• 专利附录
  • 专利说明
  • 权利要求
  • 类似技术
  • 同族专利
  • 引用文献
  • 法律状态
  • 优先权
    • 专利摘要:
    Set of floor panels intended for flooring a room, characterized in that the set (2) comprises a plurality of first floor panels (1A), said first floor panels (1A) having a common shape and size, and in that the set (2) furthermore or comprises a plurality of second floor panels which have an adaptation (12) of the common shape and / or the common dimension or are provided for this purpose, the aforementioned adaptation (12) being made in accordance with the aforementioned space (3). The invention also relates to a method for assembling such a set (2) of floor panels (1A-1B).
    公开号:BE1024773B1
    申请号:E2017/5322
    申请日:2017-05-08
    公开日:2018-07-03
    发明作者:Jaeger Jasper De；Kristof Vangeenberghe；Bram Verschatse；Mark Cappelle
    申请人:Unilin Bvba；
    IPC主号:
    专利说明:

    (30) Priority data:
    01/12/2016 BE BE2016 / 5900 (73) Holder (s):
    UNILIN BVBA 8710, WIELSBEKE Belgium (72) Inventor (s):
    DE JAEGER Jasper 9800 DEINZE Belgium
    VANGEENBERGHE Kristof 8531 BAVIKHOVE Belgium
    VERSATILE Bram 8800 ROESELARE Belgium
    CAPPELLE Mark 8840 STADEN Belgium (54) Set of floor panels and method of assembling them (57) Set of floor panels intended for flooring a room, characterized in that the set (2) comprises several first floor panels (1A), the first floor panels (1A) have a common shape and size, and that the set (2) further comprises one or more second floor panels which exhibit or are provided with an adaptation (12) of the common shape and / or the common size, wherein the aforementioned adjustment (12) is carried out in accordance with the aforementioned space (3). The invention also relates to a method for assembling such a set (2) of floor panels (1A-1B).
    F / g 1
    BELGIAN INVENTION PATENT
    FPS Economy, K.M.O., Self-employed & Energy
    Publication number: 1024773 Filing number: BE2017 / 5322
    Intellectual Property Office
    International classification: E04F 15/02 B44C 3/12 Date of issue: 03/07/2018
    The Minister of Economy,
    Having regard to the Paris Convention of 20 March 1883 for the Protection of Industrial Property;
    Having regard to the Law of March 28, 1984 on inventive patents, Article 22, for patent applications filed before September 22, 2014;
    Having regard to Title 1 Invention Patents of Book XI of the Economic Law Code, Article XI.24, for patent applications filed from September 22, 2014;
    Having regard to the Royal Decree of 2 December 1986 on the filing, granting and maintenance of inventive patents, Article 28;
    Having regard to the application for an invention patent received by the Intellectual Property Office on 08/05/2017.
    Whereas for patent applications that fall within the scope of Title 1, Book XI, of the Code of Economic Law (hereinafter WER), in accordance with Article XI.19, § 4, second paragraph, of the WER, the granted patent will be limited. to the patent claims for which the novelty search report was prepared, when the patent application is the subject of a novelty search report indicating a lack of unity of invention as referred to in paragraph 1, and when the applicant does not limit his filing and does not file a divisional application in accordance with the search report.
    Decision:
    Article 1
    UNILIN BVBA, Ooigemstraat 3, 8710 WIELSBEKE Belgium;
    represented by
    SCHACHT Benny, Ooigemstraat 3, 8710, WIELSBEKE;
    VAN HOOYDONCK Guy, Ooigemstraat 3, 8710, WIELSBEKE;
    a Belgian invention patent with a term of 20 years, subject to payment of the annual fees as referred to in Article XI.48, § 1 of the Code of Economic Law, for: Set of floor panels and method of assembling them.
    INVENTOR (S):
    DE JAEGER Jasper, Patrijspark 19, 9800, DEINZE;
    VANGEENBERGHE Kristof, Vierschaar 30, 8531, BAVIKHOVE;
    VARIOUS Bram, Magermerriestraat 9, 8800, ROESELARE;
    CAPPELLE Mark, Cardijnlaan 8, 8840, CITY;
    PRIORITY:
    01/12/2016 BE BE2016 / 5900;
    BREAKDOWN:
    Split from basic application: Filing date of the basic application:
    Article 2. - This patent is granted without prior investigation into the patentability of the invention, without warranty of the Merit of the invention, nor of the accuracy of its description and at the risk of the applicant (s).
    Brussels, 03/07/2018,
    With special authorization:
    BE2017 / 5322
    Set of floor panels and method for assembling them.
    The present invention relates to a set of floor panels and to a method for assembling such a set.
    More specifically, the invention relates to a set of floor panels intended for flooring in a specific room.
    Floor coverings that are composed of floor panels are now widely known, for example from WO 97/47834. The floor panels disclosed there relate, inter alia, to laminate floor panels in which they are provided at their edges with mechanical coupling parts which allow the laminate floor panels to be assembled into a cohesive floating floor covering. The floor panels from WO 97/47834 make it possible for the average do-it-yourselfer to install a floor covering themselves, mainly because gluing the panels together is not necessary with this type of floor panel. The delivered floor panels alien have a common shape and size, and the installation does require some skill and experience to easily adapt the floor panels to the space to be floored, for example at the beginning or end of a row of floor panels, for the last row, or where special situations arise, for example to allow the passage of utility lines. In addition, a good installation must meet certain conditions, such as minimum dimensions of the start and end panels of a row, minimum distance between short edges of floor panels in adjacent rows, a sufficiently large expansion joint on the walls and so on. The size of the expansion joint often depends on the type of floor covering and / or the geographical region where the space to be floored is located. Failure to comply with one or more of these conditions can lead to a loss of the warranty and a defective floor. Carrying out the adjustments required for the space takes a lot of time and leads to noise and dust, which is for the time being regarded as a necessary nuisance. It should also be noted that there is a market trend towards floor panels of larger dimensions, for example with a length of 180 centimeters
    BE2017 / 5322 and more, and a width of 20 centimeters and more. This means that for the same space to be floored, a larger number of adjustments are also required. Often the required adjustments for larger panels are also more complicated.
    WO 2001/047717 discloses a method for manufacturing floor panels in which a global decor, for example a world map, extends over several floor panels. Each of the floor panels is digitally provided with a decor, so that the aesthetic wishes of the user can be fulfilled. The floor panels can be provided with an identification mark for a smooth installation. However, the installation still requires the modifications described above.
    WO 2014/195281 discloses a method in which veneers intended for the top layer of veneer floor panels are cut from wood in an optimal manner. The edges of the veneers more or less follow the natural curvature of the wood, but are adapted to form a predefined floor surface together with similar veneers. The contours of the veneers are determined with the help of a computer program that starts from the ground surface of a space to be floored and that takes into account certain conditions, for example, about the minimum distance between short edges of veneers in adjacent rows. The obtained veneers are glued on a uniform substrate, such as on a chipboard, whereby floor panels with an irregular shape are obtained, which nevertheless provide a complete and closed floor surface for the space in question. The floor panels are all provided with a label. The working method of WO281 is cumbersome and offers no solution, for example, in the case of utility pipes to be fed through or in the event that other fixed objects are present in the space, such as supporting posts, walls or heavy, fixed custom-made furniture.
    The present invention primarily aims at an alternative set of floor panels intended for flooring a room, which, according to various preferred embodiments, provides a solution to one or more of the problems with the prior art floor coverings.
    BE2017 / 5322
    The invention is defined in the claims and relates to the method of the second independent aspect described further below, wherein this method can be used for realizing the floor panels of the first independent aspect.
    To this end, the invention relates, according to its first independent aspect, to a set of floor panels suitable for, and preferably intended for, the flooring of a ruinate, characterized in that the set comprises several first floor panels, these first floor panels having a common shape and size , and that the set further comprises one or more second floor panels that exhibit or are provided with an adaptation of the common shape and / or the common size, said adaptation being in accordance with the aforementioned ruinate.
    By "set of floor panels intended for flooring a ruinate" is meant that this set has not yet been installed, but is prefabricated, in particular at least so that the aforementioned second floor panels show the required adjustments or are provided for this purpose, and are yet to be installed in the relevant ruinate.
