Source: https://patents.google.com/patent/EP1527241B1/en
Timestamp: 2020-01-19 16:35:42
Document Index: 253001007

Matched Legal Cases: ['arts 8', 'art 8', 'art 8', 'arts 8', 'art 8', 'art 8', 'arts 8', 'arts 8', 'art 8', 'art 8', 'arts 8', 'art 8', 'art 8', 'art 8', 'art 8', 'art 32', 'art 32']

EP1527241B1 - Device for connecting two plate-shaped panels - Google Patents
EP1527241B1
EP1527241B1 EP20030790881 EP03790881A EP1527241B1 EP 1527241 B1 EP1527241 B1 EP 1527241B1 EP 20030790881 EP20030790881 EP 20030790881 EP 03790881 A EP03790881 A EP 03790881A EP 1527241 B1 EP1527241 B1 EP 1527241B1
EP20030790881
EP1527241A1 (en
2002-08-09 Priority to DE10237397 priority Critical
2002-08-09 Priority to DE2002137397 priority patent/DE10237397A1/en
2003-08-07 Priority to PCT/EP2003/008783 priority patent/WO2004020764A1/en
2005-05-04 Publication of EP1527241A1 publication Critical patent/EP1527241A1/en
2006-12-20 Publication of EP1527241B1 publication Critical patent/EP1527241B1/en
2007-09-19 First worldwide family litigation filed litigation Critical https://patents.darts-ip.com/?family=30469748&utm_source=google_patent&utm_medium=platform_link&utm_campaign=public_patent_search&patent=EP1527241(B1) "Global patent litigation dataset” by Darts-ip is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
From WO 00/20706 a connection between two floor panels is known, in which the plates each contain a groove on the side facing the respective other plate and a parallel to this side and a small distance therefrom having groove on the lower side. A connecting element connects the two grooves on the lower side and engages in this, and two webs which are elastically deformed during assembly of the plates, each engage in a groove on the mutually facing sides of the plates. This ensures that the plates are mutually fixed both in the direction of their plane and in this direction perpendicular. However, in this connection, the Disadvantage that the assembly of the connecting element can be made only at the place of floor laying, since due to its elasticity there is a risk that a previously secured to a different location on a plate fastener dissolves again and is lost or damaged. Also, a later separation of the bonded plates presents difficulties, since this is only possible if a direct access to the connecting element takes place. However, this can only be done from the bottom of the floor.
WO 01/98604 A1 discloses a connection between two floor panels, in which each panel carries a connecting element on the side facing the respective other panel. When assembling the plates, the differently shaped connecting elements engage each other, so that the plates are fixed to each other. The assembly of the connecting elements on the respective plates is already possible at the factory by flanges are introduced at the connecting elements in corresponding slots in the plates. However, to achieve permanent attachment, the flanges must be glued in the slots. As a result, the production is complicated. An additional expense results from the fact that in each case two connecting elements are required for a connection.
DE 39 32 980 A describes the production of walls, ceilings or floors made of plastic foam plates, which are connected to each other by engaging in formed in the side edges of the plates grooves spring elements. The grooves have recesses for receiving barbs of the spring elements in such a way that the latched into the grooves Spring elements can not be pulled out. A separation of the plates is thus possible only by destruction of the spring elements. Furthermore, the side edges of two interconnected plates are smooth against each other, so that the plates are fixed in the direction perpendicular to the plane of the plate only by the spring elements against each other. Therefore, the risk of slight displacements of the plates against each other in this direction is relatively large, so that the formation of a completely flat surface can cause difficulties.
Finally, FR 2 652 620 A shows a connection of two panels along each side edge with three intermeshing connection elements. In each case, a connecting element is inserted into a correspondingly formed groove in the side edge of each plate and the resilient third connecting element establishes a permanent connection between the other two connecting elements. Again, a separation of the plates only by destruction of a connecting element is possible. Also, the plates are fixed in the direction perpendicular to their plane direction only by the elastic connecting elements against each other.
It is therefore an object of the present invention, a device for connecting two plate-shaped panels along each side edge thereof, in which at least one connecting element with elastic projections for mutual fixing of the panels in the direction of the plane formed by them and in this perpendicular Direction ensuring engagement is provided with formed in the side edges of the two panels recesses, wherein the engagement between at least one of elastic projections of the connecting element and at least one of the recesses in at least one of the panels is not solvable by external action to create, in which the interconnected panels form a completely smooth surface. In addition, a separation of the connected panels without destruction of the connecting element should be possible.
