EP3117055B1 - Covering composed of panels which can be mechanically connected to one another - Google Patents

Description

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. Conventionally, the panels have on a longitudinal side and on a head side continuous grooves and on the respective opposite longitudinal side or head side continuous springs, which are adapted to the grooves form-fitting manner. By connecting tongue and groove the panels are laid, the panels of two adjacent rows are offset from one another.

It is known to form mechanical locking means on the grooves and springs, which engage with one another in a floor covering adjacent panels in latching engagement. As a result, a joint formation caused by expansion or shrinkage operations should be avoided. At the tongue and groove of the panels are matched locking elements in the form of recesses, recesses or projections formed to hold the panels in the assembled position glueless. As a rule, the panels are going along their longitudinal sides turned into each other or clicked and then moved laterally, so that locking strips engage the head sides.

There are also solutions in which the abutting head sides are connected by displaceable springs. The WO 2011/012104 A2 describes such a system of mechanically interconnectable panels. In this system, the mutually complementary sides each have a groove with different lengths of upper and lower groove cheeks. In one of the grooves, a spring is held. The protruding from the groove part of the spring is displaced and intended to engage in the corresponding groove of the adjacent panel. For this purpose, the spring has a projection which abuts when joining the longer groove cheek of the other panel. As a result, the spring is moved so that it engages in the assembled position in the adjacent groove and locks the two panels together. In this system, the free end of the spring is pushed into the adjacent groove.

The prior art is also the DE 10 2012 105 793 A1 to call, in which a spring is slidably held with its foot in a holding and is moved as a whole. Due to an obliquely formed locking surface, an upper surface of the groove, which serves as a pressing edge, is lower than the locking edge.

The WO 01/98604 A1 discloses a covering of mechanically interconnectable panels, wherein a spring used for locking has a foot held in a receiving groove and a connecting portion adjoining the foot. The connecting portion is configured V-shaped and is intended to catch behind a locking edge of a U-shaped, upwardly open receiving groove of the adjacent panel. One leg of the V-shaped locking element automatically snaps by a spring force behind a locking edge of the adjacent panel.

The DE 10 2009 041 297 A1 discloses a covering of mechanically interconnectable panels, in which the locking is effected by a spring element which, when joining adjacent elements on one of Locking edge opposite support surface of the adjacent panel slides, wherein the support surface is inclined to the locking edge facing a laying plane and causes a horizontal displacement of the spring element behind the locking edge.

The WO 2013/025164 A1 also discloses a covering of mechanically interconnectable panels, in which the locking takes place via sliding springs. The spring is held with its foot displaceable in the retaining groove and is pivoted as a whole. The prior art includes systems in which not the free end of the spring, but a central region of the spring is displaced into the groove of the adjacent element ( EP 2 037 128 A1 ). The free end of the spring is pushed behind a locking edge, which is located in the same panel in which the spring is also held with her foot. The spring is different than the one in the WO 2011/012104 A2 described principle unfolded, but folded in a manner, the fold, but not the free end of the spring is displaced in the direction of the adjacent panel.

While the difficulty in unfolding the spring is to accurately insert the free end of the spring into the locking groove of the adjacent panel in a pivoting motion, the challenge in folding the spring therein is to locate the free and relatively narrow protruding toward the top of the panel To grip the end firmly during the joining and to press down when the panel is laid down. This is only possible with a drop from above. A lateral pushing together of the panels is not possible with this operating principle.

Proceeding from this, the present invention seeks to show a covering of mechanically interconnectable panels, in particular a floor covering, wherein the locking mechanism is improved using separate springs in terms of mountability.

This object is achieved in a covering with the features of claim 1. Advantageous developments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

