KR20140041813A - Mechanical locking system for floor panels - Google Patents

Abstract

Floor panels are shown on the short edges, provided with a vertical folding locking system that locks only vertically and a mechanical locking system that prevents displacement along the long edges on the long edges.

Description

Mechanical locking system for floor panels {MECHANICAL LOCKING SYSTEM FOR FLOOR PANELS}

This disclosure relates generally to the field of mechanical locking systems for floor panels and building panels. In addition, floorboards, locking systems, installation methods and manufacturing methods are shown.

The invention is particularly suitable for use in floating floors, which floors are mechanically coupled by a locking system integral to the floor panel, ie factory-mounted, veneer, decorative laminate Or one or more upper layers of decorative plastics material, an intermediate core of wood-fiber based material or plastics material and preferably a lower balancing layer on the rear side of the core. Accordingly, the following description of known techniques, problems of known systems, and the objects and features of the present invention are, by way of non-limiting example, mechanically coupled to one another on these applications, in particular on both long and short edges. It is aimed at laminate flooring formed as rectangular floor panels with long edges and short edges intended to be. Long edge and short edge are mainly used to simplify the description of the present invention. The panels may be square. The invention can be used in any floor panel and can be combined with all known types of locking systems, where the floor panels are mechanical locks connecting the panels in the horizontal and vertical directions on at least two adjacent sides. It should be emphasized that it is intended to be combined using the system. Accordingly, the present invention also includes a paquette having, for example, a powder based floor, solid wooden floors, a core of a material based on wood or wood fibers and a surface such as wood or wood veneer. It may be applicable to floors, printed floors preferably also having a varnished surface, plastic or cork, linoleum, floors having a surface layer of rubber. Floors with hard surfaces such as stones, tiles and similar materials and even floorings with a soft wear layer such as needle felt glued to the board are included. In addition, the present invention can preferably be used for joining building panels, including for example wall panels, sealings, furniture components and similar board material.

Laminate flooring is typically a core of 6-12 mm fiber boards, an upper decorative surface layer of 0.2-0.8 mm thick laminates, and a bottom balancing of 0.1-0.6 mm thick laminates, plastics, paper or similar materials. Layer. The laminate surface may comprise melamine-impregnated paper. The most common core material is a fiber board having a high density and good stability, commonly referred to as HDF (high density fiber board). In addition, sometimes MDF (medium density fiber board) is used as a core.

Traditional laminate floor panels of this type are joined by glued tongues and groove joints.

In addition to these traditional floors, floor panels have been developed that do not require the use of glue and are instead mechanically coupled by so-called mechanical locking systems. Such systems include locking means for locking the panels horizontally and vertically. Mechanical locking means are typically formed by machining the core of the panel. Alternatively, the parts of the locking system can be formed of a separate material, such as aluminum or HDF, which material is integral to the floor panel, ie is bonded to the floor panel in connection with its manufacture.

The main advantages of floating floors with mechanical locking systems are that these floors are easy to install. The floors can also be released and used once again in different locations. However, there is still a need for improving locking strength and reducing material costs.

Definition of some terms

In the following text, the visible surface of the installed floor panel is referred to as the "front side" while the opposite side of the floor panel facing the sub floor is referred to as the "rear side". The edge between the front side and the back side is called "joint edge". "Horizontal plane" means a plane that extends parallel to the outer portion of the surface layer. The upper parts directly next to the two adjacent joint edges of the two floor panels joined together define a "vertical plane" perpendicular to the horizontal plane. "Vertical lock" means a lock parallel to the vertical plane in the direction D1. "Horizontal lock" means a lock parallel to the horizontal plane in the direction D2. "First horizontal lock" means a horizontal lock perpendicular to the joint edges in the direction D2. "Second horizontal locking" means a horizontal locking in the horizontal direction along a joint which prevents the two panels from sliding parallel to each other when the two panels are placed in the same plane.

"Locking systems" means interactive connecting elements that connect floor panels vertically and / or horizontally. By "mechanical locking system" is meant that engagement can occur without glue. In addition, the mechanical locking systems can be engaged by gluing. "Integral" means that the panels are formed in one piece or are factory connected to the panels.

"Up or up" means facing the surface, and "down or down" means facing the rear side. "Inward" means towards the center of the floorboard, and "outward" means in the opposite direction.

"Carving" is obtained by carving a portion of an edge into its final shape by one or several carbing tool configurations comprising several non-rotating, fixed chip-removal surfaces located along the feed direction. A method of forming grooves or protrusions on the edge of the panel.

Several methods can be used to mechanically couple the short edges as well as the short edges in the first horizontal direction and perpendicular to the edges. One of the main methods used is the angle snap method. Long edges are installed by angling. The panel is then displaced in the locked position along the long side. The short edges are locked by horizontal snapping. Vertical connections are generally tongues and grooves. During the horizontal displacement, the strip with the locking element is bent and when the edges are contacted, the strip springs back so that the locking element enters the locking groove to lock the panels horizontally. This snap connection is complicated because the hammer and tapping blocks may need to be used to bend the strip during the snapping action and to overcome the friction between the long edges.

Similar locking systems can also be manufactured by rigid strips, which are connected by an angling-angling method in which both the short edge and the long edge are angled to the locked position.

