NL1024046C2 - Cladding of form-retaining parts, in particular for a floor, cladding parts to be used and method for joining the cladding parts. - Google Patents

Description

»NL 1024046

COATING OF FORM-PROOF PARTS, IN PARTICULAR FOR A FLOOR, COVERING PARTS TO BE USED THEREOF AND METHOD FOR CONNECTING THE COATING PARTS

The invention relates to a substrate, in particular a floor, covering to be applied, comprising: at least two parallel, form-retaining covering parts connected to each other along adjoining side edges, which have a back side directed towards the ground and a visible side facing away from it wherein the two side edges are of step-shaped design, with an inner and one. outer edge segment, such that the first covering part 10 has a protruding back side and the second covering part has an overhanging visible side, which covering parts are provided with cooperating coupling elements placed along the side edges, wherein the coupling element of the first covering part forms an at least protruding back side groove is open to the visible side, and the coupling element of the second covering part forms a tongue extending from the overhanging visible side at least to the ground, which groove and tongue each have an at least partially curved profile, and wherein the groove forms the inner edge segment of the first covering part is undercut and the tongue extends beyond the outer edge segment of the second covering part.

Such a floor covering, which is for instance known from DE-U-20300306, is marketed in various variants by different providers, and is known under the collective name "click laminate".

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The click laminate as described in DE-U-20300306 I

I consists of elongated strips or boards of an I

I laminated material. This material comprises a relatively thick I

base layer, the actual plank, of a cheap and simple I

Plate material to be processed, such as medium-dense fiber plate I

I (MDF) or high-density fiberboard (HDF), on which a relative I

I thin top layer of a decorative material, for example with I

I a paper motif printed paper has been applied. This top layer is I

I made wear-resistant by treatment with suitable synthetic resin. I

The visible side of the laminate thus has the appearance of I

I natural wood, but because the laminate is industrial in I

I is manufacture, it costs considerably less. I

I Click laminate is particularly intended for DIY

I should be laid myself. Therefore the laying on I

In a simple manner and with a minimum of tools

I can be performed. The boards of the I

I known click laminate in one of the long sides a groove, I

I while the opposite long side is provided with an I

I cooperating tongue. The groove is at the top and I

The lower side is bounded by a lip, the lip on the I

I underside protrudes outside at the top. On I

the tongue protrudes further from the underside I in a corresponding manner

then from the top of the shelf. I

I There are two types of tongue / groove I in DE-U-20300306

I connections shown, positive-locking and positive-locking. I

In the first variant of the laminate, if I

I shown in FIG. 4 show the tongue and groove, each time I

I together with adjacent parts of the side edge, complementary I

I profiles that fit together play-free. The I

The tongue and groove are each provided with a curved profile. Like I

said the groove undercut the visible side of the board, I

While the tongue protrudes beyond its side edge. The I

I undercut and the protruding part of the tongue show I

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Λ 3 also a curved profile. Adjacent planks are connected by inserting the tongue of one plank at an angle into the groove of the other plant and then bringing the planks back into a plane. The different curved profiles together determine the positive connection between the boards.

In the second variant, the actual click laminate, which is shown, for example, in Fig. 2 of this older publication, the lower lip is made so thin that it is resiliently flexible. This lip is provided at its end with a relatively low raised click edge. Similarly, the tongue is provided on its underside with a low protruding snap edge which engages behind the snap edge of the lower lip when two boards are connected to their side edges. Due to the resiliently flexible nature of the lower lip, the boards can be joined by sliding them against each other parallel to their plane and then pressing with some force until the lower lip flexes so that the snap edge of the tongue extends over the snap edge of the lip slides and falls behind it. So the boards are clicked together.

Similar connection systems are provided at the end ends of the boards, so that several boards can be placed in line with each other.

The known click laminate has a number of disadvantages.

For example, the thin, resiliently flexible lower lip that protrudes outside the end edge of the shelf is relatively vulnerable during transport, so that there is a risk of damage that complicates the later joining of the shelves. Moreover, the snap connection, once it has been formed, can only be released again with great effort, with the chance of considerable damage to the lower lip. It is then 1024046-

