Mechanical locking device for building panels

Abstract

A set of architectural panels (1, 1', 1"), such as floor panels, which include similar or substantially identical architectural panels (1, 1', 1"). Each building panel (1, 1', 1") has: a first mechanical locking device (10) configured to horizontally and vertically lock a first edge (2a) of a building panel (1, 1', 1") to a second edge (2b) of an adjacent building panel (1, 1', 1"); and a second mechanical locking device (10') configured to horizontally and vertically lock a third edge (2c) of a building panel (1, 1', 1") to a fourth edge (2d) of an adjacent building panel (1, 1', 1"), wherein the first mechanical locking device (10) and / or the second mechanical locking device (10') include, at one of the first edge (2a) and the second edge (2b) and / or at one of the third edge (2c) and the fourth edge (2d), a locking strip (15) extending from the respective edge in a direction away from said respective edge, wherein the locking strip (15) includes a locking element (16) having an impact surface (22).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of architectural paneling, such as floor paneling, wall paneling, furniture components, or the like. More specifically, this application relates to the field of mechanical locking devices for floating installation of such architectural paneling. Background Technology

[0002] Architectural panels, such as floor panels, typically include mechanical locking devices for assembling the panels together with similar or substantially identical panels, such that these panels are locked together in the assembled position. The mechanical locking devices can lock adjacent panels in the horizontal and / or vertical direction. The panels can be assembled, for example, by folding or pivoting movements.

[0003] For certain applications or material choices, such as luxury vinyl ceramic tile (LVT tile), stone-plastic (polymer) composite panels or solid polymer core panels (SPC panels), or expanded polymer core panels (EPC panels), also known as waterproof core panels or wood-plastic composite panels (WPC panels), it may be advantageous to use a mechanical locking device that forms an integral part with the floor paneling. Such locking systems are described in published documents WO 2021 / 20661 or WO 2023 / 106988 and provide secure locking of the paneling as well as quick and easy installation.

[0004] It has been found that the mechanical locking devices used for this type of installation and this type of building panel can be improved, for example, when subjected to vertical pressure. Therefore, there is room for improvement in the technical field.

[0005] US Patent 20170254096 A1 discloses a panel with a long-side locking system that forms a sliding locking system on the long side. Three sets of mating locking surfaces are configured to provide a strong press fit between the locking element and the locking groove. Therefore, the panel can be tightly secured to each other, thereby preventing displacement along the long side.

[0006] US 20170067261A1 discloses a panel having a complementary locking mechanism for a second pair of edges connected to each other by downward vertical movement. In one example, the locking mechanism includes a lower latching mechanism comprising a concave latching element and a convex latching element.

[0007] US 10,801,213 B2 discloses a subfloor panel with a joint. The joint is configured to be glued. The subfloor panel is configured to be assembled onto a joist / joint. This joint solves the problem of positioning the first subfloor panel relative to the second subfloor panel before the adhesive dries or cures and bonds the first subfloor panel to the second subfloor panel. The joint includes an adhesive space for the adhesive. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The purpose of this invention is to provide an improvement over known technologies.

[0009] In a first aspect of the invention, a set of architectural panels, such as floor panels, comprising similar or substantially identical architectural panels, wherein each architectural panel includes: a first mechanical locking device configured to horizontally and vertically lock a first edge of the architectural panel to a second edge of an adjacent architectural panel, wherein the first and second edges are preferably long edges of the architectural panel; and a second mechanical locking device configured to horizontally and vertically lock a third edge of the architectural panel to a fourth edge of an adjacent architectural panel, wherein the third and fourth edges are preferably short edges of the architectural panel. The first and / or second mechanical locking devices include, at one of the first and second edges, and / or at one of the third and fourth edges, a locking strip extending from the edge in a direction away from the respective edge. The locking strip includes a locking element at its outermost portion, the locking element extending in a direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the locking strip. Furthermore, the locking element is configured to engage with a locking groove disposed in another of the first and second edges and / or another of the third and fourth edges, such that adjacent building panels are locked horizontally in the assembled position. The locking element includes an impact surface extending from the outer surface of the locking element at an acute angle relative to the horizontal plane in a direction toward the back of the building panel. Additionally, the locking groove includes an impact surface extending from the inner surface of the locking groove at an acute angle relative to the horizontal plane in a direction toward the back of the building panel, and is configured to engage with the impact surface of the locking element in the assembled position when a force acting at least partially in the vertical direction is applied to at least one building panel.

[0010] Building panels, such as floor panels, are configured to be assembled in a glue-free installation manner, for example, configured to be assembled without glue.

[0011] Building panels, such as floor panels, are configured to be assembled in a floating installation manner.

[0012] The first mechanical locking device and / or the second mechanical locking device are configured to lock adjacent building panels in the absence of glue, i.e., in a glue-free installation manner.

[0013] The force acting at least partially in the vertical direction can be generated by a load applied to the building panel in the assembled position. During normal use, such as when installed in a room, this force can act on the at least one building panel in the assembled position.

[0014] The force can be applied to the front of at least one building panel opposite the back of the at least one of the building panels.

[0015] In one embodiment, only the first mechanical locking device includes a locking strip and a locking groove, each having an impact surface.

[0016] In another embodiment, only the second mechanical locking device includes a locking strip and a locking groove, each having an impact surface.

[0017] In yet another embodiment, the first mechanical locking device is substantially the same as the second mechanical locking device, each including a locking strip and a locking groove, each having an impact surface.

[0018] The corresponding locking elements and locking grooves with at least mating impact surfaces are beneficial because they improve the stability and strength of the mechanical locking device, such as the vertical locking strength of the mechanical locking device.

[0019] Throughout this disclosure, the impact surface may also be referred to as the support surface.

[0020] The impact surface or support surface is configured to engage with a corresponding impact surface or support surface when a force acting at least partially in the vertical direction is applied to at least one of the building panels. The impact surface or support surface may be configured to provide support during the impact, i.e., the force acting at least partially in the vertical direction, applied to at least one of the building panels. Two impact surfaces may be configured to engage with each other, for example, contact each other, and support each other when a force acting at least partially in the vertical direction is applied to either building panel in its assembled position.

[0021] The two impact surfaces can be configured to come into direct contact with each other when a force, at least partially in the vertical direction, is applied to either of the building panels in the assembled position.

[0022] The two impact surfaces can be configured to engage with each other, for example, contact each other, when a force acting at least partially in the vertical direction is applied to either of the building panels in the assembled position, without any interlayer, such as any interlayer adhesive layer.

[0023] These two impact surfaces can be configured to be arranged without any material or layer between them.

[0024] In one embodiment, at the assembly position, a clearance is provided between the impact surface of the locking element and the impact surface of the locking groove.

[0025] The clearance that can be arranged between the impact surface of the locking element and the impact surface of the locking groove may be free of adhesive.

[0026] When no force acting at least partially in the vertical direction is applied to at least one of the building panels, in the assembled position, clearance may be provided between the impact surface of the locking element and the impact surface of the locking groove.

[0027] In one embodiment, the first and second edges of the building panel are assembled together by a first mechanical locking device via a pivoting or snapping motion.

[0028] Furthermore, the impact surface of the locking element can be arranged at an acute angle relative to the horizontal plane in the range of 40° to 70°.

[0029] Furthermore, the impact surface of the locking groove can be arranged at an acute angle relative to the horizontal plane in the range of 40° to 70°.

[0030] In one embodiment, the impact surface of the locking element is substantially parallel to the impact surface of the locking groove.

[0031] In another embodiment, the impact surface of the locking element is not parallel to the impact surface of the locking groove.

[0032] For example, the impact surface of the locking element may be arranged at an angle relative to the impact surface of the locking groove, such that the angle is, for example, 1°-20°, 1°-10°, or 1°-5°.

[0033] Furthermore, the first and second edges of the building panel can be assembled together using a first mechanical locking device via a pivoting or snapping motion.

[0034] Compared to pivot assembly, snap-fit ​​movement or snap-fit ​​assembly can be achieved through a more horizontal displacement of the assembled building panels.

[0035] The snap-fit ​​movement or snap-fit ​​assembly can be achieved by the basic horizontal displacement of the building panels that are assembled to the adjacent building panels.

[0036] The first and second edges of the architectural panel can be assembled by a pivoting motion that pivots about the upper portion of one of the first and second edges.

[0037] In one implementation, the third and fourth edges of the building panel can be assembled together by vertical displacement using a second mechanical locking device.

[0038] Architectural panels can also be 3 to 8 millimeters thick.

[0039] In one embodiment, the building panel has a thickness of 3 mm to 4.5 mm, and the impact surface of the locking element is arranged at an acute angle relative to the horizontal plane in the range of 40 to 60°.

[0040] In another embodiment, the building panel has a thickness ranging from 4.5 mm to 8 mm, and the impact surface of the locking element is arranged at an acute angle relative to the horizontal plane ranging from 40° to 70°.

[0041] In addition, the locking element may include a locking surface configured to engage with the locking surface of a locking groove disposed therein in the assembled position.

[0042] In one implementation, the locking surface of the locking element and the locking surface of the locking groove are substantially parallel.

[0043] In another embodiment, the locking surface of the locking element is arranged at an acute angle relative to the horizontal plane in the range of 40° to 60°, preferably about 50°.

[0044] The locking groove may also include a chamfer located below the impact surface.

[0045] In one embodiment, the chamfer includes an inclined surface that extends downward and toward the remainder of the architectural panel in which the chamfer is disposed. In another embodiment, the chamfer includes a surface that extends in a substantially vertical direction.

[0046] The mechanical locking device may also include an upper locking tongue extending from the respective edge in a direction away from the edge at one of the first and second edges and / or at one of the third and fourth edges, the upper locking tongue being configured to receive in and engage with an upper tongue groove arranged in the other of the first and second edges and the other of the third and fourth edges.

[0047] In one implementation, the height of the upper locking tongue is greater than the height of the upper tongue groove, so as to form a tight seal between adjacent building panels.

[0048] The difference between the height of the locking tongue and the height of the tongue groove can be in the range of 0.01 mm to 0.2 mm, or in the range of 0.01 mm to 0.1 mm, or in the range of 0.01 mm to 0.05 mm.

[0049] In addition, at least the substrate of the building panel may contain a thermoplastic material, preferably 10-50 wt.% or more preferably 20-40 wt.% of thermoplastic material.

[0050] In addition, each building panel may include a single-layer substrate in which the impact surfaces of the locking elements and the impact surfaces of the locking grooves are arranged in the substrate.

[0051] In one embodiment, the building panel may be provided with a pre-attached foam layer attached to the back of the building panel.

[0052] The impact surface of the locking groove can be configured to be in direct contact with the impact surface of the locking element in the assembly position when a force acting at least partially in the vertical direction is applied to any of the building panels.

[0053] The clearance between the impact surface of the locking element and the impact surface of the locking groove may be free of adhesive.

[0054] The locking strip may include an elongated portion having an upper surface extending in a direction substantially parallel to the front, the upper surface of the elongated portion being configured to mate with a locking groove in the assembled position.

[0055] The locking groove may include a contact surface configured to engage with the upper surface of the elongated portion in an assembled position, wherein the contact surface extends in a direction substantially parallel to the upper surface of the elongated portion.

[0056] The surface of the elongated portion and the contact surface of the locking groove, such as the locking groove, can be configured to make direct contact at the assembly position.

[0057] The upper surface of the elongated portion can extend between the tenon groove and the locking element of the locking strip.

[0058] The contact surface of the tenon groove can extend between the locking surface of the tenon groove and the tenon.

[0059] The locking element of the locking strip may include an upper surface having an extension in a direction substantially parallel to the front. Attached Figure Description

[0060] The embodiments of the present invention will now be described: with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate non-limiting embodiments of how the concept of the present invention can be put into practice.

[0061] Figure 1 An architectural panel according to an embodiment of the invention is shown schematically;

[0062] Figure 2A-2C The assembly of several similar or substantially identical architectural panels according to one embodiment is shown;

[0063] Figure 2D shows the assembly position. Figure 2A-2C Architectural panels in the building;

[0064] Figures 3A-3C The assembly of several similar or substantially identical architectural panels according to another embodiment is shown;

[0065] Figure 3D The assembly position is shown. Figures 3A-3C Architectural panels in the building;

[0066] Figure 4A A cross-section of the edge of a building panel is shown, comprising a first connecting mechanism of a first mechanical locking device according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0067] Figure 4B The building panel shown includes a second connecting mechanism with a first mechanical locking device. Figure 4A The cross-section of the edges opposite each other in the middle;

[0068] Figures 5A-5C The assembly of two adjacent building panels, including a first mechanical locking device, is shown according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0069] Figure 6A Two adjacent building panels are shown, each including a first mechanical locking device in an assembled position according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0070] Figure 6B yes Figure 6A Detailed view;

[0071] Figure 6C yes Figure 6A Detailed view;

[0072] Figure 7 The illustration shows two adjacent building panels, including a first mechanical locking device, in an assembled position according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0073] Figure 8 The illustration shows two adjacent building panels, including a first mechanical locking device, in an assembled position according to another embodiment of the invention.

[0074] Figure 9 The illustration shows two adjacent building panels, including a first mechanical locking device, in an assembled position according to another embodiment of the invention.

[0075] Figure 10 The illustration shows two adjacent building panels, including a first mechanical locking device, in an assembled position according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0076] Figure 11 The illustration shows two adjacent building panels, including a first mechanical locking device, in an assembled position according to another embodiment of the invention.

[0077] Figure 12 The illustration shows two adjacent building panels, including a first mechanical locking device, in an assembled position according to another embodiment of the invention.

[0078] Figure 13The illustration shows two adjacent building panels, including a first mechanical locking device, in an assembled position according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0079] Figure 14 The illustration shows two adjacent building panels, including a first mechanical locking device, in an assembled position according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0080] Figure 15 The illustration shows two adjacent building panels, including a first mechanical locking device, in an assembled position according to another embodiment of the invention.

[0081] Figure 16 The illustration shows two adjacent building panels, including a first mechanical locking device, in an assembled position according to another embodiment of the invention.

[0082] Figure 17 The illustration shows two adjacent building panels, including a first mechanical locking device, in an assembled position according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0083] Figure 18 The illustration shows two adjacent building panels, including a first mechanical locking device, in an assembled position according to another embodiment of the invention.

[0084] Figure 19 The illustration shows two adjacent building panels, including a first mechanical locking device, in an assembled position according to another embodiment of the invention.

