Floor covering consisting of identically constructed panels, and panel

Abstract

The disclosure relates to a floor covering having a plurality of identically constructed panels with two long side edges and two short side edges, wherein each panel is glued to a substrate and, in addition, the panels that are adjacent to one another along their long side edges are mechanically connected to each other via a first guide rail provided on only one long side edge.

Description

FIELD OF INVENTION

[0001] The invention relates to a floor covering consisting of a plurality of identically constructed panels with two long side edges and two short side edges as well as a panel to be used in this floor covering.BACKGROUND

[0002] Floor coverings can be made from real wood panels as wood parquet or from wood-based material panels as laminate flooring.

[0003] DE 202 08 058 U1 discloses a laminate system for laying as flooring, which consists of axially symmetrical right and left panels with long and short side edges, each of which has a homogeneous continuous decoration on its surface. By designing the grooves and tongues for the right and left panels accordingly, they can be laid not only in rows or mosaic patterns, but also perpendicular to each other with the ends of the panels touching, e.g. in a herringbone pattern. The underside of the panels can be profiled to improve the adhesive effect of a PU adhesive used for laying them by increasing the adhesive surface area. This profile can be in the form of fluting, slits or in the form of ridges and valleys.

[0004] DE 20 2019 103 690 U1 discloses a floor panel with long and short side edges that comprises an interlocking section on each long edge and each short edge, which enables the panel to be interlocked with another identically structured panel. The interlocking section on the one long side edge comprises a tongue and a locking groove directed downwards. The interlocking sections on the opposite side edge and the two short side edges each have a groove and a locking lip. The locking lip abuts the respective groove downwards and has an upward-facing locking element. The tongue is configured to engage with the groove on each of the other long side edges and the short side edge of another such panel so as to create vertical locking between the edges in question. This design of the interlocking and locking elements means that the panels can be connected in a floating manner to create a floor covering. There is no need to glue them to the substrate.

[0005] WO 2004 / 063491 A1 discloses a floor covering composed of panels with at least long and short side edges that feature interlocking sections so they can create a herringbone pattern when joined together, wherein the side edges of the panels coincide with transition edges of the herringbone pattern. This should eliminate any unwelcome seams at the transitions. To be able to create the herringbone pattern, the interlocking means are provided on all side edges in such a way that left and right panels are formed to create the herringbone pattern. Thanks to the interlocking means, a preload can be created at the connection points which should ensure that the panels remain connected even if they are not glued to the substrate.

[0006] WO 2005 / 054599 discloses a floor covering with a herringbone pattern that is created using three different panel types: A, B and C. Panel type A is laid in a first direction and panel type B in a second direction that extends at a right angle to the first direction. The third panel type C is laid between two first A-type panels or two second B-type panels and connected to them.

[0007] EP 1 730 366 B1 describes panels to be used as floor covering which enable a wide range of installation variations. The long side edges and the short side edges are contoured so as to enable connection to an adjacent panel at each edge. A long side edge comprises a groove and the opposite long side edge a corresponding tongue. The contours of the short side edges are each provided with an undercut to allow the tongue of the long side edge to engage in the contour of the short side edge of an adjacent identical panel element. A step is provided at each short side edge following the undercut, and an engagement is provided between the lower part at one long side edge and the step to enable a connection between the groove of the long side edge and each short edge of an adjacent, identical panel.

[0008] If these panels are not made of solid wood but a laminate with a core of wood-based material, stresses occur when the individual material layers required are pressed together to form a large-size wood-based material panel as a result of the high press forces and the various materials in the individual layers. The individual panels are cut out of the large-size panel and the side edges are then machined to create the interlocking means. If the panels have a standard thickness of 8 to 12 mm, they are stable enough to withstand the internal stresses.

[0009] The thicker a panel, the more expensive it is to produce. For many years, the trend has been moving towards ever thinner wood-based material laminate panels in which the wood content is reduced and the synthetic material content increased. Profiling the side edges of a thin panel is correspondingly difficult. Interlocking means that enable a permanent connection between two adjacent thin panels in order to obtain a floating floor covering are impossible to manufacture or can only be produced at significant expense, which immediately cancels out any cost benefit of the thinner panel compared to traditional panels. Attempts have therefore been made to glue thin panels to the substrate. However, thin panels with a thickness of 4 or 4.3 mm have been seen to warp after installation, which is a result of the inherent internal stresses. The forces caused by internal stresses are so strong that even flooring glued to the substrate bulges and individual panels rise, which is of course unacceptable. As a result, thin panels have not been at all successful on the market.SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0010] On this basis, the invention aims to create a floor covering consisting of identically structured panels with two long and two short side edges which, in particular, can be achieved with thin panels with a thickness of less than 5 mm.

[0011] The problem is solved in that each panel is glued to the substrate and, in addition, the panels that are adjacent to one another along their long side edges are mechanically connected to each other via a first guide rail provided on only one long side edge.

[0012] The fact that all panels are mechanically connected to each other along their long edges, in addition to being glued to the substrate, has surprisingly shown that sufficient counter-forces can be applied to the internal stresses, preventing individual panels from ‘rising’ in the floor covering. Any visual interference with the overall appearance of the floor covering at the joints between the panels is effectively avoided.

