Building panel
11680413 · 2023-06-20
Assignee
Inventors
Cpc classification
E04F2201/0138
FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
E04F2201/043
FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
E04F2201/0547
FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
E04F15/02038
FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
B27M3/06
PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
B27M3/0066
PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
E04F2201/0153
FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
E04F2201/044
FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
International classification
B27M3/00
PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
B27M3/06
PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
Abstract
Building panels, such as floor panels or wall panels. The panels including a first mechanical locking system at respective parallel and opposite third and fourth edges, such as long edges, configured to cooperate for horizontal and vertical locking between two adjacent building panels, preferably by means of a folding motion. The panels further including a second locking system at respective parallel and opposite first and second edges, such as short edges, configured to cooperate for horizontal and vertical locking of two adjacent building panels. An upper edge portion of one of the third edge or fourth edge, preferably the third edge, includes a first lower lip portion configured to cooperate with a first upper lip portion of an upper edge portion of the other of the third and fourth edge of an adjacent panel when the third and fourth edges are arranged in locking engagement.
Claims
1. A method for producing mechanical locking systems in a building panel, the building panel comprising a first mechanical locking system at opposite third and fourth edges, the mechanical locking system comprising a first pair of horizontal locking surfaces in the third edge and a second pair of horizontal locking surfaces in the fourth edge for horizontal locking of adjacent building panels, the first pair of horizontal locking surfaces comprising a first upper edge surface of the building panel and a locking element surface provided on a locking element protruding from a locking strip, the second pair of horizonal locking surfaces comprising a second upper edge surface and the locking groove surface provided by a locking groove configured to receive the locking element of one of the adjacent building panels in response to a folding movement of the adjacent building panel for horizontal locking of the building panels from parting away from each other, a second mechanical locking system at respective parallel and opposite first and second edges, configured to cooperate for horizontal and vertical locking of two of the adjacent building panels, a first pair of vertical locking surfaces in the third edge and a second pair of vertical locking surfaces in the fourth edge for vertical locking of adjacent building panels, the first pair of vertical locking surfaces comprising a first lower lip portion disposed below said first upper edge surface and a tongue groove surface provided by a tongue groove configured to receive a locking tongue of a fourth edge of an adjacent building panel for vertical locking of the adjacent building panel in a direction along the normal of a front surface of the building panel, the second pair of vertical locking surfaces comprising an upper surface of the locking tongue and a first upper lip portion disposed between a front surface of the building panel and the locking tongue and below the second upper edge surface; the first lower lip portion being configured to cooperate with the first upper lip portion provided below the second upper edge surface of one of the adjacent building panels for vertical locking of the building panels when said third and fourth edges are assembled in locking position, the method comprising: displacing the building panel in a third edge feeding direction with its third edge relative to a first tool set and relative to a second tool set; the first tool set comprising a first and second tool member arranged on a first tool set common rotary shaft; the second tool set comprises a first and second tool member arranged on a second tool set common rotary shaft; forming with the first tool set, at least part of the locking element and at least part of the locking strip, wherein forming at least part of the locking element comprises forming at least part of the locking element surface, and at least part of locking strip, the first upper edge surface, and the first lower lip portion; forming with the second tool set, at least a part of the locking element of the building panel and at least part of the tongue groove, wherein forming at least part of the tongue groove comprises forming at least part of the tongue groove surface.
2. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: displacing the building panel in a fourth edge feeding direction with its fourth edge relative to a third tool set and a fourth tool set; the third tool set comprises a first and second tool member arranged on a third tool set common rotary shaft; the fourth tool set comprises a first and second tool member arranged on a fourth tool set common rotary shaft; forming with the third tool set at least part of the locking groove, wherein forming at least part of the locking groove comprises forming at least part of the locking groove surface; forming with the fourth tool set, at least part of the locking tongue; forming with the fourth tool set, at least part of the locking tongue and at least part of the first upper lip portion, wherein forming at least part of the locking tongue comprises forming at least part of the upper tongue surface.
3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the first tool members and the second tool members of the respective first and second tool sets each comprise a rotatable disk or rotatable cutting tool configured to be adjustable in relation to each other.
4. The method according to claim 3, wherein said rotatable disks or rotatable cutting tools of each of the respective tool sets are configured to be at least partially overlapping in a direction along a center axis of the respective common rotary shaft.
5. The method according to claim 1, wherein the first tool set and the third tool set are arranged opposing each other on opposite sides of the building panel, in a width direction of the building panel, and configured to simultaneously engage with the building panel.
6. The method according to claim 1, wherein the second tool set and the fourth tool set are arranged opposing each other on opposite sides of the building panel, in a width direction (W) of the building panel, and configured to simultaneously engage with the building panel.
7. The method according to claim 2, comprising displacing the building panel in a first edge feeding direction with its first edge relative to a fifth tool set and relative to a sixth tool set; the fifth tool set comprising a first and second tool member arranged on a fifth tool set common rotary shaft; the sixth tool set comprising a first and second tool member arranged on a sixth tool set common rotary shaft; forming with the fifth tool set, at least part of a first edge locking element and at least part of a first edge locking strip, wherein forming at least part of the first edge locking element comprises forming at least part of the first edge locking element surface and at least part of a first edge locking strip, a first edge first upper edge surface and a first edge second lower lip portion; forming with the sixth tool set, at least a part of the first edge locking element.