    It is clear that the aforementioned first floor panels may show small differences in shape and size due to production tolerances, or due to a difference in air conditioning, for example a difference in relative moisture content in the case of wood-based floor panels. It is clear to the skilled person that two or more first floor panels still have a common shape or size, also in a case where these first floor panels show differences in the relevant size or shape, these differences being within the maximum deviation allowed in the standard of the relevant floor type, for example in the case of laminate floor panels within the maximum permitted deviations from standard EN 13329.
    BE2017 / 5322
    Furthermore, it is clear that by shape and size, the shape and dimensions in the plane of the floor covering is meant. It is of course preferred that the first floor panels and second floor panels should have the same thickness.
    According to the main example of first floor panels, and according to the invention, they are rectangular and elongated floor panels, these first floor panels having both length and width in common. According to the invention, the first floor panels have a common rectangular shape with a common length and width dimension.
    In general, it is clear that the dimensions and shape of the first floor panels in the set of the invention are not modified in any way, and certainly not in accordance with the space for which they are intended. If necessary, they can be provided with a mark to indicate their position in the room.
    The first floor panels are preferably standard floor panels, for example rectangular and elongated floor panels, preferably with a length of less than 2.5 meters. The mass production of floor panels is adapted to this form. Preferably, the width of the panels is between 10 and 25 centimeters and / or the length of the panels is between 80 and 150 centimeters. Because the set of floor panels is a combination of at least first floor panels with a common shape and size, namely common length and width, with adapted second floor panels, a floor can be offered in a rational manner, adapted to, and possibly tailored to, the relevant space.
    According to the most preferred embodiment, the aforementioned adaptation is an adaptation which has been carried out in advance and separately from the actual installation. For example, the manufacturer of the floor panels can make the required adjustments, or the distributor of the floor panels can do this. As will further be shown, the second floor panels can also be provided only to be adapted, for instance because they have a fault line, or because the dividing line is indicated on the floor panel suitable for adaptation. In the frame
    BE2017 / 5322 of the invention therefore relates in each case to fault lines or indications which are carried out in advance and separately from the actual installation.
    Preferably, the set comprises at least the number of first and second floor panels required for flooring the aforementioned space, wherein the second floor panels then exhibit the necessary adjustments in accordance with the relevant space, or are provided for these adjustments.
    Preferably, the set of floor panels can be used without further adjustments for flooring the aforementioned space.
    Preferably, the aforementioned set comprises at least second floor panels, wherein the aforementioned adaptation consists of an abbreviation in the length and / or the width of the floor panels or in which the adaptation comprises such an abbreviation. Length panels that have been adjusted length can form the start or end of a row, installing first floor panels between the modified floor panel at the beginning and at the end of the row. Floor panels, the width of which has been adjusted, can serve in a row that is parallel or approximately parallel to a wall. In the case of a rectangular space, it may be the front row and / or end row.
    Preferably, the aforementioned set comprises at least second floor panels, wherein the aforementioned adaptation consists in the full or partial removal of protruding parts on one or more edges of the floor panels or wherein the adaptation comprises such removal. These may be, for example, removed portions of coupling parts present at the edges, such as a protruding tooth portion, or a protruding groove lip portion. According to the prior art, an installer removes such parts when flooring in order to obtain a more compact expansion joint, for example against a wall. For example, for a starting row of a floor covering, the protruding tooth parts present on the long edges can be removed.
    BE2017 / 5322
    Preferably, the aforementioned set comprises at least second floor panels, wherein the aforementioned adaptation consists of an adapted contour provided on one or more edges of the floor panel, or wherein the adaptation comprises such an adapted contour. The aforementioned contour can follow the course of a wall or other edge with a non-floorable part of the aforementioned space. Providing such a contour is interesting, for example, for walls that are not or not completely parallel to the long panel edges at the start or at the end of the floor installation. Preferably, the adjusted contour is such that an expansion gap remains between the adjusted contour and the wall. Preferably, the expansion joint has a constant width, or at least a width which has a possible variation in its width of less than 40%. For example, the width of the expansion joint can be about 10 millimeters plus 2 millimeters. Preferably, the width of the expansion joint is adapted in function of the geographical location where the space to be floored is located. For example, in northern regions, such as Scandinavia, for wood-based floor products, dehydration and therefore shrinkage of the floor product in winter must be taken into account because the heating in the living areas ensures low humidity. In southern regions, such as Oceania, a high relative humidity during the summer and a similar expansion of the floor product must be taken into account.
    Preferably, the aforementioned set comprises at least second floor panels, wherein the aforementioned adaptation consists of recesses and / or adapters provided on the relevant panel and intended for the passage of pipes, or wherein the adaptation comprises such recesses and / or adapters. Such recesses and adapters are desirable, for example, where heating pipes come out of the floor surface. The adaptation piece here is, for example, the panel part which is seen from the space behind the heating pipes. Such panel section or adapter must be laid separately from the actual second floor panel in the floor installation to allow work around the affected piping. Preferably, the adapter is obtained from a different standard floor panel than the respective actual second floor panel. In this way, a perfect connection between the adapter and the actual second floor panel can be obtained, namely
    BE2017 / 5322 without any spacing created by a cutting or other cutting line between the adapter and the actual second floor panel. Preferably, the adapter, if obtained from another standard floor panel, is configured so that its decorative side matches the decorative side of the actual second floor panel. According to the most preferred embodiment, the adapter is obtained for this purpose from a standard floor panel with an identical decorative side as the standard floor panel from which the actual second floor panel is obtained, and preferably the adapter is taken from that position of the standard floor panel corresponding to the removed part of the actual second floor panel, such that the adapters of the adapter and the actual part of the second floor panel merge seamlessly or practically seamlessly. For example, floor panels with identical decorative sides are typically present in floor products that display a printed decor, as is the case, for example, with laminate floor panels or LVT (Luxury Vinyl Tile) floor panels.
    Preferably, the aforementioned adaptation involves the removal of an unnecessary part of the relevant floor panel. This concerns a removal that was carried out in advance and separately from the installation. In other words, the floor panel in question has been delivered completely custom-made in function of the position it will occupy in the destination space.
    According to a particular alternative, the aforementioned adaptation comprises a score line which is provided between the superfluous part and the useful part of the floor panel concerned. Such a break line can then allow the final user or installer to easily remove the superfluous part, for example without the need for sawing operations. In other words, the floor panel in question can easily be adjusted to size according to the position it will occupy in the destination space, by means of the foreseen score line. Such a fault line is also provided in advance and separately from the installation in the relevant second floor panel. Preferably, the useful part and / or the superfluous part of the second floor panel is provided with a marking or other indication, so that the user can deduce whether the relevant part is useful or superfluous.
    BE2017 / 5322
    According to yet another alternative, the aforementioned second floor panels have an indication according to which the relevant second floor panels must be adapted to correspond with the aforementioned space. For example, the division of the floor panel concerned to be carried out can be indicated by a dividing line arranged thereon and / or the superfluous part and / or the useful part of the floor panel can be marked. Such an indication is also provided in advance and separately from the installation on the relevant floor panel.
    According to yet another alternative, the aforementioned second floor panels have a user instruction, for example according to which they are to be laid. This may, for example, be an instruction for gluing the relevant second floor panel to the substrate, while the floor covering otherwise consists essentially of a floating floor covering. This is useful, for example, in the case of thermoplastic floor panels, such as so-called LVT (Luxury Vinyl Tile), in places where they can be exposed to direct sunlight. It is known that such panels tend to expand in such a situation. The panels then curvature locally from the floor surface. To prevent this, a local bonding of the panels to the substrate is a good option.
    For example, the above-mentioned score lines and / or indications are extremely useful in the case of small superfluous parts or small useful parts of floor panels. Especially in small useful areas, the risk of inaccuracies in an automatic production environment is prevalent. There is also a risk of loss of such parts, either in production or installation. Failure to remove or completely remove unnecessary portions of the floor panels, but instead, indicating dividing lines or providing break lines, may also lead to a more stable packaging unit.
    BE2017 / 5322
    A fault line, as in the above particularly alternative, can be constructed in various practical ways, of which some important options are listed below, without being exhaustive.
