DE202015008925U1 - Mechanical connection for panels - Google Patents

Abstract

Mechanical connection for panels at their edge sides (5, 10) to be joined, wherein adjacent first and second panels (1, 2) are lockable by a substantially vertical joining movement in the horizontal and vertical directions, wherein for vertical locking on the first panel (1 ) a locking edge (8) and on the second panel (2) opposite the panels (1, 2) displaceable locking element (6) is arranged, which is displaceable by a pivoting movement behind the locking edge (8), wherein the locking element (6) a locking projection (17) for displacing behind the locking edge (8) and having an arcuate guide arm (16), which is guided in a guide groove (7) of the first panel (1) and is adapted to pivot or pivot the movement Locking element (6) from the guide groove (7) to be partially pulled out by a from the guide groove (7) projecting leg (18 ) of the locking element (6) when depositing in an area below the locking edge (8) with the first panel (1, 2) comes into contact.

Description

The invention relates to mechanical connections for panels which are connectable to a covering.

Wall, ceiling and floor coverings, such. As engineered parquet, real wood floors or laminate floors, consist of several rows of predominantly rectangular in their configuration panels. Conventionally, the panels have on a longitudinal side and on a head side continuous grooves and on the respective opposite longitudinal side or head side continuous springs, which are adapted to the grooves form-fitting manner. By connecting tongue and groove the panels are laid, the panels of two adjacent rows are offset from one another.

It is known to form mechanical locking means on the grooves and springs, which engage with one another in a floor covering adjacent panels in latching engagement. As a result, a joint formation caused by expansion or shrinkage operations should be avoided. At the tongue and groove of the panels are matched locking elements in the form of recesses, recesses or projections formed to hold the panels in the assembled position glueless.

In general, the panels are rotated along their long sides into each other or clicked and then moved laterally, so that the locking strips engage the head sides.

There are resilient locking elements for vertical locking of adjacent panels are known, which protrude edge, must be pushed back when laying the panels behind the edge side and must be moved in the connecting position again on the edge side out to connect the panel. The bidirectional movement is complicated.

The invention has for its object to provide a mechanical connection for panels, which are in particular connectable to a floor covering, show, in which the locking mechanism does not make it necessary to first push back a locking element before it reaches the detent position.

This object is achieved by a combination with the features of claim 1.

Advantageous developments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

The mechanical connection is provided for edge sides with panels to be joined. Adjacent first and second panels can be locked by a substantially vertical joining movement in the horizontal and vertical directions. Horizontal direction means parallel to the laying level. Vertical means perpendicular to the laying plane. It is assumed below and in terms of terms such as top, bottom, horizontal and vertical, that the panels are floor panels, which are accordingly horizontally laid and stored substantially vertically. The vertical lock acts accordingly in the vertical direction and the horizontal lock in the horizontal direction.

For vertical locking, a locking edge is formed on the first panel to be laid first. At the subsequently to be laid second panel to be connected to the first panel, a relative to both panels displaceable locking element is arranged. The locking element is displaceable by a pivoting movement behind or viewed from above below the locking edge of the first panel. The locking element has for this purpose a locking projection for displacing behind / below the locking edge. The locking element also has a particular arcuate guide arm, which is guided on a guide groove of the first panel. The guide arm is adapted to be partially pulled out of the guide groove with a rotary or pivotal movement of the locking element by a coming out of the guide leg of the locking element comes when placing in a region below the locking edge with the first panel in contact.

The contact of the leg with the first panel causes the leg to evade the first panel and exerts an upward force on the locking element and in particular the guide arm. The guide arm and the guide groove are formed such that the locking element is pressed to some extent up and partially pulled out of the guide groove. Moving up, ie away from the underside of the panels, is a guided movement. The direction of movement is at least partially predetermined by the guide groove and the guide arm. The movement takes place along a curve or along several curve sections, in particular along circular arc sections, in particular on a circular arc. The transition between adjacent curve sections may be smooth and without jumps, so that the curve sections join tangentially to one another. But there are also break points in the curve in the transition from adjacent curve sections conceivable. Straight sections can alternate with curve sections. Even a sequence of shorter but straight sections that connect like a chain line is possible to create a curved course.

