EP3450651A1 - Floor panel for forming a coating - Google Patents

Abstract

Floor panel (1) comprising: - Male (2) and female (3) coupling means consisting of at least one proximal groove (4, 6) opening on a lower face, respectively upper of the panel (1) and a flexible distal tongue (5). , 7) extending at the end of the edge of the panel (1) towards the lower face, respectively upper of said panel (1), the tongue (5, 7) has a proximal wall inclined at an angle (², a) with respect to a vertical plane respectively towards the bottom and towards the outside of the panel (1), and towards the top and towards the outside the panel (1), the tongue (5, 7) of at least one of the male (2) or female (3) coupling means has a distal wall comprising, at least, a lug (11) or a notch (15) adapted to cooperate with a notch (12) or a lug (16) formed on a proximal wall that has the proximal groove (6, 4) of the female coupling means (3) or male (2) corresponding to form a stop , avoiding a vertical displacement of a panel (1) relative to the adjacent panel. According to the invention, the flexible tongue (7) of the female coupling means (3) comprises a chamfered portion (13) forming an angle of between 2 ° and 20 ° with respect to the main plane of the panel.

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

The present invention relates to the field of floor coverings and more particularly to a floor panel for producing a floor covering or the like, said panel having a blade and / or slab shape and being made of a plastic material such as PVC.

PRIOR ART

It is well known to produce floor coverings from modular elements in the form of blades and / or slabs. Their attachment to the ground is usually carried out by a bonding operation and / or an assembly in interlocking blades and / or slabs having male-female connecting or assembling means.

Such panels are described in particular in the documents GB 2,256,023 , EP 1 026 341 or WO 2012/004701 .

The document GB 2,256,023 discloses a joint between the adjacent side edges of two similar panels, wherein a panel comprises a U-shaped cross-section groove opening on the sidewall of the panel and a second panel has a side tab comprising a rib facing the underside of the panel. panel, said tongue cooperating with the groove to limit the separation of the panels.

The document EP 1 026 341 describes a hard floor panel to achieve a floor covering. This floor panel comprises two edges of two opposite sides provided with coupling elements which give two adjacent panels the ability to cooperate with each other, said coupling elements being substantially in the form of a tongue and a groove. Said coupling means are provided with integrated mechanical locking means made in one piece with the panel so that, when two adjacent panels are coupled, said means prevent said panels from moving apart from each other in a direction perpendicular to the concerned edges and parallel to the lower side of the coupled floorboards.

The document WO 2012/004701 discloses a floor panel comprising a substrate and an upper layer placed on the substrate, the top layer being composed of at least one print and a transparent thermoplastic layer, said floor panel being provided on at least two opposite edges, a straight or curved chamfer. Furthermore, two opposite edges of a panel respectively comprise a U-shaped cross-section groove opening on the sidewall of the panel and a lateral tongue adapted to cooperate with the groove in order to limit the separation of the panels.

The assembly of this type of panels is performed by an oblique presentation of a panel intended to be positioned, which is presented in a position towards the anchor panel, which ends in a horizontal plane to be locked and in alignment to the previous one. This suggests particular shapes and also a free space to allow the amplitude of the movement necessary for the installation of the successive panels.

Numerous patents are also known describing male-female means for assembling panels constituting coatings with an oblique or lateral prepositioning so as to insert the assembly means between them. This is particularly the case for international patent applications WO 01/77461 and WO 01/53628 .

This type of panel has the same drawbacks during installation and, to overcome these disadvantages, it has already been imagined panels comprising male-female coupling means for vertical assembly of the panels. This is particularly the case for the European patent application EP 1 190 149 especially.

The document EP 1 190 149 discloses a fastening system for panels with holding profiles which can be arranged on the narrow sides of the panels where opposing support profiles of a panel fit together so that adjacent panels can be attached to each other. Said retaining profiles consist of a so-called proximal groove opening on the underside of the panel and respectively on the upper face of the panel, and a distal tab in the form of a hook, said hook being oriented towards the groove, extending at the end of the edge of the panel towards the lower face and respectively towards the upper face of said panel so that, during assembly, the hook-shaped tab of a first panel cooperates with the hook-shaped tongue of a second adjacent panel.

