EP1367194B1 - Flooring panel and method of laying such a panel - Google Patents

Abstract

The floor panel (2), of high density (HDF) or medium density (MDF) fiberboard or oriented strand board (OSB), can have a patterning layer on its upper surface (15), and a lower surface (7) against the ground. The edges are structured so that at least two panels can be locked together in the lateral (Q) and vertical (V) directions. The edges are shaped with positive fit structures (23,24) at one side edge with spaced vertical walls (21,22), displaced laterally and vertically to lock neighboring panels in the vertical direction. At the other side, a step (20) is cut out from the under side, with an inner (21) and an outer (22) wall to shape the positive fit structures. At the opposite edge, a projecting step (200) is cut out with an inner (210) and an outer (220) wall, in a matching shape to the positive fit structures.

Description

The invention relates to a floor panel according to the preamble of claim 1.

From the WO 01/75247 A1 For example, a floor panel is known which has connecting means for locking in a transverse and vertical direction at a first side edge. These locking means are arranged on the longitudinal side of the panel and effect the locking by inserting and pivoting the connecting means into a corresponding recess of a second panel. The transverse side of the panel has two snap hooks, which engage in corresponding undercuts of an adjacent panel during installation and impede the vertical movement between the laid panels. The two snap hooks lie in vertical direction with each other.

A disadvantage of such a profile is the fact that such a profile design does not ensure a secure locking of the panels with each other, since the snap hooks arranged one below the other are pressed in during the laying movement and, in the case of a resilient substrate, for example a carpet, in a strong occurrence, the transverse side jumps out of the lock. This is also due to the fact that the provided with the Einschnapphaken panel relative to the corresponding panel in an occurrence slightly angled, so that the panel is virtually unscrewed.

The WO 01/02669 A1 describes a panel and a fastening system for panels to be laid on a substrate and the narrow sides are provided with retaining profiles, the retaining profiles of the opposite sides fit together so that more panels can be fastened to the free sides of a laid panel, wherein form-fitting elements are formed, by which the panels are fastened together by a rotating joining movement. In order to lay panels on an irregular surface, the interlocking elements are designed so that they form a common joint in the installed state of two panels and that the shape is created so that a freedom of movement for the common joint is created. This makes it possible that two interconnected panels can be bent at the junction up.

The DE 202 03 311 U1 describes a panel element for forming a floor, wall or ceiling covering of a plurality of similar, interconnected panel elements. On one side edge, a rib extending in the direction of the underside and a correspondingly shaped retaining channel are formed on the other side edge. The rib and the retaining channel have a defined first contact point, which defines two adjacent panel elements in a direction parallel to the panel surface. Furthermore, a second contact zone is provided which defines two adjacent panel elements in a direction perpendicular to the panel surface. The second contact point is arranged with respect to the first contact point such that, as part of the movement of the rib into the retaining channel, engagement occurs in the region of the first contact point after the start of the engagement.

The WO 2004/001157 A1 as an older, post-published document, relates to a panel member having a first longitudinal side with a spring, one of the first longitudinal side opposite the second longitudinal side with a spring of the same design groove, wherein the spring has a projection which projects beyond a side edge of a wear layer. The spring and the groove have a profile design, so that a locking in the transverse direction and vertical direction of two interlocked panels takes place, wherein the spring is formed so that a locking by inserting the second panels and pivoting about an axis parallel to the longitudinal side. Support areas are aligned substantially horizontally.

The WO02 / 103135 A1 as a post-published document relates to plates with laterally arranged locking elements, with which two plates can be laterally connected by a form-fitting without glue. Bearing surfaces have a slope to the horizontal.

The DE 100 21 897 A1 relates to a plate with a groove and a correspondingly shaped spring. The groove profile has an inclined surface extending to the contact surface, which rests in the assembled state on a contact surface of the spring profile. A projecting portion of the spring profile engages in the assembled state in the groove profile and is held like a wedge in the groove profile. A support area is designed in such an angle to the horizontal that a sliding out of the spring is conveyed out of the groove.

The DE 201 21 196 U1 describes a generic Gebaudeplatte, in particular a floor panel, for connecting and locking a plurality of building panels together, in which mutually opposite side edges mutually corresponding groove and tongue. The tongue and groove in each case have corresponding recesses, so that they allow each other to be aligned with one another to insert the spring into the groove. To lock the building panels they are shifted from each other in the longitudinal extension of the tongue and groove.

Object of the present invention is to provide a panel with which a simple installation is possible and ensures a locking and gap minimization in the transverse direction.

According to the invention the object is achieved by a floor panel with the features of claim 1.

Advantageous embodiments and further developments of the invention are listed in the dependent claims.

According to the invention, a spring corresponding to the spring is formed on the first side edge in the longitudinal direction of the side edge extending spring and on the opposite side edge, wherein the spring is designed such that a lock by inserting into the recess of the second panel and Swiveling takes place about an axis parallel to the first side edge. The formation of the connecting elements on the first side edge as a so-called pivoting profile allows easy and safe installation and effective locking in the vertical and transverse directions. By dispensing with an elastic deformation during installation by pivoting the material joint of the panels is maintained and a good strength of the connection is guaranteed. Overall, a lock on such a Einschwenkprofil be performed stable with the same effort during installation. The formation of the recess as a groove with an upper lip and a lower lip ensures that a reliable assignment of the panels to be laid is done to each other, so that a minimal height offset of the panels can be achieved, which is a quality feature in floor panels. The spring is preferably latched in the transverse direction in the groove, wherein the lower front portion of the spring may be rounded to allow easy pivoting into the corresponding, formed groove. By providing corresponding interlocking elements on a front shoulder and a subsequent to an undercut and a support area wall is achieved that an additional locking in the vertical direction is effected when these interlocking elements mesh in the assembled state. A second locking point in the vertical direction makes it possible for an effective connection to be successfully carried out already by the insertion and pivoting about a first side edge. The spring and the groove itself require no training such that a bias between the panels is present, so that the profile is less loaded during installation. This additionally ensures that the laying process is simplified as such. It is further provided that the heel surface serves as a support for the support area, wherein the support area extends at an angle to the horizontal, that in the locked state of the panels in a force component acting from above, the panels are moved towards each other in the transverse direction and the gap between the two panels is reduced.