[0085] Figure 20A-20D The illustration shows adjacent building panels assembled according to an embodiment conceived in accordance with the present invention;

[0086] Figures 21A-21B The illustration shows two adjacent building panels, including a second mechanical locking device, assembled and in the assembled position according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0087] Figures 22A-22B The illustration shows two adjacent building panels, including a second mechanical locking device, assembled and in the assembled position according to another embodiment of the invention;

[0088] Figure 23 A movable locking tenon according to one embodiment is shown, which is suitable for Figures 21A-22B The second mechanical locking device in the middle;

[0089] Figures 24A-24C The illustration shows two adjacent building panels, including a second mechanical locking device, assembled and in the assembled position, according to another embodiment of the invention.

[0090] Figures 25A-25B The illustration shows two adjacent building panels, including a second mechanical locking device, assembled and in the assembled position according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0091] Figures 26A-26C The photograph shows Experiment 1 being conducted on two assembled building panels;

[0092] Figures 27A-27B It shows in Figures 26A-26C The test setup used in Experiment 1 performed in the experiment; and

[0093] Figures 28A-28C This is a photograph of Experiment 2, conducted on multiple assembled building panels. Detailed Implementation

[0094] Specific embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided to make this disclosure thorough and complete, and to fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. The terminology used in the detailed description of the embodiments shown in the drawings is not intended to limit the invention. In the drawings, the same reference numerals denote the same elements. Generally, in this disclosure, terms such as “below” or “under” generally mean closer to the back of the panel or its plane, while “above” or “on” means closer to the front of the panel or its plane. Furthermore, the thickness direction of the panel is defined as the vertical direction when the panel is laid flat on a surface. Horizontal and vertical directions are definitions applicable when the architectural panel is laid flat, for example, on a floor. In addition to horizontal and vertical directions, this description will also refer to directions parallel to the extension direction of the front of the architectural panel and directions perpendicular to the extension direction of the front of the architectural panel. When the architectural panel is laid flat, for example, on a floor, the horizontal direction is the same as the direction parallel to the extension direction of the front of the architectural panel, and the vertical direction is the same as the direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the front of the architectural panel.

[0095] "Horizontal plane" refers to a plane that extends parallel to the outer main surface of the surface layer, or, in the example where no surface layer is provided, a plane that extends parallel to the upper surface of the substrate. The adjacent juxtaposed upper portions of the two adjacent connecting edges of the two connected architectural panels together define a "vertical plane" that is perpendicular to the horizontal plane.

[0096] Referring to the attached diagram, Figure 1The diagram shows an architectural panel 1. The architectural panel 1 can be, for example, a floor panel, a wall panel, a ceiling panel, a furniture element, or the like. When the architectural panel 1 is assembled into a larger unit, for example, a floor panel is assembled into a floor, similar or substantially identical architectural panels are used. Thus, each architectural panel 1 includes similar or substantially identical components arranged in the same location.

[0097] Building panel 1 can be configured to be disposed on a subfloor (not shown). In one example, the subfloor can be of the type disclosed in US 10,801,231 B2. Optionally, a foam layer can be disposed between building panel 1 and the subfloor or substructure.

[0098] Architectural panel 1 is configured to become an interior component of the building, rather than a part of the building.

[0099] Architectural panel 1 includes four edges 2a-2d, a front side 7a, and a back side 7b. As shown, architectural panel 1 also includes a substrate 8 and a surface layer 9 disposed on one side of the substrate 8. Surface layer 9 may preferably be a decorative surface layer. Surface layer 9 is configured to face the user at the installation location. Surface layer 9 is an optional layer. If surface layer 9 is not present, decorative features such as printing / printing may be provided to the substrate 8 if desired.

[0100] The surface layer 9 can form the front 7a of the building panel 1.

[0101] The rear 7b is configured to face the subfloor or substructure (not shown) when mounted on the subfloor or substructure.

[0102] The surface of the architectural panel 1, such as front 7a or surface layer 9, is configured to be visible to the user at the installation location.

[0103] In one embodiment, surface layer 9 may include a decorative layer. The decorative layer may be a colored powder layer, paper, polymer-based sheet, wood-based sheet, wood veneer, cork-based sheet, or woven or non-woven fabric. This layer may be further printed.

[0104] The surface layer 9 may include a laminate, such as one or more resin-impregnated papers.

[0105] In several other embodiments, decorative layer 9 may be a printed sheet, or a printed sheet bonded to a primer, such as paper. The decorative layer may also be a printed decoration directly printed onto the substrate.

[0106] In several other embodiments, the decorative layer may be a surface layer, for example, when the surface layer is a wood base such as wood veneer of varying thicknesses, or impregnated or unimpregnated paper with or without decorative printing. Furthermore, the surface layer 9 may include an abrasion-resistant layer, such as an abrasion-resistant foil, an abrasion-resistant layer with abrasion-resistant particles, and / or a paint layer and / or a coating.

[0107] The substrate 8 can be a single-layer substrate or a multi-layer substrate. A multi-layer substrate may include different layers to achieve different characteristics of the building panel, such as layers intended to provide the building panel with desired strength, stiffness and / or balanced performance.

[0108] The substrate 8 may be a polymer-based substrate containing one of a variety of polymer-based materials and optional fillers and / or other additives.

[0109] Preferably, the substrate 8 of all building panels in this group may comprise thermoplastic materials and fillers. For example, the thermoplastic material may be selected from the group comprising polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyvinyl butyral (PVB), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polyethylene (PE), polystyrene (PS), polypropylene (PP), polycarbonate (PC), polyvinyl acetate (PVAc), ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), polyacrylate, methacrylate, polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS), thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), and / or any combination thereof. The filler may be organic or inorganic. Organic fillers may be fibers from wood, coconut, or bamboo, and rice husks. Inorganic fillers may be calcium carbonate (CaCO3), barium sulfate (BaSO4), limestone, talc, fly ash, MgO, stone, and / or any combination thereof.

[0110] In a preferred embodiment, the substrate 8 may contain 10-40 wt.% or 15-35 wt.% of thermoplastic material such as PVC and 50-80 wt.% of inorganic filler.

[0111] The plasticizer content in substrate 8 may be less than 5 wt.%, preferably less than 3 wt.% or less than 1 wt.%, and may be in the range of 0.1-5 wt.%, 0.5-5 wt.%, or 0.5-3 wt.%. Generally, in this document, substrate 8 may be dense or foamed.

[0112] In any embodiment herein, the substrate 8 and / or building panel 1 may themselves have an elastic modulus of 2-12 GPa, such as 4-9 GPa or 3-7 GPa.

[0113] In several examples, architectural paneling can be flooring paneling known as luxury vinyl ceramic tile (LVT tile), stone plastic (polymer) composite paneling or solid polymer core paneling (SPC paneling), or expanded polymer core paneling (EPC paneling), also known as waterproof core paneling or wood-plastic composite paneling (WPC paneling).

[0114] In an alternative embodiment, substrate 8 may be a polymer-based substrate comprising one of a variety of polymer-based materials, a wood-based substrate such as HDF, MDF, particleboard, or plywood, or a mineral-based substrate such as MgO. Substrate 8 may also include one or more fillers and / or other additives.

[0115] In other alternative embodiments, the substrate may alternatively comprise polyurethane (PUR), thermosetting plastic, and optionally MgO.

[0116] The architectural panel 1 preferably has a thickness in the range of 2 mm to 20 mm, or in the range of 3 mm to 10 mm, or in the range of 3 mm to 8 mm, or in the range of 3 mm to 5 mm. In one embodiment, the architectural panel 1 has a thickness in the range of 3.5 mm to 5 mm.

[0117] like Figure 4A , Figure 4B and Figure 7 As shown, architectural panels 1, 1', 1" may be provided with an optional pre-attached foam layer 13 attached to the back surface 7b. The pre-attached foam layer 13 may be attached by an adhesive. The pre-attached foam layer 13 may have a thickness ranging from 0.5 mm to 1.5 mm. The pre-attached foam layer 13 may be attached to architectural panels 1, 1', 1" after manufacturing, for example, before packaging architectural panels 1, 1', 1" for shipping. Therefore, architectural panels 1, 1', 1" are already provided with a foam layer, so that a loose foam layer is not required under architectural panels 1, 1', 1" before assembly and installation.

[0118] like Figure 2A-2C As shown in 3A-3D, the building panels 1, 1', 1" are configured to be assembled in a floating installation manner.

[0119] The architectural panels 1, 1', and 1" are configured to be assembled in a glue-free installation manner, that is, assembled without the need for gluing each other.

[0120] To lock adjacent building panels 1, 1', 1" together, each building panel 1 includes: a first mechanical locking device 10 arranged along a first edge 2a and an opposing second edge 2b, wherein the first and second edges 2a, 2b are preferably long edges of the building panel 1; and a second mechanical locking device 10' arranged along a third edge 2c and a fourth edge 2d, wherein the third and fourth edges 2c, 2d are preferably short edges of the building panel 1. However, alternatively, the first mechanical locking device 10 may be provided for the third edge 2c and the fourth edge 4d (preferably short edges), and the second mechanical locking device 10' may be provided for the first edge 2a and the second edge 2b (preferably long edges).

[0121] Each mechanical locking device 10, 10' is configured to horizontally and vertically lock similar or substantially identical architectural panels in the assembled position. The assembled position can be achieved by pivoting movement of one or more architectural panels 1, 1', 1" (also known as pivot assembly), snapping movement of one or more architectural panels 1, 1', 1" (also known as snapping assembly), and / or vertical displacement of one or more architectural panels 1, 1', 1" (also known as vertical assembly).

[0122] Each mechanical locking device 10, 10' is configured to lock similar or substantially identical architectural panels horizontally and vertically in the assembled position without gluing them together, i.e., to achieve a glue-free installation.

[0123] Each mechanical locking device 10, 10' is configured to be assembled in a floating installation manner.

[0124] The first mechanical locking device 10 includes a connecting mechanism 12a at the first edge 2a and a connecting mechanism 12b at the second edge 2b, the connecting mechanism 12b being compatible with the connecting mechanism 12a at the first edge 2a. The second mechanical locking device 10' is similar, it includes a connecting mechanism 12c at the third edge 2c, the connecting mechanism 12c being compatible with the connecting mechanism 12d at the fourth edge 2d.

[0125] Figure 2A-2CThe diagram illustrates a possible assembly method for a set of architectural panels 1, 1', 1" , wherein each architectural panel is provided with a first mechanical locking device 10 along a first edge 2a and a second edge 2b, and a second mechanical locking device 10' along a third edge 2c and a fourth edge 4d. In a first step, the first edge 2a of the first architectural panel 1 and its connecting mechanism 12a are arranged in the second edge 2b of the second architectural panel 1' and its connecting mechanism 12b. The first architectural panel 1 is arranged at an angle relative to the second architectural panel 1'. Then, the first architectural panel 1 is moved toward the third architectural panel 1" , which is preferably already assembled with the second architectural panel 1'. Once the first architectural panel 1 is in the correct position, the first architectural panel 1' is... The second edge 2b of panel 1 descends, reducing the angle at which the first architectural panel 1 is positioned relative to the second architectural panel 1'. As the second edge 2b of the first architectural panel 1 descends, the first edge 2a and its connecting mechanism 12a pivot within the connecting mechanism 12b of the second edge 2b of the adjacent second architectural panel 1'. Simultaneously with the pivoting assembly of the first edge 2a of the first architectural panel 1, the third edge 2c of the first architectural panel 1 and its connecting mechanism 12c are assembled to the fourth edge 2d and its connecting mechanism 12d of the adjacent third architectural panel 1', continuing to move the second edge 2b until it is positioned in the same horizontal plane as the first edge 2a, and the third edge 2c is fully connected to the fourth edge 2d of the adjacent third architectural panel 1'.

[0126] The assembly of the first edge 2a of the first building panel 1 with the second edge 2b of the adjacent second building panel 1' is defined as a pivot assembly. The assembly of the third edge 2c of the first building panel 1 with the fourth edge 2d of the adjacent third building panel 1'' is defined as a vertical assembly, but may also be referred to as a downward folding assembly.

[0127] The first edge 2a of the first architectural panel 1 can pivot around the upper portion of the second edge 2b of the adjacent second architectural panel 1' via a pivotal movement.

[0128] The first mechanical locking device 10 can be configured for pivoting assembly. The second mechanical locking device 10' can be configured for vertical assembly. The first mechanical locking device 10 can be as follows (see reference below). Figure 4A-19 Any of the types described. The second mechanical locking device 10' can be as follows (refer to the following). Figure 21A-25B Any of the types described.

[0129] In several alternative embodiments, the first mechanical locking device 10 may be configured for snap-fit ​​assembly and / or pivot assembly. The second mechanical locking device 10' may be configured for vertical assembly. The first mechanical locking device 10 may be as described below. Figure 4A-19 Any of the types described. The second mechanical locking device 10' can be as follows (refer to the following). Figure 21A-25B Any of the types described.

[0130] Figures 3A-3D Another possible assembly method for a set of architectural panels 1, 1', 1" is shown, wherein the first edge 2a and the third edge 2c are respectively assembled to the second edge 2b of the adjacent architectural panel 1' and the fourth edge 2d of the adjacent architectural panel 1" by pivot assembly. However, other possible ways of assembling a set of architectural panels exist, for example, as... Figure 20A-20D The snap-fit ​​assembly shown will be explained in more detail below.

[0131] However, in Figures 3A-3D In the first step of the assembly method shown, two architectural panels 1 and 1' are assembled along the third and fourth edges 2c and 2d, i.e., the short edges in the example shown. This is achieved by raising the fourth edge 2d of the first architectural panel 1 and arranging the connecting mechanism 12c of the opposing third edge 2c within the connecting mechanism 12d of the fourth edge 2d of the second architectural panel 1', such that the two connecting mechanisms 12c and 12d can engage to lock the two adjacent architectural panels 1 and 1'. Then, the fourth edge 2d of the first architectural panel 1 is lowered, thereby achieving a pivoting movement around the engaging connecting mechanisms 12c and 12d of the third and fourth edges 2c and 2d. During the pivoting movement and into the assembly position where the two architectural panels 1 and 1' are arranged flush with each other, the engaging connecting mechanisms 12c and 12d of each edge 2c and 2d lock the two adjacent edges 2c and 2d of the two architectural panels 1 and 1' together. The pivoting movement can also be referred to as pivot assembly PA. At the assembly position of the short edge, the connecting mechanism 12c of the second mechanical locking device 10' arranged in the third edge 2c of the first building panel 1 is locked to the connecting mechanism 12d of the second mechanical locking device 10' arranged in the fourth edge 2d of the second building panel 1', the uppermost part of the third edge 2c of the first building panel 1 is juxtaposed with the uppermost part of the fourth edge 2d of the second building panel 1', thereby creating a seal S, preferably a tight seal, and the two adjacent building panels 1, 1' are locked at least in the horizontal direction.

[0132] The pivoting motion can pivot around the upper portion of the fourth edge 2d of the second building panel 1'.

