U.S. patent application number 13/387562 was filed with the patent office on 2012-05-24 for covering made from mechanically interconnectable panels.
Invention is credited to Franz Eschlbeck, Guido Schulte.
Application Number | 20120124932 13/387562 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 43448114 |
Filed Date | 2012-05-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120124932 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Schulte; Guido ; et
al. |
May 24, 2012 |
COVERING MADE FROM MECHANICALLY INTERCONNECTABLE PANELS
Abstract
The invention relates to a covering comprising panels that can
be connected to each other mechanically, and having the following
characteristics:--adjacent first and second panels (1, 2) each
having a groove (6, 14) on the sides (5, 21) thereof that are
complementary to each other,--the grooves (6, 14) each have upper
and lower groove sides (7, 8; 17, 26) having different lengths,--in
one of the grooves (6, 14) a tongue (9, 9a, 9b, 9c, 9d) is arranged
that can be moved relative to the panel (1, 2) at least in parts,
said tongue is suitable for engaging in the corresponding groove
(6, 14) of the adjacent panel (1, 2) when the adjacent panels (1,
2) are connected,--the tongue (9, 9a, 9b, 9c, 9d) has at least one
projection (16, 33, 42, 43), which points in the direction of the
area of the longer groove sides (7, 17) of the other groove (6, 14)
that protrudes relative to the shorter groove sides (8, 26),--the
projection (16, 33, 42, 43) is intended to be moved transversely to
the laying plane ( ) of the panels (1, 2) in the event of contact
with said area of the groove side (7, 17), wherein the projection
(16, 33, 42, 43) is operatively connected to a locking section (13,
29, 32, 35, 41, 47) of the tongue (9, 9a, 9b, 9c, 9d), said locking
section can be moved in the direction of the groove (6, 14) of the
adjacent panel (1, 2) as a result of the motion of the projection
(16, 33, 42, 43),
Inventors: |
Schulte; Guido;
(Ruthen-Meiste, DE) ; Eschlbeck; Franz; (Prien am
Chiemsee, DE) |
Family ID: |
43448114 |
Appl. No.: |
13/387562 |
Filed: |
July 10, 2010 |
PCT Filed: |
July 10, 2010 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/DE2010/000803 |
371 Date: |
January 27, 2012 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
52/588.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04F 2201/0138 20130101;
E04F 15/02 20130101; E04F 2201/0523 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
52/588.1 |
International
Class: |
E04C 2/38 20060101
E04C002/38; E04B 5/00 20060101 E04B005/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jul 27, 2009 |
DE |
10 2009 034 902.2 |
Claims
1.-18. (canceled)
19. A covering, comprising: first and second panels disposed
adjacent to one another and having confronting sides which
complement one another, each said side having a groove, wherein the
groove of one of the confronting sides and the groove of the other
one of the confronting sides have upper and lower groove flanks of
different lengths to define a short groove flank and a long groove
flank which projects beyond the short groove flank by a protruding
region; and a tongue having a locking section, a retaining section,
and a connecting section which is displaceable relative to the
retaining section and the locking section, said tongue being
movably received in one of the grooves of one of the first and
second panels for engagement in the groove of the other one of the
first and second panels when the first and second panels are
connected, said tongue having at least one projection which is
oriented in a direction of the protruding region of the long groove
flank of the other one of the grooves, said projection being
configured to move transversely to a plane of installation when
contacting the protruding region to thereby displace the locking
section of the tongue in the direction of the groove of the other
one of the first and second panels.
20. The covering of claim 19, wherein the locking section bridges
in a locking position a gap between the short groove flank of the
one of the grooves and the long groove flank of the other one of
the grooves.
21. The covering of claim 19, wherein the connecting section is
flexibly connected to at least one member selected from the group
consisting of locking section and retaining section.
22. The covering of claim 21, further comprising a joint between
the connecting section and the member, said joint defining a pivot
axis in parallel relationship to the one of the grooves.
23. The covering of claim 22, wherein the joint is a film
joint.
24. The covering of claim 22, wherein the joint is arranged between
opposing edges of the connecting section and the member.
25. The covering of claim 22, wherein the joint is made from a same
material as the locking section, retaining section and connecting
section of the tongue.
26. The covering of claim 22, wherein the joint is made from a
different material as the locking section, retaining section and
connecting section of the tongue.
27. The covering of claim 26, wherein the joint is made from
hotmelt.
28. The covering of claim 19, wherein the tongue is made from an
elastic material.
29. The covering of claim 19, wherein the locking section is made
from a material defined by a lower elasticity than other parts of
the tongue.
