WO2006066639A1 - System comprising mechanically lockable panels, especially floor panels - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a system comprising a first panel (2) provided with a groove (12) and a second panel (4) provided with a tongue (16), the groove comprising a locking groove (18) in the lower part thereof, and the tongue comprising a locking projection (20). Abutment surfaces (22, 24) are arranged on the distal end of the upper lip (8) of the groove and above the tongue, the width of the groove corresponding to the thickness of the tongue, and the locking groove and the locking projection comprising adapted locking surfaces (26, 28). In order to maintain the fitting precision and to avoid unwanted cracking in the join in the event of the application of a load, the upper and lower surfaces (30, 34, 36) of the groove and the upper and lower surfaces (32, 38, 40) of the tongue are adjacent and thus enable the panels to be vertically locked, the abutment surfaces and the locking surfaces enable the panels to be horizontally locked, and there is mechanical play (S) in the horizontal direction.

Description

SYSTEM WITH MECHANICAL LOCKABLE PANELS, ESPECIALLY FLOOR PANELS

The invention relates to a system of panels, in particular floor panels, with the features of the preamble of claim 1. Such panels are typically used for a floor covering, such as parquet or laminate flooring, or for ceiling and wall coverings.

The individual panels can be combined by a mechanical connection to a flat whole, so that laying the panels without adhesives or additional mechanical fasteners, eg. B. Screws or nails is possible. In particular, this results in the advantage that the panels can be laid without gluing and thus can be removed again.

The panels are preferably used as a floor panel and consist for example of

Laminate floor panels or lacquered floor panels. These are in turn preferably made of a wood material. Suitable wood-based materials include other medium-density fiberboard (MDF), high-density fiberboard (HDF), chipboard or Oriented Strand Boards (OSB). The panels may also be made of wood in the form of parquet strips or panels or of a plastic. The panels can also be used for other uses, such as wall or ceiling panels.

BESTATIGUNGSKOPIE WO 94/26999 and WO 97/47834 describe profile geometries which each have a tongue and groove connection for vertical locking. In addition, the profiles have a hori zontal locking, in which a pair of generally obliquely to the top of the panels aligned Verriegelungsf is provided surfaces. The locking surfaces for the horizontal locking come into engagement with each other during the connection by a latching operation.

Detent process means that the locking elements for the horizontal locking of the first side edge of a first panel s laugh with the Verriegelungsf the hori zontal locking of the second side edge of a second panel come into contact. As a result of the contact, at least one element of the connection is bent during the process of connection, so that it comes to latching, that is to say the element is bent back. Therefore, a mechanical resistance is in each case to be overcome in the joints, irrespective of whether the panels are pushed horizontally toward one another or whether they are brought into engagement with one another by a pivoting movement. The connections are therefore also called detent or snap connections.

In particular, from WO 97/47834 is also known to form such a connection of panels frictionally. This means that the locking elements are at least partially bent in the connected state and exert a contractive force.

Ultimately, a very accurate vertical fit between the elements is important. However, this fit is impaired by the fact that during assembly of the

RO / nk 041254G Panels are built forces that can deform in particular the fasteners of the horizontal connection. A bad fit in the vertical direction is then the result.

Another problem with the previously discussed panels is the development of a noise, a creaking that occurs when the panels are joined in the region of the abutting edges. Reason for the creaking is a strong friction between the upper side edge portions, which is caused by the close fit of the locking elements to each other. The creaking occurs in particular increasingly when the locking elements are connected to each other under bias. Because under this condition, the upper contact surfaces are particularly strongly pressed against each other.

The present invention is therefore based on the technical problem of providing a panel in which on the one hand the accuracy of fit remains sufficiently maintained and on the other hand, the disturbing creaking in the connecting elements is avoided under load. Another technical problem is to produce the panels with the lowest possible material consumption.

The above-indicated technical problem is solved by a system of panels with the features of claim 1 according to the invention.

