Bending panel

Abstract

A folding panel (1) comprises a front side (2), a rear side (3), a first panel portion (1a), a second panel portion (1b) and a bend transition section (7). The first panel part (1a) and the second panel part (1b) preferably have the same thickness and are connected to each other on the front side of the folding panel via a bending transition section (7) and form a single entity. The space between the first panel portion (1a), the second panel portion (1b) and the bending transition section (7) comprises an insert (8). The bending transition section (7) is bent and covers the insert. The insert is attached to at least one or both of the first panel portion (1a) and the second panel portion (1b) and / or to the bent transition section (7).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a folding panel; and to a method for producing a folding panel. Background Art

[0002] The folding panel comprises a front side, a back side, two panel parts and a bending transition section. The two panel parts are connected to each other at the front side of the panel via the bending transition section and form a single entity.

[0003] Such folding panels can be used on stairs (for example, for stair noses), as window sills, for wall coverings (for example, around columns) and in furniture.

[0004] WO2017 / 130114 describes a folding panel. The panel is composed of a backing material and a decorative top layer. In the case of folding panels composed of these backing materials and decorative top layers, the transition section is supported by an adhesive that also serves as a filler.

[0005] WO2021 / 099886A1 describes a folding panel and a method for manufacturing the same. In this method, panel sections are bent relative to one another, and a mold is inserted into a recess. The mold has end faces shaped so that, in the folded state, a transition section bears against the end faces, and during the bending of the panel sections, the transition section bends and covers the end faces. The mold is then removed, and the panel folded in this manner remains in the folded state, and adhesive is subsequently applied. Summary of the Invention

[0006] It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved folding panel which can be produced in a simpler manner.

[0007] A particular object of embodiments of the present invention is to provide a folding panel which, when used in a staircase, forms a rounded stair nose; and which can be produced in a simple manner.

[0008] A first aspect of the present invention relates to a folding panel. The folding panel includes a front side, a back side, a first panel portion, a second panel portion, and a bent transition section. The first panel portion and the second panel portion preferably have the same thickness. The first panel portion and the second panel portion are connected to each other via the bent transition section on the front side of the folding panel and form a single entity. The space between the first panel portion, the second panel portion, and the bent transition section includes an insert. The bent transition section bends and covers the insert. The insert is attached to at least one or both of the first panel portion and the second panel portion; and / or to the bent transition section.

[0009] The folding panel according to the present invention has the advantage of being easily produced. The insert can serve as a component upon which the transition section is bent and overlaid during production of the folding panel. In particular, material can be easily removed from the rear portion of the panel to form the first panel portion, the second panel portion, and the transition section. This transition section, after being bent and overlaid on the insert, forms a bent transition section.

[0010] Since the insert serves as a mold that should not be removed, production is simple and manufacturing defects are prevented.

[0011] The bent transition section is preferably thinner than the first panel portion and the second panel portion, which preferably have the same thickness.

[0012] Preferably, the folding panel features an insert having an end face which is shaped such that the transition section bears against the end face of the insert.

[0013] This provides satisfactory support for the transition section, resulting in a durable folding panel which can be used, for example, as a stair nose.On the other hand, the end faces of the insert can serve as a mould which gives the transition section the correct bend shape during production of the folding panel.

[0014] Preferably, the shape of the insert is designed so that outer sides of the insert on both sides of the end surface abut against opposite side walls of the first panel portion and the second panel portion.

[0015] In this embodiment, a dimensionally stable folding panel is obtained, which is desirable from a durability point of view. Additionally, this embodiment ensures correct production of the folding panel, since correct positioning of the opposing side walls of the first and second panel parts is ensured.

[0016] Preferably, the end face has a curvature with a constant radius, more preferably wherein the radius is less than 15 mm. These embodiments make it possible to form a rounded nose on the folding panel in a correct manner.

[0017] Preferably, the end faces are located on thickened sections of the insert.This embodiment makes it possible to produce dimensionally stable folding panels in an efficient manner.

[0018] The insert may be attached to only one of the two panel portions, or to the first panel portion and the second panel portion, or to only one of the first panel portion and the second panel portion and to the bending transition section, or to the first panel portion, the second panel portion and the bending transition section.

[0019] A preferred embodiment is characterized in that the insert is at least adhesively bonded to one or both of the first and second panel portions and / or the bend transition section.

[0020] The adhesive connection ensures efficient attachment.

[0021] In embodiments using adhesive bonding, the inserts can be adhesively bonded by means of a thermosetting adhesive or by means of a hot melt adhesive. The hot melt adhesive can be applied, for example, as a hot melt tape.

[0022] The advantage of using hot melt tape is that it is easier to correctly dose and position the adhesive.

[0023] The insert can also be bonded to at least one or both of the first and second panel portions and / or the bending transition section in an adhesive manner, using a first adhesive and a different second adhesive. The first adhesive can be used to bond the outside of the insert to the sidewalls of the first and / or second panel portions in an adhesive manner. The second adhesive can be used on the contact surface between the insert and the bending transition section and / or other contact surfaces between the insert and the first and / or second panel portions. Preferably, the first adhesive is a fast-bonding adhesive. This makes it possible to speed up the production process because faster bonding shortens the time period during which the outside of the insert must be pressed against the sidewalls of the first and / or second panel portions. The second adhesive can be a cheaper adhesive that bonds more slowly.

[0024] A preferred embodiment is characterized in that the insert is attached to the first panel part, and optionally also to the second panel part, by means of a clamping connection or a tensioning connection.

[0025] Such an embodiment allows for more efficient production.By first forming, for example, a clamped or tensioned connection of the insert to the first panel portion, it is easier to apply the adhesive and to perform folding operations on the insert.

[0026] A preferred embodiment of the folding panel is characterized in that the insert is attached to the first panel part and optionally also to the second panel part by means of a clamping connection or a tensioning connection; wherein the insert is not adhesively bonded to the first panel part or the second panel part, nor is it adhesively bonded to the bending transition section.

[0027] The advantage of this embodiment is that the production of the folding panel can be carried out more quickly, since no adhesive has to be applied and, more importantly, since the time for the adhesive to set, during which the adhesively bonded parts have to be pressed together, can be omitted.

[0028] Preferably, the angle between the first panel portion and the second panel portion is less than 100°, more preferably less than 95°, more preferably less than 45°, more preferably less than 20°, more preferably less than 10°, more preferably less than 5°. More preferably, the first panel portion and the second panel portion are parallel to each other.

[0029] Preferably, the folding panel comprises a base layer and a top layer, the top layer is preferably made of a material different from that of the base layer, wherein the top layer comprises a decorative layer, and wherein the bending transition section comprises at least the top layer.

[0030] The decorative layer may comprise a printed paper layer impregnated with a thermosetting resin, for example, melamine formaldehyde resin or acrylic resin.

[0031] The first panel portion and the second panel portion may comprise a substrate, preferably the substrate is wood-based. More preferably, the substrate comprises or is a wood fiberboard, such as an MDF (medium density fiberboard) or HDF (high density fiberboard) board; or the substrate comprises a particle board or layer containing wood chips.

[0032] In a preferred embodiment, the first panel portion and the second panel portion comprise a substrate having a density greater than 750 kg / m 3 , more preferably greater than 800 kg / m 3 Wood fiberboard, or substrate including a density greater than 750 kg / m 3 , more preferably greater than 800 kg / m 3 of wood fiberboard.

[0033] The substrate may also be a plastic composite material, wherein the plastic composite material preferably comprises a thermoplastic and a filler, such as CaCO 3 , talc, wood particles or grass particles.

[0034] In the case of a plastic composite material, the material of the top layer is preferably different from that of the base layer, at least in that the material of the top layer contains no fillers, or at least in that the top layer contains less fillers than the base layer, which does contain fillers. Preferably, the plastic or plastic composite material is selected from polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyurethane (PU), polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), and polyethylene terephthalate (PET). The top layer preferably comprises the same plastic as the base layer.

[0035] Preferably, the insert is or comprises a plastic insert, more preferably the plastic insert is a thermoplastic insert.An advantage of plastic inserts, in particular thermoplastic inserts, is that they can be produced easily and quickly.

[0036] The insert used in the present invention is preferably an extruded insert or an injection molded part.

