RU2319818C1 - Panel, particularly floor panel - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: construction, particularly floor panels to be mechanically connected with each other by side panel edges rotation.

SUBSTANCE: floor panel has mounting surfaces with cross-sections shaped as circle segments. Connection surfaces of the panels are spaced a distance from circle center M1, wherein the distance increases in distal lower tab direction to provide mutual connection surface fitting at the end of rotary movement.

EFFECT: increased accuracy of panel laying during vertical panel locking and horizontal panel assemblage.

18 cl, 15 dwg

Description

The invention relates to a panel, in particular a floor panel, with the features of the restrictive part of claim 1 of the formula, which is made with the possibility of mechanical connection with other panels. Such panels are typically used to cover a floor, such as parquet or laminate flooring, or for cladding ceilings and walls.

In all cases, individual panels are combined by mechanical bonding into a single surface formation, so that the panels can be laid without glue or additional mechanical fasteners, such as screws or nails. In particular, this gives the advantage that the panels can be laid without applying glue and, thus, removed again.

The panel is preferably used as a floor panel and is made primarily from laminated floor panels of wood material. Panels can also be used for other applications, such as wall or ceiling panels.

The prior art according to WO 94/26999 and WO 97/47834 is known for the geometry of profiles having a groove-comb connection for vertical locking, respectively. In addition, the profiles have horizontal locking, which has a pair of locking surfaces, oriented, as a rule, obliquely to the upper side of the panels. The locking surfaces for horizontal locking during the connection engage with each other by means of a locking protrusion.

In this case, the locking protrusion means that the locking elements for horizontally locking the first side edge of the first panel come into contact with the locking surfaces for horizontally locking the second side edge of the second panel. As a result of contact during the joining process, at least one joint element is bent so that a jump occurs, i.e. reverse bending of an element. Therefore, the connections have to be overcome every time the mechanical resistance, regardless of whether the panels are shifted horizontally or mesh among themselves due to the movement of rotation. The joints are therefore called snap or snap joints.

In particular, it is known from WO 97/47834, furthermore, the implementation of such a connection of panels with a power circuit. This means that the locking elements in the connected state are at least partially bent and exert a pulling force.

From US 4,426,820, a compound having a geometry profile with a geometric closure is known. Here, during the joining of parts, the bending of the connecting elements does not occur, however, it is also impossible to prevent the elements of the horizontal connection during the preparation of the panels adjacent to each other.

Finally, a very precise fit between the elements is required both for vertical locking by means of a groove and a ridge, and for horizontal connection. This fit is deteriorated, however, due to the fact that during the joining of the panels, forces arise which can deform, in particular, the connecting elements of the horizontal joint. The consequence is then a poor fit.

The basis of the present invention therefore lies the task of creating a panel with improved landing accuracy both with vertical locking and with horizontal connection.

According to the invention, the task is solved at the generic panel through the features of the distinctive part of claim 1 of the formula. Other preferred embodiments are provided in the dependent clauses and are explained in more detail in the following description.

The panel according to claim 1 is characterized by the following features.

The first side edge and the opposite second side edge are made, like all rectangular panels. The invention relates, however, mainly to pairs of side edges, however, the profiles described below can be located at both pairs of side edges. The profiles of the first and second side edges are made corresponding to each other and can be interconnected to form a vertical lock and horizontal connection.

The first side edge and the second side edge are described below.

The first side edge has the following features:

- the first abutment surface located at the upper end of the first lateral edge;

- a groove made in the first lateral edge;

- upper tongue, limiting the groove at the top;

a lower tongue defining a groove at the bottom, the distal end of the lower tongue protruding beyond the distal end of the upper tongue;

- the first landing surface located on the upper tongue;

- a second landing surface located on the lower tongue in the area of the bottom of the groove;

- the second thrust surface located on the lower tongue in the area of the distal end.

The first and second seating surfaces form landing surfaces on the first lateral edge for vertical locking. The first and second abutment surfaces form on the first lateral edge of the surface to form a horizontal joint.

