EP2206853A2 - Floor element with connection elements - Google Patents

Abstract

The base element (100) has a formed material, where an upper side (110) is provided with a pre-determined surface area. Each edge (130) of the base element has a lateral surface (131), where multiple connecting elements (160) are arranged. The connecting elements extend horizontally outward from the lateral surface, such that a gap is formed between the opposite edges of the base element in joined condition. The base element is made of wood or plastic composite material.

Description

The invention relates to a floor element according to the preamble of claim 1. In particular, the invention relates to a floor element, which consists of a molded material and is shaped as a displaceable base plate having at least four edges.

From the DE 10 2006 055 715 A1 a floor element is known, which consists of a molded material, in particular a wood and / or plastic-containing composite material and having a top with a predetermined surface and having a bottom with a support structure, the bottom element may be formed as a displaceable bottom plate, the at least four Has edges. For joining the floor element with adjacent floor elements there are provided at the edges spaced mounting elements, which have protruding notches, which engage in counter-locking points of the respective adjacent floor element. The fasteners and Gegenrastungsstellen are designed in particular as tongue and groove joints and are joined together by horizontal movement, so that they snap into each other and then in the assembled state are virtually invisible. The proposed construction leads to frictional connections between the floor elements and allows the construction of a solid composite. The fasteners are also provided with holes or holes for attachment of the bottom element on a substrate, a substrate and / or substructure to allow additional fixation of the composite to the respective substrate or substructure.

The laying of such floor elements proves to be bottlenecks rather difficult, because there is hardly enough space for horizontal assembly of the floor elements is present. Also requires a later desired (partial) disassembly of the composite, especially at such bottlenecks, a certain craftsmanship.

Floor elements with vertically joining fasteners are in itself from the GB 1 600 823 , of the AT 413 840 B , of the US 4,054,987 or the US 4,584,221 known. These can be combined relatively easily into a composite.

However, it has been found in the known floor elements that can quickly accumulate rainwater in a larger amount in a composite laid outdoors, especially in a large-scale composite.

The object of the invention is therefore to significantly improve a floor element of the type mentioned, so that the mentioned disadvantages are overcome advantageously. In particular, a very simple assembly and disassembly of a compound composed of several soil elements composite should be possible, the composite should be particularly well laid outdoors and used.

The object is achieved by a floor element with the features of claim 1.

Accordingly, a floor element is proposed, in which each edge has a lateral surface with a plurality of connecting elements arranged thereon, which engage in a playful manner during assembly of the floor element with an adjacent floor element with its connecting elements by a vertical movement, wherein the connecting elements from the lateral surfaces extend horizontally to the outside, so that in the assembled state, taking advantage of the play-engaging engagement, a gap between the opposite edges of the bottom elements is formed. Thus, when joining the floor elements, playful connections are made which leave a gap between the respective adjacent floor elements, through which water can flow which otherwise would accumulate on the surface.

This combination of features creates a new floor element that can be laid as a base plate, which can be very easily assembled directly with correspondingly designed further floor elements by vertical movement. The floor elements are preferably square and can also be laid by laymen very easily to a composite.

By each provided on each edge fasteners can be very easily and quickly created a mechanically stable connection between each two adjacent floor elements, always leaving a gap, among other things, for drainage of possibly on the surface accumulating rainwater and the like can serve. Also, the gap causes better ventilation of the cavities forming below the underside. In addition, the gap and the aligned for a vertical movement connection technology facilitate a possible dismantling of assembled floor elements.

The floor elements or panels can be laid both in the same direction as well as alternately in opposite directions or rotated by 90 degrees orientation. This results in very different laying patterns. The functional as well as optical attractiveness is increased in particular by the fact that the upper sides of the floor elements can have different surface structures and / or colors and / or orientation.

Particularly advantageous embodiments of the invention will become apparent from the dependent claims:

Preferably, the connecting elements are designed as elements for positive, play-related connections, in particular for Schwalbenschanz connections or the like. In this case, the connecting elements can be designed as elements for connections, which are self-clamping and / or self-centering under the action of a force. In particular, in this context, it is advantageous to at least one elastic element is provided at the edges and / or the lateral surfaces, the horizontally acting pressure force on the adjacent floor element when joining the bottom element with an adjacent floor element and to exploit the play involving engagement of the connecting elements exerts, so that between the respective opposite edges of the floor elements a maximum possible gap forms. For example, the elastic element may be formed as an elastic portion provided on the edge and / or side surface or as a spring element. In addition, the elastic element may have a projection which engages in the assembly of the bottom elements in a arranged on the adjacent bottom element projection and secures the bottom plates against vertical displacement.

Also, the connecting elements may be formed on the lateral surfaces of the edges so that the connecting elements are accessible in the assembled state and at least by utilizing the play-engaged engagement from above through the forming gap.