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Η I

I 4 I

I also not quite possible the once laid click laminate floor I

To include I again in the case of, for example, an I

I relocation. Furthermore, the principle of the click connection brings I

I implies that it is always under tension, where I

I 5 the dimensions are of great importance. The boards therefore serve I

I to be laid free of play and under tension, so that this I

I still not after connecting or only with great difficulty I

I can be shifted parallel to each other. In the I

I often have to apply a lubricant for this

10 between the tongue and the groove, whereby the number of operations I

I and also the costs increase. In addition, the used I

I material remain free of expansion or warping under I

I influence of temperature and humidity. I

The variant of the known laminate with the I

Form-fitting connection has the disadvantage that it is difficult

can be produced due to the large quantity of I

curved surfaces. Moreover, the tip of the tongue is relatively I

I thin, making it vulnerable. The corresponding angle of I

I the groove is relatively narrow, which means that sawdust will soon form there

20 will accumulate, disrupting the fit of the profiles. I

I Finally missing due to the curved course of the I

I protruding part of the tongue and undercut an I

I clear landing surface, making it accurate to each other I

placing the shelves is made more difficult. I

Other disadvantages of the known laminate are that with I

the form-fitting variant of the connection the profiles of I

I the side edges are designed in such a way that no I

gap is formed. This will cause it to expand or I

shrinkage of the base layer, due to variations in I

For example the air humidity or temperature, directly I

I lead to distortion of the entire floor covering. Furthermore I

has the known laminate due to the use of I

I printed paper or veneer as a top layer a cheap one or I

A low-grade appearance, while wear of this thin top layer directly leads to the base layer becoming visible.

The invention therefore has for its object to provide a coating 5 of the above-mentioned type, wherein these disadvantages do not occur. According to a first aspect of the invention, this is achieved in that the undercut of the groove and the part of the tongue projecting beyond the edge each have an at least partially chamfered profile.

By making use of oblique rather than curved profiles for the undercut and the protruding part of the tongue, a less vulnerable profile is obtained, which moreover defines clear contact surfaces.

A subsequent covering part can be connected to a part of the covering already laid by simply lowering it with its tongue into the groove at an angle from the top and then turning it back until the beveled profile parts rest against each other. In addition, no great forces need to be exerted to deform one of the two parts. The covering parts can therefore also be displaced relative to each other parallel to the side edges in the mounted condition.

An even simpler and more accurate placement of the covering parts is achieved when the inner edge segment of the first covering part and the outer edge segment of the second covering part run substantially transversely to the visible side of the relevant covering part.

In order to be able to establish a positive connection between the covering parts, the groove 30 and the tongue preferably each form profiles complementary to at least one of the associated edge segments. This way play in the connection is prevented, without losing its tension-free nature.

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I I

I

In order to achieve as uniform a movement as possible during the application of the covering parts, the at least partially curved profile preferably forms a circle segment.

According to a second aspect of the invention, the other edge segments define a gap in the interconnected state I of the cladding parts. In this way it is achieved that any expansion of the covering parts as a result of heat or moisture does not cause the connection to bulge.

I For placing the cover parts against each other

I and thus establishing the connection even further I

to simplify is preferably between the visible side and the I

Side edge of at least one of the covering parts an I

I beveled plane determined. This also gives the visible side I

I look like a traditional wooden floor. I

When each covering part has two parallel ones, I

I has step-shaped side edges, one of which is designed I

with the protruding backside with groove, and the other with the I

I 20 overhanging visible side with tongue, these can be on either side I

I can be connected to adjacent cladding parts. I

Each covering part can also have two mutually I

I parallel end edges enclosing the side edges I

I, which are provided with secondary coupling elements, I

So that several cover parts can be extended in each other

be laid. A coupling of the end edges that I

easy to combine with the coupling of the side edges I

is obtained when the two end edges are also stepped I

I are designed such that the one covering part has an I

A protruding back side and the other covering part an I

I has an overhanging view side, the secondary I

I coupling element of one covering part and one at the top of the I

I protruding backside shaped recess, and it I

The secondary coupling element of the other covering part is a protrusion formed under the overhanging visible side.

Each covering part can be composed of a relatively thick base layer forming the back side and a top layer connected thereto, forming the visible side, the coupling elements being formed in the base layer. By using a base layer that is not visible and can therefore be made from a relatively inexpensive material such as MDF or HDF, the cost of the coating can be limited.

Moreover, a material can be selected for this purpose in which the coupling elements can be formed with great accuracy and dimensional stability.

In order to give the coating a "rich" appearance, according to a third aspect of the invention, the top layer is formed from a high-quality material, in particular a high-quality wood type such as oak. The effect thereof is further enhanced when the top layer has a thickness of at least 1 mm, preferably at least 2.5 mm, and most preferably on the order of 4 mm. Such a thick top layer, just like solid wood floor parts, can be sanded regularly during its lifetime, without the base material becoming visible.

The invention also relates to a coating part which is intended for use in a coating as described above.