8. The method according to claim 7, further comprising: displacing the building panel in a second edge feeding direction with its second edge relative to a seventh tool set and an eighth tool set; the seventh tool set optionally comprising a first and second tool member arranged on a seventh tool set common rotary shaft; the eighth tool set comprises a first, second and third tool member arranged on an eighth tool set common rotary shaft; forming with the seventh tool set at least part of a second edge locking groove, wherein forming at least part of the second edge locking groove comprises forming at least part of a second edge locking groove surface; forming with the eighth tool set, at least part of a second edge locking tongue, wherein forming of at least part of the second edge locking tongue comprises forming at least part of a lower surface of the second edge locking tongue, at least part of the second edge locking tongue, at least part of a second edge first upper lip portion, at least part of a second tongue groove configured to receive a displaceable locking tongue of a first edge of an adjacent building panel for vertical locking of building panels.
9. The method according to claim 8, wherein the first and second tool members of a respective one of the first through the seventh tool sets comprises a rotatable disk or rotatable cutting tool configured to be adjustable in relation to each other.
10. The method according to claim 9, wherein said rotatable disks or rotatable cutting tools of the first and second tool members of the respective one of the first through the seventh tool sets are configured to be least partially overlapping in a direction along a center axis of the respective common rotary shaft.
11. The method according to claim 8, wherein the fifth tool set and the seventh tool set are arranged opposing each other on opposite sides of the building panel, in a longitudinal direction of the building panel, and configured to simultaneously engage with the building panel.
12. The method according to claim 8, wherein the sixth tool set and the eighth tool set are arranged opposing each other on opposite sides of the building panel, in a longitudinal direction of the building panel, and configured to simultaneously engage with the building panel.
13. The method according to claim 8, wherein the first, second and third tool members of the eighth tool set each comprises a rotatable disk or rotatable cutting tool configured to be adjustable in relation to each other.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
(1) The disclosure will in the following be described in connection to exemplary embodiments and in greater detail with reference to the appended schematic drawings, wherein:
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DETAILED DESCRIPTION
(23) Embodiments of the disclosure will now be described with reference to the appended schematic drawings. It should be emphasised that improved or different functions may be achieved using combinations of the embodiments.
(24) All embodiments may be used separately or in combinations. Angles, dimensions, rounded parts, spaces between surfaces, etc. are only examples and may be adjusted within the basic principles of the invention.
(25) A known building panel comprising mechanical locking systems is illustrated in
(26) A mechanical locking system typically comprises a tongue and a tongue groove for vertical locking and a locking element and a locking groove for horizontal locking. It typically has at least four pairs of active cooperating locking surfaces, two pairs for vertical locking and two pairs for horizontal locking. The locking system comprises several other surfaces, which generally are not in contact with each other and can therefore be produced with considerably larger tolerance then the cooperating locking surfaces.
(27) Laminate floorings are usually composed of a core consisting of a 6-9 mm fiberboard, a 0.20 mm thick upper surface layer and a lower balancing layer. The surface layer provides appearance and durability to the floor panels. The core provides stability and the balancing layer keeps the board level when the relative humidity (RH) varies during the year.
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(29) A known second locking system, shown in
(30) The displaceable tongue 11i′ is configured to cooperate with the second tongue groove 12j′ for locking in a vertical direction. The displaceable tongue 11i′ is a separate part and is made of, e.g., plastic, and inserted in a displacement groove 11k′ at the first edge 11′ of the first panel 10′. The tongue 11i′ is pushed into a displacement groove 11k′ during a vertical assembling of the first and the second edge of the first and the second panel. The displaceable tongue 11i′ springs back and into the second tongue groove 12j′ at the second edge 12′ of the panel 30′ when the panels have reached a locked position.
(31) A third 13′ and a fourth edge 14′ of the respective panels are provided with the first locking system, which enables assembling to an adjacent panel 20′ by an angling movement to obtain a simultaneous assembling of the first 11′ and the second 12′ edges and the third 13′ and the fourth edges 14′ as shown in
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(33) Exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown in
(34) Referring to
(35) The first mechanical locking system may comprise a first tongue groove 13j at one of a third edge 13 or fourth 14 edge, for example the third edge 13, and a first locking tongue 14h at the other of the third or fourth edge, for example the fourth edge 14. The first locking tongue 14h and the first tongue groove 13j are configured to cooperate for locking of the third and the fourth edge 13, 14 in a vertical V direction. The first mechanical locking system may typically further comprise a first locking strip 13a at the third edge 13, provided with a vertically protruding first locking element 13b, a first locking groove 14g at a fourth edge 14. The first locking element 13b is configured to cooperate with the first locking groove 14g for locking of the third 13 and the fourth edge 14 in a horizontal direction, in particular away from each other and perpendicular said third and fourth edge.
