DE102004001363A1 - Floor units interconnection, has panel with interlocking projection having spring blade, which lies in interlocked position with abutting face of active surface of vertical interlocking projection - Google Patents

Abstract

The interconnection has a panel (2) with an interlocking projection (4), which is inserted into a recess of a panel (1). A spring blade in the projection (4) lies in an interlocked position with an abutting face of an active surface (12) of a vertical interlocking projection (14). The blade is set in an oblique manner and is confined via a slant opening. The projection (14) forms a triangle through the active and oblique surfaces.

Description

The The invention relates to a compound for floor elements according to the preamble of claim 1

Under the keyword "glueless Connection "or" Click Connection "are currently one Variety of solutions especially for laminate floors made of HDF / MDF or for parquet flooring application Find.

At one in the EP 0 098 162 B1 known solution adjacent peripheral edges of the floor elements or panels, ie the longitudinal edges and the front or transverse edges are executed with a tongue and groove connection. The lower, facing a bearing surface groove cheek of a panel is extended beyond a vertical parting plane between the panels out and has at its end portion a locking projection which dips into a corresponding recess on the underside of a spring of the other floor panel. In order to facilitate the laying of the panels, the connection is made in the engagement region of the extended groove cheek with the spring with a game, so that a displacement of the panels along the longitudinal edges is possible.

In WO 97/47834 A1, a glueless connection is shown in which similar in the above solution the lower groove cheek of a floor panel over the extended vertical separation plane addition and provided with a projection, which in an associated locking recess engages the spring. In contrast to the above-described solution is engagement between the elastically deflectable extended Nutwange and the associated locking recess of the spring backlash executed.

adversely in these known solutions, that the lower groove cheek must be made elastic, to bring about the locking intervention. At unfavorable Conditions, such as material defects or excessive loading the elastically deflectable lower groove cheek or when swelling Due to humidity and the influence of temperature it can happen that cracks occur in the connection area of the lower groove cheek, or a deflection of the groove cheek is effected by surface tension, so that this can no longer fulfill their locking function.

In the DE 199 62 830 C2 The Applicant is proposed to solve this problem to perform the horizontal locking via a separate locking pin, which is formed in addition to a conventional tongue and groove connection. Even with a breakage of this locking pin, the relative arrangement of the panels in the vertical direction is ensured in this technically superior solution.

Especially the latter two solutions are preferably by pushing in the horizontal direction connected with each other. Some customers, however, prefer the panels to connect with each other by angle, with an already laid panel a panel to be laid in inclined position along the longitudinal edge is set, so that, for example, the spring of the to be laid Plates panel in the groove of the laid panel. Subsequently, will folded the panel to be laid down from its oblique position, the groove being complete immersed in the spring and horizontal locking devices such interlock that the two panels so along the longitudinal edge locked in both the horizontal direction and in the vertical direction are. The problem with such a solution is that the lock in the shorter Forehead or transverse edges in the above Einschwenkvorgang difficult to manufacture, so that - depending on the constructive solution - along the front edges either no horizontal locking takes place or but this can only be produced with considerable effort.

That's how it shows DE 299 24 454 U1 a solution in which the floor panels are locked along their end edges in the vertical direction via one or more end projections of a panel, which engage in corresponding recesses of the other panel. These projections must be made relatively small by design, so that on the one hand, the production is likely to cause difficulties, on the other hand laying is done with extreme caution, so as not to damage the small locking projections.

In the DE 201 12 474 U1 discloses a glueless connection, wherein the above-described front projections are formed on a spring tongue over which an elasticity in the horizontal direction is provided, so that the engagement of these projections is simplified into corresponding recesses of the other panel. In this solution, the vertically effective part of the locking projections is made relatively small, so that when laying a special attention must be paid to ensure that these locking projections are not damaged when swinging down the panel to be laid on the front edge.

The JP 07300979 shows a glueless connection, in the front side only a horizontal lock is provided. A lock in Verti Kalrichtung is not provided in the region of the front edges in this known solution.

