Panel set for surface covering and method of connecting the panel set

Abstract

A panel set (10) for covering a surface (12) comprises a first panel (16) and a second panel (18). The first panel (16) has a first edge (24) defining a connecting tongue (26) and the second panel (18) has a second edge (28) defining a connecting groove (30). The first panel is movable between a disengaged position and an engaged position in which the connecting tongue is snapped into the connecting groove. The connecting tongue comprises a distal protrusion (40A) and a proximal protrusion (40B) adapted to abut against a proximal lip (42A) and a distal lip (42B) in the engaged position. The second edge defines a guiding recess (38) located at least partially above the proximal lip (42A) for accommodating the distal protrusion of the first panel in an intermediate position in which the proximal protrusion abuts against the distal lip.

Description

[0001] This invention relates to a plate assembly comprising multiple plates adapted to cover a surface perpendicular to the thickness direction of the plates. Each plate has a lower surface in the thickness direction, the lower surface contacting the surface, and the plates include at least a first plate and a second plate. The first plate has a first edge extending in a longitudinal direction perpendicular to the thickness direction, and the second plate has a second edge extending in the same longitudinal direction. The second edge defines a connecting groove, and the first edge defines a connecting tongue. The first plate is movable relative to the second plate between a disengaged position and a connected position, in which the connecting tongue is away from the connecting groove, and in which the connecting tongue engages with the connecting groove. The connecting tongue includes two protrusions projecting in opposite directions in a transverse direction perpendicular to both the thickness direction and the longitudinal direction. The two protrusions include a distal transverse protrusion and a proximal transverse protrusion relative to the first plate, the distal transverse protrusion and the proximal transverse protrusion being adapted to abut upward against the proximal transverse lip and the distal transverse lip of the connecting groove, respectively, in the connected position.

[0002] The covered surface is usually the floor or wall.

[0003] "Board" refers to boards, wood panels, or ceramic tiles.

[0004] These plates are provided with connecting parts that allow the plates to connect to each other; these connecting parts are located at the edges of the plates and form connecting grooves and connecting tongues.

[0005] In such a plate assembly, by applying a vertical pressure F to the first plate, the first plate snaps into the second plate. In the connected position, the connecting tongue of the first plate is adapted to be vertically received in the connecting groove of the second plate.

[0006] During the vertical displacement of the first plate relative to the second plate, there is an intermediate position in which the proximal protrusion of the connecting tongue abuts downward against the distal lip of the connecting groove, forming a lateral overlap, while the distal protrusion of the connecting tongue abuts laterally against the proximal lip of the connecting groove.

[0007] To ensure the boards don't easily detach once in the connection position, the overlap in existing boards is quite significant, for example, approximately 0.19 mm. Consequently, the vertical pressure applied to the first board during connection to overcome the resistance generated by the overlap is also considerable. This makes the connection difficult for the user and also carries the risk of damaging the board when this pressure is applied.

[0008] The quality of a connection system can be assessed by how easy it is to install and how strong the connection is once the board is in the connection position.

[0009] The ease of installation depends particularly on the resistance the user must overcome: the greater the resistance, the more difficult the installation. The strength of the connection is a function of the resistance preventing the boards from separating: the greater the resistance, the stronger the connection.

[0010] The purpose of this invention is to provide a board assembly with improved quality.

[0011] To this end, the present invention proposes a plate assembly as described above, wherein the second edge further defines a guide recess located at least partially above the proximal lip and adapted to laterally receive a distal protrusion of the first plate in an intermediate position, wherein the proximal protrusion abuts downward against the distal lip.

