EP1527240A1

EP1527240A1 - Arrangement of parts comprising connecting elements

Info

Publication number: EP1527240A1
Application number: EP03732391A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Herbert Ruhdorfer
Original assignee: M Kaindl OG
Current assignee: Interglarion Ltd
Priority date: 2002-07-24
Filing date: 2003-05-16
Publication date: 2005-05-04
Anticipated expiration: 2023-05-16
Also published as: DK1527240T3; ES2305464T3; WO2004015221A1; CN1671931A; DE50310075D1; CA2493579C; PT1527240E; US20040016197A1; SI1527240T1; CA2493579A1; US7377081B2; DE10233731A1; AU2003240255A1; ATE399913T1; AU2003240255B2; EP1527240B1; CN100351480C

Abstract

The invention relates to an arrangement of parts which can be removably joined by means of connecting means, particularly latching connecting means. The fact that at least one of the two connecting means (40), particularly the tongue, is made of a different material than the corresponding part to which said connecting means, particularly the tongue, is unremovably joined makes it possible to independently select materials that are optimal regarding demand and costs for both the parts and the connecting elements, particularly the tongues. The long sides and transverse sides of the part, especially an MDF/HDF plate, are cut out, whereupon the resulting groove is provided with extrudates or foamed. The free ends of the extrudates are then cut out so as to form tongue profiles.

Description

Arrangement of components with facing elements

The invention relates to an arrangement of components with connecting elements according to the preamble of claim 1.

Component is understood in particular to mean plate-shaped components, for example panel panels, floor panels, cladding panels, cladding strips or the like, in particular for cladding walls, ceilings or floors of buildings of all types. Components of this type can be single-layer or multi-layer panels or strips made of wood-based materials or on a wooden basis (laminates), in particular chipboard, MDF, HDF, OSB, hard fiber or plywood panels, which are optionally coated on one or both outer surfaces , The coating, the so-called wear layer, can with

Plastic panels, solid wood, veneers made of wood or plastic or paper, etc. With floor panels, a decorative paper, for example in natural wood look, is widely used, which gives the impression of a solid wood panel. Since floors are subject to heavy wear in normal use, the surface of the decorative paper is sealed by a hard, in particular scratch and abrasion-resistant overlay made of, for example, resin-soaked alpha cellulose paper and thus protected against scratching and indentation. In particular, the invention is therefore directed to floor panels, so-called panels, which consist of wood material and have relatively hard surfaces made of plastic laminates.

/. / •

Arrangements of components with connecting elements according to the

The preamble of claim 1 is known from the prior art. The invention particularly relates to the special type of training and Manufacture of the components and the connecting elements in order to optimally hold the components in a connected state in relation to one another, but to be able to detach the components from one another if necessary

Known arrangements of components in the form of floor panels have grooves or tongues on their side edges, in particular those that can snap into the grooves. Such panels are particularly economical to manufacture, since only the mostly relatively soft middle layer of the panels, in particular made of wood, has to be specially processed to form the grooves and tongues serving as locking elements and not the relatively hard surfaces made of laminates. The middle layer is also referred to as the backing layer or core. In the case of laminate floors with a spring milled out of the middle layer, this therefore usually consists of chipboard, MDF, HDF, hard fiber, voilwood or plywood material. These materials have the disadvantage that the springs in particular, as already explained above, are relatively soft and can therefore break out in whole or in sections. A panel with springs, for example ^■ pinched in places, can only be inserted into the groove of another panel after treatment of the pinch. This results in additional work during laying and a reduced strength of the connection of the interconnected panels.

The spring protruding beyond at least one side edge of the panels is particularly susceptible to damage, since due to its small cross-section and the large weight of a panel, it can hit particularly hard against obstacles. This applies to the manufacture, transport and installation. The groove is also susceptible because the panel in the area of the groove has a reduced wall thickness. The outer walls of the groove can even be thinner than the cross section of the tongue.

Damaged springs or those of water-permeable or, water absorbing material making the tongue and groove connection also water permeable, to the joint spilled water therefore penetrates more easily in the ^• often liquid-absorbent agent layers (core.) Of the panel a, which aufq therefore Uillt and becomes unsightly. Moisture can also penetrate through the tongue and groove connection and remain on the underside of the panels for a long time. This moisture escapes observation or elimination and can in the long term cause the consequential damage typical of moisture, e.g. mold, bacteria, efflorescence, washout,

EP 1 024 234 discloses panels of this type with a tongue and groove connection, locking means being provided on the grooves and tongues for latching in. Since the grooves and tongues are milled together with the locking means in one piece from the core consisting of HDF or MDF, the Strength properties of the grooves and tongues are determined by the material properties of the core of the panel. Therefore, the core of the panel is harder, stronger, heavier and more expensive than it is, taking into account the strength of the connecting and locking means necessary for secure connection is necessary for a floor covering.

No. 5,295,341 discloses panels in which the fastening means are connected to the edges of the panels in a strip-like manner, so that the materials for panels and connecting means can be optimized in each case. In order to be able to connect the connecting means to the panels, barb-like anchors are formed on the connecting strips, which engage in undercuts in the panels. Such a geometry with undercuts can only be produced with great effort,

WO-A-00/20706 and WO-A-00/20705 disclose floor panels which can be connected to one another by separate connecting profiles by moving the longitudinal edges horizontally towards one another or by vertically lowering the longitudinal edges. The connecting means must therefore be locked on both sides, ie with the longitudinal edges of two profiles to be connected. This increases the manufacturing effort, since the separate connecting means must be attached in the factory on one long side of a profile. Otherwise, the effort for the installer on site increases, since this is immediately before the Assemble the connecting means first on one soap with a panel and later on the other side with the panel to be connected. The connecting means are therefore not firmly connected to the panel on both sides, so that the risk of unlocking is doubled and the connection is less rigid and firm. There are also more machining steps to be performed per connection, namely for two tongues and two grooves. One groove and one tongue are normally sufficient to establish a connection

