A method for dividing a board into a first panel and a second panel, a method of forming a mechanical locking system for locking of a first and a second panel, and building panels.

(54) Title: A METHOD FOR DIVIDING A TABLE ON A FIRST PANEL AND A SECOND PANEL, A METHOD FOR FORMING A MECHANICAL LOCKING SYSTEM FOR THE LOCKING OF A FIRST AND A SECOND CONSTRUCTION PANEL AND PANELS.

(54) Title: A METHOD FOR DIVIDING A BOARD INTO A FIRST PANEL AND A SECOND PANEL, A METHOD OF FORMING A MECHANICAL LOCKING SYSTEM FOR LOCKING OF A FIRST AND A SECOND PANEL, AND BUILDING PANELS.

(57) Summary

Building panels, especially floor panels, are shown that are provided with a locking system that is configured to lock adjacent edges by tilting and that have a tongue and strip on the same edge, and a method of dividing a table and produce such building panels.

(57) Abstract

Building panels, especially floor panels are shown, which are provided with a locking system that is configured to lock the adjacent edges by angling and that have a tongue and a strip on the same edge, and a method to divide a board and produce such building panels.

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PATENT TITLE No. 359284

Headlines): VÁLINGE INNOVATION AB

Address: Prástavágen 513, SE-263 65, Viken, SWEDEN

Name: A METHOD FOR DIVIDING A TABLE ON A FIRST PANEL AND A SECOND PANEL, A METHOD FOR FORMING A MECHANICAL LOCKING SYSTEM FOR THE LOCKING OF A FIRST AND A SECOND PANEL AND CONSTRUCTION PANELS.

Classification: CIP: E04F15 / 02; B27F1 / 02; B27M3 / 04

Inventor (s):

CPC: E04F15 / 02038; B27F1 / 02 ;; P2? M3 / 04

DARKO PERVAN; AQNEf * '*

Number:

MX / a / 2014/015762

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- *

Country:

International:

^013

Number:

I KNOW

US

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SE * 19 &lt;eft¿ófc de 2 () 12 ¿| S &lt;1é) urwQ &amp; · 2ύ, 12, 2® June 2pn 2 Jan 11, d © 2013

1250656-4

61/661,645

1250691-1

1350027-7

Validity: Twenty years. · '

Expiration Date: July 18, 2033

Issue Date: September 21, 2018 i

The reference patent is based on tafoarticles 1st, 2nd fraction 7.6, fraction W, and 59 of the Industrial Property Law.

In accordance with article 23 of the j0 i, «and de ftropietiad InduMnal, they were ·· paíantoteer» unawigence of yétete non-extendable years, counted from the date of presentation of the IfosdOcitud international and suiáta matura to the gago of the tariff p ^ ra keep the rights in force

Who subscribes to the present title hea »-Mn fuqdementeteñ the provisions of Ιββ articulfjs 6 ° fractíonesfll twMe the Industrial Property Law (Official Gazette of the Federation (DOF) # / 06/1991, amended θΡβ2ββ / 1994, 25/10 / 1996, 12/26/1997, 05/17/1999. 01/26/2004, 06/16/2005, 01/25/2006, 05/06/2009, 06/06/2010, 06/18/2010 2 »0β / 2010, 9391 / 2042,09 / 04/2012 , 0 «Οβ / 0β1β ^ 18/0 ^ 018), articles 1, 3” section V subsection a), 4 and 12 “sections I and lll of the Regulations of the InsttwB '^ mteae · tJpTa pce ^ e ^ ad. Jobaitepfto ^ 'í-14/12/1999, amended on 07/01/2002, 07/15/2004, 07/28/2004 and 09/07/2007); articles 1, 3, 4, 5 “fraccióésV ifteíso-a), .4 * fcaoflolfe · I y'jjfcf., 3ÉMfe * l Organic Statute of the Mexican Institute of Industrial Property (DOF 12/27/1999, amended on 10/10/2002, 28fl # / Sw) 4 / Ó4 (88/2004 and 09/13/2007); 1 “, 3 ° and 5 'clause a) of the Agreement that delegates powers to the Deputy Directors General, Coordinator, Divisional Directors, Holders of Regional Offices, Divisional Deputy Directors, Departmental Coordinators and other subordinates of the Mexican Institute of Industrial Property. (DOF 12/15/1999, amended on 02/04/2000, 07/29/2004, 08/04/2004 and 09/13/2007).

This letter is signed with an advanced electronic signature (FIEL), based on articles 7 BIS 2 of the Industrial Property Law; 3rd of its Regulations, and 1 section III, 2 section V, 26 BIS and 26 TER of the Agreement establishing the guidelines for the use of the Electronic Payment and Services Portal (PASE) of the Mexican Institute of Industrial Property, in the procedures indicated.

THE DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR OF PATENTS

NAHANNY CANAL REYES

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Original string:

NAHANNY MARISOL CANAL REYES | 00001000000403252793 | Tax Administration Service | 1695 || MX / 2018/80750 | MX / a / 2014/015762 | Patent Title PCT | 1027 | RGZ | Page (s) | 5 / U8Dp / NMcWSdFLII4D / x4dgkb8 =

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MX / 2018/80750

358284

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A METHOD FOR DIVIDING A TABLE IN A FIRST fMWEL ^ -UN

INDUSTRIAL

SECOND PANEL, A METHOD FOR FORMING A SYSTEM OF

MECHANICAL LOCK FOR LOCKING A FIRST AND ONE

SECOND PANEL AND CONSTRUCTION PANELS

TECHNICAL FIELD

The embodiments of the invention generally relate to the field of mechanical locking systems for construction panels, especially floor boards. The embodiments of the invention refer to floorboards provided with said locking systems and methods of making floorboards with said locking systems. More specifically, the embodiments of the invention are primarily concerned with floors of the type having a center and a decorative surface layer on the top side of the center.

