Hard flooring panel for laying in a floating manner to form a flooring panel composite

Abstract

Hard flooring panel (1) having a core made of a wood panel, a wood and plastic panel or a plastic panel, having a top side (2) and a bottom side (3) and having side edges (10, 20; 30, 40) with complementary tongue-and-groove profiles along the panel sides for floating installation to form a floor panel assembly with V-joints, wherein at least two floor panels are joined together in each case, wherein two opposite side edges of the at least two floor panels each have an (upper) section (A) and a (lower) section B relative to the thickness of the floor panel, wherein a tongue (11, 31) is provided in section B of the first side edge (10, 30, 50, 70), and a groove (21, 41) is provided in section B of the second, opposite side edge (20, 40), wherein a first bevel (16b, 36b) is provided in section A of the first side edge and a first joining surface (16, 36) is provided adjacent to the first bevel, and a second bevel (26b, 46b) is provided in section A of the second, opposite side edge (20, 40) and a second joining surface (26, 46) is provided adjacent to the second bevel, characterised in that the first bevel (16b, 36b) and the second bevel (26b, 46b) each have the same length, the first joining surface (16, 36) of the first side edge (10, 30) and the second joining surface (26, 46) of the second side edge are each inclined in the same direction away from the vertical line to the top side of the panel at an angle a, wherein the angle of inclination a is between 1 and 10°, preferably between 2 and 5°, particularly preferably between 2 and 3°.

Description

[0001] Hard floor panel for floating installation to form a floor panel composite

[0002] The present invention relates to a hard floor panel for floating installation to form a floor panel composite, in particular a laminate floor.

[0003] Description

[0004] Floor panels with tongue-and-groove profiles on the side edges for installation in panel assemblies, such as laminate flooring, are widespread and well-known. The tongue-and-groove profiles enable easy installation of floor panels to floor coverings. Such floor coverings can be made of wood fiberboard or plastic panels, for example. The floor panels are usually provided with a decorative layer and an abrasion-resistant surface layer. A typical tongue-and-groove profile is described, for example, in EP 2686502 B1.

[0005] However, the conventionally used tongue-and-groove profiles have the disadvantage of creating gaps of varying sizes between adjacent panels. Dirt and moisture can penetrate these gaps and cause the floor panel's core board to expand or swell, especially when using wood-based panels as the core board. This expansion or swelling of the wood-based core board causes the surface layer to lift, exposing it to increased abrasion.

[0006] Accordingly, various alternative tongue-and-groove profiles have been developed in the past to reduce the gap size. For example, EP 1026341 B1 discloses a floor panel for creating a floor covering, wherein coupling parts in the form of a tongue and groove are provided on the edges of two opposite sides of the panels. The tongue and groove are designed such that, when two or more floor panels are joined together, a tension force is exerted on them, forcing the floor panels together. The tension force is created by an elastically bendable lip in the groove, which is at least partially bent when joined together and thus provides the aforementioned tension force.

[0007] However, this approach also creates a gap on the top side of the joined panels, particularly at the contact points of the joining surfaces of the two opposite side edges of two joined floor panels, through which moisture and dirt can penetrate between the floor panels.

[0008] Laminate flooring with so-called V-joints has also proven very popular. A V-joint is created when the edges of the wood panels are beveled or chamfered. Bevels are slanted milled cuts on the side edges that create a V-shaped joint when the floor panels are joined together. The purpose of the joint is to enhance the visual impression of individual panels and create a visual separation between the boards. Another problem with the V-joint is that moisture can accumulate in the joint and penetrate the gap between the panels.

[0009] In order to reduce the penetration of moisture into V-joints, it is known, for example from WO 2020 / 200988 A1 or DE 20 2019 101 807 U1, to provide the side edges with edge breaks (or bevels) of different lengths. The first side edge with the shorter edge break has a wedge-shaped projection, below which an undercut counter surface is provided. The first side edge and second side edge therefore do not have the same geometry. In particular, the first and second side edges are not of the same type and are not mirror-symmetrical to one another. In the joined state, the undercut counter surface of the projection covers a section of the larger edge break of the second side edge; i.e. the V-joint formed in the joined state is.A wedge-shaped gap can be formed between the joining surfaces of the side edges in the joined state, with the tip of the wedge-shaped gap pointing upwards towards the panel surface.

[0010] A disadvantage of the approach described in WO 2020 / 200988 A1 or DE 20 2019 101 807 U1 is that the side edges of the panels must be provided with edge breaks of different lengths, which requires additional production effort and thus results in higher costs. Furthermore, in thin wood-based panels, the already small area of ​​the joining surfaces is further reduced. Installing floor panels designed in this way is also more problematic, as the overhang or undercut of the shorter edge break represents a predetermined breaking point, resulting in more frequent scrap.

[0011] The object of the present invention was therefore to further develop the tongue-and-groove profiles known from the prior art in such a way that, on the one hand, gap formation at the joining surfaces, especially at V-joints, of the floor panels is avoided, thus preventing the penetration of moisture and dirt and the associated disadvantages. On the other hand, production should be possible in existing production lines without additional technical effort.

[0012] This object is achieved with a floor panel having the features of claim 1.