[0013] A mechanical connection is understood particularly to mean that the two panels connected by said mechanical connection are mechanically locked in at least one direction. This means that the two panels cannot be separated by one of the two panels moving in this one direction. For example, a potential mechanical connection is achieved using a groove-and-tongue connection. The guide rail in this case is the tongue, which is inserted into a groove in a lateral surface of the adjacent panel to create the mechanical connection. The two panels cannot then be separated by moving one of the two panels in a direction perpendicular to the upper side of the panels. In this state, the two panels are locked in this direction, which can also be referred to as the vertical direction. The upper side of a panel is the visible side that faces away from the ground.

[0014] The panels are connected to a respective adjacent panel via the guide rail that is only provided on one long side and preferably locked in the vertical direction. The mechanical connection is therefore created between a first long side edge of a first panel and a second long side edge of the adjacent panel. Due to the mechanical locking, it is preferably not possible once the floor covering has been laid to raise the first panel in the area of the first long side edge without also raising the adjacent panel in the area of its second long side edge, i.e. moving it in the vertical direction.

[0015] Particularly preferably, it is also not possible to raise the adjacent panel in the area of its second long side edge once the floor covering has been laid without also raising the first panel in the area of its first long side edge, i.e. moving it in the vertical direction.

[0016] Preferably, a guide rail engages in a groove on the second long side edge of the adjacent panel in order to mechanically connect a panel to an adjacent panel. A groove is a depression extending along the second long side edge that runs between an upper lip and a lower lip. The upper lip extends on the side of the groove that faces the upper side and the lower lip extends on the side of the groove that faces the lower side and the ground. It is not necessary, but beneficial in some embodiments, for the upper lip and the lower lip to be the same length. In other embodiments, the upper lip and the lower lip are of different lengths.

[0017] As is known from the prior art, a PU adhesive can be used as an adhesive.

[0018] The guide rail is preferably designed as a single piece on the long side edge and engages in a corresponding groove on the opposite side edge of another panel. Additional profiling of the guide rail with locking means is not necessary. This renders production more cost-effective.

[0019] Within the meaning of the present invention, a guide rail is preferably designed as a tongue of a groove-and-tongue connection. It is sufficient if only one of the two long side edges of the panels comprises such a tongue and the opposite second long side edge as well as the two short side edges of the panel do not have a tongue, but preferably a groove that corresponds to the tongue.

[0020] In one embodiment example, the panels, which are adjacent to each other with their short side edges, can also be mechanically connected to each other via a second guide rail provided on only one short side edge. The second guide rail can also be designed as a single piece on the short side edge of a panel and then engage in a congruently designed groove on the opposite side edge of another panel. Additional profiling of the guide rail with locking means is not necessary here either.

[0021] If a floor covering with a herringbone pattern is to be produced, first panels are laid with their long side edges in a first direction and the second panels with their long side edges in a second direction. The first direction and the second direction are at a right angle to each other and all panels with long edges resting against each other are mechanically connected to each other via the first guide rails, which are only provided on one long edge. The panels resting with their short side edges against the long side edges of the panels are mechanically connected at their first short side edges to another panel via the first guide rail, and there is no mechanical connection between their second short side edges and another panel. The panels are also designed to be identical in this embodiment example of the installation.

[0022] In this embodiment example, the short sides are only equipped with grooves, enabling a particularly simple panel design. The first guide rail in the long side edge engages in a groove in the opposite short side edge of another panel. There is no connection with another panel on the opposite short side edge. In this case too, it has also been proven that the additional mechanically applied forces are sufficient to prevent a panel from ‘rising’. This means that panels with a maximum thickness of 5 mm can even be used in a herringbone installation.

[0023] Preferably, tongue and groove joints arranged on the opposite long side edges and, in some embodiments, also on the opposite short side edges of the panels, are designed so that they can be inserted into each other along a direction parallel to the surface. This means that, for example, two panels can be arranged next to each other on a floor in such a way that a side edge of the first panel that is fitted with a guide rail faces a side edge of the second panel that is not fitted with a guide rail. Preferably, an adhesive or glue has been applied to the floor such that the adhesive or glue is between the panels and the floor. The two panels can then be moved towards each other, i.e. parallel to their surface, in such a way that the guide rail of the one panel is inserted into the corresponding side edge of the other panel.

[0024] To lay a floor covering, especially in a herringbone pattern, adhesive or glue is therefore first applied to the part of the floor to be fitted with the floor covering. The panels are then preferably arranged on the floor in the correct arrangement in relation to one another and then moved on the floor, i.e. parallel to their surface, into their final position. There is preferably a cavity between the lower side of the panels and the floor, in particular in the area of the side edges of the panels, where glue or adhesive accumulates when the panels are moved, resulting in especially strong bonding in these areas.

[0025] The thickness of the panels is preferably 2.5 to 5 mm, in particular preferably 4.3 to 5 mm.

