of the guide surface with respect to the surface plane is smaller than the locking surface. 25. The locking system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the upper lip (39) is more open in the tongue groove (36) than the locking surface (45) of the upper lip. A guide surface (42) arranged near the section, the angle of the guide surface being smaller with respect to the surface plane (HP) than the locking surface (45) of the upper lip. And locking system. 26. A locking system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the lower lip (40) extends a predetermined distance from the joining plane (VP) or preferably terminates there. Characterized locking system. 27. The locking system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the lower lip (40) is shorter than the upper lip (39) and terminates at a distance from the joining plane (VP). The lower lip (40) and at least a portion of the support surface (50, 71) of the tongue (38) are at least partially separated from the joining plane (VP) by the upper lip (39) and the tongue (38). A locking system characterized by being located at a greater distance than the inclined locking surfaces (45, 65). 28. The locking system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the locking surface (65) of the tongue (38) extends from the tip (69) of the tongue (38) to the floor. A locking system, characterized in that it is arranged at a distance of at least 0.1 times said thickness (T) of the board (1, 1 '). 29. The locking system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the vertical length of the cooperating locking surface (45, 65) is from the joining plane (VP) to the surface plane (HP). ), Which is less than half of the vertical length of said undercut (35), viewed parallel to). 30. A locking system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the locking surface (45, 65) is, when viewed in a vertical cross-section through the floorboard, the thickness of the floorboard (45, 65). T) having a dimension of up to 10% of T). 31. The locking system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the length of the tongue (38) is such that the length of the tongue (38) is viewed vertically away from the joining plane (VP). A locking system, wherein said thickness is at least 0.3 times said thickness (T). 32. The locking system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the joining edge portion (4b) supporting the tongue and / or the joining edge portion (4a) supporting the tongue groove comprises: A locking system, characterized by having a recess (63) positioned above said tongue and terminating at a predetermined distance from said surface plane (HP). 33. The locking system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the upper lip (39) and the tongue (38) have contact surfaces (43, 64) which cooperate with each other in a locked state. These contact surfaces are located in the area between the joining plane (VP) and the locking surfaces (45, 65) of the tongue (38) and the upper lip (39), A locking system, wherein the locking system cooperates with each other in a stopped state. The locking system according to claim 33, wherein the contact surfaces (43, 64) are essentially planar. 35. Locking system according to claim 33 or 34, wherein the contact surfaces (43, 64) are inclined upwards relative to the surface plane (HP) in a direction towards the joining plane (VP). A locking system characterized by the following. Locking system according to claim 33 or 34, characterized in that the contact surfaces (43, 64) are essentially parallel to the surface plane (HP). 37. The locking system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the lower lip (40) of the tongue groove (36) is flexible. 38. The locking system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein one of the boards (1 ') is formed as a snap lock which can be opened by tilting it upward with respect to the other board (1). A locking system, characterized in that: 39. The locking system according to any one of claims 1 to 38, wherein the locking system is configured to bond a previously laid floorboard to a new floorboard, wherein the bonding is performed by the locking system. A locking system, characterized in that it is effected by means of a movement pressing against each other essentially parallel to the surface plane (HP) of the previously laid floorboard in order to snap parts together. 40. A locking system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the undercut groove (36) has a funnel-shaped inwardly tapered outer opening in cross section. A locking system, characterized in that: 41. The locking system according to claim 40, wherein the upper lip (39) has a chamfer (42) at its outer edge away from the surface plane (HP). 