Of the Invention is based on the object, a compound for floor elements to create, on the one hand, a reliable locking in the vertical direction and in horizontal direction is enabled and which, on the other hand, is simple to manufacture and robust, and a connection by swiveling allows.

These Task is through a connection for floor elements with the features of claim 1.

According to the invention the locking in the vertical direction by a spring tongue, the with her face to an effective surface a vertical locking projection of the other panel rests.

Unlike in the DE 201 12 474 U1 The solution shown according to the invention on the spring tongue no separate locking projection must be provided, since this function takes over the end face of the spring tongue.

This is much larger than the locking projection in the known solutions, for example in the DE 201 12 474 U1 executed, so that damage during installation is almost impossible.

It becomes according to the invention preferred when the spring tongue made inclined to the horizontal is and through a frontally inclined slit is limited.

at this solution It is particularly preferred if the end face of the spring pin on the vertical Verriege development projection the other panel rests, by two roof-shaped each other employed inclined surfaces formed is, of which a lower inclined surface the effective area forms and an upper inclined surface in one in a separation area the floor elements lying face goes over. In this variant, it is advantageous if one of the spring tongue removed slot area of the slanted slot right up to this transitional area extends.

The in the horizontal direction effective locking is preferably by a contact surface one on a floor element downwardly extending locking tab formed in the locked state on a locking surface of the other floor element is applied.

A additional contact surface is provided by a provided on the underside of the locking projection bearing surface formed on a support surface of a Locking recess of the other floor element rests. Thereby are the two floor elements in the locked state three times along the effective surface, the Investment area and the support surface locked and guarantee a trouble-free Connection in the horizontal plane.

According to the invention it is preferred if the above-described connection is formed only on the shorter end edges of a floor element, such as a panel, while at the longer longitudinal edges a groove / spring-like connection is formed with horizontal locking. Such a compound is for example in the earlier patent application DE 103 43 025 the applicant discloses. This connection can only be made by swiveling in.

The inventive compound is preferably in parquet panels with a support layer, a Wear layer of a high-quality wood and a joist used, wherein the compound of the invention is formed in the region of the base layer.

other advantageous developments of the invention are the subject of further Dependent claims.

Disclosed are further constructions where no slot in the area of the locking projection is formed.

in the The following will be a preferred embodiment of the invention explained in more detail with reference to schematic drawings. Show it:

1 a compound according to the invention for floor elements in the locked state;

2 the formation of a front edge of a panel 1 ;

3 the formation of the corresponding panel 1 ;

4 another way to make a glueless connection;

5 End edges of two adjacent floor elements of a variant of the embodiment 4 and

6 a further variant of the embodiment 4 ,

1 shows a section through the verb area of two laid parquet planks, in the following panels 1 . 2 called. However, the application of the invention is by no means limited to such parquet floors but can also be transferred to laminate floors or the like. The panels 1 . 2 of parquet floors usually have a rectangular shape, with their longitudinal sides are carried out with a conventional click connection, which can be connected by relative pivoting of the panels.

Such a profile is for example in the aforementioned earlier patent application DE 103 43 025 described. At the shorter front edges of the panels 1 . 2 are formed connecting elements, as in 1 are shown. These fasteners allow two frontally adjacent panels 1 . 2 by swinging down a panel 2 To lock, so that the laying is much easier.

When laid, this one engages the panel 2 trained, down, ie towards the bearing surface of the floor projecting locking projection 4 of the panel 2 in an upwards, ie towards the effective surface open locking recess 6 the other panel 1 one, leaving the two panels 1 . 2 are locked together in both the vertical direction and in the horizontal direction. The locking projection 4 has a spring tongue 8th with an end face 10 on a sloping active surface 12 a vertical locking projection 14 of the panel 1 is applied. The locking projection 4 also has a support surface 16 resting on a support surface 18 the locking recess 6 lies. The right in the figure flank of the locking projection 4 is formed by a contact surface, the treatment area on a Verriege 22 the locking recess 6 is applied. Through these three investment areas effective area 12 / Front side 10 , Bearing surface 16 / Support surface 18 and contact surface 20 / Locking surface 22 are the two panels 1 . 2 locked frontally in the horizontal and vertical direction and thereby form a kind of "push button system", by pressing the locking projection 4 in the locking recess 6 when pivoting the panel 2 can be locked in the horizontal position.