[0133] In the second step, the first and second building panels 1, 1' are assembled to the third building panel 1" via the first edge 2a of the first and second building panels 1, 1' and the second edge 2b of the third building panel 1" (i.e., the long edge in the illustrated example). This is achieved by raising the second edge 2b of the first and second building panels 1, 1' and arranging the connecting mechanism 12a of the opposing first edge 2a in the connecting mechanism 12b of the second edge 2b of the third building panel 1" such that the two connecting mechanisms 12a, 12b can cooperate to lock the adjacent building panels 1, 1', 1". Then, the second edges 2b of the first and second architectural panels 1, 1” descend, thereby achieving a pivoting movement around the mating connection mechanisms 12a, 12b of the first and second edges 2c, 2d. During the pivoting movement and into the assembly position in which the architectural panels 1, 1', 1” are arranged flush with each other, the mating connection mechanisms 12a, 12b of each edge 2a, 2b lock the two adjacent edges 2a, 2b of the architectural panels 1, 1', 1” together. The pivoting movement can also be referred to as pivot assembly PA. In the assembly position of the long edges, the connection mechanism 12a of the first mechanical locking device 10 arranged in the first edge 2a of the first and second architectural panels 1, 1' is locked to the connection mechanism 12b of the first mechanical locking device 10 arranged in the second edge 2b of the third architectural panel 1”, the uppermost portion of the first edge 2a of the first and second architectural panels 1, 1' juxtaposed with the uppermost portion of the second edge 2b of the third architectural panel 1”, thereby creating a seal S, preferably a tight seal, and the adjacent architectural panels 1, 1', 1” are locked at least in the horizontal direction.

[0134] The pivoting motion can pivot around the upper portion of the second edge 2b of the third building panel 1".

[0135] Figures 5A-5C A more detailed view of the pivot assembly PA is shown.

[0136] exist Figures 3A-3D In the embodiment shown, the second mechanical locking device 10' may be substantially the same as the first mechanical locking device 10.

[0137] In an alternative installation method (not shown), the first building panel can be simultaneously assembled onto the second and third building panels, wherein pivot assembly on the short edge and pivot assembly on the long edge are achieved simultaneously.

[0138] Figure 4A-19 An embodiment of the mechanical locking device 10 is shown, which is preferably assembled by pivoting. However, Figure 16 , 17 The embodiments shown in 20A-20D can also be assembled by snap-fit ​​assembly, which will be described in more detail below. Figure 21A-25BAn embodiment of the mechanical locking device 10' is shown, which is preferably assembled by vertical assembly.

[0139] The first mechanical locking device 10 may be disposed along opposite first edges 2a and second edges 2b or opposite third edges 3c and fourth edges 4d of the building panel 1. However, for the detailed description of the following embodiment, the first mechanical locking device 10 is described as being disposed along opposite first edges 2a and second edges 2b of the building panel.

[0140] Furthermore, the second mechanical locking device 10' may be disposed along opposite first edges 2a and second edges 2b or opposite third edges 3c and fourth edges 4d of the building panel 1. However, for the detailed description of the following embodiment, the second mechanical locking device 10' is described as disposed along opposite third edges 2c and fourth edges 2d of the building panel.

[0141] Figure 4A A cross-section of the connecting mechanism 12b of the first mechanical locking device 10, preferably arranged along the second edge 2b of the building panel 1, is shown. Figure 4B A cross-section of the connecting mechanism 12a of the first mechanical locking device 10, preferably arranged along the first edge 2a of the building panel 1, is shown.

[0142] Figure 4A The first mechanical locking device 10 includes a locking strip 15, preferably integrally formed in the edge 2b of the building panel 1. The locking strip 15 is arranged in the lower edge portion 4a of the edge 2b and protrudes outward from the lower edge portion 4a in a direction substantially parallel to the front surface 7a of the building panel 1.

[0143] The locking strip 15 has an elongated shape and includes a locking element 16 at its outermost end. The locking element 16 extends in a direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the locking strip 15, and at least partially in a direction toward the front surface 7a of the building panel 1.

[0144] The locking strip 15 includes an elongated portion 19. The elongated portion 19 may extend between the tongue groove 24 and the locking element 16. The elongated portion 19 may have an upper surface 19a, such as the uppermost surface of the elongated portion 19. The upper surface 19a may extend in a direction substantially parallel to the front surface 7a of the building panel 1, which, in the illustrated example, is parallel to the horizontal plane.

[0145] Viewed vertically, the outermost end may be the farthest end of the locking strip 15. In the assembled state, the vertical surface is formed by the locking surface 30 of the upper edge portion 4b, which is configured to engage with a corresponding upper locking surface 45 of the upper edge portion 3b of the adjacent building panel. This locking surface 45 is shown as a substantially vertical surface forming the vertical surface. Figure 4A In the unassembled position shown, viewed from the locking surface 30, the outermost end of the locking strip 15 can be the farthest end of the locking strip.

[0146] The locking element 16 may have an upper surface 20a. The upper surface 20a may be the uppermost surface of the locking element 16. The upper surface 20a may have an extension that is substantially parallel to the front surface 7a of the building panel 1, and in the example shown, this extension is parallel to the horizontal plane.

[0147] The locking element 16 is configured to be received in a locking groove 32 arranged in the edge 2a of the adjacent building panel 1 during the assembly of the two building panels 1. The locking element 16 and the locking groove 32 together are configured to lock the adjacent building panels 1 together at least in the horizontal direction.

[0148] Locking element 16 includes a locking surface 18 configured to engage with, and preferably in contact with, a corresponding locking surface 34 disposed in locking groove 32, for example, in direct contact with it. The two locking surfaces 18, 34 are configured together to lock two adjacent building panels 1 at least horizontally. The locking surface 18 of locking element 16 is arranged at an acute angle α relative to a plane extending parallel to the front face 7a of the building panel 1 (parallel to the horizontal plane in the illustrated example). The acute angle α is preferably in the range of 40° to 60°, and even more preferably about 50°. The corresponding locking surface 34 in locking groove 32 is preferably substantially parallel to the locking surface 18 of locking element 16.

[0149] The locking surface 18 of the locking element 16 is located in the upper portion of the locking element 16. It is also arranged to face the edge 2b and the rest of the building panel 1. The locking surface 18 of the locking element 16 may extend between the upper surface 19a of the elongated portion 19 of the locking strip 15 and the upper surface 20a (preferably the uppermost surface) of the locking element 16.

[0150] The locking surface 18 of the locking element 16 may be a flat surface or a substantially flat surface. The locking surface 34 of the locking groove 32 may be a flat surface or a substantially flat surface.

[0151] The locking element 16 also includes an impact surface 22 configured to engage with a corresponding impact surface 38 disposed in the locking groove 32.

[0152] The impact surface 22 of the locking element 16 can be a flat surface or a substantially flat surface. The impact surface 38 of the locking groove 32 can be a flat surface or a substantially flat surface.

[0153] The two impact surfaces 22 and 38 are configured together to engage with each other, preferably in contact with each other as if in direct contact, and to support each other when a force acting at least partially in the vertical direction is applied to either of the building panels 1 in the assembled position.

[0154] The force acting at least partially in the vertical direction can be a force generated by a load applied to the building panel 1 in its assembled position. During normal use, such as when installed in a room, this force can act on the at least one building panel 1 in its assembled position.

[0155] The force can be applied to the front 7a of at least one building panel 1, opposite the back of the building panel 1.

[0156] Loads and resultant forces can be applied to building panel 1, for example, in its assembled position, by footsteps, loads from furniture, loads from transported objects, loads from objects falling on the ceiling, etc., such as when it is installed to form a floor in a room. This force can originate from dynamic and / or static loads. It can be a force typically generated during normal use, such as when installed as a floor in a room. This force can originate from permanent or temporary loads on the building panel 1 in its assembled position.

[0157] This force and / or load can be referred to as an impact on the mechanical locking device. This impact can activate the impact surfaces 22, 38 of the mechanical locking device, causing the impact surfaces 22, 38 to engage with each other, for example, to come into contact with each other.

[0158] In this disclosure, impact surface 22 and impact surface 38 may also be referred to as support surface 22 and support surface 38, respectively.

[0159] The impact surface 22 of the locking element 16 is located in the lower portion of the locking element 16. It is also arranged to face away from the edge 2b and the rest of the building panel 1. The impact surface 22 of the locking element 16 may extend between the lower surface 19b of the elongated portion 19 of the locking strip 15 and the outer surface 20b of the locking element 16, preferably the outermost surface. The impact surface 22 may extend from the outer surface 20b of the locking element 16 in a direction toward the back surface 7b of the building panel 1, and preferably also in a direction toward the building panel in which the impact surface 22 is disposed.

[0160] Viewed from the vertical plane, the outer surface 20b can be the distal surface of the locking element 16, for example, the farthest surface of the locking element 16. In such a case... Figure 4AIn the unassembled position shown, viewed from the locking surface 30 of the upper edge portion 4b, the outer surface 20b of the locking element 16 can be the far side surface of the locking element 16, such as the farthest side surface.

[0161] For building panels placed on the ground floor, the impact surface 22 of the locking element 16 is arranged to face the ground floor.

[0162] The impact surface 22 of the locking element 16 is arranged at an acute angle β relative to a plane or horizontal plane extending parallel to the front surface 7a of the building panel 1. The acute angle β is preferably in the range of 40° to 70°. The acute angle β can vary depending on the thickness of the building panel 1. In one embodiment, when the thickness of the building panel is in the range of 3 mm to 4.5 mm, the impact surface 22 of the locking element 16 may be arranged at an acute angle β relative to the horizontal plane in the range of 40° to 60°. In an alternative embodiment, when the building panel 1 has a thickness of 4.5 mm or greater, such as 5 mm or 8 mm, the impact surface 22 of the locking element 16 may be arranged at an acute angle β relative to the horizontal plane in the range of 40° to 70°.

[0163] The impact surface 22 of the locking element 16 is a continuous surface in the illustrated example, but in other embodiments it may have two or more segments arranged at different angles, see, for example Figure 11 and 12 Therefore, it is feasible to configure one or more sections of such an impact surface to mate with, or even contact with, the corresponding impact surface of a locking groove in an adjacent building panel.

[0164] The elongated portion 19 of the locking strip 15 may be bendable in a direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the elongated portion 19 or in a vertical direction. The flexible locking strip 15 may be configured to generate pretension in the locking surfaces 18, 34 of the first mechanical locking device 10, such that the edges 2a, 2b of two adjacent building panels 1 contact each other in the assembled position. The pretension may be generated by the two locking surfaces 18, 34 of the respective locking element 16 and the locking groove 32, which contact each other in the assembled position.

[0165] In the assembly position, the pretension between the two locking surfaces 18, 34 of the corresponding locking element 16 and locking groove 32 can also be generated without the flexible locking strip 15, for example by arranging a flexible layer under the building panel during installation.

[0166] A tenon groove 24 is provided on the inner portion of the locking strip 15 and above the locking strip 15. The tenon groove 24 is configured to engage with a locking tenon 40 arranged in the edge 2a of the adjacent building panel 1. The tenon groove 24 and the locking tenon 40 together are configured to lock the two adjacent building panels 1 at least in the vertical direction.

[0167] The tenon groove 24 includes an upper surface 25 configured to engage with a corresponding upper surface 41 of the locking tenon 40. The two upper surfaces 25, 41 are configured together to lock adjacent building panels 1 at least in the vertical direction.

[0168] Arranged above the tenon groove 24 is an upper locking tenon 27. The upper locking tenon 27 is preferably integrally formed in and extends from the edge 2b of the building panel 1. The upper locking tenon 27 is configured and shaped to receive in an upper tenon groove 42 arranged in the edge 2b of an adjacent building panel 1. The upper locking tenon 27 and the upper tenon groove 42 are configured together to lock the adjacent building panel at least in the vertical direction. The upper locking tenon 27 and the upper tenon groove 42 are also configured together to create a tight seal TS, thereby preventing or at least hindering any liquid (e.g., water) from further penetrating into the building panel 1. For ideal tight seal TS, it is preferred that the height H1 of the upper locking tenon 27 is greater than or at least equal to the height H2 of the upper tenon groove 42. The difference between the height H1 of the upper locking tongue 27 and the height H2 of the upper tongue groove 42 is in the range of 0.01 mm to 0.2 mm, preferably in the range of 0.01 mm to 0.1 mm, and even more preferably in the range of 0.01 mm to 0.05 mm. The height H1 of the upper locking tongue 27 is preferably in the range of 0.2 mm to 2.0 mm, or in the range of 0.2 mm to 1.0 mm.

[0169] The upper locking tenon 27 includes an upper surface 28 configured to mate with the upper surface 43 of the upper tenon groove 42. The upper surface 28 of the upper locking tenon 27 and the upper surface 43 of the upper tenon groove 42 are configured together to create a tight seal TS and lock the adjacent building panel 1 at least in the vertical direction.

[0170] The upper locking tongue 27 and the corresponding upper tongue groove 42 are optional features; embodiments without these features are... Figure 7-13 As shown in 16-19. However, for each embodiment described herein, the upper locking tongue 27 and the corresponding upper tongue groove 42 may be added or removed.

[0171] In the upper edge portion 4b, above the upper locking tongue 28, an upper locking surface 30 is provided, illustrated as a generally vertical surface. The locking surface 30 is configured to mate with a corresponding opposing upper locking surface 45, shown as a generally vertical surface arranged in the upper edge portion 3b of the adjacent building panel 1'. The two locking surfaces 30, 45 are configured to mate with each other in the assembled position and preferably to contact each other. Figure 2C and 3D As shown, the upper locking surface 30 of the first building panel 1 and the upper locking surface 45 of the adjacent building panel 1' are configured to form a seal S.

[0172] In the assembly position, a basically vertical surface can be formed as a vertical plane.

[0173] As mentioned above, Figure 4B The first mechanical locking device 10 includes a locking groove 32 configured to receive a locking strip 15 with a locking element 18 from an adjacent building panel 1. The locking groove 32 is disposed in the lower edge portion 3a of the edge 2a and extends inwardly into the building panel 1 in a direction substantially parallel to the front surface 7a of the building panel 1. At its innermost end, the locking groove 32 extends further upward toward the front surface 7a of the building panel 1, where the locking element 18 will be received.

[0174] The locking groove 32 and the locking element 16 are configured together to lock the adjacent building panel 1 at least in the horizontal direction.