42. A locking system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the tongue has a tapered tip (69) in cross section. 43. A locking system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the tongue (38) has a split tip having an upper tongue portion (38a) and a lower tongue portion (38b) in cross section. A locking system comprising: 44. The locking system of claim 43, wherein the upper tongue portion (38a) and the lower tongue portion (38b) of the tongue (38) are formed of another material having different material properties. And locking system. A locking system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the tongue groove and the tongue (38) are integrally formed with the floorboard (1, 1 '). Locking system. 46. The locking system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the locking surface (45, 65) is arranged at the bottom end (48) of the undercut groove with respect to the surface plane (HP). ), The tangent to an arc tangent to the locking surfaces (45, 65) engaging with each other at the point closest to the arc and centered at the intersection of the surface plane (HP) and the joint plane (VP). A locking system set at an angle greater than 47. A locking system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the upper lip (39) is thicker than the lower lip (40). 48. The locking system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the minimum thickness of the upper lip (39) adjacent to the undercut (35) is adjacent to the support surface (50). A locking system, wherein the thickness is greater than a maximum thickness of the lower lip (40). 49. The locking system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the dimension of the support surface (50, 71) is at most 15% of the thickness (T) of the floorboard. And a locking system. 50. The locking system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the upper lip (39) and the upper lip (39) measured parallel to the joining plane (VP) at an outer edge of the support surface (43). A locking system, characterized in that the dimension of the tongue groove (36) between the lower lip (40) is at least 30% of the thickness (T) of the floorboard. 51. The locking system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the depth of the tongue groove (36) measured from the joining plane (VP) is the corresponding dimension of the tongue (38). At least 2% greater than the locking system. 52. The locking system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the tongue (38) has different material properties than the upper lip (39) or the lower lip (40). And locking system. 53. A locking system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the upper lip (39) is more rigid than the lower lip (40). 54. The locking system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the upper lip (39) and the lower lip (40) are formed of materials having different material properties. Locking system. 55. The locking system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the locking system further comprises a second mechanical lock, wherein the second mechanical lock comprises:
A locking groove (14) formed below the joining edge portion (4b) supporting the tongue (38) and extending parallel to the joining plane (VP); and the joining edge portion (4a) of the board. A locking strip mounted integrally below said tongue groove (36) and extending along essentially the entire length of said joining edge portion, when mechanically joining two such boards A locking strip, wherein a locking component (6) received in a locking groove (14) of an adjacent board (1 ′) protrudes from said strip. 56. The locking system according to claim 55, wherein the locking strip (6) protrudes beyond the joining plane. 57. The locking system of any of the preceding claims, wherein the locking system is formed on a board having a core made of wood fiber based material. 53. The locking system of claim 52, wherein the locking system is formed on a board having a wooden core. A floorboard having a core (30), a front side (2), a back side (34), and two opposite parallel joining edges (4a, 4b), wherein said joining edges have one upper lip. (39), formed as a tongue groove (36) defined by a lower lip (40), and a bottom end (48), and the other upwardly directed portion (8) of the free outer end (69). ) Formed as part of a mechanical locking system formed as a tongue (38),
The tongue groove (36) has an undercut groove shape including an opening, an inner portion (35), and an inner locking surface (45) when viewed from a joint plane (VP);
At least a portion of the lower lip (40) is integrally formed with the core (30) of the floorboard;