(36) The second mechanical locking system is preferably formed at one of a first 11 or second 12 short edge, such as a first edge, of similar, preferably essentially identical panels 10, 20, 30, 40, 50. The second mechanical locking system may be configured for locking the first edge 11 of the a first panel 10 to the second edge of an adjacent panel 30, in a plane, and in a vertical and/or in horizontal directions perpendicular said first and second edge towards and away from each other. An embodiment of the second mechanical locking system enables assembling of the first and the second panels by a vertical motion of the second edge of the adjacent panel 30 relative the first edge 11 of the first panel 10. Such vertical motion is shown for instance in
(37) Referring to
(38) A further embodiment of the second locking system in shape of a one-piece solution combinable with the first locking system is shown in
(39) As derivable from
(40) As derivable from
(41) An outermost portion of first upper lip portion 149 may be disposed inboard of outermost portion of first locking tongue 14h, as shown in
(42) An outermost portion of first lower lip portion 139 may be disposed inboard of outermost portion of first locking strip 13a, as shown in
(43) An outermost portion of first lower lip portion 139 may be disposed outboard of innermost portion of first tongue groove 13j, as shown in
(44) An upper edge portion of the fourth edge 14, preferably a long edge, may comprise a vertically extending edge portion extending from the front surface 15 followed by a bend, preferably a right-angle bend, inwards. Said bend followed by a horizontal planar surface, wherein said first upper lip portion 149 may comprise said horizontal planar surface. The vertically extending edge portion and the first upper lip portion may be perpendicular to each other, while the corner connecting the two portions may be rounded or beveled. Optionally, the horizontal planar surface may additionally form a datum surface. A datum surface may be a surface that contacts the adjacent panel, in locked position, and serves as a basis or guide to alignment of the panels to each other.
(45) An upper edge portion of the third edge 13, preferably a long edge, may comprise a vertically extending edge portion extending from the front surface followed by a bend, preferably a right-angle bend, outwards. Said bend followed by a horizontal planar surface, wherein said first lower lip portion 139 may comprise said horizontal planar surface. The vertically extending edge portion and the first lower lip portion may be perpendicular to each other, while the corner connecting the two portions may be rounded. Optionally, the horizontal planar surface may additionally form a datum surface.
(46) An upper edge portion of the second edge 12, preferably a short edge, may comprise a vertically extending edge portion extending from the front surface 15 followed by a bend, preferably a right-angle bend, inwards. Said bend followed by a horizontal planar surface, wherein said second upper lip portion 129 may comprise said horizontal planar surface. The vertically extending edge portion and the second upper lip portion may be perpendicular to each other, while the corner connecting the two portions may be rounded or beveled. Optionally, the horizontal planar surface may additionally form a datum surface.
(47) An upper edge portion of the first edge 11, preferably a short edge, may comprise a vertically extending edge portion extending from the front surface 15 followed by a bend, preferably a right-angle bend, outwards. Said bend followed by a horizontal planar surface, wherein said second lower lip portion 119 may comprise said horizontal planar surface. The vertically extending edge portion and the second lower lip portion may be perpendicular to each other, while the corner connecting the two portions may be rounded. Optionally, the horizontal planar surface may additionally form a datum surface.
(48) Outermost portion of second lower lip portion 119 may be disposed inboard of an outermost portion of second locking strip 11a, as shown in
(49) The second lower lip portion 119 may have an extension inboard of an innermost portion of the second tongue groove 11j, as shown in
(50) The second upper lip portion 129 may have an extension outboard of an outermost portion of the second locking tongue 12h, as shown in
(51) An outermost portion of second lower lip portion 119 may be disposed inboard of outermost portion of second locking tongue 11i, as shown in
(52) An outermost portion of second lower lip portion 119 may be disposed at least partially inboard of an opening of the second displacement groove 11k, as shown in
(53) Inboard may be synonymous with inwards of, in a direction towards the centre of the panel. Outboard may be synonymous with outwards of, in a direction away from the centre of the panel.
(54) The upper and lower lips may each comprise a datum surface configured for aligning the front surface 15 of the panel with respective front surfaces 15 of adjacent panels to become flush with each other when assembled in the locking position.
(55) The upper and lower lips may be planar, in particular the lip portions may be planar and may extend in parallel. The lip portions may preferably extend in a plane parallel the front surface 15 of the panel. However, other configurations are perceivable, such as inclined in relation to the front surface 15.
(56) The first upper lip portion 149 of the panel may be configured to bear and/or rest on the first lower lip portion 139 when adjacent panels are assembled in locking engagement. Thereby, improved sealing function is facilitated when the panel is assembled in the locking position to one or more further panels by means of the first locking system.
(57) The second upper lip portion 129 of the panel may be configured to bear and/or rest on the second lower lip portion 119 when adjacent panels are assembled in locking engagement. Thereby, improved sealing function is facilitated when the panel is assembled in the locking position to one or more further panels by means of the second locking system.
(58) The first and second lower lip portions 119, 139 may form a continuous right-angle with each other. The first and second upper lip portions 129, 149 may form the shape of a continuous right-angle with each other. The continuous right-angles may extend around respective diagonally opposite corners of the panel. The first and second lower and upper lip portions may form the shape of a continuous rectangle. The rectangle may extend along a circumference of the panel as shown in
(59) The first and second lower lip portions 119, 139 may be configured to be underlying when engaging with a respective upper lip portion 129, 149. The first and second upper lip portions 129, 149 may be configured to be overlying when engaging with a respective lower lip portion 119, 139.
(60) Accordingly, at least a portion of the lower lip portions 119, 139 may face in a direction upwards and at least a portion of the upper lip portions 129, 149 may face in a direction downwards.
(61) The first edge 11 and the third edge 13 may each comprise a vertically extending surface extending from the front surface 15 of the panel. The lower lip portions 119, 139 may in combination with the respective vertically extending surface form an inwards recessing shape, such as right-angled surface which recesses inwards.