[0175] The locking groove 32 includes a locking surface 34 configured to engage with and preferably contact a corresponding locking surface 18 of the locking element 16. The two locking surfaces 18, 34 are configured together to lock adjacent building panels 1 at least horizontally. The locking surface 34 of the locking groove is preferably substantially parallel to the locking surface 18 of the locking element 16. Therefore, the locking surface of the locking groove may be arranged at an acute angle δ relative to a plane or horizontal plane extending parallel to the front surface 7a of the building panel 1. The acute angle δ is preferably in the range of 40° to 60°, and even more preferably about 50°.

[0176] The locking surface 34 of the locking groove 32 is located in the upper portion of the locking groove 32. It is also arranged to face the rest of the building panel 1. The locking surface 34 of the locking groove 32 may extend between the upper surface 35 of the lower portion of the locking groove 32 and the upper surface 36a of the upper portion of the locking groove 32, preferably the uppermost surface, which in the assembled position is opposite to the upper surface 19a of the elongated portion 19 of the locking strip 15 of the adjacent building panel 1, and which in the assembled position is opposite to the upper surface 20a of the locking element 16 of the adjacent building panel 1.

[0177] The locking groove 32 may include a contact surface 33. The contact surface 33 may extend in a direction substantially parallel to the front surface 7a of the building panel 1, which, in the example shown, is parallel to the horizontal plane. The contact surface 33 may extend from the tongue 40 to the locking surface 34. The contact surface 33 may be configured to mate with, for example, the upper surface 19a of the elongated portion 19 of the adjacent building panel 1' in the assembled position.

[0178] The locking groove 32 may also include an upper surface 36a. The upper surface 36a may extend from the locking surface 34 in a direction substantially parallel to the front surface 7a of the building panel 1, which in the example shown is parallel to the horizontal plane.

[0179] The locking groove 32 also includes an impact surface 38 configured to engage with a corresponding impact surface 22 of the locking element 16. The two impact surfaces 22, 38 are configured together to engage, contact, and support each other when a force acting at least partially in the vertical direction is applied to either of the building panels 1 in the assembled position.

[0180] In this disclosure, impact surface 38 and impact surface 22 may be referred to as support surface 38 and support surface 22.

[0181] The impact surface 38 of the locking groove 32 may be parallel to the impact surface 22 of the locking element 16, or the impact surface 38 of the locking groove 32 may not be parallel to the impact surface 22 of the locking element 16.

[0182] The impact surface 38 of the locking groove 32 is located in the lower portion of the locking groove 32. It is also arranged to face away from the rest of the building panel 1. The impact surface 38 may extend from the inner surface 36b of the locking groove 32, preferably the innermost surface, in a direction toward the back surface 7b of the building panel 1, and in some embodiments extends all the way to the back surface 7b of the building panel 1, and preferably also extends in a direction away from the building panel 1.

[0183] Viewed from the vertical plane, the inner surface 36b can be the distal surface of the locking groove 32, for example, the farthest surface of the locking groove 32. In such a case... Figure 4B In the unassembled position shown, the inner surface 36b of the locking groove 32 can be the far side surface of the locking groove 32, for example, the farthest side surface seen from the locking surface 45 of the upper edge portion 3b.

[0184] The impact surface 38 may be arranged at an acute angle φ relative to a plane or horizontal plane extending parallel to the front surface 7a of the building panel 1. The acute angle φ is preferably in the range of 40° to 70°. The acute angle φ may vary depending on the thickness of the building panel 1. In one embodiment, when the thickness of the building panel is in the range of 3 mm to 4.5 mm, the impact surface 38 of the locking groove 32 may be arranged at an acute angle β relative to the horizontal plane in the range of 40° to 60°. In an alternative embodiment, when the building panel 1 has a thickness of 4.5 mm or greater, such as 5 mm or 8 mm, the impact surface 38 of the locking groove 32 may be arranged at an acute angle φ relative to the horizontal plane in the range of 40° to 70°.

[0185] The impact surface 38 of the locking groove 32 is a continuous surface in the illustrated example, but in many other embodiments, see, for example, [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 12 It may have two or more sections arranged at different angles. Therefore, it is feasible to configure one or more sections of such an impact surface to mate with the corresponding impact surface of a locking element in an adjacent building panel.

[0186] At the lowermost end of the impact surface 38 of the locking groove 32, a chamfer 39, preferably a vertical chamfer, may be provided extending from the impact surface 38 to the back surface 7b of the building panel 1. This chamfer 39 is an optional feature, but may be advantageous for installation characteristics. For example, if it is desirable to design the impact surface 38 with acute angles β and φ in the range of 40° to 45° and parallel to each other, it may be advantageous to remove material, shorten the impact surface 38 of the locking groove 32, and have a chamfer 39 to reduce the risk during assembly of the building panel 1 of features of the first mechanical locking device 10 arranged in the first or third edges 2a, 2c abutting against features of the first mechanical locking device 10 arranged in the second or fourth edge 2b, respectively. The height H3 of the chamfer 39 may vary depending on the acute angles β and φ, the thickness of the building panel 1, and other possible features of the first mechanical locking device 10, see, for example, [reference needed]. Figure 10 In one embodiment where the building panel has a thickness of 3.5 mm and the impact surfaces 22, 38 are arranged at an angle ranging from 40° to 70°, the preferred maximum height H3 can be 0.6 mm. In one embodiment where the building panel has a thickness of 5 mm and the impact surfaces 22, 38 are arranged at an angle ranging from 40° to 70°, the maximum height H3 can be 1.4 mm.

[0187] A locking tongue 40 is arranged horizontally opposite the locking groove 32. This locking tongue is preferably integrally formed in and extends from the edge 2a of the building panel 1. The locking tongue 40 is configured and designed to receive in a tongue groove 24 arranged in the edge 2b of an adjacent building panel 1. The tongue groove 24 and the locking tongue 40 together are configured to lock the adjacent building panel 1 at least in the vertical direction.

[0188] The locking tenon 40 includes an upper surface 41 configured to engage with a corresponding upper surface 25 of the tenon groove 24. The two upper surfaces 25, 40 are configured together to lock adjacent building panels 1 at least in the vertical direction.

[0189] Arranged above the locking tenon 40 is an upper tenon groove 42. The upper tenon groove 42 extends into the edge 2a of the building panel, preferably as a continuation of the upper surface 40 of the locking tenon 40. The tenon groove 42 is configured to receive an upper locking tenon 27 arranged in the edge 2b of an adjacent building panel 1. The upper tenon groove 42 and the upper locking tenon 27 are together configured to lock the adjacent building panel at least in the vertical direction. The upper tenon groove 42 and the upper locking tenon 27 are also together configured to create a tight seal TS, thereby preventing or at least hindering any liquid (e.g., water) from further penetrating into the building panel 1. For ideal tight seal TS to be created, it is preferred that the height H1 of the upper locking tenon 27 is greater than or at least equal to the height H2 of the upper tenon groove 42. The difference between the height H1 of the upper locking tongue 27 and the height H2 of the upper tongue groove 42 is in the range of 0.01 mm to 0.2 mm, preferably in the range of 0.01 mm to 0.1 mm, and even more preferably in the range of 0.01 mm to 0.05 mm / 0.01 mm or 0.05 mm.

[0190] The upper tenon groove 42 includes an upper surface 43 configured to engage with the upper surface 28 of the upper locking tenon 27. The upper surface 43 of the upper tenon groove 42 and the upper surface 28 of the upper locking tenon 27 are configured together to create a tight seal TS and lock the adjacent building panel 1 at least in the vertical direction.

[0191] The upper locking tongue 27 and the corresponding upper tongue groove 42 are optional features; embodiments without these features are... Figure 7-13 As shown in 16-19. However, for each embodiment described herein, it is feasible to add or remove the upper locking tongue 27 and the corresponding upper tongue groove 42.

[0192] Above the upper tenon groove 42, disposed in the upper edge portion 3b, is a substantially upper locking surface 45. The locking surface 45 is configured to mate with a corresponding opposing substantially upper locking surface 30 disposed in the upper edge portion 4b of the adjacent building panel 1. The two locking surfaces 30, 45 are configured to mate with each other in the assembled position and preferably to contact each other. Figure 2C and 3D As shown, the upper locking surface 30 of the first building panel 1 and the upper locking surface 45 of the adjacent building panel 1' are configured to form a seal S.

[0193] Figures 5A-5C A more detailed view of the cross-section of the mechanical locking device during pivot assembly PA is shown. The pivoting movement can begin when the locking tenon 40 is at least partially arranged in the tenon groove 24, and the building panel 1 to be assembled is arranged at an angle relative to the adjacent building panel 1'. The building panel 1 then pivots downwards, causing the locking tenon 40 to move further into the tenon groove 24, and the locking element 16 of the locking strip 15 to shift into the locking groove 32, and the angle of the pivoted building panel 1 decreases. Furthermore, the upper locking tenon 27 (if present) shifts into the upper tenon groove 42 to form a tight seal TS. When the pivoting movement results in the assembled position, the vertical surfaces 30, 45 of the upper edge portions 4b, 3b preferably engage, and even more preferably contact each other, to form a seal S, and the two adjacent building panels 1, 1' are locked together in both the vertical and horizontal directions.

[0194] like Figures 5A-5B As shown, the first edge 2a of the first architectural panel 1 pivots around the upper portion 4b of the second architectural panel 1'.

[0195] Figure 6A It shows the use of, for example Figure 4A and 4B The first mechanical locking device 10 shown is assembled to the cross-section of the first edge 2a of the first building panel 1 on the second edge 2b of the adjacent second building panel 1'.

[0196] Figure 6B This is a more detailed view of the assembly of the locking element 16 in the locking groove 32 and the two mating locking surfaces 18, 34 and the two mating impact surfaces 22, 38.

[0197] In the assembled position, the locking element 16 of the second building panel 1' is arranged in the locking groove 32 of the first building panel 1. The locking strip 15 of the second building panel 1' extends below the first edge 2a of the first building panel 1, and more specifically, the elongated portion 19 of the locking strip 15 is arranged below the portion of the first edge 2a located between the locking tongue 40 and the locking groove 32.

[0198] Furthermore, the locking tongue 40 of the first building panel 1 is arranged in the tongue groove 24 of the second building panel 1', and the upper locking tongue 27 of the second building panel 1 is arranged in the upper tongue groove 42.

[0199] Two adjacent building panels 1, 1' are locked vertically in the assembled position by at least the locking tenon 40 in the tenon groove 24 and the upper locking tenon 27 in the upper tenon groove 42, and horizontally by at least the locking element 16 in the locking groove 32. Furthermore, in the assembled position, the two adjacent building panels 1, 1' are arranged such that the two substantially upper locking surfaces 30, 45 of the respective building panels 1, 1' engage and form a seal S in the upper edge portions 4b, 3b of the building panels 1, 1'. Additionally, in the assembled position, the upper locking tenon 27 and the upper tenon groove 42 are configured to form a tight seal TS between the respective upper surfaces 28, 43.

[0200] The seal S can extend in the vertical plane.

[0201] A closer look at the locking element 16 arranged in the locking groove 32 reveals that this embodiment includes a corresponding locking element 16 and locking surfaces 18, 34 of the locking groove 32, which are substantially parallel to each other. In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the two locking surfaces may not be parallel to each other.

[0202] As described above, the locking surface 18 of the locking element 16 and the locking surface 34 of the locking groove 32 are arranged at acute angles α and δ with respect to the horizontal plane. The acute angles α and δ are preferably in the range of 40° to 60°, and even more preferably about 50°.

[0203] In this embodiment, the impact surfaces 22, 38 of the corresponding locking elements 16 and locking grooves 32 are substantially parallel to each other. In an alternative embodiment, see... Figure 8 and 9 The two impact surfaces 22 and 38 are not parallel to each other. The two impact surfaces 22 and 38 are configured together to engage and support each other when a force, at least partially in the vertical direction, is applied to either of the building panels 1 in the assembled position. See [reference needed]. Figure 25A -25°C.

[0204] As described above, the impact surface 22 of the locking element 16, and preferably the impact surface 38 of the locking groove 32, are arranged at acute angles β and φ relative to the horizontal plane. The acute angles β and φ are preferably in the range of 40° to 70°. The acute angles β and φ can vary depending on the thickness of the building panel 1. In one embodiment, when the thickness of the building panel is in the range of 3 mm to 4.5 mm, the impact surface 22 of the locking element 16 may be arranged at an acute angle β relative to the horizontal plane in the range of 40° to 60°. In an alternative embodiment, when the building panel 1 has a thickness of 4.5 mm or greater, such as 5 mm or 8 mm, the impact surface 22 of the locking element 16 may be arranged at an acute angle β relative to the horizontal plane in the range of 40° to 70°. In one embodiment, when the thickness of the building panel is in the range of 3 mm to 4.5 mm, the impact surface 38 of the locking groove 32 may be arranged at an acute angle φ relative to the horizontal plane in the range of 40° to 60°. In an alternative embodiment, when the building panel 1 has a thickness of 4.5 mm or greater, such as 5 mm or 8 mm, the impact surface 38 of the locking groove 32 may be arranged at an acute angle φ relative to the horizontal plane in the range of 40° to 70°. The impact surface 38 of the locking groove 32 may be parallel to or not parallel to the impact surface 22 of the locking element 16.

[0205] Furthermore, in the assembled position, a clearance P1 may exist between the impact surface 22 of the locking element 16 and the impact surface 38 of the locking groove 32. The clearance P1 may be in the range of 0 mm to 0.2 mm, or in the range of 0.02 mm to 0.1 mm, or about 0.05 mm.

[0206] The clearance P1 between the impact surface 22 of the locking element 16 and the impact surface 38 of the locking groove 32 may exist in the assembled position at least partially when no force is acting on at least one building panel in the vertical direction. The clearance P1 is measured in the assembled position when the upper vertical surfaces 30 and 45 are in contact. The clearance P1 can be measured with a clearance gauge.

[0207] The building panel can be configured to have a clearance P1 in the assembled position before a force acting at least partially in the vertical direction is applied to at least one of the building panels 1, 1', 1" . Thereafter, the force can reduce the clearance P1 and cause the impact surface 38 of the locking groove 32 to engage with the impact surface 22 of the locking element 16.

[0208] In one example, such as Figure 6CAs shown, in the assembled position, a second clearance P2 may exist between the locking surface 18 of the locking element 16 and the locking surface 34 of the locking groove 32. The second clearance P2 may be in the range of 0 mm to 0.2 mm, or in the range of 0.02 mm to 0.1 mm, or approximately 0.05 mm. The second clearance P2 between the locking surface 18 of the locking element 16 and the locking surface 34 of the locking groove 32 exists in the assembled position at least when no force is applied that acts at least partially vertically on at least one building panel. The second clearance P2 is measured in the assembled position when the upper vertical surfaces 30, 45 are in contact. The second clearance P2 can be measured using a clearance gauge.