Said tongue (38) is used to connect two such floorboards to a joining plane (4a, 4b) whose front side (4a, 4b) is arranged in the same surface plane (HP) and oriented perpendicular to this surface plane (HP). Floor having a locking surface (65) adapted to cooperate with an inner locking surface (45) of the tongue groove (36) of the adjacent floorboard when mechanically joined to meet at VP) On the board,
At least a main portion of the bottom end (48) of the tongue groove is farther from the bonding plane (VP) than the outer end (69) of the tongue (38) when viewed parallel to the surface plane (HP). Located in
The inner locking surface (45) of the tongue groove cooperates with the corresponding locking surface (65) of the tongue (38) so that the upper surface within the undercut portion (35) of the tongue groove. A lip (39) is formed on the lip (39), wherein the locking surface resists separation of the two mechanically bonded boards in a direction (D2) perpendicular to the bonding plane (VP). A tongue (38) formed in said upwardly directed portion (8);
The lower lip has a support surface (50) which is a predetermined distance from the corresponding support surface (71) provided on the tongue (38) and the bottom end (48) of the undercut groove. By the way, in cooperation, the support surfaces (50, 71) are such that they oppose relative displacement in a direction (D1) perpendicular to the surface plane (HP) of the two mechanically joined boards. Work together,
All parts of the lower lip (40) connected to the core (30) are located outside the plane (LP2) when viewed from the intersection of the surface plane (HP) and the bonding plane (VP). This plane is positioned farther from the point than the locking plane (LP1) parallel to the plane, and the locking plane is such that the locking surface is on the surface plane (HP). Contacting the cooperating locking surfaces (45, 65) of the tongue groove (36) and the tongue (38) which are most inclined with respect to
The upper and lower lips (39, 40) and the tongue (38) of the joining edge portion (4a, 4b) are connected to one of two mechanically joined floorboards (1, 1 '). With respect to the other floorboard about the pivot center (C) near the intersection between the surface plane (HP) and the joining plane (VP), and the tongue (38) of one floorboard ) Is designed so that two floorboards can be removed by removing the two floorboards from the tongue groove (36) of the other floorboard. 60. The floorboard according to claim 59, wherein the upper lip (39) and the lower lip (4) and the tongue (38) of the joining edge portion when the two floorboards are in substantial contact with each other. One floorboard is pivoted downward relative to the other floorboard about a pivot center (C) near the intersection between the surface plane (HP) and the junction plane (VP), A floorboard designed to join two floorboards by joining the tongue of the board to the tongue groove of the other floorboard. 61. The floorboard according to claim 59 or claim 60, wherein the undercut groove (36) and the tongue (38) direct a floorboard mechanically bonded to a similar board along the bonding plane (VP). (D3) A floorboard designed to be displaceable. 62. The floorboard according to claim 59, 60 or 61, wherein the tongue (38) and the undercut groove (36) are at the intersection between the surface plane (HP) and the joining plane (VP). One board can be connected to the other board by pivoting one board relative to the other board while maintaining contact between the boards at point (C) on the joining edge of the nearby board; A floorboard, which is designed to be removable. 63. The floorboard according to any one of claims 59 to 62, wherein the tongue (38) and the undercut groove (36) are between the surface plane (HP) and the joining plane (VP). By pivoting one board relative to the other board while maintaining contact between the boards at a point on the joining edge of the board near the intersection of Floorboard designed to allow connection and disconnection of the board without substantial contact between the side of the tongue (38) and the lower lip. 63. The floorboard according to any one of claims 59 to 62, wherein the tongue (38) and the undercut groove (36) are between the surface plane (HP) and the joining plane (VP). The side of the tongue (38) facing away from the surface plane (HP) and the surface, while maintaining contact between the boards at a point on the joining edge of the board near the intersection of With essentially line contact between each of the sides facing the plane (HP) and each of the upper lip (39) and the lower lip (40), one board is connected to the other board. A floorboard designed to be able to connect and disconnect boards by pivoting. 65. The floorboard according to any one of claims 59 to 64, wherein the core (30) is outside a distance between the locking plane (LP2) and the plane (LP1) parallel to the plane. ), Wherein all parts of said lower lip (40) connected to the floorboard are arranged, said distance being at least 10% of said thickness (T) of said floorboard. 