This object is achieved by a device having the features of each of claim 1 or claim 2. Advantageous developments of the device according to the invention will become apparent from the dependent claims.
Characterized in that one of the side edges of a horizontal step and the other of the side edges have a horizontal step such that by mutual engagement, a mutual movement of the two connected panels in at least one direction perpendicular to the plane of the panels is prevented, the panels are in this Direction exactly fixed to each other, so that it can be ensured that the panels form a complete flat surface.
Furthermore, in that the engagement between the connecting element and one of the panels after pivoting one of the two panels out of the plane of the connected panels is releasable by a sliding movement between the connecting element and the one of the panels, due to the flexibility of the material ensures that on the one hand the panels can be separated again in the easiest way and on the other hand no mutual movements of the panels in their plane or can take place perpendicular thereto, so that no joints between the connected panels or paragraphs in the common of them formed surface can occur.
The invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to embodiments illustrated in the figures. Show it:
a first embodiment of the device according to the invention,
a second embodiment of the device according to the invention, and
A third embodiment of the device according to the invention.
Fig. 1 shows two along each side edge interconnected panels 1 and 2, which are used for example as floor panels, wall panels or ceiling panels, and preferably completely or consist predominantly of wood, wood fibers or wood shavings, such as HDF, MDF, chipboard or OSB boards, as well as solid or cross-glued wooden boards (parquet). The panels 1 and 2 are connected together so that their upper and lower surfaces are each in a plane. Their mutually facing side edges 3 and 4 are stepped and also each form a recess 5 and 6. Two horizontally extending steps 7 in the side edge of each panel 1 and 2 are fixed to each other, so that the upper surfaces of the panels 1 and 2 without offset merge.
In the recesses 5 and 6 formed by the two side edges 3 and 4 is a connecting element 8 made of metal or plastic with two tongue-like elastic projections 9 and 10. The projection 9 is located on a step 11 of the recess 5 so that the panel second relative to the panel 1 can not be moved in a vertical direction upwards. Since the two steps 7 prevent vertical displacement of the panel 2 relative to the panel 1, the panels 1 and 2 are vertically upwards and downwards, i. perpendicular to the plane formed by them, mutually fixed.
The projection 10 abuts against a step 12 of the recess 6 such that the connecting element 8 can not be pulled out of the recess 6. The connecting element 8 is formed so that the projection 10 is covered and thus not accessible from the outside when the connecting element 8 is pushed into the recess 6 into the illustrated position. Thus, the elastic projection 10 can not be bent away from the step 12, so that the Engagement between the projection 10 and the step 12 is no longer solvable, even if the panels 1 and 2 are not yet connected to each other (a solution would only be possible in such a way that the connecting element 8 is pulled out or pushed in its longitudinal direction).
A running at an acute angle to the vertical step 13 in the side edge 3 of the panel 1 abuts a running in the same direction edge of the connecting element 8 and thereby prevents the panel 1 in the horizontal direction of the connecting element 8 and thus also of the panel 2 can be pulled away. Since the vertical steps 14 of the side edges 3 and 4 firmly abut each other, the panels 1 and 2 are also fixed horizontally in both directions against each other, with their upper surfaces merge seamlessly into each other.
The recesses 5 and 6 are located in the vertical direction between the upper and lower surfaces of the panels 1 and 2, so that the connecting element 8 is completely enclosed by these.
The connection between the panel 2 and the connecting element 8 is already factory-made by the connecting element 8 is pushed into the recess 6, wherein the projection 10 is elastically deformed and after reaching the stage 12 before this zurückschnellt, so that the connecting element 8 with the Panel 2 is permanently locked. A part of the firmly attached to the side edge 4 surface of the connecting element 8 has tooth-shaped elevations, so that in spite of manufacturing tolerances a tight fit is achieved.
To connect the panels 1 and 2, the panel 2 is pressed with the attached connecting element 8 perpendicularly from above against the panel 1 that the lower bulged portion of the connecting element 8 enters the recess 5. When it abuts against the lower boundary surface of the recess 5, also the elastically deformed projection 9 is released so that it passes in front of the stage 11 and thus a movement of the panel 2 in the reverse direction, i. with respect to the panel 1 prevents vertical upward. At the same time meet the steps 7 of both side edges 3 and 4, the panels 1 and 2 are vertically locked together in both directions.
A solution of the connection between the panels 1 and 2 is possible when one of the panels is moved relative to the other approximately in the direction of the course of the stage 13. The connecting element 8 deforms elastically to a slight extent, so that the projection 9 can slide along the step 11 until it is released from this. The panels 1 and 2 can be easily separated from each other in this way.