1. a) Die Paneele weisen an ihren miteinander zu verbindenden Seiten eine korrespondierende Profilierung auf, über welche benachbarte erste und zweite Paneel beim Zusammenfügen miteinander verriegelbar sind;
2. b) Die Verriegelung wird durch mindestens eine Feder bewirkt, welche an dem zweiten Paneel in einer Haltenut gehalten ist und welche bei der Fügebewegung teilweise hinter eine Verriegelungskante einer Verriegelungsnut des benachbarten ersten Paneels verschwenkbar ist;
3. c) Die Feder umfasst einen in der Haltenut gehaltenen Fuß und außerhalb der Haltenut einen sich an den Fuß anschließenden Verbindungsabschnitt und einen sich an den Verbindungsabschnitt anschließenden Verriegelungskörper, für den Eingriff mit dem benachbarten Paneel, wobei für den Verriegelungseingriff das freie Ende des Verriegelungskörpers sorgt und wobei die Haltenut die Funktion hat, den Fuß zu halten und die von der Verriegelung ausgehende Kraft der Feder auf das Paneel zu übertragen;
4. d) Die Verriegelungsnut besitzt eine kürzere obere Nutflanke mit der mündungsseitigen Verriegelungskante und eine längere untere Nutflanke mit einem endseitigen Stützvorsprung, der eine zur Verriegelungsnut geneigte Stützfläche besitzt, an welcher die Feder während des Verriegelns abgestützt ist, so dass der Verriegelungskörper beim Zusammenfügen der Paneele in Richtung der Verriegelungsnut verlagerbar ist;
5. e) Der Verbindungsabschnitt ist in seinen beiden Übergangsbereichen zum Fuß und zum Verriegelungskörper gelenkig ausgebildet, zumindest aber elastisch verformbar, um eine Relativverlagerung des Verriegelungskörpers gegenüber dem Fuß zu ermöglichen,
6. f) Das zweite Paneel besitzt eine vorstehende Drückkante, welche dafür ausgebildet ist, beim Zusammenfügen der Paneele den Verriegelungskörper einerseits gegen die Stützfläche zu drücken und andererseits hinter die Verriegelungskante der Verriegelungsnut zu drängen, wobei die Drückkante in der verriegelten Position von einer Oberseite des ersten Paneels betrachtet einen größeren Abstand als die Verriegelungskante hat, wobei die Position der Drückkante zuverlässig verhindert, dass das freie Ende des Verriegelungskörpers aus der Verriegelungsnut herausrutschen kann.

The covering of mechanically interconnectable panels is characterized by the following features:

1. a) The panels have at their sides to be joined to a corresponding profiling, via which adjacent first and second panels are locked together when assembled;
2. b) the locking is effected by at least one spring, which is held on the second panel in a retaining groove and which in the joining movement is partially pivotable behind a locking edge of a locking groove of the adjacent first panel;
3. c) The spring comprises a foot held in the retaining groove and outside the retaining groove a connecting portion adjoining the foot and a locking body adjoining the connecting portion for engaging with the adjacent panel, wherein the locking end engages the free end of the locking body and the retaining groove having the function of holding the foot and transmitting the force of the spring from the lock to the panel;
4. d) The locking groove has a shorter upper groove flank with the muzzle-side locking edge and a longer lower groove flank with an end-side support projection having a support surface inclined to the locking groove, on which the spring is supported during locking, so that the locking body during assembly of the panels in Direction of the locking groove is displaced;
5. e) The connecting portion is articulated in its two transition areas to the foot and the locking body, but at least elastically deformable, to allow a relative displacement of the locking body relative to the foot,
6. f) The second panel has a projecting pusher edge adapted to urge the latch body against the support surface upon assembly of the panels and to urge behind the latch edge of the latch groove, the latch edge being in the latched position from an upper side of the first panel considered a greater distance than the locking edge, wherein the position of the pressing edge reliably prevents the free end of the locking body can slip out of the locking groove.

The locking mechanism according to the invention is based on the principle that the spring should be stretched. The locking engagement is provided by the free end of the locking body. The spring is at least in three parts, with this structure refers to the functional sections of the spring. The spring is preferably integrally formed of the same material. The foot is used to fix the spring. The connecting portion allows a relative displacement of the locking body in the direction of the adjacent panel. Therefore, the connecting portion is articulated in its two transition areas to the foot and the locking body, but at least elastically deformable to allow a relative displacement of the locking body relative to the foot or the panel that holds the spring.

Decisive for the locking is the guided movement of the locking body. To guide the locking body is used on the one hand inclined to the locking groove support surface which is formed on a support projection. This support projection is located on a lower groove flank. This groove flank is longer, in particular by a multiple longer than the upper groove flank of the locking groove. The term "top" refers to the visible side of the panel with respect to the panels and the term "bottom" refers to the underside of the panels. The locking groove extends to the end of the support surface on the support projection. A normal vector exiting perpendicularly from the support surface has a vector component facing up and another vector component pointing in the direction of the first panel. The normal vector therefore points in the direction of the locking groove. The support surface is inclined so that the connecting portion of the spring upon contact with the support surface upwards is pressed. With the connecting portion and the locking body is pivoted. By this upward shift of the locking body is simultaneously displaced in the direction of the adjacent panel. Relative to the laying plane, the spring thereby becomes longer and protrudes further from the second panel relative to its starting position. Due to the position and inclination and contour of the particular concave support surface, the deflection of the connecting portion can be adjusted with the adjoining locking body, so that there is the desired movement.