Finally, the invention relates to a method for connecting at least two of such covering parts to each other in a quick and simple manner, at least one of which is already arranged on a substrate. The method according to the invention comprises the steps of directing, with a side edge substantially parallel to a free side edge of the first covering part already arranged, the second covering part to be connected thereto, spacing above the substrate towards the side edge of moving the second covering part in the first covering part, rotating the second covering part about an axis parallel to its side edge, placing the tongue of the second covering part at an angle in the groove of the first covering part, and forming the second covering part lowering the joint on the substrate of the second covering part by turning it in the opposite direction. Thus, with a simple turning movement, a strong and reliable connection can be established, wherein no force has to be exerted on the covering parts, and the use of auxiliary materials such as lubricants is not necessary.

Because the formed connection is voltage-free, the second covering part can be moved parallel to the side edge after it has been connected to the first covering part. This can easily be brought to a desired position.

In order to form rows of contiguous covering parts in each case, after connecting the first and second covering part together, a third covering part can be arranged in line with the second covering part, which third covering part is attached by connecting a side edge thereof to the first covering part, and an end edge thereof with the second covering part. A relatively large surface can thus be coated very quickly.

The invention is now elucidated on the basis of an example, with reference to the appended drawing, in which: 1 is a schematic perspective view of I a part of a coating I according to the invention applied to a substrate, I 1024046- 9

FIG. Fig. 2 is a section along the line II-II in Fig. 1, in which the connection of the side edges of two adjacent covering parts can be seen in the assembled state, 3 is a sectional view in the same direction of two adjacent cladding parts during connection thereof,

FIG. 4 is a side view according to the arrow IV in FIG.

"1, in which the connection of the end edges of two covering parts located in line with each other 10 can be seen in mounted condition, and

FIG. 5 is a side view in the same direction of two adjacent cladding parts during connection thereof.

A covering 2 applied to a substrate 1 consists of a number of covering parts 4 laid on the substrate in successive rows 3 (Fig. 1). Each covering part 4 has two parallel, relatively long side edges 5, 6, and two likewise parallel, relatively short end edges 7, 8. The end edges 7, 8 enclose an angle with the side edges 5, 6, here a right angle.

The cladding parts 4 in adjacent rows 3 of the cladding 2 are connected to each other along their side edges 5, 6, while the cladding parts 4 in the same row 3 are connected to each other along their end edges 7, 8. To this end, the side edges 5, 6 cooperating coupling elements 9, 10 are formed (Fig. 2), while the end edges 7, 8 are provided with cooperating secondary coupling elements 11, 12 (Fig. 4). These two pairs of coupling elements 9, 10 and 11, 12, respectively, are adapted to form a force-free and form-fitting, voltage-free connection between the respective edges 5, 6 and 7, 8, respectively.

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Each covering part 4 has a back side 13 facing the substrate 1 and a visible side 14 facing away from it. In the example shown, each covering part I is designed as a laminate, with a relatively thick base layer 15 of a less high-quality material, such as MDF or HDF. and a top layer 16 of a higher quality material, for example, oak. In the example shown, the top layer 16 has a thickness of approximately 4 mm, while the base layer 15 is approximately 12 mm thick, so that the total thickness of the covering part 4 is approximately 16 mm. Optionally, the back part 4 could also be provided with a (not shown here) bottom layer of a damping or insulating material.

In the example shown, the side edges 5, 6 of the covering parts 4 are each designed in the form of steps, and they have an inner edge segment 5i, 6i and an outer edge segment 5o, 6o, respectively. The back side 13 thus protrudes along the one side edge 5, while the viewing side 14 overhangs along the other side edge 6. It should be borne in mind that although in Figs. 2 and 3 the side edges 5, 6 form part of two different cover parts 4, each cover part 4 has two of these differently designed side edges 5, 6. The same applies to the end edges 7, 8 to be discussed below.

The (primary) coupling elements 9, 10 along the side edges 5, 6 of the covering parts 4 form a kind of "tongue-and-groove" connection. The first coupling element 9 then has the shape of a groove formed in the upper surface 17 of the projecting part of the back side 13. The second coupling element 10 is formed by a tongue projecting from the lower surface 18 of the overhanging part of the visible side 14. The two coupling elements 9, 10 are here integrally formed with the covering part 4 in the base layer 15. In the example shown, the groove 9 undercut the inner edge segment 5i, while the tongue 10 protrudes beyond the outer edge segment 60. In this way, the cladding parts 4 are fixed transversely to their plane in the mounted state.

The groove 9 and the tongue 10 have a corresponding profile shape, and together with the adjacent edge segments 5i, 6o and the surfaces 17, 18 lead to a form-fitting connection. However, the distance between the outer edge segment 5o and the extreme undercut point of the groove 10 is smaller than the distance between the inner edge segment 6i and the extreme tip of the tongue 10, so that between the edge segments 5o and 6i in the mounted state of the covering parts a space 24 is determined. As a result, expansion of the base material 15 can be absorbed, without this leading to distortion on the visible side 14.