The system includes at least a first panel having at least one side edge having a groove formed by an upper lip and a lower ^'lip, and at least one second panel having at least one side edge with a spring

RO / nk 041254G on . In the lower lip, a locking groove is arranged and on the underside of the spring, a locking projection is arranged. At the distal end of the upper lip, a contact surface is arranged and above the spring, a contact surface is arranged.

The groove has a substantially equal width on both sides of the locking groove and the spring has a substantially equal thickness on both sides of the locking projection, the width of the groove and the thickness of the spring coincide.

Furthermore, the locking groove has a locking surface arranged towards the distal end of the groove, and the locking projection has a locking surface arranged facing away from the distal end of the tongue.

The invention is now characterized in that in the connected state, both the upper surfaces of the groove and the upper surfaces of the spring and arranged on both sides of the locking groove lower surfaces of the groove and arranged on both sides of the locking projection lower surfaces of the spring abut each other and thus cause the vertical locking. In the connected state, the contact surfaces and the locking surfaces cause a horizontal lock, wherein in the horizontal direction, a mechanical clearance is provided, which corresponds to the sum of the horizontal distance between the contact surfaces and the horizontal distance between the locking surfaces.

The invention has thus been recognized that in the embodiment of the profile geometry described in claim 1

RO / nk 041254G by the concerns of the tongue and groove surfaces creates a stable connection, although a game is present in the connection.

The play ensures that the connection between the locking elements is not under a bias by which the two panels are biased towards each other. In particular, it is prevented by the play that a strong friction between the abutting upper abutment surfaces arises under a load of the region of the abutting edge of two panels. The loose in the size of the game connection can thus effectively avoid the occurrence of a creak.

Nevertheless, the play and thus the loose connection between the horizontal locking elements does not lead to an instability of the connection, in particular in the vertical direction, since the groove and the spring have a constant width or thickness. A slight horizontal displacement of the two panels perpendicular to the side edges does not lead to a relaxation of the vertical fit. Therefore, the important vertical alignment of the panels to each other can be maintained.

The game is preferably kept small and is in the range of 0, 01 mm to 0, 10 mm, in particular from 0, 01 mm to 0, 05 mm and in particular from 0, 02 mm to 0, 05 mm. Therefore, the game has just been chosen so large that on the one hand the function of the connection between each two panels is guaranteed without the occurrence of a creak and so on the other hand no too large gap formation, so a formation of visible columns occurs. Under visible columns is

RO / nk 041254G depending on the technical definition, a gap size less than 0, 2 mm or less than 0, 1 mm understood.

The gap formation at the abutting edge between the two panels due to the small, but still existing game can be taken into account in the panels in question. For even the previously known panels, even the panels with bias show after some time a visible gap formation, which form in particular on the short side edges of the panels because of successive expansion and shrinkage processes. A small, barely visible game can therefore be accepted from the outset in order to prevent the creaking. Because a user will hear the creak rather than that it will disturb a small gap.

A resulting further advantage arises in the case of a floor laid from the previously described panels with a shrinkage and expansion process occurring as a result of a seasonal change. Especially when shrinking process strong tensile forces, which act in particular on the short interconnected side edges. In a series of several interconnected panels, then, not only does a visible gap appear on a weaker side edge, that is to say in a size that is conspicuous to a viewer. For the relief of at least part of the tension is distributed evenly over all side edges by the game contained in each connection leads to uniform opening behavior along the row. Thus, all side edges of the series are relieved and only with a tensile stress occurring beyond it can lead to an enlarged opening of the side edges or only individual side edges. In other words, within a

RO / nk 041254G Row of panels invisible columns in the sum of the game sizes of all side edge joints arise that cause a partial relief of the tensile stresses. Larger visible gaps can only occur when rising tensile stresses occur.

This solves a problem that arises precisely in the case of backlash-installed panels, in which the tensile stresses that occur do not predictably become noticeable on individual side edges due to visible gaps.