66. The floorboard according to any one of claims 59 to 65, wherein the locking surfaces of the upper lip (39) and the tongue (38) are at an angle of 90 degrees to the surface plane (HP). Forming a small but at least 20 ° angle. 67. The floorboard of claim 66, wherein the locking surfaces of the upper lip (39) and the tongue (38) form an angle of at least 30 with the surface plane (HP). And the floorboard. 68. The floorboard according to any one of claims 59 to 67, wherein the undercut groove (36) and the tongue (38) are such that the outer end (69) of the tongue is connected to the upper lip (39). ) And the mutually engaged engaging surfaces (45, 65) of the tongue (38) from the cooperating supporting surfaces (50, 71) of the lower lip (40) and the tongue (38). A floorboard designed to be located at a predetermined distance from the undercut groove (36) along the entire distance. 69. The floorboard according to claim 68, wherein the size of any surface portion in contact between the outer end (69) of the tongue (38) and the undercut groove (36) is two such boards. Floor board, characterized in that, when mechanically joined, it is smaller than said locking surfaces (45, 65) along a vertical plane. 70. The floorboard according to any one of claims 59 to 69, wherein the edge portions having the tongues (38) and the tongue grooves (36) when joining two floorboards. Measured between the upper side and the lower side of the floorboard between the parts, the surface is designed to contact along a maximum of 30% of the edge surface (4b) of the edge portion supporting the tongue. Floorboard. 72. The floorboard according to any one of claims 59 to 71, wherein the co-operating support surfaces (50, 71) of the tongue (38) and the lower lip (40) are arranged on the surface plane (HP). With respect to the support plane (50, 71) and parallel to the support plane (50, 71) and centered at the point where the surface plane (HP) and the bonding plane (VP) intersect when viewed in a cross section passing through the board. The floorboard is oriented at an angle equal to or less than a tangent to an arc having 72. The floorboard according to any one of claims 59 to 71, wherein the co-operating support surfaces (50, 71) of the tongue (38) and the lower lip (40) are arranged on the surface plane (HP). The floorboard is set at an angle of about 0 ° to 30 ° with respect to the floorboard. 73. The floorboard according to claim 72, wherein the cooperating support surfaces (50, 71) of the tongue (38) and the lower lip (40) are at an angle of at least 10 with respect to the surface plane (HP). A floor board, which is set. 74. The floorboard according to claim 72 or 73, wherein the cooperating support surfaces (50, 71) of the tongue (38) and the lower lip (40) have a maximum of 20 degrees with respect to the surface plane (HP). A floorboard set at an angle. 72. The floorboard of claim 71, wherein the cooperating support surfaces (50, 71) of the tongue (38) and the lower lip (40) are in contact with the support surface relative to the surface plane (HP). And is set at essentially the same angle as a tangent to an arc centered at the point where the surface plane (HP) and the joining plane (VP) intersect when viewed in cross section through the board. Characterized floorboard. 72. The floorboard of claim 71, wherein the cooperating support surfaces (50, 71) of the tongue (38) and the lower lip (40) engage one another with respect to the surface plane (HP), and It is positioned at a position closest to the bottom end of the undercut groove, and is set at an angle larger than a tangent to an arc centered at a point where the surface plane (HP) and the joining plane (VP) intersect. And a floor board. 77. The floorboard according to any one of claims 59 to 76, wherein the cooperating designed support surfaces (50, 71) of the tongue (38) and the lower lip (40) are provided. Floor board set at an angle with respect to the surface plane (HP) smaller than the cooperating locking surfaces (45, 65) of the lower lip (40) and the tongue (38). . 78. The floorboard according to claim 77, wherein the cooperatingly designed supporting surfaces (50, 71) of the tongue (38) and the lower lip (40) are relative to the surface plane (HP). Floorboard, inclined in the same direction as the cooperating locking surfaces (45, 65) of the upper lip (39) and the tongue (38), but at a smaller angle. 79. The floorboard according to any one of claims 71 to 78, wherein the support surface (50, 71) is at least at a height relative to the surface plane (HP) above the locking surface (45, 65). A floorboard forming an angle that is 20 ° greater. 