Very modern and very efficient locking systems introduce a separate flexible or displaceable integral tongue on the short edge, which only allows installation by angling action, which is generally referred to as "vertical folding". Such a system is described in WO 2006/043893 (Valinge Innovation AB).

Several versions are commercially available as shown in FIGS. 1A-1F. 1A and 1B show a flexible tongue 30 with flexible snaps extending from the edges. 1C and 1D show displaceable tongues having internal flexible portions that can be bent horizontally along a cross section or joint of the tongue. Such systems are referred to as vertical snap systems. In addition, the locking system can be locked by a side push action such that the displaceable tongue 30 is pushed from the long side edge into the locking position when adjacent short side edges are folded into the subfloor. 1E shows a folding system with a flexible tongue 30 made of a dress with a core. 1f shows a long edge locking system in a folding system connected by angling.

All these locking systems include a horizontal lock, which is achieved by cooperating the hook element in the form of a strip with a locking element cooperating with the locking groove.

Several versions of the folding systems are described in WO2006 / 104436, WO2007 / 015669, WO2008 / 004960, WO2010 / 087752 (Valinge Innovation AB), the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Configure.

While these systems are very efficient, there is still room for improvement. It is difficult to insert a separate tongue 30 into the strip 6 comprising the locking element 8 during manufacture into the groove 40. The locking groove 14 reduces the strength, and the edges can cause cracks.

The protruding locking strip with the locking element causes waste when the edges are machined, which can be significant in wide tiled floorboards.

This is a major advantage if the strip 6 is more compact and shorter and if the locking element 8 and the locking groove 14 are removed.

One of the main advantages of folding systems is that there is no requirement that the long edges be displaceable. In fact, this is an advantage if the long edges do not slide during angling because the flexible tongue used in some systems during folding presses the short edge apart.

WO 2006/043893 describes a folding system with essentially horizontal protruding strips without locking elements. Such a folding system does not have a horizontal connection, and the short edges can be locked, for example, by glueing or nailing to the subfloor. It would be advantageous if such floorboards could be installed in a floating manner.

Such a floating installation can be achieved by a locking system comprising long edges locked in a first horizontal direction perpendicular to the edge and in a second horizontal direction along the edge, according to the present specification. Long edges that are not displaced after locking will also keep the short edges together to prevent separation.

Separation of the short edges of the floor panels can be prevented by spaces between the long edges, increased friction or protrusions that can offset mutual displacements along the edge and thus prevent the short edges from slipping apart. Known.

For example, in US 2, 430, 200 from Wilson it is known that several protrusions and recesses between the tongue and groove in a mechanical locking system can be used to prevent displacement along the joint. These protrusions and recesses are difficult to manufacture and the panels can only be locked in well defined positions against adjacent long edges, which cannot be displaced against each other in angular position when the upper edges are in contact. .

US 4,426,820 from Terbrack describes an unrealistic locking system with a perfect fit in a panel made of plastic material. A perfect fit can prevent displacement along the joint.

WO1994 / 026999 (Valinge Innovation AB) describes a mechanical locking system that locks vertically and horizontally, in which a rubber strip or any other sealing device is part of a flat projection of a strip or in a groove, as shown mainly in FIG. 1F. And is applied between adjacent panel edges. Rubber strips can be used to increase friction along the joint.

W098 / 22677 (Golvabia) describes tongues and groove joints that are used to increase friction in order to prevent several different types of materials from slipping the edges apart perpendicularly to the edges. Examples of materials inserted or applied to the tongue and groove joints are flock strip shaped bands of rubber, plastic, foamed rubber adhesive coating surfaces, where the friction increasing material such as sand, plastic or rubber particles Is fixed. Roughened or coarsened surfaces may also be used.

WO03 / 025307 and WO03 / 089736 (Valinge Innovation AB) show that displacement along long edges can be offset or prevented by high friction, glue, mechanical means, etc., and the short edges are perfectly with only vertical locking means or without locking means. Explain that it can be formed. WO03 / 012224 (Valinge Innovation AB) discloses horizontally flexible flexible sealing compounds based on acrylic plastics, elastomers of synthetic rubber, polyurethane-based hot melt adhesives, etc. to compensate for moisture migration due to expansion or contraction. Explain that it can be applied between surfaces. Such an elastic material will increase friction and prevent displacement of long edges along the joint.

WO2004 / 083557 from Wernersson discloses floor panels with mechanical locking means, wherein the predetermined surfaces of the edges are provided with splines. There is no disclosure of the geometry of such mechanical locking means, how these splines are formed and where the surfaces are applied.

WO 2006/123988 (Valinge Innovation AB) describes a panel with a slide locking system comprising a plurality of small local protrusions that prevent displacement along the joint edges when the panels are laid flat on the subfloor. The protrusions can be locked against the flexible rubber material in an adjacent panel. The short edges are provided only with a vertical lock comprising tongues made of one piece in the core. The panels can be locked by vertical folding and the slide lock prevents sliding along the joint after folding. The folding system at short edges that lock only vertically and include a separate flexible tongue is not described.

These known techniques for preventing displacement along long edges suffer from several problems. Friction formed by pressure and small hard materials can cause expansion and contraction in panels based on wood fibers to change friction forces, thereby causing the panels to slide over time and the short edges to separate from each other. Because it can't be trusted. Active horizontal locking surfaces, such as the locking surfaces of the locking element and the locking groove, and the friction material applied on the surfaces forming the upper adjacent joint edges can change the locking geometry and prevent easy installation.