In the illustrated embodiment, the panels 1 . 2 designed as parquet planks. Such a parquet floor has, for example, a support layer 24 on which a wear layer formed from a high-quality wood 26 is formed, which may be, for example, oiled or sealed. The bearing surface of the planks is covered by a beam 28 made of wood. Such a structure is well known, so that further explanations are unnecessary. The above-described locking elements are in the region of the base layer 24 educated.

Further details of the locking elements are described below with reference to 2 and 3 explained.

2 shows a section through the front edge region of the panel 1 , Accordingly, the locking recess 6 essentially by a cheek 30 limited in the horizontal direction from a vertically extending end edge 32 projects. This lies in the area of the wear layer 26 trained dividing plane 30 (please refer 1 ) or parting line between the laid panels 1 . 2 , This front edge 32 extends in the illustrated embodiment over the entire height of the wear layer 26 , In the transition area to the middle support layer 24 closes at the front edge 32 the vertical locking projection 14 on, which is formed in the illustrated embodiment by two roof-shaped inclined surfaces. The lower inclined surface forms the effective surface 12 while the upper inclined surface 34 from the apex of the vertical locking projection 14 towards the front edge 32 drops.

The angle that the effective area 12 and the upper inclined surface 34 include, is formed greater than 90 ° in the illustrated embodiment. The effective area 12 extends from the apex of the vertical locking projection 14 back to the parting line 30 , out of the cheek 30 cantilevered to the right. The locking recess formed therein 6 has according to 2 an approximately trapezoidal cross-section and is defined by the inclined locking surface 22 , the horizontally extending support surface 18 , and a subsequent, to the base of the effective area 14 rising edge 36 limited. The obliquely ascending locking surface 22 goes into a horizontally running cheek area 38 above. As in 2 is indicated, lies this cheek surface 38 in a horizontal plane 40 , which are below the base of the effective area 12 lies. That is, in the illustrated embodiment, the vertical locking projection is located 14 above the horizontal plane 40 and thus in the vertical direction above the locking surface 22 , The cheek area 38 then go over a chamfer 42 in a the length of the cheek 30 delimiting, vertically extending front edge 44 above.

3 shows a corresponding section through the panel 2 , Accordingly, the spring tongue 8th the locking projection 4 through a slanted slot 46 formed, which is employed in the illustrated embodiment to Hori zontal by an angle α. This is less than 45 ° in the illustrated embodiment.

One from the spring tongue 8th removed slot area 48 extends from a slot bottom 50 up to a front edge 52 , in the locked state at the ensprechenden front edge 32 of the panel 1 is applied. The slot area 48 extends in the locked state to the transition region between the vertical locking projection 14 and the front edge 32 the other panel 1 ,

The length of the spring tongue 8th limiting face 10 includes a right angle with the dash-dotted line slot axis.

The width of the slot B is chosen so that the spring tongue 8th when engaged with its free end portion along the upper inclined surface 34 the vertical locking projection 14 can slide off elastically and then on reaching the in 1 shown locking position springs back and with the end face 10 at the effective surface 12 is applied. The width b of the face 10 is slightly smaller than the width D ( 2 ) of the effective area 12 formed, the geometry of the spring tongue 8th and the slant 46 is chosen so that in the locked state, the end face 10 the spring tongue 8th from the apex of the vertical locking projection 14 away across the width b at the effective area 12 is applied. This dimension b is slightly smaller than the width D of the effective area 12 ,