[0037] Since the insert preferably has a constant cross-section along its length, the insert is preferably manufactured by extrusion. This makes it possible to produce an insert having the desired shape in a simple manner. This is particularly important for embodiments in which the insert includes one or more recesses and / or one or more protrusions.

[0038] The insert may be wood based. Preferably, the insert may comprise or consist of components made of wood fibres bonded with a resin or adhesive, more preferably the density of the insert is less than 720 kg / m 3 .

[0039] The use of wood-based inserts is particularly advantageous if the substrate of the folding panel (which forms the substrate of the first and second panel parts) is also wood-based. This combination makes it easier to recycle the folding panel.

[0040] An example of a folding panel according to the invention comprises a combination of a base plate comprising or consisting of a wood fiber board and an insert also comprising wood fibers. Such an insert can be made, for example, of a wood fiber board.

[0041] The insert may comprise or consist of a component made of wood fibres bonded with a resin or adhesive, wherein the wood fibres in the component are on average parallel to the front side of the first panel portion and / or the front side of the second panel portion.

[0042] The insert for this embodiment can be easily obtained by cutting the insert from a wood fiberboard, for example from an MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard) board, via a machining step, wherein the direction of the insert at right angles to the first panel portion in the folding panel is equal to the thickness of the wood fiberboard. This facilitates the production of inserts made of wood fiberboard.

[0043] A preferred embodiment is characterized in that the insert is made of a wood fiber board, wherein the chord length of the part of the insert which determines the chord length of the bend transition section is perpendicular to the plane of the wood fiber board from which the insert is made.

[0044] According to this embodiment, the insert can be produced in a simple manner from a wood fiber board, for example from an MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard) board.

[0045] A feature of a preferred embodiment is that the insert comprises one or more open recesses or protrusions, for example in the shape of a dovetail groove, in the open space between the first and second panel portions in the folding panel.

[0046] An advantage of this embodiment is that folded panels can be manufactured more easily, as a tool can be inserted into the open recess(es) or can grasp the protruding portion(s). The tool can then fold the insert, which has been attached to the first panel portion (or second panel portion), with the insert bending the transition section to form the bent transition section. Alternatively, the insert can be pushed away with the aid of the tool, making it easier to form the bent transition section.

[0047] An example of such an opening recess that can be used in the context of the present invention has the shape of a dovetail groove. A tool having a dovetail-shaped end can be pushed sideways into the insert. This tool can be used as an aid in producing the folding panel according to the present invention.

[0048] A feature of a preferred embodiment is that the insert comprises a continuous groove or a continuous protrusion in the open space between the first and second panel portions in the fold panel.

[0049] An advantage of these embodiments is that folding panels can be manufactured more easily because a tool can be inserted into a continuous groove or can grasp a continuous protrusion. The tool can then fold the insert, which has been attached to the first panel portion (or second panel portion), wherein the insert bends the transition section to form a bent transition section. This makes the production of such inserts easier.

[0050] A preferred embodiment is characterized in that the insert comprises a hole at one or both linear ends. An advantage of this embodiment is that one or more holes can be used to insert a tool. This tool can then be used to rotate the insert during the production process of the folding panel.

[0051] Preferably, the cross section of the hole or holes is not circular. This facilitates rotation of the insert using a tool inserted into the hole or holes during the production process of the folding panel.

[0052] A preferred embodiment is characterized in that the insert comprises a completely continuous bore along its length, preferably with a non-circular cross-section.

[0053] This embodiment means that the insert can be lighter while using less material, for example by extruding a thermoplastic material to make the insert. Since the openings extend along the entire length of the insert, tools can be inserted into these openings at one or both ends so that the insert can be rotated during the production process of the folding panel.

[0054] In a preferred folding panel according to the invention, the chord length of the bend transition section is less than 30 mm and greater than 20 mm. This embodiment has the advantage that the insert can be made of MDF (medium density fiberboard) boards with a thickness of 30 mm. Such boards are readily available.

[0055] An embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that, in the cross-section of the folding panel, the circumference of the bend transition section is less than 47 mm and greater than 30 mm. This embodiment has the advantage that the folding panel can be provided with a rounded nose, wherein the insert can be made of MDF (medium-density fiberboard) with a thickness of 30 mm, which is readily available.

[0056] A preferred embodiment is characterized in that the insert comprises a projection, wherein the projection is introduced into an opening provided for this purpose on the rear side of the first panel part.

[0057] This embodiment facilitates the production of folded panels of good and consistent quality.

[0058] The projections may be clamped, tensioned and / or glued in openings provided for this purpose in the first panel part.

[0059] By clamping and / or tensioning the protrusions in the openings, attachment can be achieved without the use of adhesive. This makes the production of folding panels significantly easier and faster, as no adhesive has to be applied and no time needs to be allowed for the adhesive to cure.

[0060] Alternatively, clamping or tensioning the protrusion in the opening can be combined with adhesive bonding. In such an embodiment, clamping or tensioning serves as an auxiliary means of ensuring that the adhesive bond is achieved correctly and more quickly. The mechanical connection provided by clamping or tensioning ensures that pressure is automatically applied to the adhesive bond, eliminating the need for separate pressing.

[0061] The opening in the first panel portion may be a groove. This helps create the opening in the first panel portion.

[0062] Preferably, the protrusion extends along the entire length of the insert. This facilitates the production of the insert. The insert can be manufactured, for example, by extrusion, and more preferably, the insert can be manufactured from thermoplastic.

[0063] Preferably, the protrusion has the same cross-section along its entire length. This facilitates the production of the insert. The insert can be manufactured, for example, by extrusion, and more preferably, the insert can be manufactured from a thermoplastic.

[0064] Preferably, the opening extends along the entire length of the folding panel. This makes it easier to form the opening in the first panel part.

[0065] Preferably, the opening has the same cross-section along its entire length. This makes it easier to form the opening in the first panel part.

[0066] In an embodiment in which the insert comprises a protrusion, wherein the protrusion is introduced into an opening provided for this purpose on the rear side of the first panel part, preferably, this embodiment is characterized in that the insert comprises a second protrusion, wherein the second protrusion is introduced into a second opening provided for this purpose on the rear side of the second panel part.

[0067] An advantage of this embodiment is that the second panel part can also be attached to the insert more quickly and easily in the correct way.

[0068] Preferably, the second protrusion is clamped, tensioned and / or glued in the second opening.

[0069] By clamping and / or tensioning the second protrusion in a second opening provided for this purpose, attachment can be achieved without the use of adhesive. This makes the production of the folding panel significantly easier and faster, as no adhesive has to be applied and no time has to be left for the adhesive to cure.

[0070] Alternatively, it is possible to combine the adhesive bonding with clamping or tensioning the second protrusion in the second opening provided for this purpose. In such an embodiment, clamping or tensioning serves as an auxiliary means of ensuring that the adhesive bond is achieved correctly and more quickly. The mechanical connection provided by clamping or tensioning ensures that pressure is automatically applied to the adhesive bond, eliminating the need for separate pressing.

[0071] Preferably, the second opening is a groove. This facilitates forming the opening in the second panel portion.

[0072] Preferably, the second protrusion extends along the entire length of the insert. This facilitates the production of the insert. The insert can be manufactured, for example, by extrusion, and more preferably, the insert can be manufactured from thermoplastic.

[0073] Preferably, the second protrusion has the same cross-section along its entire length. This facilitates the production of the insert. The insert can be manufactured, for example, by extrusion, and more preferably, the insert can be manufactured from thermoplastic.

[0074] Preferably, the second opening extends along the entire length of the folding panel. This makes it easier to form the second opening in the second panel part.

[0075] Preferably, the second opening has the same cross-section along its entire length. This facilitates forming the second opening in the second panel portion.

[0076] A preferred embodiment is characterized in that the first panel part or the second panel part is provided with a connecting portion in the form of a groove defined by a front lip and a rear lip on an edge opposite to the bending transition section, wherein the rear lip protrudes farther than the front lip relative to the edge of the panel part, wherein the rear lip includes a locking portion facing the groove; wherein the connecting portion is configured to form a connection with such a panel comprising a tongue located on its edge and a recess located on the rear side of the tongue; wherein, in the connected state in which the tongue is located in the groove, the tongue and the groove produce a lock in a direction perpendicular to the plane in which the panel connected to the corresponding panel part is located, and wherein the locking portion and the recess produce a lock in a direction perpendicular to the connecting edge and in the plane in which the panel is located.