The spring is preferably rounded at the bottom to allow easy pivoting into the groove.

It can be provided that the bottom of the spring has a continuous curved contour, wherein the radius of curvature of the contour of the underside of the spring remains substantially constant over at least 90 °, so that a uniform pivoting movement and a simple sliding on the corresponding recess can take place.

In a further development, it is preferably provided that the positive-locking element on the wall is a projection and on the shoulder front side a corresponding recess, which were produced by a corresponding cut-out.

For locking in the vertical direction on the first side edge is preferably provided that an upper side of the spring in the assembled state rests against a lower side of the upper lip in order to effect a further positive locking. The parallel formation of the bottom of the spring and the top of the lower lip to the top of the panels allows a large-area edition of the one Panels on the other panels, so that a low surface pressure prevails in the tongue and groove joint and a very low height offset of the panels can be realized to each other.

In order to accommodate any existing abrasion that may arise when laying the first side edges, without this presses the panels apart, the spring and the recess are preferably designed such that in the assembled state between the front of the spring and the adjoining the upper lip A gap is present in the region of the recess, in which the abrasion can collect and which serves as a movement space of the two panels on each other. The gap tapers toward the front lip of the lower lip to provide a smooth transition between the areas of full surface area and clearance for moving and accumulating debris. Any existing abrasion can also be absorbed in a space formed between the spring and the top of the panels by an undercut.

In order to achieve a locking effective in the transverse direction of two panels, is preferably formed in the rear region of the spring an undercut forming, substantially flat surface at an angle to the horizontal, preferably 45 °. This surface interacts with the corresponding shoulder top in the groove of the adjacent panel and causes a locking in the transverse direction, so that slipping perpendicular to the first side edge is effectively prevented.

To further increase the contact surface, the spring adjoins the support area for support on the groove of the second panel final paragraph, which increases the effective contact surface and allows a uniform distribution of force. The support region has a slight inclination to the horizontal to effect a horizontal movement under vertical load.

In order to absorb any existing abrasion that may arise when laying the first side edges, without this creates a gap between the panels, an undercut is preferably provided between the spring and the top of the panels, which forms a cavity in the installed state, in the can collect abrasion.

By the spacing of form-fitting elements in the transverse and vertical directions, two spatially separated locking points on the second side edge, in particular the transverse side, created, whereby a safer locking of each other laid and laid panels is guaranteed. The arrangement of the positive locking elements on two different walls increases the stability of the entire connection and prevents by sliding over a plurality of successively arranged interlocking elements a deformation of the interlocking elements and ensures the effectiveness of the lock.

A second, at an angle to the first side edge extending side edge preferably has an outgoing from the bottom, step-shaped cutout with an inner wall and an outer wall. On each of these walls, a form-locking element extending in the transverse direction is formed, preferably milled out, which engage in corresponding undercuts of a step-shaped cut-out of the second panel to be connected, starting from the upper side. The step-shaped cut-out starting from the upper side likewise has an inner and an outer wall, on which the corresponding undercuts are formed, so that a positive locking in the vertical direction can occur at the second side edge.

The starting from the bottom, step-shaped cutout preferably has a projecting towards the bottom paragraph, which is a substantially horizontally oriented head surface forms, this paragraph provides a transversely effective, perpendicular to the second side edge effective locking. The substantially horizontally oriented head surface is used to set the minimum height offset and provides a relatively large contact surface for introducing vertically acting forces.

It is possible that in the top surface of the paragraph a trained in the longitudinal extent of the second side edge groove is incorporated. This grooving creates a dust bag that can be trapped in the abrasion or imperfections created during installation without adversely affecting installation accuracy. The groove further causes a slight spring effect, so that the locking on the second side edge is under a certain bias.

The walls of the shoulder are preferably aligned with the head face at an acute angle, resulting in either an easy insertion into a corresponding recess of the corresponding cutout of the second panel or when forming an undercut to the head face an additional locking effect.

It has been found that a transverse extension of the top surface in a range of 2 mm to 6 mm provides very good durability values and a very good locking effect, wherein preferably the top surface has 0.25 to 0.4 times the total transverse extent of the step-shaped cut-out.

A particularly effective and simple locking on the second side edge is preferably given when a positive-locking element projects horizontally beyond the terminal edge of the upper side. It may be expedient that a recess is arranged between the upper side and the outstanding form-fitting element, which undercuts the end edge of the panel in order to absorb any existing abrasion or deforming material of the panel, so that the most accurate installation possible with minimal gap width, because no abraded or deformed material exerts a barrier effect.

The side edge of the panel opposite the second side edge preferably has a step-shaped cutout projecting from the upper side with a shoulder projecting in the direction of the upper side. This paragraph also has a substantially horizontally oriented head surface, wherein in the lower region of the Absatzaußenwandung an undercut is formed, which corresponds to the corresponding positive-locking element of the inner wall of the male side edge. The arrangement of the recess in the lower portion of the Absatzaußenwandung increases the effectiveness of the lock.