[0026] The length of the first guide rail preferably extends across the length of a panel and is preferably arranged symmetrically to the two short side edges. The depth of the groove determines the spacing. The depth of the grooves and the width of the tongues is preferably 2 mm.

[0027] A panel to be used in the floor covering is characterized by the following properties:

[0028] a) a maximum thickness of 5 mm,

[0029] b) two long side edges,

[0030] c) two short side edges,

[0031] d) a groove in a long side edge that extends across its entire length,

[0032] e) one groove each running the full length of the two short side edges, wherein each groove is formed by an upper lip and a lower lip, and

[0033] f) a guide rail on a long side edge.

[0034] If the upper lip is longer than the lower lip, a gap is created on the lower side of adjacent panels into which adhesive from the substrate can penetrate. Once the adhesive has hardened, this creates an additional connection between the panels, which increases the durability of the combination.

[0035] The panel preferably comprises a core of wood-based material with an upper side equipped with a decoration; particularly preferably, the decoration is a wood decoration. In particular, the profiling of the side edges is preferably done by machining.

[0036] The guide rail can be designed as a single piece with the core.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0037] In the following, embodiment examples of the invention will be explained in more detail with the aid of accompanying figures. They show:

[0038] FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment example of a section of a floor covering;

[0039] FIG. 2 shows the top view of a panel according to the first embodiment example;

[0040] FIG. 3 shows the section of a panel on the first long side edge in FIG. 1;

[0041] FIG. 4 shows the section of a panel on the second long side edge in FIG. 1;

[0042] FIG. 5 shows the section of a panel on the area of a short side edge in FIG. 1;

[0043] FIG. 6 shows the cut along the line VI-VI in FIG. 1;

[0044] FIG. 7 shows the cut along the line VII-VII in FIG. 1;

[0045] FIG. 8 shows the cut along the line VIII-VIII in FIG. 1;

[0046] FIG. 9 shows a second embodiment example of a section of a floor covering;

[0047] FIG. 10 shows the top view of a panel according to the second embodiment example;

[0048] FIG. 11 shows the cut along the line XI-XI in FIG. 9;

[0049] FIG. 12 shows the cut along the line XII-XII in FIG. 9;

[0050] FIG. 13 shows the side view of two panels at the connection point in the area of the short side edges according to the second embodiment example (FIG. 1).DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0051] FIG. 1 depicts one embodiment example. This floor covering has been laid in a herringbone pattern. Panels 1; 2 are identical. First panels 1 extend in a direction R1 and second panels 2 in a direction R2. The directions R1 and R2 extend at a right angle to one another. The panels 1; 2 are equipped with a guide rail 1.1.1; 2.1.1 on a long side edge 1.1; 2.1. A groove 1.3.2; 2.3.2 that corresponds to the guide rail 1.1.1; 2.1.1 is provided on the opposite side edge 1.3; 2.3, as depicted in FIG. 10. Grooves 1.2.2, 1.4.2; 2.2.2, 2.4.2 that extend across the full width of the panels 1; 2 are provided on the short side edges 1.2, 1.4; 2.2, 2.4. As shown in FIG. 11, the guide rail 1.1.1 of a first panel 1 engages in the corresponding groove 2.2.2 in the short side edge 2.2 of a second panel 2. As shown in FIG. 7, between the opposite long side edge 1.3 and the short side edge 2.4, there is no mechanical connection between the panels 1 and 2.

[0052] As can be seen in FIG. 12, the grooves 1.3.2 or 2.3.2 on the long side edges 1.3; 2.3 form an upper lip 1.3.2.1; 2.3.2.1 and a lower lip 1.3.2.2; 2.3.2.2. The upper lip 1.3.2.1; 2.3.2.1 and the lower lip 1.3.2.2; 2.3.2.2 are the same length.

[0053] As can be seen in FIG. 5, the grooves 1.2. 2., 1.4.2 or 2.2.2, 2.4.2 on the short side edges 1.2, 1.4; 2.2, 2.4 also form an upper lip 1.2.2.1; 2.2.2.1 and a lower lip 1.2.2.2; 2.2.2.2. The lower lip 1.2.2.2, 2.2.2.2 is shorter than the upper lip 1.2.2.1; 2.2.2.1. At the connection point between two panels 1 and 2 on a short side 2.4 and a long side 1.3 without mechanical locking, a gap 3 is formed between the opposing lower lips 1.3.2.2 and 2.4.2.2 (see FIG. 7), through which adhesive can penetrate into the groove 1.3.2 and 2.4.2 to strengthen the connection here.

[0054] The design of the guide rail 1.1.1 extending across almost the entire length LP of the panel 1 and the groove 2.4.2 extending across the full width B, which engage with one another, ensures that the long side edge 1.1 of the panels 1 laid in the first direction R1 is mechanically connected to the short side edge 2.4 of the panels 2 laid in the direction R2 and the long side edge 2.1 of the panels 2 laid in the second direction R2 is mechanically connected to the short side edge 1.2 of the panels 1 laid in the direction R1. The combination of panels 1 and 2 is therefore always guided by ⅘ when the length p is five times the width B. This guide and the bonding of each individual panel 1; 2 to the substrate 10 creates a level floor covering surface and prevents height differences between two adjacent panels 1; 2. The geometry of the profiles on the side edges 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4; 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4 ensures that residual adhesive cannot reach through the joints to the upper side 1.6 and blemish the decoration.

