Abstract
Floor panels are shown, which are provided with a mechanical locking system comprising tongue and grooves provided with protrusions and cavities which are displaceable in relation to each other and configured such that the protrusions can obtain a vertically unlocked position where they match the cavities and a vertically locked position where the protrusions overlap each other.
Claims
1. A set of floor panels provided with a locking system comprising a separate part in a first edge of a first floor panel and a groove in a second edge of a similar second floor panel, wherein the separate part is configured to cooperate with the groove to lock the first edge of the first floor panel and the second edge of the second floor panel into a locked state in which the first and second edges are locked horizontally adjacent to one another, the first and second edges extending in a longitudinal direction, wherein the separate part is positioned in a displacement groove and is configured to turn during locking, wherein the separate part comprises a turning extension which, in the locked state, is positioned outside the displacement groove and extends beyond a longitudinal end of the first edge when viewed in a direction orthogonal to a horizontal plane, and wherein the turning extension is configured to turn the separate part during locking when the first floor panel and the second floor panel are positioned in a same plane to obtain the locked state.
2. The set of floor panels as claimed in claim 1, wherein the turning extension is at an outer edge of the separate part.
3. The set of floor panels as claimed in claim 2, wherein the first edge of the first floor panel is a short edge and the turning extension is positioned at an adjacent long edge of the first floor panel.
4. The set of floor panels as claimed in claim 3, wherein the first edge of the first floor panel comprises a locking strip with an upwardly directed locking element which is configured to cooperate with a downwardly open locking groove at the second edge of the second floor panel for locking the first edge of the first floor panel and the second edge of the second floor panel in a horizontal direction.
5. The set of floor panels as claimed in claim 4, wherein the turning extension, in the locked state, is positioned outside the locking strip and extends beyond a longitudinal end of the locking strip when viewed in the direction orthogonal to the horizontal plane.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
(1) FIGS. 1a-1d illustrate prior art locking system.
(2) FIGS. 2a-2c show embodiments of prior art locking systems.
(3) FIGS. 3a-3c show embodiments of prior art locking systems.
(4) FIGS. 4a-4c show a locking system according to a basic embodiment of the invention.
(5) FIGS. 5a-5c show locking with side push of a displaceable tongue.
(6) FIGS. 6a-6h show in several steps locking of short edges.
(7) FIGS. 7a-7d show locking of four panels according to one aspect of the invention.
(8) FIGS. 8a-8f show cross sections of panels during installation.
(9) FIGS. 9a-9d show locking systems formed in one piece with the panel.
(10) FIGS. 10a-10c show installation of panels with a one piece locking system combined with a displacement of panels during locking.
(11) FIGS. 11a-11c show an alternative installation method based on connection in angled position.
(12) FIGS. 12a-12f show a locking system on long edges made in one piece with the panel.
(13) FIGS. 13a-13f show a method to lock panels with displacement of long edges and snapping of short edges.
(14) FIGS. 14a-14e show locking of several panels comprising protrusions on long edges.
(15) FIGS. 15a-15e show how panels with protrusions on long and short edges could be locked.
(16) FIGS. 16a-16c show a one piece locking system, which could be connected with a vertical and/or horizontal displacement.
(17) FIGS. 17a-17e show a method to produce protrusions according to a cutter principle.
(18) FIGS. 18a-18e show a method to produce protrusions with a saw blade principle.
(19) FIGS. 19a-19e show a method to produce protrusions according to a screw cutter principle.
(20) FIGS. 20a-20d show an example of a screw cutter tool.
(21) FIGS. 21a-21c show how protrusions could be formed in a wood flooring and forming of protrusions with a specially designed saw blade.
(22) FIGS. 22a-22f show an equipment to connect a separate part to a panel edge.
(23) FIGS. 23a-23e show a method to connect a separate part to an edge by insertion along the joint and a tong blank comprising several tongues.
(24) FIGS. 24a-24c show embodiments of locking systems.
(25) FIGS. 25a-25d show embodiments of displaceable tongues.
(26) FIGS. 26a-26e show wedge formed tongue protrusions and locking systems with vertically extending snapping hooks.
(27) FIGS. 27a-27f show embodiments of locking systems with vertically offset grooves.
(28) FIGS. 28a-28e show embodiments where the side push is replaced by a snapping along the joint.
(29) FIGS. 29a-29e show embodiments where the side push is replaced by a turning action.
(30) FIGS. 30a-30d show embodiments of a displaceable tongue, which locks the adjacent edges vertically (D1) and horizontally (D2).
(31) FIGS. 31a-31e show embodiments of a displaceable tongue, which locks the adjacent edges vertically and horizontally.
(32) FIGS. 32a-32d show embodiments of a displaceable tongue, which locks the adjacent edges vertically and horizontally.
(33) FIGS. 33a-33c show embodiments where a displaceable tongue locks in a groove on an outer part of a locking strip.
(34) FIGS. 34a-34d show a production method to form undercut grooves.
(35) FIGS. 35a-35c show alternative production methods to form undercut grooves.
(36) FIGS. 36a-36d show a method to connect a separate part into an edge with insertion along the joint.
(37) FIGS. 37a-37c show connection of a separate part.
(38) FIGS. 38a-38c show connection of locking systems comprising a separate flexible part.
(39) FIGS. 39a-39d show connection of a separate part with vertical feeding of tongue blanks.
(40) FIGS. 40a-40d show connection of a separate part with turning.
(41) FIGS. 41a-41e show alternative methods to connect a separate part into an edge.
(42) FIGS. 42a-42b show how a displaceable tongue could be formed by punching.
(43) FIGS. 43a-43g show how principles of the invention could be used in prior art locking systems.
(44) FIGS. 44a-44d show how an edge part of a displaceable tongue could be formed in order to reduce friction during locking.
(45) FIGS. 45a-45d show an embodiment with a flexible edge section.
(46) FIGS. 46a-46b show an embodiment with a cavity formed in a locking strip, which could be used to displace a tongue into an adjacent groove.
(47) FIGS. 47a-47c show how cavities could be used to improve prior art locking systems.
(48) FIGS. 48a-48h show several embodiments of flexible and displaceable tongues.
(49) FIGS. 49a-49b show a method to connect separate parts to an edge with two pushers.
(50) FIGS. 50a-50g show an embodiment with displaceable parts that are displaced to a correct position automatically during locking.
(51) FIGS. 51a-51e show unlocking of a locking system with a displaceable tongue and locking with a displaceable tongue comprising only one protrusion.
DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
(52) FIG. 4a shows one embodiment of panels with a vertical push folding locking system according to the invention. The short edges 4a and 4b comprise a displaceable tongue 30 connected to a displacement groove 40 in one edge cooperating with a tongue groove 20 in an adjacent edge for vertical locking of the edges. The displaceable tongue 30 and the tongue groove 20 comprise protrusions 31a, 31b and cavities 33a, 33b. The protrusions 31a on the displaceable tongue extend horizontally beyond the vertical plane VP and the upper part of the edge. The short edges comprises furthermore a locking strip 6 with a locking element 8 in one edge that cooperates with a locking groove in an adjacent edge for horizontal locking of the edges. The panels are installed as follows. A first panel 1″ in a first row R1 is connected to a second 1 panel in a second row R2. A new panel 1′ is moved with its long edge 5a towards the long edge 5b of first panel 1″ at a normal installation angle of about 25-30 degrees, pressed to the adjacent edge and connected with its long edge 5a to the long edge 5b of the first panel with angling. This angling action also connects the short edge 4b of the new pane 1′ with the short edge 4a of the second panel 1. The fold panel 1′ could be locked horizontally to the strip panel 1 with a combined vertical and turning motion along the vertical plane VP and with a contact between the top edges of the second panel 1 and the new panel 1. The upper tongue protrusions 31a will during angling pass through the cavities 33b on the tongue groove 20. The edges 4a, 4b are in this stage not locked vertically and could be angled up again. The displaceable tongue 30 has an edge section with a pressing edge 32 exposed at the long edge 5b of a second panel 1. The pressing edge could be pushed sideways along the short edge 4a joint when the new 1′ and the second panel 1 are laying flat on the sub floor. The displaceable tongue 30 could be displaced essentially parallel to the short edge 4a such that the upper tongue protrusions 31a overlap the lower tongue groove protrusions 31b and this overlapping locks the adjacent short edges 4a, 4b vertically. The pressure forces are parallel to the joint and the risk for edge separation during locking is eliminated. The whole pressing force could be used to lock the panels in the same plane even if the edges are somewhat warped before installation. The locking system is especially suitable to lock wood flooring with sharp edges (without bevels).
(53) The protrusions and cavities could be formed in several ways. A saw blade principle could be used where preferably several saw blades form the protrusions and cavities. A cutter principle could also be used where several cutters, one for each cavity, are used. A very efficient method is the screw cutter principle. Protrusions and cavities could be produced in a very cost efficient way in a continuous production line and with high accuracy especially if the panel position is synchronized accurately with the tool position and the tool rotation speed. A large rotating tool with cutting teethes located on only a limited section of the outer tool part could also be used to form the cavities and protrusions. Other methods are laser cutting or punching. All methods could be used separately or in combinations
(54) FIG. 4b shows the displaceable tongue 30 in an unlocked position seen from above. The tongue protrusions 31a are located vertically over the groove cavities 33b. FIG. 4c shows the locked position when a sideway pressure P has displaced the displaceable tongue 30 such that the tongue and groove protrusions 31a, 31b overlap each other.
(55) The locking system could be formed with only one protrusion 31a on the tongue and the tongue groove 31b and one cavity 33b on the tongue groove. It is however preferable that the tongue and the tongue groove comprise several protrusions and cavities which are preferably formed along the joint edge with essentially the same intermediate distance between each other. The protrusions should preferably be essentially identical. The cavities should preferably also be essentially identical. They should be larger than the protrusions and match the intermediate distance of the protrusions.
(56) FIG. 5a shows a cross section of a locking system according to the invention. The displacement groove 40 could be made much smaller than in the prior art systems since no perpendicular displacement is required. Sufficient locking strength could for example be reached with a displacement groove that has a groove depth GD of about 0.5 times the floor thickness FT or even smaller and a tongue groove that has a groove depth GD′ of about 0.4 times the floor thickness FT or smaller. As a non-limiting example it could be mentioned that the tongue width TW preferably could be about 5-6 mm. This means that the width of the tongue could be smaller than the floor thickness. The thickness of the tongue TT could be about 0.2 times the floor thickens or even smaller. As a non-limiting example it could be mentioned that the tongue thickness preferably could be about 1.5 mm. This makes the locking system very suitable to lock thin floor panels with a thickness of 5-10 mm vertically (D1) and horizontally (D2). A strong locking has been obtained with displaceable tongues that have a width, which is smaller than 5 mm and a thickness smaller than 1 mm. Embodiments have also been produced with a displacement groove and a tongue groove which each have a depth of less than 2 mm.
(57) FIG. 5b shows the displaceable tongue 30 in an unlocked position seen from above. The tongue protrusions 31a are in such unlocked position located vertically over the groove cavities 33b. The majority of the protrusions are in this embodiment preferably identical and the intermediate distance 34 measured from centre to centre is essentially the same. A preferable distance is about one to two times the floor thickness. Strong locking has been reached with protrusions having an intermediate distance of about 10 mm. FIG. 5c shows the locked position when a sideway pressure P, preferably applied on a protruding edge section 32 of the displaceable tongue 32, has displaced the displaceable tongue 30 along the joint such that the tongue and groove protrusions 31a, 31b overlap each other. The displacement should preferably be about the same as the length of the protrusion 35. Strong locking has been reached with protrusions having a length of about 4 mm. The displaceable tongue 30 could preferably be connected to the displacement groove 40 in many ways for example with preferably a flexible friction connection 36, with wax or just with friction between the tongue and the groove. The friction connection 36 is in the shown embodiment formed as a flexible tap that creates a vertical pressure against the upper or lower part of the displacement groove 40. Such a friction connection gives the advantages that the displaceable tongue 30 is fixed into the displacement groove 40 in a reliable way, even if the groove opening varies during production. Such friction connection allows that the displacement could be accomplished with a pre-determined friction force.
(58) FIGS. 6a-6h show in four steps locking of a section of the short edges according to the invention. A short edge of a new panel 1′ is in this embodiment moved vertically towards the second panel 1 as shown in FIGS. 6a-6b. The tongue protrusions 31a match the cavities 33b, they are offset in relation to the groove protrusions 31b and located in a plane under the groove protrusions 31b. Further vertical movement will bring the tongue protrusion 31a in the groove cavity 33b and of course also the groove protrusion 31b in the tongue cavity 33a. FIGS. 6e-6f show the position when the panels 1, 1′ have been vertically connected and are laying flat in the same plane on the sub floor. FIGS. 6g-6h show finally the vertically locked position where the protrusions 31a, 31b overlap each other due to the displacement of the displaceable tongue 30 along the joint edge.