The leg which is supported on the first panel causes the guide arm to be pulled out of the guide groove and to execute a rotating or pivoting movement due to the mutual guidance. The term rotational movement refers to arcuate movements. The term pivoting refers to non-circular movements. The movement can also be combined.

The mechanical connection according to the invention is based on the principle that the locking element is displaced for locking only in a single direction. The locking element is held in a starting position within the guide groove and can be rotated or pivoted into the locking position. The pivoting takes place according to the invention is not bidirectional, d. H. first in the guide groove and then out again, but unidirectional, d. H. only out of the guide groove under the influence of the leg, which is pushed upwards by the first panel.

The panels have a horizontal connection and a vertical connection at their edge sides to be joined together. The horizontal connection can be produced by the first panel to be laid under the second panel to be subsequently laid under. For this purpose, upwardly and downwardly open grooves and projections are provided on the panels, which are engageable with each other for horizontal locking. The horizontal lock can also be effected by a separate locking element, that the underside of the panels is arranged, for. B. in the form of a separate bracket.

The vertical locking is effected by said locking element, which is displaceable behind / below the locking edge of the other panel. The locking element is arranged only on the second panel, which is laid laterally and spatially laterally next to the first panel.

The leg is preferably rigidly connected to the arcuate guide arm. The rigid connection makes it possible to initiate the outgoing from the leg forces directly into the guide arm, so that the guide arm with the force with which the second panel is stored, is pulled out of the guide groove. In this way, over the pressure exerted on the second panel, the lock can be influenced. A substantially rigid connection also reduces the number of degrees of freedom of the locking element and improves the guidance between the guide groove and guide arm. The term "rigid" is to be understood functionally, wherein the function of the attraction of the guide arm and the function of guiding the locking element must be ensured in the locking position. The rigid connection refers to the respective material properties of the locking element in the transition region from the guide arm to the leg. Preferably, the locking element is made of one piece of material, so that not only the connection is rigidly configured, but the material as such is substantially rigid to fulfill the function. The locking element is preferably made of plastic. Preferably, the locking element has over its entire length a constant cross section, so that it can be produced very economically by extrusion.

The locking elements can also be produced by material-removing processes, in particular by machining processes. As a result, very high accuracies can be achieved, whereby the accuracy of fit of the locking element can be improved and the precision of the mechanical connection is increased again. Combined manufacturing processes such. As an at least partially machining a previously extruded component combine the cost-effective production of extrusion with the precision of the machining.

The locking elements may consist of metallic materials, in particular of aluminum alloys or iron alloys, in particular of steel. The locking elements may consist of wood or wood-based materials, d. H. made of composite materials. Also other composites e.g. Fiber-reinforced plastics are usable. Preferably, the locking element consists exclusively of plastic. It is possible that the locking spring is coated in areas or has surface areas with different roughness, in order to reduce the friction in the guide groove.

If a panel is not stored vertically, but by a pivoting movement, which is also referred to as angling, it can lead to a twisting of the locking element, because the leg is not uniformly loaded. To counteract this, a locking element can be interrupted several times or it can also be used several shorter locking elements in one side of a panel. The compound of the invention is therefore suitable for both Panels that are joined essentially vertically as well as panels that are joined by angling. When the second panel is pivoted back up, the mechanical connection is releasable without tools. It is also possible to displace the locking element parallel to the longitudinal side, ie to push out of the guide groove in order to unlock the panels.

The guidance of the guide arm is determined not only the preferably arcuate contour of the guide arm, but also by the contour of the guide. Preferably, the contour of the guide groove is at least partially arcuately curved. In particular, the lower groove cheek of the guide should be curved at least partially, in particular concave. The guide arm is when pulling out of the arcuately curved guide groove in the region of the mouth of the upper groove cheek to the guide. This is due to the upward pressure of the thigh. At the same time, the guide arm is supported with its underside on the lower groove cheek. The lower groove cheek is preferably configured in operative engagement with the lower side of the guide arm so that not only line contact but surface contact occurs. The lower groove cheek can be adapted to the shape of the locking arm in the region in which the guide arm rests in the locking position. The arcuate curvature of the lower groove cheek therefore preferably corresponds to the arcuate curvature of the underside of the leg and that at least in the areas in which the two components come into permanent contact with each other. This region of the guide groove and / or the underside of the guide arm is preferably flat. The contour of the upper groove cheek plays, in contrast to the design and arrangement of the mouth region in contrast, a minor role. The mouth should be rounded in the area of the upper groove flank so that the locking body can easily slide off the groove flank.