[0013] Accordingly, a hard floor panel with a core made of a wood-based panel, a wood-based plastic panel or a plastic panel with a top side and a bottom side and with side edges with complementary tongue and groove profiles along the panel sides (i.e. along the long sides and / or transverse sides) is provided for floating installation to form a floor panel assembly with a V-joint, wherein at least two floor panels are joined or connected to one another, wherein two opposite side edges of the at least two floor panels each have an (upper) section A and a (lower) section B based on the thickness of the floor panel, wherein a tongue is provided in section B of the first side edge and a groove is provided in section B of the second opposite side edge,wherein in section A of the first side edge there is a first bevel and a first joining surface adjacent to the first bevel, and in section A of the second opposite side edge there is a second bevel and a second joining surface adjacent to the second bevel, wherein the first bevel and the second bevel each have the same length, wherein the first joining surface of the first side edge and the second joining surface of the second side edge are each inclined (in the same direction) away from the vertical line to the panel top side at an angle of inclination α (concurrently parallel), wherein the angle of inclination α is between 1 and 10°, preferably between 2 and 5°, particularly preferably between 2 and 3°. For the purposes of the present invention, joining surfaces are understood to mean the pair of surfaces on which the joined panels rest against each other,to create the most closed (flat) upper surface possible for the connected and locked panels. Accordingly, the technical term "joining surface" refers to the section of the side edges that are actually pressed together. The joining surfaces lie directly against each other to close the surface. The first joining surface and the second joining surface run parallel to each other, so that when the floor panels are joined together, the joining surfaces are in contact along their entire surface. The parallel arrangement of the joining surfaces at an angle to each other creates a high surface pressure at the joining edges or joining surfaces and prestress, thus generating a permanent locking connection.

[0014] The inventive parallel arrangement of the joining surfaces at an angle to each other creates a high surface pressure at the joining edges with a specific preload, thus generating a permanent locking connection. The decisive advantage is that a surface pressure is generated between two flat surfaces at an angle parallel to each other. Due to the appropriate angle, the preload can be applied much more efficiently than with a straight joining surface.

[0015] As already indicated, the chamfering of the joining surfaces or joining edges in the sense of the present invention is to be understood as a bevel or inclination of the joining surfaces or joining edges from the top side of the panel away from the perpendicular or vertical (relative to the top side of the panel).

[0016] Typically, the panel top and the respective joining surfaces of the side edges form a right angle (ß = 90°). The panel top and joining surfaces are arranged at right angles to each other, i.e., the first and second joining surfaces usually run parallel at a perpendicular angle ß to the panel top.

[0017] In the panel according to the invention, however, the first and second joining surfaces are inclined at an angle α from the normal. Since the inclined joining surfaces are concurrent, i.e. run parallel to one another, this means that the first joining surface and second joining surface are inclined in the same direction away from the normal, so that the angle of inclination α of both joining surfaces is the same. Due to the inclination of the joining surfaces, the angle β between the top of the panel and the respective joining surface is no longer 90°, but greater than 90° in the case of the first joining surface and less than 90° in the case of the second joining surface. Thus, an angle β' between the panel surface and the first joining surface can take on values ​​of 90° plus angle of inclination α, and an angle β“ between the panel surface and the second joining surface can take on values ​​of 90° minus angle of inclination α; angle β' is thus greater than angle β“.

[0018] Thus, the ß' can be between 91° and 100°, preferably between 92° and 95°, particularly preferably between 92° and 93°. The angle ß" can be between 80° and 89°, preferably between 85° and 88°, particularly preferably between 87° and 88°.

[0019] When the inclined joining surface of the first side edge of the tongue profile and the inclined joining surface of the second side edge of the groove profile are aligned, a linear pressure occurs at the contact points of the joining surfaces when at least two floor panels are joined together, along the inclined joining surfaces of the side edges of the tongue profile and the groove profile. This makes it possible to prevent the formation of gaps between adjacent floor panels and thus reduce the ingress of moisture and dirt into the floor covering. The linear pressure results from the profile geometry and the applied pressure. In this case, the term "linear pressure" is understood to mean a pressure that runs linearly or essentially linearly along the joining surfaces or locking surface.In this case, the joining surfaces (along the entire or almost the entire surface) press against each other in a practically linear manner.

[0020] Due to the concurrent bevel or inclination of the joining surfaces, the angle between the line pressure of the joining surfaces and the panel top surface when the floor panels are joined together is 90° minus the angle of inclination α (corresponding to the angle β defined above). Thus, the angle between the line pressure and the panel top surface can be between 80° and 89°, preferably between 85° and 88°, particularly preferably between 87° and 88°.

[0021] Furthermore, there are advantages during installation and surface pressure of panels with the inclination angle of 2-10° defined according to the invention compared to flatter angles (i.e. inclination angles of, for example, more than 20° as in CN 107938992). Due to prestressing in the profile connection of floor panels, a certain amount of pressure must be built up during installation to prevent the penetration of liquids. The flatter the angle, the less pressure can be built up. In contrast, the side edge or joining edge according to the invention (at an angle parallel to one another) allows the side edges to be closed under pressure, thus preventing the penetration of water into the gap and the profile.

[0022] In contrast to the present invention, the floor panels described in WO 2020 / 182453 A1 also have beveled joining surfaces, but these do not run parallel to each other, but rather run away from each other. The first and second joining surfaces are not flush or aligned with each other when applied.