80. The floorboard according to any one of claims 59 to 79, wherein the upper lip extends to the joining plane (VP) and the inclined locking surface (45) of the upper lip (39). At least a portion of the floorboard is located farther from the joining plane (VP) than the support surface (50) of the lower lip. 81. The floorboard according to any one of claims 59 to 80, wherein the upper lip (39) and the locking surface of the tongue (38) are at least two such boards joined together. Floorboards, wherein the floorboards are planes within a surface portion that are adapted to cooperate with each other when the floorboards are in use. 82. The floorboard according to claim 81, wherein the tongue (838) is arranged outside the locking surface (65) of the tongue (38) when viewed from the joining plane (VP). Wherein the angle of the guide surface with respect to the surface plane is smaller than the locking surface. 83. The floorboard according to any one of claims 59 to 82, wherein the lower lip (40) is located closer to the opening of the tongue groove than the support surface of the lower lip (40). Floor board having a guided surface (51), wherein the angle of the guide surface is smaller than the support surface of the lower lip (40) with respect to the surface plane (HP). A floorboard according to any one of claims 59 to 83, wherein the lower lip (40) extends a predetermined distance from the joining plane (VP) and preferably terminates there. board. 85. The floorboard according to any one of claims 59 to 84, wherein the lower lip (40) is shorter than the upper lip (39) and terminates at a predetermined distance from the joining plane (VP); The support surfaces (50, 71) of the lower lip (40) and the tongue (38) are inclined from the joining plane (VP) with the inclined locking surfaces (39) of the upper lip (39) and the tongue (38). 45, 65) The floorboard which is arrange | positioned at the distance larger than. 86. The floorboard of any one of claims 59 to 85, wherein the locking surface (65) of the tongue (38) extends from the tip of the tongue (38) to the thickness of the floorboard. A floor board, which is arranged at a distance of at least 0.1 times the length (T). 87. The floorboard according to any one of claims 59 to 86, wherein the locking surface (65) of the tongue (38) extends from the tip (69) of the tongue (38). A floor board, which is arranged at a distance of at least 0.1 times the thickness (T). 87. The floorboard according to any one of claims 59 to 87, wherein a vertical dimension of the mutually cooperating locking surfaces (45, 65) is viewed parallel to the surface plane from the joining plane. Floorboard characterized in that it is smaller than half the vertical dimension of said undercut (35). 89. The floorboard according to any one of claims 59 to 88, wherein the locking surface (45, 65) is, when viewed in a vertical cross-section through the floorboard, the thickness (T) of the floorboard. ) Having a dimension of at most 10% of the floorboard. 90. The floorboard according to any one of claims 59 to 89, wherein the length of the tongue (38) is such that the thickness of the board is viewed from a direction away from the joining plane (VP) vertically. A floorboard that is at least 0.3 times (T). 90. The floorboard according to any one of claims 59 to 90, wherein the joint edge part (4b) supporting the tongue and / or the joint edge part (4a) supporting the tongue groove is A floorboard having a recess (63, 63a) positioned above a tongue and terminating at a predetermined distance from said surface plane (HP). 92. The floorboard according to any one of claims 59 to 91, wherein the upper lip (39) and the tongue (38) have contact surfaces (43, 64) that cooperate with each other in a locked state. These contact surfaces are positioned in the area between the joining plane (VP) and the locking surfaces (45, 65) of the tongue (38) and the upper lip (39), Wherein the locking surfaces cooperate with each other in a locked state. The floorboard according to claim 92, wherein said contact surfaces (43, 64) are essentially planar. The floorboard according to claim 92 or 93, wherein the contact surface (43, 64) is inclined upward with respect to the surface plane (HP) in a direction toward the joining plane (VP). Characterized floorboard. The floorboard according to claim 92 or 93, wherein the contact surfaces (43, 64) are essentially parallel to the surface plane (HP). A floorboard according to any one of claims 59 to 95, wherein the lower lip (40) of the tongue groove is flexible. 97. The floorboard according to any one of claims 59 to 96, characterized in that it is formed as a snap lock which can be opened by tilting one board upward with respect to the other board. Floorboards. 