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an improved arrangement of components with connecting means, which eliminates the aforementioned disadvantages,

This object is achieved by an arrangement of components according to claim 1. Advantageous developments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

The invention provides an arrangement of components which can be connected by connecting means, in particular snap-in connecting means,

The fact that at least one of the 'two connecting means, in particular the spring, consists of a different material, such as the respective component to which the connecting means, in particular the spring, is permanently connected ^' , makes it possible both for the components and to select the connecting elements, in particular the springs, optimally independently of one another with regard to the requirements and costs. The manufacturing effort is reduced since only a groove and a spring, which are necessary for the detachable connection, have to be produced,

In order to be able to create a glue-free connection between flooring elements and other components, the state of the art had to have the appropriate carrier materials, i.e. components, / high mechanical strengths, since so far the corresponding form or forceful fluids have been made from the carrier materials. Connections were made. Known panels are in one piece with the tongue or groove formed, while in the invention there is a two-piece design, it is now possible to form the middle layer of the panels particularly inexpensively or in terms of surface weight, for example using the materials already mentioned, The tongues and / or grooves connecting means can be made of solid and heavy materials, because the overall weight of the arrangement of panels is only slightly affected. The connecting means can consist, for example, of PVC, plastics and the like, which is harder than the core of the panels and is produced on a special milling machine (for example, a pencil milling machine). As a result, the particularly heavy and / or stable material is only processed at the point where it is actually needed, while the core of the panel consists of light and inexpensive material. The weight of the panels is an important economic factor since it influences the transport costs and the price of the product, as well as consumer acceptance. As a result, there is great potential for savings in the fact that only the molded or fluid part is equipped with high mechanical strength.

If at least one of the connecting means, for example in the form of a tongue or groove made of a different material than the respective component, is permanently connected to the respectively assigned component, errors during assembly are avoided. For example, the connecting means cannot slip or shift along the long side, and liquid that gets into the joint of two components is prevented from penetrating deeper into the component or from reaching under the component and causing further damage there.

Such an inseparable connection can be achieved, in particular, by positive locking. Such a connection can be produced particularly economically and is very firm if the connecting means are brought into contact with the respective component in the liquid or soft state, the liquid connecting means penetrates into openings and pores of the component, so that there is a connection by positive locking, a similar strength can be achieved by gluing, The positive connection is particularly effective when the still liquid or which connecting means is introduced into grooves with or without undercuts of the component, in particular along the front or long side of a plate-shaped component. Grooves without undercuts are particularly easy and quick to produce, for example, coming from the front over the entire length of the front. Grooves with undercuts are more complex to manufacture, but they hold the connecting means in them particularly firmly.

The inner contour of the grooves can also be shaped as desired, for example by milling, breaking or ^' less precise methods. This makes machining easier, cheaper and faster and the strength of the seat increases. Particularly precise machining tools can therefore be dispensed with,

If the grooves, which are provided for releasable connection to the connecting means, are of unequal legs, that is to say are formed above, the components are easier to assemble. Such a leg protruding on the underside of a component can serve as a guide when moving the components towards one another.

If the grooves, which are provided for the permanent connection to the connecting means, are of unequal legs, that is to say are formed above, the connecting means have a higher load capacity in the direction of the above leg. Such a leg protruding on the underside of a component can intercept, for example, the loads that occur when the component is entered,

This is particularly economical if the connecting means is made from extrudate, which can be brought into contact with the component when it is leaving the extruder, in order to connect to it.

Extrudates are usually molded parts that are manufactured using an extruder. While such molded skins usually first harden to their final shape before being mixed with other ^' components are connected, it is advantageously provided to connect them to the component in the still soft or liquid state. In this case, it is not necessary for the extruder to have a specific profile. Rather, it is important that the liquid or - soft extrudate is introduced into the groove of a component, and connects to it by filling, if the end face, i.e. h the longitudinal or transverse side of the component into which the groove is made lies horizontally, the extrudate can flow downwards into the groove, with an excess of material accumulating on the end face without 'forming a precisely defined profile, this is rather the task of the subsequent processing step. An extruder in the sense of the invention can therefore also be a device from which a material which has not yet fully hardened can emerge in a controlled manner without the extruder giving it a specific shape. Advantageously, however, the shape is adapted to the final shape so that less material has to be removed during the finishing,

In the sense of the invention, a connection can be released if, on the one hand, it is so firm that it cannot be released unintentionally and, on the other hand, it can be released again non-destructively if necessary. In relation to floor panels, this means that installed and interconnected panels do not unintentionally loosen when used, ie entering the floor and moving loads on the floor. However, the connection should, if necessary, for example when laying errors, repair, disassembly, be easily detachable, for example by the fact that the two components or in the plane spanned by them plane away from each other ^'are pulled apart, supportive or alternatively under a releasable locking a understood those in which the individual components can be released again by twisting or tilting if necessary.

Achieved a particularly strong and inexpensive connection to foam when _/ the connecting means have the capability and therefore the particular for filling groove (filling groove) of the component completely fill, whereby the contact area between connection means and fuel is lnut increased.

The extrudate is therefore introduced into the filling groove in one step with the floor production, which can save costs.

