EP1379739B1 - Construction kit consisting of panel-shaped elements and connecting elements - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates generally to the joining of planar juxtaposed on its narrow side, relatively thin components by means of connecting elements, wherein the components in the narrow surfaces parallel to the surface introduced grooves having mutually parallel groove walls and the two adjacent components associated connecting element in the grooves of two adjacent components the parting line between the components bridging used in the manner of a foreign spring.

Such embodiments have the advantage that all components are designed to be the same, ie. that it is not necessary to ensure that always provided with a groove wall facing a spring-provided wall, wherein such components are also much simpler in manufacturing. It will be used when laying this known training foreign springs, wherein the respective applied flat component, without having to pay attention to its edge training, can be applied. These known embodiments have the disadvantage that two sizing must be made when laying on each plate joint, since the foreign spring is to be anchored with two longitudinal edges, u.zw. once on a plate-shaped component and with the other longitudinal edge in the other component.

In order generally to avoid gluing on the laying, it has already become known to arrange locking elements in the region of the tongue and groove joint, that when joining the juxtaposed planar components takes place a snapping provided on the spring projections in corresponding recesses of Nutenwandungen. In these known embodiments, however, especially in those in which the fan-shaped connecting elements are formed out of the same material as the plates themselves, it should be noted, however, that the groove cheeks must be so elastic that the front edge of the groove cheeks in the insertion direction so far are movable away from each other, that the provided on the spring projections between the leading edges of the groove cheeks can be moved through, without causing damage. In fact, in the case of components formed from fibreboards, if the quality of the fiberboard is insufficient, breaking or breaking away of the groove cheeks may occur, as a result of which this component will then become unusable. This is particularly the case when, when joining the narrow sides of the components due to a steep Increase of the projections considerable forces acting on the groove cheeks, as for example in the European patent application Publ. No. 813 641 is the case.

It has also been known to provide on the back of the panels locking elements of foreign material, the narrow sides of the components are provided with gradations which mesh when inserting the plates. It thus forms that plate on which the elastic locking element is mounted, with the step wall, a "groove" into which the projection of the step of the adjacent plate in the manner of a "spring" can be inserted. That plate, on which the step to be inserted as "spring" is provided, has at the back a recess in which engages the locking element of the additional, attached to the other plate locking member. Such a design has the disadvantage that, especially in thin plates, only a small amount of material for clamping the additional locking member is present, the step flanks must absorb the forces required to move the locking element when assembling the plates. Although it is described in the course of this embodiment that the component to be attached is pivoted with its "spring" ahead in the "groove" on the other component, but this requires a corresponding match between the approximately parallel to the user surface extending step walls, otherwise the swinging not is possible or only by pivoting away the locking member, which again exerts considerable forces on the gradations. Such training is eg WO 94/26999 out. However, such a game allows in the laid state limited mutual movement, which is disadvantageous especially in floors.

Furthermore, it is already known to incorporate existing tongue and groove joints at the edges of the components of foreign material, for example, to incorporate when molding or otherwise introduce into the material to absorb the expansion forces occurring during the joining of the groove not from the wood base material, but from an elastic material , Such training is for example WO 94/01628 in which training, in addition, the spring is slotted along its longitudinal center plane, to allow such a way easier Zusammenfedem. Such designs are manufacturing technology for components based on wood-based materials, not applicable, since this can lead to thin wall thicknesses, which can easily lead to breakage during assembly and even with not quite appropriate transport.

SE 8 202 375 A discloses the connection of two adjacent components, such as flooring elements, via a connecting element, which by means of a foreign spring-like Part is inserted into the grooves of the longitudinal longitudinal sides of the components facing each other, wherein from this foreign spring-like part a web projects at right angles, emanating from the free end edge on both sides locking webs for engagement in the underside of the components. The transverse extent of the locking webs with respect to the longitudinal center plane of the connecting element is many times greater than that of the foreign spring-like part, so that the joining of the components after insertion of the connecting element in the one component by angular attachment of the other component and subsequent simultaneous downward pivoting and pushing must be done what prevents an analogous connection to the transverse narrow sides of the components.

To avoid these disadvantages, the present invention is now a kit of plate-shaped components and connecting elements for connecting the adjoining along its narrow side components, the components in the narrow surfaces parallel to the surface introduced grooves with mutually parallel groove walls and the two adjacent components associated connecting element in the grooves of the components bridging the gap between them is inserted in the manner of a foreign spring, wherein the connecting element on its foreign spring insertable part in the longitudinal center on its side facing away from the visible surface of the components a continuous or more aligned, preferably perpendicularly projecting webs, from which on both sides Detaching webs project, each having a protruding fremdfederartigen part latching projection, and wherein on the side facing away from the visible surface of the component lower surface of the same in one of the width of the Detent webs corresponding distance parallel to the adjacent edge extending locking grooves are provided, and wherein the side extension of the foreign spring-like part and the locking webs are approximately equal. As a result, integrally formed with the components or formed in these connection areas are not subjected to bending, but only on pressure, since bending takes place only on the connecting element, u.zw. between the foreign spring-like insertable part and the associated locking webs, whereas the projecting portion of the component to be inserted between these two parts of the connecting element undergoes no bending forces, since the groove walls, which have the foreign spring insertable part, parallel to each other and thus prevents bending of the groove cheeks of the components is.