30. The covering of claim 19, wherein the tongue comprises a
plurality of said locking section, said locking sections being
arranged in spaced-apart relationship in longitudinal direction of
the one of the grooves and actuatable independently of one
another.
31. The covering of claim 19, further comprising a plurality of
said tongue in the one of the grooves, wherein the retaining
sections of the tongues are connected to one another in a region of
the one of the grooves.
32. The covering of claim 19, wherein the locking section of the
tongue has a profiling on at least one side selected from the group
consisting of a side oriented towards an upper side of the one of
the first and second panels and a side oriented towards a lower
side of the one of the first and second panels.
33. The covering of claim 19, wherein the one of the grooves has a
profiling on at least one of the upper and lower groove flanks for
receiving the locking section of the tongue.
34. The covering of claim 33, wherein the locking section of the
tongue has a profiling on at least one side selected from the group
consisting of a side oriented towards an upper side of the one of
the first and second panels and a side oriented towards a lower
side of the one of the first and second panels, said profiling of
the locking section engaging in the profiling of the one of the
grooves.
35. The covering of claim 19, wherein parts of the tongue are
constructed to be able to assume a first state and a second state,
wherein the first state is a stable state and the second state is a
stable or metastable state.
Description
[0001] The invention relates to a covering made from mechanically
interconnectable panels.
[0002] Wall, ceiling, and floor coverings, such as for example
prefabricated parquet, real wood floors or laminate floorings,
consist of several rows of predominantly rectangular panels.
Conventionally, the panels have continuous grooves on a
longitudinal side and a head side, and, on the respective opposing
longitudinal side or head side, respectively, continuous tongues
which formfittingly match the grooves. The panels are installed by
joining the groove and tongue, wherein the panels of two
neighboring rows are arranged offset to each other.
[0003] It is known to provide the grooves and tongues with
mechanical locking means which, in neighboring panels in a floor
covering, form an interlocking engagement with one another. This is
intended to prevent the formation of gaps in the installed floor
through stretching or shrinking processes. The groove and tongue
are provided with locking elements in the form of indentations,
recesses or projections, which are matched to each other to retain
connected floor panels in the joined position without the use of
adhesives. Normally, the panels are turned or clicked into each
other along their longitudinal sides and subsequently shifted
sideways, such that locking rails on the head sides engage. To
facilitate this, hammer strikes can be used in connection with a
tapping block. This poses the risk of damage to the panels, even
when working most carefully.
[0004] Solutions also exist, in which the abutting head sides are
connected by a tongue which is displaceable in its longitudinal
direction. This obviates the manual tapping-in with a hammer. The
tongues are pre-assembled, which obviates the subsequent inserting.
Such a floor covering is the subject matter of WO 2008/017301. In
this case a projecting end of a tongue is displaced into a head
side groove, to partially displace the tongue from one groove to
the corresponding groove of the neighboring panel. In this way the
panels are interlocked.
[0005] To enable the displacement of the tongue in the first place,
it has to be supported with a certain play, and inserted into the
exactly oriented corresponding opposing groove of the complementary
panel. Preferably, this play is as small as possible, to prevent a
height offset in the region of a gap clearance of two panels.
However, because of this design, a certain play cannot be
avoided.
[0006] The invention is based on the object to provide a covering
from mechanically interconnectable panels, in particular a floor
covering, in which the height offset in the region of the gap
clearance is minimal.
[0007] This object is solved by a covering with the features of
patent claim 1.
[0008] The sub-claims are directed to advantageous refinements of
the invention.
[0009] The panels of the covering according to the invention are
intended and suited to be mechanically connected with other similar
panels. The connection takes place via connecting elements in form
of groove and tongue connections, disposed on the complementary
sides of the panels. The neighboring panels each have a horizontal
groove on their mutually complementary sides. In one of the
grooves, a tongue is disposed which is at least partially
displaceable relative to the panel. When connecting the neighboring
panels, the tongue engages into a groove of the neighboring panel
and blocks the neighboring panels from becoming vertically
displaced relative to each other. The tongue has a retaining
section, which is arranged in the groove of the panel holding the
tongue.
[0010] The tongue has at least one projection. The projection
projects transverse to the plane of installation, which means in
the direction of the top side or to the bottom side of the panel. A
projecting is given, if in the locking position, the projecting
region of the tongue is broader than the groove width measured
transverse to the plane of installation in the region of the
projection. Therefore, the projection projects in particular over
the retaining section of the tongue.
[0011] It is noted that, for orientation of the grooves, and with
that the tongues arranged in the grooves, the grooves are
preferably oriented horizontally, which means oriented in the plane
of installation. It is also possible however, that the grooves and
with that the tongues are inclined, which means form an acute angle
with the plane of installation.
