EP2459818B1 - Covering comprising panels that can be connected to each other mechanically - Google Patents

Covering comprising panels that can be connected to each other mechanically Download PDF

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Publication number
EP2459818B1
EP2459818B1 EP10744854.0A EP10744854A EP2459818B1 EP 2459818 B1 EP2459818 B1 EP 2459818B1 EP 10744854 A EP10744854 A EP 10744854A EP 2459818 B1 EP2459818 B1 EP 2459818B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
groove
covering
panel
pursuant
panels
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EP10744854.0A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP2459818A2 (en
Inventor
Franz Eschlbeck
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Individual
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Individual
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Priority to PL10744854T priority Critical patent/PL2459818T3/en
Publication of EP2459818A2 publication Critical patent/EP2459818A2/en
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    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E04—BUILDING
    • E04F—FINISHING WORK ON BUILDINGS, e.g. STAIRS, FLOORS
    • E04F15/00—Flooring
    • E04F15/02—Flooring or floor layers composed of a number of similar elements
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E04—BUILDING
    • E04F—FINISHING WORK ON BUILDINGS, e.g. STAIRS, FLOORS
    • E04F2201/00—Joining sheets or plates or panels
    • E04F2201/01—Joining sheets, plates or panels with edges in abutting relationship
    • E04F2201/0138—Joining sheets, plates or panels with edges in abutting relationship by moving the sheets, plates or panels perpendicular to the main plane
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E04—BUILDING
    • E04F—FINISHING WORK ON BUILDINGS, e.g. STAIRS, FLOORS
    • E04F2201/00—Joining sheets or plates or panels
    • E04F2201/05—Separate connectors or inserts, e.g. pegs, pins, keys or strips
    • E04F2201/0523—Separate tongues; Interlocking keys, e.g. joining mouldings of circular, square or rectangular shape

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a covering of mechanically interconnectable panels.
  • Wall, ceiling and floor coverings such as prefinished parquet, real wood floors or laminate flooring, consist of several rows of predominantly rectangular panels in their configuration.
  • 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 the second adjacent rows are offset from one another.
  • This game is preferably as small as possible so that it does not come to a height offset in the area of the butt joint of two panels. Due to the principle, however, a particular game can not be avoided.
  • the invention is based on the object to show a covering of mechanically interconnectable panels, in particular a floor covering, wherein the height offset in the region of the butt joint is minimal.
  • the panels of the flooring according to the invention are intended and adapted to be mechanically connected to other similar panels.
  • the connection is made via arranged on the complementary sides of the panels connecting elements in the form of tongue and groove joints.
  • the adjacent panels each have a horizontal groove on their mutually complementary sides.
  • a relative to the panel at least in parts relatively displaceable spring is arranged.
  • the spring engages in connecting the adjacent panels in a groove of the adjacent panel, thus blocking the adjacent panels against vertical displacement against each other.
  • the spring has a holding portion which is disposed in the groove of the spring-holding panel.
  • the spring has at least one projection.
  • the projection projects transversely to the laying plane, ie in the direction of the top or bottom of the panels.
  • a projection is given when the projecting portion of the spring is wider than the groove width measured in the region of the projection transversely to the laying plane the locking position.
  • the projection therefore projects in particular in relation to the holding section of the spring, which is matched to the groove width.
  • the grooves preferably horizontal, i. in laying level, are oriented. But it is also possible, the grooves and thus the springs inclined, i. at an acute angle to the laying level.
  • the grooves each have different long upper and lower groove cheeks, so that opposite to the shorter groove cheeks protruding portions of the longer groove cheeks in parallel spaced from each other.
  • These projecting portions of the groove cheeks serve as support surfaces for the projection.
  • the projection is intended, when in contact with this projecting portion of the groove cheek, transversely to the laying plane, i. usually to be displaced perpendicular to the laying plane of the panels.
  • the projection or the projecting portion of the spring is not only pushed back in the vertical direction and reduced to the width of the groove between the opposite projecting portions of the longer groove cheeks, but at the same time still in the laying plane, i. shifted horizontally.
  • the horizontal displacement results from the fact that the projection is an integral part of the spring, which is already supported with its one end in the groove, but is configured so that the other end of the spring is displaced in the direction of the laying plane.
  • the projection is thus in operative connection with a locking portion of the spring, which is displaceable by the movement of the projection in the direction of the groove of the adjacent panel.
  • groove cheeks in the context of the invention, not only the region is to be understood, which extends between the immediately opposite groove cheeks. It also includes the area that faces the long groove cheek, as this space is also occupied by the spring.
  • the groove cheeks in particular the longer groove cheeks, can vary in their distance considered over the groove depth.
  • protruding areas of the longer groove cheeks can be set off or offset from the shorter groove cheeks, so that the distance to the enlarged opposite groove cheek. Nevertheless, the remote areas also count to the groove.
  • the holding portion is connected via a connecting portion with the locking portion.
  • the connecting section is preferably connected to the holding section via a hinge arranged on its edge pointing to the top or to the underside of the panel.
  • the locking portion is coupled via a arranged at its diagonally opposite edge joint with the connecting portion. The position of this joint significantly determines the position of the most prominent point of the projection.
  • the spring is at least partially folded before joining two panels in a starting position, said holding portion, connecting portion and locking portion are pivoted about the joints against each other in the vertical direction from the plane of the holding portion out.
  • mutually facing side surfaces of the holding section, connecting section and locking section are each bevelled in a complementary manner to the top and bottom of the panels.
  • the projection When connecting two adjacent panels of the projection is displaced by the approach of the longer groove cheeks of the panels.
  • the projection can point up or down.
  • the projection is displaced by contact with a lower groove cheek of the groove receiving the locking portion of the first panel.
  • the vertical movement results in a horizontal movement in which the projection on the lower groove cheek slides along the groove receiving the locking portion.
  • This requires a pivoting of the connecting portion about both joints in the horizontal plane of the holding portion.
  • the locking portion is pivoted about the hinge of the projection in the horizontal plane of the holding portion.
  • the spring is stretched out of its folded state as soon as the longer groove flanks have approximated as far as possible. This is the case when the height offset between adjacent panels is minimal.
  • the locking portion is formed by the stretching movement of the spring in the groove of the pressed first panel.
  • a groove facing end surface of the connecting portion may be chamfered or rounded.
  • the hinge between the locking portion and the connecting portion at the level of the lower groove cheek of the locking portion receiving groove is preferably aligned horizontally after connecting two adjacent panels. Since the lower groove cheek of the spring-retaining groove extends only over a width of the holding portion, the surfaces of connecting portion and locking portion facing the underside of the panel rest on a lower groove cheek of the groove receiving the locking portion of the spring.
  • a material of lower elasticity is used, as in the joints, or the connecting portion.
  • the spring can have further sections in addition to the holding section, the connecting section and the locking section.
  • a projection is coupled to a specific mechanism.
  • This mechanism causes a locking portion of the spring is pressed in the horizontal direction in the groove of the adjacent panel.
  • the mechanism is triggered as soon as the projection comes into contact with a corresponding groove cheek and is displaced in the direction of the other groove flank.
  • the specific design of the spring also depends on the laying method. in particular, when a panel is not to be stored in a parallel, linear movement, but should be quasi angled by a pivoting movement. During the pivoting movement, the projecting areas of the longer groove flanks approach the length of the groove approached at a certain time to different degrees. Example: In a 45 ° position, the groove flanks at one end of the groove are almost at the end position, while the groove flanks at the other end are at a distance of several centimeters. In particular, in this case, it is expedient to provide either a plurality of spaced-apart springs, which do not hinder in their kinematics.
  • a spring which is divided by transverse to the groove slots in independently operable spring segments.
  • the spring segments preferably have a common holding section. This configuration can be called comb-like. This embodiment proves to be particularly advantageous when the second panel, starting at one end of the groove, is lowered in the longitudinal direction of the groove, so that the spring sections engage one after the other in the groove of the first panel.
  • Independently actuable spring segments can also be used in every other type of laying, i. even if the panels are not pivoted to each other, but are stored in a parallel movement.
  • the locking portion may have a profiling on its side facing the upper and / or lower groove cheek side surface.
  • the connecting portion may as well as the locking portion have a profiling on one or both side surfaces. This profiling may, for example, be wavy, have individual points or a sawtooth profile.
  • the groove cheeks of the panels can have a profiling complementary to profiling. It is also possible to provide on one or both side surfaces of the locking portion locking elements which engage in insertion of the locking portion in the groove of the adjacent panel in corresponding recesses of the upper or lower groove cheek.
  • the locking section bridges the gap adjoining the shorter groove cheek to the adjacent longer groove cheek of the other groove in order to minimize the height offset in the region of the butt joint of the panels.
  • the locking portion must therefore partially protrude from the groove receiving it, that is over the shorter groove cheek this groove.
  • the spring can extend over the entire length of the groove.
  • a plurality of springs can be provided in the longitudinal direction of the groove at a distance from each other. These may have independently operable locking portions.
  • panels can also be offset from each other in the longitudinal direction of the groove. It is conceivable to connect the holding portions in the region of the groove with each other, wherein the compound can be used simultaneously as a spacer between the springs.
  • a locking strip which serves to secure the adjacent panels against tensile stress in a laying plane.
  • the locking bar thus serves to couple the panels in the laying plane, while the springs are intended to prevent the panels from shifting relative to one another in the vertical direction. Since the locking strip which engages under the adjacent panel, is arranged at a relatively large distance from the top of the panels, it is additionally provided that the attacked by the locking bar panel is primarily supported on a support strip. This is arranged at a greater distance from the locking bar than the groove. In other words, the groove is between the support bar and the locking bar.
  • the support bar has the function of reducing the distance of the support point from the top of the panels, which is particularly advantageous for very thin-walled and softer materials.
  • the spring can consist of a uniform material.
  • Correspondingly thin areas can serve as film hinges. The thicker areas then serve to accommodate the forces acting transversely to the laying plane.
  • the material for the spring may be both a wood material, that is, it may be wood or a material containing wood fibers, or a material that is made of wood as a base material, such as liquid wood.
  • Metal and metal alloys, e.g. Spring steels are also suitable for the springs as well as composites.
  • the use of bimetallic or mixed plastics is just as possible as the use of materials based on thermoplastic or thermosetting plastics.
  • the spring can also consist of a fiber-reinforced plastic.
  • the spring is elastic.
  • the spring may be designed to be biased prior to connection. Due to the bias of the locking portion is pressed into the groove of the adjacent panel and additionally secured the connection of two panels.
  • Springs with restoring forces due to elasticity or because e.g. a spring steel was used, are suitable to retract the spring after opening the connection back to the starting position or jump back.
  • the joints connecting portions of the spring are preferably made of the same material as the spring.
  • a different material for this purpose, for example a kind of hotmelt.
  • Hotmelt is to be understood as meaning hotmelt or hotmelt adhesives which are based, for example, on polymers, resins or waxes and still have a flexibility after cooling. The basic idea is based on a functional separation of elastic and non-elastic areas.
  • a special feature are springs, which can assume two states.
  • the spring can assume a stable position and a metastable position, from which the spring automatically returns to the stable state upon termination of the force.
  • a bistable spring can be provided, which is characterized by the fact that two stable positions exist and every change from one position to another requires a force.
  • the spring with a metastable position is transferred from the stable position to a metastable position by the process of buckling, the restoring force being much less from the metastable position to the stable position than vice versa.
  • This favorable force-displacement characteristic can also be utilized in the present invention.
  • the bulge is equivalent to a projection on the spring, which is to be relocated. The projection is displaced until the spring jumps abruptly into the metastable position. This is the locking position.
  • the locking position is also audible. But it also turns a slight jerk when the locking position is reached.
  • the haptic information as well as an acoustic information of the so-called clicker effect are helpful feedback when laying and also when picking up the panels.
  • the clicker effect primarily occurs with metallic materials.
  • the principle is also compatible with other bulking materials, such as e.g. Plastics feasible.
  • the material of the panels there is no restriction with regard to the material of the panels, as long as this can be brought into the necessary form, in particular by machining.
  • These can be panels based on wood-based materials or plastics, as well as mineral materials and composite materials.
  • the size of the panels also plays a minor role.
  • the panels may also be large in size, e.g. as component plates of 600 mm x 1500 mm.
  • the inventive concept is particularly applicable to all floor systems in which an upper covering is arranged on a support, such as 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 element plate.
  • a floor covering may thus be a parquet floor, a finished parquet floor, a real wood floor or a laminate floor.
  • the floor covering may in particular also be a raised floor or a hollow floor in which below the covering, i. below the panels is a cavity that is used for the wiring.
  • below the covering i. below the panels is a cavity that is used for the wiring.
  • said springs can be provided not only on head sides but also on longitudinal sides of a panel, it is possible to provide individual panels e.g. Lift again by a siphon and then put it down again.
  • FIG. 1 a shows a cross-section through the connecting region of two panels 1, 2.
  • the panels 1, 2 are configured so that the panels 1, 2 can be assembled into a floor covering.
  • the panels 1, 2 have an underside 3 facing the panel background and an upper side 4 facing away from the panel background.
  • the illustration shows a left first panel 1 and on the right a second panel 2, before joining both panels 1, 2.
  • the second panel 2 points its, in a laying position facing the first panel 1 head side, which is hereinafter referred to as page 5, a extending in the horizontal direction groove 6.
  • an upper groove cheek 7 is wider than a lower groove cheek 8.
  • a spring 9 is arranged.
  • the spring 9 is arranged with its holding portion 10 in the groove 6.
  • the holding portion 10 is coupled with its opposite the lower groove cheek 8 protruding, pointing to the top 4 of the panel 2 edge with a connecting portion 11.
  • the coupling of holding portion 10 and connecting portion 11 is effected by a joint 12.
  • This joint 12 is designed in this embodiment as a film hinge. It consists of the same material as the spring 9 and can be manufactured with this in one production step.
  • Adjoining the connecting section 11 is a locking section 13, which is provided to engage with a groove 14 of the first panel 1 complementary to the groove 6 of the second panel 2.
  • the locking portion 13 is connected to the connecting portion 11 via a hinge 15, which is also designed here as a film hinge.
  • the joint 15 is arranged between two edges of the locking section 11 and of the connecting section 13 facing each other and towards the underside 3 of the panels 1, 2.
  • the connecting portion between locking portion 11 and connecting portion 13 forms with the hinge 15 a relative to the groove 6 of the second panel 2 in the direction of the bottom 3 of the panels 1, 2 projecting projection 16.
  • the facing side surfaces of holding portion 10, connecting portion 11 and locking portion 13 are designed such that the spring 9 is quasi folded in an initial state by the connecting portion 11 relative to the holding portion 10 and the locking portion 13 relative to the connecting portion 11 from the horizontal plane E of the holding portion 10 are pivoted out.
  • the projection 16 comes in connection with the first panel 1 with the second panel 2 with a lower groove cheek 17 of the Verrieglungsabites 13 receiving groove 14 in contact ( FIG. 1b ). Upon further displacement of the second panel 2 in the direction of the arrow P, the projection 16 is pressed by the lower groove cheek 17 in the direction of the upper side 4 of the panel 2.
  • connecting portion 11 and locking portion 13 are pivoted about the joints 12, 15 against each other from the folded position in a horizontal plane E of the holding portion 10.
  • the locking portion 13 protrudes beyond the length of the upper groove cheek 7 and engages in the groove 14 of the adjacent first panel 1 a.
  • the first panel 1 engages with a locking bar 18 on the underside of the second panel 2.
  • the second panel 2 has for this purpose a downwardly open dome channel 19 and a subsequent, downwardly directed, end Kuppelwulst 20.
  • the locking bar 18 of the first panel. 1 stands towards a designated as page 21 head side horizontally before, so that the Kuppelwulst 20 engages in the upwardly open coupling channel 22 of the locking bar 18.
  • the locking bar 18 connects at the end of an upwardly directed Kuppelwulst 23, which engages in the mounting position in the associated dome channel 19 of the second panel 2.
  • the second panel 2 is located on a support bar 25 above a groove 14.
  • the support strip 25 is thus located at a smaller distance from the top 4 of the left panel 2 as the locking bar 18 on which the Panel 2 is usually supported in the vertical direction. Due to the smaller distance of the support strip 25 to the top 4 tighter tolerances can be met, so that with this solution, any height offset between the panels 1, 2 can be minimized.
  • the support strip 25 directly adjoins the groove 14, so that its lower edge is part of an upper groove cheek 26 of the groove 14. The support strip 25 thus extends together with the locking portion 13 of the spring 9 receiving groove 14th
  • the panels 1, 2 preferably touch each other at certain support and support points.
  • the locking bar 18 and the Kuppelwulst 20 touch in this embodiment, only in the above-described contact area 24.
  • the remaining space between the locking bar 18 and the Kuppelwulst 20 are so small gaps that with an extreme vertical load and a touch can not be excluded due to the limited elasticity of the materials. Due to the free space also manufacturing tolerances can be compensated.
  • the locking portion 13 extends in the in Figure 1c Locking position shown out of the left groove 14 and thus bridges the gap between the adjacent upper groove cheeks of the left and right groove 14, the sixth
  • the panels 1, 2 are shown only partially below. But they all have the in the FIGS. 1a to 1c described locking bar as well as dome channels and Kuppelwülste on.
  • FIG. 2a shows a further embodiment of a arranged in a second panel 2 spring 9a.
  • the spring 9a is fixed with a holding portion 27 in a groove 6 of the second panel 2.
  • the adjoining the holding portion 27 connecting portion 28 is arcuately curved.
  • the arcuate connecting portion 28 forms a projection 16a, which protrudes in the direction of the bottom 3 of the panel 2 and in the direction of the bottom 3 opposite the lower groove cheek 8 of the spring 9a holding groove 6.
  • the adjoining the connecting portion 28 locking portion 29 is aligned approximately transversely to the longitudinal direction of the groove 6.
  • spring designs are also possible on which an end section of the connecting section facing the adjacent panel forms the locking section.
  • the bent connecting portion 28 When joining two adjacent panels 1, 2, the bent connecting portion 28 is displaced by a lower groove cheek 17 of the groove 14 of the first panel 1 in the direction of the upper groove cheek 7 of the groove 6 of the second panel 2. Characterized the curved connecting portion 28 of the spring 9a is flattened and the locking portion 29 is pushed transversely to the longitudinal direction of the groove 6 in the groove 14 of the first panel 1. The spring 9a is quasi stretched. The bent connecting portion 28 is between the lower groove cheek 17 of the groove 14 of the first panel 1 and the upper groove cheek 8 of the groove 6 of the second 2 panels compressed. The spring 9a is thereby biased longer and due to their elasticity when connecting the adjacent panels 1, 2. Thus, the spring 9a is biased and sits non-positively in the opposing grooves 6, 14 of the panels 1, 2 ( FIG. 2b ).
  • FIG. 3a shows a further embodiment of a spring 9b made of an elastic material.
  • the spring 9b is divided into three sections.
  • a projection 33 is provided in each case between the holding portion 30 and the connecting portion 31 and between the connecting portion 31 and the locking portion 32.
  • the projections 33 project toward the underside 3 of the panel 2 via the lower groove cheek 8 of the groove 6 of the second panel 2.
  • Both projections 33 are opposite, so arranged on the side facing the top 4 of the panel 2 side of the spring 9b, a recess 34.
  • the recess 34 can, as shown here, have a triangular cross-section. Semicircular or rectangular cross sections are also conceivable.
  • connecting and locking portion 35 of the spring 9c are made in one piece.
  • a free space 36 extending in the longitudinal direction of the groove 6 is provided in the connection and locking section 35.
  • the with the connection and Locking portion 35 connected holding portion 37 is disposed in the groove 6 of the second panel 2.
  • a projection 16b is arranged in the region of the free space 36, which protrudes in the direction of the bottom 3 of the panels 1, 2 on the lower groove cheek 7 of the groove 6 of the second panel 2 ,
  • the projection 16b is formed by a relative to the height H of the groove 6 widened region of the connecting and locking portion 35.
  • the spring 9 c is made of an elastic material, so that when joining two panels 1, 2, the projection is pressed by the lower groove cheek 17 of the groove 14 of the first panel 1 upwards toward the upper groove cheek 8 of the groove 6 of the second panel 2 , Due to the elasticity of the spring 9 c, the widened region of the connecting and locking section 35 is reduced in its width to the height H of the groove 6 of the second panel 2, or the groove 14 of the first panel 1.
  • the here circular cross-section of the free space 36 becomes an ellipse, which results in an extension of the locking and connecting portion 35 transversely to the longitudinal direction of the groove 6. Due to the extension of the locking and connecting portion 35 enters the groove 14 of the adjacent first panel 1 and is held there non-positively ( FIG. 4b ).
  • FIG. 5a shows an exemplary and schematic representation of a spring 9d with a locking mechanism.
  • the spring 9d has a holding portion 38, with which it is held in the groove 6 of the second panel 2.
  • the holding portion 38 has a biased in the initial position spring element 39.
  • the holding portion 38 is connected to the locking portion 41 via a connecting portion 40.
  • the connecting portion 40 has a relation to the lower groove cheek 8 of the groove 6 of the second panel 2 in the direction of the bottom 3 of the panels 1, 2 protruding projection 42, via which it is held simultaneously with the prestressed spring element 39 of the holding portion 38 in the starting position.
  • the projection 42 When connecting two panels 1, 2, the projection 42 is displaced by the lower groove cheek 17 of the groove 14 of the first panel 1 in the direction of the top 4 of the second panel 2. This will hold the bracket Released connection portion 41 and the spring force F of the spring element 39 acts on the connecting portion 41, which in turn acts on the locking portion 42 and this in the groove 14 of the first panel 1 hineinverlagert.
  • the transverse to the longitudinal direction of the groove 14 acting spring force F of the spring element 39 causes a frictional fit of the locking portion 42 in the groove 14 of the first panel 1 (FIG. FIG. 5b ).
  • the spring 9e in the embodiment of Figures 6a and 6b shows an alternative embodiment of the spring 9 in the FIGS. 1a to 1 c.
  • a protrusion 43 protruding from the lower groove cheek 8 of the groove 6 of the second panel 2 is formed by a first portion 44 of the two-part connecting portion.
  • the first portion 44 is connected to the locking portion 47 and to the second portion 48 of the connecting portion via a hinge 45, 46, respectively.
  • the second portion 48 of the connecting portion is connected via a further hinge 49 with the holding portion 50 of the spring 9 e. All hinges 45, 46, 49 are arranged on a side surface of the spring 9e facing towards the underside of the second panel 2.
  • the first section 44 is arranged in a plane parallel to the plane E of the holding section 50.
  • the locking portion 47 and the second portion 48 are inclined relative to the plane E of the holding portion 50.
  • the projection When connecting two adjacent panels 1, 2, the projection meets the lower groove cheek 17 of the groove 14 of the opposite first panel 1 and is displaced with further lowering of the second panel 2 in the direction of the arrow P to the top 4 of the panels 1, 2 out. As a result of this displacement, the first section 44 is moved into the plane E of the holding section 50. In this case, the locking portion 47 is displaced into the groove 14 of the adjacent first panel 1. If the spring 9e is already preloaded before the panels 1, 2 are connected, the panels 1, 2 are additionally braced against each other by the residual stress of the spring 9e.
  • FIGS. 7a and 7b show an embodiment in which the spring 9, as in FIG. 1 has been rotated by 180 ° and is now arranged in the left panel 1 instead of in the right panel 2.
  • the holding section 10 is located now in the left groove 14.
  • the locking portion 13 is to be inserted into the right-hand groove 6.
  • the projection 16 faces upwards and no longer downwards.
  • FIG. 7 is representative of the possibility to modify all other illustrated embodiments with respect to the mounting location of the spring. It is therefore possible in all variants also to turn the spring by 180 ° and to mount in the corresponding groove of the other panel.
  • the embodiment of the FIG. 8 is a modification of the embodiment of the FIG. 2b ,
  • the spring can be converted in this variant in the illustrated metastable state.
  • the stable state corresponds essentially to the illustration in FIG. 2a with the difference that the curved connecting portion is designed as a bulge. This bulge is pushed back over a tipping point so far that the connecting portion 28 is issued in the other direction.
  • a corresponding recess 51 in the upper groove cheek 7 and an upwardly projecting pusher 52 is provided on the lower groove cheek 17.
  • the geometry of the spring is shown and described rectangular in all embodiments. However, the invention does not preclude providing springs of other geometries, so that the illustrated and described shape is representative of other geometries.