In the subsequent annual expansion effect, the resulting gaps can then close again, since the game allows a correspondingly large mobility of the panels to one another. Irreversible errors, which occur in the case of excessively large, uncontrolled gaps in inherently play-free connections, do not occur to a great extent. The floor closes again.

The horizontal abutment surface arranged near the front end of the lower lip of the groove and the corresponding abutment surface on the spring bring about a further advantage of the connection between in each case two panels. The contact point between the tongue and groove at this point is located very close below the abutting edge between the two panels. Thus, when a load occurs in the vicinity of the abutting edge on the spring-carrying panel, the force introduced into the joint is mainly absorbed by the front portion of the lower lip. This area is usually on the ground, so that by the lower lip is a suitable abutment for the caused by the force relative movement between the spring and the groove is given. One

RO / nk 041254G Offset of the two adjacent side edges is thus minimized.

On the other hand, it may be that the force exerted on the spring panel is so strong that it has to dodge by a predetermined path down. Also for this situation, the contact surface at the front end of the lower lip is advantageous. Because of the vertical movement above all, a force acts on a location remote from the base of the groove on the lower lip, so that because of the lever arm, the force to be applied is less than if the same movement would act on the groove bottom closer position on the lower lip. As a result, and also because of the overall larger area, the force and thus also the plastic deformations on the lower lip and on the spring are reduced. The lasting stability of the connection between the two panels is therefore improved.

Thus, if the panel having the groove emerges from the plane due to unevenness or soiling of the ground, a load on the panel comprising the spring will introduce less stress into the joint than is the case with known joints would . This is achieved in that the path in the plane, which is covered due to the load requires a smaller deformation in the groove base, since the entire Hebelarmlänge is used by the groove bottom to the outer bearing surface and not only the lever arm from the groove bottom to the inner, possibly single Bearing surface.

The particular configuration of the connecting elements furthermore ensures that the forces occurring during the use of the panels can be absorbed better within the connection. It also means that cracks,

RO / nk 041254G which possibly arose during the addition with deflection of the lower lip, do not expand further and lead to an inaccurate fit of the connection. Thus, a generation of a vertical offset at the abutting edge of the two panels is effectively prevented.

In addition, the profile geometry described causes the connection to move more easily as a hinge when forces are exerted by a load at unevenness of the ground. The hinge movement prevents then because of the greater compared to a compound with bias margins excessive force into the compound. Thus, too strong bending of the lower lip is prevented again, which would lead to a weakening of the compound in too frequent occurrence.

Of course, the play within the connection can lead to a gap formation at the upper impact edge. As a result, in principle moisture can penetrate into the associated opening in the surface. This problem can be addressed either by providing an elastic layer within the joint or by hydrophobing the side edge.

The side edge may thus wholly or partly with .One elastic layer be provided, leading to ^'a sealing of the surface. For this purpose, a largely BONDED adhesive, in particular thermoplastic adhesive, a different plastic can be used for example, which is applied to one of the two upper ^"contact surfaces. Instead of an adhesive may be used. The elastic layer does not serve a bonding a part of the connecting elements, but a formation of an elastic intermediate element between the

EO / nk 041254G Connecting elements, which further allows a relative movement between the panels. Thus, the occurrence of the disturbing creaking is further prevented, but at the same time sealed the connection. A slight adhesion of the elastic adhesive layer may well be desired, but this does not lead to a complete bonding of the side edges together.

The side edge may also be at least partially hydrophobic. The hydrophobing may have been applied in its entirety to the carrier plate during its production. Alternatively, the side edge profile after milling or the laid floor after the mechanical interlock can be treated with a hydrophobing agent. The hydrophobizing agents used are primarily wax emulsions. But there are other means used as long as they lead to a water-repellent property of the panel or at least the side edges.

In a further embodiment of the present invention, the spring is opposite the contact surface at the upper side edge less than 6 mm, in particular less than 5 mm, preferably less than 4, 5 mm before. The short brevity is possible in particular by the described spaced contact surfaces along the lower surfaces of the spring and the groove. Because the front portion outside the locking projection on the underside of the spring need not be very extensive, since a further surface is provided on the other side of the locking projection.