[0012] The grooves have each upper and lower groove flanks with
different lengths, such that the regions of the longer groove
flanks protruding with respect to the shorter groove flanks are
located opposite one another. These protruding regions of the
groove flanks serve as support surfaces for the projection. The
projection is provided so as to be displaced, during contact with
this protruding region of the groove flank, perpendicular to the
plane of installation, i.e. typically perpendicular to the plane of
installation of the panels. In other words, the projection and/or
the protruding region of the tongue is not only urged backward in
the vertical direction and reduced to the width of the groove
between the opposing projecting regions of the longer flanks, but
are simultaneously also displaced in the plane of installation i.e.
horizontally. The horizontal displacement results because the
projection is a fixed component of the tongue which is supported
with one end already in the groove, i.e. is configured so that the
other end of the tongue is displaced along the plane of
installation. The projection is therefore operatively connected to
the locking section of the tongue which can be displaced by moving
the projection towards the groove of the adjacent panel.
[0013] Groove within the context of the invention does not only
refer to the region extending between the directly opposing groove
flanks. It includes also the region opposite the long groove flank,
because this space is taken up by the tongue. The groove flanks, in
particular the longer groove flanks may vary in their distance
viewed across the groove depth. In particular, the regions of the
longer groove flanks which protrude over the shorter groove flanks
may be dropped or offset with respect to shorter groove flanks,
thereby increasing the distance to the opposing flank. The dropped
regions nevertheless are part of the groove. The retaining section
may be connected to the locking section via a connecting section.
Depending on the installation position, the connecting section is
preferably connected to the retaining section by way of a joint
arranged on an edge oriented towards its top side or bottom side of
the panel. The locking section is coupled with the connecting
section by way of a joint arranged on its diagonally opposing edge.
The position of the hinge significantly determines the position of
the far protruding point of the projection.
[0014] Before two panels are connected the tongue is at least
partially folded in its initial position, wherein retaining
section, connecting section and locking section are pivoted about
the joints with respect to each other in the vertical direction
from the plane of the retaining section. To enable such folding,
opposing side faces of retaining section connecting section and
locking section are each beveled in a complementary fashion towards
the top side and bottom side of the panels.
[0015] For connecting two adjacent panels, the projection is
displaced by moving the longer groove flanks of the panels closer.
Depending on the installation position, the projection can also
face upward or downward. Preferably, the projection is displaced
through contact with a lower groove flank of the first panel
receiving the locking section. The vertical movement causes a
horizontal movement during which the projection slides along the
lower groove flank of the groove receiving the locking section.
This causes the connecting section to pivot about both joints in
the horizontal plane of the retaining section. The locking section
is also pivoted about the joint of the projection into the
horizontal plane of the retaining section. The tongue is expanded
from its folded state as soon as the longer groove flanks have
approached as closely as possible. This is the case when the height
offset between adjacent panels is minimal. The locking section is
pushed by the expansion motion of the tongue into the groove of the
first panel. To facilitate insertion of the connecting section into
the groove, a face of the connecting section facing the groove can
be beveled or rounded.
[0016] After displacement of the locking section of the tongue into
the groove of the adjacent panel, the joint between the locking
section and connecting section is located at the height of the
lower groove flank of the groove receiving the locking section.
Retaining section, connecting section and locking section are
preferably oriented horizontally after two adjacent panels are
connected. Because the lower groove flank of the groove retaining
the tongue extends only across a width of the retaining section,
the surfaces of connecting section and locking section are oriented
towards the bottom side of the panels rest on a lower groove flank
of the groove receiving the locking section of the tongue.
[0017] Beside the embodiments described above, it is also
conceivable to connect individual sections of the tongue at the
center. In this case the projection is formed by the edges of the
connecting section and the locking section which are oriented
towards the bottom sides of the panels. Beside the retaining
section, the connecting section and the locking section, the tongue
can also have further sections.
[0018] Further, embodiments of tongues are conceivable, in which a
projection is coupled to a certain mechanism. This mechanism has
the effect that a locking section of the tongue is pushed in
horizontal direction into the groove of the neighboring panel. The
mechanism is triggered, as soon as the projection comes into
contact with a corresponding groove flank and is displaced in the
direction of the other groove flank.
[0019] The concrete configuration of the tongue also depends on the
mode of installation in particular, when the panel is not to be
placed in a parallel, linear movement, but is to be quasi angled by
a pivoting movement. During the pivoting movement, the projecting
regions of the longer groove flanks, viewed over the length of the
groove at a given time point, approach each other to a different
degree. Example: In a 45.degree.--position, the groove flanks are
located at one end of the groove almost in the end position, while
the groove flanks at the other end are several centimeters apart.