(62) The second edge 12 and the fourth edge 14 may each comprise a vertically extending surface extending from the front surface 15 of the panel. The upper lip portions 129, 149 may in combination with the respective vertically extending surface form an outwards recessing shape, such as a right-angled surface which complements the respective inwards recessing lower lip portions, as shown in
(63) The respective upper and/or lower lip portions may comprise a material which facilitates sealing, including, but not limited to, a polymer, rubber, silicone, adhesives, vax or like.
(64) In a preferred embodiment, the respective first and second lower lip portions 119 and 139 are provided on the short first edge 11 and the long third edge 13 of the panel 10, and the respective first and second upper lip portions 129, 149 are provided on the short second edge 12 and the long fourth edge 14 respectively, as shown for instance in
(65) Accordingly, by courtesy of that the respective first and second upper lip portions 129, 149 may cooperate with, including to bear on, the respective first and second lower lip portions 119, 139, the configuration may bring about the technical advantage that the weight of the panel urges the respective first and second upper lip portions 129, 149 towards the respective first and second lower lip portions 119, 139 thereby the weight of the panel may contribute to the sealing function and thus improved sealing may be facilitated.
(66) This entails that in some embodiments, the first lower edge surface 14f and the first upper surface 13c of two adjacent panel may in some embodiments not abut each other when the two adjacent panels are in assembled in the locking position. Thus, a gap may extend between at least part of the first lower edge surface 14f and the first upper surface 13c of two adjacent panels when assembled in the locking position.
(67) However, in some embodiments, the first lower edge surface 14f and the first upper surface 13c of two adjacent panel may abut each other when the two adjacent panels are in assembled in the locking position by means of the first locking system.
(68) Referring to
(69) The first locking system may comprise a first locking tongue 14h and a first tongue groove 13j. The first lower lip portion 139 is preferably disposed between the first tongue groove 13j and the front surface 15 of the panel. The first upper lip portion 149 is preferably disposed between the first locking tongue 14h and the front surface 15 of the panel.
(70) Referring to
(71) The second locking system may comprise a second locking tongue 11i, 12h and a second tongue groove 12j, 11j. The second lower lip portion 119 is preferably disposed between the second tongue groove 12j, 11j and the front surface 15 of the panel. The second upper lip portion 129 is preferably disposed between the second locking tongue 11i, 12h and the front surface 15 of the panel.
(72) As derivable for instance from
(73) Referring to
(74) In particular the first lower lip portion 139, may provide, e.g. for a fluid such as water, a mechanical obstacle extending in a direction counter the direction of the gravitational force. Thereby, a fluid such as water which flow along the front surface 15 in a vertically downwards direction, when acted upon by gravitational force, will be hindered from flowing upwards and over the first lower lip portion 139.
(75) The first lower lip portion 139 and the first upper lip portion 149 may respectively define a datum plane Dp as illustrated in
(76) The first lower lip portion 139 and the first upper lip portion 149 may mutually define a datum plane Dp as illustrated in
(77) The second lower lip portion 119 and the second upper lip portion 129 may respectively define a datum plane Dp as illustrated in
(78) The second lower lip portion 119 and the second upper lip portion 129 may mutually define a datum plane Dp as illustrated in
(79) The first, second, third and fourth lip portions 119, 129, 139, 149 may be configured to define a datum plane Dp.
(80) The first, second, third and fourth lip portions 119, 129, 139, 149 may essentially extend in a common plane, which may be the datum plane Dp.
(81) The datum plane Dp may facilitate alignment of the respective front surface 15 of adjacent panels when assembled in the locking position such that the respective front surfaces 15 of adjacent panels are arranged flush with each other.
(82) The first lower lip portion 139 may preferably be disposed between first tongue groove 13j and the front surface 15 of the panel. The first upper lip portion 149 may preferably be disposed between first locking tongue 14h and the front surface 15 of the panel.
(83) As explained above and shown in
(84) The second lower lip portion 119 may preferably be disposed at a vertical V position between second locking tongue 11i and the front surface 15 of the panel. The second upper lip portion 129 may preferably be disposed at a vertical V position between second tongue groove 12j and the front surface 15 of the panel.
(85) Alternatively, as shown in
(86) The first lower lip portion 139 may be contiguous with the second lower lip portion 119.
(87) The first upper lip portion 149 may be contiguous with, preferably continuous with, the second upper lip portion 129.
(88) The lip portions 119, 129, 139, 149 may be contiguous with each other such as to extend continuously along the first, second, third and fourth edges.
(89) Courtesy to the lip portions 119, 129, 139, 149 being overlaying and underlying respectively in a complementary manner, they may continuously define the datum plane Dp along the first, second, third and fourth edges when a panel is assembled with similar panels in the locking position along all edges 11, 12, 13, 14. Thereby, improved sealing may be facilitated.
(90) The function of the lip portions may thus be twofold; having the function of aligning the respective front surfaces of the panels and/or providing the continuous seal along the circumference of the panel together with respective mating lip portions of adjacent panels when assembled in the locking position on all four edges of the panel.
(91) The lip portions may be formed contiguous with each other to thereby continuously define the datum plane Dp along the circumference of the panel. It is thereby achieved that when a panel is assembled in the locking position with further essentially similar panels along all four edges, there is obtained continuous contact provided by mating or closed lip portions 119, 129; 139, 149 along essentially the entire, or the entire, circumference of the panel. A continuous seal along the circumference of the panel may thus be facilitated.