The second side edge has the following features:

- the first abutment surface located at the upper end of the second lateral edge;

- a ridge made on the second lateral edge;

- a third landing surface located on the upper side of the ridge;

- the fourth landing surface located on the lower side of the ridge in the area of the distal end;

- the fourth abutment surface located at a distance from the distal end on the lower side of the ridge.

The third and fourth seating surfaces form landing surfaces on the second lateral edge for vertical locking. The third and fourth abutment surfaces form on the second lateral edge of the surface to form a horizontal joint.

In the connected state of two panels along two side edges corresponding to each other, the first and third, second and fourth thrust surfaces, as well as the first and third, second and fourth seating surfaces are adjacent to each other in pairs.

According to the invention, it was found that

- the second and fourth landing surfaces have a section in the shape of a circle segment, with the center of the circle located in the area of the upper sections of the lateral edges, and the circle has a predetermined radius to the center;

- the second and fourth thrust surfaces have a distance to the center that is larger than the radius;

- the distance of the second and fourth thrust surfaces to the center increases in the direction of the distal end of the lower tongue.

Therefore, when connecting two panels along the first and second side edges, the new panel with the second side edge is first brought at an angle to the first side edge of the panel already lying on the floor. Then the first and second panels in the area of the upper corner of the side edges and at the same time the front end of the fourth landing surface of the ridge are adjacent to the lower tongue. During the subsequent downward rotation of the second panel relative to the first panel, the fourth seating surface slides along the second seating surface, since they form a circle segment, the panels are adjacent to each other in the center zone and rotate around this center. This means that during movement there is no need for special efforts and the second and fourth landing surfaces are not too pressed against each other.

During the turning movement described above, the second and fourth thrust surfaces are spaced apart from each other, which provides the geometry according to the invention. Due to the fact that the second and fourth thrust surfaces have a contour, the distance of which to the center of rotation increases in the direction of the distal end of the lower tongue, there are no surfaces that could abut each other until the end of the rotation movement. The geometry is chosen so that only at the end of the turn movement or on the basis of production tolerances the second and fourth thrust surfaces come into contact with each other only shortly before the end of the turn movement.

In describing the profile geometry, a distinction is made between vertical blocking and horizontal connection. This is necessary to clarify that in addition to the geometrical closure of the groove-flange connection, we can also talk about interference fit, therefore, a very strong vertical fit can be created, i.e. blocking. On the contrary, the means of horizontal connection are deliberately only means for connecting with a geometric closure, which, within production tolerances, do not lead, therefore, to an interference fit. This combination of an interference fit for vertical locking of the geometric circuit for horizontal connection has an independent inventive character regardless of the particular profile.

The panels described above may consist of various materials and compositions of materials. Suitable wood materials include laminate, medium density fiberboard (MDF), high density fiberboard (HDF), particle board or oriented fiber board (OSB). The panels may also consist of wood in the form of parquet rivets or parquet panels or in plastic. In particular, it considers the inner layers of polyethylene, insulating mats, styrofoam, rigid polyurethane foam or rigid polystyrene foam.

The present invention is illustrated in more detail by the drawings, which show:

- figure 1-4: section according to the first embodiment;

- figure 5-8: section according to the second preferred embodiment;

- Figs. 9-11: section according to a third preferred embodiment;

- Fig. 12: section according to a fourth preferred embodiment;

- Fig.13: section according to a fifth preferred embodiment;

- Fig. 14: section according to a sixth preferred embodiment;

- Fig. 15: section according to a preferred embodiment.

Figures 1-4 show a first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 shows the exact profile geometry of the interconnected panels, figure 2 and 3 separately show the first and second side edges, and figures 4a-4c show the rotation movement during the connection between the two side edges.

Figure 1 shows two panels provided with corresponding to each other side edges, which can be mechanically interconnected. The invention relates, however, mainly to a separate panel, and below is a description of one panel with two different side edges by means of two panels shown in FIG. 1 next to each other, the side edges of which are shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 separately.

Panel 2 has in FIG. 2 a first side edge 4, and in FIG. 3, an opposite second side edge 6.

The first side edge 4 has a first abutment surface 8 located at the upper end of the first side edge 4.