Field of application of the invention

The embodiments of the present invention are particularly suitable for use on floating floors, which are formed from floor boards that are mechanically joined to a one-piece locking system with the center and are made of one or more top layers of veneer sheet, decorative laminate or decorative plastic material, an intermediate center of wood fiber based material or plastic material and ΐ Μ Ρ ϊ / 3 ^

MEXICAN INSTITUTE OF THE NOFIEOAO

INDUSTRIAL preferably a bottom balancing layer at the center pOSTSNór ', and are manufactured by means of large saw boards in various panels. The following description of the known art, the problems of the known systems and objects and the characteristics of the embodiments of the invention, therefore, as a non-restrictive example, will be directed above all to this field of application and in particular to laminate floors. formed as rectangular floorboards intended to be mechanically joined on both large and short sides. However, it should be emphasized that the invention can be used on any floorboards or building panels, which are intended to be locked together at two adjacent edges horizontally and vertically with a mechanical locking system that allows locking, preferably by means of a tilting motion. Embodiments of the invention thus may also be applicable to, for example, solid wood floors, parquet floors with a core of wood veneer or wood fiber-based material and the like that are made as separate floor panels. , floors with a printed surface and preferably also varnished and the like. The embodiments of the invention can also be used for joining construction panels, for example wall panels and furniture components.

<img file="MX359284B_D0004.tif" />

OF INDUSTRIAL PROPERTY

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Laminate floors usually comprise a 6-11 mm chipboard center, a top decorative surface layer of

0.1-0.8 mm thick and a 0.1-0.6 mm thick bottom balancing layer of laminate, plastic, paper or the like. The surface layer provides appearance and durability to floorboards. The center provides stability, and the balancing layer maintains the plane of the table after pressing and when the relative humidity (RH) varies throughout the year. Floor boards are floated, that is, without gluing, on an existing subfloor. Traditional hard floor boards of this type were generally joined by means of glued tongue and groove joints. However, most of all laminate flooring boards are currently mechanically joined by so-called mechanical locking systems. These systems comprise locking means, which lock the boards horizontally and vertically. Mechanical locking systems are usually formed by machining the core. Alternatively, the parts of the locking system can be formed of separate materials, for example aluminum or plastic, which are integrated with the floor board at the source.

The main advantages of floating floors with mechanical locking systems are that they can be laid quickly and easily through various tilt and break combinations. I also know

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MEXICAN INSTITUTE f¡ ^ ·

OF THE PROPERTY

INDUSTRIAL can easily re-account and use a-vee more of a different location.

The most common core material is a chipboard with high high density and good stability which is generally called HDF 5 High Density Chipboard. Sometimes the MDF - Medium Density Chipboard - is also used as a center.

A laminate board comprising a decorative paper surface impregnated with melamine, plastic, wood, veneer sheet, cork and the like is made by means of the surface layer and preferably a balancing layer which is applied to a core material which in addition HDF can be made from plywood, plywood, plastic, and various composite materials. A new board has recently been developed where a powder, comprising fibers, binders, wear resistant particles and color pigment, is dispersed in a core material and cured by heat and pressure to a solid paper free surface.

Generally, the aforementioned methods result in a laminate board, which is divided by sawing into several panels, which are then machined to provide them with a mechanical edge locking system. A panel-sized laminate table, which is not necessarily for partitioning, can be produced by the aforementioned method. The manufacture of individual floor panels is usually carried out when the panels have a surface layer of wood or ^{, NST} J ?.¹ ° MEXICAN NO OF THE INNOUSTXIAL FBOPiEDAD

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veneer sheet. - _

Floor board with mechanical locking systems can also be produced from solid materials such as solid wood.

In all cases, the aforementioned floor panels are machined individually along their edges to the floor boards. Edge machining is performed on advanced milling machines where the floor panel is positioned accurately between one or more chains and belts, so that the floor panel can be moved at high speed and with high accuracy more there a number of milling motors, which are supplied with rotary diamond cutting tools or metal cutting tools and which machine the edge of the floor panel. By using various milling motors operating at different angles, advanced joint geometries can be formed at speeds exceeding 200 m / min and with an accuracy of approximately ± 0.05 mm. Accuracy in the vertical direction is generally better than in the horizontal direction as it is difficult to avoid the so-called swim that occurs when the panels move horizontally relative to the chain / belt during milling.

Definition of some terms

In the following text, the visible surface of the installed panel, such as a floor board, is called the front side, while the opposite side of the floor board, which faces the counterweight, is called the back side.

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By horizontal plane is meant a plane, which extends parallel to the front side. The immediately juxtaposed tops of the two attached joint edges of the two panels joined together define a vertical plane perpendicular to the horizontal plane.

The outer parts of the floor board at the edge of the floor board between the front side and the back side are called the joint edge. In general, the articulation edge has several articulation surfaces ”that can be vertical, horizontal, angled, rounded, beveled, etc.

By blocking system is meant connection means of joint action, which connect the panels vertically and / or horizontally. By mechanical locking system is meant that the bonding can be carried out without glue.

By tilting is meant a connection that occurs by means of a turning movement, during which an angular change occurs between two parts that connect or disconnect. When the inclination refers to a connection of two floorboards, the angular movement is usually carried out with the upper parts of the articulation edges at least in part being in contact with each other, during at least part of the movement. .

By "up or up" is meant to the front side and by "down or down" is meant to the back side. By "inward" is meant toward the center of the honeycomb and by "outward" is meant in the

<img file="MX359284B_D0007.tif" />

MEXICAN INSTITUTE V> «5® DE LA PROPIEDAD Λ». fNDUSTItlAL opposite direction._x_________________

By milling is meant a method of forming a groove or a bulge at an edge of a panel by carving a part of the edge into its final shape by means of one or more milling tool configurations comprising various non-rotating and removal surfaces of fixed chips that are located along the feeding direction.

Known technique and its problems

With a view to facilitate understanding of the embodiments of the present invention, the known mechanical locking system will now be described with reference to Figures 1A to 1E. In applicable parts, the subsequent description of the known technique also applies to the embodiments of the present invention described below.

As shown in Figure 1A, the floorboards have a tongue 10 and a slot 9 that blocks the edges in a vertical direction. A strip 6, which extends along a first edge 1, protrudes from the edge and has a locking element 8 that cooperates with a locking groove 14 in the adjacent second edge T and locks the edges horizontally.