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  • Architecture (AREA)
  • Civil Engineering (AREA)
  • Structural Engineering (AREA)
  • Floor Finish (AREA)
  • Finishing Walls (AREA)

Description

Die Erfindung betrifft einen Belag aus mechanisch miteinander verbindbaren Paneelen.The invention relates to a covering of mechanically interconnectable panels.

Wand-, Decken- und Bodenbeläge, wie zum Beispiel Fertigparkett, Echtholzböden oder Laminatfußböden, bestehen aus mehreren Reihen von in ihrer Konfiguration vorwiegend rechteckigen Paneelen. Konventionell besitzen die Paneele auf einer Längsseite und auf einer Kopfseite durchgehende Nuten und auf der jeweils gegenüberliegenden Längsseite bzw. Kopfseite durchgehende Federn, die an die Nuten formschlüssig angepasst sind. Durch die Verbindung von Nut und Feder werden die Paneele verlegt, wobei die Paneele zweiter benachbarter Reihen versetzt zueinander angeordnet werden.Wall, ceiling and floor coverings, such as prefinished parquet, real wood floors or laminate flooring, consist of several rows of predominantly rectangular panels in their configuration. 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 the second adjacent rows are offset from one another.

Es ist bekannt, an den Nuten und Federn mechanische Verriegelungsmittel auszubilden, welche bei in einem Fußbodenbelag benachbarten Paneelen miteinander in rastenden Eingriff gelangen. Hierdurch soll eine Fugenbildung im verlegten Fußbodenbelag durch Dehnungs- oder Schrumpfungsvorgänge vermieden werden. An die Nut und Feder der Paneele sind aneinander angepasste Verriegelungselemente in Form von Vertiefungen, Ausnehmungen oder Vorsprüngen ausgebildet, um verbundene Fußbodenpaneele in der zusammengefügten Lage leimlos zu halten. In der Regel werden die Paneele entlang ihrer Längsseiten ineinander gedreht oder geklickt und anschließend seitlich verschoben, so dass Verriegelungsleisten an den Kopfseiten in Eingriff gelangen. Um dieses zu erleichtern, können von der gegenüberliegenden Kopfseite her leichte Hammerschläge unter Zuhilfenahme eines Schlagklotzes angewandt werden. Hierbei besteht die Gefahr, dass es selbst bei sorgfältigstem Arbeiten zu Schäden an den Fußbodenpaneelen kommen kann.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 in the laid floor covering by expansion or shrinkage operations should be avoided. Adjacent to the tongue and groove of the panels are mating locking elements in the form of recesses, recesses or projections to hold bonded floor panels in the assembled position glueless. As a rule, the panels are along their long sides rotated into one another or clicked and then moved laterally, so that locking strips engage the head sides. In order to facilitate this, light hammer blows can be applied from the opposite side of the head with the aid of an impact pad. There is a risk that damage to the floor panels may occur even during the most careful work.