[0023] According to the invention, the first side edge and second side edge on the panel's top side (in section A) each have a chamfer to form a V-joint. A chamfer or bevel (also referred to as edge refraction) is thus provided at the transition between the panel's top side and the joining surface.

[0024] According to the invention, the (opposite) bevels of the first side edge and the second side edge have the same length, so that in the joined state there is no overlap of the bevels.

[0025] The first chamfer and the opposite second chamfer have a similar geometry. Both chamfers are mirror-symmetrical to each other. In particular, neither chamfer has an undercut or projection.

[0026] The angles y', Y" between the bevel (or edge break) and the panel surface are between 20 and 50°, preferably 30 to 40°, i.e., the bevel is angled or broken off by this angle with respect to the panel surface. The angles y', Y" can be the same or different. In one embodiment, the angle y' can, for example, be between 20 and 30°, while the angle y" is between 30 and 40°. However, the angles y' and y" are preferably the same.

[0027] When the floor panels are joined together, the opposing bevels form a V-joint, with the V-joint having an opening angle of 90 to 130°, preferably 100 to 120°.

[0028] In a preferred embodiment, the floor panels form a V-shaped joint when assembled, with the contact point of the opposing bevels representing the apex of the V-shaped joint, i.e., the first bevel and the second bevel touch or (only) contact each other with their respective ends at the apex of the V-shaped joint. The apex of the V-shaped joint therefore represents the only contact point between the two bevels.

[0029] From this contact point or tip of the V-joint, the joining surfaces of the opposite side edges run parallel to each other in linear compression, away from the vertical plumb line toward the panel surface at an inclination angle α of between 1 and 10°, preferably between 2 and 5°, particularly preferably between 2 and 3°. The parallel, inclined joining surfaces extend across the entire first section A of the opposite side edges to the second section B of the opposite side edges, i.e., up to the tongue-and-groove profile.

[0030] The distance between the base of the bevel on the panel's top side and the tip of the V-joint is between 0.2 and 0.8 mm, preferably between 0.35 and 0.7 mm. The bevel length can be determined trigonometrically.

[0031] The thickness of the panels may be between 4 and 15 mm, preferably between 4 and 12 mm, particularly preferably between 4 and 10 mm, even more preferably between 5 and 8 mm, particularly preferably between 5 and 7 mm, e.g. 5.5 mm or 6.4 mm.

[0032] In one embodiment of the present floor panel, the section A with the first and second joining surfaces has a width or thickness of 1 to 3 mm, preferably 1 to 2 mm, particularly preferably 1 to 1.5 mm, ie the length of the first and second joining surfaces is in a range between 1 to 3 mm, preferably 1 to 2 mm, particularly preferably 1 to 1.5 mm, e.g. 1.2 mm.

[0033] The design of the tongue and groove profiling is described in more detail below.

[0034] The tongue and groove profiles provided in the present floor panel as coupling parts between two panels are preferably formed in one piece.

[0035] In one embodiment, the tongue of the first side edge has an upper side and a lower side; wherein the first joining surface of the first side edge extends from the top side of the floor panel toward the upper tongue side. The groove in the second side edge has an upper side and a lower side, wherein the upper side of the groove is defined by an upper lip and the lower side of the groove is defined by a lower lip; wherein the second joining surface of the second side edge extends from the top side of the floor panel along the upper lip.

[0036] In a further embodiment of the floor panel, a projection with a contact surface is provided on the lower side of the tongue of the first side edge; and a recess with a contact surface is provided in the lower lip of the groove of the second side edge. When at least two floor panels are joined together, the projection of the tongue engages the recess of the lower lip of the groove, so that the contact surfaces of the projection of the tongue and the recess of the lower lip of the groove exert a clamping force on each other.

[0037] The tongue and groove preferably have shapes that are complementary to each other. The projection on the lower side of the tongue extends along the lower lip of the groove and engages in the recess of the lower lip of the groove when two panels are coupled. The contact surfaces of the projection, the tongue and the recess lie against each other. When the floor panels are joined together, the tongue sits precisely against the upper side and the lower side of the groove, exerting a pressure P on the upper lip of the groove. This pressure is absorbed not only by the upper lip, but by the entire structure, since the pressure can be transmitted through the tongue and the lower lip. The pressure P creates the clamping force that joins and holds the panels together.

[0038] The distance of the top of the spring from the top of the panel and the bottom of the spring from the bottom of the panel can vary depending on the panel thickness.

[0039] The thickness of the tongue is preferably equal to the width of the groove, so that the upper lip of the groove is supported by the tongue, and the tongue is in turn supported by the lower lip of the groove.

[0040] The upper side of the tongue is flat and horizontal relative to the panel's upper surface. The upper side of the groove (or the lower side of the upper lip of the groove) is also flat and horizontal, allowing the tongue and groove to mesh or slide into each other without resistance. The upper side of the tongue and the lower side of the upper lip form contact surfaces that run essentially parallel to the plane defined by the floor panel.

[0041] In a further embodiment of the present floor panel, a recess is provided between the joining surface of the tongue profile and the top side of the tongue.