Also shown is a groove 10 having an upper tongue 12 bounding it at the top and a lower tongue 14 bounding it at the bottom. The distal end of the lower tongue 14 projects beyond the distal end of the upper tongue 12.

The first landing surface 16 is located on the upper tongue 12, and the second landing surface 18 is on the lower tongue 14 in the area of the bottom 20 of the groove.

The second abutment surface 22 is located on the lower tongue 14 in the area of its distal end.

The second side edge 6 has at its upper end a third abutment surface 24.

Further, a ridge 26 is provided on the second lateral edge 6, having a third seating surface 28 on the upper side and a fourth seating surface 30 on the lower side.

The fourth abutment surface 32 is located at a distance from the distal end on the lower side of the ridge 26.

In the illustrated state of FIG. 1, the two lateral edges 4, 6 correspond to each other, the first abutment surface 8 and the third abutment surface 24, the second abutment surface 22 and the fourth abutment surface 32, the first seating surface 16 and the third seating surface 28, as well as the second the seating surface 18 and the fourth seating surface 30 are paired against each other.

According to the invention, the second seating surface 18 and the fourth seating surface 30 are in cross section a contour in the form of a circle segment. The center M _{1 of the} circle is located in the area of the upper sections of the lateral edges 4, 6, and the circle has a radius r ₁ to the center of M ₁ . When viewed three-dimensionally, the second seating surface 18 and the fourth seating surface 30 are therefore in the form of a portion of a cylinder.

Further, the second abutment surface 22 and the fourth abutment surface 32 have a distance a to the center M ₁ , which is greater than the radius r ₁ . The distance a to the center M ₁ increases in the direction of the distal end of the lower tongue 14. This is indicated by arrows a ₁ , a and a ₂ . The distance a ₁ closest to the bottom of the groove is shorter than the distance a, both distances being smaller than the distance a ₂ lying farthest outward. Thus, the distance a continuously increases from the inside out to the direction of the distal end of the lower tongue.

For clarity, figure 1 shows the dashed auxiliary line H, denoting a segment of a circle starting at the furthest lying point inside the thrust surfaces 22, 32 and having a radius of length a ₁ . From the increasing distance between the auxiliary line H and the abutment surfaces 22, 32, the geometry described above becomes clear.

The rotation movement when connecting the two side edges is explained in more detail in figa-4C.

On figa, the first panel 2 lies on the floor in a horizontal position, and the other panel 2 is attached to the right of the first panel 2. Both upper corners of the side edges 4, 6 are in contact with each other, and the front part of the seating surface 30 is adjacent to the seating surface 18. B In this position, the abutment surfaces 22, 32 are located at a distance from each other, as can be seen in FIG. 4a by the corresponding gap. The same applies to the seating surfaces 16, 28 and the thrust surfaces 8, 24.

In Fig. 4b, the panels 2 are already slightly rotated with respect to each other, however, the rotation movement is not yet complete. The seating surfaces 18, 22 are adjacent to each other along a longer portion compared to FIG. 4a, while the abutment surfaces 22, 32 are still located at a distance from each other, although the distance has decreased compared to the position in FIG. 4a. The same applies to the seating surfaces 16, 28 and the thrust surfaces 8, 24.

In the position shown in FIG. 4c, the rotation movement is completed, and the described pairs of seating and thrust surfaces are adjacent to each other.

Thus, on the one hand, a geometrical closure occurs between the groove 10 and the ridge 26, or, if necessary, with the corresponding dimensions of the elements, an interference fit. On the other hand, in the area of pairs of 8, 24 and 22, 32 of the thrust surfaces within the manufacturing tolerances, a clean geometric closure is achieved.

The seating and thrust surfaces that are important for the connection are not subject, therefore, during connection, strong loads, and the two panels can be engaged among themselves along the side edges without damaging the locking and connecting elements.

As shown in FIG. 1, the center M ₁ coincides with the upper angle of the side edges 4, 6. This ensures that, during the rotation movement, the seating surfaces 18, 30 can slide against each other without jamming. The turning movement, therefore, the landing surfaces 18, 30 do not interfere.