Even if the shortening of the spring compared to the profile designs known from the prior art only low,

RO / nk 041254G This is a very noticeable saving. For the size of the original plate, from which a panel is made by cutting and by a subsequent side edge machining can be narrower at the same size of the resulting panel at the corresponding side edge. Considering further small panels of small dimensions, a saving in width of a few millimeters can mean a remarkable saving in the amount of plate material originally required.

This saving of material remains in particular even if the lower lip is shorter than the upper lip. Because even in this case, the surface of the originally required plate is not enlarged because nothing has to be removed from the upper side edge.

Previously, the invention has been described with reference to two panels each having a tongue or spring side. As is well known, the panels may be provided with a groove or spring at pairwise opposite side edges. Thus, a lock on all side edges with other panels is possible.

The profile of a side edge described above is preferably used on the short transverse edge of panels, while an insert profile is used on the longitudinal edge. This is preferred because when installing such a panel on the one hand only the longitudinal edge and then bent by horizontal displacement, the transverse edge can be locked. On the other hand, the transverse edge profiles can only be inserted into one another and then the already laid panel and the new panel to be laid raised and bent together. Above all, the latter approach has

RO / nk 041254G then an advantage if the last panel of a row to be moved, because here is a horizontal displacement due to the wall only limited possible. But at least can be dispensed with the procedure described on a Schlageisen.

Finally, it should be mentioned that an edge bevel can be provided at the upper corner of the side edge of both panels. This is preferably designed as a V-groove.

In the following the invention is based on a

Embodiment with reference to the accompanying drawings explained in more detail. In the drawing show

Fig. l the embodiment in a position in which abut the abutment surfaces of the upper side edges, and

Fig. 2 shows the embodiment in a position in which the two locking surfaces abut each other.

In Figs. 1 and 2, an embodiment of a system of floor panels using a panel 2 shown on the left and a panel 4 shown on the right is shown. Both panels 2 and 4 are shown only in the cutout, so that the interesting details of the side edges can be clearly shown.

The first panel 2 has the illustrated side edge 6 which is provided with a groove 12 formed by an upper lip 8 and a lower lip 10. The second panel 4 has a side edge 14 which is provided with a spring 16.

RO / nk 041254G Furthermore, a locking groove 18 is disposed in the lower lip 10 and on the underside of the spring 16, a locking projection 20 is formed.

At the distal end of the upper lip 8, a contact surface 22 and above the spring, a contact surface 24 is formed.

The groove 12 has a substantially equal width on both sides of the locking groove 18, wherein the spring 16 on both sides of the locking projection 20 has a substantially equal thickness. In addition, the width of the groove 12 and the thickness of the spring 16 coincide. In other words, the groove and the spring are in the connected state according to Figures 1 and 2 in sections to each other, as will be explained in more detail below.

The locking groove 18 has a locking surface 26 arranged towards the distal end of the groove 12, and likewise the locking projection 20 has a locking surface 28 arranged away from the distal end of the spring 16.

In the connected state, both upper surface 30 of groove 12 and upper surface 32 of spring 16 and lower surfaces 34 and 36 of groove 18 disposed on either side of locking groove 18 and lower surfaces 38 disposed on either side of locking projection 20 are located and 40 of the spring 16 to each other. Thus, the surface pairs 30, 32 and 34, 38 and 36, 40 cause the vertical locking of the two side edges 6 and 14th

In the connected state continue to cause the contact surfaces 22 and 24 and the locking surfaces 26 and 28 a horizontal

RO / nk 041254G Lock. The surfaces mentioned can abut one another in pairs and thereby essentially define the horizontal relative position of the panels relative to one another. The horizontal position can vary within narrow limits by providing a mechanical clearance (S). The clearance (S) corresponds to the sum of the horizontal distance between the contact surfaces 22 and 24 and the horizontal distance between the locking surfaces 26 and 28.