GB 2 124 672 shows a rail with usable in grooves of adjacent roof tiles foreign spring-like part with a centrally projecting web and at the free end equally far projecting transverse webs, which is not a connecting element with holding task, but a water drainage element without locking function.

In order to achieve a secure hold between the connecting element and the associated components, the outgoing from the locking ridge boundary surface of the locking projection at an angle equal to or greater than 85 °, preferably 90 ° - 110 °, inclined, the mating surface of the locking groove having the same inclination. At angles greater than 90 ° is also achieved that when moving the latching projections or in the locking groove or locking grooves, a pulling in between the foreign spring-like part of the connecting element and the latching web engaging portion of the component is achieved in the connecting element. In this case, the side facing away from the visible groove cheek may be shorter than at least half of the thickness of the web groove than the groove adjacent the face, thereby ensuring that, for example, for use in soils a safe juxtaposition of adjoining the surface areas of the narrow surfaces and thus a denser Surface finish is achieved. In order to achieve a smooth sliding of the latching projections on the associated part of the component, the inclination of the ramp surfaces of the latching projections and the outer edge of the associated groove cheek can be approximately equal. To achieve a flat underside, the latching profile formed on the underside of the component can be approximately at least the thickness of the latching webs be sunk into the bottom, whereby a planar contact of the component is achieved on the associated substrate.

• Fig. 1 zeigt schaubildlich zwei mittels eines Verbindungselements verbundene Bauelemente.
• Fig. 2 ist ein Schnitt durch zwei Platten im Verbindungsbereich während des Anfügens der zweite Platte.
• Fig. 3 gibt den Verbindungsbereich zweier Platten bei zusammengefügten Platten wieder.
• Fig. 4 zeigt einen Querschnitt durch eine zweite Ausführungsvariante des Verbindungselements.

In the drawing, two embodiments of the subject invention are shown.

• Fig. 1 shows diagrammatically two connected by means of a connecting elements components.
• Fig. 2 is a section through two plates in the connection area during the attachment of the second plate.
• Fig. 3 indicates the connection area of two plates with joined plates.
• Fig. 4 shows a cross section through a second embodiment of the connecting element.

With 1 and 2, the two components are designated, which are connected to each other via their narrow end faces 1 ', 2'. The components 1, 2 have at their narrow end faces 1 ', 2' grooves 3, 4, the side edges of which run parallel to each other. In the present embodiment, the side surfaces of the grooves 3, 4 are also parallel to the top of the components 1, 2. The side walls of the grooves 3, 4 go into the narrow end faces 1 ', 2' via bevels 5 and 6, respectively. On the underside, the components 1, 2 locking grooves 7, 8, which are provided with ramp surfaces 9, 10, which are starting from the narrow end faces 1 ', 2', obliquely to the bottom of the components 1, 2 extending and into the locking grooves 7, 8 pass over.

For the connection of the components 1, 2, a connecting element 11 is provided, which has a foreign spring-like part 12, the bridging the inner joint between the components 1, 2 in the grooves 3, 4 can be used. The free longitudinal edges of the spring-like member 12 are, as the figures removed, rounded or beveled to be easier along the chamfers 5, 6 inserted into the grooves 3, 4. The foreign spring-like part 12 corresponds approximately to the mutual distance of the side walls of the grooves 3, 4. The foreign spring-like part 12 is perpendicular in the present case, a connecting web 13, at its lower end present approximately parallel to the foreign spring-like part 12, locking webs 14, 15th protrude. At this locking webs protruding latching projections 16, 17 are provided for the foreign spring-like part 12, which are designed for engagement in the locking grooves 7, 8. The latching projections have the inclination of the ramp surfaces 9, 10 correspondingly inclined wedge surfaces, which at their back in mating surfaces Pass over 14 ', 15', wherein in the locking grooves mating surfaces 7 ', 8' are provided, to which the mating surfaces 14 ', 15' of the locking projections come to rest. By mutual support of the mating surfaces a hooking of the connecting element with the adjacent components 1 and 2 is achieved. Due to the inclination of the mating surfaces 7 ', 8' and 14 ', 15' is achieved that when moving in the latching projections 14, 15 in the locking groove 7, 8, the connecting element 11 is drawn into the corresponding components, which means in consequence that the components are pulled against each other and the narrow end faces 1 ', 2' are pressed together.