The non-detachable connecting means connected to the component also has the advantage that during the final processing, for example the milling out of a groove or tongue, the connecting means cannot slip and already have their final position the components are connected to one another more easily, more firmly and more securely. This is not the case when using a fully formed spring which is then firmly connected to the component

Snap is present when a positive connection ^"is made by elastic members which yield when connecting, for example, the groove legs straddling, or a compressible spring, so-called Einschnappverbindungen are particularly easy to manufacture and safe for the user, and particularly accurate,

As long as the maximum thickness of the connecting means is smaller than the thickness of the panels, the connecting means are not perceived and do not interfere with the appearance. The connecting means can be produced in a material-saving manner if their maximum thickness is also the maximum thickness of the springs,

If the end faces of two adjacent panels meet in the area of the top, for example the decor or overlay, the penetration of dirt and moisture into the core of the panels is made more difficult.

The flat undersurface of the panels has a positive effect on the optics, is easier to produce than a contoured undersurface and insulates the impact sound as cavities are avoided. Coated tops and bottoms ■ make the surface less sensitive to scratching, denting, moisture and ensure an attractive appearance.

Grooves and tongues with snap-in locking elements in the form of recesses or depressions, which extend over the entire length of the tongue and groove, enable particularly simple and economical production. The joining or separating of the connecting means formed in this way is gentle on the material, quick and reliable, although it is ensured that the panels are optimally held in position when connected,

If the locking means are already glued or connected to the panels at the factory, nothing changes in the laying of the panels compared to the laying of known tongue and groove panels occurring stresses and the components are securely connected.

It is advantageous that the groove is directly machined out of the component, in particular milled out, which makes the manufacture of such panels easier. This applies in particular to components which have legs of the same length and can therefore be manufactured in one pass by a symmetrical milling head, the two Legs of the groove are essentially of the same length except for slight differences in length, which result from the fact that it can be provided that the components are close to one another in their area near the surface and are arranged at a distance from one another in the areas near the floor, forming a small gap secure abutting of the two tops of the panels even with certain unevenness of the surface.

The publisher then only has to push the elements together as before, no change in the product is "noticeable for him, he only benefits from the improved material properties the connecting means, of which only is visible, the panels superior spring or the Nutinnere panels Such manufactured can thus given a certain Abwärtskompatiblltät of the product according to the invention to known products with existing, be combined with a ^{'erausgefrästen} from the core piece spring or groove, Is, This opens up further areas of application and the system can be used more flexibly.

The width of the groove, which increases from the inside to the outside, and the thickness of the tongue, which decreases towards its free end, are coordinated with one another, so that in the case of components which are connected to one another, the groove and tongue surfaces are full, ie, form-fitting to one another so that the components are held in a defined mutual position,

An essential part of the detachable connection is that the component-near surface of the projection formed on the tongue and the surface near the groove opening of the recess formed on the groove run obliquely or inclined in the direction of the component or groove opening, so that a

Pulling the tongue out of the groove is possible, inserting and

It is possible to pull it out because at least one of the legs of the groove can be elastically expanded or moved away from the other leg; in particular, the two legs of the groove are designed in terms of material thickness in such a way that an elastic bending outwards is possible in order to allow the tongue to penetrate into the groove, the at least one projection formed on the tongue being able to overcome the inner edges at the groove opening, just by sliding on the inner edges and thereby the legs of the

Groove apart,

The locking elements provided for the fixed connection of the components, which are formed by mutually adapted projections and depressions, are provided on the groove and on the tongue. These locking elements can be provided in sections on the groove and the tongue; ^' Better grip and simplified manufacture ^' is achieved, however, when this Locking elements extend over the entire length of the grooves and tongues provided,

An embodiment of the arrangement according to the invention is particularly advantageous in which corresponding projections are formed on both sides of the tongue and corresponding depressions are formed on both groove surfaces, since this enables a double locking effect to be achieved and thus a firm cohesion of the components is achieved.

The width of the components can be chosen arbitrarily. Components of the same width or components of different widths can be connected to each other, e.g. to achieve a certain floor design,

It is advantageous for the telescoping or releasing the construction file if the procedure is as described in claim 32.

A preferred embodiment of the invention is characterized in claim 34 , the groove surfaces directly adjoining the groove opening when the tongue is inserted into the groove,

The features of claim 35 result in a firm locking of the two components to be connected,

It is particularly advantageous for inserting the tongue of one component into the groove of the other component and for loosening if the procedure is carried out in accordance with the feature of claim 36. With this procedure, there is * a loosening or removal of the tongue from * the groove an increased resistance opposed to the resistance opposed to the tongue being inserted into the groove; however, the tongue is firmly held in the groove, although it is possible to loosen this locking connection, The formation of an elastically resilient, ∑, B, slotted, spring or of spring sections is not necessary, since the knuckle legs have sufficient elasticity to be able to expand accordingly when the spring is inserted.

It is advantageous if the features of claim 38 are provided, since this provides a defined configuration of tongue and groove, the manufacture of which is simple and enables the tongue and groove to lie well against one another,

The features of claim 39 facilitate the insertion of the tongue into the groove,

The features of claim 40 exactly define the position of the tongue in the groove, since the projection comes to lie exactly in the depression and thus the projection and the depression or, the tongue surfaces and the groove surfaces abut each other exactly and fully and flatly.

An embodiment of the cross-section of the triangular projection or of the projection of the spring received by the recess in the groove facilitates the insertion of the spring into the groove or provides the spring with firm hold in the groove and nevertheless enables the material to be pulled out gently Tongue out of the groove,

The features of claim 43 are advantageous for inserting the tongue into the groove in order to avoid canting. Furthermore, the features of this claim contribute to the fact that the surfaces of the components to be connected fit snugly against one another or are brought closer to one another by snapping the projections of the tongue into the recesses of the groove, and the formation of gaps is avoided.