While the connecting portion in a preferred embodiment obliquely downward toward the bottom of the panels, so that it can be deflected upwards at all, the locking body should point in its initial position obliquely up to the top. The locking body is therefore relatively strongly angled relative to the connecting portion in its initial position. By pushing the connecting body upwards alone, however, a lateral deflection is already achieved. A further deflection is achieved by the interaction with a pressing edge, which is formed on the second panel, that is, on the panel on which the spring is held. When assembling the panels so the transition region between the locking body and the connecting portion is pressed upwards towards the pressing edge. The locking body must evade the pressing edge inevitably. However, the locking body is not folded and moved in the direction of the foot, but moved with its free end in the direction of the adjacent panel, whereby the free end grasps behind a locking edge of the locking groove. Due to the material tension within the thus stretched spring, the locking body endeavors to slip out of the locking groove. Deep locking grooves could prevent slipping out, but more material would have to be removed from the panel for fabrication, which means increased manufacturing costs and material loss. In order to solve this problem, it is provided according to the invention that, viewed in the locked position from an upper side of the first panel, the pressing edge has a greater distance than the locking edge. The pressure edge is therefore not at the same height of the locking edge or the upper groove flank, but is located in front of the mouth of the locking groove, so to speak, in the mouth region. The position of the pressing edge reliably prevents the free end of the locking body from slipping out of the locking groove. The locking groove can therefore be very short in the region of the upper groove flank. It is sufficient that only one tip of the locking body grasps behind the locking edge in order to securely lock the panels together, since the spring exerts a pressure from below on the upper groove flank of the locking groove. Since the spring is held by the foot on the second panel, an equal force is applied via the foot to the adjacent second panel, so that the adjacent, second panel is pressed down. The panels are thereby pulled or pressed against each other perpendicular to the laying plane.

The invention has the advantage that the locking groove can be formed with a very small depth. A less profiled or less deep grooves have the advantage that the material in the front area of the panels is not so much weakened. A small groove depth has manufacturing advantages as well as design advantages.

The term "pressure edge" is representative of a means for exerting pressure by a protruding area, in particular a corner area. It may therefore also be an area such. B. a chamfer or rounding act. A pushing edge in this sense is also a projecting cam or ledge that is oriented to contact the locking body.

The retaining groove and also the locking groove are preferably oriented substantially horizontally. This is due to the fact that a locking is to be achieved perpendicular to the laying level. The grooves do not have to run with their respective flanks parallel to the laying plane, but can also be completely or partially unparallel to the laying plane with respect to each individual flank. It is important, however, that the slot mouth of at least the locking groove is open to the side of a panel. The retaining groove for the spring merely has the function of holding the foot and transmitting the force of the spring originating from the locking to the panel. For this purpose, essentially horizontally oriented retaining grooves with open to the side of the panels Nutmündungen. In principle, however, it is also conceivable that the retaining groove is perpendicular to the laying plane and therefore open at the bottom. Intermediate positions between a vertical and horizontally oriented groove are also possible, as long as this manufacturing advantage and structurally meets the requirements to keep the spring safely, to allow sufficient displacement of the locking body and to provide a transfer of the residual stresses of the spring on the respective panel , The foot can also latching projections for anchoring such. B. have a Christmas tree profile.

The spring should be held securely in the locking position behind the locking edge, that is, engage in the locking groove. So that there is no displacement of the spring in the locked position, it is provided that the pressing edge in the locked position summarizes in a recess on the upper side of the locking body. The top of the locking body faces the top of the panels. The upper side is, as it were, facing the connecting section. In the unlocked position, the top is closer to the connecting portion. This side of the locking body could therefore also be referred to as the back.

In order to achieve a defined locking position of the pressing edge, it should snap into the recess on the top of the locking body. As a result, the locking body neither before nor back. The pressing edge has less in the locked position the task to push the locking body in the direction down, rather than to prevent it from slipping out of the locking groove. Therefore, the depression on the upper side of the locking body has the function, as it were, that when the locking body engages in the locking groove, the pressing edge is relieved against forces acting from below. The depression is instrumental in blocking the locking body against horizontal locking.