Although this type of panel requires a more limited free space given the fact that the assembly is done vertically, this type of panel nevertheless has the disadvantage of requiring a large force for assembly and low resistance to declipping.

It is also known the document US 2013/0309441 which describes a floor panel according to the preamble of claim 1. However, the assembly / disassembly of two adjacent panels disclosed in this document is made difficult and the clipping / unclipping efforts of the panels are mainly transmitted to the clipping lugs which causes a rapid deterioration of these lugs.

Indeed, during clipping of the male coupling means in the female coupling means, the distal flexible tongue of the female coupling means elastically deviates to allow the distal flexible tongue of the male coupling means to penetrate into the female coupling means. proximal groove of the female coupling means. However, the spacing of the tongue is against the ground so that a force opposing clipping is exerted on the flexible tongue of the male coupling means, which is transmitted in particular to the pin of clipping.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One of the aims of the invention is therefore to overcome this disadvantage by proposing a floor board of simple and inexpensive design, limiting the inconvenience for the installer in his handling for the installation of panels and in particular near the areas of angles or walls, facilitating the adjustment in position of the panels together when assembled, and ensuring perfect reliability in the holding of the assembly, the panels being all in the same plane after assembly and without overflow greater or less than their upper and lower outer surfaces.

Another object of the invention is to facilitate the assembly / disassembly of two adjacent panels, while avoiding the risk of damage to the clipping lugs.

For this purpose, it is proposed a floor panel having a blade shape and / or slab and being made of a plastic material for the realization of a floor covering or the like. In a known manner, the panel comprises at least two pairs of opposite sides defining two adjacent edges comprising male coupling means, and two opposite adjacent edges comprising female coupling means. The kinematic assembly of these panels is vertical.

The male coupling means consist of at least one so-called proximal groove opening on a lower face of the panel and a flexible distal tab extending at the end of the edge of the panel towards the underside of said panel.

The female coupling means consist of at least one proximal groove opening on an upper face of the panel and a flexible tongue extending at the end of the edge of the panel, towards the upper face of said panel.

The flexible distal tongue of the male coupling means has a proximal wall inclined at an angle β with respect to a vertical plane towards the bottom and towards the outside of the panel.

The flexible tongue of the female coupling means has a proximal wall inclined at an angle α relative to a vertical plane upwardly and outwardly of the panel.

The distal tab of at least one of the male or female coupling means has a distal wall comprising, at least, a lug or a notch adapted to cooperate with a notch or a lug made on a proximal wall that has the proximal groove corresponding female or male coupling means for forming a stopper, avoiding a vertical displacement of a panel relative to the adjacent panel.

As a result of these characteristics, the fact that the proximal wall of the flexible tongue is oriented makes it possible to limit the clipping forces and to promote the transfer of effort for the declipping action.

According to the invention, the flexible tongue of the female coupling means comprises a chamfered portion forming an angle of between 2 ° and 20 °, and preferably 10 ° relative to the main plane of the panel. This chamfered portion provides a reduction in the clipping force so that it is easier to assemble two adjacent panels.

Indeed, this range of value of the angle of the chamfered portion makes it possible to make a recess of material over substantially the entire width of the flexible tongue. Thus, before clipping two adjacent panels, the chamfered portion of the flexible tongue is not in contact with the ground so that, during clipping, the tongue pivots until the chamfered portion comes to rest on the ground. thus limiting the efforts opposing clipping. In this way, it is easier to assemble two adjacent panels, and the risks of deteriorating the lug are reduced. The presence of the chamfer allows deformation and mobility of the flexible tongue, it is called flexible deformable tongue.

According to a particular embodiment, the distal walls of the deformable distal tongues of the male and female coupling means respectively comprise a lug and a notch adapted to cooperate with a notch and a lug, respectively, formed on the proximal walls of the proximal grooves of the coupling means. coupling female and male corresponding to form a stop, avoiding a vertical displacement of a panel relative to the adjacent panel.

