Panels, in particular floor panels, having a sealing function, and panel systems

Abstract

The invention relates to a panel, in particular a floor panel, comprising an upper side (4), an underside (6), a first side edge (8), a second side edge (10) arranged opposite the first side edge (8), a first locking element (12) formed on the first side edge (8), and a second locking element (16) formed on the second side edge (10), wherein the first locking element (12) and the second locking element (16) are designed to be paired with each other; a first joint surface (14) formed on the first side edge (8), wherein the first joint surface (14) adjoins the upper side (4); and a second joint surface (18) formed on the second side edge (10), wherein the second joint surface (18) adjoins the upper side (4); wherein the technical problem of preventing the penetration of moisture and dirt between the connected panels is solved by at least partially arranging a deformation element (20) on at least one of the joint surfaces (14, 18) and providing a deformation portion (21) paired with the deformation element (20) on the other joint surface (18, 14). The invention also relates to a system consisting of a plurality of panels.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a panel, in particular a floor panel, having a core-forming board, having an upper side, an underside, a first side edge, a second side edge arranged opposite the first side edge, a first locking element formed on the first side edge, a second locking element formed on the second side edge, wherein the first locking element and the second locking element are designed to be complementary to each other, a first joining surface formed on the first side edge, wherein the first joining surface adjoins the upper side, and a second joining surface formed on the second side edge, wherein the second joining surface adjoins the upper side, wherein the material of the side edge corresponds to the core material of the board. The invention also relates to a system consisting of a plurality of panels. Background Art

[0002] It is known from the prior art to mechanically connect the individual panels by means of mutually engaging locking elements to form a planar whole, so that the panels can be laid without adhesive or additional mechanical fixing elements, such as screws or nails. This has the advantage that the panels can be laid without gluing and can therefore be removed again.

[0003] The panels are preferably used as floor panels and are preferably made of laminate floor panels made of wood. The panels of a laminate floor system consist of a core made of HDF (high-density fiberboard) or MDF (medium-density fiberboard) or chipboard, which is provided with an upper laminate coating and, if necessary, a tensile layer. Plastics and plastic-wood mixtures are also conceivable as materials. However, these panels can also be used for other purposes, for example as wall panels or ceiling panels.

[0004] Mechanical locking elements, also called mechanical locking profiles or just profiles, on the one hand lock the panels connected to one another in a direction transverse to the connecting edge (horizontally in the case of floor panels) so that gaps due to deviation from one another are avoided. On the other hand, the locking elements lock the panels in a direction perpendicular to the upper side (vertically in the case of floor panels) against misalignment relative to one another. This is also referred to as horizontal and vertical locking. For this purpose, the two side edges are provided with profiles that match one another.

[0005] In order to horizontally lock the first side edge of the first panel with the horizontal locking surface of the second side edge of the second panel, the locking elements contact each other. Due to the contact and the pressure subsequently applied, at least one element of the connecting device bends during the connection process, so that when moving further until the final connection, a snap-in occurs, that is, the element bends back. Therefore, mechanical resistances must be overcome in the connection. Therefore, these connections are also called snap connections or snap-on connections. A very precise fit between the elements is required here, not only for the vertical locking by groove and tongue, but also for the horizontal connection.

[0006] The movement performed during the connection of two side edges of floor panels can in principle have a horizontal and a vertical component. Thus, there are side edges that snap into place with a predominantly horizontal movement, so-called snap profiles. In addition, profiles are known that can be connected to one another by a rotational movement, so-called corner profiles. In this case, the side edges can have a profile that can be connected to one another not only by a horizontal movement but also by a rotational movement.

[0007] Furthermore, panels are known which have side edges which engage with each other by a movement running essentially vertically. Thus, each new panel to be laid can engage with an already laid panel along at least one pair of side edges by placing the new panel with the corresponding side edge over the side edge of the already laid panel. This is then locked by pressure applied from above. Such profiles are also referred to as fold-down profiles.

[0008] In a preferred combination of side edge profiles, the two long side edges are provided with an angle profile and the two short side edges are provided with a folded-down profile. When laying the floor panels, the panels are connected to one another in rows along the long side edges and the short side edges.

[0009] If a new panel is to be laid, the long side edges of the new panel are first brought into partial engagement with the long side edges of the already laid row of panels, wherein the new panel is held at a certain installation angle. At the same time, the new panel is arranged so that the short side edges of the new panel are essentially aligned in the vertical direction with the short side edges of the panels already laid in the new row. The new panel is then pivoted downwards, whereby, on the one hand, the locking elements of the corner profile engage and lock with each other along the long side edges and, on the other hand, the locking elements of the fold-down profile engage and lock with each other along the short side edges.