A further development preferably provides that between the heel inner wall and the inner wall of the cutout, a horizontal base surface is formed, which is designed such that when laid panels, the top surface rests on the base surface and the tops of the panels lie in a plane, which means there is a minimum or no height offset between the panels. Due to the interaction of horizontal base surfaces and top surfaces, a particularly accurate assignment and adjustment of the height offset is possible, as well as the Abwinkelneigung adjacent panels is reduced, which increases the strength of the lock.

The heel inside of the cutout emanating from the top preferably runs parallel or at a shallower angle than the corresponding heel inside of the laid-in heel to either make a precise abutment or provide a component of movement for the two panels in the transverse direction.

By preferably forming an undercut through the paragraph inner wall to the top surface of the corresponding paragraph an additional locking effect is achieved.

In order to effect a particularly simple installation, the upwardly projecting shoulder of the cut-out starting from the upper side is preferably not formed over the entire length of the second side edge, but is in particular at one End portion of the second side edge, which is directed towards the spring-loaded first side edge, milled down to the base surface or not formed. The removal or non-formation of the protruding shoulder facilitates pivoting about the axis parallel to the first side edge, so that a blocking effect by the positive locking elements only takes place when the adjacent at the second and the opposite side edge panels at an acute angle to each other lie. This means that only a short distance in the vertical direction must be covered in order to fully lock the panels at the second and opposite side edge.

An advantageous embodiment of the invention provides that the floor panel is at least partially made of a HDF or MDF material. Alternatively, the entire floor panel may be made of OSB material. The use of an OSB material results in a natural wood look as well as a textured surface. The structure of the wood material can make a decorative layer superfluous, so that as the top, for example, a layer of wood, wood fibers or wood chips can be applied. Likewise, the panel may be wholly or partly formed from a plastic, wherein preferably the region of the connecting means with spring and recess (groove) is made of a plastic.

The embodiment with a separate locking element on the second side edge can be combined with the embodiments of the first side edge as described above.

Figur 1 -

eine Querschnittsansicht eines Fussbodenpaneels mit einer ersten Seitenkante;

Figur 2-

zwei miteinander verbundene Paneele an der Verbindungsstelle im Teilquerschnitt;

Figur 3 -

ein Fussbodenpaneel in Querschnittsansicht mit einer zweiten Seitenkante;

Figur 4 -

zwei miteinander verbundene Paneele an einer zweiten Verbindungsstelle im Teilquerschnitt;

Figur 4a -

eine Variante zu Figur 4;

Figur 5 -

eine alternative Ausgestaltung der zweiten und korrespondierenden, gegenüberliegenden Seitenkante im Teilquerschnitt;

Figuren 6 bis 13 -

Varianten der Ausgestaltung der Nut und Feder sowie eingeschobener Verriegelungselemente;

Figuren 14 bis 16 -

Varianten des Profils an der ersten Seitenkante im Querschnitt; sowie

Figuren 17 bis 19 -

Querschnittsansichten eines Paneels mit einer alternativen Profilgestaltung.

The invention will be explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying figures. Like reference numerals in different figures indicate like objects. Show it:

FIG. 1 -

a cross-sectional view of a floor panel having a first side edge;

FIG. 2

two interconnected panels at the junction in the partial cross section;

FIG. 3 -

a floor panel in cross-sectional view with a second side edge;

FIG. 4 -

two interconnected panels at a second connection point in the partial cross section;

FIG. 4a -

a variant of Figure 4;

FIG. 5 -

an alternative embodiment of the second and corresponding, opposite side edge in the partial cross section;

FIGS. 6 to 13 -

Variants of the configuration of the tongue and groove and inserted locking elements;

FIGS. 14 to 16 -

Variants of the profile at the first side edge in cross section; such as

FIGS. 17 to 19 -

Cross-sectional views of a panel with an alternative profile design.

Figure 14 and 15 shows a panel according to the invention. The other panels shown are examples that are not in accordance with the invention and facilitate the understanding of the invention.

FIG. 1 shows a floor panel 1 not covered by the invention, which consists of a medium density or high density fiberboard (MDF or HDF). At its upper side 15, the floor panel 1 is provided with a decorative layer 16, which may be formed, for example, by a paper layer having a wood grain which is coated with a synthetic resin layer serving as wear protection. On the bottom 7 a Schalldämmlage 8 may be glued to improve the footfall sound properties of the installed floor panels. As an alternative to using an HDF or MDF board, the panel 1 can be made of an oriented strand board (OSB) material. At a first side edge, preferably at the longitudinal side of the panel 1, the panel 1 is provided with a spring 10 and at the opposite side with a groove 3. The groove 3 and the spring 10 extend over the full length of the side edge. On the spring 10 an outwardly projecting, rounded nose is provided, which merges into a rounded front portion 11. At this front area 11, a flattened, in the installed state substantially horizontally extending support region 12 connects to the underside of the spring, over which the panel 1 on a corresponding surface of the groove 3 of a second panel 2, as shown in Figure 2, supported. The profile of Figure 2 is not encompassed by the invention.

At the support region 12, an inclined surface 13 connects, which causes a locking in the transverse direction Q with a corresponding projection 5 of the corresponding groove 3 of the second panel 2. In the assembled state, the spring 10 engages in an undercut formed by an upper lip 4 of the groove 3, so that along the first side edge also takes place a locking in the vertical direction V. The projection 5 is formed by a groove 3 final paragraph 9, on its upper side a horizontally extending surface is formed. This surface serves as a support for a support region 14, which adjoins the inclined surface 13 on the groove 10. By the support area 12 and the support area 14, a relatively large support surface is provided, on which the two panels 1, 2 are in the connected state to each other. The chamfered surface 13 causes, in conjunction with the projection 5, in a transversely acting force component, a component of movement in the transverse direction towards each other, so that in the locked state in a force acting from above component of the gap between the two panels 1, 2 is reduced.