Also, preferably, the mutually spaced connecting elements are arranged at a distance from each other or offset, which corresponds to a rational fraction of the edge length, in particular half the edge length. Thus, a clearly defined by the distance pitch can be specified, which can then be easily adhered to when laying the floor elements. Thus, the mutually adjacent floor elements in an offset distance, in particular in the o.g. Distance or pitch, moved to each other and put together. Such an offset laying of the floor elements results in a particularly attractive overall visual impression.

Preferably, the fasteners occupy only a fraction of 30 or less percent in their extent along the edge with respect to the entire edge length. Thus, the resulting gap length is very high overall large and is at least 70 percent of the total length of each edge. Preferably, the gap or the length of all gaps on an edge occupies at least 80 percent of the total edge length.

The bottom element may advantageously also have an upper side, which is formed convex toward the center or convex. As a result, an automatic drainage action for rainwater and the like is created especially for laying in outdoor areas. Regardless of or in connection therewith, the underside of the bottom element may be offset towards the middle or concave. This ensures that the designed as a bottom plate floor element rests safely and wobble on an uneven surface.

Fig. 1

zeigt in dreidimensionaler Darstellung ein Bodenelement mit seitlich angeordneten Verbindungselementen;

Fig. 2

zeigt das Bodenelement in einer Draufsicht;

Fig. 3

zeigt in einer Seitenansicht das Bodenelement mit den daran angeordneten Verbindungselementen;

Fig. 4

zeigt in einer Draufsicht und im Detail eine zwischen zwei benachbarten Bodenelementen hergestellte Verbindung in Form einer Schwalbenschanz-Verbindung;

Fig. 5

zeigt in einer Querschnittsansicht die Schwalbenschwanz-Verbindung und ein darauf einwirkendes elastisches Element;

Fig. 6

zeigt im Detail die Schwalbenschwanz-Verbindung und das darauf einwirkende elastische Element;

Fig. 7

zeigt in einem Ausschnitt die Unterseiten von mehreren zusammengefügten Bodenelementen und die jeweils dazwischen hergestellten Verbindungen;

Fig. 8

zeigt in einer Draufsicht einen Verbund aus mehreren zusammengefügten Bodenelementen;

Fig. 9

zeigt in einer Draufsicht einen weiteren Verbund aus mehreren zusammengefügten Bodenelementen; und

Fig. 10

zeigt alternativ zu den Darstellungen nach Fig. 4 und Fig. 7 eine weitere Verbindung zwischen benachbarten Bodenelementen.

The invention will now be described in detail with reference to several embodiments, reference being made to the following drawings:

Fig. 1

shows a three-dimensional view of a bottom element with laterally arranged connecting elements;

Fig. 2

shows the bottom element in a plan view;

Fig. 3

shows in a side view of the bottom element with the connecting elements arranged thereon;

Fig. 4

shows in a plan view and in detail a connection made between two adjacent floor elements in the form of a Dovetail connection;

Fig. 5

shows in a cross-sectional view of the dovetail connection and an elastic element acting thereon;

Fig. 6

shows in detail the dovetail connection and the elastic element acting thereon;

Fig. 7

shows in a section the lower sides of a plurality of assembled floor elements and the connections made therebetween;

Fig. 8

shows in a plan view of a composite of several assembled floor elements;

Fig. 9

shows in a plan view another composite of a plurality of assembled floor elements; and

Fig. 10

shows as an alternative to the illustrations after Fig. 4 and Fig. 7 another connection between adjacent floor elements.

The Fig. 1 and 2 show a first example of a designed as a square bottom plate floor element 100 in three-dimensional view and in a plan view of the top 110 of the bottom plate. The bottom plate 100 is preferably made of a weather-resistant and UV-protected equipped composite material or a compound of wood chips, polypropylene and various additives. The wood chips are preferably from sustainable forestry and contain no waste wood. The recipe is resistant to moisture and fungi, so the Floor plate can be used in particular as a floor covering in outdoor use. The production takes place in injection molding machines or in accordance with procedures carried out accordingly.

The bottom plate 100 has a closed surface of e.g. 40 cm X 40 cm, which is committed and exposed directly to the weather. The square bottom plate 100 has four edges 130, each with an edge length L of 40 cm. The upper side 110 or the loading surface is crowned (convex) by approximately 1-2 mm so that it is e.g. Rainwater can not stand on the surface, which means the surface can dry faster and no puddles can form. Due to the choice of material, the bottom element 100, in particular its upper side 110, has a deliberately wood-like appearance. Due to a deep groove structure on the surface results in improved slip resistance and dirt resistance, since the dirt in the Rillentäler less noticeable. The Rillenberge can by ooring with steel brushes, Abrasive blades or similar. still wood-like and non-slip be designed.