[0010] All designs have in common that in the connected state there are gaps between the panels, which, although not perceptible to an observer visually or tactilely, can allow moisture or dirt to pass between the panels. In particular, the ingress of liquids is problematic, since the panels, in particular wooden panels, can at least partially increase in volume due to the ingress of moisture. Due to the at least partial increase in volume, which is also often referred to as expansion, a deviation or horizontal and / or vertical misalignment can occur between the panels, which can adversely affect the appearance, wear resistance and service life of the panels. This problem is addressed in different ways in the prior art.

[0011] EP 3 708 739 B1 discloses a profile for a laminate floor panel, wherein two joining surfaces are arranged on the side edges of the panel, which in the joined state of the two panels lie against each other. The joining surfaces have an inclined course with respect to the upper side of the panels, so that in the joined state a line pressure is generated in the contact region of the joining surfaces, which serves to seal the connection.

[0012] In contrast, EP 3 626 908 A1 discloses a profile in which at least one expansion element is provided for sealing the connection of two panels in the profile region. The expansion element consists of a material that has a large volume increase due to moisture. If moisture penetrates into the gap between the panels, the expansion element expands in such a way that moisture is prevented from penetrating further below the expansion element, in order to protect the connection.

[0013] EP 3 581 732 A1 discloses a profile which, for sealing a gap between two connected panels, has a sealing groove on a first side edge and a sealing strip corresponding to the sealing groove on a second side edge. In the connected state, the sealing strip engages in the sealing groove. The sealing strip and the sealing groove are made of the material of the core of the panel, which is an expandable material. If moisture penetrates into the gap, the sealing effect of the sealing strip-sealing groove connection is increased by the expansion of the material.

[0014] US2008 / 0256890 A1 describes a panel made of a rigid core material having a portion or layer made of a material significantly more elastic than the core material, wherein mutually engaging sealing elements are constructed in the elastic material. Here, the special elasticity of the material is fully utilized for the sealing function.

[0015] A disadvantage of the known solutions is that the measures for preventing or reducing the penetration of moisture or dirt require a special design of the profiles, in which only very small manufacturing tolerances are permissible, or in which moisture must first penetrate between the profiles in order to achieve an adequate sealing effect. The arrangement of the additional surfaces also determines a substantial change in the profile geometry. The known measures can only be used with specially designed profiles, so that they cannot be supplemented by the profiles known from the prior art, which use locking mechanisms that have proven effective in practice and are partially widespread. Summary of the invention

[0016] The object of the present invention is to further develop the panels mentioned in the introduction in such a way that the penetration of moisture and dirt between the connected panels is prevented or further reduced.

[0017] According to the invention, the aforementioned object is achieved in a panel of the type mentioned in the introduction in that a deformation element is at least partially arranged on at least one of the joint surfaces and a deformation portion corresponding to the deformation element is arranged on the other joint surface.

[0018] The deformation element itself consists of the material of the plate forming the core and protrudes relative to the joint surface in a direction perpendicular to the joint surface, while the other joint surface with the deformation section also consists of the material of the plate forming the core and preferably extends flat and preferably has no recesses. The deformation element and the deformation section are thus matched to each other to a certain extent, their positions along the joint surface being consistent so that they contact each other when the profiles are connected.

[0019] The panel provides, by means of the deformation elements arranged on at least one side edge, the possibility of sealing the connection between two panels to be laid at the joint surface near the top side by means of the material of the plate forming the core itself against the penetration of moisture and dirt.

[0020] In the locked state, which can also be referred to as the locked position, the pretensioning of a part of the locking element serves to seal the connection between the two panels against the ingress of moisture and dirt by bringing a deforming element on a first joining surface on a first side edge into contact with a second joining surface on an opposite second side edge by means of the pretensioning.

[0021] Here, the deformation element and the deformation part of the opposite joint surface are elastically and / or plastically deformed by contact and pressing, with which the deformation element is at least partially in contact. The area in which the deformation element and the deformation part are in contact can also be referred to as an additional sealing point or sealing line. By the plastic deformation and the surface pressure existing by the contact, the penetration of moisture or dirt below the sealing point can be minimized and preferably prevented. Here, the deformation element and the deformation part of the opposite joint surface are plastically deformed so strongly that there is as little gap as possible, preferably no gap, between the two joint surfaces.

[0022] The first joining surface and the second joining surface are arranged in the region of the upper side of the panel, or directly adjoin the upper side and extend substantially perpendicularly to the upper side. In the region of the edge between the upper side and the joining surface, a chamfer is usually also provided as an alternative, so that a so-called V-groove is produced in the connected state. Within the scope of this description, the chamfer is part of the upper side, so that when a V-groove is formed, the joining surface also adjoins the upper side, in this case the chamfer.