The relief of the pressure edge by the recess allows the locking body is lifted in the locking position of the lower groove flank of the locking groove and a force towards the top of the first Paneels on the upper groove edge of the locking groove exerts. There may therefore be a gap between the supporting projection and the locking body in the region of the support surface. In the context of the invention, however, it is not excluded that the locking body is clamped between the support surface and the upper groove flank of the locking groove. Advantageously, it rests mainly on the upper groove flank and partly on the pressing edge, wherein the vertical forces are absorbed mainly by the upper groove flank.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the free end of the locking body is substantially triangular. In this case, an upper edge of the triangular end is in the installed position on the upper groove flank of the locking groove. The base of the free end is part of the locking body. The lower edge of the triangular end of the locking body is at least partially against a groove bottom of the locking groove. The pointed end, which is provided in the manufacturing process with a round tip, allows engagement of the locking body in the transition region between the upper, substantially horizontally oriented groove flank of the locking groove and its groove bottom. Since, in the case of locking relative to displacements vertical to the laying plane, the interaction in the area of the upper groove flank is decisive, in order to avoid a height offset of the adjacent panels, the spring can be correspondingly short. To fix the spring, it is sufficient to exert a force targeted to the acting between the groove flank and groove bottom corner region. The groove bottom, in combination with the press edge, has the function of determining the horizontal position of the free, triangular end. The locking body should not be able to be moved deeper into the groove automatically. It therefore abuts the groove bottom.

The lower flank of the triangular locking body is substantially parallel to the groove bottom. In the case of a groove base which runs perpendicular to the laying plane, instead of a lower flank, one can also speak of a front flank or side flank of the triangular end. The triangular end is in a sense designed as an isosceles triangle. At this triangular end connects to the top of the locking body serving as a detent recess for the pressing edge. In the further course to Connecting portion of the spring toward the cross section of the locking body is preferably tapered to allow sufficient mobility of the locking body relative to the connecting portion. This transition region between connecting portion and locking body may also be referred to as a hinge portion.

The invention provides in a further embodiment, that the support projection on its upper side has a ramp for the spring, so that the panels are interconnected by sliding within the laying plane. The panels are according to the principle described above primarily by placing the second panel opposite the first panel connectable. The depositing is done by parallel placement or bending, but at least by lowering in a direction perpendicular to the laying plane from above against the already laid panel. However, a ramp for the spring on top of the support projection allows at the same time that the panels can be horizontally locked together within the laying plane. The ramp causes the spring of the second panel to be raised. It is harmless that the spring is deformed differently than when depositing from above. It snaps behind the support projection when pushed together horizontally and comes into contact with the support surface.

The two adjacent panels are additionally secured by locking strips against a shift within the laying direction. These may also have ramps to slightly raise the adjacent second panel when pushed together horizontally, so that the adjacent panels can be locked together similar to the drop from above.

During locking, the connecting portion must cause a defined displacement of the locking body. For this purpose, it has on its the support projection facing the bottom of a convex contact area. In particular, it is arcuately curved, so that it comes to a point contact or with elongated springs to a line contact with the support projection without any clamping.

The connecting portion itself must also have a sufficient displaceability relative to the foot. For this purpose, it has a thickness which increases from its end adjacent to the foot in the direction of its end adjacent to the locking body. The increase in thickness results in particular in that a convex contact region is formed on the underside of the connecting section. Conversely, the area adjacent to the foot may be concave. The foot can basically have a greater thickness than the transition region to the connecting portion.

The spring can be constructed overall comb-like. Here, the foot of the spring forms a continuous back. In this case, this foot is followed by a plurality of independently displaceable connecting sections and locking bodies, which are connected to one another like individual tines or fingers via the common foot. Such a designed spring can be used as a preconfigured component in the holding and has in particular when bending the second panel relative to the first panel a much higher flexibility. By angling is meant that rectangular panels are first inserted into each other in the region of their long sides and then folded by pivoting about the long side in the laying plane. In the head region of these panels, the said springs are arranged, wherein the region of the spring, which is closest to the longitudinal edge, about which the panel is pivoted, first comes into engagement with the other side of the head. In order to avoid twisting of the spring, a plurality of individual, spaced-apart springs or comb-like springs may be provided.

The springs are arranged in a preferred embodiment such that the foot includes a first angle with the connecting portion and the connecting portion with the locking body includes a second angle, wherein both angles in the locked position are greater than the angles in the unlocked position. In other words, the spring should be stretched overall and not be upset. In this configuration, the lateral displacements of the connection portion and the lock body add up. This has the advantage that the locking body in the unlocked position can swing back completely or almost completely behind the pressing edge and in the Locked position can deflect relatively far. This allows relatively compact and material-saving springs in contrast to designs in which the joint area between a connecting portion and a locking body to be deflected, as this makes comparatively long locking body or connecting sections required.

