RS20060401A - Particularly floor panel - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a panel comprising lateral edges which can be mechanically joined by means of a swiveling movement, a positive connection being obtained at the end of the swiveling movement. The inventive panel is characterized in that the joining surfaces (22, 32) are located at a distance (a) to point (M1) which increases constantly in the distal direction of the bottom lip (14), thus ensuring that the joining surfaces rest against one another only at the end of the swiveling movement.

Description

Panel, especially the western coverings

The invention relates to a panel, especially for floor coverings, with properties according to the characteristic part of the first patent claim, which can be mechanically connected to other panels. Such panels are used in a special way for floor coverings, e.g. parquet or laminate flooring or for covering ceilings and walls.

In all cases, the individual panels can be connected by mechanical fastening into one flat unit, so that the installation of the panels is possible without glue or additional mechanical fastening elements, such as, for example. screws or nails. From this comes the advantage that the panels can be installed without gluing, and therefore can be removed again.

The panel is primarily used as a panel for floor coverings and primarily as a laminate floor covering made of a wooden material. The panels can also be used for other purposes, e.g. as wall and ceiling coverings.

From the state of the art, WO 94/26999 and WO 97/47834, profile geometries with a tongue-and-groove connection for vertical fastening by fitting (locking) are known. In doing so, the profiles are fixed in the horizontal direction by providing a pair of blocking surfaces, which are usually slanted in relation to the upper side of the profile. The surfaces for blocking in the horizontal direction during the connection are joined by the fastening process.

At the same time, the fastening procedure means that the elements for horizontal fastening (locking) of the first side edge of the first panel come into contact with the surfaces for horizontal fastening by fitting the second side edge of another panel. By making contact during the joining process, at least one element of the link bends so that it can be fixed by fitting and then return to its undeformed state. For this reason, it is necessary to overcome mechanical resistance during joining, regardless of whether the panels are attracted to each other or rotated during joining. Such connections are therefore called fitting or locking connections.

In particular, from the document WO 97/47834, one connection of panels of this type is known, but which is realized by the action of force in the connected state. This means that the locking elements in the connected state are at least partially deformed and loaded with a force that maintains the mutual connection.

From the document US 4,426,820, another connection is known, which has a geometry for fixing only by shape (joining by fitting only). Although there is no deformation of the connecting elements during the assembly of the element, even here it cannot be avoided that the elements for the horizontal blocking during assembly rest on each other.

In the end, there is a very accurate fit between the elements, both in the vertical direction by locking the tab in the groove, and with the horizontal connection. This fit is certainly affected by the fact that during the joining of the panels there is an action of forces that can deform the connecting elements for horizontal blocking. As a consequence, a poor fit (joint) occurs.

The subject invention solves the technical problem of how to construct a panel where the accuracy of fitting is improved both in vertical joining and in horizontal joining (blocking).

The above-mentioned technical problem is solved according to the invention with panels of this type with the features given in the characteristic part of the first patent claim. Other suitable embodiments are provided in the dependent claims and will be explained in more detail in the following description.

According to the first patent claim, the panel according to the invention has the following characteristics.

The first side edge and the dear, opposite side edge are provided for all rectangular panels. In fact, the invention basically relates to one pair of side edges, although the profile geometry described below can be performed on both pairs of side edges. The profiles of the first and second side edges are complementary constructions and can be connected to each other by turning in order to achieve horizontal and vertical locking (blocking).

In the following, the first side edge is described first, followed by the second side edge.

The first side edge has the following characteristics:

- the first contact surface, located at the upper end of the first side edge; - groove, which is formed on the first side edge; - the upper outlet, which limits the groove on the upper side; - the lower outlet, which limits the groove on the lower side, whereby the protruding (distal) end of the lower outlet protrudes above the protruding end of the upper outlet; - the first component surface performed on the upper outlet; - the second component surface, performed on the lower outlet in the area of the base of the groove; - the second contact surface, which is formed on the lower outlet in the area of the protruding end.

The first component surface and the second component surface form component surfaces for vertical locking (blockage) on the first side edge. The first abutment surface and the second abutment surface form at the first side edge a surface for forming a horizontal bond.