The bottom plate 100 is, for example, 38 mm high and has on each of its four edges 130 lateral surfaces 131 on which a plurality of connecting elements 160 are arranged. These are arranged equidistant at least in pairs at a distance D, which preferably corresponds to half the length L of an edge 130, so here is 20 cm. Thus, when laying the floor panels 100 can be laid in a line or gap with an offset of half a plate width (see also FIGS. 8 and 9 ). Due to the predetermined distance D even laymen can perform the laying of the floor panels very easily and precisely.

The design of the connecting elements 160 is designed in the example shown here for a dovetail-like connection and will be described in detail below with reference to Fig. 3 to 7 described in more detail. An alternative embodiment, which relates to a T-connection, shows the Fig. 10 , which will be described later.

First, here on the Fig. 3 Reference is made to the first embodiment and illustrates the bottom plate 100 in a side view. The illustration illustrates that a plurality of connecting elements 160 are provided on each lateral surface 131 of the bottom plate 100. These protrude from the lateral surface 131 and are designed, for example, wedge-shaped or trapezoidal in order to be able to produce a dovetail connection by vertical telescoping of opposing connecting elements.

This is in the Fig. 4 illustrating, in a plan view, the connection between two assembled floor panels 100 and 100 '. The fasteners 160 of one plate 100 engage the fasteners 160 'of the adjacent plate 100', with some clearance provided to compensate for component tolerances and facilitate vertical assembly. The dovetail connection 165 shown here thus results from the fact that the plates 100 and 100 'are brought together in a vertical movement, so that the wedge-shaped or trapezoidal section of the one connecting element 160 coming from above behind the corresponding portion of the opposing connecting element 160'. is guided and intervenes there form-fitting.

The connecting elements 160 and 160 'are so far from the lateral surfaces that during assembly still a predeterminable gap SP remains between the opposite edges 130 and 130' of the adjacent floor panels. As a result, there is a sufficiently large gap or gap SP between the base plates within a composite, which can serve for drainage and / or ventilation and also makes it possible for individual plates to be very easily dismantled and replaced.

Since the connection 165 by a playful engagement of the connecting elements 160 and 160 'is formed and thus the connection and also the resulting gap SP are not fixed, flexible elements can be provided which exert a force F on the connection to the connection in to bring a self-clamping and / or self-centering position, ie here in the position of the maximum possible distance or gap SP.

The FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate by cross-sectional views of the construction and function of such a resilient member 170, which is here attached to the bottom plate 100, for example, and presses on the opposite connecting element 160 'of the adjacent bottom plate 100'. Here, the elastic member 170 is formed by a tapered elongated portion in the side wall, which corresponds to a very simple but effective construction. There are also other constructions conceivable, possibly also using spring elements.

In the Fig. 6 the construction is shown in more detail in detail, where it can be clearly seen that the elastic Element 170 also has a horizontally extending projection 172 which engages in a corresponding counterpart 162 on the opposite connecting element 160 'of the adjacent bottom plate. Thus, the vertical joining of the two floor panels, a slight engagement of the projections, whereby the connection is also fixed in at least one vertical direction. At a further portion of the edges of the floor panels is the same construction in a to Fig. 6 provided mirror-image arrangement, so that there is also a vertical fixation, which acts blocking in the other vertical direction. Thus, the floor panels are mutually secured even in the vertical direction against unintentional movement (lifting off the ground). However, the projections 172 and 162 are only so strong that a detachment of individual floor panels from an existing composite at any time is easily possible. It can also be provided that, in particular, the projection 172 on the elastic element 170 is very weak and designed as a predetermined breaking point, so that it breaks off with a certain expenditure of force.

The resulting in particular because of the pressing force F, defined distance SP between the bottom plates is also advantageous in terms of compensation for certain tolerance deviations that can occur during the manufacture of the bottom plates (or even with aging). Thus, the construction proposed here always achieves an optimal laying result. In particular, the floor panels may expand in the composite due to heat and / or moisture absorption, without this having any effects, in particular stresses, on the laid surface.

The Fig. 7 shows the composite of several bottom plates 100, 100 'and 100' from the bottom 120 ago. As can be seen there, have the bottom plates in the substructure on a rib-shaped structure, which serves to stiffen the bottom 120. The structure consists of cruciform ribs 121, which allow to load the resting on a substrate base plate 100 with a high weight of eg 800 kg. The respective base plate may be concave, so that the plate bends only when loaded so that it then rests with all the ribs on the ground. The concave elevation and thus the deflection is less than 1.5 mm. The areas lying between the ribs 121 may be designed as smooth surfaces or, as shown here, have a specific structure. The spacing of the ribs 121 is selected so that the loading surface of the bottom plate 100 can not break even under punctiform loading (for example, by a person with 100 kg weight and stiletto heels). The underside 120 or rear side of the bottom plate is offset toward the middle or concave. Only the two outer rib rows form the total thickness of 38 mm, ie have the full extent of the plate height. The inner rows of ribs are lowered or set inwards. As a result, only the outer rows of ribs lie on the substrate, which leads to a smaller contact area and greatly reduces any unwanted absorption or "absorption" of moisture, especially in a moist surface. In addition, the bottom plate 100 can thereby rest well even with an uneven and slightly convex ground and thus be laid wobble-free.