In a further embodiment, at the free end of the locking body perpendicular to the laying plane effective means for positive and / or non-positive locking of the locking body relative to the second element are arranged. Conversely, adjacent pressing edges and the locking groove facing, perpendicular to the laying plane effective means for positive and / or non-positive locking of the locking body relative to the second element to be arranged. In this context, perpendicular to the laying level effectively means that the locking body is not displaced perpendicular to the laying plane, due to the positive and / or frictional connection between the locking body and the second element. This can be achieved in the case of a positive connection by undercuts. These are therefore arranged on the sides of the panels facing areas of the panel. This may be one or more projections or depressions which engage in matching, in particular opposite, projections or depressions of the locking body. An advantage of this means for positive and / or adhesion is the proximity to the locking groove. The upper groove flank of the locking groove is engaged by the locking body. In the immediate vicinity, namely on the front side of the panel in question the means are arranged for positive and / or non-positive locking of the panel. The locking body therefore connects the second panel immediately in the region of the locking edge with the first panel, which in addition contributes to minimizing a vertical offset even with vertical load between the two panels.

With correspondingly elastic materials in the region of the panel or the locking body even frictional connections, similar to a snap effect, can be realized.

The means for positive and / or non-positive locking of the locking body are preferably integral parts of the locking body. But it can also be applied materials. Manufacturing technology, it is possible within the scope of the invention to produce the springs in the extrusion process. By coextrusion material pairings can be realized in coordination with the respective functional sections. The transition regions of the connecting portion, that is, the joint areas, for example, may be made of more elastic materials, while the foot portion, the connecting portion and also the locking body made of less elastic materials. The springs can have cavities. The cavities can contribute to weight reduction and material savings and give the spring a targeted higher flexibility.

The invention provides that the spring in the locked position has a restoring force which is so great that the locking body automatically moves away from the locking edge during unlocking. The restoring force should be permanently maintained. Therefore, preferably no creep-prone materials should be used, especially not in the joint area. The restoring force is built up by the elastic deformation of the spring in the transition from the unlocked state to the locked state. To obtain this restoring force as a tensile stress in the joint area, the joint areas must have a sufficient thickness or at least consist of suitable materials so as not to tire under the permanent tensile load. It is advantageous if the pad can be resumed even after years, wherein the unlocking is not hindered by fatigue in the area of the springs.

With regard to the overall configuration, it is possible to make the panels rectangular or square, with typically one head side formed with one of said displaceable springs and the opposite head side with a mating locking groove. In the context of the invention, however, it is also possible to equip the sides adjacent to this side with said springs in such panels. That is, the two other sides are provided with the mating locking grooves. This allows greater freedom of installation, especially in the case of square panels.

The invention also makes it possible that they are not profiled with the said displaceable tongue-forming sides of a panel which comprises a fixed spring tongue which fits into the locking groove for said displaceable spring. In the case of a square panel, for example, one side could be provided with the said spring and the side adjacent to the corner could be provided with a fixed spring tongue. The two other sides are provided with both the spring tongue and the displaceable spring matching locking grooves. This configuration also allows greater freedom when laying the panels.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the second panel is in the locking position on a support bar, which is located between the top of the first element and its locking groove. The proximity of the support bar to the top causes the forces from the second panel to be introduced into the first panel. Due to the proximity to the upper side, less elastic deformations occur between the panels and thus the lowest possible height offset under the load. At the same time, the first panel is held either by the pressure of the displaceable against the upper groove flank of the locking groove or if a fixed spring tongue is provided, held by the pressure against the upper groove flank. The first panel is to some extent clamped by the area between the support ledge and the upper groove flank of the second panel.

The inventive concept is applicable to all floor, wall and ceiling systems in which a topping on a support, which is in particular a wood-based panel, such as an MDF, HDF or chipboard is arranged, such as real wood flooring, laminate , Carrier with painted surfaces as a topping, linoleum, cork on support plates etc .. The cover layer may in particular consist of a decorative paper with overlay, which determines the appearance of the elements. A floor covering may thus be a finished parquet floor, a real wood floor or a laminate floor. Likewise, elements of solid material, such as. As wood flooring, wood elements, molded or injection molded plastic plates, especially PVC moldings or gypsum boards. The springs for the panels can especially for panels with particularly small thickness of for example 4 mm to 8 mm are used. The panels may be, inter alia, panels for PVC floors, for example, PVC-based top panels, as well as plastic or cement-based panels. The individual panels can be reinforced by fibers.

Figur 1 und 2

einen Querschnitt durch den Verbindungsbereich zweier benachbarter Paneele in unterschiedlichen Montagestellungen, wobei Figur 1 die noch unverriegelte Position zeigt und Figur 2 die Verriegelungsposition darstellt;

Figuren 3 und 4

einen Querschnitt durch den Verbindungsbereich zweier benachbarter Paneele in einer weiteren Ausführungsform der Profilierung;

Figur 5

einen Querschnitt durch den Verbindungsbereich zweier benachbarter Paneele in einer weiteren Ausführungsform in der Verriegelungsstellung;

Figur 6

einen Querschnitt durch ein Paneel mit einer noch unprofilierten Feder;

Figur 7

einen Querschnitt durch den Verbindungsbereich zweier benachbarter Paneele in einer weiteren Ausführungsform in der Verriegelungsstellung;

Figur 8

einen Querschnitt durch eine Paneele mit einer noch unprofilierten Feder und;

Figur 9

einen Querschnitt durch den Verbindungsbereich zweier benachbarter Paneele in einer weiteren Ausführungsform der Profilierung.