(92) Referring to
(93) Referring e.g. to
(94) The panel 10 may comprise a surface layer 15a provided at the front surface 15 and preferably a backing layer 16a provided at the rear surface 16. Typically, the surface layer comprises a decorative layer configured to be visible when the panels are assembled to a flooring. Such decorative layer is well known in the art and may be provided in different forms, including but not limited to printed paper, powder, printed powder or veneer, such as wood veneer. The surface layer, which may also provide a protective layer, typically comprising a binder resin, such as a thermosetting resin, which facilitates bonding, i.e., adhesion between, i.a., the decorative layer and the core of the panel. The binder may also facilitate bonding of one or more additives such as surface hardening particles and/or pigments in order to provide the surface layer with various properties. The binder may comprise for example Melamine Formaldehyde. The binder may penetrate into the core of the panel during manufacture of the panel, typically the binder is provided in powder form whereby it becomes liquid in response to exposure to heat. The binder may therefore penetrate into the core of the building panel. The core may for example comprise one of MDF, HDF, wood, stone, ceramics, PVC, plastics, but other materials are contemplatable.
(95) The binder may have a depth of penetration into the core of the panel, in the thickness direction Z, from the front surface 15 of the panel and into the core. This feature provides for improved sealing between the respective upper and lower lip portions.
(96) The depth of penetration may be at least into the first lower and upper lip portions 139, 149. This provides for a more water-tight first locking system.
(97) The depth of penetration may be at least into the second lower and upper lip portions 119, 129. This provides for a more water-tight second locking system.
(98) Consequently, aspects of the present disclosure may be particularly suitable for use in wet spaces, such as bath rooms, kitchens or like.
(99) Consequently, aspects of the present disclosure may be suitable for use as floor panels, as illustrated for instance in
(100) Consequently, aspects of the present disclosure may be suitable for use as wall panels, as illustrated for instance in
(101) It should be appreciated that the provision and configuration of the upper and lower lip portions 119, 129, 139, 149, as described herein, in particular configured to continuously extend along all the edges of a panel, is not limited to use in combination with a particular locking system, but may rather be implemented in combination with virtually any mechanical locking system and in building panels of any material. The above: described locking system serving merely as exemplary embodiments of possible implementation forms.
(102) Referring to
(103) In order to improve the sealing between assembled lay of panels comprising a panel assembled in the locking position on all four sides i.e. all four edges, such as a floor lay (see
(104) Thanks to the building panel having the features set forth herein, and in the appended claims, it may be facilitated that the sealing of both T-joints T1 and T2 is improved.
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(107) The first pair of horizontal locking surfaces comprises a first upper edge surface 182 of the panel and a locking element surface 181 provided on a locking element 13b protruding from a locking strip 13a.
(108) The second pair of horizontal locking surfaces may comprise a second upper edge surface 184 at the fourth edge 14 and a locking groove surface 183 provided on a locking groove 14g, the locking element configured to receive a locking element 13b of an adjacent panel in response to a folding movement of the adjacent panel for horizontal locking of the panels from parting away from each other.
(109) A second mechanical locking system may be provided at respective parallel and opposite first and second edges 11, 12, such as short edges, is shown in
(110) A first pair of vertical locking surfaces 139, 185 may be provided in the third edge 13 and a second pair of vertical locking surfaces 149, 186 may be provided in the fourth edge 14 for vertical locking of adjacent panels.
(111) The first pair of vertical locking surfaces 139, 185 comprising a first lower lip portion 139 disposed below said first upper edge surface 182 and a tongue groove surface 185 provided by a tongue groove 13j configured to receive a locking tongue 14h of a fourth edge 14 of an adjacent panel for vertical locking of the adjacent panel in a direction along the normal of a front surface 15 of the panel.
(112) The second pair of vertical locking surfaces 149, 186 comprises an upper surface 186 of the locking tongue 14h and a first upper lip portion 149 disposed between a front surface 15 of the panel and the locking tongue 14h and below a second upper edge surface 184.
(113) The first lower lip portion 139 may be configured to cooperate with the first upper lip portion 149 provided below the second upper edge surface 184 of an adjacent panel for vertical locking of the panels when said third and fourth edges are assembled in the locking position.
(114) The method may comprise displacing the floor panel in a feeding direction FD with its third edge 13 relative a first tool set TS1.
(115) The method may comprise displacing the floor panel in a feeding direction FD with its third edge 13 relative a second tool set TS2.
(116) The first tool set (TS1) may comprise a first and second tool member TM11, TM12 arranged on a common rotary shaft. The second tool set TS2 may comprises a first and second tool member TM21, TM22 arranged on a common rotary shaft.
(117) Forming by the first tool set TS1, preferably the first tool member TM11, at least part of the locking element 13b and preferably at least part of the locking strip 13a. The forming at least part of the locking element 13b may comprise forming at least part of the locking element surface 181.
(118) Forming with the first tool set TS1, preferably the second tool member TM12, at least part of locking strip 13a.
(119) Forming with the first tool set TS1, preferably the second tool member TM12, at least part of first upper edge surface 182.
(120) Forming with the first tool set TS1, preferably the second tool member TM12, at least part of the first lower lip portion 139.
