Source: https://patents.google.com/patent/RU2548251C2/en
Timestamp: 2019-12-10 21:32:26
Document Index: 501372694

Matched Legal Cases: ['art 21', 'art 22', 'art 23', 'art 21', 'art 21', 'art 23', 'art 22', 'art 23', 'art 22', 'art 23', 'art 22', 'art 23', 'art 23', 'art 22', 'art 22', 'art 23', 'art 22', 'art 23', 'art 23', 'art 22', 'art 22', 'art 22', 'art 23', 'art 23', 'art 22', 'arts 21', 'art.\n22']

RU2548251C2 - Assembly of floor panels and floor panel used in it - Google Patents
Assembly of floor panels and floor panel used in it Download PDF
RU2548251C2
RU2548251C2 RU2012129585/03A RU2012129585A RU2548251C2 RU 2548251 C2 RU2548251 C2 RU 2548251C2 RU 2012129585/03 A RU2012129585/03 A RU 2012129585/03A RU 2012129585 A RU2012129585 A RU 2012129585A RU 2548251 C2 RU2548251 C2 RU 2548251C2
RU2012129585/03A
RU2012129585A (en
2014-02-20 Publication of RU2012129585A publication Critical patent/RU2012129585A/en
2015-04-20 Publication of RU2548251C2 publication Critical patent/RU2548251C2/en
The present invention relates to a floor panel unit comprising sheet floor panels having several edges, a lower side and an upper side, wherein the floor panels are connected by connecting elements, each floor panel having at least a first connecting element provided on the first edge, and the second connecting element provided on the second edge, while the first and second connecting elements of the two panels are made with the possibility of connection at moving the first and second edges of the two panels to each other so that in the connected position the panels come into contact with each other near the upper side along the seam, the first and second connecting elements securing the adjacent edges of the panels at least in a direction perpendicular to the upper side and parallel to the upper side, but perpendicular to the adjacent first and second edges in their connected position, the first and second connecting elements provided with at least one made with the possibility Strongly deformation of the locking element, the deformation when the said compound from a first position, provides the possibility of coupling the first and second connecting elements, to a second position in which it secures the first and second connecting members to each other at least in the direction parallel to the upper side.
Blocks of the floor panel having vertical connecting elements are known, for example, from application for US patent No. 2009/0064624.
In accordance with the invention, the deformable locking element is designed in such a way that in the second position it secures the first and second connecting elements to each other in both of these directions parallel and perpendicular to the upper side.
In one embodiment, a floor panel unit is provided on one of the first and second connecting elements and has a first locking surface cooperating with a second locking surface on another of said first and second connecting elements.
In a specific embodiment, the second locking surface on the other of the first and second connecting elements is tilted and rotated in the opposite direction from the seam in the connected position of the panels. This ensures fastening in both directions with only one set of locking surfaces.
In an additional embodiment, the locking element is provided with at least one, and in particular, two loops, while in the connected position, one edge of the locking element is attached to one of the first and second connecting elements, and the other edge is provided with the specified first locking surface. The hinges allow a certain deformation of the locking element, while the shape of the locking surface at the free end of the locking element allows it to seize one of the first and second connecting elements.
In one embodiment, the other end of the locking element comprises a hook holding said first locking surface, while the other of the first and second connecting elements comprises a recess including said second locking surface.
In another embodiment, in the first position, the first locking surface of the locking element extends substantially parallel to the direction in which the first and second connecting elements are connected to each other. This allows the other of the first and second connecting elements to freely pass the locking surface of the locking element before the interaction of both locking surfaces.
In a further embodiment, the locking element comprises a control part configured to interact with the control part on other first and second connecting elements in order to control the movement of the locking element from the first position to the second position. This allows precise control of the deformation of the locking element and the predetermined movement of the locking surface.
In a specific embodiment, the control part of the locking element in the first position is located at some distance from the main part of the specified one of the first and second connecting elements, while the section between the locking surface and the control part is essentially adjacent to the main part of one of the first and second connecting elements. This arrangement makes it possible to deform the locking element in the direction of the main connecting element, causing at least a rotational movement of the locking surface.
For convenience, the first and second connecting elements are designed as male and female connecting elements, while the locking element is connected to the female connecting element. This makes it possible for the locking element to take a shape corresponding to the female connecting element and, thus, to set the male connecting element and holding it in one or two directions.
In one embodiment, the female connecting element comprises a recess that is at least locally closed by the locking element, the male connecting element comprising a protrusion configured to engage with the locking element in position above the recess of the female connecting element. A groove may be provided on the protrusion of the male connection member, having on its side a second locking surface remote from the seam and located at some distance from the crest of the protrusion.
In an additional embodiment, the locking element is provided with at least one hinge installed to interact with the crest of the protrusion of the male connector. Due to this, the locking element can take the form of a male connector.
It is also possible that the deformable locking element is attached to the male connector and has a control portion actuated by the upper protrusion of the female connector. The locking surface in this case interacts with the locking surface of the female connecting element.
In a specific embodiment, the first locking surface on the locking element is at an angle of 90 ° or less relative to an adjacent surface on the same element. This provides a secure lock.
In a preferred embodiment, the locking element is designed so that a force is required to move the locking element between the first and second positions, preferably through an intermediate position in which it changes to the reverse pre-tension in the locking element. This provides a clear first and second position of the locking element, and also provides the ability to reliably lock the locking element of another connecting element in order to obtain a proper connection between the panels.
For convenience, the locking element is made of a separate plastic part, and any hinges are membrane hinges. It is also advisable to manufacture a locking element of metal.
In a particular embodiment, a series of locking elements are arranged along the corresponding edge. Due to this, narrower locking elements are used, which make it possible to easily connect adjacent edges of the panel, as well as if the panels do not move in the perpendicular direction, for example, if the panels are folded.