[0077] This embodiment is advantageous because a combination of folding panels comprising such panels can be quickly assembled as a stair covering, wherein the folding panels form a stair nose. Depending on the form of the bent transition section, the stair nose can be, for example, a round stair nose or a square stair nose.

[0078] The folding panels according to the invention may also be provided with coupling portions on opposite end edges, so that these coupling portions can also be coupled to similar adjacent folding panels. This is of interest, for example, if the folding panels are used to cover wide steps (i.e. steps that are wider than the length of one folding panel).

[0079] In a preferred embodiment, the bent transition section forms a rounded nose in the folding panel.Such a folding panel can be used, for example, in a staircase to form a rounded stair nose.

[0080] A preferred embodiment is characterized in that the curved transition section comprises an arched portion, wherein the radius at the center of the arched portion is smaller than the radius of the arched portion on either side of the center of the arched portion.This embodiment produces a rounded stair nose of satisfactory dimensions.

[0081] The curved transition section may describe a portion of an ellipse over at least a portion thereof, and preferably the curved transition section may describe a portion of an ellipse over a maximum portion thereof. This embodiment produces an aesthetically pleasing stair nose that is strong and of suitable dimensions.

[0082] In a preferred embodiment, the front side of the bent transition section describes a segment of a circle.Such a folded panel may for example be used in stairs to form a rounded stair nose.

[0083] In a preferred embodiment, the bent transition section forms a square nose in the folding panel. Such a folding panel can be used, for example, in a staircase to form a square stair nose. Such a square stair nose is known as a "bull nose" in English.

[0084] A preferred embodiment is characterized in that the curved transition section comprises a first arched portion and a second arched portion with a flat section between the first arched portion and the second arched portion. An advantage of this embodiment is that the square stair nose is formed in an elegant manner with rounded edges at the top and bottom.

[0085] Preferably, the first arch and / or the second arch enclose an angle between 85° and 95°, and preferably the first arch and / or the second arch enclose an angle of 90°. An advantage of this embodiment is that the square stair nose is formed in an elegant manner with rounded edges at the top and bottom.

[0086] A preferred embodiment is characterized in that the length of the flat section of the bent transition section is greater than the thickness of the first panel portion, and preferably the length of the flat section of the bent transition section is at least twice, more preferably at least three times the thickness of the first panel portion. This makes it possible to obtain a properly square stair nose.

[0087] Preferably, the bend transition section includes a rib, wherein the rib is formed by a localized thickening in the bend transition section, and wherein the insert includes a groove, wherein the rib is introduced into the groove. This embodiment has the advantage that the folding panel can be easily produced. The rib and the matching groove allow for accurate positioning of the insert relative to the transition section during production. More preferably, the rib and the groove are sized so that the rib fits precisely within the groove, and / or the rib is tapered.

[0088] Preferably, the groove is provided in an end face of the insert.

[0089] Preferably, the rib is arranged in the center of the bent transition section.

[0090] Preferably, the bend transition section includes a groove, wherein the groove is formed by a localized thinning in the bend transition section, and wherein the insert includes a rib, wherein the rib is introduced into the groove. This embodiment has the advantage that the folding panel can be easily produced. The rib and the matching groove allow for accurate positioning of the insert relative to the transition section during production. More preferably, the rib and the groove are sized so that the rib fits precisely within the groove, and / or the rib is tapered.

[0091] Preferably, the thickness of the bent transition section is less than the thickness of the first panel portion or the second panel portion.

[0092] A preferred embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention is a folding panel characterized in that the first panel portion is thinner than the second panel portion.

[0093] The advantage of this embodiment is that the locations in the panel where milling must be performed to produce the folding panel can be chosen more freely. This milling operation can be performed using a simpler and therefore cheaper milling machine. The folding process to form the folding panel is simpler because the permissible tolerances during folding are greater.

[0094] In such an embodiment, the thickness of the first panel portion is preferably at most 30%, more preferably at most 25% of the thickness of the second panel portion.

[0095] In a preferred embodiment, the first panel portion has the same thickness as the bend transition section. This facilitates the production of the folded panel.

[0096] Preferred embodiments in which the first panel portion is thinner than the second panel portion are characterized in that the first panel portion is thicker than the bend transition section. This ensures that the end of the folding panel on the side including the first panel portion is sufficiently rigid. More preferably, the thickness of the first panel portion is at least twice the thickness of the bend transition section.

[0097] Preferably, the folding panel wherein the first panel portion is thinner than the second panel portion is characterized in that the first panel portion bears at least partially against a flat section of the insert.This significantly facilitates the folding process of the panel onto the insert.

[0098] Preferably, at least a distal portion of the first panel portion bears against the flat section of the insert.

[0099] A feature of a preferred embodiment is that the lateral end of the folding panel on the side comprising the first panel portion is partially formed by an insert. This ensures that this end of the folding panel is sufficiently stiff, particularly when the first panel portion is thinner than the second panel portion.

[0100] A preferred embodiment of the folding panel is characterized in that the folding panel includes a substrate and a top layer, more preferably, the top layer is made of a material different from the substrate, wherein the top layer includes a decorative layer, wherein the bending transition section includes at least the top layer and a layer of substrate; and wherein the first panel portion includes at least the top layer and a layer of substrate.

[0101] Preferably, the maximum thickness of the folding panel is thicker than the thickness of the second panel portion.

[0102] The preferred folding panel is characterized in that the insert is thicker than the thickness of the second panel portion when measured at right angles to the surface of the bend transition section.

[0103] Preferably, the end of the insert opposite the bent transition section is located in the open space.

[0104] A preferred embodiment of the folding panel of the present invention is characterized in that the thickness of the bending transition section is less than 20% of the thickness of the second panel portion, more preferably less than 15% of the thickness of the second panel portion, and more preferably less than 10% of the thickness of the second panel portion. This embodiment has the advantage that the transition section can be bent more easily during the production of the folding panel.

[0105] One aspect of the present invention is a stair nose characterized in that the stair nose comprises a folding panel as in any embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention.

[0106] One aspect of the present invention is a staircase. The staircase is characterized in that the staircase comprises at least one stair nose according to the present invention.

[0107] A second aspect of the present invention is a method for producing a folding panel according to any embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention. The method is characterized in that the method comprises the following steps:

[0108] - providing a panel, wherein the panel comprises a front side, a back side, a first panel portion, a second panel portion and a transition section; wherein the first panel portion and the second panel portion preferably have the same thickness; wherein the first panel portion and the second panel portion are connected to each other via the transition section at the front side of the panel and form a single entity;

[0109] - attaching the insert to the first panel portion;

[0110] - bending the transition section and overlying the insert so as to form a bent transition section between the first panel portion and the second panel portion; and

[0111] - Attaching an insert to the second panel portion and / or the bend transition section.

[0112] This production method ensures fast and efficient production of folding panels.

[0113] The attachment of the insert to the first panel part may be achieved, for example, by means of an adhesive and / or by means of a mechanical connection. The mechanical connection may be a tension connection or a clamping connection.

[0114] The insert may be attached to the second panel portion and / or the bend transition section by means of an adhesive connection.

[0115] The insert may be attached to the second panel portion by means of a mechanical connection. The mechanical connection may be a tension connection or a clamp connection.

[0116] It is also possible to combine mechanically connecting the insert to the second panel portion with adhesively connecting the insert to the second panel portion and / or the bend transition section.

[0117] The insert may be mechanically connected to the second panel portion without adhesively connecting the insert to the second panel portion or the bend transition section.

[0118] The transition section is preferably thinner than the first and second panel portions, which preferably have the same thickness.

[0119] In order to facilitate the bending of the transition section, the transition section can be heated before and / or during the bending, for example by means of an infrared lamp. This has the advantage that the transition section is more flexible and can be bent more easily.

[0120] Preferably, bending the transition section over and over the insert is performed at least by a rotational movement of the insert which has been attached to the first panel portion.

[0121] This embodiment ensures a fast and efficient production of folding panels.