It is evident from this figure and figure 1B, that since mechanical locking systems have parts, such as tongue 10 and strip 6, projecting beyond the upper joint edges, expensive waste is created W when large table 1B is cut by means of a

IMPI

Mexican Institute of Industrial Property

<img file="MX359284B_D0008.tif" />

saw blade 20 on various floor panels and when the locking system is formed.

Even when the individual floor panels are produced, for example solid wood floors, as shown in Figure 1C, considerable scrap (W) is caused by forming strip 6 and tongue 10.

These systems and manufacturing methods suffer from a number of drawbacks, mostly related to cost and function.

The scrap is primarily related to the long edge locking system, which is usually Installed via Tilt. Total scrap can be about 10mm or more or about 5% on floorboards that are about 200mm wide. Scrap on narrow deck boards with a width of eg 100 mm can be approximately 10%.

To counter these problems, different methods are used. The most important method is to limit the length of the projection parts. This generally results in lower locking force and difficulties in placing or separating the floorboards.

Another method is to use separate materials, eg, aluminum or plastic, to form the strip or tab. Such materials are generally not cost efficient in low cost flooring with a surface layer and core made of very cost efficient materials such as Impregnated paper and HDF respectively.

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OF THE PROPERTY Cn «*»

INDUSTRIAL

It is known that a locking system can be formed by overlapping flanges A, B and a bottom tongue C as shown in figure 1D (WO 2005/068747 Válinge Innovation AB). Such a locking system will not reduce waste. The overlapping edge or small tab A is mainly used to facilitate horizontal movement between the edges. Fig. 1E shows a known locking system (WO 2006/043893 Valinge Innovation AB) having a separate flexible tab 10 fixed above the strip 6 and intended primarily to lock short edges with vertical fold or vertical break.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION AND ITS OBJECTIVES

An objective of the embodiments of the present invention is to provide a locking system that is made in one piece with the center, that automatically guides adjacent edges into a correct position during tilting, that has a high locking force and is possible produce with minimal material waste in connection with the cutting of the large board and the final formation of the edges and the mechanical locking system.

A further object of the embodiments of the invention is to provide a cost efficient and rotary manufacturing method for dividing a board into floorboards that are in a second production step machined to provide them with a locking system.

MEXICAN INSTITUTE Vt DE LA PROPIEDAD '' industrial

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mechanic. - “~~

The aforementioned objectives can be achieved in whole or in part by locking systems, floor panels and production methods according to the embodiments of the invention.

A first aspect of the invention is a method of dividing a table into a first panel and a second panel, wherein the method comprises the step of moving the table and dividing the table by means of a fixed tool, such as a scraping tool. or carved.

The method preferably comprises the step of forming a first vertically open slot, through a rear side of the board, and a second vertically open offset slot, through a front side of the board.

A stationary tool or saw blade can form the first vertically open slot.

The second vertically open slot can be formed by means of a stationary tool or saw blade. The second vertically open slot is preferably made by sawing in order to obtain a smooth edge with fewer chips on one edge on the front side, as the edge may be visible when the panel is installed.

The method may comprise the step of forming, by means of a stationary tool, a first horizontally extending groove that extends horizontally under the front and / or rear side of the board.

<img file="MX359284B_D0010.tif" />

MEXICAN INSTITUTE OF PROPERTY

INDUSTRIAL

<img file="MX359284B_D0011.tif" />

The first horizontally extending slot can extend from the second slot into the first slot.

The first horizontally extending slot can extend from the first slot into the second slot.

The first horizontally extending groove can connect the first vertically open groove and the second vertically open groove.

The method may comprise the step of forming, by means of a fixed tool, a second horizontally extending groove extending horizontally under the front and / or rear side of the board, wherein the second horizontally extending slot extends from the vertically open second slot to the first vertically open slot and the first horizontally extending slot extends from the first vertically open slot to the second vertically open slot.

The first horizontally extending grooves can be connected to the second horizontally extending grooves.

The formation of the second vertically open groove can be made by sawing by means of a rotating saw blade.

The formation of the first groove is preferably done prior to cutting the second groove and wherein the first groove is made by means of a stationary tool. The step of moving the table beyond the fixed tool is preferably done before the sawing step, since

IMPí

MBXiCnWíi INSTITUTE

PF LA MOPISDAlí INDUSTRIAL facilitates the absorption of the forces created by the fixed tool when the groove is formed.

The method may comprise the method step of arranging the board on a carrier, such as a conveyor belt / chain, preferably provided with a pushing device, such as a cam or edge. The pushing device, such as a cam or edge, increases the force in which the construction element can be pushed towards the fixed tool.

The front side of the board can be placed against the carrier and can be oriented downwards. The front side is preferably positioned downwardly and supported by a carrier, such as a conveyor belt / chain. If the above steps are a part of a locking system that increases production tolerances and critical locking surfaces can be produced with high tolerances.

The stationary tool may comprise several grinding teeth, positioned to be formed in different vertical and / or horizontal positions.

The method may comprise the step of removing chips created by the stationary tool by means of compressed air, preferably by means of a compressed air nozzle, and preferably harvesting by means of a suction device.

The board may be a wooden board, a laminated board, such as a floor element comprising an HDF or MDF core, a decorative layer and a balancing layer, a plywood board, or a

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BWTITVTO MSXICANO

M THE «INCUSTAIAL OFFICIAL The table that includes a plastic center and preferably a decorative layer.

The laminated board may comprise a core provided with a decorative surface layer and a balancing layer.

The method may comprise the step of removing the chips created by means of the formation, preferably by means of several compressed air nozzles, and preferably by sorting and arranging in separate containers the chips in the center and the balancing layer and / or the decorative layer.

A second aspect of the invention is a method of forming a mechanical locking system to lock a first and a second panel, wherein the method comprises the steps:

• dividing a table into a first and a second panel in accordance with the methods described herein and thereby forming a lower protruding part at a first edge of the first panel and a lower groove at a second edge of the second panel;

• form a blocking element in the Lower protruding part;

• and form a locking slot in the bottom slot.