[0209] In one embodiment, clearance P1 exists, while the second clearance P2 does not exist. In another embodiment, the second clearance P2 exists, while clearance P1 does not exist. In yet another embodiment, both clearance P1 and the second clearance P2 exist.

[0210] At the assembly location, such as Figure 5C , 6A As shown in -6C and 7-15, the upper surface 19a of the elongated portion 19 of the locking strip 15 contacts, for example, the contact surface 33 of the tenon groove 32, for example, in direct contact. There is no intermediate material or intermediate layer between the upper surface 19a of the elongated portion 19 and the contact surface 33 of the tenon groove 32. There is no adhesive between the upper surface 19a of the elongated portion 19 and the contact surface 33 of the tenon groove 32.

[0211] Furthermore, in the assembled position, the upper surface 25 of the tenon groove 24 contacts, for example, the upper surface 41 of the tenon 40, for example, in direct contact. There is no intermediate material or intermediate layer between the upper surface 25 of the tenon groove 24 and the upper surface 41 of the tenon 40. There is no glue between the upper surface 25 of the tenon groove 24 and the upper surface 41 of the tenon 40.

[0212] Furthermore, in the assembled position, the upper locking surface 30 of the first building panel 1 and the upper locking surface 45 of the adjacent building panel 1' are in contact with each other, for example, in direct contact. There is no intermediate material or intermediate layer between the upper locking surface 30 of the first building panel 1 and the upper locking surface 45 of the adjacent building panel 1'. There is no adhesive between the upper locking surface 30 of the first building panel 1 and the upper locking surface 45 of the adjacent building panel 1'.

[0213] Furthermore, in the assembled position, the locking surface 18 of the locking element 16 and the locking surface 34 of the locking groove 32 are arranged without any intermediate material or intermediate layer. There is no adhesive between the locking surface 18 of the locking element 16 and the locking surface 34 of the locking groove 32. If, as described above, a clearance P2 exists between the locking surface 18 of the locking element 16 and the locking surface 34 of the locking groove 32, then there is no adhesive in the clearance P2.

[0214] Furthermore, in the assembled position, the impact surface 22 of the locking element 16 and the impact surface 38 of the locking groove 32 are arranged without any intermediate material or intermediate layer. There is no adhesive between the impact surface 22 of the locking element 16 and the impact surface 38 of the locking groove 32. If a clearance P1 exists between the impact surface 22 of the locking element 16 and the impact surface 38 of the locking groove 32 as described above, then there is no adhesive in the clearance P1.

[0215] In the assembled position, the impact surface 38 of the locking groove is configured to engage with the impact surface 22 of the locking element 16 when a force acting at least partially in the vertical direction is applied to at least one of the building panels 1, 1', without any intermediate material or intermediate layer. The impact surface 38 of the locking groove is configured to contact, for example, directly with the impact surface 22 of the locking element 16 when such a force is applied in the assembled position. Figure 7 An embodiment of the first mechanical locking device 10 is shown, which has the features of the previously described and shown embodiments, but lacks the upper locking tongue and upper locking groove, which are omitted here, and as previously explained, these features are optional. Adjacent building panels 1, 1' are still locked horizontally and vertically by the first mechanical locking device 10. In this embodiment, the two mating locking surfaces 18, 34 are parallel to each other. In this embodiment, the two mating impact surfaces 22, 38 are parallel to each other. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the locking surfaces 18, 34 are substantially parallel to the impact surfaces 22, 38.

[0216] As mentioned above, Figure 7 The building panel is provided with an optional pre-attached foam layer 13 attached to the back surface 7b. The pre-attached foam layer 13 may have a thickness in the range of 0.5-1.5 mm.

[0217] Figure 8An embodiment of the first mechanical locking device 10 is shown, which lacks an upper locking tongue and an upper locking groove, and has non-parallel impact surfaces 22, 38. The remaining features of the first mechanical locking device 10 have been described in the preceding embodiments. In the illustrated example, the impact surface 22 of the locking element 16 is arranged at an angle β, which is still an acute angle relative to the horizontal plane, and this angle is smaller than the angle φ of the impact surface 38 of the locking groove 32 with which it is arranged. In the illustrated example, the impact surface 38 of the locking groove 32 is not parallel to the impact surface 22 of the locking element 16. In the illustrated example, the impact surface 38 of the locking groove 32 is arranged at an angle φ, which is still an acute angle relative to the horizontal plane, but larger than the angle β of the impact surface 22 of the locking element 16 with which it is arranged. In the illustrated embodiment, at least the upper portion of the respective impact surfaces 22, 38 is configured to engage when pressure is applied to at least one of the building panels 1, 1', and preferably contacts the opposing impact surfaces 22, 38.

[0218] Figure 9 An embodiment of the first mechanical locking device 10 is shown, which lacks an upper locking tongue and an upper locking groove, and has non-parallel impact surfaces 22, 38. The remaining features of the first mechanical locking device 10 have been described in the preceding embodiments. In this embodiment, the impact surface 22 of the locking element 16 is arranged at an angle β, which is still an acute angle relative to the horizontal plane, but greater than the angle φ at which the impact surface 38 of the locking groove 32 is arranged. Therefore, in the example shown, the impact surface 38 of the locking groove 32 is not parallel to the impact surface 22 of the locking element 16. In the example shown, the impact surface 38 of the locking groove 32 is arranged at an angle φ, which is still an acute angle relative to the horizontal plane, but less than the angle β at which the impact surface 22 of the locking element 16 is arranged.

[0219] Figure 10An embodiment of the first mechanical locking device 10 is shown, which lacks an upper locking tongue and an upper locking groove, and has a larger chamfer 39. The remaining features of the first mechanical locking device 10 have been described in the preceding embodiments. In the illustrated embodiment, the locking groove 32 is provided with a chamfer 39 extending from the impact surface 38 in a direction toward the rear surface 7b of the building panel 1. This chamfer 39 is an optional feature, but can be advantageous for installation characteristics. For example, if it is desired that the impact surface 38 be designed with acute angles β and φ in the range of 40° to 45° and parallel to each other, it may be advantageous to remove material, shorten the impact surface 38, and have a vertical surface 39 to reduce the risk that features of the first mechanical locking device 10 arranged in the first or third edges 2a, 2c abut against features of the first mechanical locking device 10 arranged in the second or fourth edge 2b, respectively, during assembly of the building panel 1. The height H3 of the chamfer 39 can vary depending on the acute angles β and φ, the thickness of the building panel 1, and other possible features of the first mechanical locking device 10. Furthermore, in the illustrated embodiment, locking surfaces 18 and 34 are not parallel to impact surfaces 22 and 38.

[0220] Figure 11 An embodiment of the first mechanical locking device 10 is shown, which lacks an upper locking tongue and an upper locking groove, and has a discontinuous impact surface 22 of the locking element 16. The remaining features of the first mechanical locking device 10 have been described in the preceding embodiments. In the illustrated embodiment, the impact surface 22 of the locking element 16 has a lower surface 22a arranged at a first acute angle β and an upper surface 22b arranged at a second acute angle β' greater than the first acute angle β. In this example, when force is applied to the building panels 1, 1', at least the lower surface 22a will engage with the opposing impact surface 38 of the locking groove 32. While... Figure 12 In this embodiment, the impact surface 38 of the locking groove 32 is also a discontinuous impact surface, with its lower surface 38a arranged at a first acute angle φ and its upper surface 38b arranged at a second acute angle φ' greater than the first acute angle φ. In this illustrated embodiment, the first angle β of the lower surface 22a of the impact surface 22 of the locking element 16 is parallel to the first angle φ of the lower surface 38a of the impact surface 38 of the locking groove 32, and the second angle β' of the upper surface 22b of the impact surface 22 of the locking element 16 is parallel to the second angle φ' of the upper surface 38b of the impact surface 38 of the locking groove. The remaining features of the first mechanical locking device 10 have been described in the preceding embodiments.

[0221] Figure 13An embodiment of the first mechanical locking device 10 is shown, which lacks an upper locking tongue and an upper locking groove. The remaining features of the first mechanical locking device 10 have been described in the preceding embodiments. In the example shown, the two mating upper surfaces 25, 41 of the corresponding tongue groove 24 and locking tongue 40 extend horizontally, which has previously been shown as slightly inclined surfaces. Furthermore, in the assembled position, the mating locking surfaces 18, 34 of the corresponding locking elements 16 and locking groove 32 are arranged to contact each other. This allows for pre-tensioning between the locking surfaces 18, 34 in the assembled position. To facilitate pre-tensioning, it is preferable that the locking strip 15 is flexible at least in the direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the locking strip; in the example shown, this direction is substantially vertical. Pre-tensioning in the locking surfaces 18, 34 can create a tighter fit between the edges 2a, 2b of adjacent building panels 1, 1', for example, a tighter fit in the vertical surfaces 30, 45 of the upper edge portions 4b, 3b of adjacent building panels 1, 1'. Furthermore, the locking strip 15 and its lower surface 19b can extend horizontally or at an angle relative to the horizontal plane. The lower surface 19b may include cutouts. Different designs of the locking strip 15 and its lower surface 19b can provide different properties to the locking strip; for example, the locking strip 15 can become more or less flexible. Figure 13 Another advantage of the lower surface 19b of the locking strip 15 in any of the examples shown is that it reduces the impact of unevenness / uniformity of the surface on which the building panel is to be assembled, or reduces the impact of material sticking up / warping around the area of ​​the first mechanical locking device 10. This also applies to possible calibration portions 37 arranged in the edge 2a, which are located in the back surface 7b of the building panel in which the locking groove 32 is disposed. The calibration portions 37 extend from the locking groove 32 and the chamfer 39 into the remainder of the building panel 1.

[0222] although Figure 7-13 Figures 16-20D show a preferred embodiment of a first mechanical locking device for building panels with a thickness ranging from 2 mm to 5 mm, but it can also be used for building panels with greater thickness. Figure 14 and 15 A possible implementation of a first mechanical locking device for building panels with a thickness of approximately or greater than 5 mm is shown.

[0223] Figure 14 and 15 An embodiment of the first mechanical locking device 10 is shown again, which has an upper locking tongue 27, an upper locking groove 42, and parallel impact surfaces 22, 38. This embodiment is similar to... Figure 4A-6BThe difference between the aforementioned embodiments shown is that there is a more pronounced angular difference between the locking surfaces 18, 34 and the impact surfaces 22, 38 of the corresponding locking elements 16 and locking grooves 32.

[0224] exist Figure 14 In the first illustration, compared with the parallel impact surfaces 22 and 38 arranged at angles β and φ, the parallel locking surfaces 18 and 34 are arranged at larger angles α and δ relative to the horizontal plane.

[0225] exist Figure 14 In the first illustration, compared with the parallel impact surfaces 22 and 38 arranged at angles β and φ, the parallel locking surfaces 18 and 34 are arranged at larger angles α and δ relative to the horizontal plane.

[0226] exist Figure 15 In the second illustration, compared with the parallel impact surfaces 22 and 38 arranged at angles β and φ, the parallel locking surfaces 18 and 34 are arranged at smaller angles α and δ relative to the horizontal plane.

[0227] Figure 16 and 17 An alternative embodiment of the first mechanical locking device 10 is shown, which can be assembled by pivoting or snap-fit ​​assembly. Compared to pivoting assembly, this snap-fit ​​assembly is achieved by a more horizontal displacement of the assembled architectural panels 1, 1'. One or both architectural panels 1, 1' are pushed towards each other in a substantially horizontal direction until the locking strip 15 and its locking element 16 are engaged in the locking groove 32. Snap-fit ​​assembly is facilitated by giving the locking tongue 40 an inclined lower surface 40a that slopes toward the back surface 7b of the architectural panel 1. The inclined lower surface 40a extends to the lower ridge 40b of the locking tongue 40, through which the locking element 16 must be passed to engage in the locking groove 32.

[0228] also, Figure 16 and 17 The first mechanical locking device 10 shown includes the features described in the foregoing embodiments, and these embodiments may further have such features even if the upper locking tongue and upper tongue groove are not shown.

[0229] exist Figure 18 and 19 Two other possible embodiments are shown, the features of which have been described in the preceding embodiments. Similarly, these embodiments may feature an upper locking tenon, and an upper tenon groove is desirable. In both embodiments, the building panels 1, 1' are preferably assembled by pivoting.

[0230] Figure 20A-20DAn alternative assembly is shown, namely the snap-fit ​​assembly as described above. The snap-fit ​​assembly is achieved by a basic horizontal displacement of the building panel 1 assembled onto the adjacent building panel 1'. This snap-fit ​​assembly is aided, for example, by a more flexible locking strip 15. The locking strip 15 is configured to be pushed downward by the first edge 2a of the building panel 1 being assembled, and thus bends backward and shifts upward. The locking strip 15 shifts upward as the locking element 16 can move upward into the locking groove 32.

[0231] To facilitate downward pushing of the locking strip 15, the locking element 16 includes an inclined guide surface 17 disposed on the front portion of the locking element 16. The guide surface 17 of the locking element 16 is configured to mate with a corresponding guide surface 34, which is disposed below the locking tongue 40 in the lower edge portion of the first edge 2a of the assembled building panel 1. The two guide surfaces 17 and 34 are configured such that when the two guide surfaces 17 and 34 contact each other, i.e., in… Figure 20A At the next moment, the locking element 16 is guided downward, and then the locking strip 15 is guided downward.

[0232] To facilitate the correct positioning of the assembled building panel 1, corresponding upper guide surfaces 26 and 44 are provided. The first upper guide surface 26 is disposed in the upper portion of the tenon groove 24 and may preferably extend between the upper surface 25 of the tenon groove 24 and the upper locking surface 30. The second upper guide surface 44 is disposed in the upper portion of the locking tenon 40 and may preferably extend between the upper surface 41 of the locking tenon 40 and the foremost surface of the locking tenon 40. The two guide surfaces 26 and 44 are configured to guide the locking tenon 40 into the correct position in the tenon groove 24, and consequently guide the edge 2a of the assembled building panel 1 to the correct position relative to the edge 2b of the adjacent building panel 1'. As the locking tenon 40 is guided into the tenon groove 24, the locking strip 15 is further pushed downwards, see... Figure 20C .

[0233] In addition, Figure 20A-20D In the illustrated embodiment, a chamfer 39 is provided at the lowermost end of the impact surface 38 of the locking groove 32. This chamfer 39 does not extend in the generally vertical direction as previously shown, but rather slopes downwards and toward the rest of the building panel 1. This type of chamfer 39 is particularly advantageous in snap-fit ​​assembly so as to prevent the separately installed lower layer (not shown) from bending and folding when the building panel 1 is pushed into the assembled position. This chamfer 39 is an optional feature, and it is also possible to have an inclined chamfer instead of a vertical chamfer; however, as mentioned above, having a vertical chamfer may be advantageous for installation characteristics.