[0122] A third aspect of the present invention relates to a method for producing a folding panel according to any embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention. The method comprises the following steps:

[0123] - providing a panel, wherein the panel comprises a front side, a back side, a first panel portion, a second panel portion and a transition section; wherein the first panel portion and the second panel portion preferably have the same thickness; wherein the first panel portion and the second panel portion are connected to each other via the transition section at the front side of the panel and form a single entity;

[0124] - pushing the insert in a direction perpendicular to the panel, wherein the insert comes into contact with the transition section during the pushing operation, and wherein the transition section bends as a result of the pushing operation to form a bent transition section, wherein both the first panel portion and the second panel portion perform an angular rotation relative to the insert; and

[0125] - Attaching an insert to one or both of the first and second panel portions and / or to the bend transition section.

[0126] This production method ensures fast and efficient production of folding panels.

[0127] A preferred embodiment of the third aspect of the invention is characterized in that the method comprises the step of heating the transition section before bending the transition section, preferably heating the transition section by means of IR radiation.

[0128] This embodiment facilitates the production of folded panels because the transition section can be bent more easily and quickly by heating to form a bent transition section.

[0129] A preferred embodiment of the third aspect of the invention is characterized in that the method comprises the step of applying an adhesive to the transition section or the insert before bending the transition section so that the insert is attached to the transition section by means of an adhesive connection.

[0130] This embodiment facilitates the production of folding panels due to the fact that the adhesive is pre-applied.

[0131] A preferred embodiment of the third aspect of the invention is characterized in that when the insert is pushed, the transition section is pushed into a die which together with the shape of the insert determines the shape of the bent transition section.

[0132] This embodiment facilitates the production of folding panels due to the fact that the mould partly ensures that the bending of the transition section results in a correctly bent transition section.

[0133] A preferred embodiment of the third aspect of the invention is characterized in that the pushing is performed with the aid of a tool, wherein the tool engages in one or more open recesses or protrusions in the open space between the first panel part and the second panel part in the folding panel, the one or more open recesses being, for example, in the form of a dovetail groove.

[0134] This embodiment facilitates the production of folding panels due to the fact that the pushing operation is performed more easily and with high precision.

[0135] A preferred embodiment of the third aspect of the invention is characterized in that the transition section comprises a rib, wherein the rib is formed by a local thickening in the bent transition section, wherein the insert comprises a groove, wherein the rib is introduced into the groove during the pushing operation, preferably wherein the dimensions of the rib and the groove are designed so that the rib fits exactly in the groove, and / or the rib is tapered.

[0136] This embodiment facilitates the production of folding panels by correctly positioning the insert relative to the transition section with greater precision.

[0137] A fourth aspect of the present invention relates to an apparatus for implementing the method of the third aspect of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0138] In order to illustrate the features of the present invention in more detail, some preferred embodiments will be described below by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, but not limited thereto, in which:

[0139] Figure 1 shows a folding panel according to the present invention;

[0140] Figure 2 A panel that can be used to produce a folding panel according to the present invention is shown;

[0141] Figure 3 Shown Figure 2 a panel in which the panel is processed to be transformed into a folding panel according to the present invention;

[0142] Figures 4a to 4d shows an example of an insert that can be used in a folding panel according to the invention;

[0143] Figures 5a to 5c shows a production process according to the invention for producing a folding panel according to the invention;

[0144] Figure 6 An example of a folding panel according to the present invention is shown;

[0145] Figure 7 An example of a folding panel according to the present invention is shown;

[0146] Figure 8 An example of a folding panel according to the present invention is shown;

[0147] Figure 9 An example of a folding panel according to the present invention is shown;

[0148] Figures 10a to 10c A method according to a third aspect of the present invention is shown;

[0149] Figure 11 and Figure 12 shows a folding panel according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0150] Figure 13 A staircase comprising a stair nose comprising a folding panel according to the invention is shown;

[0151] Figure 14 shows steps in a method for producing a folding panel according to the invention; and

[0152] Figure 15 Shows the use Figure 14 The production steps shown are for making a folding panel.

[0153] The same reference numerals in the various figures have the same meanings. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0154] Figure 1An example of a folding panel 1 according to the present invention is shown. The folding panel 1 has a front side 2, a back side 3, a first panel portion 1a, a second panel portion 1b, and a bend transition section 7. In the example shown, the first panel portion 1a and the second panel portion 1b have the same thickness. The first panel portion 1a and the second panel portion 1b are connected to each other at the front side of the folding panel via the bend transition section 7 and form a single entity. In the example, the bend transition section 7 forms a rounded nose in the folding panel, wherein the bend transition section 7 describes a circular arc. In the example, the first panel portion 1a and the second panel portion 1b are parallel to each other.

[0155] The space between the first panel portion 1a, the second panel portion 1b, and the bent transition section 7 includes an insert 8. The bent transition section 7 is bent and covers the insert. The insert 8 is attached to at least one or both of the first panel portion 1a and the second panel portion 1b and / or to the bent transition section 7.

[0156] The insert 8 may be attached to both the first panel portion 1 a , the second panel portion 1 b and the bent transition section 7 by means of an adhesive.

[0157] The insert 8 may also be attached to the first panel portion 1 a and / or the second panel portion 1 b by means of an adhesive, without being attached to the transition section 7 .

[0158] The insert 8 has an end face 26 , which is shaped such that the folded transition section 7 bears against the end face 26 of the insert and is folded over and covers it.

[0159] On either side of the end face 26, the insert comprises outer sides 27 which abut against opposite side walls 29 of the first and second panel parts 1 a, 1 b.

[0160] Figure 1 The insert 8 in the embodiment comprises a protrusion 21. The protrusion 21 is introduced into an opening 23 provided for this purpose on the rear side 3 of the first panel part 1a. The protrusion 21 can be clamped or tensioned in the opening 23. This can be done by gluing the protrusion 21 to the opening 23 provided for this purpose on the rear side 3 of the first panel part 1a or without additional adhesive.

[0161] The opening 23 on the rear side 3 of the first panel portion 1a may be, for example, a groove extending continuously along the entire first panel portion and having a constant cross-section.

[0162] The protrusion 21 may also extend along the entire length of the insert 8 and may have the same cross-section along the entire length of the insert.

[0163] From Figure 1The insert 8 of the example in FIG comprises a second protrusion 22 which is introduced into a second opening 24 provided for this purpose on the rear side 3 of the second panel part 1 b. The second protrusion 22 can be clamped or tensioned in the second opening 24. This can be done by gluing the second protrusion 22 into the second opening 24 provided for this purpose on the rear side 3 of the second panel part 1 b or without additional adhesive.

[0164] The second opening 24 on the rear side 3 of the second panel portion 1b may be, for example, a groove extending continuously along the entire second panel portion and having a constant cross-section.

[0165] The second protrusion 22 may extend along the entire length of the insert 8 and may have the same cross-section along the entire length of the insert.

[0166] exist Figure 1 The insert 8 used in the folding panel 1 includes an open recess 15 located in the open space between the first panel portion 1a and the second panel portion 1b of the folding panel, the open recess being continuous along the length of the insert. The recess 15 can be advantageously used when forming the folding panel 1.

[0167] From Figure 1 The insert 8 of the example in comprises a continuous hole 19 having a non-circular cross section along its entire length. Alternatively, the holes may be formed at both ends of the insert.

[0168] On the edge opposite the transition section 7 of the folding panel, the second panel part 1 b includes a coupling portion in the form of a groove 40 defined by a front lip 41 and a rear lip 42. The rear lip 42 projects further relative to the edge of the second panel part 1 b than the front lip 41. The rear lip 42 includes a locking portion 43 facing the groove 40.

[0169] This coupling portion may be used to couple the folding panel to the tongue 44 of the panel, e.g. Figure 2 In this case, the folding panels can form the nose of the staircase, and the panels also form the covering of the steps. In this case, Figure 2 The portion of the panel in FIG. 4 including the tongue 44 has been removed.

[0170] The first panel portion 1a, the second panel portion 1b and the bent transition section 7 may be made of laminate flooring panels.