[0055] The length of the guide rail 1.1.1 is shorter than the length LP of the panel 1 by the depth of the grooves 1.2.2 and 2.4.2. Preferably, the depths of the grooves 1.2.2, 1.4.2 and 1.3.2 are two millimeters deep and the guide rail 1.1.1 is correspondingly two millimeters wide. In this case, the length of the guide rail 1.1.1 is therefore four millimeters shorter than the length LP of the panel 1. The thickness of a panel 1; 2 is at most 5 millimeters. The thickness is preferably 2.5 to 5 mm and in particular preferably 4.3 to 5 mm. Of course, thicker panels can be designed if necessary.

[0056] FIG. 9 shows the top view of a floor covering in a partial representation according to a second embodiment example, which is made up of a plurality of identical panels 1. The panels 1 are composed of a wood / plastic mix (wood-based material) with a core 1.5 and a decoration on the upper side 1.6. A first guide rail 1.1.1 is provided on a long side edge 1.1, the former being designed as a single piece with the core 1.5. A groove 1.3.2 that corresponds to the guide rail 1.1.1 is provided on the opposite long side edge 1.3. A second guide rail 1.2.1 is provided on a short side edge 1.2, which corresponds to a groove 1.4.2 provided on or in the opposite short side edge 1.4. The guide rails 1.1.1, 1.2.1 and the corresponding grooves 1.3.2 and 1.4.2 have been produced from the core 1.5 by machining. The depth of the grooves 1.3.2, 1.4.2 and the width of the guide rails 1.1.1, 1.2.1 is 2 millimeters in each case. The panels 1 are mechanically connected to each other via the two guide rails 1.1.1 and 1.2.1 and the associated grooves 1.3.2 and 1.4.2. In addition, each panel 1 is glued to the substrate 10. Due to the mechanical connection between the panels 1 themselves and the material connection between each panel 1 and the substrate 10, it is possible to transmit such strong forces that inner stresses in the panels 1, which are a result of the manufacturing process, are compensated and even very thin panels with a thickness D of just 4 to 4.3 mm can be fixed in such a way that the floor cover remains permanently in place with warping caused by adhesive coming unstuck.

[0057] To form the floor covering, the panels 1 are laid from left to right. This means that the first panel 1 is laid against the walls in the top left of the room, then the second panel is laid with its short side edge 1.2 against the short side edge 1.4 of the previously laid panel 1. When the first row is complete, the second row is fitted correspondingly to the first row of panels 1.

[0058] Identical components bear the same references in both embodiment examples.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0051]FIG. 1 depicts one embodiment example. This floor covering has been laid in a herringbone pattern. Panels 1; 2 are identical. First panels 1 extend in a direction R1 and second panels 2 in a direction R2. The directions R1 and R2 extend at a right angle to one another. The panels 1; 2 are equipped with a guide rail 1.1.1; 2.1.1 on a long side edge 1.1; 2.1. A groove 1.3.2; 2.3.2 that corresponds to the guide rail 1.1.1; 2.1.1 is provided on the opposite side edge 1.3; 2.3, as depicted in FIG. 10. Grooves 1.2.2, 1.4.2; 2.2.2, 2.4.2 that extend across the full width of the panels 1; 2 are provided on the short side edges 1.2, 1.4; 2.2, 2.4. As shown in FIG. 11, the guide rail 1.1.1 of a first panel 1 engages in the corresponding groove 2.2.2 in the short side edge 2.2 of a second panel 2. As shown in FIG. 7, between the opposite long side edge 1.3 and the short side edge 2.4, there is no mechanical connection between the panels 1 and 2.

[0052]As can be seen in FIG. 12, the groove...

FIELD OF INVENTION

[0001] The invention relates to a floor covering consisting of a plurality of identically constructed panels with two long side edges and two short side edges as well as a panel to be used in this floor covering.BACKGROUND

[0002] Floor coverings can be made from real wood panels as wood parquet or from wood-based material panels as laminate flooring.

[0003] DE 202 08 058 U1 discloses a laminate system for laying as flooring, which consists of axially symmetrical right and left panels with long and short side edges, each of which has a homogeneous continuous decoration on its surface. By designing the grooves and tongues for the right and left panels accordingly, they can be laid not only in rows or mosaic patterns, but also perpendicular to each other with the ends of the panels touching, e.g. in a herringbone pattern. The underside of the panels can be profiled to improve the adhesive effect of a PU adhesive used for laying them by increasing the adhesive surface area. This profile can be in the form of fluting, slits or in the form of ridges and valleys.