(59) This installation method and locking system is further explained in FIGS. 7a-7d. FIG. 7a shows how the pressing edge 32 could be displaced along the joint by a side pressure P caused by a long edge tongue 10 during angling of the long edges 5a when a new row is installed. The displacement is in an initial step mainly caused by a linear displacement of the long edge tongue 10 until the upper part of the long edges 5a, 5b are close to each other, preferably in contact. FIG. 7b shows the locked position with the displaceable tongue 30 is in its final locked position. The final locking is accomplished with a turning action, which displaces the tip of the tongue 10 and the displaceable tongue 30 further into the tongue groove 9 of the long side edge. This locking distance LD could vary between for example 0.05-0.15 times floor thickness FT depending on the shape of the tip of the tongue 10 and the pressing edge 32. The locking element 8 and the locking groove 14 are generally in contact during the major part of this angling and displacement step. The tongue 10 on a long edge 5a could during this final locking step create a substantial pressure against the pressing edge 32 and the short edges 4a, 4b could be locked firmly against each other in the vertical direction. FIG. 7c shows the position of the second 1 and the new panels 1′ before their short edges 4a, 4b are locked vertically and FIG. 7d show the locked position when the tongue 10 of a third panel 1a has displaced the displaceable tongue 30 to its final locked position.
(60) It is obvious that the tongue could be displaced with a pressure P against the pressing edge 32, which is applied by the installer during installation, with for example a tool and not by the angling of the third panel. It is also obvious that displaceable tongues 30 could be connected to an edge of a panel during installation.
(61) FIGS. 8a-8b show locking of a floorboard, which in this case is a wood flooring, and locking according to the vertical push folding principle. The displaceable tongue 30 is in this embodiment fixed to the floorboard such that it ends approximately at the upper edge of the tongue side 10 of one long edge 5a and protrudes with its pressing extension 32 beyond the other long edge 5b the groove side 9. This is shown in FIGS. 8a, 8c and 8d. A third panel 1a, as shown in FIG. 8e, is connected with angling to the second pane 1 and its tongue 10 presses against the pressing edge 32 of the displaceable tongue 30. FIG. 8f shows how the tongue 30 is displaced with one of its edge sections Es1 spaced from the inner part of the long edge groove 9 of the first panel 1″ and the other edge section, the pressing edge 32, in contact with the tip of the tongue 10 of the third panel 1a. This installation principle allows that, depending on the initial position of the displaceable tongue, the floor could be installed in both directions—with the long edge tongue part on the strip or with the long edge strip under the tongue. It could be mentioned that a displacement of about 0.5-3 mm could results in a very strong locking.
(62) FIGS. 9a-9d shows an embodiment according to the first aspect of the invention where the vertical locking of the short edges is obtained by a displacement of the panels along the short edges. The protrusions on the tongue and on the tongue groove 31a, 31b and the cavities 33a, 33b could be made in one piece with the panel core or of a separate material that is connected to the panel. FIG. 9d shows an embodiment where the strip 6 and its locking element 8 comprise protrusions and cavities. Such an embodiment could be used to simplify production of the tongue protrusions 31a since a tool could be used that could cut through the strip 6 when the tongue protrusions 31a are formed.
(63) FIG. 10a-10c shows installation of an embodiment with fixed and non-displaceable protrusions 31a, 31b. A short edge 4b of new panel 1′ is connected, preferably with a vertical movement, to an adjacent short edge 4b of second panel in the same row such that the protrusions 31a passes the cavities 33b and that the edges are locked horizontally. The short edges 4a, 4b are thereafter displaced in relation to each other and in a horizontally locked position along the adjacent edges such that the long edges 5a, 5a′ are aligned along the same straight line as shown in FIG. 10b and locked vertically and horizontally whereby the protrusions 31a, 31b overlap each other. The long edges 5a, 5a′ of two panels 1, 1′ are thereafter connected to a first panel 1″ with preferably angling as shown in FIG. 10c.
(64) FIGS. 11a-11c show that such connection could be made with the first 1″ and second 1 panel in an angled position against each other with their upper parts of the long edges in contact. A short edge of a new panel 1′ is than connected with a vertical motion to an adjacent short edge of a second panel, which is in an angled position to the sub floor, in the same way as shown in FIG. 10a. The new panel 1′ is than displaced in the angled position with its short edge connected to the short edge of the second panel 1 until its long edge meets the long edge of the first panel 1″. The new 1′ and the second panel 1 are than angled down and the new panel 1′ is locked mechanically vertically and horizontally to the first 1″ and the second 1 panels.
(65) The advantage with the above-described installation method is that the short edges could be connected and locked horizontally without any angling. This is an advantage when the panels are long or when an installation is made in corners or around doors where angling is not possible to use.
(66) FIG. 12a-12f show that the basic principle of forming protrusions on the short edges that allow a locking with a vertical motion could also be used to form protrusions 37a, 37b and cavities 38a, 38b on long edges 5a, 5b that allow a locking with a horizontal motion of one long edge towards another adjacent long edge. FIGS. 12e and 12f and 12a show that two long edges 5a and 5b could be connected horizontally in the same plane and locked to each other vertically such that the protrusions 37a of the strip panel 5b matches the cavities 38b of the groove panel 5a and the protrusions 37b of the groove panel 5a matches the cavities 38b of the strip panel 5b. The long edges 5a, 5b could thereafter be displaced along the long edges such that said protrusions overlap each other horizontally where one protrusion is positioned behind the other protrusion and they lock the edges horizontally as shown in FIG. 12a.
(67) FIGS. 13a-13e show in detail installation of floor panels with a long edge locking system as shown in FIGS. 12a-12f. Two long edges 5a and 5b are connected horizontally in the same plane and locked to each other vertically as shown in FIGS. 13a and 13b such that the protrusions 37a of the strip panel 5b matches the cavities 38b of the groove panel 5a and the protrusions 37b of the groove panel 5a matches the cavities 38a of the strip panel 5b. The long edges 5a, 5b are thereafter displaced along each other such that the protrusions overlap each other and lock the edges horizontally. The short edges 4a and 4b could be locked by horizontal snapping, preferably with a snapping system that comprises a flexible locking element 8′ as shown in FIG. 13d. Such installation method could be used to lock double sided panels with decorative surfaces on both opposite sides as shown in FIG. 13f.
(68) FIGS. 14a and 14b show that it is essential that the protrusions 37a, 37b and cavities 38a, 38b on the long edges are distributed along the edge in a manner that creates a well-defined pattern, preferably with the same intermediate distance, when two floor boards are connected with their short edges and that such a pattern corresponds to the main pattern on the individual panel. The floorboards according to this preferred embodiment are characterized in that the intermediate distance of adjacent protrusions 37a′, 37a″ of two connected floorboards 1a, 1″ is essentially the same as the intermediate distance of two protrusions 37a″, 37a on one of the two floorboards 1a, or 1″. FIG. 14c shows a second floorboard 1 that has been displaced along the joint and locked vertically and horizontally to two connected floorboards 1a, 1″ in a first row. FIGS. 14d and 14e shows how a long edge of a new panel 1′ in a second row is locked with a horizontal movement towards the long edge of a first panel 1″ in a first row, sliding along said long edge and finally with horizontal snapping to an adjacent short edge of a second panel 1 in the same second row.