[0012] In other embodiments, the board assembly includes one or more of the following features, which may be used individually or in any technically feasible combination:

[0013] - In the middle position, the first board is roughly parallel to the second board;

[0014] - In the middle position, the proximal protuberance and the distal lip define an overlap with a lateral extension of less than 0.15 mm;

[0015] - The lower side of the guide recess is at least partially defined by the surface of the second edge, which defines an angle with respect to the thickness direction, the angle being less than 45°;

[0016] - The lower side of the guide recess is at least partially defined by the surface of the second edge, which defines an angle greater than 45° relative to the thickness direction;

[0017] - The proximal lip of the connecting groove forms the lip of the guiding recess;

[0018] - The proximal lip margin and distal projection are pointed, while the distal lip margin and proximal projection are rounded;

[0019] - The first edge and the second edge respectively include upper portions extending from the upper surfaces of the first plate and the second plate in the thickness direction, and these upper portions are parallel to the thickness direction;

[0020] - The lower portion of the distal protrusion is at least partially defined by a surface of a first edge, the surface defining an angle with respect to the thickness direction, the angle being less than 45°;

[0021] - The upper portion of the distal protrusion is at least partially defined by a surface of a first edge, the surface defining an angle greater than 45° relative to the thickness direction;

[0022] - The lower portion of the distal lip is at least partially defined by a surface of a second edge, which defines an angle less than 10° relative to the thickness direction;

[0023] - The upper portion of the proximal protrusion is at least partially defined by a surface of a first edge, said surface defining an angle less than 10° relative to the thickness direction; and

[0024] - At least one layer of material made of rigid thermoplastic, plasticized thermoplastic, mineral or wood-based material.

[0025] The present invention also relates to a method for connecting the board assembly described above, the method comprising the following steps:

[0026] - Move the first plate relative to the second plate from the disengaged position to the intermediate position. In the intermediate position, the distal protrusion is laterally received in the guide recess, and the proximal protrusion abuts downward against the distal lip of the connecting groove.

[0027] - Move the first plate relative to the second plate from the middle position to the connection position, where the distal protrusion and the proximal protrusion abut upward against the proximal lip and distal lip of the connection groove, respectively.

[0028] The invention and its advantages will be better understood by reading the following description, which is given by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0029] Figure 1 A schematic partial cross-sectional view of the plate assembly consisting of two plates of the present invention is shown in the middle position;

[0030] Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 A schematic partial cross-sectional view showing the two plates at the connection point;

[0031] Figure 3 It shows Figure 1 A close-up magnified image of the distal protrusion in the middle;

[0032] Figure 4 It shows Figure 1 A close-up magnified image of the proximal protrusion in the middle;

[0033] Figure 5 A schematic partial cross-sectional view of a plate assembly consisting of two plates in a connected position, according to a first variation of the present invention, is shown, with a close-up of the distal protrusion.

[0034] Figure 6 A schematic partial cross-sectional view of a plate assembly consisting of two plates in a connected position, according to a second variation of the present invention, is shown, with a close-up of the connecting tongue.

[0035] Figure 7 This is a schematic partial cross-sectional view of a plate assembly consisting of two plates in a connected position according to a third variation of the invention, with a close-up of the distal protrusion extending to the upper surface of the plate.

[0036] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 The present invention describes a plate assembly 10 according to the present invention.

[0037] The panel assembly 10 is adapted to cover a surface 12, which is defined, for example, by a floor 14 or a wall (not shown). The panel assembly 10 comprises multiple panels, advantageously more than ten or fifty, wherein the first panel 16 and the second panel 18 are in... Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown in the image.

[0038] like Figure 2 As shown, these boards may be on-site or may be in packaged form (not shown), for example, in groups. These boards may be packaged in boxes or known equivalents.

[0039] The plates in this plate group 10 may be identical to each other. For example, they may be rectangular in shape when viewed from the thickness direction V. Figure 1 and Figure 2 In the example shown, the thickness direction V is vertical. These plates have a lower surface 20 in the thickness direction V for contacting surface 12.

[0040] One variation is that the thickness direction V is not vertical, but the terms “down” and “up”, or “downward” and “upward”, will be used with reference to the thickness direction V as if that direction were vertical. “Down” and “downward” mean “towards surface 20, which is in contact with the surface 12 to be covered.”

[0041] In a particular embodiment, these plates consist of a plurality of layers 22 perpendicular to the thickness direction V. Figure 1 Made from ).