A first general purpose of the present invention is to provide a locking system for primarily rectangular floor panels having long edges and short edges installed in parallel rows, wherein the short edges are horizontal. Can be locked together by vertical movement without connection, allowing this horizontal connection to be achieved by the locking system on the long edges which are perpendicular to the edges and comprise a first horizontal lock along the edges and a second horizontal lock do.

The present invention is based, in part, on the discovery that the long edge locking system is more free to design since no displacement of the long edges is required in the foldable locking system.

Costs and functions should be friendly to known techniques. Part of the general purpose is to improve the functions and costs of these parts of the locking system which are locked in a second horizontal direction along the joint when the panels are installed on the subfloor.

More specifically, it is an object of the present invention to provide a second horizontal locking system on the long edges, hereinafter referred to as " slide lock, " one or several of the following advantages are obtained.

The slide lock on the long edges should be activated when the panel comes into contact with the panel already installed and then angles downward to the subfloor.

The slide lock function must be reliable for a long time, and the panels must be lockable and unlockable at any position when two adjacent long edges come into contact with each other.

The slide lock must be strong and prevent the short edges of the two locked panels from separating when the humidity changes or when people walk on the floor.

The slide lock must be lockable without the use of tools with high precision.

The locking system and slide lock should be designed in such a way that materials and manufacturing costs are low and flexible materials can be applied in a secure manner without the concern that these individual materials may be included in the active locking surfaces in an uncontrolled manner.

The present invention is based on the general approach that the locking element and locking groove at the long edges should be used to achieve horizontal locking along the edge as well as perpendicular to the edge.

The above objects of the invention are achieved in whole or in part by locking systems, floor panels and installation and manufacturing methods according to the present specification. Embodiments of the present invention are apparent from the detailed description and the drawings.

A first aspect of the invention is a flooring system comprising a plurality of rectangular floor panels having short edges and long edges. The panels are arranged on the subfloor and are configured to be connected to each other by a mechanical locking system to lock the panels vertically and horizontally. The locking system includes tongues and tongue grooves for mechanically locking adjacent edges perpendicular to the horizontal plane, thereby forming a vertical mechanical connection between the panels. The locking element at the first long edge and the locking groove at the opposing second long edge are first horizontal mechanical to lock the panels together in a direction parallel to the horizontal plane between adjacent long edges and at right angles to the adjacent long edges. To form a connection. The panels are provided with a short edge locking connection that includes a separate tongue that locks the first vertically adjacent short edges, which are inserted into the fixing grooves at the short edge of the panel. The tongue is preferably at least partially flexible and / or displaceable. The short edge lock connection further comprises a locking strip and a locking cavity for locking the adjacent short edges in the second vertical direction. The short edge lock connection is configured to lock adjacent edges only in the vertical directions. The long edges are provided with a second horizontal mechanical connection that locks the panels together along the adjacent long edges in a direction parallel to the horizontal plane and parallel to the adjacent long edges when the panels lay flat on the subfloor. do.

The second horizontal mechanical connection at the long edges may comprise a locking element and a locking groove having two sets of cooperating locking surfaces, wherein the first set is more vertical than the second set VP and the upper joint. Located closer to the edges.

The second sets of locking surfaces can be inclined such that the lower portion of the locking element is larger than the upper portion.

The vertical extension of the second set of locking surfaces may be essentially equal to or greater than the vertical extension of the first set of locking surfaces.

The long edge locking system can include a third set of cooperating locking surfaces located in the outer and lower portions of the strip.

There may be a space between the upper portion of the locking element and the locking groove.

The second horizontal mechanical connection may comprise a flexible material applied to an essentially vertical groove.

The second horizontal mechanical connection may comprise a flexible material that is horizontally compressed in two opposing directions.

The second horizontal mechanical connection may comprise a flexible material, which material is located in an essentially vertical groove complementary to the wedge shaped locking element.

The second horizontal mechanical connection may comprise a friction element located on an upper portion of the locking element that cooperates with the friction groove.

The friction groove may comprise a flexible material.

The second horizontal mechanical connection may comprise friction cavities located on the locking element.

The second horizontal mechanical connection may comprise a compressible material applied to the locking system at surfaces that do not include cooperating active locking surfaces that lock the panels vertically and horizontally.

The short edge locking connection can be locked by a vertical snap action where a separate tongue is displaced in the stationary groove during vertical displacement.

The short edge lock connection can be locked when a separate tongue is displaced in the fixing groove along the short edge.

According to a first preferred embodiment, the locking system at the long edges comprises a locking element and a locking groove having two sets of cooperating locking surfaces. The first set is located closer to the vertical plane and the upper joint edges than the second set. The locking surfaces are preferably inclined such that the lower part of the locking element is larger than the upper part. Preferably, there is a space between the upper portion of the locking element and the locking groove. This space can be used to further impose manufacturing tolerances. Preferably, the vertical extension of the second set of locking surfaces is essentially equal to or greater than the vertical extension of the first set of locking surfaces.

According to a second embodiment of the invention, the long edge locking system comprises a flexible material located in a vertical groove which prevents displacement along the edges. The flexible material is preferably located between the cooperating surfaces of the locking element and the locking groove.