(69) FIGS. 15a-15e show alternative ways to install panels comprising protrusions on long edges. FIG. 15a shows that adjacent short edges of a second 1 and a new panel 1′ in a second row could be locked vertically and horizontally with for example angling, horizontal snapping or insertion along the joint. The new panel 1′ could thereafter be displaced and connected to the adjacent long edge of a first panel 1″ in a first row, provided that the second panel 1 is not completely locked. This will allow the protrusions to match the cavities on the long edge. The second 1 and the new panels could thereafter be displaced along the connected long edges and locked vertically and horizontally.
(70) FIGS. 15b-15e show an alternative installation method. The short edges of the second 1 and new 1′ panels could be locked by a vertical or horizontal connection of the edges followed by a displacement along the short edges such that the protrusions overlap each other and until the upper parts of the adjacent long edges are in contact, shown in FIGS. 15b-15d. The long edges are finally locked by a displacement of both said panels 1, 1′ along the long edges of panels installed in an adjacent row and this brings the adjacent long edge protrusions in a horizontally overlapping position as shown in FIG. 15e.
(71) The long edges could be form such that friction keeps the edges together until a whole row is displaced. The protrusions could be wedge shaped in the longitudinal direction such that a displacement along the edges will automatically align and preferably press the edges against each other. The individual rows could be prevented from sliding against each other after installation with for example friction, glue or flexible material that are inserted between the first and last panels in a row and the adjacent wall. Mechanical devices that snap or create friction integrated with the locking system and which lock the panels in a longitudinal position and prevent sliding could also be used.
(72) FIGS. 16a-16c shows that the embodiments shown in FIGS. 9a-9d and FIGS. 12a-12f could be combined and that adjacent short edges comprising matching protrusions 31a, 31b and cavities 33a, 33b could be connected with a vertical and/or horizontal motion and locked vertically and horizontally with a displacement along the adjacent edges such that the protrusions 31a, 31b overlap each other and locks the adjacent edges vertically and that the locking element 8 enters into the locking groove 14 and locks the adjacent edge horizontally. Such a locking system could be used to lock the short edges according to FIGS. 15b-15d.
(73) FIGS. 17a-17e shows a production method to form cavities 33b and protrusions 31b according to the cutter principle. Several cutters 70 could be used, one for each cavity. This principle could be used on long and short edges for the tongue and/or the tongue groove side. The forming could take place before or after the profile cut.
(74) FIGS. 18a-18e show that the above mentioned forming could also be made with the saw blade principle where preferably several saw blades 71 preferably on the same axes, forms the protrusions 31b and cavities 33b.
(75) FIGS. 19a-19e show a method to form the above mentioned protrusions 31b and cavities 33b with a screw cutter principle. Such forming could be produced in a very cost efficient way in a continuous production line and with high accuracy especially if the panel position is synchronized accurately with the tool position and the tool rotation speed. The screw cutter 72 could be used as separate equipment or more preferably as an integrated tool position in a double-end tenoner. It could have a separate control system or more preferably a control system that is integrated with the main control system 65 of the double-end tenoner. The edge is displaced essentially parallel to the axis of rotation AR of the screw cutter tool 72. It is possible to produce any shape, with round or sharp portions. The cutting could take place before, after or in connection with the profile cutting. When forming short edges, it is preferable to use the method as one of the final steps when the long edge and at least the major parts of the short edge locking system have been formed. It is preferable in some embodiments to form the protrusions and cavities on the groove side before the tongue groove 20 is formed. This reduces the amount of lose fibres and chipping on the inner walls of the cavities and protrusions.
(76) The position in the length direction of a cavity 33b formed on a panel edge depends on the position of the first entrance tool tooth 56a that comes into contact with the panel edge as shown in FIG. 19c. This means that the rotation of the tool must be adjusted to the panel edge that is moved towards the tool. Such an adjustment could be made by measuring the speed of a transportation chain or a belt or the driving device that moves the chain or the belt. This could be suitable when forming the short edges since a chain generally displaces the panels with chain dogs, which are positioned at very precise intermediate distances. Alternatively the adjustments could be made by a measurement of the position of a panel when it approaches the screw cutter tool. This alternative could be used for example when the long edges are machined.
(77) The diameter 53 of the shown screw cutter tool 72 should preferably be smaller on the entrance side ES than on the opposite exit side. The screw cutter tool could however have the same diameter 53 over the whole length 54. The increased cutting depth could in such a tool configuration be reached with an axis of rotation that is slightly angled in relation to the feeding direction of the panel edge.
(78) The pitch 54 of the tool configuration defines the intermediate distance of the cavities and the protrusions. It is therefore very easy to form a lot of cavities and protrusions with very precise intermediate distances over a considerable length of a joint.
(79) The teeth 56 of a screw cutter should preferably be made of industrial diamonds. The tool diameter 53 is preferably about 50-150 mm and the tool length 54 about 30-100 mm. Each tooth should preferably have a cutting depth of 0.05-0.2 mm.
(80) FIGS. 20a-20c show an example of a screw cutter 72 which has been designed to form cavities and protrusions in a 6-10 mm thick laminate flooring edge with a core of HDF material. It comprises 32 teeth 56, each with a cutting depth of 0.1 mm which allows forming of cavities with 3.2 mm walls. The pitch is 10 mm and the teeth are positioned in 5 screw rows. The diameter 53 is 80 mm and the length 54 is 50 mm. The rotation speed is about 3000 revolutions per minute, which means that the feeding speed could be 3000*10=30.000 mm/min or 30 meter per minute. The feeding speed could be increased to 40 meter if the rotation speed is increased to 4000 revolutions. The pitch could be increased to 20 mm and this could increase the feeding speed further to 80 meter/minute. The screw cutter could easily meet the conventional feeding speed of 55 meter/minute, which is generally used in production of the short edge locking system. The screw cutter could also be designed to allow a feeding speed of 200 meter/minute if required when forming three-dimensional grooves on short edges.
(81) The screw cutter could have more than one entrance 56a and double screw rows of teeth and this could increase the feeding speed considerably.
(82) The position of the cavities in relation to an edge corner could be made with a tolerance of less than 1.0 mm and this is sufficient to form a high quality locking system according to the invention.