[0042] The underside of the spring is also intended to have a bevel at its edge. This bevel can also be described as a chamfer with an angle between 45 and 55°.

[0043] As described above, the protrusion on the underside of the tongue extends along the lower lip of the groove. The protrusion engages with the recess of the lower lip of the groove when two panels are coupled. The angle of the contact surfaces of the tongue protrusion and the recess of the lower lip is between 30 and 70° with respect to the horizontal plane. This angle is ideal for achieving optimal compression of the floor panels while allowing for easy engagement and assembly of the floor panels.

[0044] When the tongue and groove are joined or coupled, an additional space can form between the projection of the lower tongue side and the recess in the lower lip of the groove, which can function as a dust chamber, for example. The size of the dust chamber can vary, for example, between the profiles on the long sides of the panel (longitudinal profile) and the transverse sides of the panel (transverse profile).

[0045] It is also intended that the lower lip of the groove extends beyond the upper lip of the groove. In this case, the recess in the lower lip of the groove is located in the portion of the lower lip that extends beyond the upper lip of the groove.

[0046] In one embodiment of the present floor panel, at least one saddle is provided in the recess of the lower lip of the groove. This saddle can be of varying thickness in the transverse and longitudinal profiles.

[0047] The thickness of the upper lip of the groove can be greater than or equal to the thickness of the lower lip. In the case of unequal thicknesses of the upper and lower lips, the center line is positioned below the center line of the panel by the tongue and groove. In this arrangement, the lower lip of the groove is bent when joining two floor panels, preventing the top surface of the floor panel from being subjected to any changes or deformation.

[0048] The upper and lower lips also have rounded edges, which simplifies joining the panels. For example, the joining surface of the upper lip can have a rounded edge or chamfer. The chamfer is provided at the contact point between the upper lip of the groove and the top of the tongue and allows for easy joining of the floor panels.

[0049] In another embodiment, an inclined surface or chamfer (or ramp surface) is also provided at the free end of the lower lip of the groove, which allows the tongue-and-groove profiles to be easily pushed into one another.

[0050] At the transition from the tongue and groove profile to the underside of the panel, a 0.6 mm bevel or chamfer is provided at an angle between 20 and 30°, preferably 25°. The bevel is provided in particular in a counter-beam on the underside of the panel and enables better installation without splintering.

[0051] In further embodiments of the present floor panel, the tongue-and-groove profiles have one of the following properties or a combination thereof: rounded corners (or edges) of the tongue-and-groove profiles; dust chambers between all sides of the interlocked floor panels; in particular, the above-mentioned dust chamber between the recess of the lower lip of the groove and the projection of the tongue;

[0052] The tongue-and-groove profiles enable two floor panels to interlock by applying a rotating or pivoting movement ("angle-angle"). This involves first placing a first floor panel at an angle against a horizontally arranged second floor panel, followed by pivoting the first floor panel toward the installation plane so that the joined floor panels lie in the installation plane. To enable the two floor panels to interlock with a rotating movement, the edges or curves are preferably rounded or circular. The present floor panel preferably has a rectangular shape, with the tongue-and-groove profiles provided on the longitudinal and transverse side edges.

[0053] The longitudinal profile used for connecting the panels along the longitudinal side edges may have the same or a different tongue-and-groove profile than the transverse profile used for connecting the panels along the transverse side edges; i.e., the tongue-and-groove profile of the longitudinal side edges and transverse side edges may be the same or different.

[0054] Key differences between the tongue-and-groove profiles used (i.e., longitudinal profile and transverse profile) concern the formation of a saddle in the recess of the lower lip, which also results in a larger space or chamber between the tongue projection and the groove recess when the floor panels are assembled. In the case of the transverse profile, the lower lip of the groove also has a ramp surface at the end of the groove, which is not provided for in the longitudinal profile.

[0055] Thus, in one embodiment, it can be provided that the longitudinal side edges and the transverse side edges have the same tongue and groove profile, in particular corresponding to the described transverse profile with saddle, larger dust chamber and ramp surface.

[0056] The uniform use of this tongue-and-groove profile (especially in the form of the cross profile) is particularly suitable. This particular suitability results from the interaction of a long lever on the lower lip of the groove side, which exerts a force against the parallel and inclined joining surfaces, thus providing the locking devices with relatively reliable protection against water penetration. Furthermore, the tongues are easier to insert, making installation easier than a more compact design.

[0057] In another embodiment, it can be provided that the longitudinal side edges and the transverse side edges have different tongue-and-groove profiles, wherein the longitudinal side edges have the above-described longitudinal profile with a smaller dust chamber and the transverse side edges have the described transverse profile with a larger dust chamber. The present panels preferably have a core made of a wood-based panel, preferably an HDF or MDF panel, of a wood-plastic panel, preferably a WPC panel, or of a plastic carrier panel, preferably a PVC carrier panel or SPC carrier panel. If plastic is used, the core can contain at least one filler in an amount of up to 70% of the total weight of the core of the carrier panel, wherein calcium carbonate or materials with comparable properties are preferably used.In a preferred embodiment, a board or panel made of a core of wood fiber or chipboard with an increased adhesive content (12-60%) is used.