It was found in practice that the features of claim 44 further

Advantages, namely a gentle widening of the grooves when ^" pushed together, an automatic fixation of the panels when

Snap in and a very tight play-free connection .im closed state entails, in addition, the manufacture of the tongue and groove is simplified and the power transmission is gentle on the material,

It is simple in terms of installation technology and, at the same time, it is attractive from an optical point of view if the procedure according to the features of patent claim 45 or 46 is followed. In this way, relatively wide, plate-shaped components, which are not necessarily elongated, but can also be rectangular or square, for example, are held together with the aid of relatively narrow, strip-shaped components, which, in addition to a pleasing pattern, also results in a simple bending technique,

Further advantageous embodiments of the invention result from the following description, the drawings and the patent claims,

The following working method preferably results for the production of the arrangement of components according to the invention. The free ends of the extrudates are then milled out so that they form spring profiles. Alternatively, a groove can also be milled from the extrudates.

Corresponding profiling of a rapidly solidifying extrudate can be carried out, even during the ^* extrusion process, and thus time and material and costs can be saved.The profiling can be carried out, for example, by reshaping or cutting realizable.

The use of plastic as the extrudate is preferred because it can be milled most precisely,

The advantage of the invention in relation to the prior art is, among other things, that the introduction of the extrudate in one operation with the Bαutellfertigung can take place, the profiles have a very firm hold with the core material, the profiles can be milled much sharper and therefore better lockable when using plastic, the extrudates are inexpensive materials, an elastic property of the grooves or springs regardless of the material properties of the Core material is given and one can do without a sealing of the connecting surfaces, since the extrudates or the plastic, the water and moisture absorption is reduced or prevented.

Saving possibilities with regard to material and transport of the same result if the milling material, i.e. the material that was taken out of the plate when milling the grooves, is mixed with other components and can then be injected back into the groove in order to produce the tongue and groove Milling with sharp edges, the wood material therefore does not have to be procured and transported, storage of the milling waste and its disposal is not necessary,

According to the invention it is further provided that the extrudate can also extend to the surface of one or both components. It thus mechanically and optically forms an intermediate piece along the edges of the components. It therefore fulfills a double function, namely it serves as a connecting means and also fulfills aesthetic requirements protective and stabilizing functions, whereby it is not essential in the sense of the invention that the extrudate also serves as a connecting means,

If the extrudate forms the end face of the components, this edge can be machined more precisely and precisely, which makes the fit more precise. This prevents the connection from being unintentionally loosened and dirt from entering the connection. In addition, the joint becomes less visible. The edges of wood-based materials are usually particularly frequently provided with stiffings, ie upward-pointing openings, in the area of the surface that is at risk of impact. Spots are also created when working on the edges and can be clearly seen along the edges, especially in the case of installed panels, in backlight. That which reaches to the surface according to the invention Extrudate is able to avoid or cover these edges.

If the extrudate is waterproof, the component, which is usually moisture-absorbent, is protected against the absorption of water. As is well known, moisture leads to swelling, which makes the component unattractive.

The extrudate, which acts as an intermediate piece, can be produced in a wide variety of materials, structures and colors. Such intermediate pieces therefore form particularly decorative elements, in particular if they are colored, and influence the appearance from noble to rustic.

The extruded intermediate pieces, also as part of the tongues or grooves, can be milled as required. This means that the edges of the elements can be shaped as required. B, depressions and / or elevations in the joints are milled. Indentations and / or elevations can hide differences in height between individual surfaces of the components and / or spikes. For example, a V-joint created in this way sets particularly rustic accents, while metal-colored spacers have a noble effect and give the impression of elaborately framed wooden planks. The fact that the extrudate is first connected to the component and then the extrudate is processed increases the accuracy of fit, the strength of the connection and water cannot penetrate into the component because of the excellent marginal fit,

In the following, the invention is explained in more detail with reference to the drawings, namely shows

1 shows an MDF / HDF board in the area of the longitudinal or transverse side in section before being provided with extrudate,

2 shows the plate from FIG. 1 after being provided with extrudate,

Flg. 3 the plate from FIG. 2 after machining the plate connected extrudate,

4 two components connected according to the invention in a first embodiment,

5 shows a detailed view for explaining the profile of a spring suitable for snapping in,

6 the profile of a spring in an asymmetrical configuration,

Fig. 7, two components connected according to the invention in a second embodiment, and

8 shows an MDF / HDF board in the area of the longitudinal or transverse side in section before being provided with another extrudate

Design of the groove,

1 shows the left free end of an MDF / HDF board in the area of a longitudinal or transverse side in section. The left end face 42 of the board 2 has a groove 5b, for example, produced by milling. The inner surfaces of the groove 5b are therefore formed by the two legs 3 and 4 of equal length, and the groove base 11,

FIG. 2 shows the plate from FIG. 1 after the extrudate 40 has been introduced into the groove 5b. The extrudate 1 4 was introduced into the groove in the liquid or soft state and fills it completely, ie up to the groove base 1 1. The extrudate is firmly connected to the plate via the legs 3, 4 and the groove base, since the extrudate in the pores of the plate have penetrated or filled irregularities in the interior of the groove, the extrudate can also be such that it has the property of foaming, if the extrudate is particularly flowable, it should be introduced into the vertical groove 5b from above. This corresponds to a FIG. 3 rotated 90 ° to the right. On the end face 42 there remains an excess of extrusion which forms a nose 41. in FIG. 3, by means of suitable methods, for example milling, a spring 6 has been formed from the excess of the extrudate 40 which forms the nose 41 and which, for example, comprises the locking means 7 for connecting to a correspondingly designed groove 5a (not shown),

The procedure for forming a spring shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 is exemplary. With the same working steps it is possible to insert extrudate into the groove 5b and then to work an inner groove into this extrudate for connection with a tongue. According to the invention, there are therefore the following options; Forming only the tongue from foreign material, forming only the groove from foreign material, and forming the tongue and groove from foreign material.