The covering according to the invention enables click connections, which can be produced both by swiveling in (fold-down) and by vertically depositing from above as well as by horizontally telescoping or wrapping. The covering according to the invention is equally suitable for rectangular panels as well as for square panels or design installations in which cross joints are formed. This results in a much greater variety of design for this type of so-called Klickpaneele. Thus, the invention is not limited to the fact that the panels are rectangular and in particular not to the fact that the panels of two adjacent rows are arranged offset from one another. The invention will be explained in more detail with reference to embodiments schematically illustrated in the drawings. Show it:

FIGS. 1 and 2

a cross section through the connecting region of two adjacent panels in different mounting positions, wherein FIG. 1 the still unlocked position shows and FIG. 2 represents the locking position;

FIGS. 3 and 4

a cross section through the connecting region of two adjacent panels in a further embodiment of the profiling;

FIG. 5

a cross section through the connecting region of two adjacent panels in another embodiment in the locking position;

FIG. 6

a cross section through a panel with a still unprofiled spring;

FIG. 7

a cross section through the connecting region of two adjacent panels in another embodiment in the locking position;

FIG. 8

a cross section through a panel with a still unprofiled spring and;

FIG. 9

a cross section through the connecting region of two adjacent panels in a further embodiment of the profiling.

FIG. 1 shows a cross section through the connecting portion of two panels 1, 2. The panels 1, 2 are configured so that they can be assembled into a covering, in particular a floor covering. The panels 1, 2 have an underside 3 facing the panel background and an upper side 4 which corresponds to the visible side. The illustration shows a left first panel 1 and on the right a second panel 2 before the connection of the two panels 1, 2. The second panel 2 has on the first panel 1 facing side 5, a spring 6 in a retaining groove 7. The spring 6 is intended to engage in a locking groove 8 on the first panel 1. The locking groove 8 is located below a support strip 9, which is formed as a projection on the side 10 of the first panel 1. The support strip 9 runs parallel to the laying plane V, which is defined by the upper side 4 of the first panel 1. On the side 5 of the second panel 2, a corresponding recess is formed, so that the second panel 2 is supported near its top 4 perpendicular to the laying plane V on the first panel 1.

The first panel 1 additionally has a locking bar 11 and the second panel 2 has a downwardly open dome channel 12 and a subsequent thereto in the direction of the spring 6, downwardly directed Kuppelwulst 13. The locking bar 11 of the first panel 1 is opposite to the side 10th farthest ago. The second panel 2 is arranged opposite the first panel 1, that when lowering in the direction of the arrow P of the dome bulge 13 of the second panel 2 with a dome channel 14 of the locking bar 11 and the dome channel 12 of the second panel 2 with a dome 37 of the Locking bar 11 comes into engagement. This area of the panels 1, 2 essentially serves for positional orientation in a horizontal representation, wherein horizontally in the context of the invention corresponds to the laying plane V.

The deposition in the direction of the arrow P can be effected in that the upper side 4 of the second panel 2 is displaced parallel to the laying plane V. Just as well, the second panel 2 can be angled by pivoting about a longitudinal edge, not shown. The cutting plane of the FIG. 1 is chosen so that the spring 6 just comes into contact with the first panel 1. In the sectional planes lying parallel to the image plane, the spring 6 has either already been deformed during folding (fold-down) or has not yet been in contact with the first panel 1.

It is noted that the dome bulge 37 on the locking bar 11 and the downwardly projecting dome bead 13 on the second panel 2 each have an obliquely placed top or bottom, so that even when pushing the panels 1, 2 in the laying plane V, the is called by horizontal pushing together, the dome bulge 13 of the second panel 2 slides on the Kuppelwulst 37 of the first panel 1, while lifting the second panel 2 until the two panels 1, 2 as in FIG. 1 reach the position shown. The panels 1, 2 can therefore be connected to each other not only by vertical placement or angling, but also by horizontal telescoping in the direction of the laying plane V.