[0042] Although boards 1 and 2 are similar in this example, some features will be described as part of the first board 16, while other features will be described as part of the second board 18, in order to better explain how boards 1 and 2 are connected to each other. In fact, both the first board 16 and the second board 18 have all of these features in this example.

[0043] The first plate 16 has a first edge 24 that extends along a longitudinal direction L perpendicular to the thickness direction V and defines a connecting tongue 26.

[0044] The second plate 18 has a second edge 28 extending in the longitudinal direction L and defines a connecting groove 30.

[0045] Figure 1 and Figure 2 The cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L is shown.

[0046] The lateral direction T is defined as perpendicular to the thickness direction V and the longitudinal direction L.

[0047] The first plate 16 can be in a disengaged position (not shown) or an intermediate position relative to the second plate. Figure 1 ) and connection location ( Figure 2 The connecting tongue 26 moves between the connecting groove and the connecting slot 30. In the disengaged position, the connecting tongue 26 moves away from the connecting slot 30. In the connected position, the connecting tongue 26 is engaged in the connecting slot 30.

[0048] exist Figure 1 In this process, a disengagement position can be obtained by removing the first plate 16 from the second plate 2.

[0049] The first edge 24 and the second edge 28 advantageously form a profile in the longitudinal direction L.

[0050] The first edge 24 includes an upper portion 32 that extends from the upper surface 34 of the first plate 16 along the thickness direction V.

[0051] The second edge 28 includes an upper portion 36 that extends from the upper surface 37 of the second plate 18 along the thickness direction V. Advantageously, both the upper portions 32 and 36 are parallel to the thickness direction V.

[0052] The second edge 28 also defines the guide recess 38.

[0053] The connecting tongue 26 includes two protrusions 40A and 40B that project in opposite directions in the transverse direction T, and are divided into a distal transverse protrusion 40A and a proximal transverse protrusion 40B relative to the first plate 16 in the transverse direction.

[0054] The connecting groove 30 defines a lateral proximal lip 42A and a lateral distal lip 42B relative to the second plate 18.

[0055] In the middle position ( Figure 1 At least a portion of the distal protrusion 40A is laterally received in the guide recess 38, while the proximal protrusion 40B abuts downward against the distal lip 42B.

[0056] In the intermediate position, for example, the angle between the upper surface 34 and the upper surface 37 is less than 10°. Advantageously, in the intermediate position, the first plate 16 is approximately parallel to the second plate 18.

[0057] like Figure 1 and Figure 4 As shown, in the middle position, the proximal protrusion 40B and the distal lip 42B define an overlapping portion 44 between 0.01 and 0.5 mm in the transverse direction.

[0058] The lateral extension of the overlapping portion 44 is preferably less than 0.15 mm, more preferably less than 0.10 mm.

[0059] At the connection point ( Figure 2The distal protrusion 40A and the proximal protrusion 40B are adapted to abut upwards against the proximal lip 42A and the distal lip 42B, respectively.

[0060] like Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown, the guide recess 38 is at least partially located above the proximal lip 42A. For example, the guide recess 38 is positioned above the connecting groove 30.

[0061] However, in this example, the proximal lip 42A of the connecting groove 30 also forms the lip of the guide recess 38. In other words, in this example, the proximal lip 42A forms a transverse protrusion in the thickness direction V that separates the connecting groove 30 and the guide recess 38.

[0062] Advantageously, the lower side 46 of the guide recess 38 is at least partially formed by the surface 48 of the second edge 28. Figure 3 The surface 48 is defined with respect to the thickness direction V at an angle α1, for example less than 45°.

[0063] Advantageously, the lower portion 50 of the proximal lip 42A is at least partially defined by the surface 52 of the second edge 28, which defines a locking angle β1 relative to the thickness direction V, for example greater than 45°, preferably greater than 60°.

[0064] In this example, the proximal lip 42A and the distal projection 40A are pointed. Figure 3 The distal lip 42B and proximal projection 40B are rounded. Figure 4 ).