In the embodiment according to Fig. 4 are in addition to the details already described on the locking webs 14, 15 immediately behind the mating surfaces 14 ', 15' undercuts 18, 19 are provided, which result in a lower bending resistance of the locking webs during insertion due to the reduction of the wall thickness of the locking webs. Also, so that a possible loosening of the parts is easily possible because when pulling apart of the components 1 and 2, the locking projections can be pivoted about the region of the undercut of the locking webs, whereby such the locking projections 16, 17 can be moved out of the locking grooves 7, 8.

It is essential in the present embodiment that the groove flanks 3 ', 3 "or 4', 4" formed by the grooves 3, 4 are not subjected to bending during insertion of the foreign spring-like part 12, but the entire bending force or deflection movement of the locking projections is made on the connecting element 11, u.zw. in that the run-on surface of the latching projections 16, 17 accumulate on the associated run-on surfaces 9, 10 of the groove flanks 3 ', 4' and on insertion permits the deflection of the latching webs without an abrupt increase in force.

Depending on the choice of the material of the connecting elements 11, the holding force can be controlled, u.zw. on the one hand to the effect that a firm engagement and secure pulling the individual parts is achieved, in addition, a release of the parts from each other can be made possible again. Such a release can be achieved on the one hand by the choice of the inclination of the mating surfaces 7 ', 8' and 14 ', 15', or prevented when the angles are smaller than 90 °. Then it comes namely to a hooking of the two parts with each other, wherein at forces acting in the direction of a pulling apart of the parts, is pulled into the associated locking groove due to the opposite inclination of the locking projection.

It could be formed in two or more parts in a manner not shown, the connecting element, u.zw. to the effect that, due to the choice of different materials on the one hand, a rigid foreign-spring-like leadership in the region of the foreign spring-like part 12 and the grooves 3, 4th achieved, however, in the region of the locking webs a material of high elasticity and dimensional stability, eg a spring steel or the like., Can be used, which opposes the joining a very low resistance. Also, the wall thickness of the spring steel may be lower than the wall thickness e.g. the foreign spring-like connecting web 12th

As can be seen from the present drawing, the lower groove flank 3 'or 4' is slightly shorter than the upper flank 3 ', 4', which is due to the fact that the end faces 1 ', 2' must fit tightly against each other to a dense juxtaposition of To reach components. In the region of the lower groove flanks 3 ", 4", however, the web 13 is provided so that these groove flanks are formed shorter by half the thickness of the web 13. Thus, a concern of the end faces of the groove flanks 3 ", 4" on the side surfaces of the web 13, 14 ensured, resulting in a very stable connection.

Furthermore, in the drawing, a recessed at the back of the components 1, 2 training reproduced, however, can be dispensed with the use of a corresponding resilient base plate on the sinking, whereby a smaller weakening of the lower groove flank 3 ", 4" is achieved.

1. a) Es können alle bestehenden Fertigungszylinder beibehalten werden, da durch die Fräsungen keinerlei Geometrieänderungen an der Oberseite der Bauteile hervorgerufen werden,
2. b) Als Verbindungselement wird ein einfaches Doppelprofil verwendet, das aus PVC oder Aluminium oder ähnlichen Materialien gefertigt sein kann, und in einfacher Weise durch Strangpressen hergestellt sein kann.
3. c) Der Einrastvorgang erfolgt nur durch die Rückstellkraft des Verbindungsprofils und ist von der Querzugfestigkeit der Trägerplatte unabhängig.
4. d) Durch die Höhe des Rastvorsprunges, der Wandstärke des Raststeges und durch die Materialwahl kann die Festigkeit der Verbindung beeinflußt werden.
5. e) Durch die Neigung der Paßflächen am Rastvorsprung und auch an der Rastnut kann das selbsttätige Schließen der Trennfuge zwischen den beiden Bauteilen und auch zusätzlich die Festigkeit der Verbindung gesteuert werden.
6. f) Das Verbindungselement kann an einer Längs- und einer Querseite bei der Produktion bereits vormontiert werden, u.zw. durch einfaches Eindrücken mit einer entsprechenden Vorrichtung, was das Verlegen erleichtert.
7. g) Die Bauteile haben auf allen vier Seiten dasselbe Profil, wodurch eine einfache Herstellung der Bauteile erzielt ist, ohne daß kompliziert geformte Fräser eingesetzt werden müssen.
8. h) Die Bündigkeit der Bauteile wird durch den fremdfederartigen Teil des Verbindungselementes hergestellt.
9. i) Die Nuten für die Aufnahme des fremdfederartigen Teiles gehen im rechten Winkel von den Schmalseitenflächen und damit parallel zu den Oberflächen der Bauelemente 1, 2 ab, wodurch ein genaues Zusammenfügen erreicht ist.
10. j) Die Rastnuten für die Rastvorsprünge sind an der Unterseite der Bauteile angebracht und daher relativ leicht und einfach zu fräsen und auch zu kontrollieren.
11. k) Die Verbindungselemente können auf vier Spindeln gefräst werden.
12. l) Da an den Bauteilen keine Federn angefräst werden, können zum Formatiere entsprechend breite Fräser verwendet werden, die in der Höhe entsprechend oft verstellt werden können.