An essential part of the connection between the two panels 1, 2 is the spring 6 and the interaction with the profiling in the area of the sides 5, 10 of the panels 1, 2. The spring 6 is constructed in three parts. It is made of plastic and has a foot 15. The foot 15 is trapezoidally configured to match the retaining groove 7. The retaining groove 7 is set back relative to the outermost edge of the panel 2.

Outside the retaining groove 7 is located as a second component of the spring 6, a connecting portion 16. At the connecting portion 16 in turn is followed by a locking body 17 at. The thickness of the connecting portion 16 increases from its the foot 15 adjacent end 18 toward his Locking body 17 adjacent end 19 towards. This is also due to the fact that on the locking body 17 adjacent end has a bottom 20 of the connecting portion 16 has a convex contact portion 21. The convex contact portion 21 comes when lowering the second panel 2 in contact with a support projection 22. The support projection 22 has an inclined to the locking groove 8 support surface 23 which is concavely curved. Thereby, the convex contact portion 21 on the underside 20 of the connection portion 16 can easily slide off the support projection 22, so that the lower end 19 of the connection portion 16 is displaced upward relative to the leg 15 of the spring 6.

The connecting portion 16 has in the unlocked position almost perpendicular to the bottom 3 and is only slightly inclined in the direction of the locking groove 8. However, this tendency is reached, so that the connecting portion 16 guided can be displaced only in one direction. The included between the foot 15 and the connecting portion 16 angle W1 ( FIG. 2 ) is increased when lowering, as in a comparison of Figures 1 and 2 can be seen. FIG. 2 shows the arrangement of FIG. 1 in locked position.

FIG. 1 further shows that the locking body 17 together with the locking portion 16 describes a U-shape. The locking body 17 shows in the unlocked position approximately at 45 ° angle obliquely above. It is approximately parallel to the groove mouth of the locking groove 8. It is as long as the Nutmündung is wide. It is configured in the region of its free end 24 substantially triangular with a rounded tip, wherein an upper edge 25 of the triangular end 24 is intended to come into contact with a pressing edge 26 on the second panel 2. The pressing edge 26 slides when lowering the second panel 2 on the upper edge 25 along until the pressing edge 26 engages in a recess 27. In this case, the free end 24 is pressed along an insertion bevel 28 on the first element 1 to behind a locking edge 29 of the locking groove 8. At the locking edge 29, the upper groove flank 30 of the locking groove 8 connects. The upper groove flank 30 is very short in comparison to the multiply longer lower groove flank 31 of the locking groove 8. The lower groove flank 31 extends beyond the support surface 23 and ends in the transition region to an upper side 32 of the support projection 22. The upper side 32 is at an angle to the laying plane V and serves as a ramp for the spring 6, when the panels 1, 2 to be connected by moving within the laying plane V together. The transition region to the surface side 32 is inclined opposite to the surface side 32. This inclination causes the convex contact portion 21 to slide toward the support surface 23.

FIG. 2 shows the two panels 1, 2 in the locked position. It can be seen that the pressing edge 26 is now in the recess 27 on the top 32 of the locking body 17 summarizes. The free end 24 of the locking body 17 now engages in the locking groove 8, so that the locking body 17 rests on the one hand on the upper groove flank 25 behind the locking edge 29. One of the top of the triangular end 24 opposite lower edge 34 is at least partially on the groove bottom 35 of the locking groove 8 at. The groove base 35 runs perpendicular to the laying plane V.

FIG. 2 further shows that the included angle of the foot 15 and the connecting portion 16 angle W1 relative to the initial position in FIG. 1 is enlarged. The same applies to the angle W2, which is included between the connecting portion 16 and the locking body 17.

FIG. 2 shows that the locking body 17 can not be displaced from the locking groove 8, because the pressing edge 26 is disposed at a greater distance A1 to the top of the interlocked panels 1, 2, as the locking edge 29, which is located at a distance A2 , As a result, the pressing edge 26 is located in front of the locking groove 8 and no longer laterally or above the locking groove 8. In the locking position, the pressing edge 26 therefore acts not only from above in the direction of the arrow P on the locking body 17, but blocks a horizontal displacement. The pressing edge 26 prevents the angle W2 between the connecting portion 16 and the locking body 17 decreases again. In other words, the pressing edge 26 holds the spring 6 in the spread position as shown in FIG FIG. 2 is shown and ensured as a locking body, the permanent locking of the two panels 1, 2nd