Preferably, the angles α and β are between 1 and 45 °, and preferably between 5 ° and 15 °. According to a particular embodiment, the angle α is equal to the angle β.

Preferably, the proximal walls of the proximal grooves of the male and female coupling means are respectively inclined at an angle of between 1 and 45 °, and preferably between 5 ° and 15 ° with respect to a vertical plane.

Preferably, the deformable flexible tongue and the proximal groove of the male coupling means, and the deformable flexible tongue and the proximal groove of the female coupling means are inclined outwardly of the panel.

In this way, the inclinations favor the deformation of the deformable distal tongue of the male coupling means and the deformable flexible tongue of the female coupling means limiting, during vertical clipping, the friction of the lug of the coupling means. male on the proximal wall of the proximal groove of the female coupling means as well as the friction of the lug of the male coupling means on the distal wall of the tongue of the female coupling means. The clipping is not totally vertical but is inclined at an angle to a vertical plane. This thus makes it possible to have pins that are better sized, to preserve said lugs from friction, and thus to reduce the clipping forces and the risks of deterioration.

In addition, the inclinations favor, during unclipping, the transfer of the shear forces perceived by the pins in torsion / compression forces in all the profiles of the male and female coupling means, thereby increasing the stripping efforts.

According to a particular embodiment, the distal and proximal walls of the flexible deformable tongues of the male and female coupling means are parallel and inclined respectively at an angle relative to a vertical plane, and the proximal walls of the proximal grooves of the Male and female coupling are parallel to the proximal walls respectively of the flexible deformable tongues of the male and female coupling means.

Furthermore, advantageously, the lower face of the floor panel comprises a chamfered portion opening onto the proximal groove, forming an angle of between 2 ° and 20 °, and preferably 10 ° relative to the main plane of the panel, said chamfered portion allowing the lowering of the panel during clipping to come, by deformation, in contact with the ground and thus promote the viability of said clipping.

SUMMARY DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

• la figure 1 est une représentation schématique de deux panneaux adjacents suivant l'invention,
• la figure 2 est une vue partielle en coupe transversale d'une forme d'exécution des moyens d'accouplement mâles et d'accouplement femelles de deux panneaux, avant clippage,
• la figure 3 est une vue correspondant à la figure 2, montrant le pré-clippage des panneaux,
• la figure 4 est une vue correspondant à la figure 2 en cours de clippage des panneaux,
• la figure 5 est une vue correspondant à la figure 2 en position clippée des panneaux,
• la figure 6 est une vue en coupe transversale d'une autre forme d'exécution des moyens d'accouplements mâles et femelles de deux panneaux, les panneaux étant montrés avant clippage,
• la figure 7 est une vue correspondant à la figure 6, montrant le pré-clippage des panneaux,
• la figure 8 est une vue correspondant à la figure 6 en cours de clippage des panneaux,
• la figure 9 est une vue correspondant à la figure 6, les panneaux étant représentés en position clippée,
• la figure 10 est une vue en coupe transversale d'une autre forme d'exécution des moyens d'accouplements mâles et femelles de deux panneaux dans le cas de panneaux de faibles épaisseurs, les panneaux étant représentés avant clippage,
• la figure 11 est une vue correspondant à la figure 10, montrant le pré-clippage des panneaux,
• la figure 12 est une vue correspondant à la figure 10, en cours de clippage des panneaux,
• la figure 13 est une vue correspondant à la figure 10, en position clippée des panneaux,
• la figure 14 est une vue en coupe transversale d'une forme d'exécution des moyens d'accouplements mâles et femelles de deux panneaux, illustrant l'ergot ménagé seulement sur les moyens d'accouplement femelles, et l'encoche ménagée seulement sur les moyens d'accouplement mâles,
• la figure 15 est une vue en coupe similaire à celle de la figure 14, illustrant cette fois l'ergot ménagé seulement sur les moyens d'accouplement mâles, et l'encoche ménagée seulement sur les moyens d'accouplement femelles,
• la figure 16 est une représentation graphique illustrant la différence entre les efforts de clippage pour une même version de moyens d'accouplement, avec et sans partie chanfreinée sur la partie inférieure desdits moyens d'accouplement,
• la figure 17 est une représentation graphique illustrant la réduction de l'effort de clippage,
• la figure 18 est une représentation graphique illustrant le gain d'effort de déclippage.