For convenience, the locking elements are connected mutually with each other, forming a locking bar. This facilitates the pre-assembly of the panel locking element.
In a specific embodiment, the locking bar comprises a stopper for the other of said first and second connecting elements and limits the position of the other said first and second connecting elements in a second position of the locking element. This ensures accurate relative positioning of the edges of the panels.
In a further embodiment, the stopper and the other of said first and second connecting elements comprise interacting surfaces for holding the other of said first and second connecting elements in a contacting position. This leads to a more reliable vertical locking of the edges of the panels.
In a particular embodiment, the locking element and one of said first and second connecting elements comprise means for holding the locking element in a second position.
Means for holding the locking element in the second position may include at least means for dimensioning the locking element in such a way that a movement is required to move the locking element between the first and second positions, and the locking element and said one of the first and second connecting elements with interacting surfaces in contact with each other in the second position of the locking element.
In one embodiment, the first and second connecting elements are vertical connecting elements, while the first and second connecting elements are connected to each other mainly by vertically moving to each other the respective edges of the panels. In an improved embodiment, a locking element connects the first male connecting element in a horizontal direction, wherein the first and second connecting elements have third and fourth locking surfaces having at least a horizontal element for locking the connecting elements in a direction perpendicular to the upper side.
In a particular embodiment, the locking element has a first locking surface directed substantially toward the seam and moving toward the seam when the locking element is moved from a first position to a second position. This provides free access to the other of these connecting elements and provides the ability to eliminate gaps between the edges of the panels.
In a further embodiment, the male vertical connector has a tongue having a third locking surface on its upper surface, and the female vertical connector has an undercut having a fourth locking surface.
In a simple embodiment, the third and fourth locking surfaces are substantially abutted against surfaces forming a seam between the panels.
In one embodiment, the locking element has a first end and a second end opposite the first, while a first locking surface is provided near the second, free end, the locking element being attached to the female connecting element at the first end.
In a specific embodiment, each panel has a substantially rectangular shape with opposing third and fourth edges adjacent to the opposing first and second edges. In this case, the third and fourth edges of each panel may have connecting elements that enable the third and fourth edges of the two panels to be joined by bringing the third and fourth edges into contact with each other at an inclined position of the edges, and then turning the said panels relative to each other so that essentially enter into alignment with each other the upper sides of both panels, while introducing into contact the vertical connecting elements of the first and second edges of the inclined panel and the adjacent panel and. Such an embodiment of the panels provides a simple assembly method, known as a folding method.
In another embodiment, the first and second edges of the panels are connected to each other by moving the edges essentially parallel to the upper sides of the panels, while the locking element is configured to actuate when moving the edges parallel to the upper side.
In this embodiment, the locking element may be configured to prevent the panels from moving in one direction perpendicular to the upper sides of the panels, while the ridge between the first and second edges of the panels prevents the panels from moving in the opposite direction.
In another embodiment of the invention, the locking element has at least two loops, while in a connected position, the first end of the locking element is attached to one of these first and second connecting elements, and the second end is in interaction with the other of these first and second connecting elements.
For convenience, the first and second connecting elements are designed as male and female vertical connecting elements, and the locking element is connected to the female vertical connecting element. The female vertical connecting element comprises a protrusion extending parallel to it on the first edge essentially from the lower side of the panel, said protrusion having a recess that is at least locally closed by a locking element, said recess having a vertical wall near the free end of the protrusion, and when the locking element is in the second position, it is adjacent to this vertical wall. This leads to a strong connection between the panels, especially in the horizontal direction.
The second end may be made in the form of a hook having a locking surface, made with the possibility of interaction with the locking surface on the other of these first and second vertical connecting elements. The hook can be placed at an acute angle to the adjacent part of the locking element having one of the loops.
This makes it possible to place one of the loops substantially above the lower part of the recess in the female vertical connecting element. Preferably, when the first and second edges are locked together, the locking element forcibly moves the panels towards each other in order to close the seam between them.
In another aspect of the invention, said locking element has a first end and a second end opposite to it, a mounting part at a first end, a control part located between said ends, and a locking part at a second end.
For convenience, in the first position, the control part of the locking element is located at some distance from the main part of the connecting element, while the part of the locking element located between the locking part and the control part is essentially adjacent to the main part of the connecting element. In the second position of the locking element, the control part is preferably adjacent to the main part of the main connecting element.
In an additional aspect of the invention, the movement of the locking element from the first position to the second position occurs essentially in only one direction, starting from the essentially horizontal position of the main part of the locking element. The other of the first and second vertical connecting elements may have a control part to at least begin to deform the locking element, while the specified control part is located so that when connecting these first and second edges, the control part is in contact with the locking element in a position between ends, thereby establishing a locking element substantially perpendicular to its main part.
In another aspect of the invention, the locking element, when it is in the second position, locks the first and second connecting elements with each other in both of these directions parallel and perpendicular to the upper side.
In addition, the invention includes a floor panel for use in a floor panel unit, as described above, a locking element for use therein, and a bar comprising several of said locking elements.
Additional information and advantages of the invention follow from the description below with reference to the drawings, illustrating, by way of example, an embodiment of a panel unit made in accordance with the invention.
Figure 1 is a perspective view of several panels of a block of panels made in accordance with the invention, at the stage of laying panels.
Figure 2 is an enlarged cross-section taken along the line II-II shown in Figure 1, showing partially two panels with third and fourth edges on the long sides of the panels.
Figure 3 is a perspective view of a partially cut part along the line III-III shown in Figure 1, showing the connected first and second edges on the short side of the two panels shown in Figure 1.