A third aspect of the invention are building panels, each comprising a top surface and a center, provided with a locking system for vertical and horizontal locking of a first edge of the first building panel to a second adjacent edge of a second panel. of construction. The upper parts of the first and second * «8888 edges together define in a locked position a vertical plane, which is perpendicular to a horizontal plane, is parallel to the upper surface of the first and second building panels. The locking system is configured to allow the assembly of the first and second edges by tilting the first and second building panels with respect to each other. The locking system comprises a tongue, made in one piece with said center, and a tongue groove configured to cooperate for vertical locking, and a strip on the first edge, made in one piece with the center, which is provided with a locking element, and is configured to cooperate for horizontal locking with a downwardly opening locking slot formed in the second edge. The first and second building panels (a relative position can be obtained with a distance between the first and second edges, in this position the upper surface of the first and second building panels (1, 1j is in the same horizontal plane and a part of the edge of the second edge is located vertically above the top of the locking element and there is a vertically extending space S of at least about 0.5 mm between the locking element and all parts of the second edge that is located above the locking element.

The edge part can be located in the vertical plane.

The locking element may comprise a locking surface cooperating with a locking surface in the locking groove for horizontal locking and where the edge portion is located

<img file="MX359284B_D0012.tif" />

vertically above the locking surface of the

The gap can be more than 0.6mm.

The gap may be the same or larger above the outside of the locking element than above the top of the locking element.

The edge portion may comprise a lower part that slopes downward and inward.

The edge part may comprise a lower part of the tongue.

The construction panel can be a floor board.

A fourth aspect of the invention is a method of dividing a table, comprising a center and a surface, where the method comprises the step of:

• forming in the center a first and a second essentially vertical grooves 15, which are horizontally offset, where the first groove comprises an opening towards the front side and the second groove comprises an opening towards the rear side of the board;

• divide the table into a first floor panel with a first edge and a second floor panel with a second edge, where the first edge is adjacent to the second edge; and • forming a locking system at the first and second edge comprising a strip, a locking element and a locking slot for horizontal locking and a tongue and a tongue slot for locking

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MEXICAN INSTITUTE

W THE PROPERTY tV ~ _

INDUSTRIAL vertical. ........-¹

The second groove can be formed by means of a milling tool.

The table can be divided by means of a carving tool.

The table can be divided by means of carving tools that are inserted into the first and second grooves.

The panel splitting milling tool can cut a groove that extends essentially horizontally that comprises an angle of less than 45 degrees against the horizontal plane HP.

The first or second groove can be formed by means of a milling tool with milling teeth that move horizontally with a distance of at least about 0.2 mm.

A fifth aspect of the invention are building panels, comprising a surface and a center, provided with a locking system for vertical and horizontal locking of a first edge of the first building panel to a second adjacent edge of a second building panel. . The tops of the first and second edges, in a locked position, together define a vertical plane perpendicular to a horizontal plane, which is parallel to the surface. The locking system is configured to allow the assembly of the first and second edges by Inclination of the first and second building panels with respect to each other. The locking system comprises a tongue, made in one piece with

Mexican Institute of Industrial Property

<img file="MX359284B_D0013.tif" />

said center, and a tongue groove that is configured to cooperate for vertical locking. The first edge comprises a strip, made in one piece with the center, which is provided with a locking element, which is configured to cooperate for horizontal locking with a downwardly opening locking groove formed in the second edge. The tongue, which is provided on the first edge, cooperates with a lower lip of the tongue groove, which is provided on the second edge, and comprises bottom surfaces for vertical locking. The locking element and the locking groove cooperate on the surfaces for horizontal locking. The tongue protrudes outward beyond the vertical plane and the tongue groove comprises an upper lip. The horizontal extent of the lower lip, relative to the upper lip, is smaller than the horizontal extent of the tongue.

The building panels may comprise cooperating horizontal locking surfaces that lock the edges both horizontally and vertically with horizontal and vertical pretension.

The building panels may comprise a tongue that cooperates with the upper lip on the upper surfaces for vertical locking.

The tongue and tongue groove may comprise upper and lower vertical locking surfaces that are essentially parallel to the horizontal plane and are offset horizontally such that a portion of the upper surfaces for

IMPI

Mexican INSTITUTE OF PROPERTY

INDUSTRIAL

<img file="MX359284B_D0014.tif" />

vertical locking are horizontally closer to the locking element than the bottom surfaces for vertical locking.

The lower lip may protrude beyond the upper edge and the vertical plane.

The horizontal extension of the tongue can be at least approximately two times greater than the horizontal extension of the lower lip.

The tongue and tongue groove may comprise guide surfaces that are configured to be in contact with each other, during assembly by tilting, when a portion of the edge of the second edge is in contact with the strip and / or the locking element.

The guide surfaces can be tilted with respect to the vertical plane and located at the top and / or bottom of the tongue and tongue groove.

The surfaces for horizontal locking can be located below a plane of the horizontal strip that crosses an upper part of the strip, which is located essentially vertically under the outside of the tongue.

The horizontal locking surfaces can be located below and above the plane of the horizontal strip.

The horizontal locking surfaces can be located above the plane of the horizontal strip.

The locking system may comprise a space between the top of the strip and a portion of the edge of the second located panel

<img file="MX359284B_D0015.tif" />

MEXICAN INSTITUTE OF PROPERTY

INDUSTRIAL

<img file="MX359284B_D0016.tif" />

essentially under the tongue. '

Top surfaces for vertical locking can be offset horizontally relative to surfaces for horizontal locking.

The vertical and horizontal locking surfaces can be offset horizontally with a horizontal distance that is greater than the horizontal extension of the tongue.

The core may comprise HDF, particle board plastic, or plywood.

Horizontal locking surfaces can have a locking angle of approximately 40 - 60 degrees against the horizontal plane.