In the preferred embodiment of the invention shown in FIGS. 1-4, the second abutment surface 22 and the fourth abutment surface 32 have a curved section in cross section. This ensures that in the area of the distal end of the lower tongue 14, the contour of the thrust surfaces 22, 32 is as steep as possible and provides a good connection in the horizontal direction.

In particular, the second abutment surface 22 and the fourth abutment surface 32 are in cross section, at least in separate sections, a contour in the form of a circle segment. The center M _{2 of the} circle in this case in the direction of the distal end of the lower tongue 14, i.e. in the figures to the right, it is separated by a distance b (Fig. 1) from the first center M ₁ and is located on the upper side 36 of panel 2. The radius r _{2 of the} contour of the thrust surfaces 22, 32 is greater than or equal to radius r ₁ . Due to this, in any case, the distance a between the abutment surfaces 22, 32 continuously increases in the figures to the right.

In certain circumstances even possible to choose the radius r ₂ loop abutment surfaces 22, 32 smaller than the radius r _1. Due to this, a large steepness of the thrust surfaces 22, 32 in the area of the distal end of the lower tongue 14 is achieved.

In the same way, the choice of the elliptical section of the thrust surfaces 22, 32 is possible. This leads to the fact that the upper protruding end of the lower tongue has an increasing slope and enhances the effect of horizontal connection.

Below, based on the first embodiment, other preferred embodiments are explained. Moreover, in the corresponding figures, the same reference numbers indicate the same features, as explained above in the first embodiment. Signs with deviations from the exemplary embodiment are indicated by strokes. Only differences from the first exemplary embodiment are explained below. The features and advantages mentioned in combination with the first exemplary embodiment therefore also apply to other exemplary embodiments without any particular reference to them.

5-8 show a second preferred embodiment of a panel 2 according to the invention. In contrast to the first embodiment, the second abutment surface 22 "and the fourth abutment surface 32" are rectilinear in cross section, and in the direction of the distal end of the lower tongue 14, a contour that rises obliquely upwards. This can be seen in FIGS. 5-7.

Despite the difference from the first embodiment, the distance of the abutment surfaces 22 ", 32" to the center M ₁ increases outward. This is indicated in FIG. 5 by arrows a ₁ , a and a ₂ , as well as an auxiliary line N.

The rotation movement shown in FIGS. 8a-8c is basically the same as in the first embodiment. Also, the abutment surfaces 22 ", 32" abut against each other only at the end of the rotation movement.

Otherwise, FIGS. 5-8 include the same explanations as the first embodiment of FIGS. 1-4.

Figs. 9-11 show another preferred embodiment, which is basically a combination of the features of the first two exemplary embodiments, since the abutment surfaces 22 ″ ″, 32 ″ ″ consist of a curved section 22 ″ ″ _a , 32 ″ ' _a , in particular in the form of a circle segment, and a straight portion 22''' _b , 32 ''' _b .

The embodiment shown in FIGS. 12a-12c has the same seating and thrust surfaces as the first embodiment in FIGS. 1-4.

Additionally, in the area of the first abutment surface 8, a tow 34 is fixed. This tow consists of an elastic material, in particular plastic, for example PVC, and has the following geometry.

The tow 34 is flush with the upper side 36 of the panel 2 and protrudes slightly behind the first abutment surface 8. During the pivoting movement shown in FIGS. 12a-12c, the tow 34 is compressed in the direction of the upper side 36 by an increasing abutment force exerted by the abutment surface 24. As a result This results in a tight connection of the side edges 4, 6, and moreover, due to the elasticity of the bundle 34, a force is created which exerts pressure on the thrust surfaces 22, 32. Harness 34 is visible from the outside and can be used for optical effects.

The harness 34 can also be fixed in the area of the second abutment surface 24, contracting during the rotation movement of the abutment surface 8.

The embodiment shown in FIGS. 13a-13c has the same seating and abutment surfaces as the first embodiment in FIGS. 1-4.

Additionally, in the area of the second abutment surface 22 is an elastic element 38, slightly protruding beyond it. The elastic element 38 consists of an elastic material, in particular plastic, for example PVC, and has the following geometry.