The other side edge has the following features:

- the third contact surface, formed on the upper part of the dear side edge; - tongue, formed on the dear lateral edge; - the third component surface, formed on the upper page of the tab; - the fourth integral surface, formed on the lower page of the tongue in the area of the protruding end; and - the fourth contact surface, which is moved away from the protruding end of the lower side of the tab.

The third component surface and the fourth component surface form at the other side edge a mating surface for vertical locking. The third component surface and the fourth component surface form on the second side edge a surface for forming a horizontal bond.

In the joined state of the two panels, the following surfaces abut each other in pairs along the complementary side edges: the first and third abutting surfaces, the second and fourth abutting surfaces, the first and third component surfaces, and the dear and fourth component surfaces.

According to the invention, the following features are provided:

- the second and fourth component surfaces in the cross-section have a contour in the form of a section of a circle, where the center of the circle lies in the area of the upper section of the side edge and the circle has a predetermined radius to the center; - the second contact surface and the fourth contact surface have a distance to the center that is greater than the radius; - the distance of the second contact surface and the fourth contact surface to the center in the direction of the protruding end of the lower outlet is greater.

This means that during the joining of two panels along the first side edge and the second side edge, the next panel with the second side edge is brought to the first side edge of the already placed panel under some inclination. Then the first and second panels rest in the area of the upper ends of the side edges and at the same time the front end of the fourth tab bearing surface rests on the lower outlet. During the rotation of the second panel upwards in relation to the first panel, the fourth component surface slides along the second component surface, so that they form a circular section and the panels are placed on top of each other in the area of the center (section) and the rotation is performed around that center. This means that no greater force is required during movement and that the second and fourth component surfaces do not press excessively on each other.

During the described rotation, the second and fourth contact surfaces are moved away from each other, which is ensured by the geometry according to the invention. Due to the fact that the second abutment surface and the fourth abutment surface have a contour whose distance to the pivot center in the direction toward the protruding end of the lower outlet is constantly increasing, there are no surfaces that can abut each other before the pivot is completed. The geometry is selected in such a way that contact between the second and fourth contact surface occurs only after the end of the rotation or due to the manufacturer's tolerances shortly before the end of the rotation.

When describing the geometry of the profile, a distinction was made between horizontal and vertical joints (blockages). This was done in order to explain that the tongue-and-groove connection can be a fitting connection (shape) but also a solid connection (lap connection), i.e. one solid vertical seat can be obtained, thus blocking. In contrast, for a horizontal joint, as intended, only fit-together elements are available, which cannot achieve a solid joint within the manufacturer's tolerances. This combination of a solid connection for vertical blocking and a fitting connection for horizontal blocking is inventive in itself, regardless of the specific shape of the profile.

The panels described above can be made of different materials and combinations of materials. As wood materials for laminate floor coverings, laminate, medium density fiberboard (MDF), high density fiberboard (HDF), chipboard or boards with oriented material (oriented strand boards) come into consideration. The panels can be made of wood in the form of parquet or parquet panels or they can be made of plastic. Multi-layer materials made of polyethylene (PE), insulating coverings, Styrofoam, polyurethane or polystyrene solid foam are particularly suitable for this.

The subject invention is described in more detail below by means of the following exemplary embodiments, with reference to the attached drawing. The blueprint images show:

Figures 1 to 4 first example of execution in cross-section,

Figures 5 to 8, another example of cross-sectional design,

Figures 9 to 11, the third example of execution in cross-section,

Figure 12, the fourth example of execution in cross-section,

Figure 13, the fifth example of execution in cross-section,

Figure 14 is the sixth example of execution in cross-section i

Figure 15 is the seventh example of execution in cross-section.

Figures 1 to 4 show a first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 shows the exact profile geometry of the interlocking panels, Figures 2 and 3 show the side edges separately and Figures 4a to 4c show the pivoting motion for interlocking both side edges.

Figure 1 shows the panels, which have mutually corresponding side edges, which can be mechanically joined. In any case, the invention relates mainly to the individual panel per se, so that in the following description one panel with two different side edges is described by means of the representation of two panels placed side by side in Figure 1, whose side edges are shown separately in Figures 2 and 3.