According to a third embodiment of the invention, the long edge locking system comprises at least third sets of locking surfaces cooperating between a locking element and a locking groove located on a strip. The first set and the second set are located in an upper portion of the locking element, where the first set is closer to the upper edges than the second set. The third set is located on the lower and outer part of the strip. This geometry is used to achieve strong indentation between the locking element and the locking groove, and the panels will be tightly held together so that displacement along the long edges and perpendicular to the short edges can be prevented.

The locking system with this indentation will be much stronger than conventional locking systems with hooks at the short edges.

The second mechanical connection may comprise a flexible tongue inserted into a fixing groove formed in the locking groove.

The locking system at the long edges described above can also only be used individually to lock two adjacent edges, preferably one of the long edges horizontally perpendicular to the edges and along the edges. Such a locking system can be used with many different types of locking systems at different pairs of adjacent edges, preferably short edges, and can contribute to significantly increasing the horizontal locking strength at the short edges. This is particularly advantageous for large floors having a length or width, for example greater than 20 m, such large floors being installed in commercial areas where the load on the floor can be significant, for example.

A second aspect of the invention comprises two floors provided with a locking system and tongue grooves for mechanically locking together edges perpendicularly adjacent to a horizontal plane, thereby forming a vertical mechanical connection between the panels. It is a panel. The locking system further comprises a first horizontal mechanical connection between adjacent edges that lock the panels together in a direction parallel to the horizontal plane and at right angles to adjacent edges. The first horizontal mechanical connection comprises a locking element at the first edge and a locking groove at the opposing second edge. The tongue may be a separate tongue, preferably at least partially flexible and / or displaceable, which is inserted into the fixing groove at the edge of the panel. The locking system provides a second horizontal mechanical connection that, when the panels are laid flat on the subfloor, locks the panels together along the first and second edges in a direction parallel to the horizontal plane and parallel to the adjacent edges. It includes more.

The locking element and the locking groove preferably comprise two sets of cooperating locking surfaces, wherein the first set is located closer to the vertical plane VP and the upper joint edges than the second set.

One or more of the two sets of cooperating locking surfaces may comprise a flexible material. The flexible material may be a flexible tongue that is inserted into a fixed groove. The fixing groove may be formed in the locking groove.

The two sets of locking surfaces can be inclined such that the lower portion of the locking element is larger than the upper portion.

The vertical extension of the second set of locking surfaces may be essentially equal to or greater than the vertical extension of the first set of locking surfaces.

The locking system may comprise a third set of cooperating locking surfaces located in the outer and lower portions of the strip.

There may be a space between the upper portion of the locking element and the locking groove.

The second horizontal mechanical connection can comprise a flexible material applied to an essentially vertical groove, the flexible material being preferably compressed horizontally in two opposing directions. The flexible material may be complementary to the wedge shaped locking element.

The second horizontal mechanical connection may comprise a friction element located on an upper portion of the locking element that cooperates with the friction groove.

The friction groove may comprise a flexible material.

The second horizontal mechanical connection may comprise friction cavities located on the locking element.

The second horizontal mechanical connection may comprise a compressible material applied to the locking system at surfaces that do not include cooperating active locking surfaces that lock the panels vertically and horizontally.

The edges can be locked by a vertical snap action where a separate tongue is displaced in the stationary groove during vertical displacement.

The edges can be locked when a separate tongue is displaced in the fixed groove along the short edge.

In the following, the invention will be described in more detail with reference to exemplary embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings.

1A-1F illustrate locking systems in accordance with known techniques.
2A-2D illustrate a short edge locking system in accordance with preferred embodiments of the present invention.
3A-3F illustrate a long edge lock system in accordance with preferred embodiments of the present invention.
4A-4C illustrate a preferred embodiment of a short edge lock system.
5A-5F illustrate exemplary separate tongues that can be used to lock the short edges.
6A-6F illustrate preferred embodiments of the present invention.
7A-7C illustrate a long edge lock system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
8A and 8B illustrate vertical folding by a locking system of the prior art and a locking system according to an embodiment of the invention.
9A-9D illustrate preferred embodiments of the present invention.

For ease of understanding, several locking systems are schematically shown in the figures. It should be emphasized that improved or different functions can be obtained using combinations of the preferred embodiments.

The inventors have experimented with all locking systems commercially used in all known and particularly marketplaces, which are installed with vertical folding in all types of floor panels, in particular laminate and wood floorings, the conclusion of which is to cooperate with the locking grooves. At least all such known locking systems with one or more locking elements provide a slide lock on long edges which prevent displacement along adjacent edges and a fold down locking system on only vertically locking short edges. It can be adjusted to the system having.

However, most preferred embodiments are on short edges comprising a laminate, a paper-based surface based on powder or a surface layer of wood surfaces, a core of HDF or wood, and a separate tongue that preferably locks only vertically. It is based on floorboards with a locking system on the long edge with a strip extending beyond the top edge allowing locking by angling the tongue and groove joint.

All embodiments may be used separately or in combination. Angles, dimensions, rounded portions, spaces between surfaces, etc. are merely examples and may be adjusted within the basic principles of the present invention.