The top 19 of the groove 9 and the underside 20 of the tongue 10 cooperating therewith, which together form the most important part of the contact surface, have a curved profile in order to be able to connect the covering parts 4 to each other by means of a rotational movement. In the example shown, these two curved planes have the shape of a circle segment. In connection with the rotating insertion movement, the undercut 21 of the groove 9 and the top side 22 of the tongue 10 protruding beyond the edge segment 6o are also inclined with respect to the plane of the covering parts 4. The corners 23 between the viewing side 14 and the side edges 5, 6 are also chamfered, so that the covering parts 4 can be positioned well for joining together.

The secondary coupling elements 11, 12 along the end edges 7, 8 of the covering parts 4 form a kind of hook connection. The one secondary coupling element 11 is thereby formed by a groove recessed in the 1024046--Η

12 I

upper surface 25 of the projecting part of the back side 13. The I

second secondary coupling element 12 has the shape of an I

protrusion on the bottom surface 26 of the overhanging part of I

the visible side 14. These two secondary coupling elements I too

11/12 are again as a whole with the covering part 4 I

formed in the base layer 15. I

The recess 11 and the protrusion 12 again have I

a corresponding profile shape / so that here too an I

positive connection is achieved. To connect I

10 to simplify the end edges 7, 8 are the recess 11 and I

the projection 12 still provided with beveled edges / I

making them self-centering. I

For laying an I on the substrate

covering part 4 and connecting it along the side edge 6 I

15 with the side edge 5 of an already laid in a previous row 3

covering part 4, the covering part 4 to be laid first becomes I

held parallel to the already laid part 4. Then I

this is rotated about an I parallel to the side edges 5, 6

axis line # through which the tongue 10 is directed obliquely towards the groove 9 I

20. Then this covering part 4 with its I

beveled corner 23 close to or against corner 23 of the I

already laid part 4 / and then around the same axis I

turned back again, the curved underside 20 of the I

tongue 10 slides over the curved upper side 19 of groove 9, I

25 to the upper surface 22 of the tongue 10 against the surface 21 of the I

groove 9 rest. I

When a next covering part 4 in a row 3 l

must be placed where previously a covering part 4 I

is first placed with its angle 23 against the angle 23 I

30 of a covering part 4 in a previous row 3 I

positioned in the manner discussed above. Then I

the covering part thus positioned becomes parallel to the I

side edges 5, 6 moved, until its end edge 8 the end edge 7 I

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13 of the covering part 4 already laid in the same row 3. Thereafter, the covering part 4 is turned downwards, with its tongue 10 falling into the groove 9 of the covering part 4 laid in the previous row 3, and its protrusion 12 into the recess 11 of the covering part 4 already laid in the same row 3. the new covering part 4 is thus fixed simultaneously in the longitudinal direction and in the transverse direction.

Incidentally, the covering part 4 can also first be connected to the covering part 4 in the preceding row 3, and then in the connected state shifted to the end edge 7 of the preceding covering part 4 in its row 3. The new covering part can then be located there 4 can be turned up again in order for the protrusion 12 to pass the end edge 7, whereafter it can be turned back again. These movements are possible because all connections between the side edges 5, 6 and between the end edges 7, 8 according to the invention are without voltage.

The invention thus makes it possible to provide a large surface with a form-retaining coating in a relatively short time and with little effort. In addition, the cover can also be absorbed quickly and easily at a later stage. Moreover, due to the laminated nature with the relatively thick top layer of high-quality material, the coating has a rich appearance, while it can nevertheless be manufactured at relatively low costs.

Although the invention has been explained above with reference to an example, it will be clear that it is not limited thereto. For example, the tongue and groove connecting the side edges could be of different design, for example with only partially curved surfaces, or surfaces whose radius of curvature varies. The undercut and the protruding part of the tongue could also be shaped differently. In addition, the tongue and the I groove do not have to extend over the entire length of the covering parts I. Various variants are also conceivable for connecting the end edges. I could, for example, think of a number of studs and holes, instead of coupling elements over the entire width of the covering parts. Finally, it is also conceivable for the covering to be applied on a surface other than a floor, for example a wall.

The scope of the invention is therefore solely determined by the appended claims.