[0058] As mentioned above, these floor panels are used for floating installation. The installation procedure includes the following steps:

[0059] - Laying a first floor panel, and

[0060] - Attaching a second floor panel to the first floor panel, wherein the tongue of the second floor panel is inserted into the groove of the first floor panel, wherein the lower lip of the groove profiling is bent outwards in the assembled state, so that the lower lip provides a force by which the panels are permanently forced towards each other.

[0061] The prestress caused by the interaction of tongue and groove is optimally transferred to the upper side of the floor panel, whereby in the engagement direction the joining surfaces of the tongue and groove profiles are pressed against each other in such a way that at the contact point of the joining surfaces a linear pressure occurs, forming an angle between the joining surfaces.

[0062] The present invention will be explained in detail below using the following exemplary embodiments with reference to the figures. They show:

[0063] Figure 1A shows a schematic cross-section of a floor panel with a thickness of 6.4 mm and a tongue profile according to a first embodiment (cross profile); Figure 1B shows a schematic cross-section of a floor panel with a thickness of 6.4 mm and a groove profile according to a first embodiment (cross profile);

[0064] Figure 1C is a schematic cross-section of two joined floor panels with the tongue profile shown in Figure 1A and the groove profile shown in Figure 1B;

[0065] Figure 2A is a schematic cross-section of a floor panel with a thickness of 6.4 mm with a tongue profiling according to a second embodiment (longitudinal profile);

[0066] Figure 2B is a schematic cross-section of a floor panel with a thickness of 6.4 mm with a groove profiling according to a second embodiment (longitudinal profile);

[0067] Figure 2C is a schematic cross-section of two joined floor panels with the tongue profile shown in Figure 2A and the groove profile shown in Figure 2B;

[0068] Figure 3A shows a floor panel (cross-section) according to Figure 1A with a bevel;

[0069] Figure 3B shows a floor panel (cross-section) according to Figure 1 B with a bevel;

[0070] Figure 3C two joined floor panels according to Figure 1C with a V-joint;

[0071] Figure 4A shows a floor panel (longitudinal profile) according to Figure 2A with a bevel;

[0072] Figure 4B a floor panel (longitudinal profile) according to Figure 4B with a bevel;

[0073] Figure 4C shows two joined floor panels according to Figure 2C with a V-joint. The invention is explained for rectangular floor panels that can be joined together along their long sides, along their short sides, or even just along one side.

[0074] Thus, the tongue profiling shown in Figures 1A, 3A and the groove profiling shown in Figures 1B, 3B according to the first embodiment are provided in the transverse sides of the floor panels, ie in the shorter sides, while the profilings shown in Figures 2A, 4A and 2B, 4B according to the second embodiment are inserted in the longitudinal sides of the floor panels.

[0075] In a particularly preferred variant, (both) the longitudinal (longer) side edges and the transverse (shorter) side edges have the same tongue-and-groove profiling corresponding to the transverse profile shown in Figures 1A, 3A and 1B, 3B with saddle, larger dust chamber and ramp surface.

[0076] The uniform use of the cross profile on all side edges of the floor panels enables the interaction of a fairly long lever, located on the lower lip of the groove side, which exerts a force against the parallel and inclined joining surfaces, thus providing the locking devices with considerable protection against water penetration. Furthermore, the springs are easier to insert.

[0077] The side edges shown in the figures each have an (upper) section A and a (lower) section B, based on the thickness of the floor panel. Section A of the side edges includes first joining surfaces 16, 36 and second joining surfaces 26, 46. Section B of the side edges includes tongues 11, 31 and grooves 21, 41.

[0078] The present floor panels have a rectangular shape with side edges 10,20 extending along the long and short sides of the panel and are suitable for floating installation to form a floor panel.

[0079] The floor panels typically have a length of one to two meters. The thickness of the panels can also vary, but in the embodiments described in Figures 1A-C and 2A-C, it is 6.4 mm. Each floor panel has the tongue-and-groove profiles described in detail below on the opposite edges 10, 20, which allow two adjacent floor panels to be joined together. A tongue 11 is provided in a first side edge 10, and a groove 21 is provided in the second opposite side edge 20.

[0080] Figure 1A shows a first tongue profile intended for a transverse side of the floor panel. The tongue 11 of the tongue profile of the first side edge 10 has an upper side 12 and a lower side 13.

[0081] The distance of the spring top 12 from the panel top or panel surface 2 and the distance of the spring bottom 13 from the panel bottom 3 can vary depending on the panel thickness.

[0082] The upper side 12 of the tongue 11 has a flat surface 19 arranged horizontally relative to the panel's top surface. The length of the tongue's upper side can be the same in the transverse profile (Figure 1A) and the longitudinal profile (Figure 2A), while the length of the lower tongue side in the transverse profile is greater than the length of the lower tongue side in the longitudinal profile.

[0083] The lower side of the spring 1 1 has a bevel or chamfer 17 on its edge with an angle between 45-55°.

[0084] On the lower side 13 of the spring, a projection 14 is provided with a contact surface 15. The projection 14 has an inclination of between 10° (transverse profile) and 44° (longitudinal profile) with respect to the flat, horizontal section of the underside 13 of the spring.

[0085] The length and height of the projection 14 also vary depending on the design of the spring as a transverse profile or longitudinal profile.