(121) Forming with the second tool set TS2, preferably the first tool member TM21, at least a part of the locking element 13b.
(122) Forming with the second tool set TS2, preferably the second tool member TM22, at least part of the tongue groove 13j. The forming at least part of the tongue groove 13j may comprise forming at least part of the tongue groove surface 185.
(123) The method may further comprise displacing the floor panel in a feeding direction FD with its fourth edge 14 relative a third tool set TS3.
(124) The method may further comprise displacing the floor panel in a feeding direction FD with its fourth edge 14 relative a fourth tool set TS4.
(125) TS1 may be arranged upstream TS2 in the feeding direction. TS3 may be arranged upstream TS4 in the feeding direction.
(126) The third tool set TS3 may comprise a first and second tool member TM31, TM32 arranged on a common rotary shaft. The fourth tool set TS4 may comprise a first and second tool member TM41, TM42 arranged on a common rotary shaft.
(127) The method may further comprise forming with the third tool set TS3 at least part of the locking groove 14g, wherein forming at least part of the locking groove 14g may comprise forming at least part of the locking groove surface 183.
(128) Forming with the fourth tool set TS4, preferably the first tool member TM41, at least part of the locking tongue 14h.
(129) Forming with the fourth tool set TS4, preferably the second tool member TM42, at least part of the locking tongue 14h, wherein forming at least part of the locking tongue 14h may comprise forming at least part of the upper tongue surface 186.
(130) Forming with the fourth tool set TS4, preferably the first tool member TM41 at least part of the first upper lip portion 149.
(131) The first tool members and the second tool members TM11, TM12; TM21, TM22; TM31, TM32; TM41, TM42 of a respective tool set TS1, TS2, TS3, TS4 may each comprise a rotatable disk or rotatable cutting tool configured to be adjustable in relation to each other, preferably in a direction long a centre axis Ax of the common rotary shaft.
(132) The rotatable discs or rotatable cutting tools of each tool set may be configured to be at least partially overlapping in a direction along a centre axis Ax of the common rotary shaft.
(133) The first tool set TS1 and the third tool set TS3 may be arranged opposing each other on opposite sides of the panel, in a width direction W of the panel, and configured to simultaneously engage with the panel.
(134) The second tool set TS2 and the fourth tool set TS4 may be arranged opposing each other on opposite sides of the panel, in a width direction W of the panel, and configured to simultaneously engage with the panel.
(135) Referring to
(136) Displacing the floor panel in a feeding direction FD with its first edge 11 relative a first tool set TS1′ and relative a second tool set TS2′.
(137) The first tool set TS1′ may comprise a first and second tool member TM11′, TM12′ arranged on a common rotary shaft. The second tool set TS2′ may comprise a first and second tool member TM21′, TM22′ arranged on a common rotary shaft.
(138) Forming by the first tool set TS1′, preferably the first tool member TM11′, at least part of the locking element 11b and at least part of the locking strip 11a, wherein forming at least part of the locking element 11b comprises forming at least part of the locking element surface 181′.
(139) Forming with the first tool set TS1′, preferably the second tool member TM12′, at least part of locking strip 11a, the first upper edge surface 182′ and the second lower lip portion 119.
(140) Forming with the second tool set TS2′, preferably the first tool member TM21, at least a part of the locking element 11b.
(141) In addition, the method may preferably comprise: displacing the floor panel in a feeding direction FD with its second edge 12 relative a third tool set TS3′ and a fourth tool set TS4′. The third tool set TS3′) optionally comprising a first and second tool member TM31′, TM32′ arranged on a common rotary shaft. The fourth tool set TS4′ may comprise a first, second and third tool member TM41′, TM42′, TM43′ arranged on a common rotary shaft as shown in
(142) Forming with the third tool set TS3′ at least part of the locking groove 12g, wherein forming at least part of the locking groove 12g comprises forming at least part of the locking groove surface 183′.
(143) Forming with the fourth tool set TS4′, preferably the first tool member TM41, at least part of the second locking tongue 14h, wherein forming of at least part of the locking tongue 12h comprises forming at least part of a lower surface 12f of the locking tongue 12h.
(144) Forming with the fourth tool set TS4′, preferably the second tool member TM42′, at least part of the locking tongue 12h and at least part of the first upper lip portion 149.
(145) Forming with the fourth tool set TS4′, preferably the third tool member TM43′, at least part of a tongue groove 12j configured to receive a displaceable locking tongue of a first edge 11 of an adjacent panel for vertical locking of panels.
(146) The first, second and third tool members TM11′, TM12′; TM21′, TM22′; TM31′, TM32′; TM41′, TM42′, TM43′ of a respective tool set TS1′, TS2′, TS3′, TS4′ may each comprise a rotatable disk or rotatable cutting tool configured to be adjustable in relation to each other, preferably in a direction long a centre axis Ax of the common rotary shaft.
(147) The rotatable discs or rotatable cutting tools of each tool set may be configured to be least partially overlapping in a direction along a centre axis Ax of the common rotary shaft.
(148) The first tool set TS1′ and the third tool set TS3′ may be arranged opposing each other on opposite sides of the panel, in a longitudinal direction L of the panel, and configured to simultaneously engage with the panel.
(149) The second tool set TS2′ and the fourth tool set TS4′ may be arranged opposing each other on opposite sides of the panel, in a longitudinal direction L of the panel, and configured to simultaneously engage with the panel.