    According to a first possibility, the fracture line comprises or consists of a plurality of continuous bores which are situated along the desired dividing line between the useful and superfluous part of the floor panel. Preferably at least 60% of the dividing line is formed by such bores. It is clear that such bores need not necessarily be cylindrical.
    According to a second possibility, the break line comprises or consists of one or more non-continuous cuts at the desired dividing line between the useful and superfluous part of the floor panel. The non-continuous cuts can be made on the top or bottom of the floor panel, or on both sides, alternately or alternately along the dividing line. The non-continuous cuts may or may not be present along the entire dividing line. Preferably they are present at least over 80% of the dividing line. According to the most preferred embodiment, such an incision is made at least on the decorative side of the relevant floor panel, and preferably the incision extends over the entire relevant dividing line. In this way, a good cut quality can be provided at the factory on the visible surface of the floor panel. The risk that the eventual removal of the unnecessary part damages the visible surface of the useful part is then minimal. According to an alternative, such an incision is made at least on the underside of the relevant floor panel. Preferably, the thickness of the remaining material portion on the top or bottom of the respective floor panel is less than 10% of the thickness of the floor panel. Preferably, the thickness of the remaining material portion at the top or bottom is less than 2 millimeters. Such thickness allows easy removal of the superfluous part by means of a shearing knife and similar tools.
    BE2017 / 5322
    According to a third possibility, the fracture line comprises or consists of a continuous or non-continuous slit which essentially extends over the entire dividing line, but such that the useful part still remains connected to the superfluous part over a remaining part of one or more of the coupling parts present at the edges. According to a first example of this, the fracture line can extend between positions located at two different edges, for example opposite edges, proximal to the distal ends of the coupling parts present there. In such a case, the distal parts of these coupling parts are not cut at the respective edges. Thus, the useful portion remains connected to the redundant portion over these distal portions. This may, for example, be part of a protruding groove lip and / or part of an edge protruding tooth. According to a second example of this, the fracture line can extend between different positions on the same edge, each of these positions being located proximal to the distal end of the coupling part present there. Obviously, according to this third possibility, the slot preferably extends at least over the entire portion of the dividing line located on the decorative surface of the floor panel, while one or more portions of the floor panel protrude at the edge of the decorative surface remain uninterrupted. The user can then break the uninterrupted distal portions manually or with simple tools to separate the useful portion from the redundant portion.
    According to a fourth possibility, the fracture line comprises or consists of a continuous slit which extends substantially over the entire dividing line, while the slit is not continuous over a limited part of the dividing line, for instance less than 10% thereof. In this way it is obtained that the useful and unnecessary part of the floor panel still remains connected at the location of this non-continuous part of the slot. The user can then interrupt the connection manually or with simple tools to separate the useful section from the unnecessary section.
    BE2017 / 5322
    In general, it is noted that a break line is preferably designed so that the interruption of the remaining connections between the redundant portion and the useful portion of the floor panel cannot affect the decorative side. Preferably, the desired contour of the decorative side is already provided by means of the slots, bores and the like. By an appropriate choice of the fracture line, it can also be ensured that interrupting the remaining connections does not affect the functioning of the coupling parts, for example because the useful part and the unnecessary part only remain connected by a part of the bottom and / or of the core of the floor panel, which is located from the profile of the coupling parts, for instance through a centrally located part of the core and / or the bottom of the panel.
    It is clear that the set of floor panels of the first aspect may comprise different types of second floor panels, for example floor panels with the superfluous part removed, floor panels with the superfluous part provided with a break with the useful part and / or floor panels with the designation of a dividing line necessary for the separation of the useful and redundant parts. It is also possible that one and the same floor panel has both a removed part, a fault line and / or an indication.
    Preferably, several of the aforementioned floor panels which exhibit an adjustment, or are provided for this purpose, are packed together in a packaging unit. In case the adaptation comprises a removal of the superfluous part, it is advantageous that the unit concerned also contains one or more superfluous parts created by said adaptation or removal. In this way, a stable stacking of second floor panels in a packaging unit can be achieved.
    The invention of the first aspect is particularly useful in floor panels suitable for forming a floating floor covering. Such floor panels are ideally suited to be installed by do-it-yourselfers, but still require specific modifications such as those associated with the
    BE2017 / 5322 provided with sufficiently large expansion joints. Floor panels for a floating floor covering preferably have coupling parts at least on two opposite edges, which allow two of such floor panels to be connected to each other, whereby on the relevant edges a locking is created both in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the coupled panels and in a direction in the plane of the panels and perpendicular to the respective edge. Such coupling parts can for instance be designed as a locking tongue-in-groove connection, for example of the type known from WO 97/47834. Such coupling parts usually also have protruding parts on one or more of the aforementioned edges. In such a case, an adjustment is desirable in which some of the aforementioned floor panels have these protruding parts removed at one or more edges, or are provided for removal.
    For the same purpose as in the first aspect, according to an independent second aspect, the present invention further relates to a method of assembling a set of floor panels for flooring a room as defined in claim 1, the method comprising the steps of generating a data set in accordance with at least the ground surface of said space, determining a laying plan suitable for said space, producing the required second floor panels which, according to the established laying plan, show an adaptation or are provided for this purpose, and, preferably, providing at least the required amount of first floor panels of common shape and size, or dimensions. It is clear that the method of the second aspect is preferably used to realize a set of floor panels with the features of the first aspect or the preferred embodiments thereof.
    Generation of the aforementioned data set in accordance with at least the ground surface of the aforementioned space is preferably performed by means of an automatic measuring device. This can be a measuring device that scans the space and thus generates, for example, a point cloud that comprises at least a two-dimensional image of a part of the floor plan of the space. The respective measuring device can optionally be measured from different positions in the respective
    BE2017 / 5322 space, and / or from different viewpoints, for example depending on the visibility of the walls of the space in question. The resulting point clouds are referenced to each other by means of the occupied position and viewpoint so that a complete image of the ground surface of the space in question, and more particularly of its walls, is created. This entire image is stored digitally and forms at least the basis of the aforementioned data set.
    It is clear that the determination of the aforementioned laying plan is preferably carried out on the basis of the aforementioned data set, or in other words on the basis of the digital floor plan.
    In practical terms, the aforementioned laying plan can be laid down in various ways.
    According to a first manner, the step of determining the aforementioned laying plan is carried out by means of a computer, wherein the computer proposes a laying plan on the basis of the aforementioned data set, taking into account the desired limitations. The desired limitations can be manifold. A first limitation is the size and shape of the first, or standard, floor panels. These first floor panels are taken from an available floor product chosen by the end user based on personal preference. A second limitation is the type of installation plan. Based on his personal preference, the end-user can opt for rows in the wild, half-rows, rows according to the diagonal of the room in question or for special patterns such as herringbone pattern and the like. Preferably, such a laying plan already meets certain conditions, such as the condition of the minimum distance between short edges of panels in adjacent rows. Preferably, the end user also indicates the main direction of the rows or cartridges. Preferably, the user also gives the geographical location of the space to be floored. Taking into account still further limitations, such as, for example, the minimum size of expansion joints required for the floor product in question, preferably in function of the geographical location of the room, and for example the
    BE2017 / 5322 minimum dimensions of panels at the start or at the end of a row, and based on the aforementioned data set or digital floor plan, the computer then proposes a final detailed installation plan that is suitable for flooring the space in question. From this installation plan, the required number of first floor panels, namely floor panels with a common shape and size, can be calculated, as well as the number of the aforementioned second floor panels with their required adaptation. The calculation of the required adjustments is based on determining the intersection points / cutting lines between the digital floor plan and the laying plan. The result of the calculation can then be used to automatically compose the set of floor panels intended for flooring the said space. This automatic assembly may include producing the aforementioned second floor panels based on standard panels, similar to the aforementioned first floor panels. This production may involve performing one or more of the modifications, or facilities thereto, mentioned in the context of the first aspect of the invention. Preferably, using the aforementioned CAD / CAM (ComputerAided-Design / Computer-Aided-Manufacturing) data, data is generated for each of the aforementioned second floor panels, said data being suitable for a machine tool, such as a router and / or crosscut saw and / or laser cutting machine and / or water cutting machine or other cutting equipment, so that the necessary adjustment, designation and / or break line can be realized.
