JP2007533876A - In particular, a covering member made of a shape-retaining part for a floor, a covering part for use therein, and a method for connecting the covering parts - Google Patents

Abstract

  The present invention relates to a covering member (2) that can be placed on a floor. The covering member is connected to each other along adjacent side edges (5, 6) and has a back surface (13) directed towards the base surface (1) and a visual surface (14) remote therefrom. A parallel shape-retaining coating (4) is included. The covering comprises cooperating coupling elements that are arranged along the side edges. The two side edges have an inner surface (5i, 6i) and an outer surface (5o, so that the first covering portion (4) has a protruding back surface and the second covering portion has an overhanging visual surface. 6o) Take a stepped shape with an edge portion. The coupling element of the first covering part is a groove formed on the protruding back surface (13) and open to the visual surface, and the coupling element of the second covering part (4) is from the overhanging visual surface. Forms a tongue that extends to the lower ground. The invention further relates to a covering for use in such a covering member and to a method for connecting these coverings together.

Description

The present invention relates to a covering member for placement on a base surface, particularly a floor,
Including at least two parallel shape-retaining coverings connected to each other along adjacent side edges and having a back surface directed toward the ground surface and a visual surface away therefrom, the two side edges being A stepped shape with inner and outer edge portions so that one covering portion has a protruding back surface and the second covering portion has an overhanging visual surface;
The covering comprises cooperating coupling elements arranged along the side edges, the coupling elements of the first covering being formed on the protruding back side and at least open to the visual surface The coupling element of the second covering portion forms a tongue extending from the overhanging visual surface to at least the ground surface, each groove and tongue having at least a partially curved profile. The groove cuts in the inner edge portion of the first covering portion, and the tongue protrudes beyond the outer edge portion of the second covering portion.

  Such floor coverings are known, for example, from DE-U-20300306, sold by different suppliers in the form of various improvements, and are known generically as "snap laminates".

  The snap-on laminate described in DE-U-20300306 is composed of elongated strips or planks made of laminate material. This material includes a relatively thick base layer of actual, easily processed board material, such as medium density fiberboard (MDF) or high density fiberboard (HDF), ie, actual plank, Further, a relatively thin upper layer made of a decorative material such as paper on which a wood grain pattern is printed is disposed. This top layer is rendered abrasion resistant by treatment with a suitable synthetic resin. Thus, while the visual side of the laminate has a natural wood appearance, the cost of the laminate is considerably lower because the laminate can be manufactured industrially.

  Snap laminates are primarily intended for installation by people who prefer DIY. It must therefore be possible to perform laying in a simple way with minimal tools. To this end, the known snap laminate planks have a groove on one of the long sides, and the opposite long side has a tongue that functions in cooperation with the groove. The groove is bounded by lips at the top and bottom, and the lip on the bottom side projects farther than the top side. In a similar manner, the tongue protrudes further from the bottom side than from the top side of the plank.

  Two types of tongue-and-groove connections are shown in DE-U-20300306, which conform and transmit forces.

  In the first variant of the laminate, as shown in FIG. 4, the tongues and grooves have complementary profiles that fit together in each case with an adjoining side edge, without gaps. The tongue and groove each have a curved profile herein. As described, the groove cuts into the visual surface of the plank and the tongue protrudes outside the side edge. The undercut and tongue protrusions also have a curved profile. Adjacent planks are connected to each other by inserting the ridges of one plank into the slot of the other plank at an angle and then placing the planks again in one plane. Here, the different curved profiles together define a conformable connection between the planks.

For example, in the second modification shown in FIG. 2 of this prior art publication, that is, an actual snap-type laminate, the lower lip has a thin shape so as to be elastically flexible. The lip has a relatively low upright snap-type edge at its end. In a similar manner, the tongue is provided with a low-projecting snap edge at its lower surface, which snap edge when the two planks are connected at their side edges. Engage behind the snap-on edge. As a result of the characteristic that the lower lip is elastically flexible, the planks are slid against and parallel to their faces, and then the snapped edge of the tongue is over the snapped edge of the lip. The planks can be connected by sliding and pushing with some force until the lower lip bends outward to the full extent behind it. In this way, the planks are fitted together.

  A similar connection system is provided at the edge of the end face of the plank, whereby a plurality of planks can be arranged side by side.