Hereinafter, the features and advantages of the subject invention summarized again:

1. a) All existing production cylinders can be retained, since the milling does not cause any geometry changes at the top of the components,
2. b) As a connecting element, a simple double profile is used, which can be made of PVC or aluminum or similar materials, and can be easily produced by extrusion.
3. c) The latching process takes place only by the restoring force of the connection profile and is independent of the transverse tensile strength of the support plate.
4. d) The strength of the connection can be influenced by the height of the latching projection, the wall thickness of the latching web and by the choice of material.
5. e) Due to the inclination of the mating surfaces on the locking projection and also on the locking groove, the automatic closing of the parting line between the two components and also the strength of the connection can be controlled.
6. f) The connecting element can be pre-assembled on a longitudinal and a lateral side during production, u.zw. by simply pressing in with a suitable device, which facilitates laying.
7. g) The components have the same profile on all four sides, which makes it easy to manufacture the components without having to use complicated shaped cutters.
8. h) The flush of the components is made by the foreign spring-like part of the connecting element.
9. i) The grooves for receiving the foreign spring-like part go at right angles from the narrow side surfaces and thus parallel to the surfaces of the components 1, 2, whereby an accurate assembly is achieved.
10. j) The locking grooves for the locking projections are attached to the underside of the components and therefore relatively easy and easy to mill and also to control.
11. k) The fasteners can be milled on four spindles.
12. l) Since no springs are milled on the components, it is possible to use wide milling cutters that can be adjusted in height accordingly.

The thickness of the components can be varied according to the particular conditions or the nature of the two components, with laminate flooring MDF boards, so medium-density fiberboard can be used due to the lower load. In such plates, however, is favorable to provide at least a thickness of 2.4 mm as the lower groove cheek, which can either be achieved by the total thickness of the components or the laminate floor panel is increased to about 8 mm, or that, as already cited, the formation of the locking grooves is chosen so that the locking webs are not sunk in the plane of the plate.

Claims (5)

1. A construction kit consisting of panel-shaped members (1, 2) and joining elements (11) for joining the members that adjoin one another along their narrow face,
   wherein the members (1 , 2) have grooves (3, 4) incorporated, parallel to the surface, into the narrow faces and have groove walls that are parallel to each other, and the joining element (11) associated with two respectively adjacent members is insertable into the grooves of members (1, 2), bridging the gap between them in the manner of an external tongue (12),
   wherein the joining element (11) has on its part (12) that can be inserted in the manner of an external tongue in the longitudinal center on its side that faces away from the visible surface of the members, a continuous web or a plurality of aligned webs (13) that preferably protrude at a right angle, from which detent webs (14, 15) protrude on both sides, each of which has a detent projection (16, 17) that projects toward the external-tongue-like part (1 2), and
   wherein, on the underside of the member (1 , 2), which faces away from its visible surface, detent grooves (7, 8) are provided that run parallel to the adjacent edge at a distance corresponding to the width of the detent webs (14, 15),
   characterised in that
   the lateral extension of the external-tongue like part (12) and that of the detent webs (14, 15) are roughly equal.
2. Construction kit according to claim 1, characterised in that the fitting surface (14', 15') of the detent projection (16, 17) that goes out from the detent web (14, 15) is inclined at an angle that is equal to or greater than 85 degrees, preferably 90 degrees to 110 degrees, the opposite surface (7', 8') of the detent groove (7, 8) having the same inclination.
3. Construction kit according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the groove cheek (3", 4") that faces away from the visible surface is shorter than the groove cheek (3', 4') that is adjacent to the visible surface by approximately at least half the thickness of the web (13).
4. Construction kit according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that the inclination of the run-in surfaces of the detent projections (14, 15) and those of the run-in surfaces (9, 10) of the outside edge of the associated groove cheek (3", 4") are approximately equal.
5. Construction kit according to one of the claims 1 to 4, wherein the detent groove (7, 8) that is integrally formed on the bottom of the member (1, 2) is sunken into the bottom by approximately at least the thickness of the detent webs (14, 15).

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