[0171] The insert 8 can be made of wood fiberboard, for example. Preferably, the insert is made of wood fiberboard with a density of less than 720 kg / m 3The insert 8 is made of a wood fiber board, wherein the chord length K of the components of the insert 8 (determining the chord length of the bend transition section 7) is positioned at right angles to the plane of the wood fiber board from which the insert 8 is made. Therefore, the wood fibers in the insert are on average parallel to the front side of the first panel portion 1a and / or the front side of the second panel portion 1b, and if the first panel portion 1a and the second panel portion 1b are parallel to each other in the folded panel, the wood fibers in the insert are on average parallel to both the front side of the first panel portion and / or the front side of the second panel portion, as Figure 1 as in the accordion panel.

[0172] Figure 1 The folding panel 1 in FIG. 1 can be made, for example, with an insert 8 having an end face 26 with a constant radius, preferably a radius of less than 15 mm. Such an insert 8 can advantageously be made of a wood fiberboard with a thickness of 30 mm. In this example, the chord length K of the bend transition section 7 is less than 30 mm.

[0173] The insert 8 may also be a plastic insert, for example made by extruding a thermoplastic.

[0174] Figure 2 It shows a method for producing a folding panel according to the present invention (for example for producing Figure 1 An example of a panel (a folding panel) is shown in FIG. The panel includes a front side 2 and a back side 3. The panel includes a base plate 10 and a top layer 12, the top layer including a decorative layer 14. The panel may be a laminate panel including HDF (high density fiberboard) as the base plate 10 and a top layer 12 including a decorative layer and a wear layer. The decorative layer 14 may be paper impregnated with melamine resin. The wear layer may include paper impregnated with melamine resin, which may also incorporate wear-resistant particles (such as corundum).

[0175] The panels may be standard laminate flooring panels.

[0176] On one of the edges, the panel comprises a coupling portion in the form of a groove 40 delimited by a front lip 41 and a rear lip 42. The rear lip 42 projects further relative to the edge than the front lip 41. The rear lip 42 comprises a locking portion 43 facing the groove 40.

[0177] On the opposite edge, the panel comprises a tongue 44 and a recess 46 behind the tongue 44 .

[0178] Two such panels can be connected to each other via a tongue and groove, wherein, in the connected state of the tongue 44 and groove 40, the tongue and groove ensure locking in a direction at right angles to the plane of the panel connected to the corresponding panel part, and wherein the locking part 43 and the recess 46 ensure locking in a direction at right angles to the connection edge and in the plane of the panel.

[0179] Figure 3 Shown Figure 2 A panel is provided in which material has been removed from the rear portion of the panel so that the panel can be used to produce a folding panel according to the present invention. Thus, two panel portions are formed, namely a first panel portion 1a, which will form the first panel portion of the folding panel, and a second panel portion 1b, which will form the second panel portion of the folding panel. The first panel portion 1a and the second panel portion 1b have inwardly facing side walls 29. The first panel portion 1a and the second panel portion 1b have the same thickness.

[0180] Between the first panel portion 1a and the second panel portion 1b there is a transition section 37 which will form the bent transition section 7 in the folded panel. The bent transition section 37 comprises at least a top layer.

[0181] exist Figure 3 In the example of FIG. 1 , an opening 23 is provided at the rear of the first panel portion 1 a , which opening is preferably a continuous opening in the form of a groove.

[0182] exist Figure 3 In the example of the second panel portion 1b (the second panel portion that will form the folding panel) comprises, on the edge opposite the transition section 37, a coupling portion in the form of a groove 40 defined by a front lip 41 and a rear lip 42. The rear lip 42 projects further relative to the edge of the panel portion 1b than the front lip 41. The rear lip 42 comprises a locking portion 43 facing the groove 40. This coupling portion already exists in the panel, as shown in FIG. Figure 2 As shown in .

[0183] In a folding panel, the coupling portion can be used to couple with the tongue 44 of the panel, such as Figure 2 In this case, the folded panels can form the nose of the staircase, and the panels also form the covering of the steps.

[0184] exist Figure 3 In FIG. 4 , the first panel portion 1a comprises a tongue 44 and a recess 46 behind the tongue. Figure 1 As shown in FIG, during the production of a folding panel according to the invention, the tongue may be removed; or it may remain.

[0185] Figures 4a to 4d An example of an insert 8 that can be used in a folding panel according to the invention is shown.

[0186] Figures 4a to 4dEach of the inserts 8 has end faces 26. These end faces 26 are arranged so that the folding panel's bend transition section 7 can bear against and fold on the end faces 26 of the insert 8. The end faces 26 are located on the thickened section of the insert 8. The insert includes outer sides 27 on both sides of the end faces 26.

[0187] Figure 4a and Figure 4c The insert in the embodiment comprises an opening recess 15. The opening recess 15 is positioned so that in a folding panel made with such an insert 8, the opening recess is located in the open space between the first panel part 1a and the second panel part 1b, as in Figure 1 These opening recesses 15 can be used advantageously when producing folding panels, since a tool can rotate the insert via these opening recesses 15 .

[0188] The open recess 15 may be a groove and may extend continuously along the entire length of the insert 8 .

[0189] Figure 4b The insert in FIG. 8 includes a protrusion 16. The protrusion 16 is positioned so that in a folding panel made with such an insert 8, the protrusion is located in the open space between the first panel part 1a and the second panel part 1b. The protrusion 16 can be advantageously used when producing the folding panel, because a tool can rotate the insert via the protrusion 16.

[0190] At one or both linear ends, Figure 4a 、 Figure 4b and Figure 4d The insert comprises a hole 19 whose cross section is not circular. This hole 19 or these holes are useful because a tool can be introduced into the hole when forming the folded panel, which tool can be used to rotate the insert.

[0191] The aperture 19 may be configured to extend continuously along the entire length of the insert 8. However, this need not necessarily be the case.

[0192] Figure 4c and Figure 4d The insert in the first panel part comprises a projection 21. The projection 21 is configured to be introduced into an opening provided for this purpose on the rear side of the first panel part. In this case, the projection 21 can be clamped, tensioned and / or glued into the opening provided for this purpose of the first panel part.

[0193] Alternatively, the protrusion 21 may extend along the entire length of the insert. Alternatively, the protrusion 21 may have the same cross-section along its entire length.

[0194] Figure 4dThe insert in the second panel part comprises a second protrusion 22. The second protrusion 22 is configured to be introduced into an opening provided for this purpose on the rear side of the second panel part. In this case, the protrusion 22 can be clamped, tensioned and / or glued in the opening provided for this purpose of the second panel part.

[0195] Figures 4a to 4d The inserts 8 shown in FIG can be manufactured by extruding thermoplastics. Other manufacturing methods are also possible. For example, these inserts can be produced from wood fiberboard by means of a mechanical processing step.

[0196] Figures 5a to 5c A method according to the invention for producing a folding panel according to the invention is shown.

[0197] Provide a panel. The panel can be Figure 2 At the rear side 3 of this panel, material has been removed, thereby obtaining a processed panel, such as Figure 3 As shown in .

[0198] The processed panel (see Figure 2 ) comprises a front side 2, a rear side 3, a first panel part 1a, a second panel part 1b and a transition section 37. The first panel part 1a and the second panel part 1b are connected to each other via the transition section 37 at the front side of the panel and form a single entity.

[0199] The first panel portion 1 a comprises an opening 23 at the rear side 3 .

[0200] like Figure 5a As shown in FIG, an insert 8 is attached to the first panel part 1 a.

[0201] The projection 21 of the insert 8 is introduced into an opening 23 provided for this purpose on the rear side 3 of the first panel part 1a. The projection 21 can be clamped or tensioned in the opening 23. This can be done with or without additional adhesive by gluing the projection 21 to the opening 23 provided for this purpose on the rear side 3 of the first panel part 1a. The outer side 27 of the end face 26 of the insert 8 rests against the side wall 29 of the first panel part 1a.

[0202] Subsequently, the insert 8 and the first panel part 1a attached thereto are rotated by means of a rotational movement W. During this rotational movement, the transition section 37 bends and overlies the end face 26 of the insert to form a bent transition section 7 between the first panel part 1a and the second panel part 1b. Figure 5bA stage during this rotational movement W is shown. This rotational movement can be performed by a tool engaging in an open recess 15 in the insert 8, or by a tool engaging in a hole 19 on one or both sides of the insert 8. The hole 19 can also extend continuously along the entire length of the insert 8.

[0203] In order to promote this bending of the transition section, the transition section can be heated before and / or during the bending, for example by means of infrared lamps.