100. The floorboard according to any one of claims 59 to 97, wherein a previously laid floorboard is pressed against a new floorboard essentially parallel to the surface plane of the previously laid floorboard. Floorboard configured to join the portions of the locking system together by a snap-fit movement. 98. The floorboard according to any one of claims 59 to 98, wherein the undercut groove (35) has a funnel-shaped inwardly tapered outer opening in cross section. A floor board characterized by the following. A floorboard according to claim 99, wherein the upper lip (39) has a chamfer (42) at its outer edge away from the surface plane (HP). The floorboard according to any one of claims 59 to 100, wherein the tongue (38) has a tapered tip (69) when viewed in cross section. 102. The floorboard according to any one of claims 59 to 101, wherein the tongue comprises a split tip having an upper tongue portion (38a) and a lower tongue portion (38b) when viewed in cross section. Characterized floorboard. 103. The floorboard of claim 102, wherein the upper tongue portion (38a) and the lower tongue portion (38b) of the tongue are formed of different materials having different material properties. . The floorboard according to any one of claims 59 to 103, wherein the tongue groove (36) and the tongue (38) are integrally formed with the floorboard (1, 1 '). Characterized floorboard. 105. The floorboard according to any one of claims 59 to 104, wherein the locking surface is at a point closest to the bottom plane (48) of the undercut groove with respect to the surface plane (HP). An angle greater than a tangent to an arc centered at the point where the surface planes (HP) and the joining planes (VP) intersect with the locking surfaces (45, 65) engaging with each other and intersect with each other The floor board characterized by being done. 106. The floorboard according to any one of claims 59 to 105, wherein the upper lip (39) is thicker than the lower lip (40). 107. The floorboard according to any one of claims 59 to 106, wherein the minimum thickness of the upper lip (39) adjacent to the undercut is less than the lower lip (39) adjacent to the support surface (50). 40) The floorboard characterized by being greater than the maximum thickness of 40). 108. The floorboard according to any one of claims 59 to 107, wherein the dimension of the support surface (50, 71) is at most 15% of the thickness (T) of the floorboard. A floor board characterized by that: 109. The floorboard according to any one of claims 59 to 108, wherein the upper lip (39) and the lower lip measured parallel to the joining plane (VP) at an outer end (50) of the support surface. Floorboard characterized in that the dimension of the tongue groove (36) between it and the lip (40) is at least 30% of the thickness (T) of the floorboard. 109. The floorboard according to any one of claims 59 to 109, wherein the depth of the tongue groove (36) measured from the joint plane (VP) is greater than the corresponding dimension of the tongue (38). A floorboard that is at least 2% larger. 1 12. The floorboard of any one of claims 59 to 110, wherein the tongue (38) has different material properties than the upper lip (39) or the lower lip (40). Floorboards. The floorboard according to any one of claims 59 to 111, wherein the upper lip (39) is more rigid than the lower lip (40). The floorboard according to any one of claims 59 to 112, wherein the upper lip (39) and the lower lip (40) are formed of materials having different material properties. Floor board. 114. The floorboard according to any one of claims 59 to 113, wherein the locking system further comprises a second mechanical lock, wherein the second mechanical lock comprises:
A locking groove (14) formed below the joining edge portion (4b) supporting the tongue and extending parallel to the joining plane (VP), and the tongue is provided in the joining edge portion (4a) of the board. A locking strip mounted integrally below the groove (36) and extending along essentially the entire length of said joining edge portion, which is adjacent when mechanically joining two such boards Floor board characterized in that the locking component (6) received in the locking groove (14) of the board (1 ') comprises a locking strip projecting from said strip. 117. Floorboard according to claim 116, characterized in that the locking strip (6) protrudes beyond the joining plane (VP). A floorboard according to any one of claims 59 to 115, characterized in that it is formed on a board having a core (3) made of wood fiber based material. 117. The floorboard of claim 116, wherein the floorboard is formed of a board having a wooden core. 118. The floorboard of any one of claims 59 to 117, wherein the floorboard is quadrilateral and has pairs of parallel sides. 