(83) It is an advantage if the intermediate distance between the chain dogs is evenly divided with the pitch. 300 mm between the dogs and a pitch of 10 mm means that the screw cutter should rotate exactly 30 revolutions, in order to teach the same position. This means that only a small adjustment of the screw cutter is needed in order to reach the correct position and to over bridge eventual production tolerances.
(84) FIG. 20d shows an edge part 1′ with the surface turned downwards, of an 8 mm laminate flooring, which has been formed with the screw cutter 72 shown in FIGS. 20a-20c. The protrusions 31b and cavities 33b are formed on the lower lip 22 of the tong groove 20. The inner part of the cavity 33b is smaller than the outer part and has the same geometry as the tool tooth. The cavity could be larger than the tooth if the teeth are displaced in the tool or if the tool rotation is not completely adjusted to the feeding of the panel. The intermediate distance will however still be the same.
(85) The screw cutter principle, which has never been used in flooring production, opens up possibilities to form new locking systems with discontinuous and non-parallel three-dimensional shapes especially on long edges. This new production method makes it possible to produce the above-described locking systems comprising protrusions and cavities in a very rational and cost efficient way. The principle could also be used to produce decorative grooves and bevels with variations in the length direction.
(86) FIGS. 21a-21b show that forming of the protrusions could be made before the profile cut. A separate material 62 or the panel core with protrusions 31a and cavities 33a could be connected to an edge of the floorboard and preferably glued between a surface layer 60 and a balancing layer 61 in a wood or laminate floor. Any of the before mentioned production methods could be used to form the protrusions.
(87) FIG. 21c shows that protrusions and cavities could be formed with a large rotating tool 73, similar to a saw blade, which comprise cutting teeth on only a portion of the tool body. This is a simple variant of the screw cutter principle and each rotation forms one cavity. The advantage is that the intermediate distance between the cavities could be changed by an adjustment of the tool rotation speed or the feeding speed of the panel. It is however more difficult to reach a high speed and sufficient tolerances. The large diameter could also be a disadvantage in several applications.
(88) FIGS. 22a-22f show a method and an inserting device 59 to insert and fix a separate part, preferably a displaceable tongue 30 into an edge of a panel, preferably a floor panel. A tongue blank TB comprising several flexible tongues 30 is displaced from a stacking device 58 to a separation device 57 where the displaceable tongue 30 is separated from the tongue blank TB and displaced preferably vertically to a lower plane (FIGS. 22a, 22b) where a pusher 46 presses the displaceable tongue 30 into a displacement groove 40 on a panel edge (FIG. 22d) A new tongue could thereafter be separated from the blank as shown in FIGS. 22e-22f. The inserting device 59 should preferably be integrated with the double-end tenoner (not shown), which machines and forms the mechanical locking system. A first advantage of this principle is that the same chain or transportation device could be used to displace and position the edge of the floorboard. A second advantage is that the same control system 65 could be used to control the inserting device and the double-end tenoner. A third advantage is that the chain and the chain dogs could be adapted such that the intermediate distance of the chain dogs is well defined and preferably the same and this will facilitate a precise and easy fixing of the separate part into a groove. A fourth advantage much lower investment cost than in a case when two separate equipments with two separate control systems are used. This equipment and production method could be used in all locking systems comprising a separate part and not only the described embodiments.
(89) The invention provides an equipment to produce a locking system with a separate part inserted into an edge. The equipment comprises a double-end tenoner with a transportation device that displaces a panel, an inserting device 59 with a pusher 46 that inserts the separate part and a control system 65. The inserting device is integrated with the double end tenoner as one production unit and the pusher and the transportation device are connected to the same control system that controls the transportation device and the pusher.
(90) FIGS. 23a-23d shows connection of a separate tongue or any similar loose element. A displaceable tongue 30 is connected into a groove 40 at the edge with a pusher according to the above-described method. The pusher could preferably connect the whole tongue or only one edge of the tongue. FIG. 23b shows that a pressure wheel PW could be used to connect the displaceable tongue 30 further into a groove 40. FIG. 23d show that a position device PD could be used to position the tongue in relation to one long edge. This could be made in line in a continuous flow.
(91) FIG. 23e show how a displaceable or flexible tongue 30 could be formed from a tongue blank TB, for example from an extruded section which is punched in order to form and separate the tongues from the extruded tongue blank TB. Friction connections could be formed for example by punching or with heat. The displaceable tongue could also be formed from a wood fibre based material such as HDF, plywood, hardwood etc. Any type of material could be used.
(92) FIGS. 24a, 24b shows an embodiments where the lower lip 22 of the groove 20, with its protrusions and cavities, is made of a separate material which is connected to the edge. The locking system could comprise a displaceable tongue 30 and/or a displaceable lower lip 22. It is obvious that the tongue 30 could be made in one piece with protrusions and cavities and that only the lower lip could be displaceable. FIG. 24c shows that all principles that have been described for the vertical locking could be used to lock floorboards horizontally. A separate locking element 8′ with vertically extending protrusions and cavities could be combined with a locking element 8 comprising similar protrusions and cavities. The locking element 8′ or the panel edge could be displaced in order to lock panels horizontally where overlapping protrusions lock behind each other. The figure shows an embodiment with a flexible tongue 30 for vertical locking. It is obvious that a conventional one piece tongue could be used.
(93) FIGS. 25a and 25c show embodiments of displaceable tongues 30 in unlocked position, FIGS. 25b and 25d in locked position. The tongue protrusions 31a could be wedge shaped or rounded and the tongue groove cavities 33b could also have various shapes such as rectangular, rounded etc. Rounded or wedge shaped protrusions facilitates locking since the overlapping could be obtained gradually during displacement.
(94) FIGS. 26a-26b shows that the tongue protrusions could have a lower contact surface 34, which is inclined upwardly to the horizontal plane. This lower surface could be used to press the groove protrusions 31b and the edge against the upper part of the strip 6 during displacement in order to lock the edges firmly vertically. The groove protrusions 31b could also be formed with vertically inclined walls.
(95) FIGS. 26c-26e shows that a separate tongue 30 could comprise hooks 35 that during the vertical snap folding snaps automatically and grip against the upper part of the groove protrusions 31b. The hooks could extend and flex vertically or horizontally.
(96) Several tests made by the inventor shows that a high vertical or horizontal load could cause a crack C on the strip panel 1, as shown in FIG. 27a. Such a crack occurs mainly between the lower part of the tongue groove 20 and the upper part of the locking groove 14. This problem is mainly related to thin floorings and floorings with a rather soft core with low tensile strength. Generally it is not preferable to solve such problems by just moving the position of the displacement groove 40′ and the tongue groove 20′ upwards since this will create a thin and sensitive upper lip 22 in the strip panel 1.