4a-d are cross-sectional views of the part shown in FIG. 3 in four different positions showing the connection of the connecting elements at the first and second edges of the panels.
Fig. 5 is a view corresponding to that shown in Fig. 4d, but showing a second embodiment of the connecting elements in the floor panel unit.
6 is a perspective view of the first and second edges of two panels having connecting elements made in accordance with a third embodiment.
Figa, 7b are views corresponding to those shown in Fig.6, but depicting the connecting elements in an unconnected and connected position.
Figs. 8a, 8b are perspective views of a locking bar showing connecting elements in an unconnected and connected position, in accordance with Figs. 7a, 7b.
Figa, 9b are views in accordance with the arrow IXa shown in Figa, in two different positions.
10a, 10b are views in accordance with the arrow Xb shown in FIG. 7b in two different positions.
11 is a perspective view of the first and second edges of two panels having connecting elements made in accordance with a further embodiment of the invention, as well as a separate strip used therein.
12a, 12b are cross-sectional views corresponding to those shown in FIGS. 9b and 10b, but with a variation of this embodiment of the panel unit, in accordance with the invention.
In the drawings, primarily in FIGS. 1 and 2, several panels of an embodiment of a panel block made in accordance with the invention are shown. In particular, FIG. 1 shows a first panel 1, a second panel 2, a third panel 3 and a fourth panel 4. These panels have a substantially rectangular shape, but they may have a square or elongated shape. The four panels shown are elongated, with the first edge 5 and the opposite second edge 6 being short edges, and the third edge 7 and the opposite fourth edge 8 forming long edges.
The panel assembly is mainly intended for flooring, in addition, the panels can be used as wall panels, ceiling panels or panels to cover other surfaces. These surfaces may be internal or external surfaces.
In a particular embodiment, the panels can be manufactured as laminated panels to form a laminate floor known in the art. These panels are used to simulate boards or tiles made of natural material, such as wood, stone or any other material. Typically, these laminated panels comprise a core of relatively cheap material, in particular of wood material, for example, of a material containing wood particles or fibers, for example MDF / HDF, wood-polymer composite materials (WPC) or other composite materials, including plastics. The core of these panels is covered with a decorative layer created, for example, by sticker on patterned films or by lamination with paper, followed by coating with synthetic resins. Finishing can be performed in various ways, for example, by applying a pattern directly to the core and / or by digital printing or by final processing of the core by embossing, rubbing or similar methods. Thus, the upper surface 9 is formed. The lower surface 10 of the panels is formed by another layer, for example, a waterproof coating or sheet material. However, the invention can also be applied to panels of wood, plastic or other material with or without a separate upper and / or lower layer.
The edges 5-8 of each panel 1-4 are provided with connecting elements for connecting the panels to each other in order to form a floor covering in which the panels are joined to each other substantially without a gap. To this end, the first edge 5 of each panel has a first, or male, vertical connecting element 11, the second edge 6 has a second, or female, vertical connecting element 12, the third edge 7 has a first, or male, horizontal connecting element 13, and the fourth edge 8 has a second, or enclosing, horizontal connecting element 14.
The third and fourth edges 7, 8 having first and second connecting elements 13, 14 are shown in FIG. 2 and can be made in a known manner. These connecting elements 13, 14 are arranged to combine the third and fourth edges 7, 8 of two panels by contacting the male connecting element 13 with the female connecting element 14 of one panel or two panels already mounted on the surface. 1, panel 1 is shown brought into contact with panels 3 and 4. The first male connecting element 13 is connected to the second female connecting element 14, while the panel 1 is held in a relatively inclined position, after which the panel 1 with the male connecting element 13 is rotated relative to other panels 3 and 4, to essentially combine relative to each other the upper surface 9 of the panels. This method is known as “angle mounting”. Essentially covering the connecting element can also be installed at an angle to the male connecting element of an already installed panel.
In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the connecting elements comprise locking means that prevent the panels from diverging parallel to their surfaces 9, 10 and perpendicular to their edges 7, 8. These locking means are designed so that they exert a force pressing the panels against each other (i.e. perpendicular to their edges) when the panels are in a connected state. This force prevents the formation of gaps between the panels, in particular in a position near the upper surface 9, where the panels are joined to each other. This position can be located exactly on the upper surface, as shown in Figure 4, but if the upper edges of the panels are machined, for example, with the formation of a V-shaped groove (see Figure 1-3), a U-shaped groove or other low area between the panels, the edges of the panels are connected at a certain distance from the upper surface 9.
In addition, FIG. 2 shows that the first male connecting element 13 comprises a tongue 15, while the second female connecting element 14 comprises a groove 16 adapted to receive at least a portion of the tongue 15 so as to secure the panels perpendicular to each other surfaces 9, 10, that is, in the vertical direction. The tongue and grooves 14, 15 may have a different shape and arrangement, provided that they have surfaces that restrict movement perpendicular to surfaces 9, 10.
The horizontal fastening of the panels at a distance from each other is carried out using the edge 17 located below the groove 16, protruding from the panel 2 and having an upper protrusion 18 near its free edge that comes into contact with the lower groove 19 located behind the tongue 15 of the panel 3.
Figure 3 and 4 shows the first and second edges 5, 6 of the panels 1, 2 with the first and second connecting elements 11, 12, providing the ability to connect the edges to each other.
The drawings show that the second connecting element 12 of the second panel 2 is provided with a separate locking element 20 attached to the second connecting element 12, but having sufficient freedom of movement to move or deform in order to interact with the first connecting element 11 to connect the connecting elements 11, 12 each with the other in such a way that it secures the first and second connecting elements 11, 12 to each other in both directions: perpendicular to the upper surface 9 and parallel to the upper surface 9, but perpendicular to adjacent first and second edges 5, 6 in their connected position. To this end, the locking element 20 is made with the possibility of deformation from the first position, providing the connection of the first and second connecting elements 11, 12, in the second position in which it secures the first and second connecting elements 11, 12 to each other.