In addition, FIG. 8 shows that the inner contour of the groove 5b can also be shaped as desired, for example by milling, breaking or less precise methods than milling. The filling 40 therefore lies particularly well against the inner contour of the groove 5b, which improves the strength of the connection elevated.

4 shows two interconnected plate-like components 1, 2, for example panels, grooves 5a and 5b being formed in each component. The groove 5b of the right-hand component 1 is firmly connected to the extrudate 40 worked out to form the tongue 6, the extrudate 40 completely fills the groove 5b. In the exemplary embodiment from FIG. 4, the extrudate 40 is positively connected to the interior of the groove 5b of the right panel 1, for example by gluing or filling in the still soft extrudate. In the exemplary embodiment, the free end 6 of the extrudate 40 has been machined by milling, that there is a positive connection with the correspondingly shaped groove 5a of the adjacent left panel 2, however, according to the invention, a non-positive, releasable connection, not shown, of the end of the extrudate forming the spring 6 with the panel 2 can also be provided. The parts 1, 2 lie with their end faces in the area close to the usable area (eg floor surface) and form a gap 16 in the area on the floor side. FIG. 4 shows an embodiment of the invention in which each of the individual components -! , 2 is provided on its two opposite end faces or on all of its four end faces with grooves 5a and 5b. The components 1, 2 are thus constructed symmetrically with respect to their schematically represented central plane M.

The grooves 5a and 5b and the spring 6 of the connecting means 40 are formed in the same manner as described in connection with FIGS. 5 and 6 or in the following description. As can be seen in FIG. 4, the mutually engaging projections 7 and depressions 8, which serve as locking elements, are adapted to one another and correspond to their cross-sectional shape, the projections 7 and depressions 8 from FIGS. 5 and 6, but it is in principle possible to choose other similar cross-sectional shapes for the locking elements 7, 8 or to choose different angles of inclination of the tongue and groove surfaces with respect to the surface 1 3 of the components 1, 2 than shown, the elasticity of the legs 3, 4 is essential, to lock the locking elements 7, 8, that is, the desired. Snap in to ensure.

If technically necessary or desired, the locking elements 7, 8 can also engage when the legs 3, 4 of the left panel 1 are not elastic. The groove 5a of the left panel 1 can, for example, have been produced from extrudate or the like, just like the tongue 6, ie, by filling or foaming a groove with a suitable, preferably elastic material and then milling the groove geometry into the original groove 5a brought material. In this case, it is not necessary for the legs 3, 4 of the panel, i.e. the core material, to yield elastically, which gives the connection a better appearance, and dirt and water can penetrate the connection more poorly.

It is also conceivable that the free end, ie the spring 6 of the extrudate 40. Is provided with a gap such that the upper side and the Bottom of the spring 6 can be brought together by pressure from the outside, whereby a snap-in connection can also be realized with the groove 5a, ie the locking means 8 and 7 can come into engagement.

The relatively wide components 1, 2 shown compressed in their width in FIG. 4 have dovetail-shaped grooves 5a on one of their opposite end faces, in particular on two end faces perpendicular to one another,

5 and 6 serve to illustrate the profile of the spring ό, they are understood as a detail of FIG. 4, only the free end of the spring 6 being shown in FIG. 6,

As in Fig. 5 can be seen, the components 1, 2, in particular made of wood or plastic, can be provided with coatings 23, 24 in order to obtain corresponding surface values or a corresponding appearance,

On the spring 6 or the spring surfaces 1 0 and in the groove 5a or in the

Groove surfaces or side surfaces 9 of the groove 5a are matched to one another

Locking elements 7, 8 are provided. These locking elements are formed by projections 7 and depressions 8, which interact with one another or can be rubbed into one another

Recesses 8 and associated projections 7 correspond to one another, so that the locking elements engage in one another, that is to say form a snap-in connection,

In the assembled state of the components 1, 2, the locking elements 7, 8 are in engagement with one another. The locking elements 7, 8 are formed in particular over the entire length of the long and / or narrow sides of the components 1, 2,

In FIG. 6, a projection 7 is formed only on the lower spring surface 10, which is received by a recess 8 in the groove surface 9 lying on this spring surface 10. When the spring 6 is inserted into the groove 5, the two legs 3, 4 of the groove 5 become elastic pushed apart; even when the tongue 6 is pulled out of the groove 5, the groove legs 3, 4 are elastically spread.

In the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 6, a projection 7 is formed only on one side of the spring 6. The projection 7 is designed in such a way that the spring surface 1 0 runs flat from the front free end region of the spring 6 to a bend which lies at the thickest point of the spring and leads into a rear short surface 17, which in turn leads into a component 2 leading surface 31 merges, from the recess 8 in the groove surface 9 only a portion 30 of the spring surface 10 is received; however, this partial area of the spring surface lies snugly in the recess against the surface 1 8 '; the shorter rear surface 1 7 also lies snugly against the surface 1 7 ′ of the depression 8 which is located towards the groove opening. '

The groove surface 1 0 or, whose partial region 30 is inclined at an angle a to the surface 1 3 of the two components 1, 2; the rear shorter surface section 1 7 is inclined at an angle β to the surface 1 3 of the two construction structures 1, 2. The same applies to the two surfaces 1 7 'and 1 8' of the recess 8 in the groove leg 3. The area of the groove surface 9 located outside the recess 8 of the groove leg 3 or close to the groove base is inclined at an angle γ to the surface 1 3 of the two components , The surface 1 0 of the tongue ό that has no protrusion and fits snugly against the facing groove surface 9 is inclined at the same angle γ,