The guide groove can be designed so that it holds the guide arm in the starting position by clamping. For this purpose, the rear end of the guide groove may be slightly narrower and / or the guide arm may be slightly thicker in this area. The groove width can increase accordingly in the middle range. As a result, the guide arm is securely held in the starting position. The locking element is captively fixed to the panel. During the displacement of the locking element of the guide arm is released so with its rear end initially and can be moved because of the larger groove width at now significantly reduced friction in the locked position. In particular, the upper groove flank of the guide groove can be substantially straight, while the lower groove flank of the guide groove is concavely curved. Preferably, the lower groove flank opens horizontally and rises towards the bottom of the groove continuously directed towards the top. The groove bottom is preferably closer to the top of the panel than the mouth of the upper groove flank. As a result, a locking element, which has a guide arm which almost or completely extends to the groove bottom, can not be pulled out of the guide groove horizontally.

In an advantageous development of the invention it is provided that the leg passes in positive engagement with the first panel in order to prevent unimpeded sliding back of the leg into the starting position and thus a Endriegeln the mechanical connection. For this purpose, the leg can engage in the locking position in a latching recess on the first panel. The detent recess is preferably a groove or groove into which the leg snaps. At the free end of the leg may be formed a matching projection for engaging in the detent recess.

In a further preferred embodiment of the invention adjacent to the locking edge of a locking plane inclined to the laying plane for engagement with the locking projection is arranged on the first panel. This locking surface serves to transmit forces acting perpendicular to the first panel, via the locking element in the second panel. Preferably, the locking element lies flat against this locking surface. The forces emanating from the first panel or the latching surface are transmitted via the guide arm into the second panel. This vertical locking prevents height offset between the panels when loaded on one side. The locking element builds on the second panel a pressure in the guide groove, which presses the second panel down against the first panel. The panels are aligned vertically to each other, i. H. perpendicular to the laying level so that there is no height offset between the panels. The fit is secured. A free end of the guide arm is thus adapted to be pressed in the locking position with its underside away from a groove mouth of the guide groove against the lower groove flank of the guide groove to lock the panels vertically against each other. Due to the distance of the lower-side contact region of the guide arm of the Nutmündung higher forces can be exerted on the lower groove wall than in a line contact in the region of the mouth.

The locking elements according to the invention can also be secured in the guide groove by a certain area of the locking elements has a deviating from the other areas cross-section. For example, the locking elements at one and preferably at both ends of a have upper and / or to the lower groove cheek of the guide groove protruding, so that the guide arm over its entire length or even in sections has a slightly larger width, thereby creating a greater friction with the guide groove in this area, as in other areas. Thereby, the locking element can be secured against loss within the guide groove, without, however, simultaneously increasing the friction of the guide arm within the guide groove over its entire length. Such a projection can already be created by cutting to length a locking element. For example, when a plastic is cut to length, a cutting edge-facing lug, which results from entrainment of the material along a cutting tool, may be sufficient to secure the locking element in the guide groove. Such projections may be formed at respective ends with corresponding cutting means, so that both ends of such a guide element are secured against falling out. The advantage with such protrusions is that they can be produced simultaneously with the cutting to length without a separate processing step.

Alternatively, it is possible to selectively deform a longitudinal section of the locking element transversely to the longitudinal extent of the locking element, for. B. by a corrugation. As a result, the guide arm sits in the deformed area slightly firmer in the guide than in other areas. The deformation is sufficient if the locking element is held captive. Such deformed areas are preferably located at the ends of each locking element. Such deformations on the locking element can also be created by end-side compression of the locking elements, whereby thickenings arise in the region of the ends, which can lead to a tighter fit of the end portions of the locking element in a guide groove.