Especially in this case it is useful to either provide multiple
tongues arranged at a distance from each other, which do not
interfere with each other in their kinematics. However, it is also
possible to provide a tongue which is divided into tongue sections
by slots arranged transverse to the groove, which sections can be
operated independent of each other.
[0020] Preferably, the tongue segments have a common retaining
section. This configuration can be referred to as comb-like. This
embodiment has proven to be especially advantageous, when the
second panel, starting at one end of the groove, is lowered in
longitudinal direction of the groove, such that the tongue sections
engage in the groove of the first panel one after another. Panel
segments which can be operated independent of each other can also
be used in all other installation modes, which means also in the
case in which the panels are not pivoted relative to each other,
but are placed in a parallel movement.
[0021] The locking section can have a profiling on its side surface
pointing towards the top and/or lower groove flank. The connecting
section, like the locking section, has a profiling on one or both
side surfaces. This profiling can, for example, be wave-like, can
have individual prongs or a saw-tooth profile.
[0022] The groove flanks of the panel can have a profiling which is
complementary to the profiling. Likewise, it is possible to provide
latching elements on one or both side surfaces of the locking
section, which engage into corresponding recesses of the upper or
lower groove flank of the neighboring groove when inserting the
locking section into the groove of the neighboring panel.
[0023] It is important that the locking section bridges the gap
formed between the shorter groove flank and the bordering longer
groove flank of the other groove, to minimize the height offset in
the region of the butt joint of the panel. The locking section thus
has to project partly from the groove by which it is received,
which means it has to project over the shorter groove flank of this
groove.
[0024] In general, the tongue can extend over the entire length of
the groove. Additionally, multiple tongues can be provided spaced
apart in longitudinal direction of the groove. These can have
locking sections which can be operated independent of each other.
In this way the panels can also be arranged in longitudinal
direction of the groove, offset to each other. Here, it is
conceivable to connect the retaining sections to each other in the
region of the groove, wherein the connection can at the same time
be used as spacer between the tongues.
[0025] A locking rail is provided on one of the panels for
protecting the neighboring panels from tensile loading in a plane
of installation. The locking rail thus has the purpose to couple
the panels in the plane of installation, whereas the tongues
prevent the panels from shifting vertically relative to each other.
Additionally, since the locking rail, which engages underneath the
neighboring panel, is arranged at a relatively large distance to
the top side of the panel, the panel which is engaged underneath by
the locking rail is primarily supported on a support rail which is
arranged at a greater distance to the locking rail than the groove.
In other words, the groove is located between the support rail and
the locking rail. The support rail has the function to reduce the
distance between the point of support and the top side of the
panel, which is advantageous especially in the case of thin-flanked
and softer materials. Because of the proximity of the support rail
to the top side of the panel, vertical forces, which apply at
points close to a butt joint and act on the panel which is engaged
underneath, can be transferred to the bordering panel which engages
underneath, via a shorter distance, than would be possible via the
lower positioned locking rail. Because of the support immediately
next to the point of applied force, the height offset between two
panels is significantly smaller.
[0026] The tongue as a whole can be made of a uniform material.
Regions which are configured appropriately thin can serve as film
joints. The thicker regions then serve to absorb forces which apply
transverse to the plane of installation.
[0027] The material for the tongues can be a wood material, which
means it can be wood or a material that contains wood fibers, or a
material, which is constructed from wood as a base material, such
as for example liquid wood. Metal and metal alloys, such as for
example spring steels, as well as composite materials, can be used
for the tongues. It is also possible to use bimetals or mixed
plastics, as well as materials that are based on thermoplastic or
thermosetting materials. The tongue can also be made from fiber
reinforced plastic. Preferably, the tongue is configured
elastic.
[0028] The tongue can be configured such that it is pre-tensioned
before connection. Through the pre-tension the locking section is
pushed into the groove of the neighboring panel and the connection
of two panels is additionally secured.
[0029] Tongues with return forces which result from elasticity or
from using a spring metal, are able to cause the tongue to retract
or jump back to the starting position when the connection is
released.
[0030] The joints, which connect sections of the tongue, are
preferably constructed from the same material as the tongue. Of
course it is also possible to choose a different material here, for
example a type of hotmelt. Hotmelt relates to hotmelt adhesives
which for example are based on polymers, resins, or waxes and are
still flexible after setting. The fundamental idea is based on a
functional separation of elastic and non-elastic regions. While the
flexible regions require malleable materials, a deformation of the
locking section is not desired. Therefore, a material with less
elasticity should be used for the locking section than in the
region of the joints, or the connecting section, respectively.