  Known snap laminates have several disadvantages. The elastically flexible thin lower lip protrudes outside the end edges of the planks and is therefore relatively susceptible to damage during transport, thereby making later plank connections more difficult There is a risk of damage. Furthermore, once the snap-on connection is made, it cannot be removed again without great effort and the risk of further damage to the lower lip is very high. Therefore, for example, in the case of moving, once the floor of the snap-type laminate is arranged, it cannot be easily peeled off. The principle of the snap connection also requires that it is always under tension and sizing is very important. As a result, the planks must be arranged in tension and without gaps, so that after connection, the planks cannot be shifted parallel to each other, which is very difficult to shift. In practice, a lubricant must often be applied between the tongue and groove for this purpose, thereby increasing the number and cost of operations. Furthermore, the materials used must be free from swelling or warping under the influence of temperature and humidity.

  Variations of known laminates with conformable connections have the disadvantage that they are difficult to manufacture as a result of the large number of curved surfaces. In addition, the tip of the tongue is relatively thin, thereby being susceptible to damage. The corresponding corners of the tongue are relatively narrow, so that sawdust quickly accumulates there and prevents profile fitting. Finally, because the tongue protrusions and undercuts advance in a curved manner, there is a lack of a clear butting surface, which makes it more difficult to accurately position the planks that touch each other.

  Another disadvantage of the known laminate is that in the connection conforming variant, the profile of the side edges is implemented so that no gaps are formed anywhere. The expansion or contraction of the base layer will quickly deform the entire floor covering, for example as a result of changes in air humidity or temperature. As a result of using printing paper or veneer as the top layer, known laminates also have an inexpensive or low quality appearance, and the wear of this thin top layer makes the base layer immediately visible.

  The object of the present invention is therefore to provide a covering member of the type described above in which these drawbacks do not occur. In accordance with the first aspect of the invention, this is achieved in that the groove undercut and the portion of the ridge projecting beyond the edge each have a profile that is at least partially chamfered. By using an inclined profile rather than a curved profile due to undercuts and ridge protrusions, a more damaging profile is obtained and a clear butt surface is defined.

  With the ridges at an angle, the subsequent covering is simply lowered into the groove from above, then the subsequent covering is rotated backwards until the chamfered profile parts lean against each other. Can be connected to a portion of the covering member already disposed. Here, no great force needs to be applied to deform one of the two parts. Thus, in the fitted position, the coverings can still slide relative to each other parallel to the side edges.

  A simpler and more accurate covering when the inner edge portion of the first covering and the outer edge portion of the second covering run substantially laterally from the visual surface of the associated covering. Positioning is achieved.

  In order to be able to achieve a conformable connection between the coverings, the grooves and ridges preferably each form a profile that complements at least one of the associated edge portions. This prevents gaps in the connection without losing its tensionless properties.

  In order to achieve maximum movement during the placement of the covering, the at least partially curved profile preferably forms an arc.

  According to the second aspect of the present invention, the other edge portion defines a gap at a position where the covering portions are connected to each other. This achieves that the connection does not bulge outward as a result of heat or moisture being able to expand the covering.

  In order to further simplify the positioning of the coverings that are in contact with each other and the realization of the connection thereby, a chamfered surface is preferably defined between the visual surface and at least one side edge of the covering. Is done. As a result, the visual surface also has the appearance of a conventional plank floor.

  When each covering has two parallel stepped side edges, one is performed with the protruding back side having a groove and the other with the overhanging visual surface having a tongue. Implemented and can be connected to an adjacent covering on either side.

  Each covering may further have two mutually parallel end edges that enclose an angle with a side edge and comprise a second coupling element, so that a plurality of coverings They can be arranged side by side. When the two end edges also take a stepped shape, an end edge connection that can be easily combined with the side edge connection is obtained, and the stepped shape is projected by one covering A recess formed on the back surface from which the second coupling element of the one covering portion protrudes, and the second covering portion of the other covering portion has a second surface of the other covering portion. The connecting element is like a protrusion formed under the overhanging visual surface.

  Each covering can be constructed from a relatively thick base layer that forms the back surface and a top layer that is connected to and forms a visual surface, with the coupling elements being formed in the base layer. The cost of the covering member is not visible and can therefore be limited by using a base layer that can be made from a relatively inexpensive material such as, for example, MDF or HDF. Furthermore, the material can be selected for the purpose that the coupling element can be formed with excellent accuracy and dimensional stability.

In order to give the covering member a “gorgeous” appearance, according to a third aspect of the invention, the top layer is formed from a high quality material, in particular a high-grade type of wood such as oak. This effect is further enhanced when the thickness of the top layer is at least 1 mm, preferably at least 2.5 mm, most preferably about 4 mm. A thick upper layer, just like a piece of hard wooden floor,
During its lifetime, it can be periodically sanded and the base material will not be visible.

  The present invention further relates to a covering portion intended for use in the above-described covering member.