[0065] Advantageously, the lower part 54 of the distal protrusion 40A ( Figure 3 It is at least partially defined by a surface 56 of the first edge 24, which defines an angle α2 relative to the thickness direction V, for example, less than 45°.

[0066] For example, in the middle position, surface 56 is parallel to surface 48.

[0067] Advantageously, the upper portion 58 of the distal protrusion 40A is at least partially defined by a surface 60 of the first edge 24, which defines an angle β2 relative to the thickness direction V, for example greater than 45°, preferably greater than 60°.

[0068] For example, at the connection point, surface 60 is parallel to surface 52.

[0069] Advantageously, the lower part 62 of the distal lip margin 42B ( Figure 4 It is at least partially defined by a surface 64 of the second edge 28, which defines a locking angle α3 relative to the thickness direction V, for example less than 10°, preferably less than 5°.

[0070] Advantageously, the upper portion 66 of the proximal protrusion 40B is at least partially defined by a surface 68 of the first edge 24, which defines an angle β3 relative to the thickness direction V, for example less than 10°, preferably less than 5°.

[0071] Locking angles α3 and β1 are adapted to provide a snap-fit ​​engagement effect on both sides of the connecting tongue 26 in the lateral direction.

[0072] In this example, angle β3 and locking angle α3 are very small. As a result, the proximal protrusion 40B is not very noticeable (it does not protrude much).

[0073] From a practical point of view, the guide recess 38 ( Figure 1 and Figure 3 The cross-sectional shape of the protrusion is advantageously designed to match the shape of the distal protrusion 40A. The distal protrusion 40A carries two contact surfaces 56 and 60, which are oriented relative to each other, for example, at an angle between 45° and 135°.

[0074] This connection system is installed on floor or wall panels made of rigid thermoplastic materials (foam or non-foam), plasticized thermoplastic materials, mineral materials, or wood-based materials (engineered timber or high-density fiber (HDF)).

[0075] The operation of the board assembly 10 will now be described, illustrating the method according to the invention.

[0076] Initially, the first plate 16 is in the disconnected position, that is, away from the second plate 18.

[0077] Then, the first plate 16 moves from the disengaged position to the intermediate position. The distal protrusion 40A of the connecting tongue 26 is temporarily received laterally in the guide recess 38. Due to the overlapping portion 44, the proximal protrusion 40B abuts downward against the distal lip 42B of the connecting groove 30.

[0078] However, in the middle position, the guide recess 38 allows the first plate 16 to be positioned slightly to the left compared to the prior art. Figure 1 This explains why the overlapping portion 44 is smaller than in the prior art. It is estimated that, all other things being equal, the addition of the guide recess 38 would allow the overlap 44 to be reduced by at least 20%, and typically by 50%. The guide recess 38 can also increase the lateral dimension of the distal protrusion 40A, and thus increase the connection strength at the connection location.

[0079] Then, the first plate 16 moves from the middle position to the connection position.

[0080] To this end, a vertical (in this example) pressure F1 is applied above the connecting tongue 26 and on the first plate 16 to overcome the mechanical resistance generated by the overlapping portion 44. Because the overlapping portion 44 is smaller, the applied pressure F1 is less than that in the prior art.

[0081] The distal protrusion 40A and the proximal protrusion 40B abut upward against the proximal lip 42A and the distal lip 42B of the connecting groove 30, respectively.

[0082] Locking angle β1 and a smaller degree of locking angle α3 ensure that the first plate 16 remains in the connected position.

[0083] Due to the aforementioned features, particularly the guide recess 38, the resistance that the user must overcome during the connection process is reduced, while the strength of the connection is maintained or even enhanced. Therefore, the quality of the plate assembly 10 is improved.

[0084] Reference Figure 5 The plate assembly 100 according to a first variant of the present invention will now be described.

[0085] This board assembly 100 is similar to Figures 1 to 4 The plate group 10 is shown. Similar elements have the same reference numerals and will not be described again. Only the differences will be described in detail below.