(97) FIG. 27b shows that this problem could be solved with a locking system comprising a protrusion 7 on the groove side. This geometry allows that several mainly horizontally extending surfaces on the strip side 1, such as the lower contact surface 6a, and the upper 40a and lower 40b displacement groove surfaces, could be formed with the same tool and this could reduce production tolerances.
(98) FIG. 27c show that this problem also could be solved with a locking system comprising a displacement groove 40 and a tongue groove 30 that are offset vertically in relation to each other. The displacement groove 40 is preferably located in a first horizontal plane H1 in one panel edge (1) and the tongue groove is located in second horizontal plane H2 in another panel edge (1). The second horizontal plane H2 is located closer to the front face of the panel than the first horizontal plane H1. FIG. 27d shows a displaceable tongue 30 that could be used in a locking system with offset grooves.
(99) FIG. 27e shows a locking system with a displaceable tongue 30 that has a part, which is located under a horizontal locking plane LP that intersects with the upper part of the locking element 8. This gives an even stronger locking. Such a displacement groove could be produced in the conventional way with several tools working in different angles or with scraping or broaching.
(100) FIG. 27f shows that this principle could, with some modifications, also be used in the prior art locking system where a flexible tongue 30 is displaced mainly perpendicularly to the edge from one groove into an adjacent tongue groove with a vertical snap or side push.
(101) FIGS. 28a-28e shows another embodiment where a displaceable tongue 30 is displaced automatically during a vertical snap folding such that the displaceable tongue and the tongue groove protrusions overlap each other. The displaceable tongue comprises a flexible edge section 32a, which during folding is compressed as shown in FIG. 28b. The edge section 32a will press back the displaceable tongue 30 towards the original position when the panels edges are in the same plane and lock the edges as shown in FIG. 28c. The flexible edge section could also be formed as a flexible link 32b, which pulls back the displaceable tongue and locks the edges. These principles could be used separately or in combination. FIGS. 28d and 28e shows how a wedge shaped surfaces of the tongue and the tongue groove protrusions 31a, 31b cooperate during folding and displace the displaceable tongue such that it can snap back and lock vertically. Such wedge shaped surfaces could also be used to position the tongue during folding and to over bridge production tolerances.
(102) FIGS. 29a-29e shows that as an alternative to the side push a turning action could be used to lock adjacent edges of two panels 1, 1′ when they are in the same plane. Such a locking could be accomplished without any snapping resistance and with limited separation forces. The known turn snap tongue 30 as shown in FIGS. 3a and 29b could comprise a turning extension 38 which could be used to turn the tongue 30 and to lock the edges as shown in FIG. 29c. The locking systems could also comprise two separate parts 39, 30 where one inner part 39 has a cross section such that the width W will increase and push a tongue 30 into an adjacent groove when the turning extension is turned vertically downwards. Displacement of a tongue could also be made with horizontal turning towards the long edge.
(103) FIGS. 30a-30d show a locking system with a displaceable tongue (30) that locks the edges vertically (D1) according to the above-described embodiments but also horizontally (D2) when the displaceable tongue 30 is displaced along the joint such that the protrusions overlap each other. The displaceable tongue has at least two locking elements and each panel edge has at least one locking element preferably formed in one piece with the panel core. The displaceable tongue 30 comprises according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 30a two tongue locking elements 42a, 42b. The displacement groove 40 and the tongue groove 20 have also groove locking elements 43a, 43b made in one piece with the panel that cooperate with the tongue locking elements and lock the adjacent edges horizontally when the protrusions 31a, 31b are displaced in relation to each other such that they overlap each other as shown in FIGS. 8a-8c. FIG. 30a is drawn to scale and shows a 6.0 mm laminate flooring. The locking system is produced with large rotating tools. To facilitate such production, the locking system comprises lower lip edges 48a, 48b which have an angled part, adjacent to the displaceable tongue, extending outwardly and downwardly and which are located on a tongue surface which is opposite to a locking element 42a or 42b. Due to the fact that this locking system does not have a strip with a locking element and a locking groove in the rear side, it is possible to produce such a vertical push folding system even in very thin floor panels. FIG. 30d shows an embodiment where the locking elements 42a,b, 43a,b have essentially vertical locking surfaces 47 which have an angle of about 90 degrees to the horizontal plane. The lower lip edges 48a,b are essentially vertical. Such a locking system could have a high vertical and horizontal locking strength. The locking surfaces should preferably exceed 30 degrees to the horizontal plane. 45 degrees and more are even more preferable.
(104) FIGS. 31a-31e show different embodiments of locking systems where the displaceable tongue locks vertically and horizontally. FIG. 31a shows a locking system with a displaceable tongue comprising three locking elements 42a,b,c.
(105) FIG. 31b shows a locking system with lower lips 48,49 that overlap each other vertically and locks the edges in one vertical direction. The displaceable tongue 30 could be designed such that it creates a pressure towards the overlapping lower lips 48,49 and this could improve production tolerances and the vertical locking strength.
(106) FIG. 31c shows a locking systems with two locking elements 42a, 43a and 42b, 43b in the lower part of each adjacent panel edge. This locking system is similar to FIG. 8a turned upside down.
(107) FIG. 31d show a locking system with eight locking elements 42a,b,a,b′43a,b,a′,b′. The displaceable tongue could be connected to the edge with an essentially horizontal snapping. FIG. 31e shows a similar locking system with three plus three locking elements.
(108) It is obvious that all these locking principles could be combined. One edge could for example have a locking according to FIG. 31a and the other according to FIG. 31d or 31e and all locking systems could have overlapping lover lips.
(109) The shown one piece locking elements in FIGS. 30a-30d and FIGS. 31a-31e comprises locking elements with inner parts that are formed as an undercut groove. FIGS. 32a-32c shows however that the one piece locking elements 43a,b could also be formed on a rear side of the panel and not in a groove. This simplifies the production. The inner parts of the tongue locking elements 42a,b are however in this embodiment formed as an undercut groove. The tongue 30 could be produced by for example machining, injection moulding or extrusion and these production methods could be combined with punching if necessary. The tongue 30 could be formed with many different cross sections, for example with locking elements in lower lips extending beyond the upper lips as shown in FIG. 32d. Such an embodiment is easier to produce since it does not comprise any undercut grooves in the panel edges or in the tongue. Such displaceable tongues 30 could be connected to an edge with angling, snapping or insertion along the edge.
(110) FIGS. 33a-33c show that the displaceable tongue could be arranged on the groove panel 1′ such that it locks in a groove located on an outer part of the strip 6.