  Finally, the invention relates to a method for connecting at least two such coverings to one another in a quick and simple manner, at least one of which is already arranged on the ground surface. The method according to the invention comprises a side edge of the second covering part, substantially parallel to the free side edge of the first covering part, for connection to the first already arranged covering part. A step of moving the second covering portion toward the side edge of the first covering portion at a certain distance above the base surface, and moving the second covering portion to the side thereof. A step of rotating about an axis parallel to the edge of the part, a step of disposing the second covering part into the groove of the first covering part at an angle; And lowering the two covering portions on the base surface by rotating them in the opposite direction. In this way, a strong and reliable connection can be provided with a simple rotational movement, no force needs to be applied to the coating and no need to use additives such as lubricants.

  Since the connection formed is not tensioned, the second covering can be displaced parallel to the side edge with respect to the first covering after the connection. Therefore, the second covering portion can be easily moved to a desired position.

  It is possible to arrange a third covering part alongside the second covering part after the first and second covering parts are connected to each other to form a row of covering parts to be fitted together, The third covering is attached by connecting its side edge to the first covering and connecting its end edge to the second covering. Thus, a relatively large area can be covered very quickly.

The invention is described below on the basis of exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings.
The covering member 2 arranged on the lower ground 1 is composed of several covering portions 4 arranged on the base surface in a continuous row 3 (FIG. 1). Each covering 4 has two parallel, relatively long side edges 5, 6 and two similarly parallel, relatively short end edges 7, 8. The end edges 7, 8 enclose an angle, here a right angle, with the side edges 5, 6.

  The covering parts 4 in adjacent rows 3 of the covering member 2 are connected to each other along their side edges 5, 6, and the covering parts 4 in the same row 3 are connected to each other along their edge edges 7, 8. Connected. Cooperating coupling elements 9, 10 are formed on the side edges 5, 6 for this purpose (FIG. 2) and the end edges 7, 8 are cooperating second coupling elements. 11 and 12 (FIG. 4). These two pairs of coupling elements 9, 10 and 11, 12 each transmit a force between the edges 5, 6 and 7, 8, respectively, so as to form a tension-free connection that conforms to the shape. Be adapted.

  Each covering portion 4 has a back surface 13 directed toward the base surface 1 and a visual surface 14 away from the back surface 13. In the exemplary embodiment shown, each coating has a relatively thick base layer 15 made of a less expensive material such as MDF or HDF, and a top layer 16 made of a higher quality material such as oak. It is implemented as a laminate having. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the thickness of the top layer 16 is about 4 mm, whereas the thickness of the base layer 15 is about 12 mm, so that the total thickness of the covering 4 is about 16mm. The covering 4 could further optionally have an underside (not shown here) made of damping or insulating material on the back side.

  In the exemplary embodiment shown, the side edges 5, 6 of the covering 4 each take a stepped shape, have inner edge portions 5i, 6i, respectively, and have outer edge portions 5o, 6o. Have each. Thus, the back surface 13 projects along one side edge 5 while the visual surface 14 overhangs along the other side edge 6. 2 and 3, the side edges 5, 6 form part of two different coverings 4, each covering 4 being one of these differently implemented side edges 5, 6. It should be recognized here that it has two. The same applies to the end edges 7, 8 described below.

  The (first) coupling elements 9, 10 along the side edges 5, 6 of the covering 4 form a kind of “sheath” connection. In the present specification, the first coupling element 9 takes the shape of a groove formed on the upper surface 17 of the protruding portion of the back surface 13. The second coupling element 10 is formed by a tongue protruding from the lower surface 18 of the overhang portion of the visual surface 14. Both coupling elements 9, 10 are here formed integrally with the covering 4 in the base layer 15. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the groove 9 cuts into the inner edge portion 5i and the tongue 10 projects beyond the outer edge portion 6o. In this aspect, the covering portion 4 is fixed in the lateral direction from the surface in the fitted state.

  Grooves 9 and tongues 10 have corresponding profile shapes with adjacent edge portions 5i, 6o and surfaces 17, 18 to provide a conformable connection. However, the distance between the outer edge portion 5o and the outermost undercut point of the groove 9 is smaller than the distance between the inner edge portion 6i and the outermost point of the tongue 10, so that A space 24 is defined between the edge portions 5o and 6i in a state where the covering portion is fitted. This allows the expansion of the base material 15 to be absorbed, which does not deform the visual surface 14.