[0234] Figure 20DThe assembly position is shown, in which the locking element 16 has been engaged in the locking groove 32, the locking tongue 40 is in the correct position in the tongue groove 24, the two upper locking surfaces 30, 45 form the desired seal between the two adjacent building panels 1, 1', and the upper surfaces of the two adjacent edges 2a, 2b are arranged to be flush with each other.

[0235] Figure 20A-20D The mechanical locking device 10 shown is configured to be assembled by pivot assembly or snap-fit ​​assembly as described above.

[0236] Figure 21A and 22A The cross-sections of two adjacent building panels 1 and 1' are shown before they are assembled. Figure 21B and 22B Cross-sections of two adjacent building panels 1, 1' in their assembled positions are shown, wherein building panels 1, 1' are locked to each other by a second mechanical locking device 10'. The second mechanical locking device 10' is preferably arranged in the third edge 2c of the first building panel 1 and the fourth edge 2d of the second building panel 1'.

[0237] like Figure 21A , 22A As shown in 24A and 25A, the second mechanical locking device 10' is preferably configured to be assembled by vertical assembly.

[0238] Vertical assembly may include displacement of the first building panel 1 in a substantially vertical direction.

[0239] The second mechanical locking device 10' includes a locking strip 50, preferably integrally formed in the fourth edge 2d of the building panel 1'. The locking strip 50 is arranged in the lower edge portion 6a of the edge 2d and protrudes outward from the lower edge portion 6a in a direction substantially parallel to the front surface 7a of the building panel 1.

[0240] The locking strip 50 has an elongated shape and includes a locking element 51 at its outermost end. The locking element 51 extends in a direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the locking strip 50 and extends at least partially in a direction toward the front surface 7a of the building panel 1.

[0241] Viewed vertically, the outermost end can be the farthest end of the locking strip 50. In the assembled state, the vertical surface is formed by the locking surface 80 of the upper edge portion 5b, which is configured to engage with the corresponding upper locking surface 64 of the upper edge portion 6b of the adjacent building panel. This locking surface 64 is illustrated as a substantially vertical surface forming the vertical surface. Figure 21A In the unassembled position shown, viewed from the locking surface 80, the outermost end of the locking strip 50 can be the farthest end of the locking strip.

[0242] The locking element 51 is configured to be received in a locking groove 67 arranged in the third edge 2c of the adjacent building panel 1 during the assembly of the two building panels 1, 1'. The locking element 51 and the locking groove 67 together are configured to lock the adjacent building panel 1 at least in the horizontal direction, but preferably in both the horizontal and vertical directions.

[0243] Locking element 51 includes a locking surface 53 configured to engage and preferably contact a corresponding locking surface 69 disposed in a locking groove 67. The two locking surfaces 53, 69 are configured together to lock adjacent building panels 1, 1' at least horizontally. The locking surface 53 of locking element 51 is arranged at an angle θ relative to a plane extending parallel to the front surface 7a of building panel 1, which in the illustrated example is parallel to the horizontal plane. This angle θ can be in the range of 60° to 90°, in the range of about 70° to 90°, or about 80°. The corresponding locking surface 69 in the locking groove 67 is preferably substantially parallel to the locking surface 53 of locking element 51.

[0244] The locking surface 53 of the locking element 51 is located in the upper portion of the locking element 51. It is also arranged to face the edge 2d and the remainder of the building panel 1'. The locking surface 53 of the locking element 51 may extend between the upper surface 54a of the elongated portion 54 of the locking strip 50 and the upper surface 55 (preferably the uppermost surface) of the locking element 51.

[0245] The elongated portion 54 of the locking strip 50 may be bendable in a direction perpendicular to its extension or vertically. The flexible locking strip 50 may be configured to generate pretension / pre-tensioning in the locking surfaces 53, 69 of the second mechanical locking device 10', such that the edges 2c, 2d of two adjacent building panels 1, 1' contact each other in the assembled position. The pretension may be generated by the two locking surfaces 53, 69 of the respective locking element 51 and locking groove 67, which contact each other in the assembled position.

[0246] In the assembly position, pretension / pre-tensioning between the two locking surfaces 53, 69 of the corresponding locking element 51 and locking groove 67 can also be generated without the flexible locking strip 50, for example by arranging a flexible layer under the building panel during installation.

[0247] A movable tenon receiving groove 57 is provided on the inner portion of the locking strip 50 and above the locking strip 50. The movable tenon receiving groove 57 is configured to receive a movable locking tenon 59. The movable locking tenon 59 is further configured to mate with a tenon groove 70, which is arranged in the edge 2c of the installed building panel 1. The movable locking tenon 59 is also configured to be received at least partially in the tenon groove 70. The movable tenon receiving groove 57, the movable locking tenon 59, and the tenon groove 70 are configured to lock the assembled building panels 1, 1' together at least in the vertical direction.

[0248] Figure 23 A suitable embodiment of a movable locking tenon is shown. The movable locking tenon 59 has a longitudinal base 82 that extends continuously along the length of the movable locking tenon 59. Along the base 82, a plurality of elongated flexible portions or elongated bendable portions 84 are provided. The elongated bendable portions 84 are integrally formed with the base 82 at a first end 85a. The opposite second ends 85b of the bendable portions 84 are configured to move freely between an idle position and a pressed position.

[0249] In unused locations, such as Figure 23 As shown, the elongated, flexible portion 84 extends away from the base 82, with the second end 85b being furthest from the base 82. In the idle position, a slot or gap 86 is provided between the elongated, flexible portion 84 and the base 82. The flexible portion 84 can be bent inward toward the base 82 into the slot 86. In the assembled position, the flexible portion 84 is bent into the slot 86.

[0250] Before assembling adjacent building panels 1, 1', 1" , a movable locking tenon 59 is arranged in a movable tenon receiving groove 57 in the fourth edge 2d, wherein its bendable portion 84 faces the movable tenon receiving groove 57, and its longitudinal base 82 is arranged on the outside of the movable tenon receiving groove 57, facing the building panel 1 to be assembled. See Figure 21A or Figure 22AWhen the building panel 1 is vertically displaced, i.e., pushed downwards, the edge 2c of the vertically displaced building panel 1 further pushes the movable locking tongue 59 into the movable tongue receiving groove 57, thereby generating pretension in the movable locking tongue 59. Once the tongue groove 70 reaches the movable locking tongue 59 during the vertical displacement, the movable locking tongue 59 engages in the tongue groove 70, thereby locking the building panels 1, 1' at least vertically. An upper locking surface 64 is provided in the upper edge portion 6b and above the movable tongue receiving groove 57, which is preferably substantially vertical. The upper locking surface 64 is configured to mate with a corresponding, preferably substantially vertical, upper locking surface 80 provided in the upper edge portion 5b of the adjacent building panel 1'. The two upper locking surfaces 64, 80 are configured to mate with each other in the assembled position and preferably in contact with each other. Figure 2C , 3B As shown in 3D, in the assembled position, the upper locking surface 64 of the building panel 1' and the upper locking surface 80 of the adjacent building panel 1 are configured to form a seal S.

[0251] As described above, the second mechanical locking device 10' includes a locking groove 67 disposed in the third edge 2c, the locking groove 67 being configured to receive a locking strip 50 with a locking element 51 from an adjacent building panel 1'. The locking groove 67 is disposed in the lower edge portion 5a of the edge 2c and extends inwardly into the building panel 1 in a direction substantially parallel to the front surface 7a of the building panel 1. The locking groove 67 extends further upward toward the front surface 7a of the building panel 1 at its innermost end, where the locking element 51 will be received.

[0252] The locking groove 67 and the locking element 51 are configured together to lock adjacent building panels 1, 1', 1" at least in the horizontal direction.

[0253] The locking groove 67 includes a locking surface 69 configured to engage with and preferably contact a corresponding locking surface 53 of the locking element 51. As described above, the two locking surfaces 53, 69 together are configured to lock adjacent building panels 1, 1', 1' at least in the horizontal direction. The locking surface 69 of the locking groove 67 is preferably substantially parallel to the locking surface 53 of the locking element 51.

[0254] The locking surface 69 of the locking groove 67 is located in the upper portion of the locking groove 67. It is also arranged to face the rest of the building panel 1. The locking surface 69 of the locking groove 67 may extend between the upper surface 67a of the lower portion of the locking groove 67 and the upper surface 67b of the upper portion of the locking groove 67, preferably the uppermost surface, which in the assembled position is opposite to the upper surface 54a of the elongated portion 54 of the locking strip 50 of the adjacent building panel 1', and which in the assembled position is opposite to the upper surface 55 of the locking element 51 of the adjacent building panel 1'.

[0255] Figure 22A and 22B An embodiment of the second mechanical locking device 10' shown further includes a flange 61 disposed above a tenon groove 70 receiving a movable tenon. The upper surface 62 of the flange 61 is preferably planar and preferably extends in a horizontal direction. The flange 61 is preferably integrally formed in and extends from the edge 2d of the building panel 1. The upper surface 62 is constructed and shaped to mate with the lower surface 73 of a protruding upper portion 72 disposed in the upper edge portion 5b of the edge 2c of the adjacent building panel 1. The upper surface 62 of the flange 61 and the lower surface 73 of the protruding upper portion 72 are configured together to lock the adjacent building panel at least in the vertical direction. The upper surface 62 of the flange 61 and the lower surface 73 of the protruding upper portion 72 are also configured together to create a tight seal TS, thereby preventing or at least hindering any liquid (e.g., water) from further penetrating into the building panels 1, 1' in the assembled position.

[0256] The flange 61 and the protruding upper portion 72 are optional features.

[0257] Figures 24A-24C Alternative embodiments of the second mechanical locking device 10' are shown in 25A-25B. Here, the second mechanical locking device 10' is still configured to be assembled by vertical assembly, but does not have any movable tenon.

[0258] Replacement Figures 21A-22B As shown and described above, the arrangement with movable locking tenons includes a second mechanical locking device 10' with mating locking chamfers 75 and 76 for locking two adjacent building panels 1 and 1' at least in the vertical direction, wherein each of the locking chamfers 75 and 76 has an inclined surface.

[0259] The first chamfer 75 is disposed on the outer surface, preferably the outermost surface, of the upper edge portion 6b of the edge 2d in which the first chamfer 75 is located. The inclined surface of the first locking chamfer 75 is preferably inclined downward and inward toward the rest of the building panel 1'.

[0260] The second chamfer 76 is disposed on the outer surface, preferably the outermost surface, of the upper edge portion 5b of the edge 2c in which the second chamfer 76 is disposed, or even on the outermost surface of the edge 2c in which the second chamfer 76 is disposed. The inclined surface of the second locking chamfer 76 is preferably inclined downward and outward from the rest of the building panel 1.

[0261] The two locking chamfers 75 and 76 are configured to engage in the assembly position between the two adjacent building panels 1 and 1', and preferably also contact each other during the assembly position, so as to produce a tight lock between the two adjacent building panels 1 and 1'.

[0262] exist Figures 24A-24C In the illustrated embodiment, the upper locking surfaces 64, 80 arranged in the uppermost portions of the upper edge portions 5b, 6b of each edge 2c, 2d are not perfectly vertical, as mainly shown and described above, but are angled relative to the horizontal plane. Arrangement. Angle. The angle can be in the range of 90° to 110°, or in the range of 90° to 100°. The two corresponding upper locking surfaces 64, 80 are preferably substantially parallel to each other.

[0263] Furthermore, compared to the aforementioned embodiments, the locking element 51 is configured to mate with and preferably contact the corresponding locking surface 69 arranged in the locking groove 67 at a different angle. The locking surface 53 of the locking element 51 is arranged at an angle θ relative to a plane extending parallel to the horizontal plane in the illustrated example, parallel to the front surface 7a of the building panel 1. This angle θ can be in the range of 90° to 105°, or in the range of approximately 90° to 100°. The corresponding locking surface 69 in the locking groove 67 is preferably substantially parallel to the locking surface 53 of the locking element 51.

[0264] The two locking surfaces 53 and 69 are configured together to lock adjacent building panels 1 and 1' at least in the horizontal direction.

[0265] To facilitate the assembly of this mechanical locking device 10', it is preferable that the elongated portion 54 of the locking strip 50 can be bent in a direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the elongated portion 54 or in a vertical direction. Once the assembled building panel 1 reaches Figure 24B As shown, the flexible locking strip 50 facilitates assembly when the building panel 1 is pushed downwards in the vertical direction. The flexible locking strip 50 can also be configured to generate pretension in the locking surfaces 53, 69 of the second mechanical locking device 10', such that the edges 2c, 2d of two adjacent building panels 1, 1' contact each other in the assembled position. This pretension can be generated by the two locking surfaces 53, 69 of the corresponding locking element 51 and locking groove 67, which contact each other in the assembled position.

[0266] Figure 25A and 25B An embodiment of the second mechanical locking device 10' shown further includes a flange 61 disposed above a locking chamfer 75 in the fourth edge 2d. The upper surface 62 of the flange 61 is preferably planar and preferably extends in a horizontal direction. The flange 61 is preferably integrally formed in and extends from the edge 2d of the building panel 1. The upper surface 62 is constructed and shaped to mate with the lower surface 73 of a protruding upper portion 72 disposed above the locking chamfer 76 in the upper edge portion 5b of the edge 2c of the adjacent building panel 1. The upper surface 62 of the flange 61 and the lower surface 73 of the protruding upper portion 72 are configured together to lock the adjacent building panel at least in the vertical direction. The upper surface 62 of the flange 61 and the lower surface 73 of the protruding upper portion 72 are also configured together to create a tight seal TS, thereby preventing or at least hindering any liquid (e.g., water) from further penetrating into the building panels 1, 1' in the assembled position.

[0267] The flange 61 and the protruding upper portion 72 are optional features.

[0268] Example

[0269] In the embodiments below, experiments have been conducted to determine the presence and technical effectiveness of the impact surfaces in the locking element and the corresponding impact surfaces of the locking groove.

[0270] The architectural paneling is made of PVC-based SPC panels. The paneling also features a 0.2 mm wear-resistant layer. The tested architectural paneling has an elastic modulus of approximately 7000 MPa and a density of approximately 2000 kg / m³. 3 .

[0271] Test 1 - Pressure

[0272] In Experiment 1, two building panels 1 and 1', each having a polymer-based substrate (e.g., a thermoplastic substrate), were assembled using a mechanical locking device 10 as described above. Subsequently, pressure F was applied to one of the building panels by approaching the mechanical locking device 10. Possible setups for Experiment 1 are shown below. Figure 27A and 27B In Experiment 1, architectural panels 1 and 1' were 60 mm wide, and the fixing plate extended across the entire width of architectural panels 1 and 1', even exceeding the width of architectural panels 1 and 1'. Experimental photographs are shown below. Figures 26A-26C As shown. The pressure increases until any part of the building paneling cracks. Figure 26A The image shows two building panels just before the pressure was applied. Figure 26B and 26C The image shows two building panels under pressure and as the pressure is increased.