[0031] A particularity are tongues, which can assume two states.
The tongue can assume a stable position as well as a meta-stable
position from which the tongue can return to the stable position
when the applied force is removed. Also, a bistable tongue can be
provided which is characterized in that two stable positions exist
and each change from one position to the other requires the
application of force.
[0032] The tongue with a meta-stable position is transitioned from
a stable position to a meta-stable position by the process of
warping, wherein the return force from the meta-stable position
into the stable position is much smaller than vice versa. This
favorable force-displacement characteristic can also be taken
advantage of in the present invention. The warping is equivalent to
a projection on the tongue which is to be displaced. The projection
is displaced until the tongue abruptly jumps into the meta-stable
position. This is the locking position. The locking position can
also be noticed acoustically by a popping sound as it occurs in the
case of tongues made from metal or at least in the case of warpings
made from metal. Additionally, however a slight jolt occurs, when
the locking position is reached. The haptic information and also
the acoustic information of the so called clicker-effect are a
useful feedback during installation and also during removing of the
panels. With regard to the materials the clicker-effect primarily
occurs in metallic materials. However, the principle can also be
realized with other warpable materials, as for example
plastics.
[0033] There is no limitation with regard to the material of the
panel, so long as it can be machined to the required shaped, in
particular by material removing machining. These can be panels
based on wood materials or plastics, as well as mineral materials
and composite materials. Also, the size of the panels plays a
lesser role. The panel can be large-format, for example as
component plates of 600 mm.times.1500 mm.
[0034] The inventive idea is applicable in particular to all floor
systems, in which a finish is disposed on a carrier, as for example
real wood finishes, laminate, carriers with lacquered surfaces as
finish, linoleum, cork on carrier panels etc. The cover layer can
in particular comprise a decor paper with overlay, which determines
the appearance of the panel. A floor covering can thus be a parquet
floor, a finished parquet floor, a real wood floor or a laminate
floor.
[0035] The floor covering can in particular be a double floor or
wood floor, with a hollow space underneath the covering, which
means underneath the panels, which is used for installing wiring.
Especially in the case of these double floors it is advantageous,
when individual panels can be removed again, which can be
accomplished easily with the invention. Because the afore mentioned
tongues can be present not only on the head sides but also on the
longitudinal sides of a panel, it is possible to lift individual
panels again, for example with a vacuum lifting tool, and
subsequently set down again.
[0036] In the following, the invention is explained by way of the
embodiments shown in the schematic drawings. It shows:
[0037] FIGS. 1a to 1c a section of the connection region of two
neighboring panels, in different mounting positions in a cross
section, respectively, and
[0038] FIGS. 2a to 7b and 8 different embodiments of the tongue,
respectively.
[0039] FIG. 1a shows a cross section through the connection region
of two panels 1, 2. The panels 1, 2 are configured such that the
panels 1, 2 can be connected to form a floor covering. The panels
1, 2 have a bottom side 3 pointing towards the installation surface
and a top side 4 pointing away from the installation surface. The
diagram shows a left first panel 1 and on the right side a second
panel 2, before the connection of the two panels 1, 2. On its head
side, which in the following is referred to as side 5, and which in
installation position faces towards the first panel 1, the second
panel 2 has a groove 6 extending in horizontal direction. Here, an
upper groove flank 7 is broader than a lower groove flank 8. A
tongue 9 is arranged in the groove 6.
[0040] The tongue 9 is arranged in the groove 6 with its retaining
section 10. The retaining section 10 is coupled to a connecting
section 11 via its edge which projects over the lower groove flank
8 and points towards the top side 4 of the panel 2. The retaining
section 10 and connecting section 11 are coupled by a joint 12. In
this embodiment this joint 12 is configured as film joint. It is
made from the same material as the tongue 9 and can be manufactured
together with the tongue 9 in a single manufacturing step.
Following the connecting section 11 is a locking section 13, which
is provided to engage with a groove 14 which is complementary to
the groove 6 of the second panel 2. The locking section 13 is
connected to the connecting section 11 via a joint 15, which is
here also configured as film joint. The joint 15 is arranged
between two edges of the locking section 13 and the connecting
section 11, which face towards each other and towards the bottom
side 3 of the panels 1, 2. The connecting region between locking
section 13 and connecting section 11, together with the joint 15,
forms a projection 16, which projects over the groove 6 of the
second panel 2 in the direction of the bottom sides of the panels
1,2. The side surfaces of the retaining section 10 and connecting
section 11 which face towards each other are configured such that
the tongue 9 is quasi folded in a starting position, in which the
connecting section 11 is pivoted relative to the retaining section
10 and the locking section 13 is pivoted relative to the connecting
section 11, out of the horizontal plane E of the retaining section
10.