2a to 2d show a first preferred embodiment of a short edge locking system provided with a flexible and displaceable tongue 30 at the first edge 1 inserted into the fixing groove 40, which is fixed. The groove 40 cooperates with the tongue groove 20 in the adjacent second panel 1 ′ and locks the panels in the first vertical direction in accordance with known techniques. The first panel 1 (strip panel) comprises a protruding strip 6 extending outwardly beyond the vertical plane VP. The second panel 1 ′ comprises a locking cavity 7 which cooperates with the locking strip 6 and locks the panels in the second vertical direction. FIG. 2E shows that the panels are only locked vertically and that these panels can be released or connected essentially horizontally in the same plane, which is a locking element on the hook connections and strip in a locking system that prevents this horizontal displacement. Because it does not exist.

Such a locking system can be more cost-effective than conventional folding systems because there is no need for a protruding strip with a locking element. Softer, thinner and cheaper core materials can be used in the locking system used only for vertical locking. Horizontal locking can be obtained by the slide lock system at the long edges.

3A and 3B show a slide lock system according to one preferred embodiment including tongue 10 and tongue groove 9, locking strip 6, locking element 8 and locking groove 14. do. Flexible and compressible material 16, such as synthetic rubber or natural rubber or plastic foam, is applied as a layer to the upper part of the locking groove 14 or to local spots or on the upper part of the locking element 8. . The upper part of the locking element 8 is preferably formed such that the two horizontally opposed edges press against the compressible material 16a, 16b. In a wood floor with a lamella core, the locking system and locking groove can be formed throughout the fiber orientation. The expansion and contraction in the horizontal direction along the wood fibers is extremely small and will not cause any dimensional changes of the fitting tolerances between the locking element 8 and the locking groove 14. The opposite pressure will not have any effect on the locking tolerances, and the expansion and contraction of this part of the locking system will compress even in other wood based materials such as HDF, chipboard or plywood. It will be easily compensated by the flexibility of the possible materials. Preferably, the upper part of the locking element is in the form of a wedge, which cooperates with the complementary groove 14. Preferably, the inner portion of the groove 14 is smaller than the groove opening. Such a design can be used to form a frictional connection without a compressible material.

3C and 3D show a locking system with three or more sets of cooperating locking surfaces between the locking element 8 and the locking groove 14. The first set 11, 12 and the second set 21, 22 are located in the upper part of the locking element, where the first set is closer to the upper edges 4, 5 than the second set. The third sets 23, 24 are preferably located below the first and second sets, preferably on the lower and upper parts of the strip 6. The locking surfaces are essentially flat, but these surfaces can also be curved. The locking surfaces are preferably inclined. Preferably, the angle A1 with respect to the horizontal plane HP of the first set of cooperated surfaces should be slightly smaller than the angle A3 of the third set. This geometry can be used to achieve good fixation and a strong press fit by angling between the locking element 8 and the locking groove 14 and the panels can be tightly fixed to each other, so that Displacements along the edges and perpendicular to the short edges will be prevented. Preferably, all or part of the cooperative sets of surfaces constitute angles A1, A2, A3, which angles are 40 to 80 ° or even more preferably 45 to 75 ° with respect to the horizontal plane.

In wood cores, such as plywood or wood lamella cores, preferably, the fiber orientation is generally perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the edges. The layers in the plywood core can be configured to include such a fiber orientation in which one or more sets of cooperating surfaces can provide very high friction and strong locking along the joint.

Such a locking system with additional preferred flexible friction increasing materials between the locking element and the locking groove with or without these materials can be much stronger than existing locking systems with hooks at the short edges. . A horizontally extending groove 35 may be formed in the wall or locking groove 14 to increase the flexibility of one of the locking surfaces 23 in the third set of locking surfaces. In addition, generally similarly vertical grooves 35a may be formed in the strip 6. Forming can be accomplished by rotating tools or carving tools. If high precision profiling is used where several tools are positioned in the same tool station such that the upper edge 4 and the locking element are formed simultaneously to eliminate the turning of the panels during machining, the locking element and the locking groove Can be formed in a very sophisticated manner. The locking groove and the upper edge 5 can be formed in the same way. In addition, the locking system may be partially or completely formed by carving tools that allow for the formation of more complex geometric shapes with undercuts.

The slide lock systems described above are preferably used with a foldable locking system on the long edges and on the short edges as shown in FIGS. 2A-2D.

3e and 3f are flexible and preferably displaceable elements which are inserted into the fixed groove 40 and comprise a portion, preferably an outer portion, ie contacting adjacent edges and preventing displacement of the edges along the joint. At one of the mold 30 and the edges, the flexible material may be bonded or replaced with them. The flexible tongue 30 is preferably inserted into the fixing groove 40 formed in the locking groove 14. The outer part of the tongue preferably comprises small sharp locking projections which increase the longitudinal friction. The tongue may be secured in the fixed groove 40 by friction and / or glue. One or several tongues 30 may be attached to one edge, preferably the long edge of the floor panel.

3e shows a locking system comprising a strip 10 and a strip on the same edge 2. This geometry saves material when the locking system is formed. Adjacent panel 2 'includes tongue groove 9 having an upper lip 9a and a lower lip 9b cooperating with tongue 10 for vertical locking. The locking groove 14 includes a fixing groove 40 that can be inclined to facilitate easy insertion of the flexible tongue 30 into the fixing groove 40. The outer sliding surface 30a of the flexible tongue 30 slides against the sliding surface 8a on the locking element during angling, with the flexible tongue being displaced inward and outward in the fixing groove. All types of tongues including one or more parts that are flexible can be used. The outer portion of the flexible tongue may be wedge shaped and may be pressed by pretension into the tongue groove 20a in the locked position. The upper part of the tongue groove 20a is in this embodiment inclined upwards and outwards so that the panels can be unlocked by an angling action.