To form a defined mutual position of the locked components 1, 2, it may be useful if the angle a to the useful or surface 1 3 of the longer triangular side 1 8 of the projection 7 on the spring 6, the angle or the inclination, in particular the Front area corresponds to the spring surface 1 0 ', which runs in its front area at a distance from the groove surface 9. The locking element-free spring surface 1 0 lies over the major part of its length on the groove inner surface 9 and, seen from the groove base 1 1, both surfaces approach the surface or useful surface 1 3 of the two components 1, 2 at the angle γ. In practice, it is advantageous if the deepening or. Groove in the near-surface groove and tongue surfaces are provided. It is particularly advantageous if corresponding locking elements in both tongue surfaces and both groove surfaces. be provided. The connection is then self-centering, which makes assembly easier and is self-locking in the end position,

It can be seen from Figure 6 that when the insertion ^'of the spring 6 in the groove 5, the groove legs 3, spread 4, are so away from each other, in particular slide nutöffnungsnahe surface 25' and the spring surface 1 0, in particular its region 30 to each other from , so that widening of the grooved legs 3, 4 is achieved without damaging them. When the tongue 6 is pulled out of the groove 5, the groove legs 3, 4 are widened by sliding the surfaces 1 7 and 1 7 'against one another,

5 shows a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, in which the groove 5 and the tongue 6 are advantageously formed symmetrically to a central plane M 'running perpendicular to the plane of the drawing by the components 1, 2,

The cross-section of the projection 7 or, the depression 8 as shown in FIG, 5 is triangular, whereby the triangle sides closer to the groove opening 1 7, 1 7 'shorter and are more inclined than the closer to the bottom of the groove 1 1 situated triangle sides 1 ^8,' 1 8 '. When the spring 6 is inserted into the groove 5a, the longer side 18 of the projection 7 slides on the inner edge or * a bevel 25 'of the groove leg 3 formed in this area until the projection 7 has overcome this inner edge surface 25' and from which Well 8 is added. This locks the components by snapping them into place.

In the advantageous embodiment according to FIG. 5, it is provided that protrusions 7 or depressions 8, in particular symmetrical protrusions 7 or depressions 8, and recesses 8 adapted to these ^' protrusions 7 or depressions 8 ^' and protrusions are formed on the two opposite tongue surfaces 10 , or that groove 5α and 6 spring Schwαlbenschwαnziform 'are formed and adapted to each other. This embodiment enables a double locking of the two components 1, 2, wherein such a locking can also be easily released by pulling the two components 1, 2 apart or pulling them apart in the plane they span. The widening of the legs 3, 4 can be supported by rotating the components against one another,

In this embodiment, the longer triangular side 1 8 or the surface of the projection 7 formed by this side merges with the formation of a bend 1 9 in the front region of the spring surface 1 0; the region of the groove surface 9 near the base of the groove and this front region of the spring surface 10 lie just as well as the projection 7 and the recess 8; In this way, a very exact connection of the components 1, 2 can be achieved and at the same time it is ensured that the end faces of the components 1, 2 abut against one another or are brought closer to one another under pressure, so that a gap between the components 1, 2 on the usable surface 1 3 or, a removal of the components 1, 2 is avoided in the course of their use,

The region of the groove surfaces 9 close to the groove base and the region of the spring surfaces 10 close to the free end of the spring 6 have the same angle of inclination γ. The angle a, which the surfaces 1 8 of the protrusion or the surfaces 1 8 'of the recess form with the surface 1 3 of the components 1, 2, is greater than the angle γ 25 'inclined to the surface 1 3 of the two components 1, 2,

The angle beta at which the shorter sides of the triangle 1 7, are inclined 1 7 ', is greater than the angle a and ends with the surface 1 3 of the components 1, 2 ^• advantageously an angle of between 25 ° to 65 °.

For connecting and detaching, it is advantageous if the triangular sides 18, 18 'near the base of the groove are approximately four to eight times, preferably five to seven times, as long as the base of the groove

Triangle sides 1 7, 1 7 'and if the angle between the two Triangle sides 1 7, 1 8 or, 1 7 ', 1 8' 1 00 to 1 40 °, in particular 1 1 0 to 1 30 °,

To facilitate insertion, it is advantageous if the inner end edges of the spring 6 are provided with bevels 12 and / or the inner end edge of the detent-free or locking element-free groove leg 4 is provided with a bevel 29,

The connection method according to the invention makes it possible and it is intended that the components 1, 2 to be connected to one another lie with their lower surfaces 15 in one plane,

In principle, a plurality of projections and / or depressions can also be formed on a tongue or groove surface, which further increases the self-locking of the connection in the end position,

FIG. 7 explains components 1, 2 in which extrudate 40, 43 also extends up to their surface 1 3 according to the invention. It thus mechanically and optically forms a V-shaped joint 43, 44 between the two end faces 42 of the components along the edges of the Components, the intermediate pieces 43, 44 serve as connecting means, protection and decoration. The right intermediate piece is inserted non-detachably in the groove 5b and at the same time forms the tongue ό, while the left intermediate piece is only applied to the edge 42 of the left component and only partially forms the groove 5a and thus partially as a connecting means 1 7 ', 1 8' serves,

Since the extrudate forms the end face of the components 1, 2, this edge can be processed more precisely and precisely.

The production of a component according to the invention is explained below using the example of a floor covering. A wood-chipboard particle board MDF / HDF or OSB in a size customary in production, for example 1,040 mm × 2,825 mm, is coated on a short-cycle press or continuous press with decorative paper on the top and counter-tension paper on the underside. After coating, the large format is divided into element size, for example 1 95 mm x 1 .2.50 mm, The parts obtained in this way are now machined on the longitudinal and transverse sides of a milling machine, after which the pre-milled parts go to an extrusion system, where the extrudate is introduced into the milled grooves. The extrusion system can also act directly behind the milling machine, so that immediately behind the extrudate can be shaped into the milling head,

In a last step, the panels which are now equipped according to the invention on the end face of the longitudinal and transverse sides in turn reach the milling system for forming the desired tongue or groove shape. Alternatively, this step can also be carried out continuously directly behind the milling head and / or the extruder.