[0204] Figure 5c The result of the rotational movement is shown. The second outer side 27 of the end face 26 of the insert 8 abuts the side wall 29 of the second panel portion 1 and the bent transition section 7 bends over and overlies the end face 26 of the insert 8 in continuous contact therewith.

[0205] The insert 8 is attached to the second panel portion 1b and / or the bend transition section 7. This can be accomplished with the aid of an adhesive applied before the bend transition section. The adhesive can be a thermosetting adhesive. The adhesive can be a hot melt adhesive, for example, applied as a hot melt tape.

[0206] It is also possible to attach the insert to the second panel part mechanically, with or without an additional adhesive connection. For this purpose, for example, a Figure 4d The insert shown in . Then you can get Figure 1 The accordion panel shown in .

[0207] Figure 6 An example of a folding panel according to the present invention is shown. The reference numerals have the same meaning as in the other figures. Figure 6 In the example of FIG. 1 , the angle A between the first panel portion 1a and the second panel portion 1b is 90°. The folded panel can be used to form a square stair nose. Figure 6 The reference numerals in FIG. 1 have the same meanings as in other figures.

[0208] Figure 7 An example of a folding panel 1 according to the present invention is shown. The folding panel 1 has a front side 2, a back side 3, a first panel portion 1a, a second panel portion 1b and a bend transition section 7. Figure 7 In the example of , the first panel portion 1a and the second panel portion 1b have the same thickness. The first panel portion 1a and the second panel portion 1b are connected to each other via a bent transition section 7 at the front side of the folding panel and form a single entity.

[0209] The bend transition section 7 forms a rounded nose in the folding panel. The bend transition section 7 comprises an arched portion, wherein the radius R1 at the center of the arched portion is smaller than the radii R2 and R3 of the arched portion at either side of the center of the arched portion. Figure 7 In the example, the curved transition section describes a portion of an ellipse. In the example, the first panel portion 1a and the second panel portion 1b are parallel to each other.

[0210] The space between the first panel portion 1a, the second panel portion 1b, and the bent transition section 7 includes an insert 8. The bent transition section 7 is bent and covers the insert. The insert 8 is attached to at least one or both of the first panel portion 1a and the second panel portion 1b and / or to the bent transition section 7. The insert 8 can be attached to the first panel portion 1a, the second panel portion 1b, and the bent transition section 7 with an adhesive. The insert 8 can also be attached to the first panel portion 1a and / or the second panel portion 1b with an adhesive without being attached to the transition section 7.

[0211] The insert 8 has an end face 26 , which is shaped such that the transition section 7 bears against the end face 26 of the insert and is bent over and covers it.

[0212] On either side of the end face 26, the insert comprises outer sides 27 which abut against opposite side walls 29 of the first and second panel parts 1 a, 1 b.

[0213] The insert 8 includes an open recess 15 which is continuous along the length of the insert and which, in the folding panel, is located in the open space between the first and second panel parts 1a and 1b. Figure 7 In the example of , the recess has the form of a dovetail (negative of a dovetail). Thus, a tool having a dovetail can be pushed into the insert 8 via the dovetail. This is useful during the production of folding panels.

[0214] The bend transition section 7 includes a rib 50. The rib 50 is formed by a local thickening in the bend transition section 7. The insert 8 includes a groove 51 into which the rib is introduced. The rib 50 and the groove 51 are dimensioned so that the rib fits precisely in the groove. The rib 50 is tapered.

[0215] Figure 8 Another example of a folding panel 1 according to the present invention is shown. This folding panel 1 is largely similar to Figure 7 fold panel in . Figure 8 The reference numerals in Figure 7 Instead of outlining a portion of an ellipse, Figure 8 The front side of the folding panel 1 in the bending transition section 7 describes a section of a circle.

[0216] Figure 9FIG. 1 shows another example of a folding panel 1 according to the present invention. The reference numerals have the same meanings as in the other figures. Figure 9 In the example of FIG. 1 , the bent transition section 7 forms a square nose in the folding panel 1 .

[0217] To this end, the bent transition section 7 comprises a first arched portion 53 and a second arched portion 54, with a flat section 55 between them. The first arched portion 53 and the second arched portion both enclose an angle A equal to 90°.

[0218] The length of the flat section 55 of the bend transition section 7 is more than three times the thickness of the first panel portion 1a. The first panel portion 1a and the second panel portion 1b have the same thickness.

[0219] The bend transition section 7 comprises a rib 50. The rib 50 is formed by a local thickening in the bend transition section 7. The insert 8 comprises a groove 51 into which the rib is introduced. The rib 50 and the groove 51 are dimensioned so that the rib fits precisely in the groove.

[0220] The rib 50 may extend along the entire length of the flat section 55 of the bent transition section 7. Figure 9 This is not the case in the example shown in .

[0221] Figures 10a to 10c A method for producing a folding panel according to the first aspect of the present invention is shown according to the third aspect of the present invention. Figures 10a to 10c An apparatus for performing the method according to the third aspect of the invention is shown.

[0222] A panel 1 is provided. The panel includes a front side 2, a back side 3, a first panel portion 1a, a second panel portion 1b, and a transition section 37. In an example, the first panel portion 1a and the second panel portion 1b have the same thickness. The first panel portion 1a and the second panel portion 1b are connected to each other via the transition section 37 on the front side of the panel and form a single entity. In this example, the first panel portion 1a and the second panel portion 1b have the same thickness.

[0223] The transition section 37 is heated, in the example, by means of infrared (IR) radiation generated by an IR lamp 60 .

[0224] Subsequently, adhesive 61 is applied to the transition section 37 by means of an adhesive applicator 62. This is done in order to attach the insert 8 to the transition section by means of an adhesive connection.

[0225] The insert 8 is pushed at right angles to the panel by means of a tool 65 which is inserted by means of a dovetail connection into the opening 15 of the insert 8. The opening 15 forms a dovetail groove so that the tool can be easily attached to the insert 8 and then easily removed from it. Figure 10a 、 Figure 10b and Figure 10c The state just before the pushing operation, during the pushing operation and in the final state are shown.

[0226] Insert 8 is pushed in a direction perpendicular to the panel, bringing it into contact with transition section 37. In this example, positioning of insert 8 relative to transition section 37 is facilitated by the fact that transition section 37 includes ribs 50 and the insert has precisely fitting grooves 51. Ribs 50 are formed by bending a localized thickening in transition section 37. Ribs 50 are tapered. During the push, ribs 50 are drawn into grooves 51.

[0227] As a result of the pushing operation, the transition section 37 is bent to form a bent transition section 7, wherein both the first panel part 1a and the second panel part 1b are angularly rotated relative to the insert 8.

[0228] During the pushing of the insert 8, the transition section 37 is pushed into a die 67 which, together with the shape of the insert 8, determines the shape of the bent transition section 7. The use of a die is optional.

[0229] The adhesive 61 ensures that the insert 8 is connected to one or both of the first and second panel portions 1a and 1b and to the bend transition section 7.

[0230] Figure 11 FIG2 shows a folding panel according to an embodiment of the present invention. Reference numerals have the same meanings as in the other figures. In the case of this folding panel, the first panel portion 1a is thinner than the second panel portion 1b. In this example, the first panel portion 1a has the same thickness as the bent transition section 7. The distal portion of the first panel portion 1a bears against a flat section 63 of an insert 8. The lateral end 65 of the folding panel on the side including the first panel portion 1a is partially formed by the insert 8.

[0231] Figure 11 The folding panel 1 in FIG. 1 comprises a base plate 10 and a top layer 12 . The bending transition section 7 and the first panel portion 1 a comprise a top layer 12 and a layer of base plate 10 .

[0232] Figure 12FIG2 shows a folding panel according to an embodiment of the present invention. Reference numerals have the same meanings as in the other figures. In this folding panel, the first panel portion 1a is thinner than the second panel portion 1b. In this example, the thickness T1 of the second panel portion 1b is 11.7 mm. The thickness T2 of the bending transition section 7 is 0.9 mm. The thickness T3 of the first panel portion 1a is 2.4 mm. Both the bending transition section 7 and the first panel portion 1a are composed of a top layer 12 and a substrate layer 10.

[0233] Figure 13 A staircase 70 is shown comprising a stair nose 72 comprising a folding panel 1 according to the invention. Figure 13 In the example, this is Figure 11 Folding panel 1 in.