[0041] When connecting the first panel 1 with the second panel 2,
the projection 16 comes into contact with a lower groove flank 17
of the groove 14 which receives the locking section 13 (FIG. 1b).
When the second panel is further displaced in the direction of the
arrow P, the projection 16 is pushed by the lower groove flank 17
into the direction of the top side 4 of the panel 2. At the same
time the connecting section 11 and the locking section 13 are
pivoted relative to each other from the folded position into a
horizontal plane E of the retaining section 10. The locking section
13 projects over the length of the upper groove flank 7 and engages
in the groove 14 of the neighboring first panel 1.
[0042] The first panel 1 engages underneath the second panel 2 with
a locking rail 18. For this purpose, the second panel 2 has a
coupling channel 19 which is open to the bottom, and adjoining the
coupling channel 19, an end-side coupling bulge 20 which is
oriented downwards. The locking rail 18 of the first panel 1
projects horizontally over a head side referred to as side 21 such
that the coupling bulge 20 engages in the coupling channel 22 of
the locking rail 18, which coupling channel 22 is open to the top.
Adjoining the coupling channel 22 at the end side of the locking
rail 18 is an upwards oriented coupling bulge 23 which is open to
the top, and which, in mounted position, engages in the associated
coupling channel 19 of the second panel 2. The indentation of the
coupling bulges 20, 23 secures the two panels 1, 2 against
displacement in the plane of installation, which means in
horizontal direction of the installed floor covering. Because the
coupling bulges 20, 23 abut each other in their region of contact
such that they are slanted relative to the plane of installation V,
the second panel 2 when pivoted downward in the direction of the
arrow P onto the already installed first panel 1, is pulled toward
the first panel 1 with its site 5, which is complementary to the
side 21 of the first panel 1, such that the sides 5, 21 of the
panels 1, 2 abut each other.
[0043] In addition to the contact between the coupling bulges 20,
23 the second panel 2 rests on a support rail 25 above the groove
14. The support rail 25 is thus located at a smaller distance from
the top side 4 of the left panel 2 than the locking rail 18, which
normally supports the panel 2 in vertical direction. Because of the
small distance of the support rail 25 to the top side 4, narrower
tolerances can be maintained, such that a possible height offset
between the panels 1, 2 can be minimized with this solution. The
support rail 25 borders immediately at the groove 14, such that its
bottom edge is part of an upper groove flank 14. The support rail
25 thus co-extends with the groove 14 which receives the locking
section 13 of the tongue 9.
[0044] The panels 1, 2 contact each other preferably at defined
support and holding points. The locking rail 18 and the coupling
bulge 20 contact each other in this embodiment only in the
previously described region of contact 24. However, the spaces that
remain between the locking rail 18 and the coupling bulge 20 are
gaps which are so small that a contact cannot be ruled out in the
case of extreme vertical load, which is due to the limited
elasticity of the materials. In addition, the spaces allow
compensation of manufacturing tolerances.
[0045] In the locking position shown in FIG. 1c, the locking
section 13 extends out of the left groove 14 and thus bridges the
gap between the neighboring upper groove flanks of the left and the
right groove 14, 6.
[0046] For the sake of clarity the reference signs for panels 1, 2
have been adopted in the FIGS. 2a and 5b, described in the
following, which does not exclude however, that, in the concrete
embodiments, the panels 1, 2 can differ slightly from each other
because of the adjustment to the different tongues.
[0047] Further, only details of the panels 1, 2 are shown below.
However, all have the locking rail described in FIGS. 1a to 1c.
[0048] FIG. 2a shows a further embodiment of a tongue 9a arranged
in a second panel 2. The tongue 9a is fixed in the groove 6 of the
second panel 2 with a retaining section 27. The connecting section
28 which adjoins the retaining section 28 is arched. The arched
connecting section 28 forms a projection 16a, which projects in the
direction of the bottom side 3 over the lower groove flank 8 of the
groove 6, which holds the tongue 9a. The locking section 29, which
adjoins the connecting section 28 is oriented approximately
transverse to the longitudinal direction of the groove 6. Of
course, embodiments are also conceivable in which the locking
section is formed by an end section of the connecting section which
points towards the neighboring panel.
[0049] When connecting two neighboring panels 1, 2 the arched
connecting section 28 is displaced by a lower groove flank 17 of
the groove 14 of the first panel in the direction of the upper
groove flank 7of the groove 6 of the second panel 2. By that, the
arched connecting section 11 28 of the tongue 9a, is flattened and
the locking section 29 is shifted transverse to the longitudinal
direction of the groove 6 into the groove 14 of the first panel 1.