The connecting element 8 is here preferably a plastic extrusion or injection-molded part with extending in its longitudinal direction channels.
In the embodiment according to FIG. 2, those parts which correspond to those in the embodiment according to FIG. 1 are identified by the same reference numerals and the suffix "c". Projection 16a in such a way that when joining the two panels 1a and 2a they must be moved obliquely to each other, so that the projection 16a enters the recess 15a. This movement is completed when the vertical steps 14a of both side edges 3a and 4a abut each other. The panels 1a and 2a are then locked against each other in the horizontal and vertical directions. When separating the panels 1a and 2a they are moved in the opposite direction as when joining against each other.
In the connecting device of Fig. 3, the parts corresponding to those in the embodiment of Fig. 1, with the same reference numerals and the suffix "b" are marked. 3, the side edges 3b and 4b do not overlap each other in the horizontal direction, so that they can not contribute to mutual locking of the panels 1b and 2b in the vertical direction. This function is carried out by two horizontal projections 17b and 18b of the connecting element 8b, which respectively engage in a complementary recess 19b or 20b in the side edges 3b and 4b. Since this lock acts in both opposite directions, the elastic projection 9b and the step 11b are not required for this purpose. Rather, they have the same function for the panel 1b as the projection 10b and the step 12b for the panel 2b, that is, the panel 1b is pushed horizontally against the panel 2b provided with the connecting member 8b, thereby deforming the projection 9b and then through the panel Stage 11b is released and thus the panel 1b locks against an opposite horizontal movement. At the same time, since the vertical steps 14b of both side edges 3b and 4b collide, both panels are locked against each other in the horizontal and vertical directions.
In Fig. 2, the connecting element consists of two parts 8.1c and 8.2c, wherein the part 8.1c by means of projections 9.1c and 9.2c and stages 11.1c and 11.2c not detachable with the panel 1c and the part 8.2c by means of projections 10.1c and 10.2c and stages 12.1c and 12.2c are non-releasably engaged with the panel 2c. Here there is no horizontal overlap of the side edges 3c and 4c, i. the vertical locking of the panels 1c and 2c takes place exclusively via the parts 8.1c and 8.2c of the connecting element. The part 8.1c itself is locked to the panel 1c by a projection 21c projecting into a recess of the recess 5c and a stopper 22c in the vertical direction, while the part 8.2c for locking with the panel 2c has a projection 23c and a stopper 24c having. Both parts 8.1c and 8.2c of the connecting element are thus rigidly and non-detachably connected to the respective associated panel 1c and 2c.
To connect the panels 1c and 2c, the parts 8.1c and 8.2c are engaged with each other. For this purpose, the part 8.2c has a beak-shaped projection 25c and the part 8.1c has a corresponding recess. By a pivoting movement of the panels 1c and 2c against each other, this engagement can be made and also solved by an opposite pivoting movement. During the engagement, as shown in FIG. 2, the panels 1c and 2c are locked against each other in a horizontal as well as in a vertical direction.
According to FIG. 5, the side edge 4d of the panel 2d forms two obliquely extending projections 26d and 27d which project into complementary recesses in the side edge 3d of the panel 1d and thus effect a mutual locking of the panels 1d and 2d in the horizontal and vertical directions. In order to prevent the protrusions 26d and 27d from sliding out of their recesses by means of a relative oblique movement, a connecting element consisting of two parts 8.1d and 8.2d is provided. The part 8.1d is elastic, so that it can be inserted into it with elastic deformation through the opening of the recess 5d and could spread in the recess 5d in such a way that it is in inseparable engagement therewith. In a corresponding manner, the part was 8.2d inserted under elastic deformation of the projections 10.1d and 10.2d in the recess 6d of the panel 2d and brought by subsequent spreading of the projections 10.1d and 10.2d inseparable engagement with the recess 6d.
The part 8.2d is provided with a protruding from the recess 6d punch 28d. The part 8.1d has a cavity for receiving the punch 28d, wherein the passage to the cavity is limited by two elastic protrusions 29d and 30d to be narrower than the largest width of the conical punch head.