[0004] DE 20 2019 103 690 U1 discloses a floor panel with long and short side edges that comprises an interlocking section on each long edge and each short edge, which enables the panel to be interlocked with another identically structured panel. The interlocking section on the one long side edge comprises a tongue and a locking groove directed downwards. The interlocking sections on the opposite side edge and the two short side edges each have a groove and a locking lip. The locking lip abuts the respective groove downwards and has an upward-facing locking element. The tongue is configured to engage with the groove on each of the other long side edges and the short side edge of another such panel so as to create vertical locking between the edges in question. This design of the interlocking and locking elements means that the panels can be connected in a floating manner to create a floor covering. There is no need to glue them to the substrate.

[0005] WO 2004 / 063491 A1 discloses a floor covering composed of panels with at least long and short side edges that feature interlocking sections so they can create a herringbone pattern when joined together, wherein the side edges of the panels coincide with transition edges of the herringbone pattern. This should eliminate any unwelcome seams at the transitions. To be able to create the herringbone pattern, the interlocking means are provided on all side edges in such a way that left and right panels are formed to create the herringbone pattern. Thanks to the interlocking means, a preload can be created at the connection points which should ensure that the panels remain connected even if they are not glued to the substrate.

[0006] WO 2005 / 054599 discloses a floor covering with a herringbone pattern that is created using three different panel types: A, B and C. Panel type A is laid in a first direction and panel type B in a second direction that extends at a right angle to the first direction. The third panel type C is laid between two first A-type panels or two second B-type panels and connected to them.

[0007] EP 1 730 366 B1 describes panels to be used as floor covering which enable a wide range of installation variations. The long side edges and the short side edges are contoured so as to enable connection to an adjacent panel at each edge. A long side edge comprises a groove and the opposite long side edge a corresponding tongue. The contours of the short side edges are each provided with an undercut to allow the tongue of the long side edge to engage in the contour of the short side edge of an adjacent identical panel element. A step is provided at each short side edge following the undercut, and an engagement is provided between the lower part at one long side edge and the step to enable a connection between the groove of the long side edge and each short edge of an adjacent, identical panel.

[0008] If these panels are not made of solid wood but a laminate with a core of wood-based material, stresses occur when the individual material layers required are pressed together to form a large-size wood-based material panel as a result of the high press forces and the various materials in the individual layers. The individual panels are cut out of the large-size panel and the side edges are then machined to create the interlocking means. If the panels have a standard thickness of 8 to 12 mm, they are stable enough to withstand the internal stresses.

[0009] The thicker a panel, the more expensive it is to produce. For many years, the trend has been moving towards ever thinner wood-based material laminate panels in which the wood content is reduced and the synthetic material content increased. Profiling the side edges of a thin panel is correspondingly difficult. Interlocking means that enable a permanent connection between two adjacent thin panels in order to obtain a floating floor covering are impossible to manufacture or can only be produced at significant expense, which immediately cancels out any cost benefit of the thinner panel compared to traditional panels. Attempts have therefore been made to glue thin panels to the substrate. However, thin panels with a thickness of 4 or 4.3 mm have been seen to warp after installation, which is a result of the inherent internal stresses. The forces caused by internal stresses are so strong that even flooring glued to the substrate bulges and individual panels rise, which is of course unacceptable. As a result, thin panels have not been at all successful on the market.SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0010] On this basis, the invention aims to create a floor covering consisting of identically structured panels with two long and two short side edges which, in particular, can be achieved with thin panels with a thickness of less than 5 mm.

[0011] The problem is solved in that each panel is glued to the substrate and, in addition, the panels that are adjacent to one another along their long side edges are mechanically connected to each other via a first guide rail provided on only one long side edge.

[0012] The fact that all panels are mechanically connected to each other along their long edges, in addition to being glued to the substrate, has surprisingly shown that sufficient counter-forces can be applied to the internal stresses, preventing individual panels from ‘rising’ in the floor covering. Any visual interference with the overall appearance of the floor covering at the joints between the panels is effectively avoided.

[0013] A mechanical connection is understood particularly to mean that the two panels connected by said mechanical connection are mechanically locked in at least one direction. This means that the two panels cannot be separated by one of the two panels moving in this one direction. For example, a potential mechanical connection is achieved using a groove-and-tongue connection. The guide rail in this case is the tongue, which is inserted into a groove in a lateral surface of the adjacent panel to create the mechanical connection. The two panels cannot then be separated by moving one of the two panels in a direction perpendicular to the upper side of the panels. In this state, the two panels are locked in this direction, which can also be referred to as the vertical direction. The upper side of a panel is the visible side that faces away from the ground.

[0014] The panels are connected to a respective adjacent panel via the guide rail that is only provided on one long side and preferably locked in the vertical direction. The mechanical connection is therefore created between a first long side edge of a first panel and a second long side edge of the adjacent panel. Due to the mechanical locking, it is preferably not possible once the floor covering has been laid to raise the first panel in the area of the first long side edge without also raising the adjacent panel in the area of its second long side edge, i.e. moving it in the vertical direction.

[0015] Particularly preferably, it is also not possible to raise the adjacent panel in the area of its second long side edge once the floor covering has been laid without also raising the first panel in the area of its first long side edge, i.e. moving it in the vertical direction.