[0023] Due to the position in the region of the upper side, the connection, i.e. the contact, between the first and second joining surfaces is decisive for the visual and tactile impression of the connection between the panels. Due to the position of the joining surfaces in the region of the upper side, this part of the connection between the two panels is critical for the intrusion of fluids or dirt between the panels. The two joining surfaces are arranged in the direction of the underside of the panels before the first and second locking elements, so that due to the arrangement of the deformation element in the region of the joining surfaces, the sealing position is arranged in front of the surfaces or surface parts of the first and second locking elements provided for locking. As a result, the locking mechanism is effectively protected from the intrusion of moisture or dirt.

[0024] Furthermore, due to the deformation and the resulting surface pressure, the density of the material of the deformation element and the deformation section increases locally, which reduces the tendency of the material to absorb liquids.

[0025] The deformation element can preferably be used with almost any contour geometry known from the prior art, since almost all known geometries have a pair of joint surfaces adjoining the upper side, on which at least one deformation element can be configured, which can be deformed in the locked state. As a result, the locking mechanism based on the known contour geometry is not affected.

[0026] The use of a deformation element makes it possible to produce a sealing effect between two interlocking panels without, for example, having to apply a line pressure in the region of the upper part of the joint surface, which would lead to high mechanical loads on the panels in the region of the visible side. In addition, customary manufacturing tolerances can be maintained in that deviations in the extension of the side edge can be compensated as long as sufficient deformation of the deformation element and the deformed part of the opposite joint surface can be ensured in the locked position. Thus, the sealing effect can be maintained in an advantageous manner over the entire extension of the side edge.

[0027] Preferably, no expansion elements need to be used which, due to expansion in the locked position of already laid panels, could lead to changes in the force relations within the lock, so that sometimes the locking mechanism is partially defeated and misalignment between the connected panels could occur.

[0028] Furthermore, the deformation element is formed from the material of the side edge, so that the deformation element has the same material properties as the opposite joint surface. Thus, the degree of deformation during deformation of the deformation element and the deformation portion of the opposite joint surface is substantially determined by the geometry of the deformation element.

[0029] In another preferred embodiment of the panel, the deformation element is implemented integrally with the first side edge and / or the second side edge. The deformation element is thus already produced during the production of the panel. The use of a separately produced deformation element which is connected to the panel in a production step after the production of the profile can be omitted, whereby the production process can be simplified and designed cost-effectively.

[0030] Preferably, the distance between the distal end of the deformation element and the joint surface in a direction perpendicular to the joint surface is in the range of 0.02 mm to 0.1 mm. Preferably, within this size range, a sufficiently large deformation can be obtained to seal the connection between the panels to prevent the intrusion of moisture and dirt, without causing the deformation element to protrude too far, so that the joining of the first and second joint surfaces is prevented.

[0031] In another embodiment of the panel, at least one further deforming element is arranged on the first joint surface and / or the second joint surface. Here, the further deforming element can be arranged on the same side edge or on the side edge opposite to the side edge. The arrangement of the further deforming element makes it possible to further improve the sealing effect.

[0032] The vertical positions of the deformation elements along the two joint surfaces are preferably different so that their functions complement each other. Alternatively, however, the deformation element can be paired with a deformation portion that also protrudes, in particular in the same way as the deformation element of the other joint surface. In this case, the two protruding elements on the joint surface contact each other and are deformed into the sealing position.

[0033] In an advantageous embodiment, the deformation element has an essentially triangular cross section. The triangular cross section of the deformation element enables the deformation element to be used in panels whose locking mechanism has a relatively low surface pressure in the locking device, so that only a small force can be used to deform the deformation element or the deformation part in contact with the deformation element. Due to the essentially triangular cross section, the deformation element can be easily deformed and, by means of the design of the tip generated at the distal end, can penetrate into the opposite joint surface with little effort and deform the deformation part there again. This embodiment is also advantageous when the panel is made of a relatively hard or dense material, which generally allows small deformations or compressions. The dimensions of the design of the tip are predetermined and defined by the structure of the panel material. A coarse structure of the material allows a less pointed structure than a fine structure of the material.

[0034] In an advantageous embodiment of the panel, the deformation element has a substantially trapezoidal cross section, preferably with an angle of 120° and a basic length of approximately 0.4 mm. This design makes the deformation element particularly dimensionally stable, so that in panels in which the connecting means of the panels induce relatively large forces, the deformation element is designed to be sufficiently resistant and to generate sufficient pressure for sealing the panel connection.