Es gibt auch Lösungen, bei denen die aneinander stoßenden Kopfseiten durch eine in ihre Längsrichtung verlagerbare Feder miteinander verbunden werden. Dadurch entfällt das manuelle Einschlagen mittels eines Hammers. Die Federn sind vormontiert, wodurch auch das nachträgliche Einfügen entfällt. Ein solcher Bodenbelag ist Gegenstand der WO 2008/017301 . Hierbei wird ein überstehendes Ende einer Feder in eine kopfseitige Nut hineinverlagert, um die Feder teilweise von einer Nut in die korrespondierende Nut des benachbarten Paneels zu verlagern. Auf diese Weise sind die Paneele miteinander verriegelt.There are also solutions in which the abutting head sides are joined together by a spring which can be displaced in its longitudinal direction. This eliminates the manual hammering by means of a hammer. The springs are pre-assembled, eliminating the need for subsequent insertion. Such a floor covering is the subject of WO 2008/017301 , In this case, a projecting end of a spring is displaced into a head-side groove in order to partially displace the spring from one groove into the corresponding groove of the adjacent panel. In this way, the panels are locked together.

Die EP 2 037 128 A1 offenbart einen Belag aus mechanisch miteinander verbindbaren Paneelen mit folgenden Merkmalen:

  1. a) benachbarte erste und zweite Paneele weisen an ihren zueinander komplementären Seiten jeweils eine Nut auf,
  2. b) die Nuten besitzen jeweils unterschiedlich lange obere und untere Nutwangen,
  3. c) in einer der Nuten ist eine gegenüber dem Paneel zumindest in Teilen relativ verlagerbare Feder angeordnet, die geeignet ist, beim Verbinden der benachbarten Paneele in die korrespondierende Nut des benachbarten Paneels einzugreifen,
  4. d) die Feder besitzt wenigstens einen Vorsprung, welcher in Richtung des gegenüber den kürzeren Nutwangen vorstehenden Bereichs der längeren Nutwangen der anderen Nut weist,
  5. e) der Vorsprung ist dafür vorgesehen, beim Kontakt mit diesem Bereich der Nutwange quer zur Verlegeebene der Paneele verlagert zu werden, wobei der Vorsprung im Wirkzusammenhang mit einem Verriegelungsabschnitt der Feder steht, welcher, bedingt durch die Bewegung des Vorsprungs, in Richtung der Nut des benachbarten Paneels verlagerbar ist.
  6. f) der Vorsprung ist an einem relativ zu dem Verriegelungsabschnitt und einem Halteabschnitt der Feder verlagerbaren Verbindungsabschnitt ausgebildet.
The EP 2 037 128 A1 discloses a covering of mechanically interconnectable panels with the following features:
  1. a) adjacent first and second panels each have a groove on their mutually complementary sides,
  2. b) the grooves each have differently long upper and lower groove cheeks,
  3. c) in one of the grooves, a relative to the panel at least in parts relatively displaceable spring is arranged, which is adapted to engage in connecting the adjacent panels in the corresponding groove of the adjacent panel,
  4. d) the spring has at least one projection which points in the direction of the region of the longer groove cheeks of the other groove projecting in the direction of the shorter groove cheeks,
  5. e) the projection is intended to be displaced transversely to the laying plane of the panels upon contact with this region of the groove cheek, the projection being operatively associated with a locking portion of the spring which, in the direction of the groove of the spring, due to the movement of the projection adjacent panel is displaceable.
  6. f) the projection is formed on a relative to the locking portion and a holding portion of the spring displaceable connecting portion.

Damit die Verlagerbarkeit der Feder überhaupt möglich ist, muss sie mit gewissem Spiel gehalten werden und in die entsprechend exakt ausgerichtete gegenüberliegende Nut des komplementären Paneels eingesetzt werden. Dieses Spiel ist vorzugsweise möglichst gering, damit es im Bereich der Stoßfuge zweier Paneele nicht zu einem Höhenversatz kommt. Prinzipbedingt kann ein bestimmtes Spiel jedoch nicht vermieden werden.So that the displaceability of the spring is even possible, it must be kept with a certain amount of play and inserted into the correspondingly precisely aligned opposite groove of the complementary panel. This game is preferably as small as possible so that it does not come to a height offset in the area of the butt joint of two panels. Due to the principle, however, a particular game can not be avoided.

Der Erfindung liegt die Aufgabe zu Grunde, einen Belag aus mechanisch miteinander verbindbaren Paneelen, insbesondere einen Bodenbelag aufzuzeigen, bei welchem der Höhenversatz im Bereich der Stoßfuge minimal ist.The invention is based on the object to show a covering of mechanically interconnectable panels, in particular a floor covering, wherein the height offset in the region of the butt joint is minimal.

Diese Aufgabe ist bei einem Belag mit den Merkmalen des Patentanspruchs 1 gelöst.This object is achieved in a covering with the features of claim 1.

Die Unteransprüche betreffen vorteilhafte Weiterbildungen der Erfindung.The subclaims relate to advantageous developments of the invention.

Die Paneele des erfindungsgemäßen Belags sind dafür vorgesehen und dazu geeignet mit anderen gleichartigen Paneelen mechanisch verbunden zu werden. Die Verbindung erfolgt über an den komplementären Seiten der Paneele angeordnete Verbindungselemente in Form von Nut- und Federverbindungen. Die benachbarten Paneele weisen an ihren zueinander komplementären Seiten jeweils eine horizontale Nut auf. In eine der Nuten ist eine gegenüber dem Paneel zumindest in Teilen relativ verlagerbare Feder angeordnet. Die Feder greift beim Verbinden der benachbarten Paneele in eine Nut des benachbarten Paneels ein und sperrt so die benachbarten Paneele gegenüber einer vertikalen Verlagerung gegeneinander. Die Feder besitzt einen Halteabschnitt, welcher in der Nut des die Feder haltenden Paneels angeordnet ist.The panels of the flooring according to the invention are intended and adapted to be mechanically connected to other similar panels. The connection is made via arranged on the complementary sides of the panels connecting elements in the form of tongue and groove joints. The adjacent panels each have a horizontal groove on their mutually complementary sides. In one of the grooves, a relative to the panel at least in parts relatively displaceable spring is arranged. The spring engages in connecting the adjacent panels in a groove of the adjacent panel, thus blocking the adjacent panels against vertical displacement against each other. The spring has a holding portion which is disposed in the groove of the spring-holding panel.

Die Feder besitzt wenigstens einen Vorsprung. Der Vorsprung springt quer zur Verlegeebene, d.h. in Richtung zur Oberseite oder zur Unterseite der Paneele vor. Ein Vorspringen ist dann gegeben, wenn der vorspringende Bereich der Feder breiter ist als die im Bereich des Vorsprungs quer zur Verlegeebene gemessene Nutbreite in der Verriegelungsposition. Der Vorsprung springt daher insbesondere gegenüber dem auf die Nutbreite abgestimmten Halteabschnitt der Feder vor.The spring has at least one projection. The projection projects transversely to the laying plane, ie in the direction of the top or bottom of the panels. A projection is given when the projecting portion of the spring is wider than the groove width measured in the region of the projection transversely to the laying plane the locking position. The projection therefore projects in particular in relation to the holding section of the spring, which is matched to the groove width.

Zur Orientierung der Nuten und damit auch der dort angeordneten Federn wird angemerkt, dass die Nuten bevorzugt horizontal, d.h. in Verlegeebene, orientiert sind. Es ist aber auch möglich, die Nuten und damit die Federn geneigt, d.h. im spitzen Winkel, zur Verlegeebene vorzusehen.For the orientation of the grooves and thus also the springs arranged there, it is noted that the grooves preferably horizontal, i. in laying level, are oriented. But it is also possible, the grooves and thus the springs inclined, i. at an acute angle to the laying level.

Die Nuten besitzen jeweils unterschiedliche lange obere und untere Nutwangen, so dass sich die jeweils gegenüber den kürzeren Nutwangen vorstehenden Bereiche der längeren Nutwangen im parallelen Abstand zueinander gegenüberliegen. Diese vorstehenden Bereiche der Nutwangen dienen als Stützflächen für den Vorsprung. Der Vorsprung ist nämlich dafür vorgesehen, beim Kontakt mit diesem vorstehenden Bereich der Nutwange quer zur Verlegeebene, d.h. in der Regel senkrecht zur Verlegeebene der Paneele verlagert zu werden. Mit anderen Worten wird der Vorsprung bzw. der vorspringende Bereich der Feder nicht nur in Hochrichtung zurückgedrängt und bis auf die Breite der Nut zwischen den sich gegenüberliegenden vorstehenden Bereichen der längeren Nutwangen reduziert, sondern gleichzeitig auch noch in der Verlegeebene, d.h. horizontal verlagert. Die horizontale Verlagerung ergibt sich dadurch, dass der Vorsprung fester Bestandteil der Feder ist, die sich mit ihrem einen Ende bereits in der Nut abstützt, aber so konfiguriert ist, dass das andere Ende der Feder in Richtung der Verlegeebene verlagert wird. Der Vorsprung steht somit im Wirkzusammenhang mit einem Verriegelungsabschnitt der Feder, welcher durch die Bewegung des Vorsprungs in Richtung der Nut des benachbarten Paneels verlagerbar ist.The grooves each have different long upper and lower groove cheeks, so that opposite to the shorter groove cheeks protruding portions of the longer groove cheeks in parallel spaced from each other. These projecting portions of the groove cheeks serve as support surfaces for the projection. Namely, the projection is intended, when in contact with this projecting portion of the groove cheek, transversely to the laying plane, i. usually to be displaced perpendicular to the laying plane of the panels. In other words, the projection or the projecting portion of the spring is not only pushed back in the vertical direction and reduced to the width of the groove between the opposite projecting portions of the longer groove cheeks, but at the same time still in the laying plane, i. shifted horizontally. The horizontal displacement results from the fact that the projection is an integral part of the spring, which is already supported with its one end in the groove, but is configured so that the other end of the spring is displaced in the direction of the laying plane. The projection is thus in operative connection with a locking portion of the spring, which is displaceable by the movement of the projection in the direction of the groove of the adjacent panel.

Als Nut im Sinne der Erfindung ist nicht nur der Bereich zu verstehen, der sich zwischen den unmittelbar gegenüberliegenden Nutwangen erstreckt. Es wird auch derjenige Bereich dazugezählt, der der langen Nutwange gegenüberliegt, da dieser Raum auch von der Feder in Anspruch genommen wird. Die Nutwangen, insbesondere die längeren Nutwangen, können in ihrem über die Nuttiefe betrachteten Abstand variieren. Vor allem die über die kürzeren Nutwangen vorstehenden Bereiche der längeren Nutwangen können gegenüber der kürzeren Nutwangen abgesetzt oder versetzt sein, so dass sich der Abstand zur gegenüberliegenden Nutwange vergrößert. Dennoch zählen auch die abgesetzten Bereiche zur Nut.As a groove in the context of the invention, not only the region is to be understood, which extends between the immediately opposite groove cheeks. It also includes the area that faces the long groove cheek, as this space is also occupied by the spring. The groove cheeks, in particular the longer groove cheeks, can vary in their distance considered over the groove depth. In particular, over the shorter groove cheeks protruding areas of the longer groove cheeks can be set off or offset from the shorter groove cheeks, so that the distance to the enlarged opposite groove cheek. Nevertheless, the remote areas also count to the groove.