In the embodiment shown, the locking element 20 has a fastening part 21 at one end and a locking part 22 and a control part 23 located between them at the other free end. The locking element 20 extends along the entire length of the first edge 5, but a series of short locking elements is preferably provided 20 distributed along the length of the edge 5, or only one short locking element 20, located essentially in the middle of the second edge 6. The length and placement of the locking element 20 depend on various factors, in particular on the length Heavens 5, 6, the material panels and the specific use of the block panels. The use of one or more narrow locking elements facilitates the connection of two edges of the panel when moving the edges to each other in a non-parallel arrangement, for example, if one panel is folded. In this case, the fastening will be more reliable with a large local load, because if, due to the large local load, one locking element is disconnected, then the other locking elements will remain fixed and keep the edges connected.
The fastening part 21 of the locking element 20 is fixed, in particular, before delivery, for example, is glued or clamped in a groove 24, which extends along the entire length of the edge 6 of the panel, and can be inclined at an angle, in this case approximately at an angle of 20 ° relative to the lower surface 10 panels. The groove 24 ends on the upper side next to the vertical wall 25 adjacent to the upper surface 9 of the panel, which, when the edges 5, 6 are connected, is in contact with the surface of the vertical wall 26 of the first edge 5. In the connected position, these surfaces of the wall 25, 26 (which may be non-vertical ) form a seam near the upper surface 9 of the panel.
The part of the panel located below the mounting groove 24 extends into the protruding edge 27, on the upper surface of which there is a recess 28 adjacent to the groove 24. In the shown embodiment, the recess 28 is V-shaped with a base parallel to the edge 6. At its free end the edge has an upper protrusion 29 with a vertical wall surface 30 defining a recess 28. Between the free end of the edge 27 and the first edge 5 of the other panel there is free space 31 for closing the seam between the surfaces of the vertical walls 25, 26 located at the upper surface of 9 panels.
The first, or male, vertical connecting element 11 comprises a downward protrusion 32 having a substantially V-shaped lower surface, the lower ridge of which extends parallel to the first edge 5 and vertically aligns with the lowest point of the V-shaped recess 28, when the first and second connecting elements 11 and 12 are in a connected position. The crest of the protrusion forms the lowest point of the first connecting element with a maximum distance from the upper surface 9 of the panel. On the bottom side of the first edge 5, there is a groove 33 that is large enough to accommodate the edge 27 of the female connecting element 12 with the connected connecting elements 11, 12. The edge 5 of the panel may or may not rest on the upper side of the protrusion 29 located on the adjacent edge 6 panels.
On the side facing away from the surface of the vertical wall 26, the protrusion 32 has a groove 34 located at some distance from the ridge of the protrusion and having a locking surface 35 configured to interact with the locking surface 36 of the locking portion 22 of the locking element 20. The locking surface 35 is inclined relative to the upper surface 9 and the surface of the vertical wall 26. The angle of inclination relative to the upper surface 9 of the panel may vary.
As can be clearly seen in FIGS. 3 and 4, the locking element 20 contains two loops 37 and 38 located parallel to the second edge 6 of the corresponding panel and allowing the locking element 20 to deform. The loop 37 is located between the fastening part 21 and the control part 23 of the locking element 20, while the loop 38 is located between the locking part 22 and the control part 23. As noted above, the locking part 22 has a locking surface 36 located under a sharp, in this case at right angles to the adjacent surface of the locking hour and and oriented in a first position of the locking member 20 substantially vertically.
The hinges 37 and 38 are membrane loops made integrally with the locking element 20 and having a significantly reduced thickness relative to the adjacent parts of the locking element 20, thus providing the possibility of elastic / plastic deformation of the locking element at the location of the loops 37, 38.
The principle of operation of the connecting elements 11, 12 is as follows.
When the panel 1 is in the position shown in FIG. 1, the edge 5, as well as the connecting element 11 of the first panel 1, gradually come into contact with the edge 6 and the connecting element 12 of the panel 2. In one cross section, the panels 1, 2 can be in mutual location, in accordance with Figa. The locking element 20 in the first position is located essentially horizontally with the upper side of the control part 23 and the adjacent surface of the locking part 22. The lower side of the control part 23 and the portion of the locking part adjacent to the loop 38 are at some distance from the lower part of the second connecting element 12, that is, recesses 28 in the edge 27. This allows the locking element 20 to deform and the downward rotation of the control part 23 of the locking element 20. The locking part 22 located on At some distance from the loop 38, it is in contact with the second connecting element 12 located below, that is, the recess 28 is adjacent to the surface of the vertical wall 30. This contact prevents the entire locking part 22 from moving downward as a result of the downward rotation of the control part 23, but allows the downward direction rotation of the locking part 22 together with the loop 38.
The downward deformation of the locking element 20 is caused by the downward movement of the first connecting element 11 and the contact of the ridge of the protrusion 32, acting as the control part of the first connecting element 11, with the control part 23 of the locking element 20 of the second connecting element 12 in the position near the loop 38. As seen in cross section 4b and 4c, the movement of the protrusion is essentially perpendicular to the main part of the locking element 20 extending in the first position essentially horizontally, so that the shaving element is easily deformed by the protrusion 32. The control part 23 rotates downward around the hinge 37, the locking part 22 rotates upward around the hinge 38. This rotation of the locking part also causes the locking surface to rotate, while during the downward movement of the protrusion 32 of the first connecting element 11 the free end of the locking element 20 together with the locking surface 36 is rotated into the groove 34 located in the protrusion 32, so that as a result in the second position of the locking element 20 in accordance with Fig.4d lock The surfaces 35 and 36 are joined end to end. It is clear that this movement occurs essentially in only one direction when the locking member 20 moves from the first position to the second position.