[0035] Further preferably, the deformation element has a substantially semicircular cross section. This design is particularly advantageous in panels with a folded-down profile. Due to the semicircular cross section of the deformation element, there is no risk of the deformation element being damaged, in particular broken or cut off, when the second panel is lowered.

[0036] Although the configuration of the first and second side edges of the panel has been described above, the panel may also include a third side edge and a fourth side edge, which are arranged opposite to each other and extend substantially perpendicularly to the first and second side edges and also include connecting profiles that are paired with each other. Likewise, at least one deformation element and a deformation portion may be provided on the third side edge and the fourth side edge.

[0037] This technical problem is also solved by a system composed of multiple panels, which is characterized in that, in the locked position, the first joint surface on the first side edge of the second panel is at least partially in contact with the second joint surface on the second side edge of the first panel, and in the locked position, the deformation element arranged on the first joint surface of the first side edge of the second panel and / or arranged on the second joint surface of the second side edge of the first panel is in contact with the second joint surface of the second side edge of the first panel and / or with the first joint surface of the first side edge of the second panel, and, through the contact of the deformation element with the opposite joint surface, the deformation element and the opposite deformation part are at least partially deformed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0038] The present invention will be explained below with reference to the accompanying drawings by means of embodiments.

[0039] Figure 1 : a second side edge of a first panel according to the invention, and a first side edge of a second panel according to the invention, arranged at a distance from the second side edge,

[0040] Figure 2 :exist Figure 1 The side edges of the first panel and the second panel are shown in the locked position,

[0041] Figure 3 :exist Figure 2 A detailed enlargement of the locked position of the panel is shown in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0042] Figure 1 Two panels 2 according to the invention are shown, having an upper side 4 and an underside 6, as well as a first side edge 8 and a second side edge 10, which is arranged opposite the first side edge 8. A first locking element 12 is formed on the first side edge 8, and a first joining surface 14 is formed in the region of the upper side 4 of the panel 2.

[0043] On the second side edge 10, a second locking element 16 is configured to be paired with the first locking element 12, and in the region of the upper side 4, a second engagement surface 18 is configured. The two engagement surfaces 14, 18 are defined by the upper side 4 in the direction of the upper side 4, i.e., they are adjacent to the upper side 4. In the direction of the lower side 6, the first locking element 12 or the second locking element 16 is arranged below the first engagement surface 14 or the second engagement surface 18.

[0044] In the illustrated embodiment, a deformation element 20, which is implemented in one piece with the first side edge 8, is arranged on the first joining surface 14 between the end of the first joining surface 14 facing the upper side 4 and the end of the first joining surface 14 facing the lower side 6. Due to the one-piece implementation, the deformation element 20 is formed from the material of the first side edge 8, wherein the material of the first side edge 8 corresponds to the core material of the panel 2. In this embodiment, the first joining surface 14 can also be referred to as the base surface of the deformation element 20.

[0045] A deformation portion 21 that matches the deformation element 20 is provided on the other joining surface 18 , ie a material portion of the side edge 10 that comes into contact with the deformation element 20 when the panels 2 are connected and is simultaneously deformed together with the deformation element 20 .

[0046] Deformation element 20 is designed in this case so that the distal end of deformation element 20 protrudes relative to first joint surface 14 in a direction perpendicular to first joint surface 14. The deformation element 20 shown has a substantially triangular cross section, wherein the tip of deformation element 20 is the distal end of deformation element 20. The distal end of the deformation element protrudes in a direction perpendicular to first joint surface 14 in a range of 0.05 mm to 0.2 mm, in particular in a range of 0.08 mm to 0.12 mm.

[0047] In the exemplary embodiment shown, the first locking element 12 is embodied as a tongue 12 at the first side edge 8 of the panel 2 , wherein the tongue 12 has a tongue top side 22 , a tongue bottom side 24 and a first locking surface 26 formed at the distal end of the tongue 12 .

[0048] The second locking element 16 arranged on the second side edge 10 of the panel 2 and mating with the first locking element 12 has a groove 28 which is delimited in the direction of the upper side 4 by an upper lip 30, at the distal end of which the second engagement surface 18 is formed. The groove 28 is delimited in the direction of the lower side 6 by a lower lip 32, wherein the lower lip 32 protrudes distally relative to the upper lip 30 and at the distal end of the lower lip 32 a projection 34 is formed, on which a second locking surface 36 facing the groove is arranged at the proximal end.