The from the slanted slot 46 removed back 54 the spring tongue 8th is a bit flatter to the horizontal hired as the flank 36 the locking recess 6 (please refer 2 ), so that in the locked state, the gap between the back 54 and the flank 36 extended downwards (see 1 ). The underside of the locking tab 4 is through the horizontally extending support surface 16 limited, which has a slightly smaller width than the support surface 18 the locking recess 6 Has. To the support surface 16 closes to the right a transitional area 56 on, in the contact area 20 passes, with the locking projection 4 in the locked state on the locking surface 22 the cheek 30 of the panel 1 is applied. Following the contact surface 20 is a horizontal surface 58 formed over a groove 60 in an end wall 62 passes through both the base layer 24 as well as the subway 28 is formed and in the locked state at a distance from the front edge 44 the cheek 30 stands. Attractive are also the area 58 and the cheek area 38 as well as the throat 60 and the chamfer 42 spaced apart. The angle of attack of the transition surface 56 determines the width along which the locking projection 4 with a contact surface 20 at the locking surface 22 and with the support surface 16 on the support surface 18 rests. In the illustrated embodiment is through this transition surface 56 a comparatively large cavity 64 (please refer 1 ) between the cheek 33 and the locking projection 4 educated.

The function of the frontal locking elements according to the invention will be explained with reference to a laying operation. It is assumed that already some panels 1 are laid and now that the panel 2 with a longitudinal edge and a front edge with the already laid panels 1 to be connected. This will be - as in the DE 103 36 393 described in detail - the panel to be laid 2 inclined to the horizontal and employed with its trained on the longitudinal edge spring in the groove of the already laid panel 1 introduced in sections and aligned laterally to the other panel with which it is to be connected to the front side. Then ßend is the panel to be laid 2 pivoted down into the horizontal, so that the spring dips into the groove of the laid panel along the side and is locked when reaching the horizontal position. During this Einschwenkvorganges dives on the front edge of the panel to be laid 2 trained locking projection 4 initially in sections in the locking recess 6 the already laid panel 1 one and is thereby by the section-wise conditioning of the front edges 32 . 52 or the contact surface 22 at the locking surface 20 guided. During this pivoting the spring tongue runs 8th with her backside 54 on the upper inclined surface 34 which is inclined with respect to the vertical. Due to the elasticity of the spring tongue 8th this is deflected during further pivoting and slides with the edge between the end face 10 and the back 54 on the upper sloping surface 34 from. By this feathering sliding is the panel to be laid 2 in the illustration according to 1 Press something to the right so that the contact surface 22 during the Einschwenkvorganges on the locking surface 20 slides. Due to the inclination of the latter surfaces, the spring tongue 8th not the height of the vertical locking projection 14 corresponding dimension be deflected, as the panel to be laid 2 opposite the already installed panel 1 something to the right ( 1 ) can dodge. Just before the horizontal position reaches the sliding edge of the spring 8th (between face 10 and back 54 ) the apex of the vertical locking projection 14 and then can snap back to their basic position in which they are using their face 10 flat on the effective surface 12 the vertical locking projection 14 is applied. As already described, lies in this locking position of the locking projection 4 also with its contact surface 16 on the support surface 18 and with its contact surface 20 at the locking surface 22 the cheek 30 on. The beden Pa neele 1 . 2 are frontally or transversely reliably locked by the triple locking, the areal system allows a very stable locking, which holds even in the most unfavorable environmental conditions.

For example, on the panel 1 Act de Vertical force F _V is determined according to the inclination of the effective surface 12 in a perpendicular to the active surface 12 or to the face 10 acting component F _S and in a force acting in the direction of these surfaces component F _F , wherein the force component F _{S is} the spring tongue 8th pressurized while the component F _{F is} a bending moment on the spring tongue 8th transfers. Even in the most unfavorable environmental conditions and burdens of the laid floor, the forces occurring in the solution according to the invention should not be so great that the lock is destroyed or at least damaged. In the solutions described above with relatively small contact surfaces of the locking elements such damage can not be avoided, so that with these solutions no reliable front edge lock can be brought.

Another special feature of the invention is the fact that the contact surface 20 and the frontal area 10 or the lower inclined surface of the recess 66 are inclined in the same direction, ie, for example, rising to the top right. However, the inclination angle is different.