[0016] Preferably, a guide rail engages in a groove on the second long side edge of the adjacent panel in order to mechanically connect a panel to an adjacent panel. A groove is a depression extending along the second long side edge that runs between an upper lip and a lower lip. The upper lip extends on the side of the groove that faces the upper side and the lower lip extends on the side of the groove that faces the lower side and the ground. It is not necessary, but beneficial in some embodiments, for the upper lip and the lower lip to be the same length. In other embodiments, the upper lip and the lower lip are of different lengths.

[0017] As is known from the prior art, a PU adhesive can be used as an adhesive.

[0018] The guide rail is preferably designed as a single piece on the long side edge and engages in a corresponding groove on the opposite side edge of another panel. Additional profiling of the guide rail with locking means is not necessary. This renders production more cost-effective.

[0019] Within the meaning of the present invention, a guide rail is preferably designed as a tongue of a groove-and-tongue connection. It is sufficient if only one of the two long side edges of the panels comprises such a tongue and the opposite second long side edge as well as the two short side edges of the panel do not have a tongue, but preferably a groove that corresponds to the tongue.

[0020] In one embodiment example, the panels, which are adjacent to each other with their short side edges, can also be mechanically connected to each other via a second guide rail provided on only one short side edge. The second guide rail can also be designed as a single piece on the short side edge of a panel and then engage in a congruently designed groove on the opposite side edge of another panel. Additional profiling of the guide rail with locking means is not necessary here either.

[0021] If a floor covering with a herringbone pattern is to be produced, first panels are laid with their long side edges in a first direction and the second panels with their long side edges in a second direction. The first direction and the second direction are at a right angle to each other and all panels with long edges resting against each other are mechanically connected to each other via the first guide rails, which are only provided on one long edge. The panels resting with their short side edges against the long side edges of the panels are mechanically connected at their first short side edges to another panel via the first guide rail, and there is no mechanical connection between their second short side edges and another panel. The panels are also designed to be identical in this embodiment example of the installation.

[0022] In this embodiment example, the short sides are only equipped with grooves, enabling a particularly simple panel design. The first guide rail in the long side edge engages in a groove in the opposite short side edge of another panel. There is no connection with another panel on the opposite short side edge. In this case too, it has also been proven that the additional mechanically applied forces are sufficient to prevent a panel from ‘rising’. This means that panels with a maximum thickness of 5 mm can even be used in a herringbone installation.

[0023] Preferably, tongue and groove joints arranged on the opposite long side edges and, in some embodiments, also on the opposite short side edges of the panels, are designed so that they can be inserted into each other along a direction parallel to the surface. This means that, for example, two panels can be arranged next to each other on a floor in such a way that a side edge of the first panel that is fitted with a guide rail faces a side edge of the second panel that is not fitted with a guide rail. Preferably, an adhesive or glue has been applied to the floor such that the adhesive or glue is between the panels and the floor. The two panels can then be moved towards each other, i.e. parallel to their surface, in such a way that the guide rail of the one panel is inserted into the corresponding side edge of the other panel.

[0024] To lay a floor covering, especially in a herringbone pattern, adhesive or glue is therefore first applied to the part of the floor to be fitted with the floor covering. The panels are then preferably arranged on the floor in the correct arrangement in relation to one another and then moved on the floor, i.e. parallel to their surface, into their final position. There is preferably a cavity between the lower side of the panels and the floor, in particular in the area of the side edges of the panels, where glue or adhesive accumulates when the panels are moved, resulting in especially strong bonding in these areas.

[0025] The thickness of the panels is preferably 2.5 to 5 mm, in particular preferably 4.3 to 5 mm.

[0026] The length of the first guide rail preferably extends across the length of a panel and is preferably arranged symmetrically to the two short side edges. The depth of the groove determines the spacing. The depth of the grooves and the width of the tongues is preferably 2 mm.

[0027] A panel to be used in the floor covering is characterized by the following properties:

[0028] a) a maximum thickness of 5 mm,

[0029] b) two long side edges,

[0030] c) two short side edges,

[0031] d) a groove in a long side edge that extends across its entire length,

[0032] e) one groove each running the full length of the two short side edges, wherein each groove is formed by an upper lip and a lower lip, and

[0033] f) a guide rail on a long side edge.

[0034] If the upper lip is longer than the lower lip, a gap is created on the lower side of adjacent panels into which adhesive from the substrate can penetrate. Once the adhesive has hardened, this creates an additional connection between the panels, which increases the durability of the combination.

[0035] The panel preferably comprises a core of wood-based material with an upper side equipped with a decoration; particularly preferably, the decoration is a wood decoration. In particular, the profiling of the side edges is preferably done by machining.