[0234] Figure 14 Steps in a method for producing a folding panel according to the invention are shown. Figure 15 Shows the use Figure 14 The production steps shown in FIG. 4 are for manufacturing a folding panel. Figure 14 and Figure 15 The reference numerals in the figures have the same meanings as in the preceding figures. Figure 14 and Figure 15 During the production of the folding panel shown in , two different adhesives 80, 82 are used. The first adhesive 80 is used to adhesively bond the outer side 27 of the insert 8 to the side walls 29 of the first panel part 1a and the second panel part 1b. The second adhesive 82 can be used on other contact surfaces. Preferably, the first adhesive 80 is a fast bonding adhesive. This makes it possible to speed up the production process because the faster bonding results in a shorter period of time for the outer side 27 of the insert 8 to be pressed against the side walls 29 of the first panel part 1a and / or the second panel part 1b. The second adhesive 82 can be a cheaper adhesive that bonds more slowly. The use of the first adhesive 80 and the second adhesive 82 is not limited to Figure 14 and Figure 15 The configuration shown in .

[0235] The present invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments shown in the drawings and described above, and may be modified in various ways without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A folding panel, wherein: The folding panel (1) comprises a front side (2), a rear side (3), a first panel portion (1a), a second panel portion (1b) and a bent transition section (7); wherein the first panel portion (1a) and the second panel portion (1b) preferably have the same thickness; wherein the first panel portion (1a) and the second panel portion (1b) are connected to each other via the bent transition section (7) on the front side of the folding panel and form a single entity; wherein the space between the first panel portion (1a), the second panel portion (1b) and the bending transition section (7) comprises an insert (8), Wherein, the bending transition section (7) is bent and covers the insert, Wherein, the insert is attached to at least one or both of the first panel portion (1a) and the second panel portion (1b) and / or to the bent transition section (7).

2. A folding panel according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The insert (8) has an end face (26) which is shaped such that the angled transition section (7) bears against the end face (26).

3. The folding panel according to claim 2, characterized in that: The shape of the insert (8) is designed so that the outer sides (27) of the insert (8) located on both sides of the end surface (26) abut against the opposite side walls (29) of the first panel part (1a) and the second panel part (1b).

4. The folding panel according to any one of claims 2 to 3, characterized in that The end surface (26) has a curvature with a constant radius, preferably, wherein the radius is less than 15 mm.

5. The folding panel according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that The end face (26) is located on a thickened section of the insert (8).

6. The folding panel according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that The insert is at least adhesively bonded to one or both of the first panel portion (1a) and the second panel portion (1b) and / or the bent transition section (7).

7. The folding panel according to claim 6, characterized in that: The insert (8) is adhesively bonded by means of a thermosetting adhesive or by means of a hot melt adhesive, which is applied, for example, as a hot melt tape.

8. A folding panel according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that The insert (8) is attached to the first panel part (1a) and optionally also to the second panel part (1b) by means of a clamping connection or a tensioning connection.

9. The folding panel according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that The insert (8) is attached to the first panel part (1a) and optionally also to the second panel part (1b) by means of a clamping connection or a tensioning connection; wherein the insert is not adhesively bonded to the first panel part (1a) or the second panel part (1b) nor to the bending transition section (7).

10. A folding panel according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that The angle (A) between the first panel portion (1a) and the second panel portion (1b) is less than 100°, preferably less than 95°, more preferably less than 45°, more preferably less than 20°, more preferably less than 10°, more preferably less than 5°, and more preferably, the first panel portion (1a) and the second panel portion (1b) are parallel to each other.

11. A folding panel according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that The folding panel (1) comprises a base plate (10) and a top layer (12), wherein the top layer is preferably made of a material different from that of the base plate, wherein the top layer (12) comprises a decorative layer (14), and wherein the bending transition section (7) comprises at least the top layer (12).

12. The folding panel according to claim 11, characterized in that: The decorative layer (14) comprises a printing paper layer impregnated with a thermosetting resin, for example, the printing paper layer is impregnated with a melamine formaldehyde resin or an acrylic resin.

13. A folding panel according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that The first panel part (1a) and the second panel part (1b) comprise a substrate (10), preferably, wherein the substrate is wood-based, more preferably, the substrate comprises or is a wood fiber board, such as an MDF or HDF board; or the substrate comprises a particle board or layer containing wood chips.

14. A folding panel according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that The first panel portion (1a) and the second panel portion (1b) include a substrate (10), wherein the substrate has a density greater than 750 kg / m 3 , preferably greater than 800 kg / m 3 Wood fiberboard, or the substrate includes a density greater than 750 kg / m 3 , preferably greater than 800 kg / m 3 of wood fiberboard.

15. A folding panel according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that The insert (8) is or comprises a plastic insert, preferably a thermoplastic insert.

16. The folding panel according to claim 15, characterized in that: The insert (8) is an extruded insert or an injection-molded part.

17. The folding panel according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 14, characterized in that The insert (8) is wood-based, preferably wherein the insert (8) comprises a component made of wood fibers bonded with a resin or adhesive, or the insert consists of a component made of wood fibers bonded with a resin or adhesive, preferably wherein the density of the insert is less than 720 kg / m 3 .

18. The folding panel according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 14, characterized in that The insert (8) comprises a component made of wood fibers bonded with a resin or adhesive, or the insert consists of a component made of wood fibers bonded with a resin or adhesive, wherein the wood fibers in the component are on average parallel to the front side of the first panel part (1a) and / or the front side of the second panel part (1b).

19. A folding panel according to any one of claims 17 or 18, characterized in that The insert (8) is made of a wood fiber board, wherein the chord length of the part of the insert (8) that determines the chord length of the bend transition section (7) is perpendicular to the plane of the wood fiber board from which the insert (8) is made.

20. A folding panel according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that The insert (8) comprises one or more open recesses (15) or protrusions (16) in the open space between the first panel portion (1a) and the second panel portion (1b) in the folding panel, the one or more open recesses being in the shape of a dovetail groove, for example.

21. The folding panel according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The insert comprises a continuous groove or a continuous protrusion in the open space between the first panel portion (1a) and the second panel portion (1b) in the folding panel.

22. A folding panel according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that The insert (8) comprises a hole (19) at one or both linear ends, preferably the cross section of the hole being non-circular.

23. A folding panel according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that The insert comprises a bore which is completely continuous along the length of the insert, preferably the bore having a non-circular cross-section.

24. A folding panel according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that The chord length (K) of the bending transition section (7) is less than 30 mm and greater than 20 mm.

25. A folding panel according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that In the cross section of the folding panel, the circumference of the bending transition section (7) is less than 47 mm and greater than 30 mm.

26. A folding panel according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that The insert (8) comprises a protrusion (21), wherein the protrusion (21) is introduced into an opening (23) provided for this purpose on the rear side (3) of the first panel part (1a), preferably wherein the protrusion is clamped, tensioned and / or glued in the opening provided for this purpose in the first panel part (1a).

27. The folding panel according to claim 26, characterized in that: The opening (23) is a groove.

28. A folding panel according to any one of claims 26 to 27, characterized in that The protrusion (21) extends along the entire length of the insert (8) and / or the protrusion (21) has the same cross-section along the entire length of the protrusion.

29. A folding panel according to any one of claims 26 to 28, characterized in that The opening (23) extends along the entire length of the folding panel and / or the opening (23) has the same cross-section along the entire length of the opening.

30. A folding panel according to any one of claims 26 to 29, characterized in that The insert (8) comprises a second protrusion (22), wherein the second protrusion (22) is introduced into a second opening (24) provided for this purpose on the rear side of the second panel part (1b), preferably, wherein the second protrusion (22) is clamped, tensioned and / or glued in the second opening (24).

31. The folding panel according to claim 30, characterized in that: The second opening (24) is a groove.

32. A folding panel according to any one of claims 30 to 31, characterized in that The second protrusion (22) extends along the entire length of the insert (8) and / or the second protrusion (22) has the same cross-section along the entire length of the second protrusion.

33. A folding panel according to any one of claims 30 to 32, characterized in that The second opening (24) extends along the entire length of the folding panel and / or the second opening (24) has the same cross-section along the entire length of the second opening.