The paragraph 9 is formed so that in the transverse direction Q no contact between a vertically extending surface of the paragraph and an opposite, also vertically extending surface of the first side edge exists. There is thus a free space 30, so that there can be no unwanted blocking effect and thus no gap between the two panels 1, 2 on the upper side 15.

Between the spring 10 and the top 15 of the panel 1, an undercut 17 is formed, which forms a free space 18 in the assembled state, can be included in the abrasion or not removed chips from the manufacturing process. Also, a corresponding design of the rounded front portion 11 is provided so that at the top of the spring 10 in the assembled state, a free space 19 is also formed, which can act as a dust bag.

The laying and locking of two panels 1, 2 takes place with such a profile picture, in which the first panel 1 is attached with the spring 10 at an angle to the second panel 2 and the spring 10 is inserted into the groove 3 of the second panel 2. Subsequently, the angled first panel 1 is pivoted about an axis parallel to the longitudinal direction of the first side edge, in this case clockwise, so that the rounded front portion 11 slides along in the groove 3 until the support portion 12 rests flat on the corresponding surface of the groove 3. In this state, as shown in Figure 2, is achieved by the undercut of the upper lip 4 and the projection 5 of the paragraph 9 effective locking in the vertical direction V and transverse direction Q.

In order not only to enable locking with another panel on two opposite side edges of one panel, a profile is formed on a second side edge, which runs at an angle, preferably a right angle to the first side edge, which is shown in FIG , Here, too, corresponding profiles are formed on opposite side edges, whose interaction is shown in FIG.

Figure 3 shows such a profile at a second side edge in cross-section, which is preferably formed on the transverse side of the panel. Starting from the bottom 7, a step-shaped cutout 20 is incorporated in the panel 2, which forms an inner wall 21 and an outer wall 22. Both on the inner wall 21 and on the outer wall 22 form-fitting elements 23, 24 are formed, milled out here, which engage in the form of projections in corresponding undercuts 230, 240 of a corresponding recess 200 of a second panel 1. In the cutout 20, a shoulder 25 is formed, which protrudes in the direction of the bottom 7, wherein the Absatzaußenwandung is formed by the outer wall 22 and the paragraph inner wall 27 in the illustrated embodiment forms an upwardly flared cross-section. The underside of the shoulder 25 forms a head surface 26, which runs parallel to the top 15 of the panel 2 and on which the panel 2 is supported in the mounted state via a corresponding base surface 280 of a corresponding recess 200 of a second panel 1.

As an alternative to the illustrated embodiment, it is provided that the inner surface 27 extends substantially parallel to the outer wall 22, so that the paragraph inner wall 27 to the top surface 26 forms an undercut. It is also provided that in addition to a substantial straight formation of the outer wall 22 at an acute angle α to the vertical, the outer wall 22 has a rounded shape or a vertical course. In this case, it is necessary for the positive-locking element 24 to protrude beyond the terminal edge 28 of the upper side 15 in order to perform a positive locking with the second panel 1.

Above the positive-locking element 24, a recess 29 is formed, which acts as a dust bag.

If the inner wall 27 is formed as an undercut to the top surface 26, an additional locking in the vertical direction is provided, in particular if the corresponding paragraph inner wall 270th of the upwardly directed paragraph 250 is also formed as an undercut. A positive locking then takes place by a slight bending or elastic deformation of the profiles, so that the positive-locking elements 23, 24 and the undercut pass through the paragraph inner wall 27 with the corresponding undercuts 230, 240 and the undercut through the paragraph inner wall 270 engage effectively can.

The outgoing from the top 15 cutout 200 is formed such that it can accommodate the opposite profile, so that the top surface 26 on the one hand rests completely flat on the base surface 280, on the other hand, the surfaces 15 of the two panels 1, 2 in the assembled state, as it is shown in Figure 4, complete in a plane and lie as flush as possible. Through the recess 29 above the positive-locking element 24, a free space 290 is created, which serves as a dust bag, the same applies to the free space 300, which is formed by a corresponding positioning of the inner wall 210 of the cutout 200.

As can be clearly seen in FIG. 4, an effective locking is provided both in the transverse direction Q and in the vertical direction V, wherein the locking in the transverse direction is realized in a form-fitting manner by the shoulders 25, 250. A locking in the vertical direction V is effected by the locking elements 23, 24, which engage positively in the undercuts 230, 240, wherein the positive-locking elements 23, 24 are arranged on spaced-apart walls 21, 22. In addition, the form-fitting elements 23, 24 are arranged at different vertical levels, so that an upper locking point and a lower locking point is formed. The upper locking point is formed by the positive-locking element 24 and the undercut 240, the lower locking point by the positive-locking element 23 and the undercut 230.

The upwardly directed shoulder 250 is not formed over the entire length of the second side edge, but is milled over an area except for the base surface 280, which milled off in the direction of the first side edge with a Spring 10 is located. By this cutout or non-education of the paragraph 250, the initially angled inserted panel can be further lowered down before laying by a pulse-like assembly movement down a final locking on the second side edge, preferably the transverse side occurs.

Between the top surface 260 of the shoulder 250 and the corresponding surface of the cutout 20, a free space is present in the mounted state, which is necessary so that the positive-locking element 23 can engage behind the undercut 230. Also, this space serves as a dust bag.