In the second position of the locking element 20, the locking surface 36 secures the first connecting element 11 of the first panel in both horizontal and vertical directions. The crest of the protrusion is located essentially on the loop 38 and vertically in line with the base of the recess 28 so that the locking elements form the same V-shape as the recess and the lower side of the protrusion 32. In the second position of the locking element 20, its lower and upper the sides are in contact respectively with the surface of the recess 28 and the protrusion 32 and are kept in contact by fixing the blocking element 20.
The greater the force required to re-release the locking surfaces 35 and 36, the stronger the fastening will be. This can be achieved, for example, if there is sufficient friction between the locking surfaces 35 and 36, or if the locking element 20 is latched into the groove 34. This can be done by making the connecting elements 11, 12 with the appropriate dimensions, for example, when rounding surfaces or when making parts with such that the connecting element 20 must be stretched to allow the blocking element to enter the groove 34. In addition, if the return movement of the loops 37, 38 is difficult or requires ilia, then the uncoupling of the connecting elements 11, 12 will be impossible or difficult. If the first connecting element 11 is prevented from moving upwardly, then panels 1 and 2 can be dismantled by moving one panel relative to another along the edges 5, 6.
Figure 5 shows an embodiment of the invention in which the locking element 20 is used to secure two panels 1 and 2 with each other, when the first and second edges are moved towards each other, essentially parallel to the upper sides 9 and 10 of panels 1 and 2 and along essentially perpendicular to the edges 5 and 6. The locking element 20 and the elements interacting with it are similar to those shown in Figures 1-4, only the position of these elements is rotated 90 ° so that the locking element 20 is opened in the horizontal direction and can accommodate covered the connecting element 11, when it moves horizontally towards the female connecting element 12 and the locking element 20. The locking surfaces 35, 36 of the locking element 20 and the male connecting element 11 prevent the second edge 6 from moving up and away from the first edge 5. Horizontal surfaces 39 , 40 of the first and second edges connecting end-to-end with the contact of the first and second edges 5, 6, prevent the first edge 5 from moving upward. Such fastening can be achieved using return position of the second locking element. Other changes are also possible.
FIGS. 6-10 show a third embodiment similar to that shown in FIGS. 1-4, but in which the first and second locking surfaces 35, 36 of the locking element 20 and the male connecting element 11 fix the first and second edge 5, 6 of the panels 1 and 2 together with the third and fourth locking surfaces 41, 42 on male and female connecting elements 11, 12.
9a and 9b most clearly show the similarity of the locking element 20. In this embodiment, as well as in the first and second embodiments, the locking element 20 is installed between the groove 24 and the wall 30 so that the locking element is firmly in the first and second positions, as shown, but with force is pushed into an unstable, intermediate position, in which the direction of the preliminary tension changes. This is because the length of the locking element 20 is greater than the distance between the groove 24 and the wall 30. The hinges 37 and 38 enable the locking element 20 to deform through an intermediate position. Due to its design, the locking element 20 is forcibly held in the second position and can securely fasten the male connecting element 11. The locking element 20 is made in the place where the vertical wall 30 and the recess 28 are in contact, as a loop for controlling the rotation of the locking part 22 of the locking element. You can use another latch or latch.
In the said third embodiment, it can be seen that the locking surface 35 of the male connecting element 11 is arranged substantially vertically so that when it contacts the locking surface 36 of the locking element 20, it is held only in the horizontal direction, i.e. parallel to the upper sides 9, 10 of the panels 1, 2. The fastening in the direction perpendicular to the upper sides, in this case, is carried out by the third and fourth locking surfaces 41, 42 mentioned above. The third locking surface is is filled on the upper side of the tongue 43 protruding from the vertical surface 26 and adjacent to the downward protrusion 32 at the first edge 5. The angle between the third locking surface 41 and the upper side is approximately 45 °, but may vary, since the horizontal component prevents the edge 5 from moving up when the locking element 20 is in the second fixing position.
The fourth locking surface 42 is made on the undercut adjacent to the vertical surface 25 on one side and to the mounting groove 24 on the other side. The angle of the fourth locking surface 42 may substantially be equal, but not necessarily, to the angle of the third locking surface. The third and fourth locking surfaces 41, 42 may be located in other places.
From the examination of Figs. 9a, 9b, it is clear that in the first position of the locking element 20, in accordance with Fig. 9a, the locking part 22 is rotated axially away from the surface of the vertical wall 25 so that a large hole is formed for the protrusion 32 of the male connecting element 11, therefore, the protrusion 32 easily fits in a substantially vertical direction. The protrusion 32 is in contact with the control part 23 of the locking element when the third and fourth locking surfaces 41, 42 are in contact. When the control part 23 of the locking element is pressed down when pressed, the locking part 22 is rotated on the axis, and therefore, the locking surface 35 moves towards the vertical surface 25 and horizontally pushes the locking surface 36, thereby moving the entire panel 1 in the horizontal direction so that the third and fourth locking surfaces 41, 42 are completely in contact until the vertical surfaces 25, 26 fully come into contact, and the male connection element does not move completely down. The locking element 20 is pushed through an intermediate position and is now pre-tensioned to hold the locking surfaces 35, 36, as well as the vertical surfaces 25, 26, forming a seam between the panels 1 and 2, avoiding the formation of a gap between the surfaces.
10a and 10b, it is clear that the locking element 20 is provided with a stop 44, which limits the extreme position of the protrusion of the male connecting element 11. It is located on the side of the locking element 20, only partially extending along the length of the edge 5.