Der Halteabschnitt ist über einen Verbindungsabschnitt mit dem Verriegelungsabschnitt verbunden. Dabei ist der Verbindungsabschnitt je nach Einbaulage vorzugsweise über ein an seiner zur Oberseite oder zur Unterseite des Paneels weisenden Kante angeordnetes Gelenk mit dem Halteabschnitt verbunden. Der Verriegelungsabschnitt ist über ein an seiner diagonal gegenüberliegenden Kante angeordnetes Gelenk mit dem Verbindungsabschnitt gekoppelt. Das Die Position dieses Gelenks bestimmt maßgeblich die Lage des am weitesten hervorstehenden Punktes des Vorsprungs.
Die Feder ist vor dem Verbinden zweier Paneele in einer Ausgangslage zumindest bereichsweise gefaltet, wobei Halteabschnitt, Verbindungsabschnitt und Verriegelungsabschnitt um die Gelenke gegeneinander in vertikaler Richtung aus der Ebene des Halteabschnitts heraus verschwenkt sind. Um eine derartige Faltung zu ermöglichen sind zueinander weisende Seitenflächen von Halteabschnitt, Verbindungsabschnitt und Verriegelungsabschnitt jeweils komplementär zur Oberseite und Unterseite der Paneele hin abgeschrägt.
Beim Verbinden zweier benachbarter Paneele wird der Vorsprung durch die Annährung der längeren Nutwangen der Paneele verlagert. Je nach Einbaulage kann der Vorsprung nach oben oder unten weisen. Vorzugsweise wird der Vorsprung durch Kontakt mit einer unteren Nutwange der den Verriegelungsabschnitt aufnehmenden Nut des ersten Paneels verlagert. Die vertikale Bewegung resultiert in einer horizontalen Bewegung, bei welcher der Vorsprung an der unteren Nutwange der den Verriegelungsabschnitt aufnehmenden Nut entlang gleitet. Das bedingt ein Verschwenken des Verbindungsabschnitts um beide Gelenke in die horizontale Ebene des Halteabschnitts. Ebenso wird der Verriegelungsabschnitt um das Gelenk des Vorsprungs in die horizontale Ebene des Halteabschnitts verschwenkt. Die Feder ist aus ihrem gefalteten Zustand gestreckt sobald sich die längeren Nutenflanken so weit wie möglich angenähert haben. Das ist der Fall, wenn der Höhenversatz zwischen benachbarten Paneelen minimal ist. Der Verriegelungsabschnitt wird durch die Streckbewegung der Feder in die Nut des ersten Paneels gedrückt. Um das Einfädeln des Verbindungsabschnitts in die Nut zu erleichtern, kann eine zur Nut weisende Stirnfläche des Verbindungsabschnitts abgeschrägt oder gerundet sein.The holding portion is connected via a connecting portion with the locking portion. Depending on the installation position, the connecting section is preferably connected to the holding section via a hinge arranged on its edge pointing to the top or to the underside of the panel. The locking portion is coupled via a arranged at its diagonally opposite edge joint with the connecting portion. The position of this joint significantly determines the position of the most prominent point of the projection.
The spring is at least partially folded before joining two panels in a starting position, said holding portion, connecting portion and locking portion are pivoted about the joints against each other in the vertical direction from the plane of the holding portion out. In order to enable such a folding, mutually facing side surfaces of the holding section, connecting section and locking section are each bevelled in a complementary manner to the top and bottom of the panels.
When connecting two adjacent panels of the projection is displaced by the approach of the longer groove cheeks of the panels. Depending on the installation position, the projection can point up or down. Preferably, the projection is displaced by contact with a lower groove cheek of the groove receiving the locking portion of the first panel. The vertical movement results in a horizontal movement in which the projection on the lower groove cheek slides along the groove receiving the locking portion. This requires a pivoting of the connecting portion about both joints in the horizontal plane of the holding portion. Likewise, the locking portion is pivoted about the hinge of the projection in the horizontal plane of the holding portion. The spring is stretched out of its folded state as soon as the longer groove flanks have approximated as far as possible. This is the case when the height offset between adjacent panels is minimal. The locking portion is formed by the stretching movement of the spring in the groove of the pressed first panel. In order to facilitate the threading of the connecting portion in the groove, a groove facing end surface of the connecting portion may be chamfered or rounded.

Nach dem Verlagern des Verriegelungsabschnitts der Feder in die Nut des benachbarten Paneels befindet sich das Gelenk zwischen Verriegelungsabschnitt und Verbindungsabschnitt auf Höhe der unteren Nutwange der den Verriegelungsabschnitt aufnehmenden Nut. Halteabschnitt, Verbindungsabschnitt und Verriegelungsabschnitt sind nach dem Verbinden zweier benachbarter Paneele vorzugsweise horizontal ausgerichtet. Da die untere Nutwange der die Feder haltenden Nut sich nur über eine Breite des Halteabschnitts erstreckt, liegen die zur Unterseite der Paneele weisende Flächen von Verbindungsabschnitt und Verriegelungsabschnitt auf einer unteren Nutwange der den Verriegelungsabschnitt der Feder aufnehmenden Nut auf.After shifting the locking portion of the spring into the groove of the adjacent panel, the hinge between the locking portion and the connecting portion at the level of the lower groove cheek of the locking portion receiving groove. Retaining portion, connecting portion and locking portion are preferably aligned horizontally after connecting two adjacent panels. Since the lower groove cheek of the spring-retaining groove extends only over a width of the holding portion, the surfaces of connecting portion and locking portion facing the underside of the panel rest on a lower groove cheek of the groove receiving the locking portion of the spring.

Während die gelenkigen Bereiche verformbare Werkstoffe benötigen, ist eine Verformung des Verriegelungsabschnitts nicht gewünscht. Daher kommt für den Verriegelungsabschnitt ein Werkstoff geringerer Elastizität zum Einsatz, als im Bereich der Gelenke, bzw. des Verbindungsabschnitts.While the hinged areas require deformable materials, deformation of the locking portion is undesirable. Therefore, for the locking portion, a material of lower elasticity is used, as in the joints, or the connecting portion.

Neben dem oben beschriebenen Ausführungsbeispiel ist es natürlich ebenso denkbar, einzelne Abschnitte der Feder mittig zu verbinden. In diesem Fall bilden die zur Unterseite der Paneele weisenden Kanten von Verbindungsabschnitt und Verriegelungsabschnitt den Vorsprung. Ebenso kann die Feder neben dem Halteabschnitt, dem Verbindungsabschnitt und dem Verriegelungsabschnitt weitere Abschnitte aufweisen.In addition to the embodiment described above, it is of course also conceivable to connect individual sections of the spring in the middle. In this case, the edges of the connecting portion and the locking portion facing the underside of the panels form the projection. Likewise, the spring can have further sections in addition to the holding section, the connecting section and the locking section.

Weiterhin sind Ausführungen von Federn denkbar, bei welchen ein Vorsprung mit einem bestimmten Mechanismus gekoppelt ist. Dieser Mechanismus bewirkt, dass ein Verriegelungsabschnitt der Feder in horizontaler Richtung in die Nut des benachbarten Paneels gedrückt wird. Dabei wird der Mechanismus ausgelöst, sobald der Vorsprung mit einer korrespondierenden Nutwange in Kontakt kommt und in Richtung der anderen Nutflanke verlagert wird.Furthermore, embodiments of springs are conceivable in which a projection is coupled to a specific mechanism. This mechanism causes a locking portion of the spring is pressed in the horizontal direction in the groove of the adjacent panel. The mechanism is triggered as soon as the projection comes into contact with a corresponding groove cheek and is displaced in the direction of the other groove flank.

Die konkrete Ausgestaltung der Feder hängt auch vom Verlegeverfahren ab. insbesondere, wenn ein Paneel nicht in einer parallelen, linearen Bewegung abgelegt werden soll, sondern durch eine Schwenkbewegung quasi abgewinkelt werden soll. Bei der Schwenkbewegung nähern sich die vorstehenden Bereiche der längeren Nutflanken über die Länge der Nut betrachtet zu einem bestimmten Zeitpunkt unterschiedlich weit an. Beispiel: In einer 45°-Position befinden sich die Nutflanken an einem Ende der Nut nahezu in der Endposition, während die Nutflanken am anderen Ende einen Abstand von mehreren Zentimetern haben. Insbesondere in diesem Fall ist es zweckmäßig, entweder mehrere im Abstand zueinander angeordnete Federn vorzusehen, die sich in ihrer Kinematik nicht behindern. Es ist aber auch möglich, eine Feder vorzusehen, welche durch quer zur Nut angeordnete Schlitze in unabhängig voneinander betätigbare Federsegmente unterteilt ist. Vorzugsweise weisen die Federsegmente einen gemeinsamen Halteabschnitt auf. Diese Konfiguration kann als kammartig bezeichnet werden. Diese Ausgestaltung erweist sich als besonders vorteilhaft, wenn das zweite Paneel, bei einem Ende der Nut beginnend, in Längsrichtung der Nut abgesenkt wird, so dass die Federabschnitte zeitlich nacheinander in die Nut des ersten Paneels einrasten. Unabhängig voneinander betätigbare Federsegmente können auch bei jeder weiteren Verlegeart zum Einsatz kommen, d.h. auch dann, wenn die Paneele nicht zueinander verschwenkt werden, sondern in einer Parallelbewegung abgelegt werden.The specific design of the spring also depends on the laying method. in particular, when a panel is not to be stored in a parallel, linear movement, but should be quasi angled by a pivoting movement. During the pivoting movement, the projecting areas of the longer groove flanks approach the length of the groove approached at a certain time to different degrees. Example: In a 45 ° position, the groove flanks at one end of the groove are almost at the end position, while the groove flanks at the other end are at a distance of several centimeters. In particular, in this case, it is expedient to provide either a plurality of spaced-apart springs, which do not hinder in their kinematics. But it is also possible to provide a spring which is divided by transverse to the groove slots in independently operable spring segments. The spring segments preferably have a common holding section. This configuration can be called comb-like. This embodiment proves to be particularly advantageous when the second panel, starting at one end of the groove, is lowered in the longitudinal direction of the groove, so that the spring sections engage one after the other in the groove of the first panel. Independently actuable spring segments can also be used in every other type of laying, i. even if the panels are not pivoted to each other, but are stored in a parallel movement.

Der Verriegelungsabschnitt kann an seiner zur oberen und/oder unteren Nutwange weisenden Seitenfläche eine Profilierung aufweisen. Der Verbindungsabschnitt kann ebenso wie der Verriegelungsabschnitt eine Profilierung an einer oder beiden Seitenflächen aufweisen. Diese Profilierung kann beispielsweise wellenförmig sein, einzelne Zacken oder ein Sägezahnprofil aufweisen.The locking portion may have a profiling on its side facing the upper and / or lower groove cheek side surface. The connecting portion may as well as the locking portion have a profiling on one or both side surfaces. This profiling may, for example, be wavy, have individual points or a sawtooth profile.

Die Nutwangen der Paneele können eine zur Profilierung komplementäre Profilierung aufweisen. Ebenso ist es möglich an einer oder beiden Seitenflächen des Verriegelungsabschnitts Rasteelemente vorzusehen, welche beim Einschieben des Verriegelungsabschnitts in die Nut des benachbarten Paneels in entsprechende Ausnehmungen der oberen oder unteren Nutwange einrasten.The groove cheeks of the panels can have a profiling complementary to profiling. It is also possible to provide on one or both side surfaces of the locking portion locking elements which engage in insertion of the locking portion in the groove of the adjacent panel in corresponding recesses of the upper or lower groove cheek.

Wichtig ist, dass der Verriegelungsabschnitt den sich an die kürzere Nutwange anschließenden Spalt zur angrenzenden längeren Nutwange der anderen Nut überbrückt um den Höhenversatz im Bereich der Stoßfuge der Paneele zu minimieren. Der Verriegelungsabschnitt muss also teilweise aus der ihn aufnehmenden Nut, das heißt über die kürzere Nutwange dieser Nut vorstehen.It is important that the locking section bridges the gap adjoining the shorter groove cheek to the adjacent longer groove cheek of the other groove in order to minimize the height offset in the region of the butt joint of the panels. The locking portion must therefore partially protrude from the groove receiving it, that is over the shorter groove cheek this groove.

Grundsätzlich kann die Feder sich über die gesamte Länge der Nut erstrecken. Darüber hinaus können in Längsrichtung der Nut in einem Abstand zueinander mehrere Federn vorgesehen sein. Diese können unabhängig voneinander betätigbare Verriegelungsabschnitte aufweisen. So lassen sich Paneele auch in Längsrichtung der Nut zueinander versetzt anordnen. Hierbei ist es denkbar, die Halteabschnitte im Bereich der Nut miteinander zu verbinden, wobei die Verbindung gleichzeitig als Abstandshalter zwischen den Federn genutzt werden kann.In principle, the spring can extend over the entire length of the groove. In addition, a plurality of springs can be provided in the longitudinal direction of the groove at a distance from each other. These may have independently operable locking portions. Thus, panels can also be offset from each other in the longitudinal direction of the groove. It is conceivable to connect the holding portions in the region of the groove with each other, wherein the compound can be used simultaneously as a spacer between the springs.

An einem der Paneele ist eine Verriegelungsleiste vorgesehen, die dazu dient, die benachbarten Paneele gegen Zugbelastung in einer Verlegeebene zu sichern. Die Verriegelungsleiste dient also zur Kopplung der Paneele in der Verlegeebene, während die Federn verhindern sollen, dass sich die Paneele relativ zueinander in Hochrichtung verlagern. Da die Verriegelungsleiste, welche unter das benachbarte Paneel greift, in relativ großem Abstand zur Oberseite der Paneele angeordnet ist, ist zusätzlich vorgesehen, dass das von der Verriegelungsleiste untergriffene Paneel sich primär auf eine Auflagerleiste abstützt. Diese ist in größerem Abstand von der Verriegelungsleiste angeordnet als die Nut. Mit anderen Worten befindet sich die Nut zwischen der Auflagerleiste und der Verriegelungsleiste. Die Auflagerleiste hat die Funktion, den Abstand des Auflagerpunktes von der Oberseite der Paneele zu reduzieren, was insbesondere bei sehr dünnwandigen und weicheren Materialien von Vorteil ist. Aufgrund der Nähe der Auflagerleiste zur Oberseite der Paneele werden punktuell in der Nähe einer Stoßfuge angreifende Vertikalkräfte, die auf das untergriffene Paneel wirken, auf kürzerem Wege in das angrenzende, untergreifende Paneel eingeleitet als dies über die tiefer gelegene Verriegelungsleiste möglich ist. Auf Grund der Abstützung in unmittelbarer Nähe zum Kraftangriffspunkt ist der Höhenversatz zwischen zwei Paneelen im Belastungsfall wesentlich geringer.On one of the panels a locking strip is provided, which serves to secure the adjacent panels against tensile stress in a laying plane. The locking bar thus serves to couple the panels in the laying plane, while the springs are intended to prevent the panels from shifting relative to one another in the vertical direction. Since the locking strip which engages under the adjacent panel, is arranged at a relatively large distance from the top of the panels, it is additionally provided that the attacked by the locking bar panel is primarily supported on a support strip. This is arranged at a greater distance from the locking bar than the groove. In other words, the groove is between the support bar and the locking bar. The support bar has the function of reducing the distance of the support point from the top of the panels, which is particularly advantageous for very thin-walled and softer materials. Due to the proximity of the support bar to the top of the panels, vertical forces acting at a point in the vicinity of a butt joint acting on the engaged panel are introduced in a shorter way into the adjacent, underarching panel than is possible via the deeper located locking bar. Due to the support in the immediate vicinity of the force application point of the height offset between two panels in the load case is much lower.