A fixing groove can be formed in the outer part of the strip 6 and it is also possible to replace the flexible tongue 30 with a sharp nail, for example made of plastic or metal, preferably aluminum.

3f shows a locking system with a flexible tongue 30 pressed against the upper part 21 of the locking element 8. Such a locking system can have a flexible tongue that can be displaced only a distance of less than 0.5 mm. Even a distance of 0.1 to 0.2 mm may be sufficient to provide a lock.

All described embodiments can be combined. In addition, a slide lock system can be combined with a conventional one piece tongue 10 and groove 9 system on the short edges. Flexible tongues can be designed to allow some displacement, especially if hammers and tapping blocks are used. In addition, the two panels can be partly or wholly connected by the short edges, and then angled into the locked position at the long edges.

The fixed groove may extend along the entire length or may be a local groove having a length that may be slightly longer than the length of the flexible tongue 30.

Further, the slide lock system can be used independently to lock the panels at a pair of opposing edges and can be combined with any locking system type with another pair of edges, preferably short edges. The slide lock system can be used to improve the overall locking of the panels and to increase the locking strengths with another pair of edges. This may be an advantage, for example, in thin panels or soft core material such as PVC, which is difficult to form large locking elements. It is also suitable for narrow panels with a rather small length of the locking element. For example, material savings can be made in the lamella core wood material, where a separate, stronger and more expensive material is typically used for short edges to form strips and locking elements.

4A-4C show that a separate tongue can be attached to the fold panel 1 ′.

5A-5D show that all known tongues can be used in a short edge locking system. FIG. 5A shows a bow shaped tongue and FIG. 5B shows a bristle tongue. These tongues bend in the longitudinal direction during locking. FIG. 5C shows a wedge tongue that is displaced by the side push action from the long edge and into the tongue groove 20 by both of them along the edge and perpendicular to the edge. FIG. 5D shows only as side push rigid tongues where the protrusions on the tongue overlap the protrusions formed in the tongue groove 20 with displacements along the edge only.

5E shows a flexible tongue 30 that can be used to prevent displacement along the edge. The tongue comprises frictional connections 31 located in the inner part of the fixing groove 40 and a locking projection 32 which can contact the adjacent edge, preferably the outer part of the locking element 8. Tongues as shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B may also be used.

5F shows a locking system that includes a flexible tongue 30 and is in a locked position, whereby one of the edges 2 'is angled to the subfloor. The flexible tongue 30 contacts the outer part of the strip when the locking element 8 and the locking groove 14 overlap each other. This particular geometry prevents separation of the edges during angling.

6a to 6f show that all known folding systems can be constructed in a locking system according to an embodiment of the invention by removing part of the locking element, preferably part of the strip 6. This is less wasteful and will provide cost savings due to stronger joints. It is also possible to form a very thin floorboards, for example a folding system with a thickness of about 4 to 6 mm. FIG. 6D shows a side push system with wedge shaped tongues, and FIG. 6E shows a side push system with tongues including protrusions. Even one piece systems with machined tongues can be used as shown in FIG. 6F. The short strip 6 provides much easier machining of the undercut groove 41. This groove 41 can also be formed by carving.

6D shows that all of the foldable locking systems shown can be adjusted so that the edge 6a can be formed without the protruding strip 6 and the tongue 30 can be locked vertically up and down.

7A and 7B show preferred embodiments. The long side locking system shows the friction element 15, which is located in the upper part of the locking element 8 in this embodiment and cooperates with the friction groove 17. One advantage is that the compressible material 16 does not apply to the active locking surfaces 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b, 3, 4, 11, 12 that lock the panels vertically and horizontally.

7C shows that friction can be improved if the friction cavities 18 are formed on the upper part of the locking element 8 or on the friction element 15. These cavities form expansion spaces for the flexible material 16 to which low requirements can be applied on manufacturing tolerances. The cavities are preferably formed by a screw cutter as described in WO2010 / 087752. Also, the friction cavities 18 ′ can be formed on the outer parts of the locking system, for example the outer part of the strip 6.

8A and 8B show that the known locking systems (as shown in FIG. 8A) can be easily converted to a locking system (as shown in FIG. 8B) in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. It is shown that the locking system can be compatible with the old locking system. The friction cavities 18 are formed in the upper part of the locking element by means of a screw cutter, and the compressible material 16 is preferably inserted essentially into the groove along the entire long edge or in parts thereof, and the short edges The locking element on the top is removed. The flexible tongue may also be inserted into the long edge as described above.

The panels are installed in a second row such that the long edge 2 "of the new panel is angled against the long edge 2 of the first panel installed in the previous row, and its short edge 1 ' It is displaced until it comes in contact with the short edge 1 of the second panel installed in two rows. The new panel is inclined downwards, whereby the flexible tongue 30 causes the short edges 1, 1 'to be inclined. Lock vertically. The long edges comprise a locking system with a frictional connection that prevents displacement of the panels along the long edges 2, 2 ′, 2 ″.

9A shows that several friction elements 15, 15 ′ and friction grooves 17, 17 ′ with compressible material 16, 16 ′ may be provided.