[0049] exist Figure 2 In the locking position shown, the tongue 12 on the first side edge 8 of the second panel 2 is at least partially arranged in the groove 28 on the second side edge 10 of the first panel 2, wherein a portion of the tongue upper side 22 is in contact with the lip lower side 38 which defines the upper lip 30 in the direction of the lower side 6, and the tongue lower side 24 is in contact with the lip upper side 40 of the lower lip 32. The contact of the second locking surface 36 with the first locking surface 26 will push the tongue 12 and thus the second panel 2 in the direction of the first panel by the prestressing of the lower lip 32, which is generated in the lower lip 32 by the contact and the matching design of the first connecting element 12 and the second connecting element 16. By the generated contact force, the deformation element 20 arranged on the first joint surface 14 and the deformation section 21 of the second joint surface 18 that is in contact with the deformation element 20 are plastically deformed in such a way that the first joint surface 14 is in contact with the second joint surface 18 and no gap that is visually or tactilely perceptible is formed between the first joint surface 14 and the second joint surface 18.

[0050] The deformation of the deformation element 20 and the deformation section 21 of the second joint surface 18 in contact with the deformation element 20 results in a local compression of the material, whereby a linear surface pressure is present in this region, which can also be referred to as a sealing point or sealing line. The connection between the first panel 2 and the second panel 2 is sealed by the close contact or deformation of the deformation element 20 and the deformation section 21, so that moisture or dirt cannot penetrate into the gap between the panels 2, 2 below the sealing point.

[0051] exist Figure 3 In the detailed enlarged view (III) of the sealing position shown in FIG. 1 , it can be seen that the deformation element 20 and the deformation portion 21 of the second joint surface 18 in contact with the deformation element 20 are deformed. The original outer contour of the deformation element 20 is shown by the dashed line. It can be seen how the deformation element 20, although strongly deformed, still penetrates into the surface of the second joint surface 18 and deforms the deformation portion 21 due to the surface pressure. Due to the deformation, compression of the material occurs in the deformation element 20 and in the first joint surface 14, as well as in the deformation portion of the second joint surface 18 in contact with the deformation element 20.

Claims

1. A panel having The plates that make up the core, upper side(4), Lower side (6), a first side edge (8), a second side edge (10) arranged opposite to the first side edge (8), a first locking element (12) formed on the first side edge (8), A second locking element (16) is formed on the second side edge (10), wherein: The first locking element (12) and the second locking element (16) are implemented to be paired with each other. a first joining surface (14) formed on the first side edge (8), wherein the first joining surface (14) adjoins the upper side (4), and a second joining surface (18) formed on the second side edge (10), wherein the second joining surface (18) adjoins the top side (4), wherein the first locking element (12) and the second locking element (16) are capable of establishing a horizontal lock in the locked position, and The material of the side edges (8, 10) corresponds to the core material of the board. It is characterized in that A deformation element (20) is at least partially arranged on at least one of the joining surfaces (14, 18), wherein the deformation element is formed from the material of the side edges (8, 10), A deformation portion (21) paired with the deformation element (20) is arranged on the other joint surface (18, 14), and The deformation element (20) and the deformation portion (21) can be at least partially deformed in the locking position due to the contact of the deformation element (20) with the opposing engagement surfaces (14, 18).

2. The panel according to claim 1, It is characterized in that The panels are floor panels.

3. The panel according to claim 1, It is characterized in that A distance between a distal end of the deformation element (20) and the joint surface (14, 18) in a direction perpendicular to the joint surface (14, 18) is in a range of 0.02 mm to 0.1 mm.

4. The panel according to any one of claims 1 to 3, It is characterized in that The deformation element (20) has a triangular cross section.

5. The panel according to any one of claims 1 to 3, It is characterized in that The deformation element (20) has a trapezoidal cross section.

6. The panel according to any one of claims 1 to 3, It is characterized in that The deformation element (20) has a semicircular cross section.

7. A system consisting of a plurality of panels according to any one of claims 1 to 6, It is characterized in that In the locked position, the first locking element (12) on the first side edge (8) of the second panel is at least partially in contact with the second locking element (16) formed on the second side edge (10) of the first panel, In the locked position, a first engaging surface (14) on the first side edge (8) of the second panel is in at least partial contact with a second engaging surface (18) on the second side edge (10) of the first panel, In the locked position, the deformation element (20) arranged on the first joint surface (14) of the first side edge (8) of the second panel and / or arranged on the second joint surface (18) of the second side edge (10) of the first panel is in contact with the second joint surface (18) of the second side edge (10) of the first panel and / or with the first joint surface (14) of the first side edge (8) of the second panel, and Due to the contact between the deformation element (20) and the opposite joining surfaces (14, 18), the deformation element (20) and the opposite deformation portion (21) are at least partially deformed.

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