Die Feder kann insgesamt aus einem einheitlichen Werkstoff bestehen. Entsprechend dünn gestaltete Bereiche können als Filmgelenke dienen. Die dickeren Bereiche dienen dann zur Aufnahme der quer zur Verlegeebene angreifenden Kräfte.Overall, the spring can consist of a uniform material. Correspondingly thin areas can serve as film hinges. The thicker areas then serve to accommodate the forces acting transversely to the laying plane.

Der Werkstoff für die Feder kann sowohl ein Holzwerkstoff sein, das heißt es kann sich um Holz oder um einen Holzfasern enthaltenden Werkstoff handeln, oder einen Werkstoff, der aus Holz als Basismaterial hergestellt ist, wie beispielsweise Flüssigholz. Metall und Metalllegierungen, wie z.B. Federstähle, kommen für die Federn ebenso in Frage wie Verbundwerkstoffe. Der Einsatz von Bimetallen oder Mischkunststoffen ist ebenso möglich wie die Verwendung von Werkstoffen auf Basis thermoplastischer oder duroplastischer Kunststoffe. Die Feder kann auch aus einem faserverstärkten Kunststoff bestehen. Vorzugsweise ist die Feder elastisch ausgeführt.The material for the spring may be both a wood material, that is, it may be wood or a material containing wood fibers, or a material that is made of wood as a base material, such as liquid wood. Metal and metal alloys, e.g. Spring steels are also suitable for the springs as well as composites. The use of bimetallic or mixed plastics is just as possible as the use of materials based on thermoplastic or thermosetting plastics. The spring can also consist of a fiber-reinforced plastic. Preferably, the spring is elastic.

Die Feder kann vor dem Verbinden unter Vorspannung stehend ausgeführt sein. Durch die Vorspannung wird der Verriegelungsabschnitt in die Nut des benachbarten Paneels gedrückt und die Verbindung zweier Paneele zusätzlich gesichert.The spring may be designed to be biased prior to connection. Due to the bias of the locking portion is pressed into the groove of the adjacent panel and additionally secured the connection of two panels.

Federn mit Rückstellkräften infolge von Elastizität oder weil z.B. ein Federstahl verwendet wurde, sind dazu geeignet, die Feder nach dem Öffnen der Verbindung wieder in die Ausgangsposition zurückzuziehen bzw. zurückspringen zu lassen.Springs with restoring forces due to elasticity or because e.g. a spring steel was used, are suitable to retract the spring after opening the connection back to the starting position or jump back.

Die Gelenke, welche Abschnitte der Feder verbinden, werden vorzugsweise aus dem gleichen Werkstoff wie die Feder hergestellt. Natürlich ist es ebenso möglich hierfür einen anderen Werkstoff zu wählen, beispielsweise eine Art Hotmelt. Unter Hotmelt sind Schmelz- bzw. Heißklebestoffe zu verstehen, welche beispielsweise auf Polymeren, Harzen oder Wachsen basieren und nach dem Erkalten noch eine Flexibilität aufweisen. Der Grundgedanke beruht auf einer funktionalen Trennung elastischer und nicht elastischer Bereiche.The joints connecting portions of the spring are preferably made of the same material as the spring. Of course, it is also possible to choose a different material for this purpose, for example a kind of hotmelt. Hotmelt is to be understood as meaning hotmelt or hotmelt adhesives which are based, for example, on polymers, resins or waxes and still have a flexibility after cooling. The basic idea is based on a functional separation of elastic and non-elastic areas.

Eine Besonderheit sind Federn, die zwei Zustände annehmen können. Die Feder kann eine stabile Position sowie eine metastabile Position einnehmen, aus der die Feder bei Beendigung der Krafteinwirkung selbsttätig in den stabilen Zustand zurückkehrt. Ebenfalls kann eine bistabile Feder vorgesehen sein, die sich dadurch auszeichnet, dass zwei stabile Positionen existieren und jeder Wechsel von einer Position in die andere eine Krafteinwirkung voraussetzt.A special feature are springs, which can assume two states. The spring can assume a stable position and a metastable position, from which the spring automatically returns to the stable state upon termination of the force. Also, a bistable spring can be provided, which is characterized characterized by the fact that two stable positions exist and every change from one position to another requires a force.

Die Feder mit einer metastabilen Position wird von der stabilen Position durch den Vorgang des Beulens in eine metastabile Position überführt, wobei die Rückstellkraft von der metastabilen Position in die stabile Position viel geringer ist als umgekehrt. Diese günstige Kraft-Weg-Kennlinie kann auch bei der vorliegenden Erfindung ausgenutzt werden. Die Beulung ist einem Vorsprung an der Feder gleichzusetzen, der verlagert werden soll. Der Vorsprung wird soweit verlagert, bis die Feder schlagartig in die metastabile Position springt. Das ist die Verriegelungsposition. Durch ein Knackgeräusch, wie es sich bei Federn aus Metall oder zumindest bei Beulen aus Metall einstellt, ist die Verriegelungsposition auch akustisch festzustellen. Es stellt sich aber auch ein leichter Ruck ein, wenn die die Verriegelungsposition erreicht ist. Die haptische Information und auch eine akustische Information des so genannten Klicker-Effekts sind ein hilfreiches Feedback beim Verlegen und auch beim Aufnehmen der Paneele. Hinsichtlich der Werkstoffe stellt sich der Klicker-Effekt primär bei metallischen Werkstoffen ein. Das Prinzip ist aber auch mit anderen beulbaren Werkstoffen, wie z.B. Kunststoffen realisierbar.The spring with a metastable position is transferred from the stable position to a metastable position by the process of buckling, the restoring force being much less from the metastable position to the stable position than vice versa. This favorable force-displacement characteristic can also be utilized in the present invention. The bulge is equivalent to a projection on the spring, which is to be relocated. The projection is displaced until the spring jumps abruptly into the metastable position. This is the locking position. By a clicking sound, as it occurs in springs made of metal or at least in bumps made of metal, the locking position is also audible. But it also turns a slight jerk when the locking position is reached. The haptic information as well as an acoustic information of the so-called clicker effect are helpful feedback when laying and also when picking up the panels. As far as materials are concerned, the clicker effect primarily occurs with metallic materials. However, the principle is also compatible with other bulking materials, such as e.g. Plastics feasible.

Es besteht keine Einschränkung im Hinblick auf den Werkstoff der Paneele, sofern dieser insbesondere durch spanabhebende Bearbeitung in die notwendige Form gebracht werden kann. Es kann sich dabei sowohl um Paneele auf Basis von Holzwerkstoffen oder Kunststoffen handeln, als auch um mineralische Werkstoffe sowie Verbundwerkstoffe. Auch die Größe der Paneele spielt eine untergeordnete Rolle. Die Paneele können auch großformatig sein, z.B. als Bauelementplatten von 600 mm x 1500 mm.There is no restriction with regard to the material of the panels, as long as this can be brought into the necessary form, in particular by machining. These can be panels based on wood-based materials or plastics, as well as mineral materials and composite materials. The size of the panels also plays a minor role. The panels may also be large in size, e.g. as component plates of 600 mm x 1500 mm.

Der Erfindungsgedanke ist insbesondere auf alle Bodensysteme anwendbar, bei denen ein Oberbelag auf einem Träger angeordnet ist, wie beispielsweise Echtholzbeläge, Laminat, Träger mit lackierten Oberflächen als Oberbelag, Linoleum, Kork auf Trägerplatten etc.. Die Deckschicht kann insbesondere aus einem Dekorpapier mit Overlay bestehen, welches die Optik der Elementplatte bestimmt. Bei einem Fußbodenbelag kann es sich somit um einen Parkettboden, ein Fertigparkettboden, ein Echtholzboden oder um einen Laminatfußboden handeln.The inventive concept is particularly applicable to all floor systems in which an upper covering is arranged on a support, such as 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 element plate. A floor covering may thus be a parquet floor, a finished parquet floor, a real wood floor or a laminate floor.

Bei dem Fußbodenbelag kann es sich insbesondere auch um einen Doppelboden oder auch Hohlboden handeln, bei welchem sich unterhalb des Belags, d.h. unterhalb der Paneele ein Hohlraum befindet, der für die Leitungsführung genutzt wird. Gerade bei diesen Doppelböden ist es von Vorteil, wenn einzelne Paneele wieder aufgenommen werden können, was mit der Erfindung sehr gut machbar ist. Da die besagten Federn nicht nur an Kopfseiten sondern auch an Längsseiten eines Paneels vorgesehen sein können, ist es möglich, einzelne Paneele z.B. durch einen Saugheber wieder anzuheben und anschließend auch wieder abzulegen.The floor covering may in particular also be a raised floor or a hollow floor in which below the covering, i. below the panels is a cavity that is used for the wiring. Especially in these raised floors, it is advantageous if individual panels can be resumed, which is very feasible with the invention. Since said springs can be provided not only on head sides but also on longitudinal sides of a panel, it is possible to provide individual panels e.g. Lift again by a siphon and then put it down again.

Die Erfindung wird nachfolgend anhand von in den schematischen Zeichnungen dargestellten Ausführungsbeispielen näher erläutert. Es zeigen:

Figuren 1a bis 1c
jeweils im Querschnitt einen Ausschnitt aus dem Verbindungsbereich zweier benachbarter Paneele, in unterschiedlichen Montagestellungen und
Figuren 2a bis 7b und 8
jeweils verschiedene Ausführungsformen der Feder.
The invention will be explained in more detail with reference to embodiments shown in the schematic drawings. Show it:
FIGS. 1a to 1c
each in cross section a section of the connecting region of two adjacent panels, in different mounting positions and
FIGS. 2a to 7b and 8
each different embodiments of the spring.

Die Figur 1 a zeigt einen Querschnitt durch den Verbindungsbereich zweier Paneele 1, 2. Die Paneele 1, 2 sind so konfiguriert, so dass die Paneele 1, 2 zu einem Fußbodenbelag zusammengesetzt werden können. Die Paneele 1, 2 besitzen eine dem Paneelenuntergrund zugewandte Unterseite 3 und eine vom Paneelenuntergrund abgewandte Oberseite 4. Die Darstellung zeigt ein linkes erstes Paneel 1 und rechts ein zweites Paneel 2, vor der Verbindung beider Paneele 1, 2. Das zweite Paneel 2 weist an seiner, in einer Verlegeposition zum ersten Paneel 1 weisenden Kopfseite, welche im Folgenden mit Seite 5 bezeichnet wird, eine sich in horizontaler Richtung erstreckende Nut 6 auf. Dabei ist eine obere Nutwange 7 breiter als eine untere Nutwange 8. In der Nut 6 ist eine Feder 9 angeordnet.The FIG. 1 a shows a cross-section through the connecting region of two panels 1, 2. The panels 1, 2 are configured so that the panels 1, 2 can be assembled into a floor covering. The panels 1, 2 have an underside 3 facing the panel background and an upper side 4 facing away from the panel background. The illustration shows a left first panel 1 and on the right a second panel 2, before joining both panels 1, 2. The second panel 2 points its, in a laying position facing the first panel 1 head side, which is hereinafter referred to as page 5, a extending in the horizontal direction groove 6. In this case, an upper groove cheek 7 is wider than a lower groove cheek 8. In the groove 6, a spring 9 is arranged.