    In a second way, the step of determining the aforementioned laying plan is performed by means of a computer, wherein the computer assesses laying plans proposed by the user on the basis of the aforementioned data set, taking into account the desired limitations. The desired limitations can be manifold. A first limitation is the size and shape of the first, or standard, floor panels. These first floor panels are taken from an available floor product chosen by the end user based on personal preference. A second limitation is the type of installation plan. Based on his personal preference, the user can choose a type of laying plan and thus opt for rows in the wild, half-rows, rows according to the diagonal of the relevant space or for special patterns such as herringbone pattern and the like. The user can also use the
    BE2017 / 5322 indicate the desired main direction of the rows or patterns. Preferably, the user also gives the geographical location of the space to be floored. Preferably, such a laying plan already meets certain conditions, such as the condition of the minimum distance between short edges of panels in adjacent rows. The user can then present the laying plan as desired for the aforementioned data set, or the digital floor plan, after which the computer assesses whether the user's proposal meets various further restrictions, such as whether the minimum required size of panels in the start has been met. or at the end of a row, taking into account the required expansion joint for the chosen floor product and the geographical location of the space concerned. If this is not the case, the user can present the laying plan in another way until this is satisfactory and a final detailed laying plan has been found that is suitable for flooring the room in question. The iteration to be performed by the computer, in which proposals for a laying plan are assessed by the user, can be done in a user-friendly manner, for example because the user graphically chooses the type of laying plan chosen, for example as a virtual layer covering only the edges of the panels about a presentation of the aforementioned floor plan. The user changes the position of the laying plan and / or floor plan until the computer indicates that the mutual position is suitable, or in other words meets one or more of the further restrictions. The position of the laying plan and / or the floor plan can be changed in various ways, for example by means of a keyboard, joystick and / or mouse, but is preferably carried out by means of a touch screen or touchscreen. According to the latter possibility, the user moves, for example, the type of laying plan over the floor plan until the computer indicates that a suitable mutual position has been found. In general, the indication of the find of a suitable laying plan can be indicated in various ways, for example by means of signs, colors, sounds, contrasts, vibrations and / or graphs. If necessary, a distinction can be made between acceptable laying plans and ideal laying plans. In case the installation plan is presented graphically over the floor plan, the installation plan, floor plan or both may change color when a suitable installation plan is reached or near. When the final detailed laying plan that is suitable for flooring the relevant
    BE2017 / 5322 space has been found, the required number of first floor panels, namely floor panels with a common shape and size, can be calculated, as well as the number of the aforementioned second floor panels with their required adaptation, so that the set of floor panels is similar to above in the first way can be composed.
    If, according to the above-mentioned first or second way, no suitable laying plan is found, the user will select a different type of laying plan. Failure to find a suitable laying plan can occur in the first place in a wild bond, where in each position of the laying plan there is a short floor panel somewhere at the beginning or end of a row. The user can then choose a different type of laying plan, in which this other type also concerns a wild bond, but with the distinction that the mutual position of panels in adjacent rows has been changed, such that a suitable laying plan can possibly be found with this other type. .
    Alternatively, if a suitable laying plan is not found in the first or second manner mentioned above, the computer may propose changes to the laying plan type. In the first place, this can be done where the desired restrictions are not met. If, for example, in a wild bond in a certain row a starting panel is too short, the computer can propose a different starting length for that row, such that the adapted laying plan becomes suitable for flooring the space in question.
    Naturally, the computer can impose additional restrictions on a suitable installation plan. For example, restrictions can be imposed that lead to improved installation comfort. For example, in a case where the end seams of the floor panel rows are perpendicular to a wall with a door opening, it is advantageous to ensure that at least one of these seams is located at the location of the door opening.
    Depending on the desired ease of use and the desired customer specificity, some steps of the method of the second aspect may or may not be up to the user.
    BE2017 / 5322 are left. Determining the suitable installation plan can, for example, be left to the end user. The end user can perform this using a computer and suitable software, but it is also possible that the end user communicates his desired type of laying plan and that the suitable final laying plan is then determined by the producer, distributor, architect by means of a computer and suitable software. Depending on the steps performed by the end user, other data may be available for the fabrication of the second floor panels. For example, it is possible that the data only includes the digital floor plan. It is also possible that the data includes at least the geometric of every second floor panel.
    According to a special embodiment of the above-mentioned first way, and in particular in the case of a desired wild bond, it is possible for a computer to propose a detailed laying plan for a specific space on the basis of the aforementioned data set. This means that it is not necessary to start from a laying plan in which certain conditions have already been met. Determining such a detailed laying plan preferably comprises the following steps:
    the step of determining the main direction of the panel rows, preferably to be entered by the user, for example by indicating that the main direction should be parallel to a part of the boundaries of the digital floor plan, as contained in the aforementioned dataset; the step of determining the position of the longitudinal edges of panel rows; this step can be performed automatically, preferably such that the average width of the panel rows at the edges is maximum, and wherein the width for each row at such an edge over at least half the width of the panels over the largest possible length of the row concerned from the floor product concerned;
    the step of calculating intersections between said longitudinal edges of panel rows and the digital floor plan, more particularly the external and, preferably also the internal, boundaries of this floor plan;
    BE2017 / 5322 the step of identifying starting stop positions in full-width panel rows, as well as of concave and convex loops extending in the same panel row, based on said intersections;
    the step of proposing first and second floor panels between the start and stop positions in each panel row, taking into account desired constraints and any concave loops contained in the respective panel row;
    the step of proposing second floor panels at the aforementioned convex loops, also taking into account desired limitations.
    The obtained detailed laying plan is then further used as set forth in the aforementioned first way of assembling the set of floor panels which is intended or suitable for flooring the relevant space.
    Because the detailed laying plan is compiled row by row, it is possible to have the final laying plan meet further restrictions. For example, it is possible to use all or part of an unnecessary part of a second floor panel from a previously assembled row as a useful part in another yet to be assembled row. In this way you can work with less loss. In another example, a utility conduit passage can be caused to coincide with a pair of transverse panel edges. This considerably increases the ease of installation and provides an aesthetic and qualitative result.
    The detailed installation plan compiled according to the above special embodiment above is, in accordance with a deviating variant, also applicable if a floor product is used with first floor panels of random length. In such a case a database with the length of the available first floor panels is preferably available. The steps of proposing the suitable panels can then be performed starting from an available, possibly the most suitable, first floor panel, taking into account the individual length of this floor panel. The best suitable first floor panel can also be selected from this database to be adapted to the required second
    BE2017 / 5322 floor panel. Such a method is particularly interesting in the case of parquet panels. Wood sawmills often have shortage surpluses available, and parquet manufacturers are practically obliged to purchase such short wood. An inferior product, such as three-strip parquet, is then usually composed of such wood. According to the present invention, such short wood could be upgraded and be part of the database of first floor panels, so that they can be used wherever possible to provide a second floor panel. Working with a database of available first floor panels is also interesting in cases where the production tolerances may be relevant, for example when the length of the rows, and thus the number of floor panels in the respective rows, is so great that a no longer acceptable accumulation of panel length tolerances arise. Such a principle of database of available first floor panels can also be used for keeping records, for example the length, of available originally superfluous parts of second floor panels. These can then be used for the next second floor panel, as the detailed installation plan is further calculated.
    The detailed installation plan compiled according to the above special embodiment can provide a very realistic virtual visualization of the floored space. If necessary, the detailed laying plan can still be adapted in function of the user's feedback on such visualization.
    Obviously, according to the second aspect, it is not strictly necessary that the method include the step of providing at least the required amount of first floor panels of common shape and size, or dimensions. It is possible that the end user himself provides sufficient standard panels and uses another party to provide one or more of the second floor panels.
    It is also clear that a laying plan to be determined does not necessarily have to be determined for the entire space to be floored at once. For example, it is possible that successive partial laying plans are determined on the basis of the higher
    BE2017 / 5322 mentioned first and / or second way, for example partial laying plans of two or more rows, for example five or seven rows, wide. It goes without saying that contiguous partial laying plans can also meet certain desired limitations, for example the limitation that the minimum distance between short edges of panels in the adjacent rows of the relevant partial laying plans must be offset by a minimum distance from one another .