Because embossing or compression of the end portions of the leg could be deformed, it is possible to ensure an exact locking to remove the legs in the region of the deformed and provided for the positional orientation of the locking element ends. The deformed ends, which are formed without legs, can be very short and limited to a few millimeters, in particular less than 10 mm. As a result, only a fraction of the length of the locking element is used for positional orientation of the locking element in the guide groove, while the vast majority participates in the vertical lock.

Another development of the invention further provides that the not provided with the said locking element edge sides of the panel are provided with a profile for vertical locking, which comprises a fixed spring tongue, which is engageable with a groove below the locking edge. This embodiment takes into account the case that a panel is rotated by 90 ° or 180 °. Also in this case, a mechanical connection in the vertical direction should be feasible. For this purpose, a groove below the locking edge in adaptation to fixed spring tongues of the other edge sides is formed.

A further embodiment of the invention provides that the second panel rests in the locking position on a support strip between the top of the first panel and the locking bar, wherein the second panel either by the pressure of the locking element from below against the first panel or at a fixed spring is held by the spring tongue on the first panel for vertical locking. The support bar is thus part of the vertical lock, this part of the vertical lock prevents too much lowering of the second panel relative to the first panel. The support strip preferably runs parallel to the top side of the panels. Deviating orientations are possible as long as a support is available on the first panel for the second panel.

The panels may be rectangular or square. Typically one side is formed with a locking element and the opposite side with a mating locking edge. It is possible to provide in such panels over corner adjacent sides with the said locking elements. In this case, the two other sides are provided with the matching locking edges. This should be possible with square panels greater freedom when laying.

The inventive idea is applicable to all floor, wall and ceiling systems. In addition to material boards without coatings, in particular top coverings can be provided on a support with the mechanical connection. The support may in particular be a wood-based panel, such as an MDF, HDF or chipboard. The mechanical connection is suitable for real wood coverings, laminate, support with painted surfaces as top coat, linoleum, cork on support plates, etc. The cover layer may in particular consist of a decorative paper with overlay, which determines the appearance of the elements.

A floor covering can thus be a finished parquet floor, a real wood floor or a laminate floor. Likewise, elements of solid material, such as. As wood flooring, wood elements, molded or injection molded plastic panels, especially PVC, vinyl or molded parts or plasterboard. The locking elements can also be used on panels with a smaller thickness of 4 to 8 mm. The panels may be, inter alia, panels for PVC flooring, e.g. B. carrier plates with top-side coverings on PVC basis. The panels may also be plastic or cement-based panels. The individual panels can be reinforced by fibers. WPC / BPC (Wood-Plastic-Compound / Bamboo-Plastic-Compound) materials are also suitable, as are panels with Wood-Powder (mixture of wood fibers, pigments and binders).

The pad according to the invention allows for corresponding locking grooves click connections that can be made both by swiveling (fold down) and by a vertical drop from above. The covering according to the invention is suitable for rectangular and square panels as well as for design laying in which cross joints are formed. This results in a much greater variety of design for this type of so-called click panels. The invention is not limited to the fact that the panels are rectangular and in particular not to the fact that the panels of two adjacent rows are arranged offset from one another.

An advantage of the locking element according to the invention is that it does not protrude beyond the edge side of the panel in the unlocked state and therefore does not come into contact with the panel laid first above the locking edge to be engaged behind. The spring is arranged protected, may be clamped in the starting position and / or held by adhesive substances, the adhesion effect is released when locking. The locking elements can be used for panels with thicknesses greater than 4 mm and in particular for squares.

The invention will be explained in more detail with reference to embodiments schematically illustrated in the drawings. It shows:

1 a vertical section through the edge region of two mutually engaging panels according to a first embodiment

2 a vertical section according to 1 during joining;

3a to g is a vertical section through the edge region of two panels to be joined together according to another embodiment during the joining;

4a to g is a vertical section through the edge region of two panels to be joined together according to the first embodiment;

5a a vertical section through the edge region of two panels to be joined according to a third embodiment;

5b a vertical section through the edge region of the second panel according to the 1 to 4 ;

6a a vertical section through the edge region of two mutually engaging panels according to 5a );

6b in an enlarged view 4g );

7a a vertical section through the edge region of two mutually engaging panels according to a fourth embodiment;

7b in an enlarged view 3g );