In addition to the formation of a panel with a groove 3 on one side edge, which has an upper lip 4 and a lower lip 6, can be dispensed with a corresponding profile design on a lower lip 6, provided in another way a lock in the transverse direction Q and vertical direction V. is ensured. This locking is done so that no movement in the direction of the double arrows in the locked state is possible.

Due to the presented profile and the laying method described, it is possible to lay panels easily and quickly. The profile also has the advantage that on the one hand, a slight pivoting and locking, on the other hand, a stable support and thus the possibility of a precise setting of the height offset is given on the particular configuration of the spring 10 and the groove. Also, a secure locking of the first side edges in the vertical direction V and transverse direction Q is given and this profile can be particularly well milled in OSB panels.

The profile design on the second side edge allows a particularly durable positive lock on the second side edges, preferably the transverse sides of the panels, without complex additional equipment or special skills would be necessary during installation. In addition to the staggered positive locking elements prevents the large bearing surface a Verwinkelung and thereby easy opening of the lock on the second Side edge. In addition, the keyed interlock, which produces a characteristic noise, indicates to the user of the panels that an effective interlock has occurred.

The profile of Figure 4a corresponds substantially to that of Figure 2, through which an effective locking is given both in the transverse direction Q and in the vertical direction V. It can also be clearly seen in FIG. 4a that in the head face 26 of the shoulder 25 a groove 26 'is worked out, which extends over the entire length of the side edge. The groove 26 'serves as a dust bag and as a material weakening, so that a certain spring effect in the locking of the two panels 1, 2 is present.

The profile design of Figures 5 to 13 on the second side edge allows a particularly durable positive lock on the second and opposite side edge, preferably the transverse sides of the panels, without complex additional equipment or special skills would be necessary during installation. In addition to the staggered interlocking elements prevents the large bearing surface a Verwinkelung and thereby easy opening of the lock on the third side edge. In addition, the keyed interlock, which produces a characteristic noise, indicates to the user of the panels that an effective interlock has occurred.

Figure 5 shows an embodiment of the second and opposite side edge of the panels 1, 2, wherein both panels are each formed with a spring 51, 52 and a groove 61, 62. The springs 51, 52 and the grooves 61, 62 are offset in height from each other arranged such that the springs 51, 52 can engage in the corresponding grooves 62, 61, so as to effect a locking in the transverse direction Q. The panels are first locked to the realization of a corresponding lock on the first side edges and then moved in the transverse direction Q to each other until the illustrated end position is achieved to form a minimum butt joint 73.

The joints 61, 62 are each formed by a first lip 63, 64 and a respective second lip 65, 66, wherein in the first panel 1, the second lip 65 protrudes beyond the first lip 63 in the transverse direction Q. In the second panel 2, this is reversed, the first lip 64 protrudes beyond the second lip 66 in the transverse direction Q, wherein the respective protruding lips 64, 65 pass into the underside or top of the springs 52, 51.

In the illustrated embodiment, in the lower, second lip 65 of the first panel and the upper, first lip 64 of the second panel depending a corresponding channel-shaped, semi-circular in cross-section recess 71, 72 milled, which form a channel 75 in the assembled state shown , In this channel 75, a separate locking element 80, preferably made of plastic, is inserted, so that a positive locking in the transverse direction Q is effected. By an elastic configuration of the locking element 80 and a slight oversizing can be achieved that the panels 1, 2 are braced to each other, so that the butt joint 73 can always be kept minimally small. As a result, a bias between the panels 1, 2 is effected after installation by the insertion of the locking element 80, which has a secure assignment of the panels 1, 2 to each other and a minimum surface offset result. Also, the butt joint 73 is kept closed so that no dirt or moisture can penetrate and softens the core of the panels 1, 2.

The recesses 71, 72 are arranged so that the channel 75 or the locking element 80 extends parallel and below the butt joint 73, whereby on the one hand an optimal manufacturing possibility due to the almost symmetrical design is given because a cutout only partially within the corresponding grooves 61, 62 must be made, on the other hand, there is still enough material to absorb corresponding forces in the panel material available.

6 shows a variant of the profile design on the second and opposite side edge of the panels 1, 2, wherein on the first panel 1, a spring 51 and on the second panel a groove 62 along the respective Side edges is formed. Both in the top of the spring 51 and in the first lip 64 of the groove 62 are milled in cross-section semicircular recesses, which result in the joining of the two panels 1, 2, a cylindrical channel 75. In this channel 75, a cut to the appropriate length, extruded plastic tube can be inserted as a locking element 80, so that via the locking element 80 takes place a lock in the transverse direction Q. The groove 62 and spring 51 lock the panels 1, 2 in the vertical direction.

FIG. 7 shows a variant of FIG. 6, in which the corresponding recesses 71, 72 are formed on the lower side of the spring 51 and the second lip 66 of the groove 62. The recesses 71, 72 are formed corresponding to one another, so that a hexagonal locking element 80 is formed in the correspondingly formed channel 75. The channel 75 is shown in FIG. 9, the corresponding configuration of the recesses 71, 72 as well as the groove 62 and the spring 51 according to FIG. 6 are shown in FIG.

The laying of the panels 1, 2 with a profile design according to the figures 5 to 9 at the second and these opposite side edges by first inserted at the first side edge of a panel in one of these opposite side edge and pivoted until the second and this lying opposite side edges to be joined panels in a plane. Subsequently, the panels along the first side edge are moved towards each other until the panels abut each other and form a minimal butt joint 73. At the same time, a channel 75 is formed by the recesses 71, 72, in which a correspondingly shaped locking element 80 is inserted. In this way, an effective locking in the vertical direction and in the transverse direction Q is effected.

After removal of the locking element 80, a disassembly of the panels can be made without destroying the profiles, so that any number of laying operations can be performed. Such an embodiment of the lock is particularly suitable for elements of exhibition construction.