A sixth aspect of the invention is a method of dividing a table, comprising a center and a surface, wherein the method comprises the step of:

· Forming in the center a first and a second essentially vertical grooves, which are offset horizontally, where the first groove comprises an opening towards the front side and the second groove comprises an opening towards the rear side of the board;

• divide the table into a first floor panel with a first edge and a second floor panel with a second edge, where the first edge is adjacent to the second edge; and • forming a locking strip and a tab to vertically and horizontally lock the first and second floor panels, in

ΙΜΡΪ (Νίτιτυτυ Mexican Μ INDUSTRIAL PROPERTY

<img file="MX359284B_D0017.tif" />

where the locking strip and tab protrude horizontally beyond an upper part of the first edge of the first panel.

The table can be divided by means of blades.

The table can be divided by scraping the center.

The board may comprise a center of plywood, which is divided at least in part along one of the veneer sheets.

The board may comprise a center of plywood, which is essentially divided along one of the veneer sheets, which comprises an orientation of the fiber essentially oriented from one groove to the other groove.

The first or second groove can be formed by means of a rotary tool and the other groove by means of carving or scraping.

The second groove can be formed by carving or scraping.

The first and second grooves can be formed by grinding or scraping.

A seventh aspect of the invention is a building panel, such as a floor panel, in accordance with the third or fifth aspect and is produced in accordance with the first, second, fourth, or sixth aspect.

A locking system that comprises a tongue at the same edges as the protruding strip and that allows a separation of the board by means of two compensation cut grooves provides considerable material savings. Articulation geometry as described

<img file="MX359284B_D0018.tif" />

<img file="MX359284B_D0019.tif" />

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MEXICAN INSTITUTE

4 OF THE PROPERTY

ZI Industrial Above provides precise edge guidance during locking and strong locking when edges are angled in a locked position.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will be described by way of example in more detail with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings, which show the embodiments of the present invention.

Figures 1A to 1E illustrate the known technology.

Figures 2A to 2D illustrate a locking system according to an embodiment of the invention.

Figures 3A to 3F show alternative embodiments of the invention.

Figures 4A to 4F show alternative embodiments of the invention.

Figures 5A and 5B show a preferred embodiment of the locking system.

Figures 6A to 6G show a separation of a board into various floor panels according to an embodiment of the invention.

Figures 7A and 7B show a gap with a band saw according to an embodiment of the invention.

Figure 7C shows a method of dividing a table into two.

IMPIAS or or MEXICAN INSTITUTE

ZZ DE LA MONEDAD Osa

INDUSTRIAL panels by means of a fixed tool, such as a carving or scraping tool, tools according to one embodiment of the

Invention.

Figures 8A to 8E show a locking system and a method for dividing the panels with carving tools in accordance with embodiments of the invention.

Figures 9A to 9F show how conventional locking systems can be adjusted and divided according to embodiments of the invention.

Figures 10A and 10B show a milling tool according to an embodiment of the invention.

Figures 11A and 11B show the carving of the horizontal and vertical grooves according to embodiments of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

A first embodiment of the floorboards 1, T provided with a mechanical locking system according to the invention is shown in Figures 2A to 2D.

A construction panel is shown which in this embodiment is a floor board comprising a surface 2 fixed to, or from, a center 3. The floor board is provided with a locking system for vertical and horizontal locking of a first 1 and a second panel border T edge

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adjacent. The upper parts of the two edges 1, T ^ P "^?w Ιρίΐ, υ Je floors joined together define a vertical plane VP. The vertical plane is perpendicular to an HP horizontal plane that is parallel to the panel surface. The locking system is configured to lock edges 1, 1 'by forming two adjacent edges at angles with respect to each other. The locking system comprises a tongue 10, made in one piece with said center 3, which cooperates with the tongue groove 9 in the adjacent edge 1 'for vertical locking. The tongue groove 9 comprises a lower lip 9a and an upper lip 9b above the lower lip. The first edge 1 comprises a strip 6, made in one piece with the center 3, and which is provided with a locking element 8, which cooperates for horizontal locking with a downwardly opening locking groove 14 formed in the adjacent second edge 1 '. The tab 10 is located on the first edge 1 above the strip 6 and protrudes outward beyond the vertical plane VP. Figure 2B shows that the tongue 10 and the tongue groove 9 comprise upper 12 and lower 13 cooperating surfaces for vertical locking. The locking element 8 and the locking slot 14 comprise cooperating surfaces for horizontal locking 15 which lock horizontally and prevent horizontal separation of the adjacent edges 1, T.

The geometry of a tilt lock system is limited in many ways by the rotary movement that is necessary to achieve a lock. The blocking surfaces, during the final stage of the movement

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INDUSTRIAL tilt, rotate along circles C1, C2, which have a center point in the vertical plane at the top of the joint edges.

A tangent line defines the free angle A which is the angle when the edges can be locked and separate without any of the locking surfaces overlapping each other and prevents such locking or disconnection. The free angle A increases when the blocking element 8 is closer to the surface and / or further horizontally from the vertical plane VP. This means that a lower locking angle makes it possible to design a compact and cost efficient locking system. However, this has a negative effect on the blocking force and the final guide in a blocked position. Over tilt can be used with locking angles

LA higher than the free angle, if the locking surfaces are small and the materials are partly compressible. Generally, the horizontal locking surfaces 15 should comprise a locking angle of more than about 30 degrees in order to provide sufficient force and guidance. Higher locking angles are even more preferable, and a high-quality locking system generally requires a locking angle of 45-60 degrees. Locking systems with higher locking angles that can be made up to 90 degrees provide very strong locking. All such locking angles can be obtained with a locking system according to the described invention.

The tongue 10 and the tongue groove 9 must also be formed and must adapt to rotation during the blocking step

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FROM THE FINAL INDUSTRIAL RROFIBDAP. Rounded locking surfaces are optimal for tilted Uh blüqutíu but are not suitable in practice for use due to production tolerance. The ideal geometry is therefore essentially flat locking surfaces parallel to the surface allowing rotary tools to be moved horizontally without any effect on the vertical position of the top edges. The locking system therefore has preferably in this embodiment a lower lip 9a which is located below the tongue 10 which extends beyond the upper lip 9b and which allows the formation of the surfaces for vertical plane locking.