8th Vertical section through the edge region of two mutually engaging panels in two different positions of the locking element (angle W1);

9 a vertical section through the edge region of two mutually engaging panels according to a fifth embodiment;

10 the edge area according to 8th with drawn force vectors;

11 Ends of locking elements in a perspective looking towards the guide arm;

12 The locking elements of 10 in a perspective looking towards the thigh and

13 Cross section of the locking element of 10 and 11 before and after embossing.

1 shows the cross section through the connecting region of two panels 1 . 2 , The panels 1 . 2 are configured so that they can be assembled into a floor covering, in particular a floor covering. The panels 1 . 2 have a bottom side facing the ground 3 as well as a top 4 which corresponds to the visible side. The bottom 3 and the top 4 run parallel to a laying plane V.

The second panel 2 points to the first panel 1 pointing page 5 locking element 6 in a guide groove 7 on. The locking element 6 is intended to be behind a locking edge 8th on the first panel 1 to be taken or viewed from above below the locking edge 8th to understand. The locking edge 8th is located below a support rail 9 that as a lead on the side 10 of the first panel 1 is trained. The support strip 9 runs in this embodiment, the upper side parallel to the laying plane V. Other orientations of the top of the support bar 9 are possible. The top can z. B. extend at an acute angle to the laying plane V. At the edge 5 of the second panel 2 is formed a corresponding recess, so that the second panel 2 near its top 4 perpendicular to the laying plane V on the first panel 1 is supported.

The first panel 1 has a locking bar 11 on. The locking bar 11 of the first panel 1 stands opposite the side 10 of the first panel 1 farthest ago. The second panel 2 has a downwardly open dome channel 12 and an adjoining downward dome bulge 13 , The second panel 2 will be so opposite the first panel 1 arranged that when lowering in the direction of arrow P of the dome bulge 13 of the second panel 2 with an upwardly open coupling channel 14 the locking bar 11 and the dome channel 12 of the second panel 2 with a dome bulge 15 the locking bar 11 engaged. This area of the panels 1 . 2 serves for the horizontal connection of the panels 1 . 2 ,

The deposition in the direction of the arrow P can be done by the top 4 of the second panel 2 is displaced parallel to the laying plane V. The second panel 2 Alternatively, by folding (fold down) to another edge side opposite the first panel 1 be angled.

The dome bulge 15 on the locking bar 11 of the first panel 1 as well as the downwardly projecting Kuppelwulst 13 on the second panel 2 each have an inclined top or bottom, so that even when pushing together the panels 1 . 2 in the direction of the laying plane V, that is, when pushed together horizontally, the Kuppelwulst 13 of the second panel 2 on the dome bulge 15 first laid first panel 1 slides. This is the second panel 2 raised until the two panels 1 . 2 over the highest point of the dome bulge 15 the locking bar 11 are guided. Then the second panel slips 2 automatically in the upwardly open dome channel 14 on the locking bar 11 , The panels 1 . 2 Therefore, they can be connected to each other not only by vertical placement or angling, but also by horizontal telescoping in the direction of the laying plane V.

Essential part of the connection between the two panels 1 . 2 is the locking element 6 as well as the interplay of profiling in the area of the margins 5 . 10 the panels 1 . 2 , The locking element 6 has a guide arm 16 , The guide arm 16 is the part that leads into leadership 7 is arranged and the locking element 6 on the second panel 2 holds. The locking element 6 has a locking projection 17 that out of the guide groove 7 protrudes. The locking projection 17 is the area in front of the guide arm 16 who is outside the guide groove 7 located.

In the sectional view has the locking element 6 a substantially L- or Y-shaped cross-section, as to the locking projection 17 in the image plane down a thigh 18 followed. The thigh 18 is therefore not on the edge side 5 of the second panel 2 in front. It extends in the starting position in the direction of the Kuppelwulstes 13 and lies on the second panel 2 at. The thigh 18 is intended, the locking element 6 to pivot and bumps when lowering the second panel 2 in the direction of the arrow P on a guide surface 19 extending below the locking edge 8th on the first panel 1 located. The guide surface 19 is concavely curved in this embodiment. To the guide surface 19 closes a groove 20 on the edge side 10 is open and serves to receive a fixed spring tongue, as in 5a is shown. The guide arm 16 is rigid, ie substantially rigid with a leg 18 connected.