[0036] The guide rail can be designed as a single piece with the core.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0037] In the following, embodiment examples of the invention will be explained in more detail with the aid of accompanying figures. They show:

[0038] FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment example of a section of a floor covering;

[0039] FIG. 2 shows the top view of a panel according to the first embodiment example;

[0040] FIG. 3 shows the section of a panel on the first long side edge in FIG. 1;

[0041] FIG. 4 shows the section of a panel on the second long side edge in FIG. 1;

[0042] FIG. 5 shows the section of a panel on the area of a short side edge in FIG. 1;

[0043] FIG. 6 shows the cut along the line VI-VI in FIG. 1;

[0044] FIG. 7 shows the cut along the line VII-VII in FIG. 1;

[0045] FIG. 8 shows the cut along the line VIII-VIII in FIG. 1;

[0046] FIG. 9 shows a second embodiment example of a section of a floor covering;

[0047] FIG. 10 shows the top view of a panel according to the second embodiment example;

[0048] FIG. 11 shows the cut along the line XI-XI in FIG. 9;

[0049] FIG. 12 shows the cut along the line XII-XII in FIG. 9;

[0050] FIG. 13 shows the side view of two panels at the connection point in the area of the short side edges according to the second embodiment example (FIG. 1).DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0051] FIG. 1 depicts one embodiment example. This floor covering has been laid in a herringbone pattern. Panels 1; 2 are identical. First panels 1 extend in a direction R1 and second panels 2 in a direction R2. The directions R1 and R2 extend at a right angle to one another. The panels 1; 2 are equipped with a guide rail 1.1.1; 2.1.1 on a long side edge 1.1; 2.1. A groove 1.3.2; 2.3.2 that corresponds to the guide rail 1.1.1; 2.1.1 is provided on the opposite side edge 1.3; 2.3, as depicted in FIG. 10. Grooves 1.2.2, 1.4.2; 2.2.2, 2.4.2 that extend across the full width of the panels 1; 2 are provided on the short side edges 1.2, 1.4; 2.2, 2.4. As shown in FIG. 11, the guide rail 1.1.1 of a first panel 1 engages in the corresponding groove 2.2.2 in the short side edge 2.2 of a second panel 2. As shown in FIG. 7, between the opposite long side edge 1.3 and the short side edge 2.4, there is no mechanical connection between the panels 1 and 2.

[0052] As can be seen in FIG. 12, the grooves 1.3.2 or 2.3.2 on the long side edges 1.3; 2.3 form an upper lip 1.3.2.1; 2.3.2.1 and a lower lip 1.3.2.2; 2.3.2.2. The upper lip 1.3.2.1; 2.3.2.1 and the lower lip 1.3.2.2; 2.3.2.2 are the same length.

[0053] As can be seen in FIG. 5, the grooves 1.2. 2., 1.4.2 or 2.2.2, 2.4.2 on the short side edges 1.2, 1.4; 2.2, 2.4 also form an upper lip 1.2.2.1; 2.2.2.1 and a lower lip 1.2.2.2; 2.2.2.2. The lower lip 1.2.2.2, 2.2.2.2 is shorter than the upper lip 1.2.2.1; 2.2.2.1. At the connection point between two panels 1 and 2 on a short side 2.4 and a long side 1.3 without mechanical locking, a gap 3 is formed between the opposing lower lips 1.3.2.2 and 2.4.2.2 (see FIG. 7), through which adhesive can penetrate into the groove 1.3.2 and 2.4.2 to strengthen the connection here.

[0054] The design of the guide rail 1.1.1 extending across almost the entire length LP of the panel 1 and the groove 2.4.2 extending across the full width B, which engage with one another, ensures that the long side edge 1.1 of the panels 1 laid in the first direction R1 is mechanically connected to the short side edge 2.4 of the panels 2 laid in the direction R2 and the long side edge 2.1 of the panels 2 laid in the second direction R2 is mechanically connected to the short side edge 1.2 of the panels 1 laid in the direction R1. The combination of panels 1 and 2 is therefore always guided by ⅘ when the length p is five times the width B. This guide and the bonding of each individual panel 1; 2 to the substrate 10 creates a level floor covering surface and prevents height differences between two adjacent panels 1; 2. The geometry of the profiles on the side edges 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4; 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4 ensures that residual adhesive cannot reach through the joints to the upper side 1.6 and blemish the decoration.

[0055] The length of the guide rail 1.1.1 is shorter than the length LP of the panel 1 by the depth of the grooves 1.2.2 and 2.4.2. Preferably, the depths of the grooves 1.2.2, 1.4.2 and 1.3.2 are two millimeters deep and the guide rail 1.1.1 is correspondingly two millimeters wide. In this case, the length of the guide rail 1.1.1 is therefore four millimeters shorter than the length LP of the panel 1. The thickness of a panel 1; 2 is at most 5 millimeters. The thickness is preferably 2.5 to 5 mm and in particular preferably 4.3 to 5 mm. Of course, thicker panels can be designed if necessary.