In Figures 12 and 13 further embodiments of the recesses 71, 72 are shown, which can also be laid with the method described above. In Figure 12, the channel 75 has a triangular cross-sectional shape, wherein the upper recess 72 has the cross section of an isosceles trapezoid and the lower recess 71 in the spring 51 has a triangular shape. The locking member 80 is formed V-shaped and can cause a corresponding force component in the transverse direction Q by a resilient bias, so that the panels 1, 2 are moved towards each other.

In FIG. 13, two recesses 71, 72 which are triangular in cross-section are milled into the spring 51 or groove 62, respectively, and the locking element 80 has an X-shaped cross section. By inserting the locking elements 80 according to Figures 12 and 13, the legs are pressed together and also keep the butt joint 72 close together and thus tight against dirt and moisture. In order to facilitate the insertion, the locking elements 80 are formed tapered at their ends.

In FIGS. 10 and 11, the groove 62 and the spring 51 are formed such that locking takes place when the groove 62 and the spring 51 engage in the transverse direction Q. At the vertical edges of the groove 62 and spring 51 corresponding recesses are milled into which a locking element 80 can be inserted. In the figure 10, these recesses are designed such that a rectangular locking element 80 is inserted.

FIG. 11 shows a variant of FIG. 10, in which the channel 75 is formed in a circular shape. By such a configuration of the second and this opposite side edge of the panels 1, 2, an effective locking in the transverse direction Q takes place already by the insertion of the spring 51 in the groove 62. The geometry shown, a very high contact surface is provided so that forces well received and can be derived. Also, the recesses 71, 72 are relatively easy to manufacture, in particular auszufräsen, and for both side edges only one tool is needed. Farther is built with a corresponding design of the locking elements 80, a pressure that moves the panels 1, 2 towards each other and braced. The secure locking in the vertical direction V is also ensured.

The locking elements 80 and the grooves and springs may also have different geometries, which is eliminated by the locking element or the locking elements that movement component that is not blocked by the tongue and groove connection. Advantageously, the locking element causes a tension of the panels to each other, so that the butt joint is minimized. The channel for inserting the locking element can extend over the entire joint width or groove width, only corresponding interlocking elements must be present in order to effect a lock.

FIG. 14 shows a floor panel 1 according to the invention, which consists of a medium density or high density fiberboard (MDF or HDF). At the upper side 15, the floor panel 1 is provided with a decorative layer 16, which may be formed, for example, by a paper layer having a wood grain, which is coated with a synthetic resin layer serving as wear protection. On the bottom 7 a Schalldämmlage be glued to improve the footfall sound properties of the laid floor panels. As an alternative to the use of an HDF or MDF board, the panel 1 can be made of an OSB material (oriented strands board), wherein a decorative layer 16 can be dispensed with here. At a first side edge, preferably at the longitudinal side of the panel 1, the panel 1 is provided with a spring 10 and at the opposite side edge with a recess 3.

The recess 3 and the spring 10 extend over the full length of the side edges. Provided on the spring 10 is an outwardly projecting nose provided with a point, which merges into a front area which has an arcuate contour. At this front region of the spring 10, which forms an undercut 13, a support region 14 connects, which is formed inclined at an angle μ to the top 15 of the panels 1. To the Supporting region 14 is followed by a substantially vertically oriented wall 111.

The undercut 13 causes, as shown in Figure 15, a lock in the transverse direction Q, in which a positive locking with a corresponding shoulder 9 of the recess 3 is made. In the assembled state, the spring 10 engages in an undercut formed by an upper lip 4 of the recess 3, so that the top 120 of the spring 10 abuts an underside 40 of the upper lip and locking in the vertical direction along the first and the opposite side edge , The shoulder 9 is formed on a lower lip 6 of the recess 3 and closes it off, wherein on the top of the paragraph 9, an inclined shoulder surface 5 is formed, which serves as a support for the support area 14. The conclusion of the panel forms a substantially vertically extending shoulder front 81, which merges into the heel top 5 via a rounding.

By paragraph top 5 and the support portion 14, a relatively large bearing surface is provided, on which the two panels 1, 2 in the connected state to each other. The bevel by the angle μ causes a component of movement in the transverse direction Q is generated to each other during a vertical load, so that in the locked state in a force component acting from above, the gap between the two panels 1, 2 is reduced and the original locking by Insertion and pivoting of a first panel in a second panel can be done without a bias.

The shoulder 9 is designed so that a recess 311 is formed on the front shoulder 81, into which, as shown in FIG. 15, a corresponding projection 300 engages the wall 111 of the first side edge. The recess 311 forms an undercut, so that a locking in the vertical direction V is formed by a positive engagement of the projection 300 in the recess 311. Above the rounded connection from the heel top 5 to the front shoulder 81 in the mounted state, a free space 180 is formed, which is a certain movement of the panel 1 in the direction on the second panel 2 at a vertical load allows. Likewise, 180 chips can accumulate in this free space. The underside of the projection 300 rests on a corresponding slope of the recess 311, so that a precise angular allocation of the panels 1, 2 is ensured. In addition to the positive locking on the upper side 120 of the spring 10, a second locking point in the vertical direction is provided by the formation of the positive locking elements 300, 311, so that increased security against unwanted pivoting back of the first panel 1, in the present counterclockwise, is prevented

Between the spring 10 and the top 15 of the panel 1, an undercut 17 is formed, which adjoins a running at right angles to the top 15 edge. The undercut 17 forms in the assembled state of a space in which abrasion or not removed chips can be included in the manufacturing process. Also, a corresponding design of the round front portion of the spring 10 is provided, so that the spring 10 in the assembled state also forms a gap 19, which can act as a dust bag and movement space.