In 4 a solution is shown, which differs in principle from the above-described solution in that on the front side opening oblique slot 46 is omitted and thus the locking projection 4 is designed without elasticity. For locking has the locking projection 4 an approximately triangular recess 66 , whose bottom inclined surface the same angle as the effective surface 12 Has. The elasticity is not in this variant by the locking projection 4 but by the cheek 33 of the panel 1 made available. In the illustrated embodiment, this elasticity is achieved in that following the support surface 18 an elasticity score 68 is formed by the cross section of the cheek 33 something is weakened, leaving an elastic deflection of the cheek 33 down is enabled.

The insertion takes place in principle in the same manner as in the above-described embodiment, ie when swiveling reaches the edge 70 between the prismatic recess 66 and the back 54 initially in contact with the upper inclined surface 34 the vertical locking projection 14 , whereby the locking projection 4 with its contact surface 20 shifted to the right and against the locking surface 22 is pressed. The edge 70 then slides along the slanted surface 34 until it reaches the apex of the vertical locking projection 14 achieved - the locking projection 4 then snaps into its illustrated locking position, with the lower inclined surface of the recess 66 in sections on the effective surface 12 the vertical locking projection 14 is applied. This snap action is due to the elasticity of the cheek 33 allows, as these due to the weakening by the elasticity score 68 something down (view after 4 ) can bend away.

In 5 is a variant of in 4 shown embodiment, wherein the elasticity notch 68 is omitted and thus on the elasticity of the cheek 33 is waived. The snapping is made possible in this variant in that the Übergangsbe rich between the end face 10 (lower inclined surface of the recess 66 in 5 ) to a control curve 67 is rounded. When swiveling in the panel as shown 2 in the panel 1 slides the panel swung down from above 2 along the control curve 67 at the apex of the vertical locking projection 14 from and is supported with the contact surface on the locking surface. That is, the immersion of the locking projection 4 in the locking recess 6 is due to the curvature of the cam 67 controlled, with a bending moment on the cheek 30 is transferred and the investment areas 67 . 14 and 20 . 22 be compressed and thus allow immersion of the locking projection. As with the in 4 illustrated embodiment, the locking surface 22 and the frontal area 10 arranged inclined to each other, wherein the end face 10 slightly flatter to the horizontal than the locking surface 22 , At the last moment of immersion takes place in a row of mutually inclined surfaces 10 and 22 a push-button effect (locking), due to the low compression of the support material of the panels 1 . 2 in the area of the contact surfaces is favored.

In 6 Finally, a solution is shown in which also on the elasticity score 68 is waived. In this variant, the end face 10 , the locking surface 22 , the contact area 20 and the effective area 12 arranged parallel to each other, wherein the parallel distance of the contact surface 20 to the face 10 is slightly smaller than the parallel distance of the locking surface 11 to the effective area 12 so that the locking projection 4 with the surfaces 10 . 22 slanted with sliding or interference fit in the of the surfaces 12 . 22 limited area of the locking recess 6 can dive. That is, in this variant is dispensed with a non-positive connection and the immersion is practically without any resistance along said parallel surfaces. A declining process, that is, the release of the connection is prevented in this variant by the positive engagement of fasteners on the offset by 90 ° to the end edges shown end edges - usually the longer end edges -.

In all variants, the contact area between the vertical locking projection 14 and the recess 66 in the vertical direction above the horizontal plane 40 arranged the cheeks area 38 contains.

The Applicant reserves the right to the embodiments according to the 4 . 5 and 6 to make their own independent claims, which, for example, on the relative arrangement of the surfaces 10 . 20 . 22 . 12 can be directed.

Disclosed is a connection for Floor elements, a downwardly projecting locking projection in a immersed upwardly open locking recess. The locking projection has a spring tongue, which abuts the front side of an active surface.