9B shows that the protruding strip 6 at the short edges can be replaced by overlapping the upper edges 33, 34 on a separate tongue 30. Of course, it is possible to use both the overlapping edges and the locking strip 6 cooperating with the locking cavity 7.

9C shows that a flexible and compressible material 16 can be applied on the friction element 15.

Long edge locking along the edge can be achieved by all known methods to prevent tight fit, high friction or displacement along the joint.

On a wooden floor with a lamellar core, which generally has a rough surface, a locking system can be formed with an interference fit and rather large cooperating locking surfaces. Flexible materials are not needed to achieve sufficient friction. Such long side locking systems are extremely difficult to displace, especially when the floorboards are long, for example 1.8 to 2.4 m, and the frictional force is sufficient to achieve a lock that generally holds the short edges over the life of the floor. Only a small number of small flexible tongues 30 may be applied to the long edges to impart the necessary extra locking that may be required in some applications and in very dry conditions when the wood material shrinks. Can be provided.

The locking strength of the slide lock can be significantly increased by a locking strip that bends slightly and causes permanent vertical pressure as shown in FIG. 9D. In general, sufficient friction can be formed even in HDF materials, where slightly smooth surfaces are formed. The strip 6, which bends backward in the locked position, will press the locking element 8 into the locking groove 14 when people walk on the floor or the furniture is applied on the surface. This will increase the locking strength of the second horizontal connection along the long edges. The locking strength can be further increased, for example, if the pressing projection 23 is formed on the lower part of the strip, preferably below the locking element. This pressing protrusion 23 can be applied essentially as a separate material on the entire strip 6 or on separate parts along the edge.

The wedge shaped locking elements 8 that are pressed into the cooperating locking groove 14 as shown in FIG. 9D can form sufficient friction even without compressible friction material. FIG. 9d shows an embodiment comprising a locking element 8 and a locking groove with two sets of cooperating locking surfaces. The first set 11, 12 is located closer to the vertical plane than the second set 21, 22. The locking surfaces are preferably inclined such that the lower part of the locking element is larger than the upper part. The locking surfaces can be planar or curved in nature. Preferably, there is a space S between the upper part of the locking element and the locking groove. This space S can be used to further impose manufacturing tolerances. The angle A1, A2 of the cooperating surfaces, or the tangent line if the surfaces are curved, should preferably be greater than about 45 °. Preferably, the vertical extension of the second set of locking surfaces 21, 22 is essentially equal to or greater than the vertical extension of the first set of locking surfaces 11, 12. The second set should extend downward to a level that is preferably less than the first set.

The flexible grooves 34, 34 ′ may be formed in the locking element 8 and / or behind the locking groove 14 to increase the flexibility of the walls of the locking element 8 or the locking groove 14. . In addition, such a groove can be filled with a flexible material that further increases the flexibility.

A wedge shaped locking element as described above can be used to position the upper edges with a small play, such as a small play of 0.01 to 0.10 mm. This play will allow the upper edges to expand, and breakages or squeaking sound on the upper edges will be eliminated. This locking system is also well suited for use with bevels in glue down floor installations or between upper joint edges.

The foregoing embodiment can, of course, be combined with the friction cavities 18, and the flexible material 16 can be inserted between the locking element and the locking groove.

The locking system may be formed with two or more sets of locking elements and locking grooves to increase friction. In addition, small friction grooves 23 parallel to the joint edge can increase friction.

Glue or wax that is cured after some time is also available and can eliminate the problems with shrinkage and expansion of the preliminary tension locking system. The wax mixed with the aluminum oxide particles applied to the locking system significantly increases the friction.

In the long edge locking system, any known vertical folding system that locks the short edges vertically and horizontally can be used.

Separate tongues are generally connected at the factory to the edge. Separate loss tongues when inserted prior to folding or when two short edges lie flat on the subfloor are not excluded.

The long edge locking system can be formed to be displaceable at an angle of 3 to 5 degrees. This facilitates installation near doors and the like.

The invention has been described above by way of example only, and one skilled in the art would expect that various modifications may be made within the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims (20)