[0056] FIG. 9 shows the top view of a floor covering in a partial representation according to a second embodiment example, which is made up of a plurality of identical panels 1. The panels 1 are composed of a wood / plastic mix (wood-based material) with a core 1.5 and a decoration on the upper side 1.6. A first guide rail 1.1.1 is provided on a long side edge 1.1, the former being designed as a single piece with the core 1.5. A groove 1.3.2 that corresponds to the guide rail 1.1.1 is provided on the opposite long side edge 1.3. A second guide rail 1.2.1 is provided on a short side edge 1.2, which corresponds to a groove 1.4.2 provided on or in the opposite short side edge 1.4. The guide rails 1.1.1, 1.2.1 and the corresponding grooves 1.3.2 and 1.4.2 have been produced from the core 1.5 by machining. The depth of the grooves 1.3.2, 1.4.2 and the width of the guide rails 1.1.1, 1.2.1 is 2 millimeters in each case. The panels 1 are mechanically connected to each other via the two guide rails 1.1.1 and 1.2.1 and the associated grooves 1.3.2 and 1.4.2. In addition, each panel 1 is glued to the substrate 10. Due to the mechanical connection between the panels 1 themselves and the material connection between each panel 1 and the substrate 10, it is possible to transmit such strong forces that inner stresses in the panels 1, which are a result of the manufacturing process, are compensated and even very thin panels with a thickness D of just 4 to 4.3 mm can be fixed in such a way that the floor cover remains permanently in place with warping caused by adhesive coming unstuck.

[0057] To form the floor covering, the panels 1 are laid from left to right. This means that the first panel 1 is laid against the walls in the top left of the room, then the second panel is laid with its short side edge 1.2 against the short side edge 1.4 of the previously laid panel 1. When the first row is complete, the second row is fitted correspondingly to the first row of panels 1.

[0058] Identical components bear the same references in both embodiment examples.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0051]FIG. 1 depicts one embodiment example. This floor covering has been laid in a herringbone pattern. Panels 1; 2 are identical. First panels 1 extend in a direction R1 and second panels 2 in a direction R2. The directions R1 and R2 extend at a right angle to one another. The panels 1; 2 are equipped with a guide rail 1.1.1; 2.1.1 on a long side edge 1.1; 2.1. A groove 1.3.2; 2.3.2 that corresponds to the guide rail 1.1.1; 2.1.1 is provided on the opposite side edge 1.3; 2.3, as depicted in FIG. 10. Grooves 1.2.2, 1.4.2; 2.2.2, 2.4.2 that extend across the full width of the panels 1; 2 are provided on the short side edges 1.2, 1.4; 2.2, 2.4. As shown in FIG. 11, the guide rail 1.1.1 of a first panel 1 engages in the corresponding groove 2.2.2 in the short side edge 2.2 of a second panel 2. As shown in FIG. 7, between the opposite long side edge 1.3 and the short side edge 2.4, there is no mechanical connection between the panels 1 and 2.

[0052]As can be seen in FIG. 12, the groove...

Claims

1. A floor covering consisting of a plurality of identically constructed panels with two long side edges and two short side edges wherein each panel is glued to a substrate and the panels that are adjacent to one another along their long side edges are mechanically connected to each other via a first guide rail provided on only one long side edge.

2. The floor covering according to claim 1, wherein the panels, which are adjacent to one another with their short side edges, are also mechanically connected to one another via a second guide rail provided on only one short side edge.

3. The floor covering according to claim 2, wherein the second guide rail is a single piece on a short side edge of the panel.

4. The floor covering according to claim 2, wherein the second guide rail engages in a groove in an opposite short side edge of another panel.

5. The floor covering according to claim 1, wherein in a herringbone pattern, the panels are laid such that first panels are laid with their long side edges in a first direction and the second panels with their long side edges in a second direction, wherein the first direction and the second direction extend at a right angle to one another, wherein all panels with their long side edges abutting one another are mechanically connected to one another via the first guide rails provided on only one long side edge, and the panels that are positioned with their short side edges adjacent to the long side edges of the panels are mechanically connected at their first short side edges via the first guide rails with a respective other panel and there is no mechanical connection between their second short side edges and another panel.

6. The floor covering according to claim 1, wherein the first guide rail is a single piece on a long side edge of the panel.

7. The floor covering according to claim 1, wherein the first guide rail engages in a groove in an opposite long side edge of another panel.

8. The floor covering according to claim 5, wherein the first guide rail engages in a groove in an opposite short side edge of another panel.

9. The floor covering according to claim 1, wherein the panel has a maximum thickness of 5 mm.

10. The floor covering according to claim 1, wherein a length of the first guide rail is at most ⅘ of the length of a panel and is arranged symmetrically to the two short side edges.

11. A panel for use in the floor covering according to claim 1, further comprising:a. a maximum thickness of 5 mm,b. two long side edges,c. two short side edges,d. a groove in a long side edge that extends across an entire length,e. a groove in both short side edges that extends across a full width, wherein the grooves each form an upper lip and a lower lip, andf. a guide rail in a long side edge that extends across the length.

12. The panel according to claim 11, wherein the upper lip is longer than the lower lip.

13. The panel according to claim 11, further comprising a core comprising a wood-based material and an upper side with a decoration.

14. The panel according to claim 13, wherein the decoration is a wood decoration.

15. The panel according to claim 13, wherein the guide rail is a single piece with the core.

16. The floor covering according to claim 1, wherein the panel has a maximum thickness 2.5 to 5 mm.

17. The floor covering according to claim 1, wherein the panel has a maximum thickness of 4.3 to 5 mm.

Images