(150) By means of forming the first or second lower lip portion 139, 129 and at least part of the locking strip 13a, 11a by means of the same tool set Ts1, Ts1′ i.e. simultaneously, it is facilitated that the production tolerance of dimension d1, d1′ between locking strip 13a, 11a and first or second lower lip portion 139, 129 may be improved.
(151) By means of forming the first or second lower lip portion 139, 129 and at and an outermost surface 187 of the first or second lower lip portion 139, 129 by means of the same tool set Ts1, Ts1′, i.e. simultaneously, it is facilitated that the production tolerance of dimension d2, d2′ corresponding to the horizontal extension of the first or second lower lip portion 139, 129 may be constant.
(152) By means of forming the first upper edge surface 182, 182′ and the locking element surface 181, 181′ by means of the same tool set Ts1, Ts1′, it is facilitated that tolerance of the dimension d3, d3′ between the first upper edge surface 182, 182′ and the locking element surface 181, 181′ may be improved.
(153) By means of forming the first upper lip portion 149 and lower surface 14f, 12f of the first or second locking tongue 14h, 12h by means of the same tool set Ts4, Ts4′, i.e. simultaneously, it is facilitated that the production tolerance of the dimension d4, d4′ between the first upper lip portion 149 and lower surface 14f, 12f of the first or second locking tongue 14h, 12h may be improved.
(154) The dimension d4, d4′ may be formed to provide play between the lower surface 14f, 12f of the first or second locking tongue 14h, 12h and the locking strip 13a, 11a when adjacent panels are configured in assembled position.
(155) The upper surface 186 of the first locking tongue 14h may face the first upper lip portion 149 to thereby form a third locking groove for receiving the first lower lip portion 139 of an adjacent panel by means of a folding displacement of an adjacent panel.
(156) By means of forming the upper surface 186 of the first locking tongue 14h and the first upper lip portion 149 by means of the same tool set Ts4, it is facilitated that the production tolerance of the distance between the upper surface 186 of the first locking tongue 14h and the first upper lip portion 149 may be improved.
(157) Items
(158) ITEM 1. A method for producing mechanical locking systems in a building panel, such as a floor panels or wall panels, the panel comprising
(159) a first mechanical locking system at opposite third and fourth edges (13, 14), such as long edges, the mechanical locking system comprising
(160) a first pair of horizontal locking surfaces (181, 182) in the third edge (13) and a second pair of horizontal locking surfaces (183, 184) in the fourth edge (14) for horizontal locking of adjacent panels (10, 20),
(161) the first pair of horizontal locking surfaces comprising a first upper edge surface (182) of the panel and a locking element surface (181) provided on a locking element (13b) protruding from a locking strip (13a),
(162) the second pair of horizontal locking surfaces comprising a second upper edge surface (184) and a locking groove surface (183) provided by a locking groove (14g) configured to receive a locking element (13b) of an adjacent panel (20) in response to a folding movement of the adjacent panel (10) for horizontal locking of the panels from parting away from each other,
(163) a second locking system at respective parallel and opposite first and second edges (11, 12), such as short edges, configured to cooperate for horizontal and vertical locking of two adjacent building panels (10, 30), preferably by means of a vertical motion, such as vertical folding,
(164) a first pair of vertical locking surfaces (139, 185) in the third edge (13) and a second pair of vertical locking surfaces (149, 186) in the fourth edge (14) for vertical locking of adjacent panels,
(165) the first pair of vertical locking surfaces (139, 185) comprising a first lower lip portion (139) disposed below said first upper edge surface (182) and a tongue groove surface (185) provided by a tongue groove (13j) configured to receive a locking tongue (14h) of a fourth edge (14) of an adjacent panel (10) for vertical locking of the adjacent panel in a direction along the normal of a front surface (15) of the panel,
(166) the second pair of vertical locking surfaces (149, 186) comprising an upper surface (186) of the locking tongue (14h) and a first upper lip portion (149) disposed between a front surface (15) of the panel and the locking tongue (14h) and below a second upper edge surface (184);
(167) the first lower lip portion (139) being configured to cooperate with the first upper lip portion (149) provided below the second upper edge surface (184) of an adjacent panel (20) for vertical locking of the panels when said third and fourth edges are assembled in the locking position, the method comprising:
(168) displacing the floor panel in a feeding direction (FD) with its third edge (13) relative to a first tool set (TS1) and relative to a second tool set (TS2); the first tool set (TS1) comprising a first and second tool member (TM11, TM12) arranged on a common rotary shaft; the second tool set (TS2) comprises a first and second tool member (TM21, TM22) arranged on a common rotary shaft; forming by the first tool set (TS1), preferably the first tool member (TM11), at least part of the locking element (13b) and at least part of the locking strip (13a); wherein forming at least part of the locking element (13b) comprises forming at least part of the locking element surface (181); forming with the first tool set (TS1), preferably the second tool member (TM12), at least part of locking strip (13a), the first upper edge surface (182) and the first lower lip portion (139); forming with the second tool set (TS2), preferably the first tool member (TM21), at least a part of the locking element (13b); forming with the second tool set (TS2), preferably the second tool member (TM22), at least part of the tongue groove (13j), wherein forming at least part of the tongue groove (13j) comprises forming at least part of the tongue groove surface (185);
(169) ITEM 2. The method according to item 1, further comprising:
(170) displacing the floor panel in a feeding direction (FD) with its fourth edge (14) relative to a third tool set (TS3) and a fourth tool set (TS4); the third tool set (TS3) comprises a first and second tool member (TM31, TM32) arranged on a common rotary shaft; the fourth tool set (TS4) comprises a first and second tool member (TM41, TM42) arranged on a common rotary shaft; forming with the third tool set (TS3) at least part of the locking groove (14g), wherein forming at least part of the locking groove (14g) comprises forming at least part of the locking groove surface (183); forming with the fourth tool set (TS4), preferably the first tool member (TM41), at least part of the locking tongue (14h); forming with the fourth tool set (TS4), preferably the second tool member (TM42), at least part of the locking tongue (14h) and at least part of the first upper lip portion (149), wherein forming at least part of the locking tongue (14h) comprises forming at least part of the upper tongue surface (186).