The tongue 9a is quasi stretched. The arched connecting section 28
is upset between the lower groove flank 17 of the groove 14 of the
first panel 1 and the upper groove flank 8 of the groove 6 of the
second panel 2. By that, the tongue 9a becomes longer and because
of its elasticity is preloaded when connecting the neighboring
panels 1, 2. The tongue 9a is thus pre-tensioned and engages
force-fittingly in the opposing grooves 6, 14 of the panels 1, 2
(FIG. 2b).
[0050] FIG. 3a shows a further embodiment of a tongue 9b made from
an elastic material. The tongue 9b is divided into three sections.
Thereby, a projection is provided between the retaining section 30
and the connecting section 31, as well as between the connecting
section 31 and the locking section 32, respectively. The
projections 33 project over the lower groove flank 8 of the groove
6 of the second panel 2 in the direction of the bottom 3 of the
panel 2. Opposite both projections 33, i.e. on the side of the
tongue 9a which points towards the top 4 of the panel 2, a recess
34 is arranged. As shown here, the recess 34 can have a triangular
cross section. Semicircular or rectangular cross sections are also
conceivable.
[0051] When connecting two neighboring panels 1, 2 the lower groove
flank 17 of the groove 14 of the first panel 1 pushes the
projections 33 in the direction of the upper groove flank 7 of the
groove 6 of the second panel 2. Because of the elastic material
used here, the material of the projections which are pushed towards
the top 4 enters the respective opposing recess 34 and the tongue
9b expands transverse to the longitudinal direction of the groove
6. The expansion causes the locking section 32 to enter the groove
14 of the first panel 1. Because the height H of the grooves 6, 14
of the first panel 1 and the second panel 2 remains constant after
connection, the pressure exerted by the lower groove flank 17 on
the projections 33 remains, the tongue 9b remains stretched and
force fittingly engages in the grooves 6, 14 of the panels 1, 2.
(FIG. 3b).
[0052] In a further embodiment (FIG. 4a) connecting and locking
section 35 of the tongue 9c are configured in one piece. Here, a
space 36 is provided in the connecting and locking section 35,
which extends in longitudinal direction of the groove 6. Of course
multiple spaces are also conceivable in alternative embodiments.
The retaining section 37 which is connected to the connecting and
locking section 35 is arranged in the groove 6 of the second panel
2.
[0053] On the side of the tongue 9c which points towards the bottom
side of the panels 1, 2 a projection 16b is arranged in the region
of the space 36, which projects over the lower groove flank 7 of
the second panel 2 in the direction of the bottom side 3 of the
panels 1, 2. The projection 16b is formed by a region of the
connecting and locking section 35, which is broadened relative to
the height H of the groove 6. The tongue 9c is manufactured from
elastic material such that when connecting two panels 1, 2 the
projection is pushed upwards by the lower groove flank 17 of the
groove 14 of the first panel 1, in the direction of the upper
groove flank 8 of the groove 6 of the second panel 2. Because of
the elasticity of the tongue 9c, the broadened region of the
connecting and locking section 35 is reduced in its width to the
height H of the groove 6 of the second panel 2, or the groove 4 of
the first panel 1, respectively. The circular cross section of the
space 36 is transformed into an ellipsis, which causes a stretching
of the locking and connecting section 35 in longitudinal direction
of the groove 6. The stretching causes the locking and connecting
section 35 to enter the groove 14 of the neighboring first panel 1
and is held there in a force fitting manner. (FIG. 4b)
[0054] FIG. 5a shows an exemplary and schematic representation of a
tongue 9d with a locking mechanism. Here, the tongue 9d has a
retaining section 38 with which it is held in the groove 6 of the
second panel 2. The retaining section 38 has a spring element 39
which is preloaded in starting position. The retaining section 38
is connected to the locking section 41 via a connecting section 40.
The connecting section 40 has a projection 42 which projects over
the lower groove flank 8 of the groove 6 of the second panel 2 in
the direction of the bottom side 3 of the panels 1, 2 via which it
is held at the same time in the starting position by the preloaded
spring element 39 of the retaining section 38.
[0055] When connecting two panels 1, 2 the projection 42 is
displaced by the lower groove flank 14 of the first panel 1 in the
direction of the top side 4 of the second panel 2. This causes the
retention of the connecting section 41 to be released and the
spring force F of the spring element 39 acts on the connecting
section 41 which in turn acts on the locking section 42 and
displaces it into the groove 14 of the first panel 1. The force F
of the spring element 39 which acts transverse to the longitudinal
direction of the groove 14 causes a force fitting engagement of the
locking section 42 in the groove 14 of the first panel 1 (FIG.