At the free end of the thigh 18 are two support strips 31 . 32 arranged, which are provided with the guide surface 19 to get in touch. They come with the active engagement with the guide surface 19 in line contact with the guide surface 19 , so that the friction against a flat contact is reduced.

The locking element 16 is in the guide groove 7 guided. This is the lower groove cheek 21 the guide groove 7 concave curved. In this particular embodiment, the guide groove 7 in their even circular arc, as indicated by the line L1. The line L1 describes a circle about a pivot point S, which is located above the guide groove 7 located. A line L2 describes a smaller radius, also about the pivot point S. It can be seen that the guide arm has a convexly curved underside 22 has, wherein the curvature corresponding to the line L1 of the concave curvature of the lower groove cheek 21 the guide groove 7 equivalent.

On the other hand, the guide arm lies 16 in the area of the mouth of the guide groove 7 Upper side on the upper groove cheek 23 with the mouth area lying on the line L2. Accordingly, the locking element 6 along the two circular arcs (lines L1 and L2) shifted. The angle W1 indicates how far the locking element is at least to pivot until both support strips 31 . 32 with the guide surface 19 get in touch.

The 3a to g show the intended sequence of movements. In 3a are the two panels 1 . 2 shown just before the locking element 6 with the first panel 1 comes into contact. When in contact with the guide surface 19 pushes the thigh 18 of the locking element 6 this up, leaving the guide arm 16 from the guide groove 7 is pulled out. The 3c to 3f show the further course of this pivoting movement, until finally the locking position in 3g is reached. The two panels 1 . 2 are at one height, because the second panel 2 lies on the support strip 9 of the first panel 1 on. This is the support bar 9 between the locking element 6 and the upper side resting second panel 2 clamp mounted. At the same time prevents the locking element 6 that the second panel 2 vertically from the first panel 1 is lifted.

A slightly different possibility of the joining movement shows the representation of 2 , These are identical components, as in the 1 and 3 However, in this embodiment, horizontal and vertical movements are superimposed. The second panel 2 is on the one hand in the direction of the arrow P, that is vertically lowered. On the other hand, the second panel 2 also horizontally in the direction of the arrow H, that is in the direction of the first panel 1 shifted so that the margins 5 . 10 the panels 1 . 2 abut. The panel 2 is shown in two different positions. The exact joining movement results from the contact between the Kuppelwulsten 15 and 13 in the transition region to their respective coupling grooves 12 . 14 , The angle W2 relative to the laying plane V is preferably 55 to 65 °, in particular 60 °. It is the flank angle in the transition between the dome bulge 13 . 15 and dome channel 12 . 14 of the first and second panels 1 . 2 , The second drawn angle W2 denotes the angle with respect to the laying plane V, the one locking surface 24 has, which is attached to the locking edge 8th followed. The locking projection 17 lies flat on the locking surface 24 at. This allows forces coming from the top to the first panel 1 act over the locking surface 24 flat in the locking element 6 be initiated. The locking element 6 in turn transfers these forces over the guide arm 7 on the second panel. The guide arm 7 here essentially points to the dome bulge 15 of the first panel 1 and therefore pushes the dome bulge 13 in the area of the supporting flank 25 on the associated supporting flank 26 the other panel. The arrow F in 7 shows the effective direction of this force.

While in the embodiment of the 1 to 3 the guide surface 19 is slightly concave curved but otherwise formed without projections or depressions, sees the embodiment of 4a to 4g a locking element 6 before, which is intended for, in a detent recess 27 on the first panel 1 to understand. The 4a to g show the motion sequence analogous to the 3a to g in the first-mentioned embodiment. It can be seen that on the thigh 18 a lead on the lower side 28 is formed, initially on the guide surface 19 slides. The guide surface 19 is not concave in this embodiment, but just yet slightly inclined to the direction setting against the laying plane V. When the locking element 6 is far enough swung, the projection attacks 28 in the detent recess 27 in the area of the lower groove flank of the groove 20 , This locks the mechanical connection vertically. As a result, the locking element 6 even after snapping the projection 28 in the detent recess 27 firmly on the first panel 1 in the area of the locking surface 24 abut, so that the panels 1 . 2 securely connected.