Thus, two relative end positions of the panels to each other are possible, which in Figs. 1 and 2 are shown. Fig. Fig. 1 shows the position in which the abutment surfaces 22 and 24 abut each other and a gap of the size S between the locking surfaces 26 and 28 is present. Fig. 2 shows the opposite position in which the locking surfaces 26 and 28 abut each other and a gap of the size S between the contact surfaces 22 and 24 is present. Of course, from the two panels 2 and 4, any possible intermediate position between the two illustrated end positions can be assumed. From the dimensions of the locking elements thus results in a horizontal game within the compound.

Preferably, the size of the game (S) in the range of 0, 01 mm to 0, 05 mm, in particular from 0, 02 mm. Thus, the size of the game is chosen so that in the manufacture of the panels in each case it can be ensured that the game exists and a creaking can be prevented.

Another aspect of the present invention is that the spring 16 with respect to the contact surface 24 projects less than 6 mm, in particular less than 5 mm, preferably less than 4.5 mm. Furthermore, the lower lip 10 is shorter than

RO / nk 041254G the upper lip 12 is formed. Both measures cause only a small part of an originally required plate to be cut away or milled away. This part is then as wide as the spring 16 in the finished panel 2 or. 4 protrudes.

Thus, if the length of the spring can be shortened by a special embodiment of the profile geometry, the waste of the plate material is reduced.

RO / nk 041254G

Claims

 P A T E N T A N S P R U C H S System of panels (2, 4), in particular of floor panels, having at least one first panel (2) with at least one side edge (6) having a groove (12) formed by an upper lip (8) and a lower lip (10) comprising at least one second panel (4) having at least one side edge (14) having a spring (16) with a locking groove (18) disposed in the lower lip (10) and one at the bottom of the spring (16) arranged locking projection (20), with a at the distal end of the upper lip (8) arranged abutment surface (22) and with a above the spring arranged abutment surface (24), wherein the groove (12) on both sides of the locking groove (18) has a substantially equal width, wherein the spring (16) on both sides of Locking projection (20) has a substantially equal thickness and wherein the width of the groove (12) and the thickness of the spring (16) coincide, wherein the locking groove (18) has a locking surface (26) arranged towards the distal end of the groove (12). and wherein the locking projection (20) has a locking surface (28) facing away from the distal end of the spring (16), characterized in that in the connected state both the upper surface (30) of the groove (12) and the upper surface (32 ) of the spring (16) as well as on both sides of the locking groove (18) arranged lower surfaces (34, 36) of the groove (12) and the RO / nk 041254WO arranged on both sides of the locking projection (20) lower surfaces (38,40) of the spring (16) abut each other and thus cause the vertical locking, that in the connected state, the contact surfaces (22, 24) and the locking surfaces (26, 28) a horizontal Lock effect and that in the horizontal direction, a mechanical clearance (S) is provided, which is the sum of the horizontal distance between the contact surfaces (22, 24) and the horizontal Distance between the locking surfaces (26, 28) corresponds. 2. System according to claim 1, characterized in that the game (S) has a size in the range of 0, 01 mm to 0, 10 mm, in particular from 0, 01 mm to 0, 05 mm and in particular from 0, 02 mm to 0, 05 mm. 3. System according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that at least one side edge (6, 14) is at least partially provided with an elastic layer. 4. System according to claim 3, characterized in that the elastic layer consists of an adhesive. 5. System according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that at least one side edge (6, 14) is at least partially hydrophobic. RO / nk 041254WO 6. System according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the distal end of the spring (16) relative to the contact surface (24) projects less than 6 mm, in particular less than 5 mm, preferably less than 4.5 mm. 7. System according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the lower lip (10 is shorter than the upper lip (8) is formed. 8. System according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the upper edge of the side edges (6, 14) are chamfered, in particular provided with a V-groove. RO / nk 041254WO