Panel 2, according to figure 2, has a first side edge 4 and according to figure 3 an opposite second side edge 6.

The first side edge 4 has a first contact surface 8, which is located at the upper end of the first side edge 4.

In addition, one groove 10 is provided, which has an upper outlet 12 which limits the groove 10 from the upper side, and one lower outlet 14, which limits the groove 10 from the lower side. The protruding end of the lower outlet 14 projects over the protruding end of the upper outlet 12.

The first component surface 16 is located on the upper outlet 12 and the second component surface 18 is located on the lower outlet 14 in the area of the base 20 of the groove 10.

The second bearing surface 22 is located on the lower outlet 14 in its protruding part.

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

In addition, a tongue 26 is provided on the second side edge 6, which has a third component surface 28 on the upper side and a fourth component surface 30 on the lower side.

A fourth abutment surface 32 is located on the underside of the tab 26 at a certain distance from its most protruding end.

In Figure 1, which shows the two complementary side edges 4,6 in the folded state, the following pairs of surfaces abut 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 component surface 16 and the third component surface 28, as well as the second component surface 18 and the fourth component surface 30.

According to the invention, the second component surface 18 and the fourth component surface 30 in cross-section have contours in the form of a slice of a circle. The center of the Mileži circle in the area of the upper section of the side edges 4 and 6 and the radius of the circle from the center of Mijen. Observed in three-dimensional space, the second component surface 18 and the fourth component surface 30 have the shape of a part of a cylinder.

Then, the second abutment surface 22 and the fourth abutment surface 32 have a center distance Mi, which is greater than the radius j. In addition, the center distance Miu in the direction of the protruding end of the lower outlet 14 is larger. This is explained by the arrows «/, a and a2, which indicate the distances. The distance /, closest to the base 20 of the groove 10 is shorter than each subsequent distancea, which are again smaller than the farthest external distancesa2. In other words, the distance aa constantly increases starting from the inside towards the outside towards the protruding end of the lower outlet 14.

For the sake of explanation, a dashed auxiliary line H is shown in Figure 1, which indicates a section of a circle, which starts at the innermost point of the abutment surfaces 22, 32 and has a radius of length /. The already described geometry is clarified by the increasing distance between the auxiliary line H and the abutment surfaces 22, 32.

The pivoting motion when joining the two side edges is explained in more detail with Figures 4a to 4c.

Starting from figure 4a, the first panel 2 lies on the base in a horizontal position and another panel 2 is placed on the right side in abutment with the first panel 2. Both upper ends of the side edges 4 and 6 touch and the front part of the component surface 30 rests on the next component surface 18. In this position, the component surfaces 22, 32 are placed away from each other, which can be seen from figure 4a by the corresponding gap. The same applies to component surfaces 16 and 18, as well as surfaces 8 and 24 of the fit.

In Figure 4b, the panels 2 are already partially rotated, towards each other, although the rotation movement is not yet complete. The constituent surfaces 18 and 22 adjoin each other by a longer section compared to Fig. 4a, while the abutment surfaces 22 and 32 are still spaced from each other, although the distance is reduced compared to the distance shown in Fig. 4a. The same applies to component surfaces 16 and 28, as well as to surfaces 8 and 24 of the abutment.

At the position shown in Fig. 4c, the rotation is completed and the described component surfaces and abutment surfaces lie on top of each other.

This results in the formation of a fitting connection between, on the one hand, the groove 10 and the tongue 26 or eventually, with the appropriate dimensions of the elements, a solid connection (joint with a flap). On the other hand, in the area of pairs of surfaces 8, 24 of abutment and assembled surfaces 22, 32 within the production tolerances, a clean connection is obtained by fitting.

The component surfaces, which are important for joining, and the contact surfaces during joining are not exposed to heavy loads and the two panels can be brought into mutual engagement along the side edges without damaging the blocking and joining elements.