    According to both the first and the second aspect, it is preferred that at least the second floor panels comprise an identification which allows, possibly in connection with a laying plan, to determine their intended position in the floor. Optionally, the first floor panels can also be provided with such an identification. The identification of first floor panels can be useful in case the set of the invention comprises first floor panels with an identical or almost identical decorative side, for example in the case of floor panels which have a printed decor on their surface, for example with an imitation of wood. The identification can be carried out in such a way that it is prevented that such first floor panels are included close to each other in the floor plan, which can emphasize that it is an imitation. In general, the identification can also represent an installation sequence according to which the floor covering is easiest to install.
    On the basis of the data set generated in the context of the method of the second aspect, accessories for the floor product chosen by the user can also be provided, such as skirting boards, transition profiles, subfloor and the like. The skirting boards, transition profiles and / or subfloor may also be adapted on the basis of this data set. In the case of baseboards, the miter required in the corners of the room may also be provided in advance and separate from the installation.
    With the insight to better demonstrate the features of the invention, some preferred embodiments are described below, by way of example without any limitation, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
    BE2017 / 5322
    Figure 1 shows part of a set of floor panels with the features of the present invention;
    Figure 2 shows a top view and on a smaller scale a ruin floored using the set of floor panels, part of which is shown in Figure 1;
    Figure 3 shows a variant for the panel shown in Figure 1 in the area F3;
    Figures 4 to 7 on a larger scale and for Variants show a view in the area indicated by F4 in figure 3;
    Figure 8 is a larger-scale view according to line VIII-VIII shown in Figure 6;
    Figures 9 to 14 show Variants in the same view;
    Figure 15 shows a space to be floored in top view;
    Figure 16 shows a type of laying plan;
    Figures 17 and 18 schematically represent a step in a method according to the second aspect of the invention;
    Figure 19 in a view similar to that of Figure 15 shows another floor plan of a space to be floored;
    Figures 20 to 22 schematically illustrate some steps in a method having the features of the second aspect of the present invention; and Figure 23 shows a workflow for realizing data suitable for manufacturing a set of floor panels with the features of the first aspect.
    Figure 1 shows panels 1 from a set of floor panels 2 which, as figure 2 shows, are intended for flooring a room 3. The panels 1 of figure 1 concern:
    a first floor panel 1A, the set of which contains several and which have a common shape and size. In the example, it concerns floor panels IA with a rectangular and elongated shape with relatively large dimensions, namely a length L of more than 2 meters and a width W of more than 20 cm. The floor panels 1 are intended to form a
    BE2017 / 5322 floating floor covering and for this purpose are provided on their edges 4-5-6-7 with mechanical coupling parts 8 in the form of a tooth 9 and a groove 10, the groove 10, in the example, having a protruding lower groove lip 11 ; a plurality of second floor panels IB from the aforementioned set 2, which show an adaptation 12 of the common shape and / or the common size. The respective adaptation 12 is in accordance with the aforementioned space 3.
    The aforementioned first floor panels 1A are standard floor panels of a selected floor product. The aforementioned second floor panels IB have been obtained by adapting such standard floor panels in accordance with the floor 3 to be floored. In this case, the adaptation 12 always concerns the removal of the superfluous parts of the relevant floor panel IB. The adjustment 12 is always carried out in advance and separately from the actual installation. The set of floor panels 2, part of which is shown in figure 1, is supplied with the required adaptations 12 or second floor panels IB.
    The set 2 comprises, in the example, at least second floor panels IB, the aforementioned adaptation 12 comprising an abbreviation 13 in length. These second floor panels IB are suitable for forming the beginning or the end of a row 14 of floor panels 1.
    The set 2 comprises, in the example, at least second floor panels IB, the aforementioned adaptation 12 comprising a removal 14 of protruding parts on an edge. The illustrated panel 15 involves the removal of the protruding lower groove lip 11 on a short edge 7.
    The set 2 comprises, in the example, at least second floor panels IB, wherein the above-mentioned adaptation 12 comprises an adapted contour 16 provided on one or more edges. The contour 16 can be adapted to walls 36 and / or other edges of the space 3, such as existing pillars 38 or support posts.
    BE2017 / 5322
    The set 2 comprises, in the example, at least second floor panels IB, the adaptation 12 comprising recesses 17 and an adaptation piece 18 intended for the passage of pipes, for example of pipes for the central heating. It is possible here that the adapter 18 is obtained from a different floor panel than the actual part 19 of this second floor panel IB. Namely, in this way it can be prevented that the material removed by a cutting line between the actual portion 19 and the adapter 18 would cause a seam in the final floor covering. By producing the adapter 18 from another floor panel, a connection can be obtained with the actual part 19 of the floor panel IB.
    The set 2 of the example comprises at least all first floor panels IA and second floor panels IB required to floor the respective space 3, and, in this case, the set 2 is designed so that no further adjustments need to be made for flooring the intended space 3. This is generally not necessary according to the invention. For example, as second floor panels IB, the set 2 could only contain those which comprise an adaptation 12 that goes beyond a removal 14 of protruding parts on an edge and / or a straight abbreviation 13 of the length L of the floor panels 1.
    Figure 2 shows the second floor panels IB, which are necessary for flooring the relevant space 3, hatched. Since these are first floor panels IA with relatively large dimensions compared to the surface of the space 3, the second floor panels IB cover more than 50% of the surface.
    Figure 3 shows an alternative second floor panel IB which is provided to be adapted according to an indication 20 provided on the panel, in this case a dividing line. This dividing line is provided in advance and separately from the installation on the relevant floor panel. The designation is shown here on the decorative side 21 of the floor panel IB, but may also be applied on the underside thereof. The dividing line or designation 20 can also extend to one or more of the coupling parts 8 provided on the edge.
    BE2017 / 5322
    Figure 4 shows an alternative second floor panel IB that is planned to be adapted. To this end, the panel is provided with a score line 22, which in this case comprises a series of through-holes 23 along a provided dividing line. Figure 5 shows an alternative with a plurality of elongated through slots 24 along a provided dividing line. It goes without saying that bores 23 and slots 24 can be combined to provide the same score line 22.
    Figure 6 illustrates another alternative with only one through-slot 24 extending substantially along the entire dividing line. In the example, the useful part 25 of the floor panel IB is only connected to the superfluous part 26 over the coupling parts 8 of the floor panel IB. Figure 7 also illustrates such an example for clarification, but for a different second floor panel IB, which does not belong to the set 2 of the example. In the example of Figure 6, the fracture line 22, as further elucidated in Figure 8, extends between positions 27 located at two different edges 4-5, in this case opposite edges, proximal of the distal ends 28 of the coupling parts present 8. In other words, the distal parts 28 of these coupling parts 8 are not cut at the relevant edges 4-5. In the example of figure 7, the fracture line 22 extends between different positions 27 on the same edge 5, which are in each case located proximally from the distal end 28 of the coupling part 8 present there. It is clear that the user can easily, for example manually or with simple tools, the remaining connection 29 between the useful section 25 and the redundant section 26 can break. Furthermore, it is clear that with the type of fracture lines 22 of Figures 6, 7 and 8 the useful part 25 can also be connected to the superfluous part 26 over only one remaining connection 29.
    Figure 8 further clearly shows that the example concerns laminate floor panels 1, namely floor panels consisting of a core 30 on which a laminate top layer 31 with a printed decorative layer 32 and a wear-resistant top layer 33 has been applied, and a counter layer 34 has been applied to the underside of the core. . It is clear that the invention can be applied to any type of floor panels, for example it can also be applied to wooden floor panels, such as prefabricated
    BE2017 / 5322 parquet, or with synthetic floor panels, such as LVT panels, where other types of top layers are then used. It is clear to the skilled person that the fracture lines 22 presented here also apply to these other types of floor panels.
    Figure 8 further shows that the floor panels 1A-1B of the example on at least one pair of opposite edges 4-5 are provided with mechanical coupling parts 8 which allow two such floor panels 1A-1B to be coupled to the relevant edges 4-5, wherein in the coupled state a locking occurs both in a vertical direction V perpendicular to the plane of the panels, and in a horizontal direction H perpendicular to the relevant edges 4-5 and in the plane of the panels. Such coupling parts 8 can be designed in many different ways. In the example, they are provided primarily as a tongue-in-groove coupling. From figure 1 it is clear that in this case also the short edges 6-7 are provided with mechanical coupling parts 8. This can also be a locking tongue-and-groove connection of the type shown in figure 8. Other possibilities such as so-called pushlock coupling profiles are not excluded. Such pushlock coupling profiles allow locking by a downward movement of the panel edges towards each other and are known, for example, from WO 01/75247.