12, 13 which are essentially parallel with the horizontal plane HP. The tongue 10 and the tongue groove 9 preferably comprise upper 12 and lower 13 vertical locking surfaces that are essentially parallel with the horizontal plane HP and are offset horizontally such that a portion of the upper vertical locking surfaces 12 are closer to the locking element 8 than the bottom surfaces for vertical locking 13.

The horizontal extension TE of the tongue 10 is larger than the horizontal extension LE of the lower lip 9a which extends beyond the upper lip 9b. Locking system can be formed with a lower lip

9b that does not extend beyond the upper lip 9b or even with an upper lip 9b that protrudes horizontally beyond the lower lip 9a. By having the eventual lower lip extension LE 9b as small as possible you can limit the waste of material. It is preferred that the extension of the lower lip 9a

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INDUSTRIAL does not exceed more than about 0.5 times the tongue extension TE

10. A small extending bottom lip 9b will not create additional debris since the saw blade must generally cut a small distance from the edge in order to allow final machining of the edges to remove splinters caused by the saw. This cutting distance to the trailing edge is also used to machine and shape the banana shaped edges into a straight edge. A small extension LE of about 1mm will therefore not increase material waste but can be used to form locking surfaces and / or guide surfaces on the lower lip 9a.

A strong vertical locking force can be obtained in a HFD or wood center with vertical locking surfaces 12, 13 comprising a horizontal extension of approximately 1mm and even less eg 0.5mm may be sufficient in some applications.

The locking system preferably comprises a space S between the top of the strip 6 and the second edge T. This can be used to eliminate the need for precise positioning of the machining tools. The space S is preferably placed vertically under the tongue 10.

The locking system must be able to guide the edges into a correct position during installation. Floorboards are often somewhat curved or bent and the locking system must be able to straighten out such as bend and guide the edges into the correct position.

The tongue 10 and the groove 9 preferably comprise

<img file="MX359284B_D0021.tif" />

guide surfaces 17a, 17b that are in contact with one

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tilt when a portion of the edge EP of the second edge 1 'is in contact with the strip 6 and / or the locking element 8 as shown in figure 2C.

The guide surfaces 17a, 17a ', 17b, 17b' can preferably be inclined with respect to the vertical plane VP and can be located at the top and / or bottom of the tongue 10 and the tongue groove 9. The guide surfaces can also be rounded. At least two cooperating guide surfaces 17a, 17b should preferably be in contact with each other when the second edge Γ is placed at an angle of approximately 10-20 degrees against the horizontal plane and with a portion of the edge EP in contact with the strip and / or locking element as shown in Figure 2C.

The top surfaces for vertical locking 12 are horizontally offset preferably relative to the bottom surfaces for horizontal locking 13 with a distance LD. It is preferred that this distance LD be greater than zero. LD is preferably larger than 20% of the horizontal extension TE of the tongue 10.

The upper vertical locking surfaces 12 are preferably horizontally offset relative to the lower horizontal locking surfaces 15 with a distance D. It is preferred that this distance D be larger than the horizontal extension TE of the tongue.

In this preferred embodiment the locking surfaces

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INDUSTRIAL horizontal 15 are located below a plane of the strip nOH2óhtal HPS which crosses an upper part 6a of the strip 6. This upper part is preferably located essentially vertically under the outside of the tongue

10. This geometry simplifies the formation of the edges since, for example, only tools that rotate vertically and horizontally can be used. This allows for maximum material savings as further described below.

Figures 3A to 3F show that the locking system can be more compact if the locking element 8 is moved towards the top of the floor board.

Figure 3C shows that the horizontal locking surfaces can be located below and above the plane of the horizontal strip

HPS.

Figure 3E shows that the horizontal locking surfaces 15 15 can also be located above the plane of the horizontal HPS strip.

The lock angle A in this mode is approximately 60 degrees. The free angle is approximately 50 degrees which means that this locking system comprises an over inclination of approximately 10 degrees. The strip 6 comprises a rear side 6b, which slopes somewhat upwards and where the balancing layer and / or the center have been removed. This increases the flexibility of the strip and allows a little flex during locking and unlocking. It can also be used to create a predetermined flexibility of the strip that can be used to create a pre-tension towards

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<img file="MX359284B_D0023.tif" />

inside and up. This can be used to increase the angle of the surfaces for horizontal locking and to eliminate some production tolerances. The floorboards can also be attached to the subfloor by nailing them, and the tab 10 provides a strong base for a nail 24. A groove 26 can be formed on the rear side to prevent splitting on the back side.

Floor boards can have 4 bevels or 5 decorative groove on the top edges. It is preferred that the decorative groove 5 is formed at the second edge Γ where the saw blade chips are most critical.

Figures 4A to 4F describe embodiments of the invention. Figure 4A shows that the locking system can be formed without a projecting bottom lip and without a gap between strip 6 and the bottom of the adjacent edge. Figure 4C shows that vertical locking can be obtained with the bottom surfaces for vertical locking13 which are located at the bottom of the tongue 10 and the top 16 of the strip 6 and the bottom of the second edge Γ.

Figures 5A and 5B show that it is also possible to use only the bottom surfaces for vertical locking13 and the horizontal locking surfaces 15 for vertical locking. There may be a gap S on the tongue 10 and between the top of the strip 6 and the bottom of the second edge Γ. The strip can be used to create pre-tension P inward P1 and upward P2 with the slanted locking surfaces 15 on the

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Locking Element 8. This pre-tension can create a pressure force P3 that presses the bottom surface to lock 13 joints. The strip bends slightly downward in the locked position. This makes it possible to eliminate the need for more strong production tolerances. Only the position of the bottom surfaces for locking 13 should be accurately controlled in order to produce a floor without top level so-called at the top articulation edges.

A locking angle of approximately 40-60 degrees is preferred to create such horizontal and vertical pre-tension. The vertical pre-tension can also be created by an upper part of the locking element 8a which is pressed against an inner part of the locking slot

14 to.