As can be seen from Figure 1, the center point of the Mass coincides with the upper end of the side edges 4 and 6. This ensures that during rotation one component surface 18 does not slide on the other component surface 30, as well as their mutual jamming. Thus, the rotation is not hindered by the component surfaces 18 and 30.

In one convenient embodiment of the subject invention, which is shown in Figures 1 to 4, the second abutment surface 22 and the fourth abutment surface 32 have a curvilinear contour in cross-section. This ensures that the lower outlet 14, in the area of its protruding end, is as steep as possible in relation to the surfaces 22 and 32 of the abutment and that it enables a good connection in the horizontal direction.

It is of particular importance that the second abutment surface 22 and the fourth abutment surface 32 in the cross-section have at least a partial contour in the form of a segment of a circle. The center of the circle M2 is then in the direction of the protruding end of the lower outlet 14, so in the pictures on the right, and at a distance b (see picture 1) from the first center Mii on the upper side 36 of panel 2. In this case, the radius r2 of the contour of the contact surfaces 22 and 32 is greater than or equal to the radius of kn. In this way, in any case, it turns out that the distance between the contact surfaces 22 and 32 constantly increases to the right picture.

Under certain conditions, it is even possible to choose a smaller radius r2 of the contours of the contact surfaces 22 and 32 than the radius j. In this way, an even steeper position of the contact surfaces 22 and 32 in the area of the distal (protruding) end of the lower outlet 14 is achieved.

It is also possible to choose an ellipse shape for the cross-section of the surfaces 22 and 32 of the abutment. This causes the upper front end of the lower outlet 14 to have a position with an increasing slope and to improve the operation of the horizontal joint.

Other embodiments arising from the first exemplary embodiment are explained below. Here, in the corresponding figures, the same reference numerals denote the same elements, which are explained with the help of the first embodiment example. Elements that differ from the first example of performance are marked with apostrophes. In the following, only the differences compared to the first embodiment are explained. Therefore, the characteristics and advantages mentioned in connection with the first exemplary embodiment also apply to other embodiments of the invention even when not specifically mentioned.

Figures 5 to 8 show another example of the execution of panel 2 according to the invention. Unlike the first embodiment, the second abutment surface 22" and the fourth abutment surface 32" in cross-section have a rectilinear contour that rises obliquely upward in the portion of the protruding end of the lower outlet 14. This can be seen from Figures 5 to 7.

Despite this difference compared to the first embodiment, it is ensured that the distance of the 22" and 32" abutment surfaces to the center of the M]ka exterior is greater. This is clear from the arrowed distances j, aia2, as well as the auxiliary line H shown in Figure 5.

The rotation shown in Figures 8a to 8c is basically the same as that shown in the first embodiment. Here, too, the 22" and 32" bearing surfaces are brought into contact with each other only at the end of the swing.

As for the rest, the same applies to the execution from pictures 5 to 8 as for the first example of the execution from pictures 1 to 4.

Figures 9 to 11 show the next exemplary embodiment which basically represents a combination of the features of the first two exemplary embodiments. This can be said for the reason that the contact surfaces 22"' and 32"' are composed of one curvilinear, particularly circular section 22"'<a>, i.e. 32"'<a> and one straight section 22"'<b>, i.e. 32"'<b>.

The exemplary embodiment shown in Figures 12a to 12c has identical component surfaces and contact surfaces as the first exemplary embodiment of Figures 1 to 4.

As an addition, an edge<p>reinforcement 34 is attached in the area of the first contact surface 8. This reinforcement 34 is made of an elastic material, especially plastic, e.g. PVC and has the following geometric shape.

The reinforcement 34 ends together with the upper side 36 of the panel 2 and is slightly raised over the first abutment surface 8. During the rotation shown in figures 12a to 12c, the reinforcement 34 is pressed in the direction of the upper side 36 by the increasing force transmitted by the support surface 24. In this way, a sealed joint of the side edges 4 and 6 is formed, whereby due to the elasticity of the reinforcement 34, a pressure force occurs on the contact surfaces 22 and 32. Reinforcement 34 is visible from the outside and can be used for aesthetic effects.