From Fig.6-8 it is seen that a number of locking elements 20 and stoppers 44 are combined into a bar 45 extending essentially along the entire length of the edge 5. The connecting beam 46 forms at least a portion of the fastening parts 21 of the locking elements 20 and extends along the entire length of the bar 45, thereby connecting the alternately arranged locking elements 20 and the stoppers 44. The stoppers 44 follow the groove 24 and the lower part of the recess 28 and are seated (with interference) between the lower part of the groove 24 and the vertical wall 30. To adjust the tolerance, the bar 45 may be slightly compressed and at the bottom of the groove 24, for example, using a groove or recess from above to form a pin at the end of the stopper 44.
Figure 11 shows a modification of the third embodiment, in which the stoppers 44 are connected to each other on the edge opposite the beam 46 using the beam 47, which contributes to resistance to skew and other deformations. Now the function of the vertical wall 30 takes over or complements the beam 47.
12a and 12b show another modification of the embodiment of FIGS. 6-10. In this modification, additional means are provided for installing the locking element 20 and the male connector 11 in the second position. To this end, the protrusion 32 of the male connector 11 has a front portion 48 having a contact surface 49 configured to come into contact with the contact surface 50 on stop 44. The contact surfaces can be made generally parallel to the locking surfaces 41 and 42 and contribute to keeping the male and female in contact with each other its connecting elements 11, 12 both in horizontal and in vertical direction. The front portion 48 extends along the entire length of the male connector 11, with the locking elements 11 having a shape that allows surfaces 49 and 50 to come into contact without blocking the lowering of the male connector 11.
In addition, the locking element 20 and the edge 27 of the female connecting element 12 have contact surfaces 51 and 52 that function almost like snap elements, so that the contact surface 51 of the locking element 20 comes into contact with the contact surface 52 of the edge 27. These contact surfaces are particularly useful if the dimensions do not allow sufficiently to move down the locking element through an intermediate position, as described above in relation to Fig.6-10. They can be used if the panel thickness is less than, for example, 7 mm. As a rule, the fastening may be weak, so that the surfaces 51 and 52 can be easily separated if you want to remove the panel.
From Fig.12 it is also seen that the locking elements 20 and the rest of the strap 45 are made separately. First, the locking elements 20 are formed, preferably by injection molding, then the locking elements are placed in a second mold in which the remainder of the strip 45 is formed, wherein the plastic of the strip 45 is formed around the end of the locking elements 20 near the fastening portion 21 to form the strip 45, made as a whole. In order to have proper deformation properties, the integral bar 45 is usually made of the same material, for example polypropylene, but the locking elements 20 can also be made of a different material than the remaining part of the bar 45. The connection between the locking elements 20 and the remaining part of the bar 45 is mechanical , that is, made using a lock provided by panels of a special shape, but a chemical bond is also possible.
It is noted that the presented and described features of various embodiments can be used in different combinations. The invention is not limited to the embodiments described above and shown in the drawings, which may vary within the scope of the invention. For example, it is possible to use the invention with panels having vertical connecting elements on all four sides, which can therefore be stacked by moving the panels vertically relative to one, two or more panels already installed. In addition, it would be advantageous for the locking element to have separate surfaces for securing the vertical connecting elements in two different directions. Although the locking element has previously been described separate from the panels, it can be made integrally with one of the panels, in particular if the panels are made of plastic. It is also possible that each of the first and second connecting elements has its own locking element interacting with the other. One or both of the locking elements may be deformed. In addition, it is advisable that one locking element only secured the panels when interacting with other locking devices, such as ridges, tongues and grooves, hooks and undercuts, etc. The configuration of the panels can be different, not only rectangular, in particular triangular or hexagonal. The edges of the panels should be formed so that the adjacent edges of the panels have corresponding connecting elements.
1. A floor panel unit comprising sheet floor panels, wherein the sheet floor panels have several edges, a lower side and an upper side, wherein the floor panels are intended to be connected by connecting elements, each floor panel having at least a first edge , the first connecting element, and at the second edge, the second connecting element, wherein said first and second connecting elements of the two panels are made with the possibility of connection by moving these two panels the first and second edges to each other so that in the connected position the panels come into contact with each other near the upper side along the seam, the first and second connecting elements securing the panels to adjacent edges at least in a direction perpendicular to the upper side, and in parallel the upper side, but perpendicular to the adjacent first and second edges in their connected position, while the first and second connecting elements have at least one locking element, made with the possibility of deformation and during said joining from a first position for connecting the first and second connecting elements to a second position in which he fastens the first and second connecting elements to each other at least in the indicated direction parallel to the upper side;
moreover, on one of the first and second connecting elements made locking element having a first locking surface that interacts with a second locking surface on the other of these first and second connecting elements, and in which the second locking surface on the other of the first and second connecting elements in the connected position panels tilted and facing in the opposite direction from the seam to lock the first and second connecting elements with each other in a direction parallel to the upper side not;
wherein the locking element comprises a control part configured to interact with the control part on other first and second connecting elements in order to control the movement of the locking element from the first to the second position;
moreover, the control part of the locking element in the first position is located at a distance from the main part of one of the first and second connecting elements, while the section between the locking surface and the control part is essentially adjacent to the main part of one of the first and second connecting elements.
2. The floor panel unit according to claim 1, wherein the locking element has at least one, in particular two hinges, while in a connected position, one edge of the locking element is attached to one of the first and second connecting elements, and the other edge has the specified first a locking surface, and in which the other end of the locking element may comprise a hook holding said first locking surface, while the other of the first and second connecting elements comprises a groove having said second locking superficiality.
3. A floor panel unit according to any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the first locking surface of the locking element extends substantially parallel to the direction in which the first and second connecting elements are connected to each other in a first position.