The elastic element 38 is embedded in the abutment surface 22 and protrudes slightly from it. During the rotation movement shown in FIGS. 13a-13c, the elastic member 38 is compressed in the direction of the abutment surface 22 by an increasing abutment force exerted by the abutment surface 32. As a result, due to the resilience of the element 38, a force is applied to the abutment surfaces 8, 24.

The elastic element 38 may also be located in the region of the fourth thrust surface 32, so that it is compressed during the rotation movement due to the increasing thrust force exerted by the thrust surface 22.

As follows from FIGS. 1, 4c, 5, 8c, 11s, 12s, 13s, 14s, a cavity is formed in the connected state between the second 18 and fourth 30 landing surfaces adjacent to each other and the second 22 and fourth 32 contact surfaces adjacent to each other 40. It is only an option, since it is also possible to select the profile geometry so that the seating surface 18 and the abutment surface 22, as well as the seating surface 30 and abutment surface 32 seamlessly transition into each other.

Advantageously, an adhesive layer 42 is placed in the cavity 40 at the factory, so that when the side edges 4, 6 are joined, an adhesive connection occurs which, in addition to the locking and connecting elements, counteracts the divergence of the side edges.

In this case, any common adhesives suitable for preliminary sizing are considered as glue.

The adhesive may be an easily applied adhesive, a fully synthetic adhesive, a universal adhesive or anaerobic adhesive. Anaerobic adhesive gives the advantage that it cures only without access of air, and curing occurs only when the joined surfaces are adjacent to each other, and the transverse edges are interconnected.

An especially preferred manner is the adhesive is a contact adhesive that exhibits its adhesive effect only when compressive forces are applied to it. Such a contact adhesive, therefore, gives the advantage that such a glue placed at the factory in the cavity is activated only as a result of contact with the corresponding mating surface, and otherwise does not interfere with installation.

In another preferred embodiment, the adhesive is a two-component curable adhesive that achieves its adhesive action only when both components are joined together. It is particularly preferable if one of the components is enclosed in capsules, moreover, these capsules break when exposed to, for example, compressive or shearing forces, and thus, one component comes into contact with the other component, as a result of which the adhesive exhibits its adhesive effect. The glue is activated, thereby, only when the surfaces to be joined during contact come into contact with each other and the necessary compressive or shearing forces act on the capsules. Such a curable adhesive, in which one component is encapsulated, provides, on the one hand, an installation that does not interfere with the adhesive surfaces on the transverse edges, and on the other hand, the adhesive can already be applied at the factory in the manufacture of panels without the risk that its effect will deteriorate due to prolonged storage. However, other adhesives may also be applied at the factory.

On Fig shows another example of the implementation of the profile according to the invention. The same reference numbers indicate the same components as those already explained. The difference from that shown in figures 1-4 of the embodiment is the location of the center M ₂ .

Also here, the second abutment surface 22 and the fourth abutment surface 32 have a cross-section in at least some sections of the contour in the form of a circle segment. The center M _{2 of the} circle is located in the direction of the distal end of the lower tongue 14, i.e. in the figures to the right, at a distance b from the first center M ₁ . The center, however, is not located on the upper side 36 of the panel 2, but in the material of the panel 2. Due to this, the radius r _{2 of the} contour of the thrust surfaces 22, 32 can be chosen less than the radius r ₁ . As a result, in the area of the distal end of the lower tongue 14, a greater steepness of the abutment surfaces 22, 32 is achieved. Nevertheless, the condition is true that the distance a in the distal direction of the lower tongue 14 is increasing more and more.