Both embodiments according to 3 and 4 cause a withdrawal of the guide arm 16 from the guide groove 7 , The movement is in each case unidirectional, ie only from the second panel 2 away, to the first panel 1 directed. These two exemplary embodiments are a pure rotational movement about a fixed pivot point S, which is spatially within the second panel 2 located.

The 5a and 5b show in the comparison once the long side of the panel 2 ( 5a ) and the head side described above 5 of the panel 2 ,

6a shows the long side edge side 29 of the panel 2 , being on this edge side 29 a fixed spring tongue 30 is arranged. The spring tongue 30 is suitable for the groove 21 on the first panel 1 configured. The 6a and 6b show the assembly position. 6b corresponds to the representation of 4g , It shows the mechanical connection between the panels 1 . 2 , preferably in the region of their head-side edge sides. The 6a shows at the same first panel 1 the connection of a longitudinal edge side 29 with a head side 10 of the first panel 1 ,

The same situation arises even if adjacent to the groove 20 below the locking edge 8th no detent recess 27 is arranged, as in the embodiment of 6a and 6b , The 7a and 7b show this situation, the difference being that the guide surface 19 in the first panel 1 only concavely curved, which does not affect the engagement of the fixed spring tongue 30 in the groove 20 Has. 7b corresponds to the representation of 3g and only shows the connection of the margins of the pages 5 . 10 the panels 1 . 2 in contrast to the connection of the margins 10 . 29 in 5a ,

8th shows a vertical section through the edge region of two mutually engaged panels 1 . 2 in two different positions of the locking element 6 to clarify by what angle W1 the locking element 6 to pivot to lock. The angle W1 is at a the guide arm 16 opposite side and the groove 20 facing side and is 20 to 35 °. In this example between 25 and 30 °. The embodiment of the detent recess 27 and a lead 37 in the transition from the groove 20 to the locking surface 24 prevent the thigh 18 further than in the 8th shown below towards the groove 21 is relocatable.

The 9 shows that the lower groove cheek 21 a flat area 33 Has. This level area 33 is located where the guide arm rests in the locking position. The plane area 33 runs in this embodiment, parallel to the laying plane V. As a result, a force acting by the guide arm 16 goes out, exclusively perpendicular to the laying plane V and presses the second panel 2 down against the first panel 1 ,

10 shows the corresponding force vectors. The arrow F1 shows the direction of the force coming from the guide arm 16 goes out and on the lower groove cheek 21 the guide groove 7 suppressed. The arrow F2 shows the direction of the force coming from the second panel 2 on the locking element 6 acts and in the area of the Nutmündung the upper groove cheek 23 , The force is in the direction of the thigh 18 directed. The arrow F3 shows the direction of the force from the first panel 1 on the locking element 6 is exercised, and that perpendicular to the locking surface 24 below the locking edge 8th , This force presses the guide arm 16 against the lower groove cheek 21 the guide groove. The arrow F4 indicates that a force or force component acting essentially parallel to the laying plane V is in the region of the detent recess 27 on the thigh 18 acts. This will create a torque on the guide arm 16 exercised the second panel 2 turn down against the first panel 1 press (arrow F1). The detent recess 27 has on its the locking bar 11 a supporting wall 34 ( 8th ), which forms an angle between 45 ° and 90 ° with the laying plane V, ie is relatively steep and therefore a secure engagement of the locking element 6 allows.

The 11 and 12 show ends 35 . 36 adjacent locking elements 6 in which the thigh 18 was removed to the guide arms 16 in these areas by embossing. In this example, the ends are 35 . 36 in the field of guide arms 16 curled. 13 shows on the left a cross section through the locking element 16 outside the end area 35 and on the right the cross-section within the end region 35 , The corrugation causes the guide arms 15 in the end areas 35 . 36 are thicker. This allows the locking element 16 in a guide groove 6 be clamped fixed. The production is inexpensive and can be done during the cutting to length of a particular provided as a continuous strand profile.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