Other advantages and features will emerge more clearly from the following description of several variant embodiments, given by way of non-limiting examples, of the floor panel according to the invention, from the appended drawings in which:

• the figure 1 is a schematic representation of two adjacent panels according to the invention,
• the figure 2 is a partial cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the male coupling and female coupling means of two panels, before clipping,
• the figure 3 is a view corresponding to the figure 2 , showing the pre-clipping of the panels,
• the figure 4 is a view corresponding to the figure 2 during clipping of the panels,
• the figure 5 is a view corresponding to the figure 2 in the clipped position of the panels,
• the figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the male and female coupling means of two panels, the panels being shown before clipping,
• the figure 7 is a view corresponding to the figure 6 , showing the pre-clipping of the panels,
• the figure 8 is a view corresponding to the figure 6 during clipping of the panels,
• the figure 9 is a view corresponding to the figure 6 , the panels being represented in the clipped position,
• the figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the male and female coupling means of two panels in the case of panels of small thickness, the panels being represented before clipping,
• the figure 11 is a view corresponding to the figure 10 , showing the pre-clipping of the panels,
• the figure 12 is a view corresponding to the figure 10 , during clipping of the panels,
• the figure 13 is a view corresponding to the figure 10 , in the clipped position of the panels,
• the figure 14 is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the male and female coupling means of two panels, illustrating the lug formed only on the female coupling means, and the notch provided only on the means of male coupling,
• the figure 15 is a sectional view similar to that of the figure 14 , illustrating this time the lug formed only on the male coupling means, and the notch formed only on the female coupling means,
• the figure 16 is a graphical representation illustrating the difference between the clipping forces for the same version of coupling means, with and without chamfered portion on the lower part of said coupling means,
• the figure 17 is a graphical representation illustrating the reduction of the clipping force,
• the figure 18 is a graphical representation illustrating the gain of stripping effort.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In the following description of the floor panel according to the invention, the same reference numerals designate the same elements. In addition, the different views are not necessarily drawn to scale. In addition, the floor panels described below are preferably obtained in plasticized PVC and comprising a mineral filler; however, it is obvious that the floor panels can be obtained in any plastic material.

Each floor panel (1) comprises two pairs of opposite sides defining the edges of the panel. Two adjacent edges comprise male coupling means (2) while two opposite adjacent edges comprise female coupling means (3). The assembly kinematics of two panels (1) is vertical according to a force (F). Said male coupling means (2) consist of a so-called proximal groove (4) opening on a lower face of the panel (1) and a distal tongue (5) extending at the end of the edge of the panel (1) to the underside of said panel (1). The distal tongue (5) has a substantially rectangular cross section. Said female coupling means (3) consist of a proximal groove (6) of substantially rectangular cross-section, opening on an upper face of the panel (1) and a deformable flexible tongue (7) extending to the end of the edge of the panel (1) towards the upper face of said panel (1). The deformable flexible tongue (7) has a proximal wall inclined upwardly and outwardly of the panel (1) at an angle (α) to the vertical plane, so that the distal tongue (5) of the male coupling (2) is introduced into the proximal groove (6) of the female coupling means (3) at an angle by pressing against the deformable flexible tongue (7) which deforms to allow the introduction of the distal tab ( 5) in the proximal groove (6). The distal tongue (5) is also deformed when introduced into the proximal groove (6).