4. The floor panel unit according to any one of p. 1 or 2, in which the first and second connecting elements are made as male and female connecting elements, while the locking element is connected to the female connecting element, and in which the female connecting element contains a recess that at least locally closed by a locking element, while the male connecting element comprises a protrusion configured to interact with the locking element in position above the protrusion ayuschego connecting member.
5. The floor panel unit according to claim 4, in which the protrusion of the male connection element has a groove holding the second locking surface with its side remote from the seam and located at a distance from the ridge of the protrusion, and in which the locking element has at least one loop installed for interacting with the crest of the protrusion of the male connector.
6. The floor panel unit according to any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the locking element is configured such that a force is required to move the locking element between the first and second positions, the movement preferably occurring through an intermediate position in which the prestress in the locking element reverses.
7. The floor panel unit according to any one of claims 1 or 2, in which several locking elements are provided along the corresponding edge and in which the locking elements are connected to each other, forming a locking strip.
8. The floor panel unit of claim 7, wherein the locking bar comprises a stopper for the other of said first and second connecting elements and limits the location of the other of said first and second connecting elements in a second position of the locking element.
9. The floor panel unit according to any one of claim 1 or 2, wherein the first and second connecting elements are vertical connecting elements, wherein the first and second connecting elements are connected to each other by mainly vertical movement of the respective edges of the panels to each other.
10. The floor panel unit according to claim 7, wherein the locking element secures the first male connecting element in a horizontal direction, wherein the first and second connecting elements have third and fourth locking surfaces having at least a horizontal element for securing the connecting elements in a direction, perpendicular to the upper side, and in which the first and second connecting elements are vertical connecting elements, while the first and second connecting elements connected to each other by mainly vertical movement to each other of the respective edges of the panels.
11. The floor panel unit according to any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the locking element has a first locking surface directed substantially toward the seam and moving toward the seam when the locking element is moved from a first position to a second position.
12. The floor panel unit of claim 10, wherein the male vertical connecting element comprises a tongue having a third locking surface on the upper surface, and the female vertical connecting element comprising an undercut having a fourth locking surface.
13. The floor panel unit of claim 10, wherein the third and fourth locking surfaces are substantially abutted against surfaces forming a seam between the panels.
14. A floor panel unit comprising sheet floor panels having several edges, a lower side and an upper side, wherein the floor panels are intended to be connected by connecting elements, each floor panel having at least a first edge having a first connecting element, and on the second edge, the second connecting element, while the first and second connecting elements of the two panels are made with the possibility of connection by moving these two panels with the first and second edges to each other Thus, in the connected position, the panels are in contact with each other near their upper side along the seam, the first and second connecting elements securing the panels at adjacent edges at least in a direction perpendicular to the upper side and parallel to the upper side, but perpendicular to the first and the second edges in their connected position, while the first and second connecting elements have at least one locking element, made with the possibility of deformation with the specified connection from the first position providing the connection of the first and second connecting elements to a second position in which it secures the first and second connecting elements to each other, while the specified locking element has at least two loops, and in the connected position, the first end of the locking element is connected to one of said first and second connecting elements, and the second end is in contact with another of said first and second connecting elements.
15. The floor panel unit according to claim 14, in which the first and second connecting elements are made in the form of male and female vertical connecting elements, while the locking element is connected to the female vertical connecting element.
16. The floor panel unit according to claim 15, wherein the female vertical connecting element comprises a protrusion protruding substantially from the lower side of the panel and extending parallel to it at the first edge of the panel, said protrusion having a recess that is at least locally closed by a locking element moreover, the specified recess near the free end of the protrusion has a vertical wall, and the locking element is adjacent to this vertical wall when it is in the second position.
17. A floor panel unit comprising sheet floor panels having edges, a lower side and an upper side, wherein the floor panels are intended to be connected using connecting elements, each floor panel having at least a first edge having a first connecting element, and on the second edge, a second connecting element, while the first and second connecting elements of the two panels are made with the possibility of connection by moving these two panels with the first and second edges near each other so in the connected position, the panels are in contact with each other near their upper side along the seam, the first and second connecting elements securing the panels at adjacent edges at least in a direction perpendicular to the upper side and parallel to the upper side, but perpendicular to the adjacent first and second the edges in their connected position, while the first and second connecting elements have at least one locking element, made with the possibility of deformation with the specified connection from the first position connection, providing the connection of the first and second connecting elements to a second position in which it secures the first and second connecting elements to each other, while the specified locking element has a first end and a second end opposite to it, a mounting part located on the first end, controlling a part located between the indicated ends and a locking part at the second end.
18. The floor panel unit according to claim 17, wherein the control part of the locking element in the first position is located at a distance from the main part of the connecting element, while the part of the locking element located between the locking part and the control part is essentially adjacent to the main part of the connecting element .
19. The floor panel unit according to claim 18, wherein in the second position of the locking element, the control part abuts the main part of the main connecting element.
20. A floor panel unit comprising sheet floor panels of a substantially rectangular shape, wherein the sheet floor panels have edges, a lower side and an upper side and are intended to be connected by connecting elements, each floor panel having at least a first edge, the first vertical connecting element, and on the opposite second edge of the second vertical connecting element, while these first and second vertical connecting elements of two panels are made with the joining by basically vertical movement of the two panels with the first and second edges to each other so that in the connected position the panels are in contact with each other near the upper side along the seam, the first and second vertical connecting elements securing the panels at adjacent edges at least in a direction perpendicular to the upper side and parallel to the upper side, but perpendicular to the adjacent first and second edges in their connected position, the first and second vertical the extension elements have at least one locking element allowing deformation during said connection from the first position, which connects the first and second connecting elements, to the second position in which it secures the first and second connecting elements to each other, while moving the locking element from the first position to the second position is carried out essentially only in one direction, starting essentially from the horizontal position of the main part of the element.