In the Fig. 7 moreover, the connections made by means of the connecting elements 160 and 160 between the floor panels 100, 100 'and 100 "are also shown, wherein also the respectively arranged elastic elements or pressing elements 170 and 170 'are shown. This connection technique allows a very simple and quick assembly of floor panels to a fixed composite.

The Fig. 8 shows by way of example in plan view, a first composite consisting of a plurality of square bottom plates 100 and 100 ', the same design, namely a groove-like top with transverse and longitudinal grooves have. By alternating rotation of the plates by 90 degrees, a checkerboard-like laying pattern is achieved.

The Fig. 9 shows in plan view a second composite consisting of several square bottom plates 100 and 100 'with the same design of the top, the plates are laid in rows by a distance D offset, which corresponds to half the edge length.

The Fig. 10 shows as a further embodiment, the construction of a T-shaped connection 166 by means of corresponding connection means 161a and 161b. This compound is under force (see. Fig. 4-6 ) at least self-clamping. Other alternative constructions of self-centering and / or self-clamping connections can be realized for example by trapezoidal, pyramidal, conical connecting elements.

By the connection technique described here, a very simple and quick laying of floor panels can be performed, creating a solid bond.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

100

Floor element, designed here as a base plate

110

Top of the floor element

120

Bottom of the floor element with support structure

121

Struts of the support structure

130

Edges of the respective floor element

131

lateral surfaces at the edges

L

edge length

D

Distance or offset (pitch) between the connecting elements

SP

Gap between the floor elements

160

Connecting elements (wedge-shaped)

165

Dovetail connection (force self-locking and self-centering)

161a / b

Connecting elements (T-shaped)

166

T-connection (self-clamping under force)

162

Projection on the connecting element 160

170

elastic element (pressure element)

172

Projection on the elastic element

Claims (11)

Floor element (100), which consists of a molded material and having a top surface (110) with a predeterminable surface and a bottom (120) with a support structure (121), wherein the bottom element (100) is formed as a movable bottom plate, the at least four edges (130), characterized in that
each edge (130) of the bottom element (100) has a lateral surface (131) with a plurality of connecting elements (160) arranged thereon, which when joining the bottom element (100) to an adjacent bottom element (100 ') with its connecting elements (160') a vertical movement playfully engaged, wherein the connecting elements (160, 160 ') extending from the lateral surfaces (131) horizontally to the outside, so that in the assembled state by utilizing the play-engaged engagement, a gap (SP) between the opposite Edges (130) of the floor elements (100, 100 ') is formed. Floor element (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that the connecting elements (160) are designed as elements for form-fitting, play-afflicted connections, in particular for Schwalbenschanz connections (161), T-connections (162) or L-connections (163) are. Floor element (100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the connecting elements (160) are designed as elements for connections which are self-clamping and / or self-centering under the action of a force (F). Floor element (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one elastic element (170) is provided on the edges (130) and / or the lateral surfaces (131), which when joining the bottom element (100) with a adjacent floor element (100 ') and for utilizing the play-related engagement of the connecting elements (160) a horizontally acting pressure force (F) on the adjacent floor element (100') exerts, so that between the respective opposite edges (130) of the floor elements (100, 100 ') forms a maximum possible gap (SP). Floor element (100) according to claim 4, characterized in that the elastic element (170) is designed as an edge provided on the edge (130) and / or lateral surface (131) elastic portion or as a spring element. Floor element (100) according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the elastic element (170) has a projection (172) which engages during assembly of the bottom elements (100, 100 ') in a arranged on the adjacent bottom element projection (162) and the bottom plates (100, 100 ') secures against vertical displacement. Floor element (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connecting elements (160) on the lateral surfaces (131) of the edges (130) formed so that the connecting elements (160) in the assembled state and at least taking advantage of the play-engaging engagement from above through the forming gap (SP) are accessible. Floor element (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connecting elements (160) on each lateral surface (131) along the edge (160) at a distance (D) are arranged offset from each other, a rational fraction of the edge length ( L), in particular half the edge length corresponds. Floor element (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the upper side (110) of the bottom element (100) is formed convex toward the center or convex. Floor element (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the underside (120) of the bottom element (100) offset from the center and / or concave. Floor element (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the bottom element (100 consists of a wood and / or plastic-containing composite material.

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