1

paneling

2

paneling

4

locking projection

6

locking recess

8th

spring tongue

10

face

12

effective area

14

Vertical locking projection

16

bearing surface

18

support surface

20

contact surface

22

locking surface

24

base course

26

wear layer

28

Beam

30

cheek

32

front edge

33

cheek

34

upper sloping surface

36

flank

38

Wangen area

40

WL

42

chamfer

44

front edge

46

oblique slot

48

slot surface

50

slot base

52

front edge

54

back

56

Transition surface

58

area

60

fillet

62

end wall

64

cavity

66

recess

67

cam

68

elasticity notch

70

edge

Claims (12)

Connection for Fußbodeelemente, wherein at longitudinal and / or front edges locking means are formed for horizontal and vertical locking, so that a floor element is connected by pivoting with the other floor element, wherein on a locking element a downwardly projecting locking projection dips into a locking recess of the other locking element and a contact surface of the locking projection of a locking element for horizontal locking and an active surface of a vertical locking projection of the other floor element are engaged behind in the vertical direction, characterized in that the locking projection ( 4 ) a spring tongue ( 8th ), which in the locked state with an end face ( 10 ) at the effective surface ( 12 ) of the vertical locking projection ( 14 ) is present. A compound according to claim 1, wherein the spring tongue ( 8th ) is inclined and by a slanted slot ( 46 ) is limited. A compound according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the vertical locking projection ( 14 ) by two roof-shaped sloping surfaces ( 34 . 12 ), which preferably form approximately an isosceles triangle, of which a lower the active surface ( 12 ), an upper sloping surface ( 34 ) into one in a parting plane ( 30 ) of the floor element located front edge ( 32 ) and forms the single-level plane. A compound according to claim 2 and 3, wherein one of the spring tongue ( 8th ) removed slot area ( 48 ) in the locked state toward a transition region between the upper inclined surface ( 34 ) and the front edge ( 32 ). Connection according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the contact surface ( 20 ) of the locking projection ( 4 ) in the locked state at a the locking recess ( 6 ) sectionally limiting locking surface ( 22 ) is present. A compound according to claim 5, wherein the abutment area between effective area ( 12 ) and the spring tongue ( 8th ) above a horizontal plane ( 40 ), in which the contact area between the contact surface ( 20 ) and the locking surface ( 22 ) ends. Connection according to one of the preceding claims, wherein on the underside of the locking projection ( 4 ) a support surface ( 16 ) is formed on a support surface ( 18 ) of the locking recess ( 6 ) so that the floor elements ( 1 . 2 ) in the locked state three fold along the effective surface ( 12 ), the support surface ( 18 ) and the contact surface ( 20 ) are locked together. A compound according to claim 7, wherein the support surface ( 16 ) and the contact surface ( 20 ) via an inclined transition surface ( 56 ) are connected. A compound according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein it is attached to the shorter end or transverse edges of a floor element ( 1 . 2 ) and at the longer longitudinal edges connectable by pivoting nut-spring-like connection is formed with additional horizontal locking. Connection according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the floor elements ( 1 . 2 ) Parquet panels are. Connection for floor elements, wherein at longitudinal and / or end edges locking means are formed for horizontal and vertical locking, so that a floor element is connected by pivoting with the other floor element, wherein a locking element a downwardly projecting locking projection is immersed in a locking recess of the other locking element and an abutment surface of the locking projection of a locking element for horizontal locking and an active surface of a vertical locking projection of the other floor element are engaged behind in the vertical direction, wherein the vertical locking projection is immersed in a recess, characterized in that a transition region between the recess ( 66 ) and a subsequent back side ( 54 ) of the locking projection ( 4 ) to a control cam ( 67 ) is curved. Connection for floor elements, wherein at longitudinal and / or end edges locking means are formed for horizontal and vertical locking, so that a floor element is connected by pivoting with the other floor element, wherein a locking element a downwardly projecting locking projection is immersed in a locking recess of the other locking element and an abutment surface of the locking projection of a locking element for horizontal locking and an effective surface of a vertical locking projection of the other floor element are engaged behind in the vertical direction, wherein the vertical locking projection is immersed in a recess, characterized in that bearing surfaces ( 10 . 12 . 20 . 22 ) between the locking projection ( 4 ) and the vertical locking projection ( 14 ) and the locking recess ( 6 ) are obliquely set to the vertical and parallel to each other.