The proximal wall of the deformable flexible tongue (7) is inclined upwards and outwards of the panel (1) at an angle (α) of between 1 ° and 45 ° with respect to the vertical, and preferably, following an angle (α) between 5 ° and 15 ° with respect to the vertical. Furthermore, the proximal groove (4) of the male coupling means (2) has a proximal wall inclined downwardly and outwardly of the panel (1) at an angle (β) with respect to the vertical plane of said panel ( 1). Said angle (β) is between 1 ° and 45 ° and preferably between 5 ° and 15 °. In this particular embodiment, the angle (α) is substantially equal to the angle (β). It is obvious that the angle (α) may be different from the angle (β) without departing from the scope of the invention.

Furthermore, the distal tongue (5) of the male coupling means (2) has a distal wall comprising, at least, a lug (11) adapted to cooperate with a notch (12) formed on a proximal wall that has the groove proximal (6) to form a stop, avoiding a vertical displacement of a panel (1) relative to the adjacent panel.

According to the invention, and for example with reference to the figure 9 , the flexible deformable tongue (7) has a bottom wall having a chamfered portion (13) forming an angle of between 2 ° and 20 °, preferably 10 ° relative to the main plane of the panel (1). This chamfered portion (13) provides a reduction in the clipping force so that it is easier to assemble two adjacent panels. In this respect, with reference to figure 16 Note that the clipping force of the floor panel according to the invention is significantly lower than the clipping force of a floor panel having no chamfered portion. This chamfered portion (13) limits the clipping forces and allows a more suitable dimensioning of the lug (11). This range of value of the angle of the chamfered part (13) makes it possible to produce a recess of material over substantially the entire width of the deformable flexible tongue (7). Thus, before clipping two adjacent panels, the chamfered portion (13) of the flexible deformable tongue (7) is not in contact with the ground so that, during clipping, the tongue (7) pivots until that the chamfered portion (13) comes to rest on the ground thus limiting the forces opposing clipping. In this way, it is easier to assemble two adjacent panels, and the risk of damaging the lug (11) are reduced.

According to the embodiment illustrated in Figures 2 to 5 the flexible deformable tongue (7) has a distal wall having two parts, namely, an upper part inclined with respect to the vertical at an angle of between 1 ° and 45 °, and preferably between 1 ° and 20 ° and a lower part extending vertically. The proximal wall of the proximal groove (4) also has two parts, namely, an upper part inclined with respect to the vertical at an angle of between 1 ° and 45 °, and preferably between 1 ° and 20 ° in order to improve unclipping, and a lower part extending vertically, to improve clipping.

According to the embodiment illustrated in Figures 6 to 9 , the lower face of the floor panel (1) may also comprise a chamfered portion (14) opening on the proximal groove (4), and forming an angle of between 2 ° and 20 °, ideally 10 ° relative to the main plane of the panel (1). This chamfered portion (14) allows the lowering of the panel (1) during clipping to come, by deformation, in contact with the ground and thus promote the viability of said clipping.

In this embodiment, the distal wall of the deformable flexible tongue (7) also comprises an upper part inclined at an angle of between 1 ° and 20 ° relative to the vertical and a lower part also inclined at an angle between 1 ° and 20 ° with respect to the vertical. The upper and lower portions extend parallel to each other on a side notch (15). The proximal wall of the proximal groove (4) also comprises two parts, an upper part inclined at an angle of between 1 ° and 20 ° with respect to the vertical, and a lower part inclined at an angle between 1 ° and 20 °. compared to the vertical. The upper and lower portions extend parallel on either side of a shoulder forming a lug (16) adapted to cooperate with the notch (15), to improve the clipping.

Note that the clipping force of the floor panels according to the invention is slightly less than the clipping force of the panels of the prior art during the first millimeters of engagement of the male and female parts, and that the effort declipping is much higher than that of the panels of the prior art.