[0086] The first plate 16 has a distal protrusion 140A, which, unlike the distal protrusion 40A of the plate assembly 10, is rounded in the lateral direction T. For example, as Figure 6 As shown, the distal protrusion 140A has a profile 141 with a radius of curvature R1 between 0.1 and 1.0 mm in the longitudinal direction L. In other words, the distal protrusion 140A is more rounded than a cylinder (not shown) with a radius of 0.1 mm.

[0087] Similarly, the second plate 18 has a distal lip 142A that is not pointed in the transverse direction T like the distal lip 42A of the plate assembly 10, but is rounded. For example, the distal lip 142A has a profile 143 in the longitudinal direction L with a radius of curvature R2 between 0.1 and 1.0 mm. In other words, the distal lip 142A is more rounded than a cylinder (not shown) with a radius of 0.1 mm.

[0088] These specific features allow for a smoother installation of the second plate and reduce the risk of damage to the connecting tongue 26 and connecting groove 30 in the connection position during installation.

[0089] Reference Figure 6 The plate assembly 200 according to a second variation of the present invention will now be described.

[0090] Board assembly 200 is similar to Figure 5The plate assembly 100 is shown. Similar elements have the same reference numerals and will not be described again. Only the differences will be described in detail below.

[0091] The first plate 16 has a distal protrusion 240A that protrudes less in the lateral direction T than the distal protrusion 140A.

[0092] When measured along the lateral direction T, the distance D1 between the lateral endpoint A of the distal protrusion 240A and the lateral endpoint B of the proximal protrusion 40B defines the length of the connecting tongue 26.

[0093] For example, still measured along the lateral direction T, the distance D2 between point A and the upper part 32 of the first plate 16 is less than 10% of the distance D1, preferably less than 5% of the distance D1.

[0094] These specific features allow for a smoother installation of the second plate and reduce the risk of damage to the connecting tongue 26 and connecting groove 30 in the connection position during installation.

[0095] Reference Figure 7 The plate assembly 400 according to the third variation of the present invention will now be described.

[0096] Board assembly 400 is similar to Figure 5 The plate assembly 100 is shown. Similar elements have the same reference numerals and will not be described again. Only the differences will be described in detail below.

[0097] The second edge 28 defines a guide recess 138, which is larger in the thickness direction V than... Figure 5 The guide recess 38 of the plate assembly 100 shown is long.

[0098] For example, when measured along the thickness direction V, the distance D4 between the lateral endpoint C of the distal lip 142A and point D is 30% larger than the distance D5 between point C and the upper surface 37 of the second plate 18, where point D is where the guide recess 38 and the upper part 36 meet.

[0099] These specific features allow for a smoother installation of the second plate and reduce the risk of damage to the connecting tongue 26 and connecting groove 30 at the connection point during installation.

Claims

1. A plate assembly (10; 100; 200; 400) comprising a plurality of plates adapted to cover a surface (12) perpendicular to the thickness direction (V) of the plate, the plate having a lower surface (20) in the thickness direction (V) in contact with the surface (12), and the plate comprising at least a first plate (16) and a second plate (18), the first plate (16) having a first edge (24) extending in a longitudinal direction (L) perpendicular to the thickness direction (V), the second plate (18) having a second edge (28) extending in the longitudinal direction (L), the second edge (28) defining a connecting groove (30), the first edge (24) defining a connecting tongue (26), the first plate (16) being movable relative to the second plate (18) between a disengaged position and a connected position, wherein in the disengaged position the connecting tongue (26) is away from the connecting groove (30). 30), at the connection position, the connecting tongue (26) snaps into the connecting groove (30), the connecting tongue (26) includes two protrusions (40A, 40B; 140A, 40B; 240A, 40B), the two protrusions protruding in opposite directions in a transverse direction (T) perpendicular to the thickness direction (V) and the longitudinal direction (L), the two protrusions (40A, 40B; 140A, 40B; 240A) 40B) includes a lateral distal protrusion (40A; 140A; 240A) and a lateral proximal protrusion (40B) relative to the first plate (16), the lateral distal protrusion (40A; 140A; 240A) and the lateral proximal protrusion (40B) being adapted to abut upward against the lateral proximal lip (42A; 142A) and the lateral distal lip (42B) of the connecting groove (30) respectively in the connecting position, characterized in that, The second edge (28) further defines a guide recess (38) positioned at least partially above the proximal lip (42A; 142A), the guide recess (38) being adapted to laterally receive the distal protrusion (40A; 140A; 240A) when the first plate (16) is in an intermediate position, in which the proximal protrusion (40B) abuts downward against the distal lip (42B). The lower portion (54) of the distal protrusions (40A; 140A; 240A) is at least partially defined by a surface (56) of the first edge (24), the surface (56) defining an angle (α2) with the thickness direction (V), the angle (α2) being less than 45°. The lower portion (62) of the distal lip (42B) is at least partially defined by the surface (64) of the second edge (28), the surface (64) defining an angle (α3) with the thickness direction (V), the angle (α3) being less than 10°.