(111) FIGS. 34a-34d show a production method to produce a locking element 43a in a locking system shown in FIGS. 8a-8c. The first tool position T1 could for example form a horizontal groove. Next tool position T2 could form an undercut groove 40a and finally a fine cutter in a third tool position T3 could form the upper part of the edge.
(112) FIGS. 35a-35c show how a locking system according to FIG. 31b could be produced. A horizontal groove is formed by for example a rotating tool T1. The undercut groove 40a, which in this case has a vertical locking surface, could have any angle and could be formed by broaching where the panel is displaced relative a fixed tool that cuts like a knife with several small and slightly offset tool blades.
(113) FIGS. 36a-36d show a method to insert a displaceable tongue 30 into a displacement groove 40 such that the tongue is inserted parallel to and along the groove. This method could be used for any tongues but is especially suitable for displaceable tongues with locking elements. The tongue 30 is preferably separated from a tongue blank and moved to a position in line with the displacement groove where it is held in a pre-determined position by one or several tongue holders 44a,b. The panel 1 is displaced essentially parallel with the displaceable tongue and an edge part is inserted into the displacement groove 40 and preferably pressed further into the groove by one or several guiding unites 45a,b. The displaceable tongue is released from the tongue holders 44a,b by preferably a panel edge that cause the holders to for example rotate away from the edge.
(114) FIGS. 37a-37c show a method to insert a tongue into a groove such that the tongue is snapped essentially perpendicularly into a groove. The whole tongue or only a part of the tongue could be inserted with snapping whereby a pusher 46 presses an edge of the tongue 30 into a part of the groove 40. A remaining part of the tongue could be inserted with the above-described method along the joint. The snapping connection could be obtained by flexible lips on the panel edge as shown in FIG. 37b and/or by flexible lips on the tongue 30 as shown in FIG. 37c.
(115) FIGS. 38a and 38b show that a locking system according to the invention could be locked such that the panel edges are moved essentially horizontally towards each other. They could thereafter be locked with a side push. The locking systems could also be locked with only a snapping if the displaceable tongue prior to locking is arranged in a position where the protrusions are aligned in front of each other. Such an installation could for example be used when angling of a panel is not possible. FIG. 38c shows that locking elements 42a′,43a′ could be used to replace the friction connection and to keep the tongue into the groove 40 during installation.
(116) FIGS. 39a-39d show another method to connect a separate element, preferably a tongue, into a groove. It is an advantage if tongues 30 could be fed vertically towards a panel edge and connected with a horizontal pusher. The problem is that some tongues, especially displaceable and flexible tongues that have a rather complex three dimensional form, could only be produced with a cross section having a main tongue plane TP, defined as a plane in which the tongue is intended to be located horizontally into a groove, that is located in the same plane as the main plane of the tongue blank TB. This problem could be solved as follows. A tongue blank TB is according to the invention positioned and displaced essentially vertically, or essentially perpendicularly to the position of the panel 1, towards a turning unit 50 as shown in FIG. 39a. The tongue is connected to the turning unite 50 and separated from the tongue blank, as shown in FIG. 39b. The turning unit 50 is thereafter turned about 90 degrees in order to bring the tongue 30 with its main tongue plane TP in a horizontal position such that it could be connected into a groove 40 of a panel 1 edge by a pusher 46 that pushes the tongue 30 out from the turning unit and into the groove 40. This is shown in FIGS. 39c and 39d. The panel 1 is shown in a horizontal position with the front face pointing downwards.
(117) A displaceable tongue 30 with protrusions could have a rather simple cross section and could easily be produced with a cross section and a main tongue plane TP perpendicular to the main plane of the tongue blank TB. This is shown in FIG. 40a. The connection into a groove is than very simple and the tongue 30 could easily be pushed into a groove 40 as shown in FIG. 40a.
(118) FIG. 40b show that any type of tongue 30 connected to a tongue blank TB could be turned prior to the separation from the tongue blank TB and prior to the connection into the groove 40. Such a turning could for example be made with two turning pushers 51a, 51b that press on the upper and lower part of the tongue 30.
(119) FIG. 40c show a tongue 30 that has a rather complex cross section and that is produced with the cross section and a main tongue plane TP perpendicular to the main plane of a tongue blank. The tongue 30 is connected with snapping. FIG. 40d show that such complex cross section could be produced with injection moulding if the tongue has protrusions 31a. 31a′ in the inner and outer part.
(120) FIG. 41a show that a tongue 30 could be inserted into a groove 40 in a very controlled way if upper 52a and/or lower 52b guiding devices are used. The groove 40 must be positioned such that it gives space for the upper guiding device 52a to be located between the locking element 8 and the displacement groove 40. The panel is even in this figure shown with the front side downwards.
(121) FIG. 41b show that more space could be created for the guiding device it the tongue 30 is inserted in a plane that is not parallel to the horizontal plane.
(122) FIGS. 41c, 41d, and 41e show that the insertion of a tongue edge 30a into a groove 40 could be facilitated if a part of the locking element 8 of the strip 6 and/or of the tongue 30 and/or of the groove 40 is removed such that the tongue edge could be inserted into a part of the groove 40 with less or preferably even without any resistance. The remaining part of the tongue 30 could thereafter be inserted along the joint.
(123) FIG. 42a show that a tongue blank TB with several displaceable tongues 30 comprising protrusions 31a could be formed by punching a sheet shaped material preferably consisting of HDF, compact laminate, plywood, wood or aluminium or any similar material. FIG. 42b show that punching could be used to compress the material and to form three-dimensional sections for example wedge shaped protrusions 31a.
(124) It could be an advantage in thin floorings or soft core material to use a separate or flexible tongue that locks against an upper and lower tongue groove surface as shown in FIG. 27b and that has an protruding part 30a that comprises essentially horizontal upper and lower contact surfaces. This principle could also be used in the known prior art systems, which uses a vertical snap folding method. A flexible tongue 30 could be formed with a protruding part 30a that locks against the upper and lower tongue groove surfaces 21a and 20b as shown in FIGS. 43a-43c. A locking system with such a tongue could be difficult or impossible to lock with a vertical motion as shown in FIG. 43d. It could however be locked with a combined horizontal and vertical motion as shown in FIGS. 43e, 43f and this method could be used to for example lock the first rows. A locking with vertical folding could however be made if the displaceable tongue comprises a bevel 30b at and edge part that during folding will push the protruding part 30a into the displacement groove as shown in FIG. 43g.