paneling

2

paneling

3

bottom

4

top

5

edge side

6

locking element

7

guide

8th

locking edge

9

Auflagerleiste

10

 edge side

11

 locking bar

12

 dome channel

13

 Kuppelwulst

14

 dome channel

15

 Kuppelwulst

16

 guide

17

 locking projection

18

 leg

19

 guide surface

20

 groove

21

 lower groove cheek

22

Bottom of 16

23

upper groove cheek of 7

24

 Rest area

25

 support flank

26

 support flank

27

 latching depression

28

 head Start

29

 edge side

30

 spring tongue

31

 supporting strip

32

 supporting strip

33

 level area

34

 retaining wall

35

 The End

36

 The End

37

 head Start

F

Arrow in the direction of force

F1

 Arrow in the direction of force

F2

 Arrow in the direction of force

F3

 Arrow in the direction of force

F4

 Arrow in the direction of force

H

Arrow in horizontal direction

L1

 line

L2

 line

P

Arrow in vertical direction

S

pivot point

V

 laying plane

W

angle

W1

 angle

W2

 angle

W3

 angle

Claims (12)

Mechanical connection for panels at their edge sides to be joined ( 5 . 10 ), with adjacent first and second panels ( 1 . 2 ) are lockable by a substantially vertical joining movement in the horizontal and vertical directions, wherein for vertical locking on the first panel ( 1 ) a locking edge ( 8th ) and on the second panel ( 2 ) one opposite the panels ( 1 . 2 ) displaceable locking element ( 6 ) is arranged, which by a pivoting movement behind the locking edge ( 8th ) is displaceable, wherein the locking element ( 6 ) a locking projection ( 17 ) for shifting behind the locking edge ( 8th ) and an arcuate guide arm ( 16 ), which in a guide groove ( 7 ) of the first panel ( 1 ) is guided and is adapted, with a rotary or pivoting movement of the locking element ( 6 ) from the guide groove ( 7 ) partially pulled out by one of the guide groove ( 7 ) projecting leg ( 18 ) of the locking element ( 6 ) when depositing in an area below the locking edge ( 8th ) with the first panel ( 1 . 2 ) comes into contact. Mechanical interlock according to claim 1, characterized in that the leg ( 18 ) rigid with the arcuate guide arm ( 16 ) connected is. Mechanical connection according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the guide groove ( 7 ) is arcuately curved at least in some areas. Mechanical connection according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that a lower groove cheek ( 21 ) of the guide groove ( 7 ) is concavely curved at least partially. Mechanical connection according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the guide arm ( 16 ) at least on its underside ( 3 ) of the panels ( 1 . 2 ) pointing bottom ( 22 ) is convexly curved at least in sections. Mechanical connection according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the leg ( 18 ) in the locking position in a latching recess ( 27 ) on the first panel ( 1 ) sums up. Mechanical connection according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that on the first panel ( 1 ) adjacent the locking edge ( 8th ) a to the laying plane (V) inclined locking surface ( 24 ) for engagement with the locking projection ( 17 ) is arranged. Mechanical connection according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that a free end of the guide arm ( 16 ) is adapted, in the locking position with its underside ( 22 ) away from a groove mouth of the guide groove ( 16 ) against the lower groove cheek ( 21 ) of the guide groove ( 7 ) to push the panels ( 1 . 2 ) vertically against each other. Mechanical connection according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that not with the said locking elements ( 6 ) provided edge sides ( 29 ) of a panel ( 2 ) are provided with a profile for vertical locking, which has a fixed spring tongue ( 30 ) provided with a groove ( 20 ) below the locking edge ( 8th ) is engageable. Mechanical connection according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the second panel ( 2 ) in the locking position on a support strip ( 9 ) between the top ( 4 ) of the first panel ( 1 ) and the locking bar ( 11 ), wherein the second panel ( 2 ) either by the pressure of the locking element ( 6 ) from below against the first panel ( 1 ) or with a fixed spring tongue ( 30 ) according to claim 9 of the spring tongue ( 30 ) on the first panel ( 1 ) is held. Mechanical connection according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that a locking movement of the locking element ( 6 ) between a starting position and a locking position is unidirectional and exclusively from the second panel ( 2 ) to the first panel ( 1 ). Mechanical connection according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the locking element ( 6 ) is made by material-contrasting processing.

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