Die Feder 9 ist mit ihrem Halteabschnitt 10 in der Nut 6 angeordnet. Der Halteabschnitt 10 ist mit seiner gegenüber der unteren Nutwange 8 hervorstehenden, zu Oberseite 4 des Paneels 2 weisenden Kante mit einem Verbindungsabschnitt 11 gekoppelt. Die Kopplung von Halteabschnitt 10 und Verbindungsabschnitt 11 erfolgt durch ein Gelenk 12. Dieses Gelenk 12 ist in diesem Ausführungsbeispiel als Filmgelenk ausgeführt. Es besteht aus dem gleichen Material wie die Feder 9 und kann mit dieser in einem Fertigungsschritt hergestellt werden. An den Verbindungsabschnitt 11 schließt sich ein Verriegelungsabschnitt 13 an, welcher dafür vorgesehen ist, mit einer zur Nut 6 des zweiten Paneels 2 komplementären Nut 14 des ersten Paneels 1 in Eingriff zu gelangen. Der Verriegelungsabschnitt 13 ist mit dem Verbindungsabschnitt 11 über ein Gelenk 15, welches hier ebenfalls als Filmgelenk ausgeführt ist, verbunden. Das Gelenk 15 ist zwischen zwei zueinander und zur Unterseite 3 der Paneele 1, 2 weisenden Kanten des Verriegelungsabschnitts 11 und des Verbindungsabschnitts 13 angeordnet. Der Verbindungsbereich zwischen Verriegelungsabschnitt 11 und Verbindungsabschnitt 13 bildet mit dem Gelenk 15 einen gegenüber der Nut 6 des zweiten Paneels 2 in Richtung der Unterseite 3 der Paneele 1, 2 vorstehenden Vorsprung 16. Die zueinander weisenden Seitenflächen von Halteabschnitt 10, Verbindungsabschnitt 11 und Verriegelungsabschnitt 13 sind so ausgestaltet, dass die Feder 9 in einem Ausgangszustand quasi gefaltet ist, indem der Verbindungsabschnitt 11 gegenüber dem Halteabschnitt 10 und der Verriegelungsabschnitt 13 gegenüber dem Verbindungsabschnitt 11 aus der horizontalen Ebene E des Halteabschnitts 10 heraus verschwenkt sind.The spring 9 is arranged with its holding portion 10 in the groove 6. The holding portion 10 is coupled with its opposite the lower groove cheek 8 protruding, pointing to the top 4 of the panel 2 edge with a connecting portion 11. The coupling of holding portion 10 and connecting portion 11 is effected by a joint 12. This joint 12 is designed in this embodiment as a film hinge. It consists of the same material as the spring 9 and can be manufactured with this in one production step. Adjoining the connecting section 11 is a locking section 13, which is provided to engage with a groove 14 of the first panel 1 complementary to the groove 6 of the second panel 2. The locking portion 13 is connected to the connecting portion 11 via a hinge 15, which is also designed here as a film hinge. The joint 15 is arranged between two edges of the locking section 11 and of the connecting section 13 facing each other and towards the underside 3 of the panels 1, 2. The connecting portion between locking portion 11 and connecting portion 13 forms with the hinge 15 a relative to the groove 6 of the second panel 2 in the direction of the bottom 3 of the panels 1, 2 projecting projection 16. The facing side surfaces of holding portion 10, connecting portion 11 and locking portion 13 are designed such that the spring 9 is quasi folded in an initial state by the connecting portion 11 relative to the holding portion 10 and the locking portion 13 relative to the connecting portion 11 from the horizontal plane E of the holding portion 10 are pivoted out.

Der Vorsprung 16 kommt beim Verbinden des ersten Paneels 1 mit dem zweiten Paneel 2 mit einer unteren Nutwange 17 der den Verrieglungsabschnitt 13 aufnehmenden Nut 14 in Kontakt (Figur 1b). Bei weiterer Verlagerung des zweiten Paneels 2 in Richtung des Pfeils P wird der Vorsprung 16 durch die untere Nutwange 17 in Richtung zu Oberseite 4 des Paneels 2 gedrückt.The projection 16 comes in connection with the first panel 1 with the second panel 2 with a lower groove cheek 17 of the Verrieglungsabschnitt 13 receiving groove 14 in contact ( FIG. 1b ). Upon further displacement of the second panel 2 in the direction of the arrow P, the projection 16 is pressed by the lower groove cheek 17 in the direction of the upper side 4 of the panel 2.

Dabei werden Verbindungsabschnitt 11 und Verriegelungsabschnitt 13 um die Gelenke 12, 15 gegeneinander aus der gefalteten Position in eine horizontale Ebene E des Halteabschnitts 10 verschwenkt. Der Verriegelungsabschnitt 13 ragt über die Länge der oberen Nutwange 7 hinaus und greift in die Nut 14 des benachbarten ersten Paneels 1 ein.In this case, connecting portion 11 and locking portion 13 are pivoted about the joints 12, 15 against each other from the folded position in a horizontal plane E of the holding portion 10. The locking portion 13 protrudes beyond the length of the upper groove cheek 7 and engages in the groove 14 of the adjacent first panel 1 a.

Das erste Paneel 1 untergreift mit einer Verriegelungsleiste 18 unterseitig das zweite Paneel 2. Das zweite Paneel 2 besitzt zu diesem Zweck einen nach unten offenen Kuppelkanal 19 und eine sich hieran anschließende, nach unten gerichtete, endseitige Kuppelwulst 20. Die Verriegelungsleiste 18 des ersten Paneels 1 steht gegenüber einer als Seite 21 bezeichneten Kopfseite horizontal vor, so dass die Kuppelwulst 20 in den nach oben offenen Kuppelkanal 22 der Verriegelungsleiste 18 greift. An den Kuppelkanal 22 schließt sich endseitig der Verriegelungsleiste 18 eine nach oben gerichtete Kuppelwulst 23 an, die in der Montagestellung in den zugehörigen Kuppelkanal 19 des zweiten Paneels 2 eingreift. Durch die Hinterschneidung der Kuppelwülste 20, 23 sind die beiden Paneele 1, 2 in der Verlegeebene V, das heißt in horizontaler Richtung des verlegten Bodenbelags, gegen Verlagerung gesichert. Dadurch, dass die Kuppelwülste 20, 23 in ihrem Kontaktbereich 24 schräg zur Verlegeebene V aneinander anliegen, wird beim Herunterschwenken des zweiten Paneels 2 in Richtung des Pfeils P auf das bereits verlegte erste Paneel 1 das zweite Paneel 2 mit seiner, zur Seite 21 des ersten Paneels 1 komplementären Seite 5 gegen das erste Paneel 1 gezogen, so dass die Seiten 5, 21 der Paneele 1, 2 aneinander anliegen.The first panel 1 engages with a locking bar 18 on the underside of the second panel 2. The second panel 2 has for this purpose a downwardly open dome channel 19 and a subsequent, downwardly directed, end Kuppelwulst 20. The locking bar 18 of the first panel. 1 stands towards a designated as page 21 head side horizontally before, so that the Kuppelwulst 20 engages in the upwardly open coupling channel 22 of the locking bar 18. At the dome channel 22, the locking bar 18 connects at the end of an upwardly directed Kuppelwulst 23, which engages in the mounting position in the associated dome channel 19 of the second panel 2. Due to the undercut of Kuppelwülste 20, 23, the two panels 1, 2 in the laying plane V, that is secured in the horizontal direction of the laid flooring, against displacement. The fact that the Kuppelwülste 20, 23 abut each other in its contact region 24 obliquely to the laying plane V, is when swinging down the second panel 2 in the direction of the arrow P on the already laid first panel 1, the second panel 2 with his, to the side 21 of the first Panel 1 complementary side 5 pulled against the first panel 1, so that the sides 5, 21 of the panels 1, 2 abut each other.

Zusätzlich zu dem Kontakt zwischen den Kuppelwülsten 20, 23 liegt das zweite Paneel 2 auf einer Auflagerleiste 25 oberhalb einer Nut 14. Die Auflagerleiste 25 befindet sich somit in einem geringeren Abstand von der Oberseite 4 des linken Paneels 2 als die Verriegelungsleiste 18, auf der das Paneel 2 üblicherweise in Vertikalrichtung abgestützt ist. Auf Grund des geringeren Abstands der Auflagerleiste 25 zur Oberseite 4 können engere Toleranzen eingehalten werden, so dass mit dieser Lösung ein etwaiger Höhenversatz zwischen den Paneelen 1, 2 minimiert werden kann. Die Auflagerleiste 25 grenzt unmittelbar an die Nut 14, so dass ihre Unterkante ein Bestandteil einer oberen Nutwange 26 der Nut 14 ist. Die Auflagerleiste 25 erstreckt sich somit zusammen mit der den Verriegelungsabschnitt 13 der Feder 9 aufnehmenden Nut 14.In addition to the contact between the Kuppelwülsten 20, 23, the second panel 2 is located on a support bar 25 above a groove 14. The support strip 25 is thus located at a smaller distance from the top 4 of the left panel 2 as the locking bar 18 on which the Panel 2 is usually supported in the vertical direction. Due to the smaller distance of the support strip 25 to the top 4 tighter tolerances can be met, so that with this solution, any height offset between the panels 1, 2 can be minimized. The support strip 25 directly adjoins the groove 14, so that its lower edge is part of an upper groove cheek 26 of the groove 14. The support strip 25 thus extends together with the locking portion 13 of the spring 9 receiving groove 14th

Die Paneele 1, 2 berühren sich vorzugsweise an bestimmten Stütz- und Haltepunkten. Die Verriegelungsleiste 18 und der Kuppelwulst 20 berühren sich bei diesem Ausführungsbeispiel nur in dem vorstehend beschriebenen Kontaktbereich 24. Allerdings sind die verbleibenden Freiräume zwischen der Verriegelungsleiste 18 und dem Kuppelwulst 20 so kleine Spalte, dass bei einer extremen Vertikalbelastung auch eine Berührung nicht ausgeschlossen werden kann, was auf die begrenzte Elastizität der Werkstoffe zurückzuführen ist. Durch die Freiräume können zudem Fertigungstoleranzen ausgeglichen werden.The panels 1, 2 preferably touch each other at certain support and support points. The locking bar 18 and the Kuppelwulst 20 touch in this embodiment, only in the above-described contact area 24. However, the remaining space between the locking bar 18 and the Kuppelwulst 20 are so small gaps that with an extreme vertical load and a touch can not be excluded due to the limited elasticity of the materials. Due to the free space also manufacturing tolerances can be compensated.

Der Verriegelungsabschnitt 13 erstreckt sich in der in Figur 1c dargestellten Verriegelungsposition aus der linken Nut 14 heraus und überbrückt somit den Spalt zwischen den benachbarten oberen Nutwangen der linken und der rechten Nut 14, 6.The locking portion 13 extends in the in Figure 1c Locking position shown out of the left groove 14 and thus bridges the gap between the adjacent upper groove cheeks of the left and right groove 14, the sixth

Aus Gründen der Übersichtlichkeit wurden für die Paneele 1, 2 in den nachfolgend beschriebenen Figuren 2a bis 5b die Bezugszeichen der Figuren 1a bis 1c übernommen, was aber nicht ausschließt, dass die Paneele 1, 2 in den konkreten Ausführungsformen auf Grund der Anpassung an die verschiedenen Federn in ihrer Ausgestaltung etwas voneinander abweichen können.For clarity, were for the panels 1, 2 in the following FIGS. 2a to 5b the reference numerals of FIGS. 1a to 1c taken over, but this does not preclude that the panels 1, 2 in the specific embodiments due to the adaptation to the different springs in their design may differ slightly from each other.

Zudem sind nachfolgend die Paneele 1, 2 nur ausschnittsweise dargestellt. Sie weisen aber alle die in den Figuren 1a bis 1c beschriebe Verriegelungsleiste sowie Kuppelkanäle und Kuppelwülste auf.In addition, the panels 1, 2 are shown only partially below. But they all have the in the FIGS. 1a to 1c described locking bar as well as dome channels and Kuppelwülste on.

Figur 2a zeigt eine weitere Ausführungsform einer in einem zweiten Paneel 2 angeordneten Feder 9a. Die Feder 9a ist mit einem Halteabschnitt 27 in einer Nut 6 des zweiten Paneels 2 festgelegt. Der sich an den Halteabschnitt 27 anschließende Verbindungsabschnitt 28 ist bogenförmig gekrümmt. Dabei bildet der bogenförmige Verbindungsabschnitt 28 einen Vorsprung 16a, welcher in Richtung der Unterseite 3 des Paneels 2 und steht in Richtung der Unterseite 3 gegenüber der unteren Nutwange 8 der die Feder 9a haltenden Nut 6 hervorsteht. Der sich an der Verbindungsabschnitt 28 anschließende Verriegelungsabschnitt 29 ist in etwa quer zur Längsrichtung der Nut 6 ausgerichtet. Es sind natürlich auch Federausführungen denkbar an welchen ein zum benachbarten Paneel weisender Endabschnitt des Verbindungsabschnitts den Verriegelungsabschnitt bildet. FIG. 2a shows a further embodiment of a arranged in a second panel 2 spring 9a. The spring 9a is fixed with a holding portion 27 in a groove 6 of the second panel 2. The adjoining the holding portion 27 connecting portion 28 is arcuately curved. In this case, the arcuate connecting portion 28 forms a projection 16a, which protrudes in the direction of the bottom 3 of the panel 2 and in the direction of the bottom 3 opposite the lower groove cheek 8 of the spring 9a holding groove 6. The adjoining the connecting portion 28 locking portion 29 is aligned approximately transversely to the longitudinal direction of the groove 6. Of course, spring designs are also possible on which an end section of the connecting section facing the adjacent panel forms the locking section.