[0086] The tongue profile of Figure 1A has a joining surface 16 on the side edge, which runs from the top side 2 of the floor panel towards the upper tongue side 12 and has a bevel or inclination from the top side of the floor panel towards the upper tongue side. The bevel or inclination of the joining surface 16 runs at an angle α of 3° away from the plumb or vertical (relative to the panel top side). The angle β' between the panel top side and the inclined first joining surface 16 is 0 o with respect to the vertical to the floor panel top side. Thus, the joining surface 16 has a bevel towards the plumb or vertical.

[0087] A recess 16a is provided at the transition of the joining surface 16 of the spring profile to the upper side 12 of the spring.

[0088] The groove 21 provided in the second side edge 20 of the floor panel 1, as shown in Figure 1B, has an upper side and a lower side, wherein the upper side of the groove 21 is defined by an upper lip 22 and the lower side of the groove is defined by a lower lip 23. The width of the groove formed by the upper lip 22 and the lower lip 23 corresponds to the thickness of the tongue 11, so that the tongue 11 can be inserted into the groove 21.

[0089] The lower side of the upper lip 23 of the groove with surface 29, like surface 19 of the tongue top side, is flat and horizontally arranged, so that the tongue and groove can interlock or slide into each other without resistance. Surface 19 of the tongue top side and surface 29 of the underside of the upper lip 23 form contact surfaces that run essentially parallel to the plane defined by the floor panel.

[0090] The thickness of the upper lip 22 and the lower lip 23 differ, whereby the upper lip 22 can be thicker than the lower lip 23. Due to a smaller thickness of the lower lip 23, this serves as an elastically bendable projection.

[0091] A recess 24 with a contact surface 25 is provided in the lower lip 23 of the groove, wherein the recess 24 interacts with the contact surface 25 in a complementary manner to the spring 11 with the contact surface 15. A saddle 27 is formed in the recess 24. The design of the saddle 27 in the transverse profile (Fig. 1B) and the saddle 47 in the longitudinal profile (Fig. 2B) varies in strength, which is due to the technical profile geometry and the associated preload effect.

[0092] The groove profile of Figure 1B has a joining surface 26 on the side edge, which runs along the upper lip 22. The joining surface 26 is beveled, like the joining surface 16 of the tongue, whereby the bevel of the joining surface 26 also runs at an angle α of 3° away from the vertical (relative to the panel top). The angle β' between the panel top and the inclined second joining surface 26 is 87°. The joining surface 16 and the joining surface 26 are therefore inclined concurrently at an angle α of 3° away from the vertical (relative to the panel top).

[0093] A bevel or chamfer 26a is provided at the transition of the joining surface 26 to the underside of the upper lip 23 with the surface 29.

[0094] At the free end of the lower lip 23 of the groove, a ramp surface 28 is provided, which simplifies the interlocking of the short transverse sides. The corresponding ramp surface 48 in the longitudinal profile (Fig. 2B), on the other hand, is less pronounced and is designed more as a rounded shape. This geometric difference is due to the different behavior of the transverse profile and the longitudinal profile when the profiles are angled during installation. The ramp surface 28 enables easier placement of the transverse profiles. It also ensures installation with tapping wood without damaging the profiles.

[0095] In the assembled state (see Figure 1 C), the projection 14 of the spring 11 engages in the recess 24 of the lower lip 23 of the groove, so that the contact surface 15 of the projection 14 and the contact surface 25 of the recess 24 of the lower lip exert a clamping force or preload on each other.

[0096] When the beveled joining surface 16 of the tongue profile and the beveled joining surface 26 of the groove profile are applied in the assembled state of two floor panels, a linear pressure occurs at the contact of the joining surfaces 16, 26 along the beveled, parallel joining surfaces 16, 26. The joining surfaces 16, 26 are thus pressed together, forming an almost continuous surface.

[0097] Due to the geometric design of the tongue-and-groove profiles, dust chambers are formed between all sides of the interlocking floor panels. Of particular note is the chamber visible in the cross-section between the recess 24 of the lower lip 23 of the groove 20 and the projection 14 of the tongue 11 (Figure 1C).

[0098] In the longitudinal profile (see Figure 2C), however, this cavity or dust chamber between recess 44 and projection 34 is smaller. This is due to the selected spring mechanism of the groove profiles in the transverse profile and longitudinal profile, whereby the rebound in the transverse profile is greater than in the longitudinal profile. In addition, the transverse profile also has a greater profile spacing compared to the longitudinal profile (i.e., lower lip 23 of the transverse profile is longer than lower lip 43 of the longitudinal profile). This allows the groove cheek of the transverse profile to rebound, which, in combination with the ramp surface 28 and the cavity, enables easier installation in the transverse profile. The slightly varying profile dimensions and geometry of the transverse profile and longitudinal profile are due in particular to the different behavior of the transverse profile and longitudinal profile when the profiles are angled during installation using different lever arms.

[0099] In the assembled state of the floor panels shown in Figure 1 C, a gap can also be seen between the lower lip 23 and the lower tongue edge at the transition to the underside of the panel, which occurs particularly when HDF panels are installed.

[0100] The second embodiment of the tongue-and-groove profiling shown in Figures 2A to 2C is, as already mentioned, provided as a longitudinal profile in the long sides of the floor panel.