    Figure 9 shows another embodiment in which the fracture line 22 is designed as a non-continuous slot 24, the useful part 25 and the superfluous part 26 of the floor panel 1B remain connected by means of a remaining connection 29 in the form of a material part at the bottom of the floor panel. Preferably, as here, this portion of material includes a portion of core 30.
    Figure 10 shows an embodiment in which the fracture line 22 is formed as a non-continuous slot 24, the useful part 25 of the superfluous part 26 of the floor panel 1B remaining connected by means of a remaining connection 29 in the form of a material part present on the top
    BE2017 / 5322 of the IB floor panel. Preferably, as here, this portion of material includes a portion of core 30.
    Figure 11 shows an embodiment in which the fracture line 22 is formed as two non-continuous slots 24; one made from the bottom of the floor panel IB and one made from the top, or decorative side 21, of the floor panel IB. The useful portion 25 remains connected to the redundant portion 26 over a residual connection 29 in the form of a material portion of the core 30.
    Figure 12 shows an embodiment in which the fracture line 22 is approximately the same as in Figure 11, with the difference that the slots 24 meet partly and thus form a continuous slot for part 35. The relevant portion 35 here extends between positions 27 which are located proximally at two opposite edges 4-5 of the distal ends 28 of the coupling parts 8 present there.
    Figure 13 shows an embodiment in which the fracture line 22 is approximately the same as in Figure 9, with the difference that the slot 24 is partly continuous. The relevant portion 35 here extends between positions 27 which are located proximally at two opposite edges 4-5 of the distal ends 28 of the coupling parts 8 present there.
    Figure 14 illustrates another embodiment similar to Figure 11 but with the remaining joint 29 configured as a residual material portion of the core 30 centrally located, or in other words, more inward than the profile of the core 30. coupling parts 8. In this way it is obtained that the coupling parts 8 are not influenced by interrupting the remaining connection 29 between the useful part 25 and the superfluous part 26 of the respective second floor panel 1B.
    BE2017 / 5322
    Figure 15 is a graphical representation of a data set generated in accordance with the ground surface or floor plan of a space 3 to be floored. The data set in this case includes data corresponding to the walls 36, frames of doors 37, pillars 38 or support posts, conduit openings 39 for pipes and the like. To floor the spacious 3, the user must choose a floor product. Alternatively, a floor product can also be automatically presented, or the user can choose between a limited number of proposed floor products.
    Figure 16 is an example of a type of laying plan 40 that the user can choose to floor the space of Figure 15. In this case, the laying plan leads to rows 14 of floor panels 1 in a bond, with the minimum distance D between short edges 6- 7 of panels 1 in adjacent rows 14 remains larger than a minimum required for the flooring product.
    Figure 17 shows that, according to the second method for determining the final laying plan mentioned in the introduction, the user can slide the aforementioned type of laying plan 40 graphically as a transparent layer over the aforementioned floor plan. This can for instance be carried out by means of a screen, more in particular a touch screen or touchscreen, whereby the user can change the mutual position of the aforementioned transparent layer formed by the type of laying plan 40 and the floor plan of the space 3 to be floored. Here it is possible that the user also chooses the main direction of the rows 14, for example, as here, parallel to the long walls. The computer assesses the mutual position proposed by the user and, in this case, rejects the displayed mutual position as not suitable, because, in the example, at least the width B of the row 14 at the top of Figure 17 does not meet the floor product required minimum width and at least because the length LI of some panels 1B on the right wall does not meet the required minimum length.
    Figure 18 shows a situation in which the user has found a mutual position, which the computer indicates is suitable for flooring the room in question. Here is the requirements of minimum width and minimum length
    BE2017 / 5322 of the panels IB are met everywhere. The finding of a suitable laying plan is shown graphically in this case because the dashed lines of the type laying plan 40 of figures 16 and 17 have become solid lines. The part of the type of laying plan 40 that is within the contours of the floor plan forms the final detailed laying plan, as shown in figure 2.
    Figure 2 shows that on the basis of the final detailed laying plan, the required number of first floor panels 1A, as well as the number of the second floor panels IB with their required adaptation 12 can be calculated, so that the set of floor panels 2 of the first aspect suitable for flooring of the space 3 of figure 15 can be assembled. The calculation result obtained by the method described here can be used to control a woodworking machine to make the required adjustments 12, and or to provide fracture lines 22 and / or indicia 20 as described above.
    Figure 19 is a graphical representation of a data set generated in accordance with the floor plan of a previously theoretical room 3 to be floored. Figures 19 to 22 illustrate a method for generating a detailed laying plan, in this case with a bandage, for the space of Figure 19, in which the special embodiment mentioned in the introduction is used for this. The rather theoretical floor plan allows to illustrate a multitude of possible situations and difficulties in determining a detailed floor plan, and shows that a solution can always be found.
    Figure 19 shows the desired main direction 41 indicated by the user for the rows 14 of the final laying plan. Such main direction 41 can also be calculated automatically, for example by determining the main axes of the floor plan, and keeping the main axis with the greatest length as main direction 41. In the unshown case that the floor plan would have an ellipse shape, the long axis would automatically be taken as the main direction in such a case.
    BE2017 / 5322
    Figure 20 schematically shows the result of the step of determining the position of the longitudinal edges 42 of panel rows 14. These longitudinal edges 42 naturally extend in the defined main direction 41. Their mutual distance M is fixed by the choice of the floor product. In this case it concerns a floor product with floor panels 1A of only one common width. The position of the longitudinal edges 42 is automatically arranged such that the average width of the panel rows 14A at the edges 43 is maximum, and wherein the width for each row 14A at such edge 43 over the largest possible length of the row 14A concerned is at least the half width of the panels is 1A from the floor product concerned.
    Figure 21 schematically shows the result of the step of calculating intersections 44 between longitudinal edges 42 of panel rows 14 and the digital floor plan, more particularly the external boundaries 45A and, preferably also the internal boundaries 45B, of this floor plan.
    On the basis of the aforementioned intersection points 44, start and stop positions in full width panel rows, as well as convex loops 48A and concave loops 48B extending in the same panel row 14 can then be determined. To this end, boundaries 45 A45B can be traversed systematically, for example, as here, clockwise, and the coordinates of two successive intersections 44 can be compared. For easy calculation, as here, an orthogonal coordinate system 46 can be used, the X axis of which coincides with the aforementioned main direction 41. In this way, the transitions 47 between two successive intersections 44 can be classified as follows:
    transitions 47A on external boundaries 45A where the Y coordinate of intersections 44 increases and transitions 47A on internal boundaries 45B where the Y coordinate of intersections 44 decreases. Such transition 47A involves a starting position of a full-width row 14, which is started with a second floor panel which may be cut to the left; transitions 47B on external boundaries 45A with the Y coordinate of the intersections 44 decreasing and transitions 47B on internal boundaries 45B with the X coordinate of the intersections 44 increasing. Such transition 47B
    BE2017 / 5322 concerns an end position of a row 14 of full width, which is terminated with a second floor panel which can be cut to the right;
    transitions 47C to external or internal boundaries 45A-45B where the Y coordinate of the intersections 44 does not change. Such a transition involves a loop 48A-48B. When on an external boundary 45A, between the relevant intersections 44, when the increasing X coordinate is switched from an ascending Y coordinate to a decreasing Y coordinate, or when when an decreasing X coordinate is switched from a decreasing Y coordinate to a rising Y coordinate, it concerns a convex loop 48A. When it concerns an internal boundary 45B, with such coordinate changes it is a concave loop 48B. When on an external boundary 45A, between the respective intersections 44, when the increasing X coordinate is switched from a descending Y coordinate to an ascending Y coordinate, or when when the decreasing X coordinate is switched from an ascending Y coordinate to a descending Y coordinate coordinate, it is a concave loop 48B. When it concerns an internal boundary 45B, with such coordinate changes it is a concave loop 48A. Convex loops 48A give rise to floor panels IB whose width has been shortened. Concave loops 48B give rise to floor panels IB which are part of a larger adjacent row 14 extending between a transition 47A and transition 47B adjacent to the transition 48B in question.