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Claims (14)

Cladding (2) to be applied to a substrate (1), in particular a floor, comprising: at least two parallel form-retaining parts (4) connected to one another along adjacent side edges (5, 6), which a back side (13) facing the substrate (1) and a viewing side (14) facing away from it, the two side edges (5, 6) being stepped, with an inner (5i, 6i) and an outer (5o, 6o) edge segment, such that the first covering part 10 (4) has a protruding back side (13) and the second covering part (4) has an overhanging visible side (14), which covering parts (4) are provided along the side edges (5, 6) placed cooperating coupling elements (9, 10), wherein the coupling element (9) of the first covering part (4) is a groove formed in the projecting back side (13) and open at least towards the viewing side (14), and the coupling element (10) ) of the second covering part (4) at least towards the visible side (14) tongue forming the base (1), which groove (9) and tongue (10) each have an at least partially curved profile, and wherein the groove (9) undercut the inner edge segment (5i) of the first covering part (4) and the tongue (10) protrudes beyond the outer edge segment (6o) of the second cladding part (4), characterized in that the undercut (21) of the groove (9) and the part protruding beyond the edge (6o) 22) of the tongue (10) each have an at least partially chamfered profile. 2. Cladding (2) according to claim 1, characterized in that the inner edge segment (5i) of the first covering part (4) and the outer edge segment (6o) of the second covering part (4) extend substantially transversely to the visible side II (14) of the relevant covering part (4). I 3. Cladding (2) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the groove (9) and the tongue (10) each with at least II form one of the associated edge segments (5i, 6o) complementary II profiles, with which a form-fitting connection between II the covering parts (4) can be established. I 4. Cladding (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least partially curved profile forms a circle segment. I 5. Cladding (2) as claimed in any of the foregoing II claims or the preamble of claim 1, characterized in that, in the mutually connected II state of the cladding parts (4), the other edge segments (5o, 6i) have a spacing (24) II. I 6. Cladding (2) according to one of the preceding II claims, characterized in that between the visible side (14) and I the side edge (5,6) of at least one of the cladding parts II (4) is a beveled surface (23) determined. II. Cladding (2) as claimed in any of the foregoing II claims, characterized in that each covering part (4) has an II two parallel, stepped side edges (5,6), II of which one (5) is formed with the protruding back side II (13) with groove (9), and the other (6) with the overhanging side II (14) with tongue (10). II. Cladding (2) according to claim 7, characterized in that each cladding part (4) has two mutually II end edges (7, 8) which are parallel to each other and are arranged parallel to the side edges (5, 6). of secondary II coupling elements (11, 12). I 9. Cladding (2) as claimed in claim 8, characterized in that the two end edges (7, 8) are also step-shaped II, such that the one cladding part (4) has a rear side (13) protruding from the rear. and the other covering part (4) has an overhanging view side (14), the secondary coupling element (11) of the one covering part (4) is a recess formed at the top of the projecting back side (13), and the secondary coupling element (12) of the other covering part (4) is formed under the overhanging viewing side (14)! protrusion is. 10. Cladding (2) as claimed in any of the foregoing claims or the preamble of claim 1, wherein each cladding part (4) is composed of a relatively thick base layer (15) forming the back side and a connecting side forming the visible side (14) top layer (16), and the coupling elements (9, 10, 11, 12) are formed in the base layer (15), characterized in that the top layer (16) is formed from a high-quality material, in particular a high-quality wood type . The covering (2) according to claim 10, characterized in that the top layer (16) has a thickness of at least 1 mm, preferably at least 2.5 mm, and most preferably on the order of 4 mm. A covering part (4), apparently intended for use in a covering (2) according to any one of the preceding claims. 13. Method for joining at least two cladding parts (4) according to claim 12, at least one of which (4) is already arranged on a base (1), comprising the steps of: a) having a side edge (6) substantially parallel to a free side edge (5) of the first covering part (4) already arranged, directing the second covering part (4) to be connected thereto, b) spacing above the base (1) towards the side edge (5) of the first covering part (4) moving the second covering part (4), 1024046- 18 c) rotating the second cladding line (4) about an axis parallel to its side edge (6) thereof, d) placing the second cladding member (4) at an angle in the groove (9) of the first cladding section (4) tongue (10) of the second covering part (4), and e e) lowering the second covering part (4) to form the connection on the substrate (1) by turning it in the opposite direction. I A method according to claim 13, characterized in that the second covering part (4) is connected to the first covering part (4) parallel to the side edge (5, 6) after the connecting thereof. I 15. Method as claimed in claim 13 or 14, characterized in that after connecting the first and second covering part (4) together, a third covering part (4) is arranged in line with the second covering part I (4) ), which third covering part (4) is attached by connecting a side edge (6) thereof to the first covering part (4), and an end edge (8) thereof to the second covering part (4). I 1024046-1