[0101] The spring profile of Figure 2A essentially corresponds to the spring profile of Figure 1A, whereby the length of the lower spring side 13 in the transverse profile differs from the length of the lower spring side 33 in the longitudinal profile. In particular, the length of the lower spring side 13 is longer in the transverse profile than in the longitudinal profile of Figure 2A.

[0102] Furthermore, the geometry of projection 14 in the transverse profile differs from the geometry of projection 34 in the longitudinal profile. Thus, projection 14 in the transverse profile is less pronounced than projection 34 in the longitudinal profile, i.e., the height of projection 14 in the transverse profile is smaller than the height of projection 34 in the longitudinal profile. This geometric difference is also due to the different behavior of the transverse profile and the longitudinal profile when angling the profiles during installation, due to different lever arms.

[0103] In the assembled state (see Figure 2C), linear compression occurs along the beveled joining surfaces 36, 46. The joining surfaces 36, 46 are thus also pressed together along the longitudinal edges, forming an almost continuous surface.

[0104] The length of the lower lip 23 of the transverse profile also differs from the length of the lower lip 43 of the longitudinal profile, with the lower lip 23 of the transverse profile being longer than the lower lip 43 of the longitudinal profile. The embodiments shown in Figures 3A-C and 4A-C differ from the embodiments of Figures 1A-C and 2A-C in that the first side edge 10, 30 and the second side edge 20, 40 each have a chamfer at the transition from the panel top to the joining surface, which results in a V-joint when joined together.

[0105] The angles Y', Y“ between the bevel (or edge refraction) and the panel surface are the same in these embodiments and are each between 30 and 40°.

[0106] The opening angle of the V-joint in the joined panels shown in Figures 3C and 4C is between 100 and 120°. The distance between the apex or tip of the V-joint and the beginning of the bevel on the panel top is between 0.35 and 0.7 mm. The bevel length can be calculated trigonometrically using sin (opening angle / 2). Accordingly, a bevel length of between 0.46 and 0.91 mm results for an opening angle of 100° and a distance of 0.35 mm, and a bevel length of between 0.4 and 0.8 mm for an opening angle of 120° and a distance of 0.35 mm.

[0107] NALFA test and ISO 4760

[0108] Test surfaces were prepared according to ISO 4760 from the planks manufactured according to the design variants described in the figures. Reference samples were also provided from planks without any inclination angle.

[0109] The assembled panels were subjected to a NALFA test, which examines water penetration into the profile.

[0110] 100 ml of colored water was poured into the ring adhered to the surface. The water remained on the surface for 24 hours. Afterward, an assessment was performed according to the standard. This included not only determining the amount of residual water in the ring but also determining the swelling of the test specimens in the test area.

[0111] It was found that only 36% of the comparison samples passed the Nalfa test, while the success rate for the inventive samples was 90%. Thus, an inclination angle of the joining surfaces leads to a significant improvement in the Nalfa test. List of reference symbols

[0112] 1 floor panel

[0113] 2 Top of the floor panel

[0114] 3 Underside of the floor panel

[0115] 10. 30 first side edge of a panel with a thickness of 4.5 mm with tongue profile

[0116] 11. 31 spring

[0117] 12, 32 Top of the spring

[0118] 13, 33 Underside of the spring

[0119] 14, 34 lead

[0120] 15, 35 Contact surface of the projection 14, 34

[0121] 16. 36 bevelled joining surface

[0122] 16a, 36a Recess in joining surface 16, 36

[0123] 16b, 36b Chamfer on the top of the panel 2 for V-joint

[0124] 17. 37 phase

[0125] 19, 39 Contact surface on the top 12, 32

[0126] 20, 40 second side edge with a thickness of 4.5 mm with groove profiling

[0127] 21 , 41 groove

[0128] 22, 42 upper lip

[0129] 23, 43 lower lip

[0130] 24, 44 Recess in the lower lip 23,43

[0131] 25, 45 Contact surface of the recess 24, 44

[0132] 26.46 bevelled joining surface

[0133] 26a, 46a chamfer

[0134] 26b, 46b Chamfer on the top of the panel 2 for V-joint

[0135] 27, 47 Saddle in the recess 24, 44

[0136] 28. 48 Ramp area

[0137] 29.49 Contact surface on the underside of the upper lip 22,42 a Inclination angle of the first joining surface 16, 36 and the second joining surface 26,

[0138] 46 away from the vertical ß' angle ß' between panel top 2 and the inclined first joining surface 16,

[0139] 36 ß“ angle between panel top 2 and the inclined second joining surface 26,

[0140] 46 Y' Angle between bevel 16b, 36b and panel top 2

[0141] Y' angle between bevel 26b, 46b and panel top 2

Claims

Patent claims 1. Rigid floor panel (1) with a core made of a wood-based panel, a wood-based plastic panel or a plastic panel with a top side (2) and a bottom side (3) and with side edges (10, 20; 30, 40) with complementary tongue and groove profiles along the panel sides for floating installation to form a floor panel assembly with a V-joint, wherein at least two floor panels are joined together, wherein two opposite side edges of the at least two floor panels each have an (upper) section A and a (lower) section B based on the thickness of the floor panel, wherein a tongue (11, 31) is provided in section B of the first side edge (10, 30, 50, 70) and a groove (21, 41) is provided in section B of the second opposite side edge (20, 40), wherein a first bevel is provided in section A of the first side edge (16b, 36b) and a first joining surface (16,36) and in section A of the second opposite side edge (20, 40) a second chamfer (26b, 46b) and a second joining surface (26, 46) adjacent to the second chamfer are provided, characterized in that the first chamfer (16b, 36b) and the second chamfer (26b, 46b) each have the same length, the first joining surface (16, 36) of the first side edge (10, 30) and the second joining surface (26, 46) of the second side edge are each inclined in the same direction away from the vertical perpendicular to the panel top side at an angle a, wherein the angle of inclination a is between 1 and 10°, preferably between 2 and 5°, particularly preferably between 2 and 3°.