    As mentioned above, the limits 45A and 45B above are clockwise. It goes without saying that the boundaries can in general be traversed in any order, for example counterclockwise, in which case the classification set out above must then take place on the basis of an adapted logic. It is also possible that different boundaries of the same floor plan are traversed in a different way, for example external boundaries 45A in a clockwise direction, and internal boundaries 45B in a counterclockwise direction. The coordinate system can also be defined in a different way, so that again a different logic must be applied for the
    BE2017 / 5322 above classification. Such adjustments are within the reach of those skilled in the art.
    Transitions 47A and 47B can be easily linked to the same row 14 by comparing their Y coordinates. When, as here, multiple transitions 47A-47B are present with common Y coordinates, they are arranged according to X coordinate, thereby obtaining independent driving sections 49 with their separate start transition 47A and stop transition 47B. By "independent" is meant that the final interpretation of such row section 49 can be carried out independently of the other row sections 49 in the same row 14. This insight is a foregoing difference between the current method, and the method illustrated with reference to the figures 15 up to 18, and allows a reduction of material loss.
    Figure 22 shows that the computer represents first floor panels IA and second floor panels IB between each of the transitions 47A and 47B, or in other words in each row 14 or independent row portion 49, taking into account desired restrictions such as the minimum distance to be maintained D between short edges in adjacent rows 14, and with any concave loops 48B which may extend in the respective row 14 or row portion 49. The convex loops 48A can be separately completed with second floor panels IB. As mentioned in the introduction, the first floor panels IA and the second floor panels IB can in each case be based on a database of available panels or panel sections.
    When each transition 47A-47B-47C has been treated, the detailed laying plan is complete. The obtained detailed laying plan is then further used as explained above, for example for controlling the woodworking machine for carrying out the required adjustments 12, and or for providing fault lines 22 and / or indications 20. It is clear that in the present example the required adjustments 12 each consist of the realization of the part of the internal boundary 45B or external boundary 45A at the junctions 47A-47B-47C in question.
    BE2017 / 5322
    Figure 23 shows, highly schematically, a preferred data generating workflow 50 suitable for assembling a set of floor panels with the features of the first aspect. As the first input 51, a data set 52 is used in accordance with the floor plan of a floor to be floored 3. This data set 52 preferably comprises at least information, preferably the coordinates, for example in an orthogonal axis system, about the position of external and / or internal limits 45A45B. As a second input 53, information U is used, for example about the wishes of the user and the geographical location of the installation. The wishes of the user may relate, for example, to the desired floor product, the desired laying pattern, for example wild bond, and the like. On the basis of this information, on the one hand, information T omirent technical constraints for the installation are retrieved from a database 54, and on the other hand, a database 55 of available floor panels of the selected floor product is selected. The database 55 is used to feed a temporary database 56 of available floor panels 1A for flooring the space 3 in question. Such database 56 may contain, for example, information about the actual length of each floor panel. The latter is particularly useful in the case of a floor product with panels IA of random length.
    The database 56 of first floor panels IA, the information T and information U are then used for the calculation C of the detailed floor plan. This may be, for example, a calculation C as explained with reference to Figures 19 to 22. In this case, during the calculation C an available floor panel is retrieved from the database 56 each time for adding a first floor panel IA or for realizing it. of a second floor panel IB. In the latter case, the superfluous portion 26 of the second floor panel IB is inserted back into the database 56 so that it is available for the possible realization of a next second floor panel IB.
    As output 57 eventually data 50 arises suitable for assembling a set of floor panels 2 suitable for flooring the space 3. This data 50 contains at least information about the required adjustments 12 of the second
    BE2017 / 5322 IB floor panels. For example, the data 50 for each second floor panel 1B may include the coordinates of the contour of the fitting 12. The data 50 may further include detailed laying plan information, for example, the data 50 may include the foreseen position of each first and second floor panel 1A-1B in space 3.
    In Figure 23, the rectangle in dotted line 58 shows processes that preferably play internally in a computer.
    It is clear that the present invention also relates to microprocessors 10 programmed to generate a detailed laying plan for a room 3 to be floored and / or to generate data 50 suitable for assembling a set of floor panels 2 suitable is for flooring a room 3 and / or on digital data carriers comprising such a program or essential parts thereof.
    The present invention is by no means limited to the above-described embodiments, but such sets of floor panels and methods for assembling them can be realized in various ways without departing from the scope of the present invention, as defined in the appended
    0 conclusions.
    BE2017 / 5322
    权利要求:
    Claims (12)
    [1]
    Conclusions:
    1.- Method for assembling a set of floor panels for flooring a room, the set (2) comprising a plurality of first floor panels (1A), said first floor panels (1A) having a common rectangular and elongated shape and a common length and have a width dimension, and wherein the set (2) further comprises one or more second floor panels (IB) which exhibit or are provided with an adaptation of the common shape and / or the common dimension, said adaptation (12) being in accordance with the aforementioned space (3), the method comprising the steps of generating a data set in accordance at least with the ground surface of the aforementioned space (3), determining a laying plan (40) suitable for said space, producing of the required floor panels (IB) which, according to the established installation plan, have an adaptation (12) or are provided for this purpose, and provide at least the required amount of floor panels (1A) of common shape and size.
    [2]
    Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the step of determining the aforementioned laying plan (40) is carried out by means of a computer, wherein the computer proposes a laying plan on the basis of the aforementioned data set, taking into account the desired limitations. .
    [3]
    Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the step of determining the aforementioned laying plan (40) is carried out by means of a computer, the computer based on the aforementioned data set, taking into account
    BE2017 / 5322 desired restrictions, assesses lay plans that are graphically placed by the user on a representation of the aforementioned floor plan.
    [4]
    Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that a computer proposes a detailed laying plan for the space (3) on the basis of the aforementioned data set, the method comprising at least the following steps:
    the step of determining the main direction of the panel rows, this main direction preferably being entered by the user; the step of determining the position of the longitudinal edges of panel rows; the step of calculating intersections between said longitudinal edges of panel rows and the digital floor plan, more particularly the external and, preferably also the internal, boundaries of this floor plan;
    the step of identifying starting stop positions in full width panel rows, as well as concave and convex loops extending in the same panel row, based on said intersections;
    the step of proposing first and second floor panels between the start and stop positions in each panel row, taking into account desired constraints and taking into account any concave loops contained in the respective panel row;
    the step of proposing second floor panels at the aforementioned convex loops, if any, also taking into account desired constraints.
    [5]
    Method according to claim 4, characterized in that the step of presenting panels is performed starting from an available floor panel from a database (56) of available floor panels or floor panel parts, for example taking into account the individual length of the available floor panels or parts.
    BE2017 / 5322
    [6]
    Method according to claim 5, characterized in that the said database (56) is provided with data about unnecessary parts (26) of second floor panels (IB).
    [7]
    Method according to any one of claims 2 to 6, characterized in that the aforementioned desired restrictions include at least a minimum maintainable distance (B) between the short edges of floor panels (1A-1B) in adjacent rows (14).
    [8]
    Method according to any one of claims 2 to 7, characterized in that said set is a set of floor panels for realizing a floating floor covering, and that said desired restrictions include at least the expansion joint required for the respective product.
    [9]
    Method according to any one of claims 2 to 8, characterized in that said desired restrictions include at least the desired type of laying plan.
    [10]
    Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said first floor panels (1A) have a width (W) between 10 and 25 centimeters, and a length (L) between 80 and 150 centimeters.
    [11]
    Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that data for one or more of the aforementioned second floor panels (IB) is generated on the basis of the laying plan, said data being suitable for controlling a processing machine so that the second floor panels (IB) required adjustment can be realized on the basis of the respective machine tool.
    BE2017 / 5322
    [12]
    Method according to claim 11, characterized in that said processing machine comprises a router and / or crosscut saw.