The reinforcement 34 can be attached in the area of the second bearing surface 24, so that during rotation it is pressed by the bearing surface 8.

The embodiment shown in Figures 13a to 13c has identical component surfaces and contact surfaces as the first embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 4.

As an addition, one elastic element 38 is placed in the area of the second contact surface 22, which has a slight discharge in relation to the second contact surface 22. The elastic element 38 is made of some elastic material, especially plastic, e.g. made of PVC and has the following geometry.

The elastic element 38 is recessed into the abutment surface 22 and has a slight protrusion relative to the abutment surface 22. During the rotation shown in Figures 13a to 13c, the elastic element 38 is pushed in the direction of the contact surface 22 by the increasing pressure force transmitted by the contact surface 32. In this way, due to the elasticity of the element 38, a force is created that presses the surfaces 8 and

24 fits.

The elastic element 38 can also be placed in the region of the fourth bearing surface 32, so that during rotation it is pushed by the increasing pressure force of the bearing surface 22.

As can be seen from Figures 1, 4c, 5, 8c, 11c, 12c, 12c and 14c in the joined state between the second component surface 18 and the fourth component surface 30, which are mutually abutting, and between the mutually abutting second abutment surface 22 and the fourth abutment surface 32, a cavity 40 is formed. profile so that the component surface 18 and the abutment surface 22, as well as the component surface 30 and the abutment surface 32 are engaged with each other without overlapping.

In one suitable embodiment, a layer of glue 42 is applied to the working side of the cavity 40, so that when the side edges 4 and 6 are joined, a glued joint is formed, which, along with the blocking and joining elements, additionally opposes the separation of the side edges.

At the same time, any adhesive on the market that is suitable for pre-application can be used as an adhesive.

These can be easy-to-apply adhesives, fully synthetic adhesives, universal adhesives or anaerobic adhesives. Anaerobic adhesive has the advantage that it cures after closing the air supply and that curing takes place when the surfaces abut each other and when the transverse edges are joined.

In a particularly suitable method of execution, a contact adhesive can be used as an adhesive, the effect of which only becomes apparent when the pressure force acts on it. Such a contact adhesive has the advantage that it is activated in the cavity 40, in which it is applied on the working page, only by contact with the corresponding opposite surface and that it otherwise does not interfere during assembly.

In the next suitable embodiment, it can be a two-component reaction adhesive, which reaches its full adhesive power when both components are mixed. It is particularly suitable when one of the components is placed in capsules that are under the influence of external forces, e.g. pressure or shear, destroys and one component comes into contact with another, so that adhesion develops. In this way, the adhesive is activated only when the surfaces come into contact during assembly and produce the necessary pressure or shear force on the capsules. One such reaction adhesive, which has one component packed in capsules, enables on the one hand assembly that is not hindered by adhesive surfaces on the transverse sides, and on the other hand, the adhesive can be applied to the work surface during panel production, without the risk of a decrease in the adhesive ability of the adhesive due to long storage. In any case, other adhesives can be applied to the work pages.

Figure 15 shows another example of a profile according to the invention. The same reference numerals denote the same elements as explained earlier. The difference compared to the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 4 is in the position of the center of M2.

Here too, the second abutment surface 22 and the fourth abutment surface 32 have a cross-sectional contour that is at least partially in the form of a slice of a circle. The center of the M2 circle is in the direction of the distal (protruding) end of the lower outlet 14, that is, in the pictures on the right, at the spacing point of the first center Mi (see picture 15). However, the center is not placed on the upper side 36 of panel 2, but in the body (material) of panel 2. In this way, it is possible to choose the radius r2 of the contour of the contact surface 22 and the contact surface 32 to be smaller than the radius rj. This results in a steeper position of the surfaces 22 and 32 in the area of the protruding end of the lower outlet 14. In the same way, the condition that the distance in the direction towards the protruding part of the lower outlet 14 is increases.