[0273] As a reference, two assembled building panels were tested using the method described above. These panels had a polymer-based substrate, such as a thermoplastic substrate, and a mechanical locking device with no impact surfaces on the corresponding locking elements and locking grooves. The thickness of each building panel was used as a reference.

[0274] Test 1 was then conducted on two assembled building panels of different thicknesses, both having the same material composition as the reference, i.e., a polymer-based substrate, such as a thermoplastic substrate. According to the invention, building panels with mechanical locking devices having impact surfaces on the corresponding locking elements and locking grooves were tested at different angles β, φ. Some tests were conducted on building panels with mechanical locking devices including an upper locking tongue and an upper tongue groove. The results were compared with the relevant references given in Tables 1-5. In the table below, specimens with impact surfaces are designated IS.

[0275] The thicknesses tested were 3.5 mm (see Tables 1 and 2), 5.0 mm (see Table 3), 7.0 mm (see Table 4), and 8.0 mm (see Table 5).

[0276] Reference specimens of each thickness have locking surfaces, α, δ, arranged at 65°. IS specimens of each thickness have locking surfaces, α, δ, arranged at 50°. The locking surfaces arranged at 50° allow for the impact surfaces to be arranged at various angles, β, φ, especially when two adjacent building panels can be assembled.

[0277] Table 1: Test 1a - 3.5 mm thick, with upper locking tongue / upper tongue groove and locking surfaces with different angles.

[0278]

[0279] Table 2: Test 1b - Thickness 3.5 mm, without upper locking tongue / upper tongue groove.

[0280]

[0281] Table 3: Test 1c - 5 mm thick, with upper locking tongue / upper tongue groove and locking surfaces at different angles.

[0282]

[0283] Table 2: Test 1d -- Thickness 7 mm, no upper locking tongue / upper tongue groove.

[0284]

[0285] Table 3: Test 1e -- Thickness 8.0 mm, without upper locking tongue / upper tongue groove.

[0286]

[0287] Conclusion: For building panels with a thickness of 3.5 mm, Test 1a shows that when the mechanical locking device includes an impact surface with locking elements and corresponding locking grooves arranged at angles β, φ of less than 60°, the maximum load capacity of the mechanical locking device in the vertical direction is increased, or at least approximately the same, compared to the reference.

[0288] For a building panel with a thickness of 3.5 mm, Test 1b shows that the maximum load capacity of the mechanical locking device in the vertical direction increases when the mechanical locking device includes an impact surface with a locking element and a corresponding locking groove, compared to a reference without an impact surface.

[0289] For a 5 mm thick building panel, Test 1c shows that, compared to a reference without an impact surface, the maximum load capacity of the mechanical locking device increases in the vertical direction when the mechanical locking device includes an impact surface with locking elements and corresponding locking grooves. Here, the effect of the impact surface at its arrangement angles β, φ is not as significant as when the building panel has a thinner thickness (e.g., 3.5 mm).

[0290] For a 7 mm thick building panel, test 1d showed that the mechanical locking device had an increased maximum load capacity in the vertical direction compared to the reference.

[0291] For building panels with a thickness of 8 mm, Test 1e showed that the mechanical locking device had an increased maximum load capacity in the vertical direction compared to the reference.

[0292] Experiment 2 - Rotation speed

[0293] In Test 2, several building panels were assembled together using a mechanical locking device. Subsequently, wheelchair tests were conducted on the assembled building panels using EN 425:2002 W-type wheels and Dongguan Hongzhida 0610 foam, in accordance with ISO 4918:2016.

[0294] Test 2 was conducted on architectural panels having a polymer-based substrate (e.g., a thermoplastic substrate) and a thickness of 4.5 mm. Each architectural panel was provided with a first mechanical locking device along its long edges (i.e., the first and second edges) and a second mechanical locking device along its short edges (i.e., the third and fourth edges). The first mechanical locking device corresponds to... Figure 7The illustrated embodiment includes locking surfaces arranged at acute angles α and δ of 50° and impact surfaces arranged at acute angles β and φ of 50°. However, the first mechanical locking device used for reference does not have impact surfaces. For all specimens, including the reference specimen, the second mechanical locking device in this test corresponds to... Figures 24A-24C The implementation scheme shown.

[0295] The wheelchair test runs until the building panels are layered, until the gap between the edges of two adjacent building panels exceeds a predetermined value, such as at least 0.2 mm, or until it reaches the maximum number of revolutions of 25,000.

[0296] Following the wheelchair test, the group of building panels was inspected to detect gaps between panels or cracks within the panels. The results of Test 2 are shown in Table 6 below. Figures 28A-28C In the test, a specimen, IS 2a, was stopped at the same number of revolutions performed as the reference in the wheelchair test, so that the differences in gaps and cracks could be analyzed at the same damage rate.

[0297] Figure 28A The reference photo shows the crack and its length highlighted with tape ST. Figure 28B These are photographs of the cracks and their lengths in sample IS 2a. Figure 28C These are photographs of the cracks and their lengths in sample IS 2b.

[0298] Table 6: Test 2--4.5 mm.

[0299]

[0300] Conclusion: Experiment 2 demonstrates a significant improvement in this group of building panels, namely specimens 2a and 2b, when the mechanical locking device includes impact surfaces β and φ arranged at a 50° angle with locking elements and locking grooves. As can be seen from Table 6, the maximum applied revolutions increased from 16,687 revolutions to at least 25,000 revolutions compared to the reference, see specimen IS 2b. Furthermore, there are no visible gaps between the building panels in specimen IS 2b, compared to the reference which has a 0.3 mm gap between the short edges of the building panels. Moreover, even when exposed to 8,000 more revolutions than the reference, the total crack length in specimen IS 2b is smaller than that in the reference. This means that even when the mechanical locking device is exposed to more than 8,000 revolutions than the mechanical locking device without impact surfaces, the total crack length in the specimen with the first mechanical locking device with impact surfaces is approximately 23% smaller.

[0301] Furthermore, observing specimen IS 2a, which stopped at the same number of revolutions performed as the reference, we can clearly see the improvement. Compared to the reference, which has a 0.3 mm gap between the short edges of the building panels, specimen IS 2a has no visible gaps between the building panels. Moreover, since the total crack length in specimen IS 2a is 320 mm while the total crack length in the reference is 800 mm, the total crack length in specimen IS 2a is significantly smaller than that in the reference. This means that the total crack length in the specimen with the first mechanical locking device with an impact surface is approximately 150% smaller than that in the case of a mechanical locking device without an impact surface.

[0302] entry:

[0303] 1. A set of architectural panels, such as floor panels, comprising similar or substantially identical architectural panels, wherein each architectural panel (1, 1', 1") includes: a first mechanical locking device (10) configured to horizontally and vertically lock a first edge (2a) of the architectural panel (1, 1', 1") to a second edge (2b) of an adjacent architectural panel (1, 1', 1"), wherein the first edge (2a) and the second edge (2b) are preferably long edges of the architectural panel (1, 1', 1"); and a second mechanical locking device (10') configured to horizontally and vertically lock a third edge (2c) of the architectural panel (1, 1', 1") to a fourth edge (2d) of an adjacent architectural panel (1, 1', 1"), wherein the third edge (2c) and the fourth edge (2d) are preferably short edges of the architectural panel (1, 1', 1").

[0304] The first mechanical locking device (10) and / or the second mechanical locking device (10') include a locking strip (15) at one of the first edge (2a) and the second edge (2b) and / or at one of the third edge (2c) and the fourth edge (2d), the locking strip extending from the respective edge in a direction away from the respective edge.

[0305] The locking strip (15) includes, at its outermost portion, a locking element (16) extending in a direction perpendicular to the extending direction of the locking strip (15).

[0306] The locking element (16) is configured to engage with a locking groove (32) in one of the first edges (2a) and the second edge (2b) and / or in one of the third edge (2c) and the fourth edge (2d), such that adjacent building panels (1, 1', 1") are locked horizontally in the assembled position.

[0307] The locking element (16) includes an impact surface (22) that extends from the outer surface (20b) of the locking element (16) at an acute angle (β) relative to the horizontal plane in a direction toward the back surface (6b) of the building panel (1, 1', 1"),

[0308] The locking groove (32) includes an impact surface (38) that extends from the inner surface (36b) of the locking groove (32) at an acute angle (φ) relative to the horizontal plane toward the back surface (6b) of the building panel (1, 1', 1") and is configured to engage with the impact surface (22) of the locking element (16) in the assembled position when a force acting at least partially in the vertical direction is applied to at least one of the building panels (1, 1', 1").

[0309] 2. A set of building panels according to item 1, wherein the impact surface (22) of the locking element (16) is arranged at an acute angle (β) relative to the horizontal plane in the range of 40° to 70°.

[0310] 3. A set of building panels according to item 1 or 2, wherein the impact surface (38) of the locking groove (32) is arranged at an acute angle (φ) relative to the horizontal plane in the range of 40° to 70°.

[0311] 4. A set of building panels according to any one of items 1-3, wherein the impact surface (22) of the locking element (16) is substantially parallel to the impact surface (38) of the locking groove (32).

[0312] 5. A set of building panels according to any one of items 1-3, wherein the impact surface (22) of the locking element (16) is not parallel to the impact surface (38) of the locking groove (32).

[0313] 6. A set of building panels according to any one of the preceding items, wherein the first edge (2a) and the second edge (2b) of the building panel are assembled together by means of the first mechanical locking device (10) via a pivoting or snapping motion.

[0314] 7. A set of building panels according to item 6, wherein the third edge (2c) and the fourth edge (2d) of the building panels are assembled together by means of the second mechanical locking device (10') through vertical displacement.

[0315] 8. A set of architectural panels according to any one of the preceding items, wherein the architectural panel has a thickness in the range of 3 mm to 8 mm.

[0316] 9. A set of building panels according to any one of the preceding entries, wherein the building panels (1, 1', 1") have a thickness in the range of 3 mm to 4.5 mm, and the impact surface (22) of the locking element (16) is arranged at an acute angle (β) in the range of 40° to 60° relative to the horizontal plane.

[0317] 10. A set of building panels according to any one of items 1-8, wherein the building panel (1, 1', 1”) has a thickness in the range of 4.5 mm to 8 mm, and the impact surface (22) of the locking element (16) is arranged at an acute angle (β) in the range of 40° to 70° relative to the horizontal plane.

[0318] 11. A set of building panels according to any one of the preceding entries, wherein the locking element (16) further includes a locking surface (18) configured to engage in the assembly position with the locking surface (34) of the locking groove (32) therein of the locking element (16).

[0319] 12. A set of building panels according to item 11, wherein the locking surface (18) of the locking element (16) and the locking surface (34) of the locking groove (32) are substantially parallel.

[0320] 13. A set of building panels according to item 11 or 12, wherein the locking surface (18) of the locking element (16) is arranged at an acute angle (α) relative to the horizontal plane in the range of 40° to 60°, preferably about 50°.

[0321] 14. A set of building panels according to any one of the preceding entries, wherein the locking groove (32) includes a chamfer (39) disposed below the impact surface (38).

[0322] 15. A set of architectural panels according to item 14, wherein the chamfer (39) comprises a surface inclined downward in a direction toward the remainder of the architectural panel (1, 1', 1") therein.

[0323] 16. A set of architectural panels according to any one of the preceding entries, wherein the mechanical locking device (10, 10') further comprises an upper locking tongue (27) extending from one of the first edge (2a) and the second edge (2b) and / or one of the third edge (2c) and the fourth edge (2d) in a direction away from the respective edge, the upper locking tongue being configured to receive in and engage with an upper tongue groove (42) disposed in the other of the first edge (2a) and the second edge (2b) and the other of the third edge (2c) and the fourth edge (2d).

[0324] 17. A set of building panels according to item 16, wherein the height (H1) of the upper locking tongue (27) is greater than the height (H2) of the upper tongue groove (42) to form a tight seal (TS) between adjacent building panels (1, 1', 1").

[0325] 18. A set of architectural panels according to item 17, wherein the difference between the height (H1) of the upper locking tongue (27) and the height (H2) of the upper tongue groove (42) is in the range of 0.01 mm to 0.2 mm, or in the range of 0.01 mm to 0.1 mm, or in the range of 0.01 mm to 0.05 mm.

[0326] 19. A set of building panels according to any one of the preceding entries, wherein at least the substrate (7) of the building panel (1, 1', 1") comprises a thermoplastic material, preferably, the substrate (7) comprises 10-50 wt.% or more preferably 20-40 wt.% of a thermoplastic material.

[0327] 20. A set of building panels according to any one of the preceding entries, wherein each building panel (1, 1', 1") comprises a single-layer substrate (7), wherein the impact surface (22) of the locking element (16) and the impact surface (38) of the locking groove (32) are arranged in the substrate (7).

[0328] 21. A set of architectural panels, such as floor panels, comprising similar or substantially identical architectural panels, wherein each architectural panel (1, 1', 1") includes: a first mechanical locking device (10) configured to horizontally and vertically lock a first edge (2a) of the architectural panel (1, 1', 1") to a second edge (2b) of an adjacent architectural panel (1, 1', 1"), wherein the first edge (2a) and the second edge (2b) are preferably long edges of the architectural panel (1, 1', 1"); and a second mechanical locking device (10') configured to horizontally and vertically lock a third edge (2c) of the architectural panel (1, 1', 1") to a fourth edge (2d) of an adjacent architectural panel (1, 1', 1"), wherein the third edge (2c) and the fourth edge (2d) are preferably short edges of the architectural panel (1, 1', 1").

[0329] The first mechanical locking device (10) and / or the second mechanical locking device (10') include a locking strip (15) at one of the first edge (2a) and the second edge (2b) and / or at one of the third edge (2c) and the fourth edge (2d), the locking strip extending from the respective edge in a direction away from the respective edge.

[0330] The locking strip (15) includes, at its outermost portion, a locking element (16) extending in a direction perpendicular to the extending direction of the locking strip (15).

[0331] The locking element (16) is configured to engage with a locking groove (32) in one of the first edges (2a) and the second edge (2b) and / or in one of the third edge (2c) and the fourth edge (2d), such that adjacent building panels (1, 1', 1") are locked horizontally in the assembled position.