(171) ITEM 3. The method according to items 1 or 2, wherein the first tool members and the second tool members (TM11, TM12; TM21, TM22; TM31, TM32; TM41, TM42) of a respective tool set (TS1′, TS2′, TS3′, TS4′) each comprises a rotatable disk or rotatable cutting tool configured to be adjustable in relation to each other, preferably in a direction long a centre axis (Ax) of the common rotary shaft.
(172) ITEM 4. The method according to the preceding item, wherein said rotatable discs or rotatable cutting tools of each tool set are configured to be least partially overlapping in a direction along a centre axis (Ax) of the common rotary shaft.
(173) ITEM 5. The method according to any one of the preceding items, wherein the first tool set (TS1) and the third tool set (TS3) are arranged opposing each other on opposite sides of the panel, in a width direction (W) of the panel, and configured to simultaneously engage with the panel.
(174) ITEM 6. The method according to any one of the preceding items, wherein the second tool set (TS2) and the fourth tool set (TS4) are arranged opposing each other on opposite sides of the panel, in a width direction (W) of the panel, and configured to simultaneously engage with the panel.
(175) ITEM 7. The method according to any one of the preceding items, comprising
(176) displacing the floor panel in a feeding direction (FD) with its first edge (11) relative to a first tool set (TSV) and relative to a second tool set (TS2′); the first tool set (TS1′) comprising a first and second tool member (TM11′, TM12′) arranged on a common rotary shaft; the second tool set (TS2′) comprising a first and second tool member (TM21′, TM22′) arranged on a common rotary shaft; forming by the first tool set (TS1′), preferably the first tool member (TM11′), at least part of the locking element (11b) and at least part of the locking strip (11a); wherein forming at least part of the locking element (11b) comprises forming at least part of the locking element surface (181′); forming with the first tool set (TS1′), preferably the second tool member (TM12′), at least part of locking strip (11a), the first upper edge surface (182′) and the second lower lip portion (119); forming with the second tool set (TS2′), preferably the first tool member (TM21), at least a part of the locking element (11b);
(177) ITEM 8. The method according to item 7, further comprising:
(178) displacing the floor panel in a feeding direction (FD) with its second edge (12) relative to a third tool set (TS3′) and a fourth tool set (TS4′); the third tool set (TS3′) optionally comprising a first and second tool member (TM31′, TM32′) arranged on a common rotary shaft; the fourth tool set (TS4′) comprises a first, second and third tool member (TM41′, TM42′, TM43′) arranged on a common rotary shaft; forming with the third tool set (TS3′) at least part of the locking groove (12g), wherein forming at least part of the locking groove (12g) comprises forming at least part of the locking groove surface (183′); forming with the fourth tool set (TS4′), preferably the first tool member (TM41), at least part of the second locking tongue (14h), wherein forming of at least part of the locking tongue (12h) comprises forming at least part of a lower surface (12f) of the locking tongue (12h); forming with the fourth tool set (TS4′), preferably the second tool member (TM42′), at least part of the locking tongue (12h) and at least part of the first upper lip portion (149), forming with the fourth tool set (TS4′), preferably the third tool member (TM43′), at least part of a tongue groove (12j) configured to receive a displaceable locking tongue of a first edge (11) of an adjacent panel for vertical locking of panels.
(179) ITEM 9. The method according to item 7 or 8, wherein the first, second and third tool members (TM11′, TM12′; TM21′, TM22′; TM31′, TM32′; TM41′, TM42′, TM43′) of a respective tool set (TS1′, TS2′, TS3′, TS4′) each comprises a rotatable disk or rotatable cutting tool configured to be adjustable in relation to each other, preferably in a direction long a centre axis (Ax) of the common rotary shaft.
(180) ITEM 10. The method according to the preceding item, wherein said rotatable discs or rotatable cutting tools of each tool set are configured to be least partially overlapping in a direction along a centre axis (Ax) of the common rotary shaft.
(181) ITEM 11. The method according to any one of the preceding items, wherein the first tool set (TS1′) and the third tool set (TS3′) are arranged opposing each other on opposite sides of the panel, in a longitudinal direction (L) of the panel, and configured to simultaneously engage with the panel.
(182) ITEM 12. The method according to any one of the preceding items, wherein the second tool set (TS2′) and the fourth tool set (TS4′) are arranged opposing each other on opposite sides of the panel, in a longitudinal direction (L) of the panel, and configured to simultaneously engage with the panel.