To connect the panels 1d and 2d, they are moved relative to one another such that the projections 26d and 27d enter their associated recesses and also the head of the punch 28d, spreading the projections 29d and 30d apart into the cavity of the part 8.1d. After the stamp head has passed the protrusions 29d and 30d, the protrusions 29d and 30d are released 3, the two panels 1e and 2e are fixed to each other in the vertical direction by a projection 31e in the side edge 4e of the panel 2e and a complementary recess in the side edge 3e of the panel 1e, and the horizontal fixing is performed by the connecting element 8e passing over the elastic projection 9e with the step 11e of the panel 1e and via the elastic projection 10e with the step 12e of the panel 2e is engaged. On the visible side, the interconnected panels 1e and 2e form a joint in which a complementarily formed part 32e of the connecting element 8e is accommodated. The part 32e is flush with the visible surface of the panels 1e and 2e, so that it is visible from the outside and thus gives the visible surface an aesthetically pleasing pattern.
Device for connecting two plate-shaped panels (1, 2) along one side edge (3, 4) of each of these, in which device there is at least one connecting element (8) with flexible projections (10, 11) for engagement - securing the reciprocal location of the panels (1, 2) in the direction of the plane formed by them and in the direction perpendicular to it - with recesses (5, 6) formed in the side edges (3, 4) of the two panels (1, 2), the engagement between at least one of the flexible projections (10) of the connecting element (8) and at least one of the recesses (5, 6) in at least one of the panels (1, 2) being incapable of being released by outside actions,
one of the side edges (3, 4) has a horizontal step (7), and the other side edge (3, 4) has a horizontal step (7) in such a manner that, as a result of the reciprocal engagement of the latter, a reciprocal movement of the two connected panels (1, 2) in at least one direction perpendicular to the plane of the panels (1, 2) is prevented.
the engagement between the connecting element (8) and one of the panels (1, 2) can be released after swivelling one of the two panels (1, 2) from out of the plane of the connected panels (1, 2) by means of a sliding movement between the connecting element (8) and one of the panels (1, 2).
Device as in claim 1 or 2,
the engagement between the at least one flexible projection (10) of the connecting element (8) and at least one of the panels (1, 2) is not accessible from outside.
Device as in one of claims 1 to 3,
the recess (6) in at least one of the panels (1, 2) has at least one step (12) which engages with a flexible projection of the connecting element that has been introduced into the recess, in such a manner that pulling out the connecting element in the opposite direction to the direction of introduction is prevented.
Device as in one of claims 1 to 4,
each of the panels (1, 2) has a connecting element (8.1, 8.2) which is in non-separable engagement with a recess (5, 6) in the panel and, to connect the panels (1, 2), the connecting elements (8.1, 8.2) are in a condition of reciprocal engagement.
Device as in one of claims 1 to 5,
the connecting element (8) is made of metal.
the connecting element (8) is made of plastic.
Device as in claim 7,
the connecting element (8) is an extruded or injection moulded component which has channels that run along its length.
Device as in one of claims 1 to 8,
the panels (1, 2) are floor, wall or ceiling plates.
Device as in one of claims 1 to 9,
the panels (1, 2), when in the mutually connected state, form a joint at least on one externally visible surface, in which joint is held, in an externally visible manner, a complementarily shaped part of the connecting element.
EP20030790881 2002-08-09 2003-08-07 Device for connecting two plate-shaped panels Revoked EP1527241B1 (en)
DE10237397 2002-08-09
EP1527241A1 EP1527241A1 (en) 2005-05-04
EP1527241B1 true EP1527241B1 (en) 2006-12-20
EP20030790881 Revoked EP1527241B1 (en) 2002-08-09 2003-08-07 Device for connecting two plate-shaped panels
DE202012102709U1 (en) 2012-07-19 2012-09-13 Barlinek S.A. Building panel with a device for connection to at least one further building panel on a substrate
PL2687650T3 (en) * 2012-07-19 2018-06-29 Barlinek S.A. Construction panel with a device for connection with at least one further construction panel on a base
FR2652620B1 (en) * 1989-09-29 1992-02-28 Equip Collectif Ste Fse profiles kit for the assembly of various panels, panels by applying and process for obtaining such panels.
DE10044016C2 (en) * 2000-09-06 2003-11-27 Kronotec Ag Device for connecting floor panels
WO2004020764A1 (en) 2004-03-11
EP2740859A2 (en) 2014-06-11 Mechanical locking of floor panels
EP2440724B1 (en) 2014-05-14 Floor panel and floor covering consisting of a plurality of such floor panels
CN105041806B (en) 2018-01-02 The mechanical locking system of building panel
Inventor name: WINDMOELLER, MATTHIAS
Inventor name: PORATH, MICHAEL
Ref document number: 50306056
2007-07-18 GBV Gb: ep patent (uk) treated as always having been void in accordance with gb section 77(7)/1977
2009-04-22 27W Revoked
2009-07-01 NLR2 Nl: decision of opposition