21. The floor panel unit according to claim 20, in which the other of the first and second vertical connecting elements has a control part to at least begin to deform the locking element, wherein said control part is arranged so that when connecting the first and second edges, it comes into contact with the locking element in a position between its ends, while installing the locking element essentially perpendicular to its main part.
22. A floor panel unit comprising sheet floor panels of a generally rectangular shape having edges, a lower side and an upper side and intended to be connected by connecting elements, each floor panel having at least a first vertical connecting element at least on the first edge, and on the second edge - the second vertical connecting element, while the first and second vertical connecting elements of the two panels are made with the possibility of connection by basically vertical movement these two panels with the first and second edges to each other so that in the connected position the panels are in contact with each other near the upper side along the seam, the first and second vertical connecting elements securing the panels at adjacent edges at least in a direction perpendicular to the upper side, and parallel to the upper side, but perpendicular to the adjacent first and second edges in their connected position, while the first and second vertical connecting elements have at least one locking el ment adapted to deformation when said compound from a first position providing a connection of the first and second connecting elements, to a second position in which it secures the first and second connecting members to each other at least in the direction parallel to the upper side.
23. The floor panel unit of claim 22, wherein the locking element is formed on one of the first and second vertical connecting elements and has a locking surface cooperating with a locking surface of the other of the first and second vertical connecting elements.
24. The floor panel unit of claim 22 or 23, wherein the first and second vertical connecting elements are configured as a vertical male and female connecting element, wherein the locking element is connected to a vertical female connecting element.
25. The floor panel unit of claim 24, wherein the locking element secures the first male connecting element in a horizontal direction, wherein the first and second connecting elements have third and fourth locking surfaces having at least a horizontal element for securing the connecting elements in a direction, perpendicular to the upper side.
26. The floor panel assembly of claim 25, wherein the locking member has a first locking surface directed substantially toward the seam and moving toward the seam when the locking member moves from a first position to a second position.
27. The floor panel unit according to claim 26, wherein the male vertical connecting element has a tongue having a third locking surface on the upper surface, and the female vertical connecting element comprises an undercut having a fourth locking surface.
28. The floor panel unit of claim 22, wherein the locking element comprises a control portion located between its ends, wherein the locking element is configured and positioned so that a downward movement of the control portion translates into a movement of the first locking surface in the direction of the seam.
29. The floor panel unit of claim 22 or 23, wherein the locking element and one of said first and second connecting elements comprise means for holding the locking element in a second position and in which means for holding the locking element in a second position may include at least one of: giving an appropriate size to the blocking element so that an effort is required to move the locking element between the first and second position, and the execution of the locking element and the specified one of the first and second s connecting elements with contact surfaces in contact with each other in the second position of the locking member.
30. A floor panel unit comprising sheet floor panels having edges, a lower side and an upper side, wherein the floor panels are intended to be connected using connecting elements, each floor panel having at least a first connecting element at least on a first edge and an opposite second edge - the second connecting element, while the first and second connecting elements of the two panels are made with the possibility of connection with each other by moving these two panels with the first and second edges of the other angles to each other so that in the connected position the panels are in contact with each other near the upper side along the seam, the first and second connecting elements securing the panels at adjacent edges at least in a direction perpendicular to the upper side and parallel to the upper side, but perpendicular to the adjacent the first and second edges in their connected position, while the first and second connecting elements are made with at least one locking element made with the possibility of deformation with the specified connection nenii from a first position providing a connection of the first and second connecting elements, to a second position in which it secures the first and second connecting members in both these directions in parallel with each other and perpendicular to the upper side.
31. The floor panel unit of claim 30, wherein the locking element is formed on one of the first and second connecting elements and has a first locking surface cooperating with a second locking surface on the other of said first and second connecting elements, and in which the second locking surface on the other of the first and second connecting elements is inclined and facing away from the seam in the connected position of the panels.
32. A floor panel unit comprising sheet floor panels of a generally rectangular shape having edges, a lower side and an upper side, wherein the floor panels are intended to be connected by connecting elements, each floor panel having at least a first edge, a first a vertical connecting element, and on the second edge opposite the first, the second vertical connecting element, while the first and second vertical connecting elements of the two panels are made with the possibility of connection by moving the two panels primarily vertically with the first and second edges to each other so that in the connected position the panels are in contact with each other near the upper side along the seam, the first and second vertical connecting elements securing the panels at adjacent edges at least a direction perpendicular to the upper side and parallel to the upper side, but perpendicular to the adjacent first and second edges in the connected position, while the first and second vertical connecting the elements contain at least one locking element, made with the possibility of deformation at the specified connection from a stable first position, providing the connection of the first and second vertical connecting elements to another second position, in which it secures the first and second connecting elements to each other at least in the indicated direction parallel to the upper side, and the locking element has a control part and is made and arranged so that moving the control part down goes to movement of the first locking surface in the weld direction.
RU2012129585/03A 2010-01-14 2010-04-15 Assembly of floor panels and floor panel used in it RU2548251C2 (en)
RU2012129585A RU2012129585A (en) 2014-02-20
RU2548251C2 true RU2548251C2 (en) 2015-04-20
BR (1) BR112012017589B1 (en)
2010-04-15 BR BR112012017589A patent/BR112012017589B1/en active IP Right Grant
BR112012017589B1 (en) 2019-11-12
EP2230365A1 (en) 2010-09-22 Flooring system
2015-08-20 TK4A Correction to the publication in the bulletin (patent)
Free format text: AMENDMENT TO CHAPTER -FG4A- IN JOURNAL: 11-2015 FOR TAG: (57)