120. The floorboard of claim 118, wherein a mechanical locking system is provided on all four side edge portions thereof. 120. The floorboard of claim 119, wherein the floorboard has a mechanical snap lock system on two width side edges. 112. The floorboard of claim 110, wherein the mechanical locking systems provided on two opposite short sides of the board include the undercut groove (36) for snap-locking to each other and A floorboard comprising the tongue (38). 123. The floorboard according to any one of claims 118 to 121, wherein the joining edge portion (4b) with a pair of parallel joining edge portions of the tongue (38) and / or the tongue groove (36). The joining edge portion (4a) with a different material from the joining edge portion with the tongue and / or the joining edge portion with the tongue groove of another pair of parallel joining edge portions A floor board characterized by being formed with characteristics. A method of joining a floorboard having a core (30) and front (2), rear (34) and parallel joining edges (4a, 4b) on both sides on a base, said joining edges being mechanical. It is formed as part of a locking system, one of said joining edge parts being formed as a tongue groove (36) defined by an upper lip (39) and a lower lip (40), the other being upwardly inserted. Formed as a tongue (38) with the directed part (8) at its free outer end,
The tongue groove has the shape of an undercut groove (36) having an opening, an inner portion (35), and an inner locking surface (45);
Said tongue (38) allows two such floorboards to be arranged such that their front side (2) is arranged in the same surface plane (HP) and their joint edges (4a, 4b) are perpendicular to the surface plane. Are designed to cooperate with the inner locking surface (45) of the tongue groove (36) of the adjacent floorboard when mechanically joined to meet at a joint plane (VP) directed to the floor. A locking surface (65),
The method wherein the new floorboard is joined to the previously laid floorboard by joining the joining edges of these floorboards together,
One edge (4b) of the new board is connected to the other joining edge (4a) of the previously laid floorboard by the tongue (38) of the new board. Move until it is partially inserted into the tongue groove (36),
Next, the new board is tilted upward with respect to the previously laid floor board, and is formed on one of the floor boards, and a locking surface (65) is directed above the tongue at a predetermined distance from the tip thereof. The outer end (69) of the tongue (38) formed in the formed portion (8) is inserted into the tongue groove (36) of the other board, and the upper and lower sides of the tongue groove (36) and the tongue (38). ) Until the upper portions of the joint edges of the floorboard contact each other during contact between
Then, until the support surface (71) formed on the lower side of the tongue (38) engages the corresponding support surface (50) formed on the lower lip (40) of the other board. While continuously inserting the tongue (38) into the tongue groove (36), the new board is tilted down to its final position and the boards are mechanically moved together in both horizontal and vertical directions. Locking. 123. The method of claim 123, wherein during installation, the new board and its tongue (38) are moved toward the tongue groove of the previously laid board. 123. The method according to claim 123, wherein during installation, the new board and its undercut groove (36) are moved toward the tongue (38) of the previously laid board. 126. The method of claim 123, 124, or 125, wherein the upward tilting of the new board is performed while pressing the new board toward the previously laid board. The method characterized by the above. 127. The method according to any one of claims 123 to 126, wherein during the contact between the upper joining edge portion (4a, 4b) of the new board and the previously laid board. Tilting the board downward. 128. The method of any one of claims 123 to 127, wherein the new board is pressed against the previously laid board during the downward tilt. 129. The method of any one of claims 123 to 128, wherein the upward tilt is terminated by snap-fitting the tongue (38) into the tongue groove (36). Method. 130. The method according to claim 129, wherein the snap fit is performed by essentially moving the upper lip (39) and the lower lip (40) of the tongue groove apart. . 130. The method of claim 130, wherein the snap fit is performed by bending the lower lip (40) of the tongue groove slightly downward. 132. The method according to any one of claims 123 to 131, wherein after the installation, the new board is moved along the previously laid board to an adjacent joining edge portion (4a, 4b). Forming a mechanical lock along.

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