2. Floor panel according to claim 1, characterized in that the first bevel (16b, 36b) and second bevel (26b, 46b) have no projection or undercut.

3. Floor panel according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the respective bevel (16b, 36b; 26b, 46b) has an angle y', y" between the bevel (or edge refraction) and the panel surface of between 20 and 50°, preferably 30 to 40°.

4. Floor panel according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first bevel (16b, 36b) and the opposite second bevel (26b, 46b) form a V-joint in the assembled state of the floor panels, wherein the V-joint has an opening angle of 90 to 130°, preferably 100 to 120°.

5. Floor panel according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first bevel (16b, 36b) and the opposite second bevel (26b, 46b) form a V-joint in the assembled state of the floor panels, the first bevel and the second bevel contacting each other with their respective ends in the tip of the V-joint.

6. Floor panel according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the section A with the first joining surface (16, 36) and second joining surface (26, 46) has a width or thickness of 1 to 3 mm, preferably 1 to 2 mm, particularly preferably 1 to 1.5 mm.

7. Floor panel according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the tongue (11, 31) of the first side edge (10, 30) has an upper side (12, 32) and a lower side (13, 33); wherein the first joining surface (16, 36) of the first side edge (10, 30) extends from the upper side (2) of the floor panel (1) towards the upper tongue side (12, 32).

8. Floor panel according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the groove (21, 41) in the second side edge (20, 40) has an upper side and a lower side, wherein the upper side of the groove (21, 41) is delimited by an upper lip (22, 42) and the lower side of the groove is delimited by a lower lip (23, 43); wherein the second joining surface (26, 46) of the second side edge (20, 40) runs from the upper side (2) of the floor panel (1) along the upper lip (22, 42).

9. Floor panel according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a projection (14, 34, 54, 74) with a contact surface (15, 35, 55, 75) is provided on the lower side (13, 33, 53, 73) of the tongue of the first side edge; and a recess (24, 44, 64, 84) with a contact surface (25, 45, 65, 85) is provided in the lower lip (23, 43, 63, 83) of the groove (21, 41, 61, 81) of the second side edge; wherein, in the assembled state of at least two floor panels, the projection (14, 34) of the tongue (11, 31) engages in the recess (24, 44) of the lower lip (23, 43) of the groove (21, 41), so that the contact surfaces (15, 35; 25, 45) of the projection (14, 34) of the tongue (11, 31) and the recess (24, 44) of the lower lip (23, 43) of the groove (21, 41) exert a clamping force on one another.

10. Floor panel according to claim 97, characterized in that the recess (24, 44) in the lower lip (23, 43) of the groove (21, 41) is provided in the section which is located in the part of the lower lip (23, 43) of the groove (21, 41) extending beyond the upper lip (22, 42) of the groove (21, 41).

11. Floor panel according to one of claims 9 or 10, characterized in that at least one saddle (27, 47) is provided in the recess (24, 44) of the lower lip (23, 43) of the groove (21, 41).

12. Floor panel according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the tongue-and-groove profiles have one of the following properties or a combination thereof: - Roundings on the corners (or edges) of the tongue and groove profiles; Dust chambers between all sides of the interlocked floor panels; in particular dust chamber between the recess (24, 44) of the lower lip (23, 43) of the groove (21, 41) and the projection (14, 34) of the tongue (11, 31); - ramp surface (28, 48) at the free end of the lower lip (23, 43) of the groove (21, 41); - contact surfaces (19, 29; 39, 49) formed by the upper side (12, 32) of the tongue (11, 31) and the underside of the upper lip (22, 42) which run substantially parallel to the plane defined by the floor panels (1).

13. Floor panel according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a rectangular shape, wherein the tongue-and-groove profiles are provided on the longitudinal side edges and on the transverse side edges.

14. Floor panel according to claim 13, characterized in that the tongue-and-groove profiles in the longitudinal side edges and in the transverse side edges are the same or different from one another.

15. Floor panel according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the panels comprise a wood fiber or wood chipboard with an adhesive content of 12 to 60%, a WPC board, a PVC carrier board or SPC carrier board.

16. A method for floating installation of floor panels according to any one of the preceding claims to form a floor panel assembly comprising the following steps: - Laying a first floor panel, - Attaching a second floor panel to the first floor panel, wherein the tongue of the second floor panel is inserted into the groove of the first floor panel, wherein the lower lip of the groove profiling is bent outwards in the assembled state, so that the lower lip provides a force by which the panels are permanently forced towards each other.

17. Floor panel composite producible by a process according to claim 16.

Images