5b).
[0056] The tongue 9e shown in the exemplary embodiment of the FIGS.
6a and 6b has an alternative configuration to the tongue 9 shown in
the FIGS. 1a to 1c. Here, a projection 43 which projects over the
lower groove flank 8 of the groove 6 of the second panel 2 is
formed by a first section 44 of the two-part connecting section.
The first section 44 is connected to the locking section 47 and to
the second section 48 of the connecting section via a respective
joint 45, 46. The second section 48 of the connecting section is
connected to the retaining section 50 of the tongue 9e via a
further joint 49. All joints 45, 46, 49 are arranged at a side
surface of the tongue 9e, which points towards the bottom side of
the second panel 2. The first section 44 is arranged in a plane
which is parallel to the plane E of the retaining section 50. The
locking section 47 as well as the second section 48 are slanted
relative to the plane E of the retaining section 50.
[0057] When connecting two neighboring panels 1, 2 the projection
contacts the lower groove flank 17 of the groove 14 of the opposing
first panel 1 and, by further lowering of the second panel 2, is
displaced in the direction of the arrow P towards the top side 4 of
the panels 1, 2. This displacement causes the first section 44 to
be moved into the plane of the retaining section 50. During this,
the locking section 47 is displaced into the groove 14 of the
neighboring first panel 1. If the tongue 9e is pre-tensioned, the
panels 1, 2 are additionally braced against each other by the
internal stress of the tongue 9e.
[0058] FIGS. 7a and 7b show an embodiment, in which the tongue 9,
as shown in FIG. 1 is rotated by 180.degree. and instead of being
arranged in the right panel 2, is now arranged in the left panel 1.
The retaining section 10 is now located in the left groove 14. The
locking section 13 has to be inserted into the right groove 6. The
projection 16 points upwards and no longer downwards.
[0059] With regard to further functions, reference is made to the
descriptions of the FIGS. 1a to 1c, since in FIG. 7 merely the
orientation and assignment of the tongue is changed.
[0060] The example of FIG. 7 is representative of the possibility
to modify all further shown embodiments with regard to the mounting
location of the tongue. Thus, in all embodiments, the tongue can be
rotated by 180.degree. and mounted in the corresponding groove of
the other panel.
[0061] The embodiment of FIG. 8 is a modification of the embodiment
of FIG. 2b. The tongue in this embodiment can be transformed into
the meta-stable position. The stable position corresponds
essentially to the representation in FIG. 2a with the difference
that the arched connecting section is configured as a warp. This
warp is pushed back beyond a tipping point until the connecting
section 28 extends in the other direction. For this, a
corresponding recess 51 is provided on the upper groove flank 7 and
a pusher 52 on the lower groove flank 17.
[0062] In all embodiments, the geometry of the tongue is shown and
described as being rectangular. The invention however, does not
exclude tongues with other geometries, such that the shown and
described shape is representative for other geometries.
REFERENCE SIGNS
[0063] 1--panel [0064] 2--panel [0065] 3--bottom side [0066] 4--top
side [0067] 5--side [0068] 6--groove [0069] 7--upper groove flank
[0070] 8--lower groove flank [0071] 9--tongue [0072] 9a--tongue
[0073] 9b--tongue [0074] 9c--tongue [0075] 9d--tongue [0076]
9e--tongue [0077] 10--retaining section [0078] 11--connecting
section [0079] 12--joint [0080] 13--locking section [0081]
14--groove [0082] 15--joint [0083] 16--projection [0084]
16a--projection [0085] 16b--projection [0086] 17--lower groove
flank [0087] 18--locking rail [0088] 19--coupling channel [0089]
20--coupling bulge [0090] 21--side [0091] 22--coupling channel
[0092] 23--coupling bulge [0093] 24--region of contact [0094]
25--support rail [0095] 26--groove flank [0096] 27--retaining
section [0097] 28--connecting section [0098] 29--locking section
[0099] 30--retaining section [0100] 31--connecting section [0101]
32--locking section [0102] 33--projection [0103] 34--recess [0104]
35--locking and connecting section [0105] 36--space [0106]
37--retaining section [0107] 38--retaining section [0108]
39--spring element [0109] 40--connecting section [0110] 41--locking
section [0111] 42--projection [0112] 43--projection [0113]
44--first section [0114] 45--joint [0115] 46--joint [0116]
47--locking section [0117] 48--second section [0118] 49--joint
[0119] 50--retaining section [0120] 51--recess [0121] 52--pusher
[0122] E--plane [0123] V--plane of installation [0124] P--arrow
[0125] H--height [0126] F--spring force
* * * * *