[0332] The locking element (16) includes an impact surface (22) that extends from the outer surface (20b) of the locking element (16) at an acute angle (β) relative to the horizontal plane in a direction toward the back surface (7b) of the building panel (1, 1', 1"),

[0333] The locking groove (32) includes an impact surface (38) extending from the inner surface (36b) of the locking groove (32) at an acute angle (φ) relative to the horizontal plane toward the back surface (7b) of the building panel (1, 1', 1"), and configured to engage with the impact surface (22) of the locking element (16) in the assembled position when a force acting at least partially in the vertical direction is applied to at least one of the building panels (1, 1', 1"),

[0334] A clearance (P1) is provided between the impact surface (22) of the locking element (16) and the impact surface (38) of the locking groove (32), and

[0335] The first edge (2a) and the second edge (2b) of the building panel are assembled together by means of the first mechanical locking device (10) through a pivoting or snapping motion.

[0336] 22. A set of building panels according to item 21, wherein the impact surface (22) of the locking element (16) is arranged at an acute angle (β) relative to the horizontal plane in the range of 40° to 70°.

[0337] 23. A set of building panels according to item 21 or 22, wherein the impact surface (38) of the locking groove (32) is arranged at an acute angle (φ) relative to the horizontal plane in the range of 40° to 70°.

[0338] 24. A set of building panels according to any one of items 21-23, wherein the impact surface (22) of the locking element (16) is substantially parallel to the impact surface (38) of the locking groove (32).

[0339] 25. A set of building panels according to any one of items 21-23, wherein the impact surface (22) of the locking element (16) is not parallel to the impact surface (38) of the locking groove (32).

[0340] 27. A set of building panels according to any one of the preceding items 21-25, wherein the third edge (2c) and the fourth edge (2d) of the building panels are assembled together by means of the second mechanical locking device (10') through vertical displacement.

[0341] 28. A set of architectural panels according to any one of the preceding items 21-27, wherein the architectural panel has a thickness in the range of 3 mm to 8 mm.

[0342] 29. A set of building panels according to any one of the preceding items 21-28, wherein the building panel (1, 1', 1") has a thickness in the range of 3 mm to 4.5 mm, and the impact surface (22) of the locking element (16) is arranged at an acute angle (β) in the range of 40° to 60° relative to the horizontal plane.

[0343] 30. A set of building panels according to any one of items 21-28, wherein the building panels (1, 1', 1”) have a thickness in the range of 4.5 mm to 8 mm, and the impact surface (22) of the locking element (16) is arranged at an acute angle (β) in the range of 40° to 70° relative to the horizontal plane.

[0344] 31. A set of building panels according to any one of the preceding items 21-30, wherein the locking element (16) further includes a locking surface (18) configured to engage in the assembly position with the locking surface (34) of the locking groove (32) therein of the locking element (16).

[0345] 32. A set of building panels according to item 31, wherein the locking surface (18) of the locking element (16) and the locking surface (34) of the locking groove (32) are substantially parallel.

[0346] 33. A set of building panels according to item 31 or 32, wherein the locking surface (18) of the locking element (16) is arranged at an acute angle (α) relative to the horizontal plane in the range of 40° to 60°, preferably about 50°.

[0347] 34. A set of building panels according to any one of the preceding entries, wherein the locking groove (32) includes a chamfer (39) disposed below the impact surface (38).

[0348] 35. A set of architectural panels according to item 34, wherein the chamfer (39) comprises a surface inclined downward in a direction toward the remainder of the architectural panel (1, 1', 1") in which it is arranged.

[0349] 36. A set of building panels according to any one of items 21-35 above, wherein the first mechanical locking device (10') and / or the second mechanical locking device (10') further includes an upper locking tongue (27) extending from the respective edge in a direction away from the respective edge at one of the first edge (2a) and the second edge (2b) and / or at one of the third edge (2c) and the fourth edge (2d), the upper locking tongue being configured to receive in and engage with an upper tongue groove (42) disposed in the other of the first edge (2a) and the second edge (2b) and / or the other of the third edge (2c) and the fourth edge (2d).

[0350] 35. A set of building panels according to item 36, wherein the height (H1) of the upper locking tongue (27) is greater than the height (H2) of the upper tongue groove (42) to form a tight seal (TS) between adjacent building panels (1, 1', 1").

[0351] 36. A set of building panels according to item 37, wherein the difference between the height (H1) of the upper locking tongue (27) and the height (H2) of the upper tongue groove (42) is in the range of 0.01 mm to 0.2 mm, or in the range of 0.01 mm to 0.1 mm, or in the range of 0.01 mm to 0.05 mm.

[0352] 37. A set of building panels according to any one of the preceding items 21-36, wherein at least the substrate (7) of the building panel (1, 1', 1") comprises a thermoplastic material, preferably, the substrate (7) comprises 10-50 wt.% or more preferably 20-40 wt.% of a thermoplastic material.

[0353] 38. A set of building panels according to any one of the preceding items 21-37, wherein each building panel (1, 1', 1") comprises a single-layer substrate (7), wherein the impact surface (22) of the locking element (16) and the impact surface (38) of the locking groove (32) are arranged in the substrate (7).

[0354] 39. A set of building panels according to any one of the preceding items 21-38, wherein the building panel (1, 1', 1") is provided with a pre-attached foam layer (13) attached to the back side (7b) of the building panel (1, 1', 1").

[0355] 40. A set of building panels according to any one of the preceding items 21-39, wherein the impact surface (38) of the locking groove (32) is configured to directly contact the impact surface (22) of the locking element (16) in the assembled position when a force acting at least partially in the vertical direction is applied to at least one of the building panels (1, 1', 1")

[0356] 41. A set of building panels according to any one of the preceding items 21-40, wherein the clearance (P1) between the impact surface (22) of the locking element (16) and the impact surface (38) of the locking groove (32) is free of adhesive.

[0357] 42. A set of building panels according to any one of the preceding items 21-41, wherein the locking strip (15) includes an elongated portion (19) having an upper surface (19a) extending in a direction substantially parallel to the front face (7a), the upper surface (19a) of the elongated portion (19) being configured to engage with the locking groove (32) in an assembled position.

[0358] 43. A set of building panels according to item 42, wherein the locking groove (32) includes a contact surface (33) configured to engage with the upper surface (19a) of the elongated portion (19) in an assembled position, wherein the contact surface (33) extends in a direction substantially parallel to the upper surface (19a) of the elongated portion (19).

[0359] 44. A set of building panels according to item 42 or 43, wherein the upper surface (19a) of the elongated portion (19) is configured to directly contact the locking groove (32), preferably the contact surface (33) of the locking groove (32), in the assembly position.

[0360] 45. A set of building panels according to any one of the preceding items 42-44, wherein the upper surface (19a) of the elongated portion (19) extends between the tongue groove (24) and the locking element (16) of the locking strip (15).

[0361] 46. ​​A set of building panels according to any one of claims 43-45, wherein the contact surface (33) of the locking groove (32) extends between the locking surface (34) of the locking groove (32) and the tenon (40).

[0362] 47. A set of building panels according to any one of the preceding items 21-46, wherein the locking element (16) of the locking strip (15) includes an upper surface (20a) that extends in a direction substantially parallel to the front face (7a).

Claims

1. A set of architectural panels, such as floor panels, comprising similar or substantially identical architectural panels, wherein each architectural panel (1, 1', 1") comprises: A first mechanical locking device (10) is configured to horizontally and vertically lock a first edge (2a) of a building panel (1, 1', 1") to a second edge (2b) of an adjacent building panel (1, 1', 1"), wherein the first edge (2a) and the second edge (2b) are preferably the long edges of the building panel (1, 1', 1"); A second mechanical locking device (10') is configured to horizontally and vertically lock a third edge (2c) of an architectural panel (1, 1', 1") to a fourth edge (2d) of an adjacent architectural panel (1, 1', 1"), wherein the third edge (2c) and the fourth edge (2d) are preferably short edges of the architectural panel (1, 1', 1"), The first edge (2a) and the second edge (2b) of the building panel (1, 1', 1") are configured to be assembled together by means of the first mechanical locking device (10) via a pivoting or snapping motion. The first mechanical locking device (10) and / or the second mechanical locking device (10') include a locking strip (15) at one of the first edge (2a) and the second edge (2b) and / or at one of the third edge (2c) and the fourth edge (2d), the locking strip extending from the respective edge in a direction away from the respective edge. The locking strip (15) includes, at its outermost portion, a locking element (16) extending in a direction perpendicular to the extending direction of the locking strip (15). The locking element (16) is configured to engage with a locking groove (32) in one of the first edges (2a) and the second edge (2b) and / or in one of the third edge (2c) and the fourth edge (2d), such that adjacent building panels (1, 1', 1") are locked horizontally in the assembled position. The locking element (16) includes an impact surface (22) that extends from the outer surface (20b) of the locking element (16) at an acute angle (β) relative to the horizontal plane in a direction toward the back surface (7b) of the building panel (1, 1', 1"), The locking groove (32) includes an impact surface (38) that extends from the inner surface (36b) of the locking groove (32) at an acute angle (φ) relative to the horizontal plane in a direction toward the back surface (7b) of the building panel (1, 1', 1"), In the assembled position, a clearance (P1) is provided between the impact surface (22) of the locking element (16) and the impact surface (38) of the locking groove (32). The impact surface (38) of the locking groove (32) is configured to engage with the impact surface (22) of the locking element (16) in the assembled position when a force acting at least partially in the vertical direction is applied to at least one of the building panels (1, 1', 1").

2. The set of building panels according to claim 1, wherein, The impact surface (22) of the locking element (16) is arranged at an acute angle (β) relative to the horizontal plane in the range of 40° to 70°.

3. The set of building panels according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The impact surface (38) of the locking groove (32) is arranged at an acute angle (φ) relative to the horizontal plane in the range of 40° to 70°.

4. A set of architectural panels according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein, The impact surface (22) of the locking element (16) is substantially parallel to the impact surface (38) of the locking groove (32).

5. A set of architectural panels according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein, The impact surface (22) of the locking element (16) is not parallel to the impact surface (38) of the locking groove (32).

6. A set of architectural panels according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The third edge (2c) and fourth edge (2d) of the building panel are assembled together by vertical displacement using the second mechanical locking device (10').

7. A set of architectural panels according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The building panels have a thickness ranging from 3 mm to 8 mm.

8. A set of architectural panels according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The building panel (1, 1', 1") has a thickness ranging from 3 mm to 4.5 mm, and the impact surface (22) of the locking element (16) is arranged at an acute angle (β) relative to the horizontal plane ranging from 40° to 60°.

9. A set of architectural panels according to any one of claims 1-7, wherein, The building panel (1, 1', 1") has a thickness ranging from 4.5 mm to 8 mm, and the impact surface (22) of the locking element (16) is arranged at an acute angle (β) relative to the horizontal plane ranging from 40° to 70°.

10. A set of architectural panels according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The locking element (16) further includes a locking surface (18) configured to engage with the locking surface (34) of the locking groove (32) in the assembly position.

11. The set of architectural panels according to claim 10, wherein, The locking surface (18) of the locking element (16) is substantially parallel to the locking surface (34) of the locking groove (32).

12. The set of architectural panels according to claim 10 or 11, wherein, The locking surface (18) of the locking element (16) is arranged at an acute angle (α) relative to the horizontal plane in the range of 40° to 60°, preferably about 50°.

13. A set of architectural panels according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The locking groove (32) includes a chamfer (39) disposed below the impact surface (38).

14. The set of building panels according to claim 13, wherein, The chamfer (39) includes a surface that is inclined downwards and toward the rest of the building panel (1, 1', 1") in which the chamfer (39) is arranged.

15. A set of architectural panels according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The first mechanical locking device (10) and / or the second mechanical locking device (10') further include an upper locking tongue (27) extending from one of the first edge (2a) and the second edge (2b) and / or one of the third edge (2c) and the fourth edge (2d) in a direction away from the respective edge, the upper locking tongue being configured to be received in and engage with an upper tongue groove (42) arranged in the other of the first edge (2a) and the second edge (2b) and / or the other of the third edge (2c) and the fourth edge (2d).

16. The set of architectural panels according to claim 15, wherein, The height (H1) of the upper locking tongue (27) is greater than the height (H2) of the upper tongue groove (42) so as to form a tight seal (TS) between adjacent building panels (1, 1', 1").

17. The set of architectural panels according to claim 16, wherein, The difference between the height (H1) of the upper locking tongue (27) and the height (H2) of the upper tongue groove (42) is in the range of 0.01 mm to 0.2 mm, or in the range of 0.01 mm to 0.1 mm, or in the range of 0.01 mm to 0.05 mm.

18. A set of architectural panels according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, At least the substrate (7) of the building panel (1, 1', 1") comprises a thermoplastic material, preferably 10-50 wt.% or more preferably 20-40 wt.% of the thermoplastic material.

19. A set of architectural panels according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, Each building panel (1, 1', 1") includes a single-layer substrate (7), wherein the impact surface (22) of the locking element (16) and the impact surface (38) of the locking groove (32) are arranged in the substrate (7).

20. A set of architectural panels according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The building panel (1, 1', 1") is provided with a pre-attached foam layer (13) attached to the back side (7b) of the building panel (1, 1', 1").

21. A set of architectural panels according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The impact surface (38) of the locking groove (32) is configured to be in direct contact with the impact surface (22) of the locking element (16) in the assembled position when a force acting at least partially in the vertical direction is applied to at least one of the building panels (1, 1', 1").

22. A set of architectural panels according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, There is no adhesive in the clearance (P1) between the impact surface (22) of the locking element (16) and the impact surface (38) of the locking groove (32).

23. A set of architectural panels according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The locking strip (15) includes an elongated portion (19) having an upper surface (19a) that extends substantially parallel to the front surface (7a), the upper surface (19a) of the elongated portion (19) being configured to engage with the locking groove (32) in the assembly position.

24. The set of building panels according to claim 23, wherein, The locking groove (32) includes a contact surface (33) configured to engage with the upper surface (19a) of the elongated portion (19) in an assembled position, wherein the contact surface (33) extends in a direction substantially parallel to the upper surface (19a) of the elongated portion (19).

25. The set of building panels according to claim 23 or 24, wherein, The upper surface (19a) of the elongated portion (19) and the locking groove (32), preferably the contact surface (33) of the locking groove (32), are configured to make direct contact at the assembly position.

26. A set of architectural panels according to any one of claims 23-25, wherein, The upper surface (19a) of the elongated portion (19) extends between the tongue groove (24) and the locking element (16) of the locking strip (15).

27. A set of architectural panels according to any one of claims 24-26, wherein, The contact surface (33) of the tenon groove (32) extends between the locking surface (34) of the tenon groove (32) and the tenon (40).

28. A set of architectural panels according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The locking element (16) of the locking strip (15) includes an upper surface (20a) that extends in a direction substantially parallel to the front surface (7a).

Images