34. A folding panel according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that The first panel part (1a) or the second panel part (1b) is provided with a coupling portion in the form of a groove (40) defined by a front lip (41) and a rear lip (42) on an edge opposite to the bent transition section (7), wherein the rear lip protrudes further than the front lip relative to the edge of the panel part, and wherein the rear lip includes a locking portion (43) facing the groove; wherein the coupling portion is configured to form a coupling with a panel comprising a tongue (44) located on an edge of the panel and a recess (46) located at a rear side of the tongue (44); wherein, in a coupled state in which the tongue is located in the groove, the tongue and the groove are locked in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the panel coupled to the corresponding panel part, and wherein the locking portion and the recess are locked in a direction perpendicular to the coupled edge and in the plane of the panel.

35. A folding panel according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that The bent transition section forms a rounded nose in the folded panel.

36. A folding panel according to any one of claims 1 to 35, characterized in that The bending transition section (7) comprises an arched portion, wherein a radius (R1) at the center of the arched portion is smaller than radii (R2, R3) of the arched portion at both sides of the center of the arched portion.

37. A folding panel according to any one of claims 35 to 36, characterized in that The bending transition section (7) describes a portion of an ellipse over at least a portion of the bending transition section, and preferably, the bending transition section describes a portion of an ellipse over a maximum portion of the bending transition section.

38. A folding panel according to any one of claims 1 to 35, characterized in that The front side of the bent transition section (7) describes a section of a circle.

39. A folding panel according to any one of claims 1 to 34, characterized in that The bent transition section (7) forms a square nose in the folding panel.

40. A folding panel according to any one of claims 1 to 34 or according to claim 39, characterised in that The bending transition section (7) comprises a first arched portion (53) and a second arched portion (54), and a flat section (55) is provided between the first arched portion and the second arched portion.

41. The folding panel according to claim 40, characterized in that The first arched portion (53) and / or the second arched portion (54) enclose an angle between 85° and 95°, and preferably, the first arched portion and / or the second arched portion enclose an angle of 90°.

42. The folding panel according to claim 40 or 41, characterized in that: The length of the flat section (55) of the bending transition section (7) is greater than the thickness of the first panel part (1a), and preferably, the length of the flat section of the bending transition section is at least twice, more preferably at least three times, the thickness of the first panel part.

43. A folding panel according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that The bent transition section (7) comprises a rib (50), wherein the rib is formed by a local thickening in the bent transition section (7), wherein the insert (8) comprises a groove (51), wherein the rib is introduced into the groove, preferably wherein the rib and the groove are dimensioned such that the rib fits exactly in the groove and / or preferably wherein the rib is tapered.

44. A folding panel according to any one of claims 1 to 42, characterized in that The bending transition section (7) comprises a groove, wherein the groove is formed by a local thinning in the bending transition section (7), wherein the insert (8) comprises a rib, wherein the rib is introduced into the groove, preferably wherein the rib and the groove are dimensioned such that the rib fits exactly in the groove and / or preferably wherein the rib is tapered.

45. A folding panel according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that The thickness of the bending transition section (7) is smaller than the thickness of the first panel portion (1a) or the second panel portion (1b).

46. A folding panel according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that The first panel portion (1a) is thinner than the second panel portion (1b), preferably wherein the thickness of the first panel portion is at most 30% of the thickness of the second panel portion, and more preferably at most 25%.

47. The folding panel according to claim 46, characterized in that The first panel portion (1a) has the same thickness as the bending transition section (7); or, the first panel portion (1a) is thicker than the bending transition section (7).

48. The folding panel according to any one of claims 46 to 47, characterized in that The first panel portion (1a) bears at least partially against a flat section (63) of the insert (8).

49. The folding panel according to claim 48, characterized in that At least a distal portion of the first panel portion (1a) bears against a flat section (63) of the insert (8).

50. A folding panel according to any one of claims 46 to 49, characterized in that The lateral end (65) of the folding panel on the side comprising the first panel portion (1a) is partially formed by the insert (8).

51. A folding panel according to any one of claims 46 to 50, characterized in that The folding panel (1) comprises a substrate (10) and a top layer (12), preferably, the top layer is made of a material different from that of the substrate, wherein the top layer (12) comprises a decorative layer (14), wherein the bending transition section (7) comprises at least the top layer (12) and a layer of substrate, and wherein the first panel portion (1a) comprises at least the top layer (12) and a layer of substrate (10).

52. A folding panel according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that The maximum thickness of the folding panel is thicker than the thickness of the second panel portion (1b).

53. A folding panel according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that The insert (8) is thicker than the thickness of the second panel portion (1b) when measured at right angles to the surface of the bend transition section.

54. A folding panel according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that The end of the insert (8) opposite to the bent transition section (7) is located in the open space.

55. A folding panel according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that The thickness of the bending transition section (7) is less than 20% of the thickness of the second panel portion (1b), preferably less than 15% of the thickness of the second panel portion, and more preferably less than 10% of the thickness of the second panel portion.

56. A stair nose, characterized in that: The stair nose comprises a folding panel according to any one of the preceding claims.

57. A staircase, characterized in that: The staircase comprises at least one stair nose according to claim 56.

58. A method for producing a folding panel (1) according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 55, characterized in that The method comprises the following steps: - providing a panel, wherein the panel comprises a front side (2), a rear side (3), a first panel portion (1a), a second panel portion (1b) and a transition section (37); wherein the first panel portion (1a) and the second panel portion (1b) preferably have the same thickness; wherein the first panel portion (1a) and the second panel portion (1b) are connected to each other via the transition section (37) at the front side of the panel and form a single entity; - attaching an insert (8) to the first panel part (1a), for example by means of an adhesive and / or by means of a mechanical connection; - bending the transition section (37) and covering the insert (8) so as to form a bent transition section (7) between the first panel part (1a) and the second panel part (1b); and - attaching the insert (8) to the second panel portion (1b) and / or the bent transition section (7).

59. The method according to claim 58, characterized in that Bending the transition section and covering the insert (8) is performed at least by a rotational movement of the insert already attached to the first panel portion (1a).

60. A method for producing a folding panel (1) according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 55, characterized in that The method comprises the following steps: - providing a panel, wherein the panel comprises a front side (2), a rear side (3), a first panel portion (1a), a second panel portion (1b) and a transition section (37); wherein the first panel portion (1a) and the second panel portion (1b) preferably have the same thickness; wherein the first panel portion (1a) and the second panel portion (1b) are connected to each other via the transition section (37) at the front side of the panel and form a single entity; - pushing an insert (8) in a direction perpendicular to the panel, wherein the insert (8) comes into contact with the transition section (37) during the pushing operation, and wherein the transition section bends due to the pushing operation to form a bent transition section (7), wherein both the first panel part (1a) and the second panel part (1b) perform an angular rotation relative to the insert (8); and - attaching the insert (8) to one or both of the first panel portion (1a) and the second panel portion (1b) and / or to the bent transition section (7).

61. The method according to claim 60, characterized in that The method comprises the following steps: before bending the transition section (37), heating the transition section, preferably heating the transition section by means of IR radiation.

62. The method according to claim 60 or 61, characterized in that The method comprises the following steps: before bending the transition section (37), applying an adhesive to the transition section (37) or the insert (8), so that the insert is attached to the transition section by means of an adhesive connection.

63. The method according to any one of the preceding claims 60 to 62, characterized in that When the insert (8) is pushed, the transition section (37) is pushed into a die (67), which together with the shape of the insert (8) determines the shape of the bent transition section (7).

64. The method according to any one of the preceding claims 60 to 63, characterized in that The pushing is performed by means of a tool, wherein the tool engages in one or more open recesses (15) or protrusions, for example in the form of dovetail grooves, in the open space between the first panel part and the second panel part in the folding panel.

65. The method according to any one of the preceding claims 60 to 64, characterized in that The transition section (37) comprises a rib (50), wherein the rib is formed by a local thickening in the bent transition section (37), wherein the insert (8) comprises a groove (51), wherein the rib is introduced into the groove during the pushing operation, preferably wherein the rib and the groove are dimensioned such that the rib fits exactly in the groove and / or preferably wherein the rib (50) is tapered.

66. A device, characterized in that The apparatus is configured to perform the method according to any one of the preceding claims 60 to 65.

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