(125) FIGS. 44a-44d how a long edge tongue 10 and a pressing edge of the displaceable tongue could be formed in order to reduce vertical friction during locking of the long edges and displacement of the displaceable tongue 30 along the short edge. The first step in a locking is generally a linear displacement in angled position of one long edge 5a towards a long edge 5b of a panel laying flat on the sub floor as shown in FIG. 44a. The tongue is preferably pushed an initial distance displacement distance, which could position the short edges in essentially the same plane if for example wedge shaped protrusions are used. The final locking is a turning action as shown in FIG. 44c when the locking element 8 and the locking groove 14 are in contact and facilitate the final locking displacement during which action the displaceable tongue 30 is displaced with a locking distance LD. This final displacement should preferably lock the short edges with a vertical pre tension where the panel edge of the groove pane 1′ is pressed vertically against the upper part of the strip 6 at the strip panel 1 as for example shown in FIG. 27b. The friction between the pressing edge 32 and the tip of the tongue 10 could push the upper part of the edge upwards and create “overwood” at the joint edges in the corner portion between the long end short edges. This could be avoided if the pressing edge 32 is inclined vertically and inwardly against the vertical plane VP and/or rounded. A preferred inclination is 20-40 degrees. It is also an advantage if the tip of the tongue 10 that during locking is in contact with the pressing edge 32 is rounded. The locking distance LD is in the shown embodiment smaller than 0.10 times the floor thickness FT.
(126) FIGS. 45a-45d show that the vertical friction forces could be reduced further with a flexible pressing edge 32 that could be displaced for example vertically during locking. This principle allows that the locking distance LD could be reduced to zero if required.
(127) FIGS. 46a-46b show that the describe methods to form cavities in an edge could be used to displace the known tongue from one groove into an adjacent groove as described in FIG. 1c. One or several cavities 33′ with horizontally extending inclined (FIG. 46b) or parallel (FIG. 47c) walls could be formed by cutting through the strip 6 and such an embodiment and production method is more cost efficient than the known methods where thin horizontally cutting saw blades are used to make a cavity.
(128) FIG. 47a shows that the vertical push folding principle utilizing a bendable tongue 30 that bends into a tongue groove 20 could be improved if a hook 75 is formed at an edge that cooperates with a cavity 33′ and prevents displacement. This embodiment makes it possible to lock the first rows with the bending principle. FIG. 47b shows that the hook 75 could be flexible and could snap vertically into a protrusion formed preferably on the lower part of the displacement groove 40.
(129) FIGS. 48a-48h show different embodiments of the invention. FIG. 48a shows a long displaceable tongue 30 with two friction connection that is suitable for tile shaped products having a width of 300-400 mm. It is possible to connect an edge over a considerable edge length even if the tongue is rather thin since it is positioned and guided inside the displacement groove and the tongue groove. The length is in the embodiment about 200 times the tongue thickness. FIG. 48b show a displaceable tongue 30 with a flexible pressing edge that could be used to create a pre-tension in the length direction after locking. FIG. 48c show a tongue blank TB, made with injection moulding comprising two rows of displaceable tongues 30, 30 with protrusions and cavities. This could reduce production costs considerably and the tongues could be produced in tongue blanks comprising for example 2*32=64 tongues with maintained tolerances in the level of a few hundreds or millimetres. All these shown embodiments have essentially equal intermediate distances between the protrusions and this facilitates rational production. It is obvious that the intermediate distances could vary along the joint. FIG. 48d shows that the known flexible tongue could be produced in blanks TB comprising two rows. FIG. 48e shows a displaceable tongue 30 with protrusions, which also is flexible and could flex partly inwardly into the displacement groove. This could be used to over bridge production tolerances and to create a vertical pre tension. FIGS. 48f and 48g show that an edge could comprise one displaceable tongue or two tongues 30, 30′ or more. FIG. 48f shows several small flexible tongues 30, produced preferably in two-row blanks, could be used on an edge to lock with vertical snap folding. The advantage is that the same tongue could be used for all widths.
(130) FIG. 49 shows an equipment to connect separate parts 30 to an edge of a floor panel. The equipment is designed to handle tongue blanks TB comprising tongues 30,30′ located side by side and one after each other. It comprises at least two pushers 46 and 46. The first pusher 46 connects one of the tongues 30 to one panel edge 1a and the other pusher connects an adjacent tongue 30′ in the same tongue row to a second panel edge 1b. This allows a very high speed and several separate parts could be connected to the same edge.
(131) FIGS. 50a-50g show an embodiment with a displaceable tongue 30 in one edge comprising protrusions 31a and a displaceable tongue groove lip 22 in the adjacent edges comprising protrusions 31b. The protrusions are wedge formed with their wedge tips pointing at each other during the initial stage of the vertical folding. The wedge shaped protrusions will during locking automatically adjust the two displaceable parts such that the protrusions could pass each other vertically as shown in FIGS. 50c, 50f, and 50g. This will displace one of the two displaceable parts as shown in FIG. 50g which thereafter could be pushed back in order to lock the adjacent edges vertically and or horizontally. The two displaceable parts 30, 22 could be essentially identical.
(132) FIGS. 51a-51c show a method to unlock two panel edges that have been previously locked with a locking system according to the invention. FIG. 51a shows the unlocked position with tongue protrusions 31a located in or above the groove cavities 33b. FIG. 51b shows the locked position with the tongue protrusions 31a overlapping the groove protrusions 31b. The displaceable tongue 30 could be displaced one step further into the edge, as shown in FIG. 51c, such that the tongue protrusions 31a are located over the groove cavities 33b. It is preferred that the outer end 32′ of the displaceable tongue 30 is designed such that the unlocked position is automatically obtained when this outer end 32′ is in contact with a part of a long edge 41 of a panel installed in a previous row, preferably the inner part of the long edge tongue groove. It is preferred that the tongue initially is positioned such that the distance D1 between the outer end 32′ and the contact point on the adjacent long edge is about the same as the distance D2 between two tongue protrusions 31a.
(133) FIG. 51d shows an embodiment comprising a displaceable tongue 30 with only one protrusion 31a extending horizontally beyond the upper edge. The tongue groove 20 comprises one cavity 33b and one protrusion 31b. Such an embodiment could be used to lock vertically the middle section of the short edges of narrow panels. The long edges will lock the corner sections. It could preferably also be used in thick rigid panels and in panels with bevels on the surface edges.
(134) FIG. 51e shows an embodiment where the tongue cavities 33b are formed with thin and horizontally cutting saw blades.
(135) All methods and principles described for vertical locking of floor panels could be used to lock edges horizontally. The locking element 8 of a strip and the locking groove 14 could for example be replaced with a displaceable locking element with protrusions and cavities that cooperate with protrusions and cavities on the locking groove and lock the panels horizontally.