Figure 5B shows that essentially the same joint geometry can be used even if the floor thickness is increased. The bottom of the strip 6b can be such that the thickness of the strip is reduced. Alternatively a horizontal groove can be formed in the strip under the locking element in order to increase flexibility.

All the described modalities can be partially or completely combined in alternative modalities. Locking systems can be used to lock long and / or short edges with a tilt action. The locking system can also be adapted to lock with a horizontal break whereby the strip bends 6 backwards during the breaking action when the lower guide surfaces on the tongue

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<img file="MX359284B_D0025.tif" />

and the bottom edge cooperate with each other. This can be used for example to connect a long edge with a short edge or to break long edges when tilting is not possible.

The locking system can also be connected by tilting the first edge 1 whereby the strip 6 is inserted under the lower lip.

Figures 6A to 6G show various production methods for dividing a table. The table may be a laminated table comprising a center 3, an upper surface 2, preferably comprising a decorative layer, and a lower surface, preferably comprising a balancing layer, on first and second panels, with first and second edges adjacent 1,1 '. Two adjacent edges 1,1 'are formed comprising a locking system that locks vertically and horizontally. The first and second panels, for example, can be building panels or floor panels.

The methods can be used to divide the table into a first and a second panel. The first panel comprises a first edge 1 adjacent to a second edge 1 'of the second panel. The first edge comprises an extension (10,6,8) that protrudes horizontally beyond an upper part of the first edge 1. A first and second vertically open grooves 19, 18 are formed in the table for example by turning the sheets saw 20. The grooves are offset horizontally.

The second open vertical slot 18 comprises an opening

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<img file="MX359284B_D0026.tif" />

towards the front side of the table and the first vertical slot 19 comprises an opening towards the rear side of the table. The table can be divided into several panels in various ways.

Figure 6B shows the break or split that can be obtained by tilting or pressing the edges 1,1 '. This method is very suitable when HDF is used as a center since the fibers are oriented horizontally and the crack is essentially horizontal. The same method can be used on a different layer plywood center that can be designed to create a controlled crack along one of the veneer sheets. Preferably the orientation of the fiber is essentially oriented from one slot to the other slot.

The methods for dividing may also comprise the cutting step by means of a stationary tool or stationary tools, such as a knife (s) 21, and / or scraping and / or carving tool (s) 22, as shown in Figure 6C.

A preferred embodiment comprises the step of forming a groove extending horizontally in the first vertical open groove and / or the second groove by means of the fixed tool (22). The horizontally extending slot extends from one of the first slot or the second vertically open slot to the other of the first slot or the second vertically open slot. The horizontally extending slot extends below the front side of the board and / or above the back side of the board. Figure 6C shows an embodiment comprising the

<img file="MX359284B_D0027.tif" />

step of forming a first horizontally extending slot, extending from the first vertically open slot into the second vertically open slot, and forming a second horizontally extending slot, extending from the second vertically open slot into the first slot vertically open. The modalities may comprise the step of cutting a part of the first and / or the second vertically open slot by means of a saw blade before cutting a first and / or a second slot extending horizontally by means of a fixed tool.

Figure 6D shows that the first vertically open slot can be formed by means of a rotary saw blade 20 and the second vertically open slot can be formed by means of a scraping or carving tool 22. Figure 6E shows that a knife 21 It can be used to divide the first and second panels.

Figures 6F and 6G show an embodiment that includes the formation of the first vertically open slot and the second vertically open slot that overlap each other. The second vertically open slot can be formed by means of a saw blade and the first vertical slot by means of a scraping or carving tool 22.

The step of dividing or forming the horizontal groove is not required in this mode.

Figures 7A and 7B show that the final separation can be done with a band saw 23 that cuts the center. This separation gives a

<img file="MX359284B_D0028.tif" />

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INDUSTRIAL cuts very controlled and can be used on materials that are difficult to split, cut or carve.

Figure 7C shows an embodiment for dividing a table into a first panel (1) and a second panel 1 'by displacing the table beyond a stationary tool 22, such as a grinding or scraping tool. The table can be provided with a balancing layer and / or a decorative layer and a fixed tool makes it possible to sort and arrange the center chips and the balancing layer and / or the decorative layer in separate containers. The chips are preferably removed by means of several compressed air nozzles. The adjacent edges of the first and second panels preferably overlap vertically and comprise a bottom protruding portion on a first edge of the first panel and a bottom slot on a second edge of the second panel. A mechanical locking system, for example, as described herein, can be formed at adjacent edges, for example, by grinding, grinding, or scraping. A locking element can be formed in the bottom protruding part that is configured to cooperate with a locking slot, which can be formed in the bottom slot. Vertically overlapping edges can reduce scrap of board material related to board splitting and mechanical locking system formation. The method illustrated in Figure 7C is preferably used to divide MDF or HDF boards or boards comprising plastic, such as PVC.

Figure 8A shows a preferred locking system with a

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<img file="MX359284B_D0029.tif" />

tab 10 on the side of strip 1. Figure 8B shows that the edges 1,1 'can obtain a relative position so that the upper surfaces 2 are placed along the same horizontal plane HP and so that a part of the edge EP of one of the adjacent edges is located vertically above the top 8a of the locking element 8 and so that there is a vertically extending space S of at least about 0.5 mm between the locking element 8 and the entire adjacent edge that it is located above the blocking element 8. The space S can be smaller but this makes the final separation much more expensive and complicated.

Such edge geometry as shown in Figure 8B makes it possible to divide the table into floor panels with a milling tool, which can be large enough to divide the table at high speed and with sufficient accuracy and lifetime. Figure 8C shows that an overlapping OL of the end portions of the machined edge can be even larger if the articulation geometry is such that the necessary space S above the locking element 8b exists in and along the vertical plane VP. An even larger overlap and cost savings can be achieved if the gap S exists when the edge portion EP is located in the vertical plane VP and vertically above one of the horizontal locking surfaces 15a on the locking element 8.