The laying and locking of two panels 1, 2 with such a profile picture takes place by the first panel 1 with the spring 10 attached at an angle to the second panel 2 and the spring 10 is inserted in the recess 3 of the second panel 2. Subsequently, the angled first panel 1 is pivoted about an axis parallel to the longitudinal direction of the first side edge, in this case in the clockwise direction, so that the provided with a round contour front portion of the spring 10 slides along in the correspondingly shaped recess 3 until the top 120 of the spring 10th on the corresponding bottom 40 of the upper lip 4 is present. In this state, as shown in Figure 15, is achieved by the undercut of the upper lip 4 and the paragraph 9 effective locking in the vertical direction V and in the transverse direction Q.

FIG. 16 shows a floor panel 1, which is not covered by the invention, in the profile design of the first side edge, wherein the panel with a spring 10 and provided on the opposite side with a correspondingly formed groove 3. The groove 3 and the spring 10 extend over the full length of the side edge. On the spring 10 an outwardly projecting, rounded nose is provided, to which the underside 12 of the spring 10 connects with a rounded contour. The radius of this contour is constant over at least 90 degrees of circumference and thus allows easy insertion of the spring 10 in the groove. 3

In the assembled state, the spring 10 engages in an undercut formed by the upper lip 4 of the groove 3, so that a locking in the vertical direction V takes place along the first edge. The locking in the transverse direction Q takes place by the positive engagement of the underside 12 of the spring 10 on a shoulder 9, which closes the groove 3. On the top of the paragraph 9, a horizontally extending surface is formed, which serves as a support for a support area 14.

Figures 17 and 18 show a floor panel 1 not covered by the invention with an alternative tread design. Again, the panel 1 is provided with a spring 10 and at the opposite side edge with a recess 3. The recess 3 and the spring 10 extend over the full length of the opposite side edges. On the spring 10, an outwardly projecting, provided with a vertical front tip 101 is provided, wherein the spring 10 has an upwardly rising, wedge-shaped contour. From the top 101 of the spring 10 extends a horizontal bottom 12, to which an undercut 13 connects, which is formed by an inclined, rectilinear wall 130 which extends at an angle β to the top 15 inclined. A subsequent to the wall 130 support portion 14 extends parallel to the top 15 of the panels 1, and provides a convenient support surface for receiving vertical forces. The support area 14 is bounded on the panel side by a wall 111 which is inclined slightly to the vertical, the angle λ being an acute angle.

The undercut 13 causes, as shown in the figure 19 not included in the invention, a lock in the transverse direction Q, in which a positive Locking with a corresponding paragraph 9 of the recess 3 is made. In the assembled state, the spring 10 engages in an undercut formed by an upper lip 4 of the recess 3, so that a rectilinear, presently inclined top 120 of the spring 10 abuts a lower side 40 of the upper lip 4 and a locking in the vertical direction V along the first and opposite side edge takes place. The shoulder 9 is formed on a lower lip 6, which has a horizontal top 60, the recess 3 and closes it off, wherein on the top of the paragraph 9, a horizontal shoulder surface is formed, which serves as a support for the support area 14. The end of the panel forms a sloping paragraph front 81, which passes over a rounding in the paragraph top.

Due to the heel top and the support area 14, a relatively large bearing surface is provided, on which the two panels 1, 2 lie on one another in the connected state. The shoulder 9 is designed so that a recess 311 is formed on the front shoulder 81, into which, as shown in FIG. 19, a corresponding projection 300 engages the wall 111 of the first side edge. The recess 311 forms an undercut, so that a locking in the vertical direction V is effected by a positive engagement of the projection 300 in the recess 311.

The top of the projection 300 rests on a corresponding slope of the recess 311, so that a precise angle assignment of the panels 1, 2 is ensured. In addition to the positive locking on the upper side 120 of the spring 10, a second locking point in the vertical direction is provided by the formation of the positive locking elements 300, 311, so that increased security against unwanted pivoting back of the first panel 1, in the present counterclockwise, is prevented. The locking effect is increased by the rectilinear configuration of the spring top 120, the bottom 40 of the upper lip 4, the top 60 of the lower lip 6 and the bottom 12 of the spring 10, since the rectilinear configuration makes pivoting difficult and the profile due to the elastic restoring force of the panels in Position is held.

Furthermore, by the parallel formation of the tip 101 of the spring 10 and the groove bottom 50 of the recess 3 causes a further definition.

Claims (28)