    BE2017 / 5322
    BE2017 / 5322
    BE2017 / 5322
    BE2017 / 5322
    类似技术:
    公开号 | 公开日 | 专利标题
    US7021304B1|2006-04-04|Custom manufacture of tiles for use with preexisting mass-manufactured tiles
    JP6594939B2|2019-10-23|Architectural panel
    RU2671147C1|2018-10-29|Method of manufacturing panels with deepenings
    CN105263720B|2018-12-14|Produce the method with the laminated flooring at wood materials natural curvature edge
    US20040030733A1|2004-02-12|Tile layout system, method and product
    US10713395B2|2020-07-14|Method for designing and manufacturing custom-made furniture using computer, system, and program therefor
    BE1024773B1|2018-07-03|Set of floor panels and method for assembling them
    US20060179791A1|2006-08-17|Modular stone surfacing system of block-cut seamless pieces
    BE1026326B1|2020-01-13|Method for assembling a set of floor panels.
    CN105484461A|2016-04-13|Geometric art inlaid wall and floor decorative plate and manufacturing method thereof
    BE1018426A3|2010-11-09|FLOOR COVERING, FLOOR PANEL, PACKAGING UNIT AND METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING SUCH FLOOR PANELS.
    US9493956B2|2016-11-15|Custom coffered surface layout, fabrication, and installation methods and processes
    EP3605368A2|2020-02-05|Methods and systems for creating surface covering layouts
    CA3111613A1|2020-04-02|Automated manufacturing architectural millwork
    US20150104615A1|2015-04-16|Method for minimizing the appearance of undesirable tool marks during CNC operations
    Aitcheson et al.2005|3-Axis CNC milling in architectural design
    SE526773C2|2005-11-01|Rectangular floorboard for providing a patterned floating flooring, has opposing long edges, each having a length not exceeding 80 centimeters and short edges having a length not exceeding 10 centimeters
    同族专利:
    公开号 | 公开日
    EP3548676B1|2021-03-10|
    JP2020514575A|2020-05-21|
    BE1024775B1|2018-07-02|
    WO2018100526A1|2018-06-07|
    CA3043455A1|2018-06-07|
    BE1024775A1|2018-06-26|
    US20210198898A1|2021-07-01|
    AU2017368918A1|2019-05-30|
    EP3548676A1|2019-10-09|
    US10975581B2|2021-04-13|
    BE1024773A1|2018-06-26|
    EA201991307A1|2020-02-13|
    US20190309526A1|2019-10-10|
    EP3825491A1|2021-05-26|
    引用文献:
    公开号 | 申请日 | 公开日 | 申请人 | 专利标题
    DE10038886A1|2000-08-09|2002-02-21|Joerg R Bauer|Computerized system optimizing quantities and laying-plan for wall and floor tiling panels, inputs dimensions to determine numbers of panels and special shapes|
    EP1437456A1|2003-01-09|2004-07-14|Flooring Industries Ltd.|Floor covering, floor panel and set of floor panels for forming such floor covering, and methods for packaging and manufacturing such floor panels|
    DE102007006631A1|2006-02-07|2007-08-16|Herrmann, Dieter Karsten, Dipl.-Ing. |Floor covering, wall or ceiling cladding made of wooden sections arranged as sheets have fitting free contours manufactured to tolerance to tenths of millimeters which follow growth and structural pattern of raw material|
    WO2009122332A1|2008-04-01|2009-10-08|Jaume Parisi Sarobe|Method of cladding with tiles for floors, walls, ceilings and the like|
    US20140202108A1|2013-01-18|2014-07-24|Pergo Ab|Floor panel systems and methods|
    US4212348A|1977-04-04|1980-07-15|Toshiyuki Kobayashi|Heat-radiating floor board|
    JPS5912346U|1982-07-16|1984-01-25|
    GB9220888D0|1992-10-05|1992-11-18|Ingram Rex A|Improvements to heating/cooling systems|
    US7877956B2|1999-07-05|2011-02-01|Pergo AG|Floor element with guiding means|
    US7131242B2|1995-03-07|2006-11-07|Pergo Ab|Flooring panel or wall panel and use thereof|
    US5755068A|1995-11-17|1998-05-26|Ormiston; Fred I.|Veneer panels and method of making|
    BE1010487A6|1996-06-11|1998-10-06|Unilin Beheer Bv|FLOOR COATING CONSISTING OF HARD FLOOR PANELS AND METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING SUCH FLOOR PANELS.|
    JP3275832B2|1998-05-21|2002-04-22|コクヨ株式会社|Free access floor and method of laying this free access floor|
    US6119423A|1998-09-14|2000-09-19|Costantino; John|Apparatus and method for installing hardwood floors|
    SE516696C2|1999-12-23|2002-02-12|Perstorp Flooring Ab|Process for producing surface elements comprising an upper decorative layer as well as surface elements produced according to the method|
    SE518184C2|2000-03-31|2002-09-03|Perstorp Flooring Ab|Floor covering material comprising disc-shaped floor elements which are joined together by means of interconnecting means|
    SE525681C2|2001-12-07|2005-04-05|Pergo Ab|Structured panels with matched surface|
    US7823358B2|2002-04-25|2010-11-02|Buffalostone, Inc.|Relationally predimensioned stone surfacing system|
    US20060032168A1|2003-01-08|2006-02-16|Thiers Bernard P J|Floor panel, its laying and manufacturing methods|
    US20050166516A1|2004-01-13|2005-08-04|Valinge Aluminium Ab|Floor covering and locking systems|
    DE102009060103A1|2009-12-21|2011-06-22|Fritz Egger Gmbh & Co. Og|Method for producing a group of panels for imitation of a long plank|
    US8307597B2|2010-03-04|2012-11-13|Tucker Jr Donald E|Modular floor system|
    JP2012077450A|2010-09-30|2012-04-19|Daiken Corp|Manufacturing method for floor constitution material|
    US8333044B2|2011-03-21|2012-12-18|Weyerhaeuser Nr Company|Floor panel and flooring drainage system|
    JP2014152528A|2013-02-08|2014-08-25|Yoshimasa Sato|Construction method for floor material|
    EE05744B1|2013-06-07|2015-04-15|Bole Oü|Method for producing a laminate floorboards with edges following natural curvature of the wooden material|
    法律状态:
    2018-08-29| FG| Patent granted|Effective date: 20180703 |
    2021-09-30| PD| Change of ownership|Owner name: FLOORING INDUSTRIES LIMITED, SARL; LU Free format text: DETAILS ASSIGNMENT: CHANGE OF OWNER(S), CHANGE OF LEGAL ENTITY; FORMER OWNER NAME: UNILIN, BV Effective date: 20210723 Owner name: FLOORING INDUSTRIES LIMITED, SARL; LU Free format text: DETAILS ASSIGNMENT: CHANGE OF OWNER(S), CHANGE OF LEGAL ENTITY; FORMER OWNER NAME: UNILIN BVBA Effective date: 20210723 |
    优先权:
    申请号 | 申请日 | 专利标题
    BEBE2016/5900|2016-12-01|
    BE2016/5900A|BE1024775B1|2016-12-01|2016-12-01|Set of floor panels and method for assembling them.|EP17818286.1A| EP3548676B1|2016-12-01|2017-11-30|Set of floor panels and method for composing the set of floor panels|
    EP21150928.6A| EP3825491A1|2016-12-01|2017-11-30|Set of floor panels|
    EA201991307A| EA201991307A1|2016-12-01|2017-11-30|SET OF PANELS FOR FLOOR AND METHOD FOR THEIR COMPOSITION|
    JP2019529629A| JP2020514575A|2016-12-01|2017-11-30|Floor panel set and method of assembling floor panel set|
    CA3043455A| CA3043455A1|2016-12-01|2017-11-30|Set of floor panels and method for composing the set of floor panels|
    US16/464,931| US10975581B2|2016-12-01|2017-11-30|Set of floor panels and method for composing thereof|
    AU2017368918A| AU2017368918A1|2016-12-01|2017-11-30|Set of floor panels and method for composing the set of floor panels|
    PCT/IB2017/057530| WO2018100526A1|2016-12-01|2017-11-30|Set of floor panels and method for composing the set of floor panels|
    US17/197,296| US20210198898A1|2016-12-01|2021-03-10|Set of floor panels and method for composing thereof|
    [返回顶部]