Beim Verbinden zweier benachbarter Paneele 1, 2 wird der gebogene Verbindungsabschnitt 28 durch eine untere Nutwange 17 der Nut 14 des ersten Paneels 1 in Richtung der oberen Nutwange 7 der Nut 6 des zweiten Paneels 2 verlagert. Dadurch wird der gebogene Verbindungsabschnitt 28 der Feder 9a abgeflacht und der Verriegelungsabschnitt 29 quer zur Längsrichtung der Nut 6 in die Nut 14 des ersten Paneels 1 geschoben. Die Feder 9a wird quasi gestreckt. Der gebogene Verbindungsabschnitt 28 wird zwischen der unteren Nutwange 17 der Nut 14 des ersten Paneels 1 und der oberen Nutwange 8 der Nut 6 des zweiten Paneels 2 gestaucht. Die Feder 9a wird dadurch länger und auf Grund ihrer Elastizität beim Verbinden der benachbarten Paneele 1, 2 vorgespannt. Somit ist die Feder 9a vorgespannt und sitzt kraftschlüssig in den sich gegenüberstehenden Nuten 6, 14 der Paneele 1, 2 (Figur 2b).When joining two adjacent panels 1, 2, the bent connecting portion 28 is displaced by a lower groove cheek 17 of the groove 14 of the first panel 1 in the direction of the upper groove cheek 7 of the groove 6 of the second panel 2. Characterized the curved connecting portion 28 of the spring 9a is flattened and the locking portion 29 is pushed transversely to the longitudinal direction of the groove 6 in the groove 14 of the first panel 1. The spring 9a is quasi stretched. The bent connecting portion 28 is between the lower groove cheek 17 of the groove 14 of the first panel 1 and the upper groove cheek 8 of the groove 6 of the second 2 panels compressed. The spring 9a is thereby biased longer and due to their elasticity when connecting the adjacent panels 1, 2. Thus, the spring 9a is biased and sits non-positively in the opposing grooves 6, 14 of the panels 1, 2 ( FIG. 2b ).

Figur 3a zeigt eine weitere Ausführungsform einer Feder 9b aus einem elastischen Material. Die Feder 9b ist in drei Abschnitte unterteilt. Dabei ist jeweils zwischen dem Halteabschnitt 30 und dem Verbindungsabschnitt 31 sowie zwischen dem Verbindungsabschnitt 31 und dem Verriegelungsabschnitt 32 ein Vorsprung 33 vorgesehen. Die Vorsprünge 33 stehen in Richtung zur Unterseite 3 des Paneels 2 über die untere Nutwange 8 der Nut 6 des zweiten Paneels 2 hervor. Beiden Vorsprüngen 33 ist gegenüberliegend, also auf der zur Oberseite 4 des Paneels 2 weisenden Seite der Feder 9b, eine Aussparung 34 angeordnet. Die Aussparung 34 kann dabei, wie hier dargestellt, einen dreieckigen Querschnitt aufweisen. Halbkreisförmige oder rechteckige Querschnitte sind aber ebenso denkbar. FIG. 3a shows a further embodiment of a spring 9b made of an elastic material. The spring 9b is divided into three sections. In this case, in each case between the holding portion 30 and the connecting portion 31 and between the connecting portion 31 and the locking portion 32, a projection 33 is provided. The projections 33 project toward the underside 3 of the panel 2 via the lower groove cheek 8 of the groove 6 of the second panel 2. Both projections 33 are opposite, so arranged on the side facing the top 4 of the panel 2 side of the spring 9b, a recess 34. The recess 34 can, as shown here, have a triangular cross-section. Semicircular or rectangular cross sections are also conceivable.

Beim Verbinden zweier benachbarter Paneele 1, 2 drückt die untere Nutwange 17 der Nut 14 des ersten Paneels 1 die Vorsprünge 33 in Richtung zur oberen Nutwange 7 der Nut 6 des zweiten Paneels 2. Auf Grund des hier eingesetzten elastischen Materials drängt das Material der zur Oberseite 4 gedrückten Vorsprünge 33 in die jeweils gegenüberliegende Aussparung 34 und die Feder 9b dehnt sich quer zur Längsrichtung der Nut 6 aus. Durch die Ausdehnung gelangt der Verriegelungsabschnitt 32 in die Nut 14 des ersten Paneels 1. Da sich eine Höhe H der Nuten 6, 14 des ersten Paneels 1 und zweiten Paneels 2 nach dem Verbinden nicht mehr ändert, bleibt der Druck der unteren Nutwange 17 auf die Vorsprünge 33 bestehen, die Feder 9b bleibt gedehnt und sitzt kraftschlüssig in den Nuten 6, 14 der Paneele 1, 2 (Figur 3b).When connecting two adjacent panels 1, 2 presses the lower groove cheek 17 of the groove 14 of the first panel 1, the projections 33 toward the upper groove cheek 7 of the groove 6 of the second panel 2. Due to the elastic material used here, the material urges the top 4 pressed projections 33 in the respective opposite recess 34 and the spring 9b expands transversely to the longitudinal direction of the groove 6 from. Due to the expansion of the locking portion 32 enters the groove 14 of the first panel 1. Since a height H of the grooves 6, 14 of the first panel 1 and second panel 2 does not change after connection, the pressure of the lower groove cheek 17 remains on the Projections 33 are made, the spring 9b remains stretched and sits non-positively in the grooves 6, 14 of the panels 1, 2 ( FIG. 3b ).

In einer weiteren Ausführungsform (Figur 4a) sind Verbindungs- und Verriegelungsabschnitt 35 der Feder 9c einstückig ausgeführt. Dabei ist ein sich in Längsrichtung der Nut 6 erstreckenden Freiraum 36 in dem Verbindungs- und Verriegelungsabschnitt 35 vorgesehen. Natürlich sind bei alternativen Ausgestaltungen auch mehrere Freiräume denkbar. Der mit dem Verbindungs- und Verriegelungsabschnitt 35 verbundene Halteabschnitt 37 ist in der Nut 6 des zweiten Paneels 2 angeordnet.In a further embodiment ( FIG. 4a ) connecting and locking portion 35 of the spring 9c are made in one piece. In this case, a free space 36 extending in the longitudinal direction of the groove 6 is provided in the connection and locking section 35. Of course, in alternative embodiments, several open spaces are conceivable. The with the connection and Locking portion 35 connected holding portion 37 is disposed in the groove 6 of the second panel 2.

An der zur Unterseite 3 der Paneele 1, 2 weisenden Seite der Feder 9c ist im Bereich des Freiraums 36 ein Vorsprung 16b angeordnet, welcher in Richtung zur Unterseite 3 der Paneele 1, 2 über die untere Nutwange 7 der Nut 6 des zweiten Paneels 2 hinausragt. Der Vorsprung 16b wird durch einen gegenüber der Höhe H der Nut 6 verbreiterten Bereich des Verbindungs- und Verriegelungsabschnitts 35 gebildet. Die Feder 9c ist aus einem elastischen Material gefertigt, so dass beim Verbinden zweier Paneele 1, 2 der Vorsprung durch die untere Nutwange 17 der Nut 14 des ersten Paneels 1 nach oben in Richtung zur oberen Nutwange 8 der Nut 6 des zweiten Paneels 2 gedrückt wird. Auf Grund der Elastizität der Feder 9c wird der verbreiterte Bereich des Verbindungs- und Verriegelungsabschnitts 35 in seiner Breite auf die Höhe H der Nut 6 des zweiten Paneels 2, bzw. der Nut 14 des ersten Paneels 1 reduziert. Der hier kreisförmige Querschnitt des Freiraums 36 wird zu einer Ellipse, was eine Streckung des Verriegelungs- und Verbindungsabschnitts 35 quer zur Längsrichtung der Nut 6 zur Folge hat. Durch die Streckung gelangt der Verriegelungs- und Verbindungsabschnitt 35 in die Nut 14 des benachbarten ersten Paneels 1 und wird dort kraftschlüssig gehalten (Figur 4b).On the underside 3 of the panels 1, 2 facing side of the spring 9c a projection 16b is arranged in the region of the free space 36, which protrudes in the direction of the bottom 3 of the panels 1, 2 on the lower groove cheek 7 of the groove 6 of the second panel 2 , The projection 16b is formed by a relative to the height H of the groove 6 widened region of the connecting and locking portion 35. The spring 9 c is made of an elastic material, so that when joining two panels 1, 2, the projection is pressed by the lower groove cheek 17 of the groove 14 of the first panel 1 upwards toward the upper groove cheek 8 of the groove 6 of the second panel 2 , Due to the elasticity of the spring 9 c, the widened region of the connecting and locking section 35 is reduced in its width to the height H of the groove 6 of the second panel 2, or the groove 14 of the first panel 1. The here circular cross-section of the free space 36 becomes an ellipse, which results in an extension of the locking and connecting portion 35 transversely to the longitudinal direction of the groove 6. Due to the extension of the locking and connecting portion 35 enters the groove 14 of the adjacent first panel 1 and is held there non-positively ( FIG. 4b ).

Figur 5a zeigt eine beispielhafte und schematische Darstellung einer Feder 9d mit einem Verriegelungsmechanismus. Dabei weist die Feder 9d einen Halteabschnitt 38 auf, mit welchem sie in der Nut 6 des zweiten Paneels 2 gehalten wird. Der Halteabschnitt 38 weist ein in Ausgangsstellung vorgespanntes Federelement 39 auf. Der Halteabschnitt 38 ist über einen Verbindungsabschnitt 40 mit dem Verriegelungsabschnitt 41 verbunden. Der Verbindungsabschnitt 40 weist einen gegenüber der unteren Nutwange 8 der Nut 6 des zweiten Paneels 2 in Richtung der Unterseite 3 der Paneele 1, 2 hervorstehenden Vorsprung 42 auf, über welchen er gleichzeitig mit dem vorgespannten Federelement 39 des Halteabschnitts 38 in der Ausgangsposition gehalten wird. FIG. 5a shows an exemplary and schematic representation of a spring 9d with a locking mechanism. In this case, the spring 9d has a holding portion 38, with which it is held in the groove 6 of the second panel 2. The holding portion 38 has a biased in the initial position spring element 39. The holding portion 38 is connected to the locking portion 41 via a connecting portion 40. The connecting portion 40 has a relation to the lower groove cheek 8 of the groove 6 of the second panel 2 in the direction of the bottom 3 of the panels 1, 2 protruding projection 42, via which it is held simultaneously with the prestressed spring element 39 of the holding portion 38 in the starting position.

Beim Verbinden zweier Paneele 1, 2 wird der Vorsprung 42 durch die untere Nutwange 17 der Nut 14 des ersten Paneels 1 in Richtung der Oberseite 4 des zweiten Paneels 2 verlagert. Dadurch wird die Halterung des Verbindungsabschnitts 41 freigegeben und die Federkraft F des Federelements 39 wirkt auf den Verbindungsabschnitt 41, welcher seinerseits auf den Verriegelungsabschnitt 42 wirkt und diesen in die Nut 14 des ersten Paneels 1 hineinverlagert. Die quer zur Längsrichtung der Nut 14 wirkende Federkraft F des Federelements 39 bewirkt einen kraftschlüssigen Sitz des Verriegelungsabschnittes 42 in der Nut 14 des ersten Paneels 1 (Figur 5b).When connecting two panels 1, 2, the projection 42 is displaced by the lower groove cheek 17 of the groove 14 of the first panel 1 in the direction of the top 4 of the second panel 2. This will hold the bracket Released connection portion 41 and the spring force F of the spring element 39 acts on the connecting portion 41, which in turn acts on the locking portion 42 and this in the groove 14 of the first panel 1 hineinverlagert. The transverse to the longitudinal direction of the groove 14 acting spring force F of the spring element 39 causes a frictional fit of the locking portion 42 in the groove 14 of the first panel 1 (FIG. FIG. 5b ).

Die Feder 9e im Ausführungsbeispiel der Figuren 6a und 6b zeigt eine alternative Ausführung zur Feder 9 in den Figuren 1a bis 1 c. Hier wird ein gegenüber der unteren Nutwange 8 der Nut 6 des zweiten Paneels 2 vorstehender Vorsprung 43 durch einen ersten Abschnitt 44 des zweiteiligen Verbindungsabschnitts gebildet. Der erste Abschnitt 44 ist jeweils über ein Gelenk 45, 46 mit dem Verriegelungsabschnitt 47 und mit dem zweiten Abschnitt 48 des Verbindungsabschnitts verbunden. Der zweite Abschnitt 48 des Verbindungsabschnitts ist über ein weiteres Gelenk 49 mit dem Halteabschnitt 50 der Feder 9e verbunden. Alle Gelenke 45, 46, 49 sind an einer zur Unterseite des zweiten Paneels 2 weisenden Seitenfläche der Feder 9e angeordnet. Der erste Abschnitt 44 ist dabei in einer Ebene parallel zur Ebene E des Halteabschnitts 50 angeordnet. Der Verriegelungsabschnitt 47 sowie der zweite Abschnitt 48 sind gegenüber der Ebene E des Halteabschnitts 50 geneigt.The spring 9e in the embodiment of Figures 6a and 6b shows an alternative embodiment of the spring 9 in the FIGS. 1a to 1 c. Here, a protrusion 43 protruding from the lower groove cheek 8 of the groove 6 of the second panel 2 is formed by a first portion 44 of the two-part connecting portion. The first portion 44 is connected to the locking portion 47 and to the second portion 48 of the connecting portion via a hinge 45, 46, respectively. The second portion 48 of the connecting portion is connected via a further hinge 49 with the holding portion 50 of the spring 9 e. All hinges 45, 46, 49 are arranged on a side surface of the spring 9e facing towards the underside of the second panel 2. The first section 44 is arranged in a plane parallel to the plane E of the holding section 50. The locking portion 47 and the second portion 48 are inclined relative to the plane E of the holding portion 50.