1. Floor panel, which is delimited in a horizontal plane by a top side (15) provided with a decorative layer (16) or the like and by an underside (7) intended to rest on a subfloor, the said floor panel being provided with means for releasable connection to at least one further identical panel (1; 2), at at least one first side edge of the floor panel the connection means being formed in such a way that interlocking in the transverse direction (Q) and in the vertical direction (V) takes place, there being formed, at the first side edge of the floor panel, a tongue (10) extending in the longitudinal direction of the side edge and, at an opposite side edge of the floor panel, a recess (3) matching the tongue (10), the tongue (10) being formed such that interlocking takes place by insertion into the recess (3) of the further panel (2) and by pivoting about an axis parallel to the first side edge, and the recess (3) consisting of an upper lip (4) and of a lower lip (6), and the lower lip (6) forming a step (9) with a step front side (81) and with a step top side (5) which, with a matching undercut (13) of the tongue (10), blocks the panels (1, 2) in the transverse direction (Q), the undercut (13) having adjoining it a recess, with a bearing region (14) matching the step (9), and a wall (111) which lies opposite the step front side (81) in the mounted state, there being shaped on the wall (111) and the step front side (81) matching form-fit elements (300, 311) which interengage in the mounted state and bring about interlocking in the vertical direction (V), characterized in that the step top side (5) serves as a support for the bearing region (14), the bearing region (14) running at an angle (µ) to the horizontal such that, in the interlocked state of the panels (1, 2), in the event of a force component acting from above, the panels (1, 2) are moved towards one another in the transverse direction (Q) and the gap between the panels (1, 2) is reduced.
2. Floor panel according to claim 1, characterized in that a projection (300) is formed on the wall (111) and a recess (311) is formed on the step front side (81).
3. Floor panel according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the recess is formed as a groove (3) with an upper lip (4) and with a lower lip (6), in which groove the tongue (10) can be latched in the transverse direction (Q), the lower front region (11) of the tongue (10) having a rounded form.
4. Floor panel according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the underside (12) of the tongue (10) is of rounded form.
5. Floor panel according to claim 4, characterized in that, starting from the tip of the tongue (10), the underside (12) of the tongue (10) has a continuously curved contour.
6. Floor panel according to any of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the recess is formed as a groove (3) with an upper lip (4) and with a lower lip (6), in which groove the tongue (10) can be latched in the transverse direction (Q), an underside (12) of the tongue (10) and a top side of the lower lip (6) running parallel to the top side (15).
7. Floor panel according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a top side (120) of the tongue (10) bears in the mounted state against an underside (40) of the upper lip (4).
8. Floor panel according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the tongue (10) and the recess (3) are formed in such a way that, in the mounted state, a gap is present between the front region of the tongue (10) and that region of the recess (3) which adjoins the upper lip (4).
9. Floor panel according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the rear region of the tongue (10) is formed as a face (13) which forms the undercut and runs, essentially straight, at an angle to the horizontal, and which, together with the matching step top side (5), brings about interlocking in the groove (3) in the transverse direction (Q).
10. Floor panel according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the tongue (10) has adjoining it the bearing region (14) for support on the step (9) closing off the groove (3).
11. Floor panel according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the tongue (10) is provided with an undercut (17) with respect to the top side (15).
12. Floor panel according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that form-fit elements (23, 24) for interlocking with a further panel in the vertical direction (V) are formed on a second side edge running at an angle to the first side edge, and the form-fit elements (23, 24) are formed to be spaced apart from one another in the transverse direction (Q) and in the vertical direction (V) on two essentially vertically oriented walls (21, 22) spaced apart from one another.
13. Floor panel according to claim 12, characterized in that a step-shaped milled-out portion (20) emanating from the underside (7) and having an inner wall (21) and an outer wall (22) is formed at the second side edge, a form-fit element (23, 24) which extends in the transverse direction (Q) being formed on each of the walls (21, 22), and in that, at the side edge lying opposite the second side edge, there is formed a step-shaped milled-out portion (200) emanating from the top side (15) and having an inner wall (210) and an outer wall (220), on which undercuts (230, 240) matching the form-fit elements (23, 24) are formed.
14. Floor panel according to claim 12, characterized in that the step-shaped milled-out portion (20) emanating from the underside (7) forms a step (25) which projects in the direction of the underside (7) and which has an essentially horizontally oriented head face (26).
15. Floor panel according to claim 14, characterized in that the walls (22, 27) of the step (25) are oriented at an acute angle (α) to the head face (26).
16. Floor panel according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that the step inner wall (27) forms with the head face (26) an undercut.
17. Floor panel according to any of claims 14 to 16, characterized in that the head face (26) has a transverse extent of 2 to 6 mm.
18. Floor panel according to any of claims 14 to 17, characterized in that the head face (26) has 0.25 to 0.4 times the overall transverse extent of the step-shaped milled-out portion (20).
19. Floor panel according to any of claims 12 to 18, characterized in that a form-fit element (24) of the second side edge projects horizontally beyond the closing-off edge (28) of the top side (15).
20. Floor panel according to claim 19, characterized in that a recess (29), which undercuts the closing-off edge (28), is arranged between the top side (15) and the projecting form-fit element (24).
21. Floor panel according to any of claims 13 to 20, characterized in that the step-shaped milled-out portion (200) emanating from the top side (15) forms a step (250) which projects in the direction of the top side (15) and which has an essentially horizontally oriented head face (260), there being formed in the lower region of the step outer wall (220) an undercut (230) which matches with the form-fit element (23) of the inner wall (21) of the milled-out portion (20) of the opposite side edge.
22. Floor panel according to claim 21, characterized in that, between the step inner wall (270) and the inner wall (210) of the milled-out portion (200), a horizontal plinth face (280) is formed, which is formed in such a way that, with the panels (1, 2) laid, the head face (26) lies on the plinth face (280) and the top sides (15) of the panels (1, 2) lie in one plane.
23. Floor panel according to claim 21 or 22, characterized in that the step inner wall (270) runs parallel to or at a lower angle than the matching step inner wall (27) of the step (25) engaging in the laid state.
24. Floor panel according to any of claims 21 to 23, characterized in that the step inner wall (270) forms with the head face (260) an undercut.
25. Floor panel according to any of claims 21 to 24, characterized in that the upwardly projecting step (250) is not formed or is removed in at least one end region of the second side edge.
26. Floor panel according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is produced from HDF, MDF or OSB material.
27. Floor panel according to any of claims 12 to 26, characterized in that the first side edge is formed on the longitudinal side of the panel and the second side edge is formed on the transverse side of the panel.
28. Floor panel according to any of claims 12 to 26, characterized in that the second side edge is formed on the longitudinal side of the panel and the first side edge is formed on the transverse side of the panel.

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