Furthermore, it will be observed that the orientation at an angle of between 1 ° and 45 °, and preferably between 5 ° and 15 ° relative to the vertical of the proximal walls of the tongues (5, 7) of the male coupling means (2) and female (3) provides an opening of the male (2) and female (3) during clipping so that the lug (11) does not rub on the proximal wall of the proximal groove (6) thus preserving the lug (11) and reducing the clipping forces. Furthermore, this orientation at an angle of between 1 ° and 45 °, and preferably between 5 ° and 15 ° relative to the vertical of the proximal walls of the tongues (5, 7) of the male coupling means (2) and female (3) makes it possible to transfer the shear force of the pin in compression / torsion in the set of profiles of the male (2) and female (3) parts increasing the stripping efforts.

Advantageously, the deformable flexible distal tongue (5) and the proximal groove (4) of the male coupling means (2), and the deformable flexible tongue (7) and the proximal groove (6) of the female coupling (3) are inclined towards the outside of the panel (1). In other words, the deformable flexible distal tongues (5, 7) comprise distal walls substantially parallel to their proximal walls and are inclined respectively at an angle (β, α) with respect to a vertical plane towards the outside of the sign. In the same way, the proximal grooves (4, 6) comprise proximal walls substantially parallel to the proximal walls respectively of the flexible deformable tongues (5, 7).

In this way, the inclinations favor the deformation of the deformable flexible distal tongue (5) of the male coupling means (2) and the deformable flexible tongue (7) of the female coupling means (3) limiting, during clipping vertical, the friction of the lug (11) of the male coupling means (2) on the proximal wall of the proximal groove (6) of the female coupling means (3) and the friction of the lug (16). ) male coupling means (2) on the distal wall of the tongue (7) of the female coupling means (3) thus allowing to have better dimensioned lugs, to preserve said lugs from the friction, and thus to reduce clipping efforts, as illustrated in figure 17 .

In addition, said inclinations favor, during unclipping, the transfer of the shear forces perceived by the lugs in torsion / compression forces in all the profiles of the male (2) and female (3) parts, thus increasing the stresses of declippage, as illustrated in figure 18 .

The variant embodiment, with reference to Figures 10 to 13 is particularly intended for thin floorboards. As already indicated, each floor panel (1) comprises two pairs of opposite sides defining the edges of the panel, two adjacent edges comprising male coupling means (2) and two opposite adjacent edges comprising female coupling means (3). . Said means male couplings (2) consist of a so-called proximal groove (4) opening on the underside of the panel (1) and a distal tab (5) extending at the end of the edge of the panel (1). ) to the underside of said panel (1). The distal tongue (5) has a substantially rectangular cross section. Said female coupling means (3) consist of a proximal groove (6) of substantially rectangular cross-section opening on the upper face of the panel (1) and a deformable flexible tongue (7) extending to the end of the edge of the panel (1), towards the upper face of said panel (1). The proximal wall of the flexible deformable tongue (7) extending at an angle between 1 ° and 45 °, and preferably between 5 ° and 15 ° relative to the vertical, upward and outward of the panel (1). Moreover, the proximal wall of the deformable flexible tongue (5) of the male coupling means (2) also extends at an angle of between 1 ° and 45 °, and preferably between 5 ° and 15 ° with respect to vertical, downward and outward of the panel (1).

In the same way as for the illustrated embodiment figure 6 , the distal wall of the distal tab (5) of the male coupling means (2) comprises a lug (11) adapted to cooperate with a notch (12) formed on the proximal wall of the proximal groove (6) to form a stop, avoiding the vertical displacement of a panel (1) relative to the adjacent panel (1).

Similarly, as already indicated, the lower wall of the flexible deformable tongue (7) has a chamfered portion (13) which provides a reduction of the clipping force so that it is easier to assemble two adjacent panels.

The distal wall of the deformable flexible tongue (7) comprises two parts, an upper part inclined at an angle of between 1 ° and 20 ° with respect to the vertical and a lower part also inclined at an angle of between 1 ° and 20 °. compared to the vertical. The upper and lower portions extending parallel on both sides of a notch (15). The proximal wall of the proximal groove (4) also comprises two parts, an upper part inclined at an angle of between 1 ° and 20 ° with respect to the vertical and an upper lower part inclined at an angle of between 1 ° and 20 °. compared to the vertical. Said upper parts and lower extend parallel on either side of a shoulder forming a lug (16) adapted to cooperate with the notch (15), to improve the clipping.