  The upper surface 19 of the groove 9 and the lower surface 20 of the tongue 10 functioning in cooperation therewith form a majority of the contact surface and are curved so as to allow the covering parts 4 to be connected to each other by rotational movement. Have a profile. In the exemplary embodiment shown, these two curved surfaces take the shape of an arc. Regarding the movement to be inserted by rotation, the undercut 21 of the groove 9 and the upper surface 22 of the tongue 10 protruding beyond the end edge portion 6 o further take a shape inclined with respect to the surface of the covering portion 4. The corners 23 between the visual surface 14 and the side edges 5, 6 are also chamfered so that the coverings 4 can be easily positioned for connection to each other.

  The second coupling elements 11, 12 along the end edges 7, 8 of the covering 4 form a kind of hook connection. In the present description, the first second coupling element 11 is formed by a groove that is recessed in the upper surface 25 of the protrusion of the back surface 13. The second second coupling element 12 takes the shape of a protrusion at the lower surface 26 of the overhang portion of the visual surface 14. Both of these second coupling elements 11 and 12 are also formed integrally with the covering portion 4 in the base layer 15.

  The recesses 11 and the protrusions 12 have the corresponding profile shape as before, so that again a conforming connection is obtained. In order to simplify the connection of the end edges 7, 8, the recess 11 and the protrusion 12 are further provided with chamfered edges, so that they are self-aligning.

The covering portion 4 is laid for the purpose of arranging the covering portion 4 on the base surface and connecting it along the side edge 6 to the side edge 5 of the covering portion 4 already arranged in the immediately preceding row 3. Is initially held parallel to the already arranged part 4. The covering 4 is then rotated about an axis parallel to the side edges 5, 6, whereby the tongue 10 is oriented obliquely towards the groove 9. The covering 4 is then placed with its chamfered corners 23 near or in contact with the corners 23 of the already arranged part 4 and then rotated again counterclockwise on the same axis. The curved lower surface 20 of the tongue 10 slides over the curved upper surface 19 of the groove 9 until the upper surface 22 of the 10 rests against the surface 21 of the groove 9.

  When the subsequent covering portion 4 has to be arranged in the row 3 where the covering portion 4 has already been arranged, in the manner described above, the subsequent covering portion 4 has the corner 23 of the subsequent covering portion 4 in the immediately preceding row 3. Positioning is first performed in contact with the corner 23 of the covering portion 4. The covering thus positioned is then parallel to the side edges 5, 6 until its end edge 8 reaches the end edge 7 of the covering 4 already arranged in the same row 3. It is shifted. Thereafter, the covering part 4 is rotated downward, the tongue 10 enters the groove 9 in the covering part 4 arranged in the immediately preceding row 3, and the protrusion 12 is already arranged in the same row 3. Enter into the dent 11 of. As a result, the new covering 4 is thus fixed simultaneously in the longitudinal and lateral directions.

  In other embodiments, the covering portion 4 is first connected to the covering portion 4 in the immediately preceding row 3, and then to the end edge 7 of the immediately preceding covering portion 4 in the row 3 at the connected position. It can be shifted. In this case, the new covering 4 can then be rotated again upwards so that the projection 12 can cross the end edge 7, after which the new covering 4 is again rotated in reverse. be able to. These movements are possible because all connections between the side edges 5, 6 and between the end edges 7, 8 are tension free according to the invention.

  Therefore, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a shape-retaining covering member over a large area in a relatively short time with little effort. Furthermore, the covering member can be removed again later in a quick and simple manner. Furthermore, due to the property of being laminated with a relatively thick upper layer of high quality material, the covering member can be manufactured at a relatively low cost, despite its gorgeous appearance.

  Although the present invention is described above with reference to one exemplary embodiment, it is clear that the invention is not limited thereto. Thus, the ridges and grooves to which the side edges are connected could take different shapes, for example, having a partially curved surface or a surface with various radii of curvature. Undercuts and tongue protrusions could also be formed differently. Furthermore, the tongue and groove need not extend over the entire length of the covering. Different variants can also be envisaged for the connection of the end edges. For example, it is possible to envisage several studs and holes rather than a coupling element over the entire width of the covering. Finally, it is also possible to envisage that the covering member is arranged on a surface other than the floor, for example a wall.

  Accordingly, the scope of the invention is defined only by the claims.

FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of a portion of a covering member according to the present invention disposed on the lower ground. It is sectional drawing along line II-II in FIG. 1, and is a figure which shows the connection of the side part edge of two adjacent coating | coated parts in the fitted state. It is sectional drawing of the same direction between connecting two adjacent coating | coated parts. FIG. 4 is a side view according to an arrow IV in FIG. 1, illustrating a connection between end edges of two covering portions located side by side in a fitted state. It is a side view of the same direction while connecting two adjacent coating | coated parts.