Claims (18)

1. A panel, in particular a floor panel, intended for mechanical connection with other similar panels, comprising a first side edge (4) and a second second side edge (6) opposite to it; a first abutment surface (8) located at the upper end of the first side edge (4); a groove (10) made in the first lateral edge (4); upper tongue (12), limiting groove (10) at the top; a lower tongue (14) defining a groove (10) below, the distal end of the lower tongue (14) protruding beyond the distal end of the upper tongue (12); the first landing surface (16) located on the upper tongue (12); a second seating surface (18) located on the lower tongue (14) in the area of the bottom (20) of the groove; a second abutment surface (22) located on the lower tongue (14) in the area of the distal end; a third abutment surface (24) located at the upper end of the second side edge (6); a ridge (26) made on the second lateral edge (6); a third landing surface (28) located on the upper side of the ridge (26); a fourth seating surface (30) located on the lower side of the ridge (26) in the area of the distal end; the fourth abutment surface (32) located at a distance from the distal end on the lower side of the ridge (26), and in the connected state of the two panels along the two side edges corresponding to each other, the first abutment surface (8) and the third abutment surface (24), the second abutment the surface (22) and the fourth abutment surface (32), the first seating surface (16) and the third seating surface (28), as well as the second seating surface (18) and the fourth seating surface (30) are adjacent to each other in pairs, characterized in that what in the second landing surface (18) and the fourth landing surface (30) have a section in the shape of a circle segment, the center (M ₁ ) of the circle lying in the region of the upper sections of the lateral edges (4, 6), and the circle has a radius (r ₁ ) to the center (M ₁ ); the second abutment surface (22) and the fourth abutment surface (32) have a distance (a) to the center (M ₁ ), which is greater than the radius (r ₁ ); the distance (a) to the center (M ₁ ) increases in the direction of the distal end of the lower tongue (14). 2. Panel according to claim 1, characterized in that the center (M ₁₎ coincides with the upper corner of the lateral edges (4, 6). 3. The panel according to claim 1, characterized in that the second abutment surface (22) and the fourth abutment surface (32) have in section, at least in separate sections, a curved contour. 4. The panel according to claim 3, characterized in that the second abutment surface (22) and the fourth abutment surface (32) have in section, at least in separate sections, a contour in the form of a circle segment. 5. The panel according to claim 4, characterized in that the center (M ₂ ) of the circle in the direction of the distal end of the lower tongue (14) is located at a distance (b) from the first center (M ₁ ). 6. The panel according to claim 5, characterized in that the center (M ₂ ) of the circle is located in the area of the upper side (36). 7. The panel according to claim 5, characterized in that the center (M ₂ ) of the circle is located at a distance from the upper side (36). 8. The panel according to claim 4, characterized in that the radius (r ₂ ) of the contour of the second abutment surface (22) and the fourth abutment surface (32) is greater than or equal to the radius (r ₁ ). 9. The panel according to claim 4, characterized in that the radius (r ₂ ) of the contour of the second abutment surface (22) and the fourth abutment surface (32) is smaller than the radius (r ₁ ). 10. The panel according to claim 1, characterized in that the second abutment surface (22) and the fourth abutment surface (32) have a rectilinear contour in at least separate sections in sections. 11. The panel according to claim 1, characterized in that the second abutment surface (22) and the fourth abutment surface (32) are rectilinear in cross section, and in the direction of the distal end of the lower tongue (14), the contour rises obliquely upward. 12. The panel according to claim 1, characterized in that in the area of the first abutment surface (8) or the third abutment surface (24), a tourniquet (34) is fixed. 13. The panel according to claim 12, characterized in that the tow (34) is flush with the upper side (36) of the panel and slightly protrudes from the first abutment surface (8) or the second abutment surface (24). 14. The panel according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that in the area of the second abutment surface (22) and / or in the area of the fourth abutment surface (32) is an elastic element (38), slightly protruding beyond the second or fourth abutment surface (22, 32). 15. The panel according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that in the connected state between the second and fourth seating surfaces (18, 30) adjacent to each other and the second and fourth thrust surfaces (22, 32) adjacent to each other, is made cavity (40). 16. The panel according to 14, characterized in that in the connected state between the second and fourth seating surfaces (18, 30) adjacent to each other and the second and fourth abutment surfaces (22, 32) adjacent to each other, a cavity (40) is made . 17. The panel according to Claim 15, characterized in that a factory-made glue layer (42) is placed in the cavity (40). 18. The panel according to clause 16, characterized in that in the factory version a layer (42) of adhesive is placed in the cavity (40).

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