Normal end soaps can also be provided with the extrudate without a groove, as a result of which an operation in the region of this end face can be omitted.

It is particularly economical to first provide all end faces with a groove that is suitable for engaging the spring. Only a tool is required for this and it is not possible to process the wrong side - on the / end soaps, which will later carry the springs the extrudate is now filled into the grooves. The extrudate is then worked into springs.

The invention is not limited to connecting elements in the form of grooves and tongues. Rather, the tongue and groove connection serves as an example of a type of connection that can be realized either non-positively or positively.

Claims

claims:

Arrangement of components with components (1, 2) which can be detachably connected by connecting means (40), in particular panels,

characterized in that

at least one of the connecting means (40) is non-releasably connected to one component (2) and releasably connectable to the other component (1),

, Arrangement according to claim 1, characterized in that the connecting means which is non-releasably connected to the component consists of a different material than the component to which the connecting means is non-releasably connected,

, Arrangement according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that grooves (5, 5a) and springs (6) are provided as connecting means for connecting the components to one another,

, Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that one of the connecting means (40) with the one component (2) through

Form closure is inextricably linked.

, Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that one of the connecting means (40) with the one component (2) by frictional connection. is inextricably linked.

Gluing is inextricably linked.

, Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the one component (2) has a groove (5b) with or without undercuts, into which at least one

Connecting means (40) is introduced non-releasably,

, Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one connecting means is made of extrudate

, Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one connecting means is brought into contact with the one component in the liquid or soft state,

0, arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one connecting means has connected to the one component while foaming,

1, Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one connecting means has filled the groove (5b) of the components by foaming,

2, arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one connecting means is designed as a tongue or groove, which has been formed after the permanent connection with the one component, in particular by milling, 3, Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one connecting means consists essentially of plastic and / or has wood, which was obtained during the production of the grooves (5a, 5b).

4. Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one connecting means consists essentially of a combination of plastic and wood.

5, Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one connecting means consists essentially of a combination of wood and starchy products.

6, Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one connecting means consists essentially of a combination of wood, starchy products and hydrophobizing agents.

7, Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one connecting means consists essentially of a combination of wood, starch-containing products, hydrophobizing agents and natural or synthetic binders,

8, Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one connecting means consist essentially of a combination of wood and organic synthetic binders.

19 ,, Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that by the connecting means (40) the components are releasably connected by positive locking,

, Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the legs (3, 4) of the groove (5a) are elastically resilient and the spring can be inserted into the groove,

, Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the components are connected by the connecting means (40) such that they are in a direction perpendicular to the surface (1 3) of the

Components and are detachably fixed in a further direction perpendicular to the joint formed between two adjacent components and parallel to the surface of the components,

, Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the maximum thickness (D) of the connecting means (40) is smaller than the thickness of the components.

, Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the maximum thickness (D) of the connecting means (40) is equal to the maximum thickness (D) of the springs (6a, 6b),

, Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connecting means are designed such that the end faces of two adjacent components (1, 2) can meet at least partially, in particular in the region of the top. , Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the components have a flat lower surface (1 5) for resting on a flat surface,

, Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the components are plate or strip-shaped.

, Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the components on the top and / or bottom are coated in particular with plastic laminates.

, Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the components made of wood, wood material or on a wooden basis, for. B. panel panels, floor panels, laminate panels,

Cladding panels or strips or the like. Or such components are formed,

, Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in the case of two mutually abutting end faces of two adjacent components (1, 2), the one end face has a groove (5a) which is formed by two legs (3, 4), in particular of equal length .

, Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the spring (6) of the connecting means (40) can be detachably connected to the groove (5a),

1, Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the non-detachably connected to the one component

Lanyard made of a waterproof material 32, arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connecting means has a greater strength than the material of the components,

33. Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the components can be connected by snapping in by means of the connecting means,

34, arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, in particular for the firm but releasable connection of the components, on at least one side of the groove and on at least one side of the tongue, preferably extending over the entire length of the groove and the tongue , matched locking elements in the form of a recess or recess

(8) or in the form of a projection (7) to hold connected components (1, 2) in an assembled position.

35. Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in particular for the fixed but releasable connection of the

Components (1, 2)

- The groove (5) is formed directly in the component (1) itself or machined out of it,

- The width (B) of the groove (5) increases from the inside to the outside, - The thickness (D) of the tongue (6) decreases towards its free end,

- The projection (7) on the spring (ό) one with the surface (1 3) of the components (1 2) an angle (a) including a longer front surface (1 8, 30) and one to this surface to form a Subsequent bend with the surface (1 3) of the component

(1 2) has an angle (ß) exceeding angle (ß) including shorter rear surface (1 7), the recess (8) in the groove (5) at least partially in the locking position to the longer front surface (1 8, 30) adjacent to the groove base contact surface (1 8 ') and a shorter, remote from the groove base and in locking division against the shorter rear surface (1 7) of the projection (7) contact surface (1 7') , - and at least one of the two, preferably both, groove legs

(3, 4) relative to the other slot bar! is elastically bendable towards the outside, so that the tongue (ό) is held by the groove legs (3, 4) in the locking position under clamping action or, with elastic deflection, the groove legs (-3, 4) are inserted into or out of the groove (5) this can be pulled out.

, Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the angle (a) which the front surface (1 0) forms with the surface (1 3) of the components (1, 2) is greater than the angle (γ) The area of the groove surface (9) close to the groove base with the

Includes the surface (1 3) of the components (1, 2).

, Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that when the projection (7) is formed on only one side of the spring (6) and the recess (8) is formed on only that side

The side of the groove (5) facing away from the projection and recess-free surfaces of the tongue (6) and groove (5) lie flat and snugly against one another and enclose the same angle (γ) with the surface (1 3) of the components (1, 2) .

, Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that

- That the spring areas near the end area (1 0) the same

Inclination angles (γ) to the surface (1 3) of the components (1, 2) have, like the areas of the groove surfaces (9) near the groove base, against which areas the spring area (10) near the end area in

/ / ^• Assembled position of the components, (1, 2),

- That in the course of at least one, preferably the near-surface groove surface (9), in particular in both Groove surfaces (9), a recess or recess (8) which is triangular in shape and is formed as a locking element in section perpendicular to the direction in which the components (1, 2) are joined together - that in the course of at least one, preferably the near-surface spring surface (1 0), in particular in both spring surfaces (1 0), a protrusion (7) with a triangular shape is formed in section perpendicular to the direction in which the component (1, 2) is joined, and - that in the assembled position the Components (1, 2) of the projection

(7) and the recess (8) lie flat, full and without play along their contours,

, Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that substantially the entire in front of the projection (7)

In the locking position of the components (1, 2), the area of the spring surface (1 0) in the direction of the front spring end lies against the groove surface (9).

Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the longest triangular side of the recess (8) lies in the course or in the plane of the groove surface (9), the triangular side (1 7 ') closer to the groove opening being shorter and stronger is inclined at an angle (ß) to the surface (1 3) than that closer to the groove base (1 1) and at an angle () to the surface

(1 3) inclined triangle side (1 8 '), that the longest triangle side of the projection (7) lies in the course or in the plane of the spring surface (1 0), the triangle side (1 7) lying away from the free spring end being shorter and is more inclined at the angle (β) to the surface (1 3) than that to the surface (1 3) below the

Angle (a) inclined, near the free end of the triangle (1 8), and that the projection (7) formed on the spring (6) has a cross section corresponding to the triangular shape of the recess (8).

1 . Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the spring (6) is solid.

2, Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the triangular projection (7) on the spring (6) is located between surface areas of the spring (6) which have the same angle of inclination (γ) to the surface (1 3) of the components ( 1, 2).

43. Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the surface area (25 ') of the groove surface (9) between the groove opening and the beginning of the shorter triangular side (1 7 ¹ ) of the recess (8) forms an angle with the surfaces (1 3) of the components (1, 2), the inclination angle (a) of the longer one

Triangle side (1 8 ') corresponds, whereby this surface area (251) of the groove (5) is designed as a sliding surface for the longer triangle side (1 8) of the projection (7) carried by the spring (6).

44. Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the area close to the free spring end and also the area of the spring area (1 0) close to the end face of the component (2) each with the formation of a kink (1 9, 20) in the the longer (1 8) and the shorter (1 7) triangle side of the projection (7).

45. Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the triangular soap near the base of the groove (1 8) (FIG. 2) or the section (30) of the spring surface (1 0) (FIG. 1) received by the recess (8) approximately four to eight times, preferably five to seven times, as long as the groove-base triangular side (1 7) (Fig, 2) or the shorter rear surface (1 7) (Fig, 1) and that the angle between the two triangular sides (1 7, 1 8) or between section (30) the spring surface (1 0) and the shorter rear surface (1 7) is 1 00 ° to 1 40 °, in particular 1 1 0 ° to 1 30 °.

, Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the longer side of the triangle (1 8.1 8 ') and the shorter side of the triangle

(1 7,1 7 ') of the projection (7) or the recess (8) with the formation of a kink (1 9, 20) in the front or rear area of the nuf area (9) and the spring area (1 0),

, Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the near-surface groove leg (4) of one component (1), which optionally has a rounded or beveled inner edge (29), rests with its end face on the near-surface end face region of the other component (2) and / or that the bottom leg of the groove (3) of the one component (1) is located with its end face at a distance or from the end face region of the other component (2) near the bottom,

, Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the groove (5) and the tongue (6) in the central region of the respective

End faces of the component (1 .2) or symmetrical to a horizontal central plane of the components (1, 2) are formed ,,

, Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that ^• the arrangement comprises components (1) which are on one of their

End faces have a groove (5) and a tongue (6) on the other end face and includes components (1) which have grooves (5) or tongues (6) on the two opposite ends or on all end faces, and / or, the same structure that the components (1, 2) are arranged symmetrically respectively with respect to an axis perpendicular to its surface and through the longitudinal and / oder_Que ^'rCENTER) extending plane, 0, Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the components (1, 2) have different widths, where appropriate the components (1) bearing grooves (5) on opposite end faces are plate-shaped or wide and the springs ( 6) load-bearing components (1) are narrow or elongated,

1 . Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the projection (7) or, the projections or the recess (8) in the groove (5) or, in the region between the legs (3, 4) of the groove (5) or are located in the inner surface of the groove (5) or on the area of the tongue (6) which can be inserted into the groove (5) or between the legs (3, 4) of the groove (5),

2, arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the angles (a) at which the triangular sides (1 8, 1 8 ') of the projection (7) and the depression (8) near the base of the groove are inclined are of the same size,

53. Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the angles (β) at which the triangular sides (1 7, 1 7 ') of the projection (7) and the depression (8) remote from the base of the groove are inclined - are of equal size .

, Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the legs (3, 4) of one or both grooves (5a, 5b) are of equal length,

, Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the legs (3, 4) of one or both grooves (5a, 5b) are not of the same length,

, Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lower leg (3) is longer than the upper leg (4),

, Arrangement, in particular according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that one or more of the side edges of at least one component are permanently provided with extrudate, which extends to the surface of the component, which is visible in the installed state of the component.