Bei der Verbindung zweier benachbarter Paneele 1, 2 trifft der Vorsprung auf die untere Nutwange 17 der Nut 14 des gegenüberliegenden ersten Paneels 1 und wird mit weiterem Absenken des zweiten Paneels 2 in Richtung des Pfeils P zur Oberseite 4 der Paneele 1, 2 hin verlagert. Durch diese Verlagerung wird der erste Abschnitt 44 in die Ebene E des Halteabschnitts 50 bewegt. Dabei wird der Verriegelungsabschnitt 47 in die Nut 14 des benachbarten ersten Paneels 1 verlagert. Steht die Feder 9e bereits vor dem Verbinden der Paneele 1, 2 unter Vorspannung werden die Paneele 1, 2 durch die Eigenspannung der Feder 9e zusätzlich gegeneinander verspannt.When connecting two adjacent panels 1, 2, the projection meets the lower groove cheek 17 of the groove 14 of the opposite first panel 1 and is displaced with further lowering of the second panel 2 in the direction of the arrow P to the top 4 of the panels 1, 2 out. As a result of this displacement, the first section 44 is moved into the plane E of the holding section 50. In this case, the locking portion 47 is displaced into the groove 14 of the adjacent first panel 1. If the spring 9e is already preloaded before the panels 1, 2 are connected, the panels 1, 2 are additionally braced against each other by the residual stress of the spring 9e.

Die Figuren 7a und 7b zeigen eine Ausführungsform, bei welcher die Feder 9, wie sie in Figur 1 gezeigt ist um 180° gedreht wurde und anstelle in dem rechten Paneel 2 nunmehr in dem linken Paneel 1 angeordnet ist. Der Halteabschnitt 10 befindet sich nun in der linken Nut 14. Der Verriegelungsabschnitt 13 soll in die rechte Nut 6 eingeführt werden. Der Vorsprung 16 weist nach oben und nicht mehr nach unten.The FIGS. 7a and 7b show an embodiment in which the spring 9, as in FIG. 1 has been rotated by 180 ° and is now arranged in the left panel 1 instead of in the right panel 2. The holding section 10 is located now in the left groove 14. The locking portion 13 is to be inserted into the right-hand groove 6. The projection 16 faces upwards and no longer downwards.

Bezüglich der weiteren Funktion wird auf die Erläuterung der Figuren 1a bis 1 c Bezug genommen, da sich in Figur 7 lediglich die Orientierung und Zuordnung der Feder geändert hat.Regarding the further function is on the explanation of FIGS. 1a to 1 c, since in FIG. 7 just changed the orientation and assignment of the spring.

Das Beispiel der Figur 7 steht stellvertretend für die Möglichkeit auch alle weiteren dargestellten Ausführungsformen hinsichtlich des Montageortes der Feder abzuwandeln. Es ist also bei allen Varianten auch möglich die Feder um 180° zu drehen und in der korrespondierenden Nut des anderen Paneels zu montieren.The example of FIG. 7 is representative of the possibility to modify all other illustrated embodiments with respect to the mounting location of the spring. It is therefore possible in all variants also to turn the spring by 180 ° and to mount in the corresponding groove of the other panel.

Die Ausführungsform der Figur 8 ist eine Abwandlung der Ausführungsform der Figur 2b. Die Feder ist bei dieser Variante in den dargestellten metastabilen Zustand überführbar. Der stabile Zustand entspricht im Wesentlichen der Darstellung in Figur 2a mit dem Unterschied, dass der gekrümmte Verbindungsabschnitt als Beule ausgeführt ist. Diese Beule wird über einen Kipppunkt so weit zurückgedrückt, dass der Verbindungsabschnitt 28 in die andere Richtung ausgestellt wird. Hierzu ist eine entsprechende Aussparung 51 in der oberen Nutwange 7 und ein nach oben ragender Drücker 52 an der unteren Nutwange 17 vorgesehen.The embodiment of the FIG. 8 is a modification of the embodiment of the FIG. 2b , The spring can be converted in this variant in the illustrated metastable state. The stable state corresponds essentially to the illustration in FIG FIG. 2a with the difference that the curved connecting portion is designed as a bulge. This bulge is pushed back over a tipping point so far that the connecting portion 28 is issued in the other direction. For this purpose, a corresponding recess 51 in the upper groove cheek 7 and an upwardly projecting pusher 52 is provided on the lower groove cheek 17.

Die Geometrie der Feder ist bei allen Ausführungsbeispielen rechteckig dargestellt und beschrieben. Die Erfindung schließt jedoch nicht aus, Federn anderer Geometrien vorzusehen, so dass die dargestellte und beschriebene Form stellvertretend für andere Geometrien ist.The geometry of the spring is shown and described rectangular in all embodiments. However, the invention does not preclude providing springs of other geometries, so that the illustrated and described shape is representative of other geometries.

Bezugszeichen:Reference numerals:

1 -1 -
Paneelpaneling
2 -2 -
Paneelpaneling
3 -3 -
Unterseitebottom
4 -4 -
Oberseitetop
5 -5 -
Seitepage
6 -6 -
Nutgroove
7 -7 -
obere Nutwangeupper groove cheek
8 -8th -
untere Nutwangelower groove cheek
9 -9 -
Federfeather
9a -9a -
Federfeather
9b -9b -
Federfeather
9c -9c -
Federfeather
9d -9d -
Federfeather
9e -9e -
Federfeather
10 -10 -
Halteabschnittholding section
11 -11 -
Verbindungsabschnittconnecting portion
12 -12 -
Gelenkjoint
13 -13 -
Verriegelungsabschnittlocking section
14 -14 -
Nutgroove
15 -15 -
Gelenkjoint
16 -16 -
Vorsprunghead Start
16a -16a -
Vorsprunghead Start
16b -16b -
Vorsprunghead Start
17 -17 -
untere Nutwangelower groove cheek
18 -18 -
Verriegelungsleistelocking bar
19 -19 -
Kuppelkanaldome channel
20 -20 -
KuppelwulstKuppelwulst
21 -21 -
Seitepage
22 -22 -
Kuppelkanaldome channel
23 -23 -
KuppelwulstKuppelwulst
24 -24 -
Kontaktbereichcontact area
25 -25 -
AuflagerleisteAuflagerleiste
26 -26 -
Nutwangecheek
27 -27 -
Halteabschnittholding section
28 -28 -
Verbindungsabschnittconnecting portion
29 -29 -
Verriegelungsabschnittlocking section
30 -30 -
Halteabschnittholding section
31 -31 -
Verbindungsabschnittconnecting portion
32 -32 -
Verriegelungsabschnittlocking section
33 -33 -
Vorsprunghead Start
34 -34 -
Aussparungrecess
35 -35 -
Verriegelungs- und VerbindungsabschnittLocking and connecting section
36 -36 -
Freiraumfree space
37 -37 -
Halteabschnittholding section
38 -38 -
Halteabschnittholding section
39 -39 -
Federelementspring element
40 -40 -
Verbindungsabschnittconnecting portion
41 -41 -
Verriegelungsabschnittlocking section
42 -42 -
Vorsprunghead Start
43 -43 -
Vorsprunghead Start
44 -44 -
erster Abschnittfirst section
45 -45 -
Gelenkjoint
46 -46 -
Gelenkjoint
47 -47 -
Verriegelungsabschnittlocking section
48 -48 -
zweiter Abschnittsecond part
49 -49 -
Gelenkjoint
50 -50 -
Halteabschnittholding section
51 -51 -
Aussparungrecess
52 -52 -
Drückerhandle
E -E -
Ebenelevel
V -V -
Verlegeebenelaying plane
P -P -
Pfeilarrow
H -H -
Höheheight
F -F -
Federkraftspring force

Claims (16)

  1. Covering comprising panels that can be connected to each other mechanically, with the following characteristics:
    a) The neighboring first and second panels (1, 2) have a groove (6. 14) on their complimentary sides (5, 21),
    b) The grooves (6, 14) have upper and lower groove cheeks (7, 8; 17, 26)
    c) In one of the grooves (6, 14), there is at least in parts a relatively adjustable tongue (9, 9a, 9b, 9c, 9d) opposite the panel (1, 2), which is suitable to connect the neighboring panels (1, 2) locking into the corresponding grove (6, 14) of the neighboring panel (1, 2)
    d) The tongue (9, 9a, 9b, 9c, 9d) has at least one projection (16, 33, 42, 43), which points in the direction of the opposite the area of the longer groove cheek (7, 17) opposite the shorter groove cheek (8, 26) of the other groove (6, 14).
    e) The projection (16, 33, 42, 43) is provided so that when there is contact with this area of the groove cheek (7, 17) at a right angle to the laying position (V) of the panels (1,2) it will be displaced, whereby the projection (16, 33, 42, 43) interacts with the groove with a locking section (13, 29, 32, 35, 41, 47) of the tongue (9, 9a, 9b, 9c, 9d), which, caused by the movement of the projection (16, 33, 42, 43), can be moved in the direction of the groove (6, 14) of the neighboring panel (1, 2).
    f) The Projection (16, 33, 42, 43) is formed with a moveable connection section (11, 28) relative to the locking section (13, 29) and a retention section (10, 27) of the tongue (9, 9a).
    g) The locking section (13, 29, 32, 25, 41, 47) are made of a material with less elasticity than the other parts of the tongue (9, 9a, 9b, 9c, 9d, 9e).
  2. Covering pursuant to claim 1, characterized in that the locking section (13, 29) has a space in the locking position between the short groove cheek (6 ,26) of the accepting groove (6, 14) and the bordering longer groove cheek (7, 17 that bridges the other groove (6, 14).
  3. Covering pursuant to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the connecting section (11, 28) is connected jointed with the locking section (13, 29) and/or the retention section (10, 27).
  4. Covering pursuant to claim 3, characterized in that the joints (12, 15, 45, 46, 49) have an extending pivoting axis between the connecting section (11) and the locking section (13, 47) and/or between the connecting section (11) and the retention section (10, 50) that runs parallel to the groove (6, 14).
  5. Covering pursuant to claim 4, characterized in that the joints (12, 15, 45, 45,49) are film hinges.
  6. Covering pursuant to one of claims 4 or 5, characterized in that the joints (12, 15) between the edges of the retention section (10), connecting section (11) and locking section (13) are facing each other.
  7. Covering pursuant to one of the claims 4 to 6, characterized in that the joints (12, 15, 45, 46, 49) are made of the same material as all other parts of the tongue (9, 9e).
  8. Covering pursuant to one of the claims 4 to 6, characterized in that the joints (12, 15, 45, 46, 49) are made of different material from the other parts or tongue (9, 9e).
  9. Covering pursuant to claim 8, characterized in that the joints are made of Hotmelt.
  10. Covering pursuant to one of the claims 1-8, characterized in that the tongue (9, 9a, 9b, 9c, 9d, 9e) are made of an elastic material.
  11. Covering pursuant to one of the claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the tongue (9, 9a, 9b, 9c, 9d, 9e) has multiple independently operable locking sections (13, 29, 32, 35, 41, 47) facing each other at intervals in the longitudinal direction to the groove (6, 14).
  12. Covering pursuant to claim 10, characterized in that the retention sections (10, 27, 30, 37, 38, 50) of multiple tongues (9, 9a, 9b, 9c, 9d, 9e) are attached in the area of the groove (6, 14).
  13. Covering pursuant to one of the claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the locking section (13, 29, 32, 35, 41, 47) of the tongue (9, 9a, 9b, 9c, 9d, 9e) have a profile on the lateral surface facing the top side of the panel (1, 2) and/or the bottom side of the panel (1, 2).
  14. Covering pursuant to one of the claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the groove (6, 14) has a profile to accept the locking section (13, 29, 32, 25, 41, 47) of the tongue (9, 9a, 9b, 9c, 9d, 9e) on its upper and/or lower groove cheeks (7, 8; 17, 26).
  15. Covering pursuant to claim 14, characterized in that the profile of the locking section (13, 29, 32, 35, 41, 47) grabs the profile of the groove (6, 14).
  16. Covering pursuant to one of the claims 1 to 15, characterized in that parts of the tongue can accept two positions, whereby one position is a stable position, and the other a stable or metastable position.
EP10744854.0A 2009-07-27 2010-07-10 Covering comprising panels that can be connected to each other mechanically Active EP2459818B1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PL10744854T PL2459818T3 (en) 2009-07-27 2010-07-10 Covering comprising panels that can be connected to each other mechanically

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE102009034902.2A DE102009034902B4 (en) 2009-07-27 2009-07-27 Surface made of mechanically interconnectable panels
PCT/DE2010/000803 WO2011012104A2 (en) 2009-07-27 2010-07-10 Covering comprising panels that can be connected to each other mechanically

Publications (2)

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EP2459818A2 EP2459818A2 (en) 2012-06-06
EP2459818B1 true EP2459818B1 (en) 2018-06-20

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US (1) US20120124932A1 (en)
EP (1) EP2459818B1 (en)
CN (1) CN102482886B (en)
BR (1) BR112012001893B1 (en)
DE (1) DE102009034902B4 (en)
PL (1) PL2459818T3 (en)
WO (1) WO2011012104A2 (en)

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Publication number Publication date
EP2459818A2 (en) 2012-06-06
BR112012001893B1 (en) 2019-08-27
BR112012001893A2 (en) 2016-03-15
DE102009034902B4 (en) 2015-10-01
WO2011012104A3 (en) 2011-04-21
CN102482886B (en) 2014-07-30
CN102482886A (en) 2012-05-30
PL2459818T3 (en) 2018-10-31
DE102009034902A1 (en) 2011-02-17
WO2011012104A2 (en) 2011-02-03
US20120124932A1 (en) 2012-05-24

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