Finally, it is obvious that the examples which have just been given are only particular illustrations and in no way limiting as to the field of application of the invention.

Indeed, for example and with reference to Figures 14 and 15 it is obvious that the lug (11, 16) and the notch (12, 15) can be formed only on one of the coupling means (2, 3), or both without departing from the scope of the invention.

• le clippage a une cinématique verticale, mais le fait que les parois proximales des languettes flexibles déformables soient orientées permet de limiter les efforts de clippage et de favoriser le transfert d'effort pour l'action de déclippage.
• l'orientation fait que l'on ouvre au clippage de sorte que l'ergot qui présente la languette ne frotte pas au moment de la descente, préservant ledit ergot et réduisant les efforts de clippage,
• la partie chanfreinée inférieure sur le profil inférieur limite les efforts de clippage et permet de mieux dimensionner l'ergot,
• la partie chanfreinée sur le profil supérieur permet de descendre plus bas lors du clippage et par conséquent, de favoriser la viabilité du clippage.

The advantages are apparent from the description, and particularly, it is emphasized and recalled that:

• the clipping has vertical kinematics, but the fact that the proximal walls of the deformable flexible tongues are oriented makes it possible to limit the clipping forces and to promote the transfer of effort for the declipping action.
• the orientation makes it possible to open the clipping so that the lug which has the tongue does not rub at the time of descent, preserving said lug and reducing the clipping forces,
• the lower chamfered portion on the lower profile limits the clipping forces and makes it possible to better size the pin,
• the chamfered portion on the upper profile allows lowering down during clipping and therefore to promote the viability of clipping.

It follows from the features of the invention the following technical effects and results:
When a vertical force is applied in order to assemble two panels (1) between them, the deformable flexible distal tongue (5) of the male coupling means (2) comes into contact with the deformable flexible tongue (7). female coupling (3), this contact causes deformation of the deformable flexible distal tongue (5) of the male coupling means (2) as well as the deformation of the deformable flexible tongue (7) female coupling means (3), this deformation allows the introduction of the deformable flexible distal tongue (5) of the male coupling means (2) in the proximal groove (6) of the coupling means female coupling (3) as well as the introduction of the deformable flexible tongue (7) of the female coupling means (3) in the proximal groove (4) of the male coupling means (2).

When no longer applies vertical force, the deformable flexible distal tongue (5) of the male coupling means (2) returns to its original shape thus allowing the pin (11) male coupling means ( 2) to cooperate with the notch (12) of the female coupling means (3), and the deformable flexible tongue (7) of the female coupling means (3) returns to its original shape thus allowing the pin (16) ) male coupling means (2) cooperate with the notch (15) of the female coupling means (3).

When a force is applied to disassemble two panels (1) the engagement of the lug (11) of the male coupling means (2) with the notch (12) of the female coupling means (3) and that of the lug (16) of the male coupling means (2) with the notch (15) of the female coupling means (3) causes a shearing force between the lug (11) of the coupling means male (2) and the notch (12) of the female coupling means (3) and between the lug (16) of the male coupling means (2) and the notch (15) of the means female coupling (3). The shear force between the lug (11) of the male coupling means (2) and the notch (12) of the female coupling means (3) causes a deformation of the deformable flexible distal tongue (5) of the male coupling means (2), the shear force between the lug (16) of the male coupling means (2) and the notch (15) of the female coupling means (3) causes a deformation of the deformable flexible tongue (7) of the female coupling means (3). The joint deformation of the deformable flexible distal tongue (5) of the male coupling means (2) and the deformable flexible tongue (7) of the female coupling means (3) causes a preponderant contact / wedging between the flexible distal tongue deformable (5) male coupling means (2) and the deformable flexible tongue (7) of the female coupling means (3). This contact preponderant makes it possible to transfer the shear force between the lug (11) of the male coupling means (2) and the notch (12) of the female coupling means (3) as well as the shear force between the lug pin (16) of the male coupling means (2) and the notch (15) of the female coupling means (3) in torsion / compression force in all the profiles of the male (2) and female parts (3) thus increasing the stripping efforts.