Figure 8E shows that the first 19 and / or the second 18 vertically open slot can be formed by means of a saw blade

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<img file="MX359284B_D0030.tif" />

rotary 20 and / or a milling tool 22. In this preferred embodiment the second vertical slot 18 is formed by means of a rotary saw blade 20 and the first by means of a milling tool 22a.

It is preferred that the second groove (18) be made by sawing by means of a rotary saw blade (22), and that the first groove (19) be made before cutting the second groove (18).

Lastly, the panels are divided by a top and bottom milling tool 22c, 22b that are inserted into the pre-formed grooves and that form essentially horizontal grooves.

Such nonlinear spacing combined with overlapping edges OL can be used to decrease material waste W in all types of locking systems. The waste of material W in a laminate floor can be less than the thickness of the floor T. It is possible to reduce the waste to approximately 5 mm and less in a laminate floor with a thickness of approximately 6-12 mm.

The board can be placed on a carrier, such as a conveyor belt / chain, preferably provided with a push device, such as a cam or edge (not shown). The decorative table top can be placed against the carrier and can be oriented downwards (not shown). The pushing device can be used to overcome the very high cutting forces that have to be overcome in order to create a groove with the non-rotating milling tools.

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<img file="MX359284B_D0031.tif" />

Figures 9A to 9F show that considerable material waste savings W can be achieved with non-linear panel spacing and with overlapping edges OL even if tongue 10 is formed at second edge 1 'as in conventional locking systems as shown in Figures 9A and 9B. Figure 9B shows that waste W can be decreased with two vertical offset grooves and a small cut. Figure 9C shows that it is possible to modify the locking system so that it can be compatible with the old locking system and because increased edge overlap can be obtained as shown in Figure 9D. A part of the lower part of the tongue 10 and the upper outer part of the locking element 8 can be removed by means of a small rotary milling tool which can be tilted or more preferably by means of a milling tool so that the S space can be created when edges 1, Γ are in an overlapping position as described above. It is preferred that the space S is larger above the outside of the locking element than above the top of the locking element so that a very large and strong milling tool edge 22b can be used to divide the panels. Figures 9E and 9F show additional cost savings and a larger overlap can be achieved if the tab 10 is moved upward.

Figure 10A shows a milling tool with four milling teeth 30a-30d. The teeth connect to a body of the

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<img file="MX359284B_D0032.tif" />

tool 31.

Various methods can be used to increase production capacity and flexibility.

Each grinding tooth can be fixed in an adjustable 5-tool holder. Several grinding teeth can be the same length and the depth of cut can be adjusted by means of the adjustable tool holder.

To make changing teeth possible quickly, tool holders can be attached to a tool body on a rotating disc or other tool cassette systems.

Figure 10B shows that the tool body can be tilted slightly so that each tooth carves a depth of eg 0.2 mm when the panel is displaced in the feed direction against the stationary milling tool. Each tooth can be designed to carve a distance of eg 0.2 -0.6mm into a wood based center. HDF is especially suitable to be formed with carving.

Figure 11A shows how the first tooth 30a cuts the first cut under the backing laminate 11. The edges of the tooth comprise 3 cut edges that form the bottom of the groove 31a and two side walls 31b, 31c. It is preferred that the teeth be gradually smaller in width along the feeding direction. Slightly V-shaped teeth can be used to provide a more accurate cut with

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<img file="MX359284B_D0033.tif" />

reduced chips from the laminate. This reduces tool wear and tear and heat that can be created at high feed rates.

Figure 11B shows the carving of an essentially horizontal groove that provides the final separation. The angle of the groove in the final groove can vary from zero to 45 degrees against the HP horizontal plane.

The locking systems described above have been specially designed to allow cost-efficient separation of the boards in order to reduce waste W. As can be seen from the drawings, waste can be reduced considerably. In most applications a waste reduction of approximately 40-50% can be achieved compared to conventional production methods.

The embodiments of the invention are especially suitable for use on solid wood flooring where the cost of the material is high and where a protruding tongue creates a high cost of disposal. A floor comprising small individual rectangular small-size parquet strips with a width and length of 10 * 50 cm or more girls can be produced in a very cost-efficient manner with waste. considerably lower.

The embodiments of the invention can be used to form all types of long and / or short edge locking systems that can be connected by various combinations of tilt, and / or horizontal and / or vertical fold formation.

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The embodiments of the invention are also suitable for panels, such as building panels and floor panels, with a digitally printed surface. The advantage is that it is not necessary to adjust the Printed paper pattern on the table to the size of the panels, produced by the divided table, by means of an Impression cylinder adjustment. The vertical groove formation can be formed with thinner tools since the dlgltally printed surface layer is normally easy to cut. Panels, such as building panels and floor panels, can also be formed without a decorative surface. A decorative surface and a protective layer can be applied, for example, by means of Digital Printing after the locking system is already formed. This method reduces surface waste to a minimum.

Mechanical locking systems can be formed by rotating tools that generally have a diameter of approximately 20 cm or more. Rotary tool configurations are powered by tool motors which is a large cost of total investment in a production line, they also consume energy, have a complicated electrical control system, and require a lot of maintenance. Rotary tools produce a lot of dust that has to be removed. The powder comprises a mixture of chips and dust removed. A Disadvantage of Even a sophisticated dust extraction system for rotary tool configurations, is that a fraction of dust and chips that enters the transport system and causes wear affects

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the precision of the transport system in a negative way. All of those problems can be reduced if rotary tools are replaced with carving tools.

In accordance with the embodiments of the invention it is possible to separate the panels and form the complete locking system with a tongue 10, a tongue groove 9, a strip 6, a locking element 8 and a locking groove 14, as shown in Figure 8E using only milling tools. Bevels or decorative grooves at the top edges can also be formed by carving.

The carving before final separation can form, according to the embodiments of the invention, several parts of the locking system or even all of the locking system. Scraping the top edges with V-shaped carving tools can provide a very precise and smooth edge.

It is also possible, for example, to form the locking groove 14 before the separation of the panels. The lock slot can be used in a subsequent production step to guide the panels into the correct position and this can be used to further decrease the overlapping OL and save even more material.

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