Claims (15)

A covering member (2) for placement on the lower ground (1), in particular on the floor,
Retaining at least two parallel shapes connected to each other along adjacent side edges (5, 6) and having a back surface (13) directed towards the base surface (1) and a visual surface (14) remote therefrom Including the cover (4), the two side edges (5, 6) have a back surface (13) from which the first cover (4) protrudes, and the second cover (4) is over Take a stepped shape with inner (5i, 6i) and outer (5o, 6o) edge portions to have a hung visual surface (14);
The covering (4) comprises cooperating coupling elements (9, 10) arranged along the side edges (5, 6), the coupling elements (1) of the first covering (4) ( 9) is a groove formed on the protruding back surface (13) and at least open to the visual surface (14), wherein the coupling element (10) of the second covering (4) is an overhanging visual Forming a tongue extending from the surface (14) to at least the ground surface (1), the groove (9) and the tongue (10) each having an at least partially curved profile, the groove (9) being A notch is made in the inner edge part (5i) of the first covering part (4), the tongue (10) protrudes beyond the outer edge part (6o) of the second covering part (4);
The undercut (21) of the groove (9) and the part (22) of the tongue (10) projecting beyond the edge (6o) each have an at least partially chamfered profile, Covering member (2).   The inner edge portion (5i) of the first covering portion (4) and the outer edge portion (6o) of the second covering portion (4) are substantially separated from the visual surface (14) of the associated covering portion (4). The covering member (2) according to claim 1, characterized in that it runs laterally.   The groove (9) and tongue (10) each form a profile that complements at least one of the associated edge portions (5i, 6o), thereby conforming the shape between the coverings (4) Covering member (2) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that a connection can be realized.   4. Covering member (2) according to any of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the at least partially curved profile preferably forms an arc.   The other edge part (5o, 6i) defines a gap (24) at a position where the covering part (4) is connected to one another, according to any one of claims 2 to 4 or claim 1 The covering member (2) according to the introductory phrase.   Chamfered surface (23) is defined between the visual surface (14) and at least one side edge (5, 6) of the covering (4). The covering member (2) according to any one of 1 to 5.   Each covering (4) has two parallel stepped side edges (5, 6), one of which (5) is implemented with a protruding back surface (13) having a groove (9) The covering member (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the other (6) is carried out with the overhanging visual surface (14) having a tongue (10). ).   Each covering (4) encloses an angle with side edges (5, 6) and comprises two mutually parallel end edges (7, 7) comprising a second coupling element (11, 12). 8. Covering member (2) according to claim 7, characterized in that it has 8). One covering portion (4) has a protruding back surface (13), the other covering portion (4) has an overhanging visual surface (14), and the second coupling of one covering portion (4) A recess formed on the back surface (13) from which the element (11) protrudes, the second coupling element (12) of the other covering (4) formed below the overhanging visual surface (14) 9. Covering member (2) according to claim 8, characterized in that the two end edges (7, 8) also take a step-like shape, as are the projections to be made.   Each covering (4) is constructed from a relatively thick base layer (15) that forms the back surface, and a top layer (16) that is connected to and forms a visual surface (14), and is connected to the coupling element (9, 10, 11, 12) are formed in the base layer (15) and the upper layer (16) is formed from a high-quality material, in particular a high-grade type of wood. Or a covering member (2) according to the introductory phrase of claim 1.   11. Covering member (2) according to claim 10, characterized in that the thickness of the upper layer (16) is at least 1 mm, preferably at least 2.5 mm, most preferably about 4 mm.   Covering part (4) clearly intended for use in a covering member (4) according to any of the preceding claims. Method for connecting at least two coverings (4) according to claim 12, wherein at least one (4) is already arranged on the base surface (1),
a) a second covering part, substantially parallel to the free side edge (5) of the first covering part (4) for connection to the first already arranged covering part (4) Directing the side edge (6) of (4);
b) moving the second covering part (4) toward the side edge (5) of the first covering part (4) at a distance above the lower ground (1);
c) rotating the second covering (4) about an axis parallel to its side edge (6);
d) placing the tongue (10) of the second covering part (4) in the groove (9) of the first covering part (4) at an angle;
e) lowering the second covering (4) onto the ground surface (1) by rotating the second covering (4) in the opposite direction as the connection is formed.   14. The second covering part (4) according to claim 13, characterized in that, after its connection, the second covering part (4) is displaced parallel to the side edge (5, 6) with respect to the first covering part (4). The method described.   After the first and second covering portions (4) are connected to each other, the third covering portion (4) is arranged alongside the second covering portion (4), and the third covering portion (4) It is mounted by connecting its side edge (6) to the first covering (4) and connecting its end edge (8) to the second covering (4). The method according to claim 13 or 14.

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