Claims (9)

Floor panel (1) having a blade and / or slab shape and being made of a plastic material for producing a floor covering or the like, said panel comprising at least two pairs of opposite sides defining two adjacent edges comprising male coupling means (2) and two opposite adjacent edges comprising female coupling means (3), the assembly kinematics of these panels being vertical; - The male coupling means (2) consist of at least one so-called proximal groove (4) opening on a lower face of the panel (1) and a flexible distal tongue (5) extending at the end. from the edge of the panel (1) to the underside of said panel (1), - The female coupling means (3) consist of at least one proximal groove (6) opening on an upper face of the panel (1) and a flexible tongue (7) extending at the end of the edge from the panel (1) towards the upper face of said panel (1), the deformable flexible distal tongue (5) of the male coupling means (2) has a proximal wall inclined at an angle (β) with respect to a vertical plane towards the bottom and towards the outside of the panel (1), the flexible tongue (7) of the female coupling means (3) has a proximal wall inclined at an angle (α) with respect to a vertical plane upwardly and outwardly of the panel (1), the distal tongue (5, 7) of at least one of the male (2) or female (3) coupling means has a distal wall comprising, at least, a lug (11) or a notch (15) adapted to to cooperate with a notch (12) or a lug (16) formed on a proximal wall that has the proximal groove (6, 4) of the female coupling means (3) or male (2) corresponding to form a stop of stop, avoiding a vertical displacement of a panel (1) relative to the adjacent panel, characterized in that the flexible tongue (7) of the female coupling means (3) comprises a chamfered portion (13) forming an angle between 2 ° and 20 ° relative to the main plane of the panel (1), said chamfered portion provides a reduction of the clipping force and a deformation of the flexible tongue (7) so that it is easier to assemble two adjacent panels. Floor panel according to the preceding claim characterized in that the distal walls of the flexible deformable tongues (5, 7) of the male coupling means (2) and female (3) respectively comprise a lug (11) and a notch (15). adapted to cooperate with a notch (12) and a lug (16) respectively formed on the proximal walls of the proximal grooves (6, 4) of the female coupling means (3) and male (2) corresponding to form a stop of stopping, avoiding a vertical displacement of a panel (1) relative to the adjacent panel. Floor panel according to any one of claims 1 to 2 characterized in that the angles (α, β) are between 1 and 45 °, and preferably between 5 ° to 15 °. Floor panel according to Claim 3, characterized in that the angle α is equal to the angle β. Floor panel according to any one of Claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the proximal walls of the proximal grooves (4, 6) of the male (2) and female (3) coupling means are respectively inclined at an angle between 1 and 45 °, and preferably between 5 ° to 15 ° relative to a vertical plane. Floor panel according to one of Claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the deformable flexible distal tongue (5) and the proximal groove (4) of the male coupling means (2), and the deformable flexible tongue (7). ) and the proximal groove (6) of the female coupling means (3) are inclined outwardly of the panel (1). Floor panel according to Claim 6, characterized in that the distal and proximal walls of the deformable flexible tongues (5, 7) of the male (2) and female (3) coupling means are parallel and inclined respectively at an angle (β, α) with respect to a vertical plane, and the proximal walls of the proximal grooves (4, 6) of the male (2) and female (3) coupling means are parallel to the proximal walls respectively of the deformable flexible tongues (5, 7) male (2) and female coupling means (3). Floor panel according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the underside of the floor panel (1) has a chamfered portion (14) opening on the proximal groove (4) forming an angle of between 2 ° and 20 ° relative to the main plane of the panel (1), said chamfered portion (14) allowing the lowering of the panel (1) during clipping to come, by deformation, in contact with the ground and thus promote the viability of said clipping . Floor panel according to any one of Claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the chamfered part (13, 14) forms an angle of 10 ° with respect to the main plane of the panel (1).

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