Claims (16)

1. A panel, especially for floor coverings, suitable for mechanical connection with other same panels, which has - a first side edge (4) and a parallel second side edge (6); - one first surface (8) of abutment, performed at the upper end of the first side edge (4); - groove (10), which is made on the first side edge (4); - the upper outlet (12), which limits the groove (10) from the upper floor; - the lower outlet (14) which limits the groove (10) from the lower side, whereby the projecting end of the lower outlet (14) protrudes over the projecting end of the upper outlet (12); - the first component surface (16), which is made on the upper outlet (12); - the second component surface (18), which is made on the lower outlet (14) in the area of the base (20) of the groove (10); - the second contact surface (22) which is made on the lower outlet (14) in the area of the protruding end; - the third surface (24) of abutment, which is performed at the upper end of the second side edge (6); - tab (26), made on the second side edge (6); - the third surface (28) of contact, which is made on the upper side of the tab (26); - the fourth contact surface (30) derived from the lower side of the tab (26); and - the fourth surface (32) of the abutment, which is carried out away from the protruding end on the lower side of the tab (26); - where in the joined state of the two panels along the two complementary side edges (4,6) the following surfaces abut each other in pairs: the first abutment surface (8) and the third abutment surface (24), the second abutment surface (22) and the fourth abutment surface (32), the first component surface (16) and the third component surface (28), as well as the second component surface (18) and the fourth component surface (30), indicated by that the second component surface (18) and the fourth component surface (30) in the cross-section have a contour in the form of a segment of a circle, whereby the center (Mi) of the circle lies in the area of the upper segments of the side edges (4, 6) and that the circle has a radius (n) to the center (Mi); as the second bearing surface (22) and the fourth bearing surface (32) have a distance (a) to the center (Mi) that is greater than the radius (/•/) and as the distance (a) to the center (Mi) increases in the direction towards the protruding end of the lower outlet (14). 2. Panel, according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the center (Mi) coincides with the upper corner of the side edges (4,6). 3. Panel, according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the second surface (22) of abutment and the fourth surface (32) of abutment in the cross-section have a contour that has at least sections in the form of a curved line. 4. The panel according to claim 3, characterized in that the second surface (22) of abutment and the fourth surface (32) of abutment in cross-section have a contour that has at least sections in the form of circular sections. 5. Panel according to claim 4, characterized in that the center (M2) of the circle is in the direction of the protruding end of the lower outlet (14) at a distance (b) from the first center (Mi). 6. Panel according to claim 5, characterized in that the center (M2) of the circle is located in the area of the upper side (36). 7. Panel according to claim 5, characterized in that the center (M2) of the circle is moved away from the upper side (36). 8. Panel, according to one of claims 4 to 7, characterized in that the radius (r2) of the contour of the second surface (22) of abutment and the fourth surface (32) of abutment is greater than or equal to the radius (n). 9. Panel, according to one of the requirements 4 to 7, characterized by the fact that the radius (r2) of the contour of the second surface (22) of abutment and the fourth surface (32) of abutment is smaller than the radius (n). 10. Panel according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the second contact surface (22) and the fourth contact surface (32) in the cross section have at least a section in the form of a straight line. 11. The panel according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the second bearing surface (22) and the fourth bearing surface (32) in cross-section have a rectilinear contour that rises diagonally upwards towards the protruding end of the lower outlet (14). 12. Panel, according to one of the requirements 1 to 11, indicated by that. They stand in the area of the first contact surface (8) or the second contact surface (24) with an attached edge reinforcement (34). 13. Panel according to claim 12, characterized in that the reinforcement (34) ends together with the upper side (36) of the panel (2) and that it has a slight discharge over the first surface (8) of abutment, that is, the second surface (24) of abutment. 14. Panel, according to one of the requirements from 1 to 13, characterized by the fact that in the area of the second surface (22) of contact and/or in the area of the fourth surface (32) of contact, an elastic element (38) is placed, which has a slight discharge in relation to the second or fourth surface (22, 32) of contact. 15. Panel, according to one of the requirements from 1 to 14, characterized by the fact that in the connected state between the mutually adjacent second and fourth component surfaces (18, 30) and the mutually adjacent second and fourth surfaces (22, 32), a cavity (40) is formed. 16. Panel according to claim 15, characterized in that a layer (42) of glue is applied in the cavity (40) on the working side.