2. The plate assembly (10; 100; 200; 400) according to claim 1, characterized in that, In the intermediate position, the first plate (16) is generally parallel to the second plate (18).

3. The plate assembly (10; 100; 200; 400) according to claim 1, wherein, At the intermediate position, the proximal protrusion (40B) and the distal lip (42B) define an overlap (44) extending laterally by less than 0.15 mm.

4. The plate assembly (10; 100; 200; 400) according to claim 1, wherein, The lower side (46) of the guide recess (38) is at least partially defined by the surface (48) of the second edge (28), the surface (48) defining an angle (α1) with the thickness direction (V), the angle (α1) being less than 45°.

5. The plate assembly (10; 100; 200; 400) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The lower portion (50) of the proximal lip (42A; 142A) is at least partially defined by the surface (52) of the second edge (28), the surface (52) defining an angle (β1) with the thickness direction (V), the angle (β1) being greater than 45°.

6. The plate assembly (10; 100; 200; 400) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The proximal lip (42A; 142A) of the connecting groove (30) forms the lip of the guide recess (38).

7. The plate assembly (10; 100; 200; 400) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, - The proximal lip (42A; 142A) and the distal projection (40A; 140A; 240A) are pointed, and - The distal lip (42B) and the proximal projection (40B) are rounded.

8. The plate assembly (10; 100; 200; 400) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The first edge (24) and the second edge (28) each include upper portions (32, 36) extending from the upper surfaces (34, 37) of the first plate (16) and the second plate (18) respectively along the thickness direction (V), the upper portions (32, 36) being parallel to the thickness direction (V).

9. The plate assembly (10; 100; 200; 400) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The upper portion (58) of the distal protrusion (40A; 140A; 240A) is at least partially defined by the surface (60) of the first edge (24), the surface (60) defining an angle (β2) with the thickness direction (V), the angle (β2) being greater than 45°.

10. The plate assembly (10; 100; 200; 400) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The upper portion (66) of the proximal protrusion (40B) is at least partially defined by the surface (68) of the first edge (24), the surface (68) defining an angle (β3) with the thickness direction (V), the angle (β3) being less than 10°.

11. The panel assembly (10; 100; 200; 400) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, comprising at least one layer (22) made of a rigid thermoplastic material, a plasticized thermoplastic material, a mineral material or a wood-based material.

12. A method for connecting the board assembly (10; 100; 200; 400) according to claim 1, the method comprising the steps of: - Move the first plate (16) relative to the second plate (18) from the disengaged position to an intermediate position, in which the distal protrusions (40A; 140A; 240A) are laterally received in the guide recess (38), and the proximal protrusion (40B) abuts downward against the distal lip (42B) of the connecting groove (30), and - Move the first plate (16) relative to the second plate (18) from the middle position to the connection position, where the distal protrusion (40A; 140A; 240A) and the proximal protrusion (40B) abut upward against the proximal lip (42A; 142A) and the distal lip (42B) of the connection groove (30), respectively.

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