A flooring system comprising a plurality of rectangular floor panels having short edges 1, 1 ′ and long edges 2, 2 ′, 2 ″.
The panels are installed on a subfloor and configured to be connected to each other by a long edge mechanical locking system for locking the panels vertically and horizontally,
The locking system comprises tongues 10, 30 and tongue grooves 9, 20 for mechanically locking adjacent edges perpendicular to the horizontal plane HP and for forming a vertical mechanical connection between the panels. The locking groove 14 at the first long edge 2 and at the opposite second long edge 2 ′ is thereby parallel to the horizontal plane between the adjacent long edges 2, 2 ′. Forming a first horizontal mechanical connection that locks the panels together in one direction and at right angles to the adjacent long edges,
A flooring system comprising a plurality of rectangular floor panels having short edges and long edges,
The panels lock the first vertically adjacent short edges 1, 1 ′, which are inserted into the fixed groove 40 at the short edges 1, 1 ′ of the panel, and are at least partially flexible and / or Or a short edge lock connection comprising a displaceable separate tongue 30 and a locking strip 6 and a locking cavity 7 for locking the second vertically adjacent short edges 1, 1 ′. Provided,
The short edge locking connection is configured to lock adjacent edges only in vertical directions,
The long edges are provided with a second horizontal mechanical connection that locks the panels together along the adjacent long edges in a direction parallel to the horizontal plane and parallel to the adjacent long edges when the panels lay flat on the subfloor. Characterized in that
A flooring system comprising a plurality of rectangular floor panels having short edges and long edges.
The method according to claim 1,
The second horizontal mechanical connection at the long edges comprises a locking element 8 and a locking groove 14 with two sets of cooperating locking surfaces 11, 12, 21, 22,
The first set 11, 12 is characterized in that it is located closer to the vertical plane VP and the upper joint edges than the second set 21, 22,
A flooring system comprising a plurality of rectangular floor panels having short edges and long edges.
3. The method of claim 2,
The second sets of locking surfaces are characterized in that the lower part of the locking element 8 is inclined so as to be larger than the upper part.
A flooring system comprising a plurality of rectangular floor panels having short edges and long edges.
The method according to claim 2 or 3,
The vertical extension of the second set of lock surfaces 21, 22 is essentially equal to or greater than the vertical extension of the first set of lock surfaces 11, 12.
A flooring system comprising a plurality of rectangular floor panels having short edges and long edges.
5. The method according to any one of claims 2 to 4,
Said long edge locking system comprises a third set of cooperating locking surfaces 23, 24 located in the outer and lower parts of the strip 6,
A flooring system comprising a plurality of rectangular floor panels having short edges and long edges.
6. The method according to any one of claims 2 to 5,
Characterized in that there is a space S between the upper part of the locking element 8 and the locking groove 14.
A flooring system comprising a plurality of rectangular floor panels having short edges and long edges.
7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
Said second horizontal mechanical connection comprises a flexible material 16 applied to an essentially vertical groove 14,
A flooring system comprising a plurality of rectangular floor panels having short edges and long edges.
The method of claim 7, wherein
The flexible material 16 is characterized in that it is compressed horizontally in two opposing directions,
A flooring system comprising a plurality of rectangular floor panels having short edges and long edges.
9. The method according to claim 7 or 8,
The flexible material 16 is characterized in that it is located in an essentially vertical groove 14 which is complementary to the wedge shaped locking element 8.
A flooring system comprising a plurality of rectangular floor panels having short edges and long edges.
10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9,
Said second horizontal mechanical connection comprises a friction element 15 which is located on the upper part of the locking element 8 which cooperates with the friction groove 17.
A flooring system comprising a plurality of rectangular floor panels having short edges and long edges.
11. The method of claim 10,
The friction groove is characterized in that it comprises a flexible material (16),
A flooring system comprising a plurality of rectangular floor panels having short edges and long edges.
12. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 11,
Said second horizontal mechanical connection comprises friction cavities 18 located on the locking element 8,
A flooring system comprising a plurality of rectangular floor panels having short edges and long edges.
13. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 12,
The second horizontal mechanical connection cooperates with active locking surfaces 3, 4, 9a, 9b, which lock the panels horizontally in a direction perpendicular to the horizontal plane and parallel to the horizontal plane and at right angles to the adjacent long edges. Characterized in that it comprises a compressible material which is applied to the locking system on surfaces which do not comprise
A flooring system comprising a plurality of rectangular floor panels having short edges and long edges.
14. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 13,
The short edge lock connection is characterized in that it is locked by a vertical snap action where a separate tongue 30 is displaced in the fixed groove 40 during the vertical displacement.
A flooring system comprising a plurality of rectangular floor panels having short edges and long edges.
14. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 13,
The short edge lock connection is characterized in that when the separate tongue 30 is displaced in the fixed groove 40 along the short edge,
A flooring system comprising a plurality of rectangular floor panels having short edges and long edges.
16. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 15,
The second mechanical connection is characterized in that it comprises a flexible tongue 30 inserted in the fixing groove 40 formed in the locking groove 14,
A flooring system comprising a plurality of rectangular floor panels having short edges and long edges.
Floor panel (1) provided with a locking system (10) and tongue groove (9) for mechanically locking the edges perpendicularly adjacent to the horizontal plane, thereby forming a vertical mechanical connection between the panels. 1 '),
The locking system comprises a locking element 8 at a first edge which forms a first horizontal mechanical connection between adjacent edges which lock the panels together in a direction parallel to the horizontal plane and at right angles to the first and second edges. And a locking groove 14 at the opposing second edge,
A floor panel provided with a locking system,
The edges include a second locking device that locks the panels together along the first and second edges in a direction parallel to the horizontal plane and parallel to the first and second edges when the panels lay flat on the subfloor. Horizontal mechanical connection is provided,
The locking element 8 and the locking groove 14 comprise two sets of locking surfaces 11, 12, 21, 22 cooperating,
The first set 11, 12 is characterized in that it is located closer to the vertical plane VP and the upper joint edges than the second set 21, 22,
Floor panel with locking system.
The method of claim 17,
Characterized in that at least one of the two sets of cooperating locking surfaces comprises a flexible material (16, 20),
Floor panel with locking system.
The method according to claim 17 or 18,
The flexible material is characterized in that the flexible tongue 30 is inserted into the fixed groove 40,
Floor panel with locking system.
20. The method according to any one of claims 17 to 19,
The fixing groove 40 is characterized in that formed in the locking groove 14,
Floor panel with locking system.

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