The FIGS. 3 and 4 again show the two panels 1, 2. The left in the image plane panel corresponds in its edge profiling exactly the panel of Figures 1 and 2 , The right in the image plane panel is in contrast to the embodiment of Figures 1 and 2 not provided with a displaceable spring 6, but with a fixed or rigid spring tongue 36. Such a rigid spring tongue 36, for example, in a rectangular panel at an adjacent edge over adjacent side to the in the FIGS. 1 and 2 be provided pages shown. This is particularly advantageous for square panels, since then results in a greater freedom of design when laying. The right in the image plane panel 2 can be moved in the direction of the arrow P2, that is, within the laying plane V, so that the fixed spring tongue 36 grasps behind the locking edge 29 and engages in the locking groove 8. Due to the additional horizontal locking in the region of the locking bar 11, that is, the mutual engagement of the Kuppelwülste 13, 37 in the associated dome channels 12, 14, there is a positive connection in the horizontal direction, that is within the laying plane V. Regarding the further function in Area of the support bar 9 and the interaction in the area of the locking bar is on the versions too FIG. 1 Referenced, since the said components have already been explained there. The only difference between the embodiments of the Figures 3 and 1 is the fixed spring tongue 36 compared to the displaceable spring. 6

The FIGS. 5 and 6 show a first panel 51 and a second panel 52 in a sectional view through their connection area. The two panels 51, 52 are positively connected with each other. For this purpose, the left in the image plane panel 51 has a locking bar 53 which engages under the right in the image plane panel 52. At the end of the locking strip 53, an upwardly pointing coupling bulge 54 is formed which engages in a coupling channel 56 which is open towards the underside 55 of the second panel 52. Due to the mutual engagement of the dome bulge 54 and the dome channel 56, a locking of the two panels 51, 52 in the horizontal direction, that is, in the direction of the laying plane V is achieved. The laying plane V runs parallel to the upper side 57 or underside 55 of the two panels 51, 52.

The vertical alignment of the two panels 51, 52 is achieved via a support strip 58 on the first panel 51. The support strip 58 is located above a marginal open locking groove 59 in the first panel 51. The second panel 52 rests on the support bar 58 so that forces acting from above in the direction of the arrow P can be introduced from the second panel 52 into the first panel 51 , The locking groove 59 serves to receive a movable spring 60. The spring 60 is held in a retaining groove 61. The retaining groove 61 is also open towards the edge side of the second panel 52 and faces the locking groove 59. The groove flanks of the retaining groove 61 extend parallel to one another and are at an angle to the laying plane V. The groove flanks of the retaining groove 61 rise towards the groove bottom. A Nutmündung the locking groove 59 is thus located at a greater distance from the top 57 of the second panel 52 as the Nuttiefste. The spring 60 is held in the retaining groove 61 by a foot 62. The foot 62 is adjoined outside the holding groove 61 by a connecting portion 63, which in turn is followed by a locking body 64. The connecting portion 63 is angled relative to the foot 62 and has obliquely downward toward the bottom 55 of the second panel 52nd

FIG. 6 shows the initial position of the spring 60 before locking. The in FIG. 6 illustrated part is intended to illustrate that the spring 60 is made of a larger spring blank 65. The spring blank 65, which already has the foot 62 so that the spring 60 can be inserted into the retaining groove 61, is attached to the second panel 52. In this position, the spring blank 65 is machined in the installed position to its final configuration. The shaded area of the spring blank 65 is removed, so that the spring 60 receives its final contour, as in FIG. 6 is shown. At the same time, the edge region of the panel 52 can also be machined.

From the FIGS. 5 and 6 it is clear that the locking body 64 must be pivoted to lock the panels 51, 52 in the image plane upwards. In this case, the spring 60 is supported during locking on a support projection 66, while the free end 67 of the locking body 64 is pressed behind a locking edge 68 on the support strip 58. The special feature here is that adjacent to the pressing edge 69 additional means 70 for positively locking the locking body 64 relative to the second panel 52 are provided. These locking means 70 consist of serrated projections facing the locking groove 59. The means 70 for locking are just like the pressing edge 69 at a distance perpendicular to the laying plane V and thus at a greater distance from the top 57 of the panels 51, 52 as the pressing edge 69. As a result, the locking body 64 is slipping out of the locking groove 59th prevented. In the same way as the means 70 are arranged for positive locking on the second panel 52, and the free end 67 of the locking body 64 has corresponding means 71 for positive locking. The corresponding means for locking are configured in the same way and lead to an undercut, which prevents the panel 52 at a displacement vertical to the laying plane V. Thus, the respective means for locking perpendicular to the laying plane V are effective.

FIG. 7 shows an embodiment similar to that of the FIG. 5 , Therefore, the reference numerals introduced there have been copied identically. Only the spring 60a and the support projection 66a are configured slightly differently. Unlike the spring 60 in FIG. 5 has a the foot 62 facing away from flank 72 of the spring 60 a no straight, but a rounded cross section, so that a recess is formed. The flank 72 can also be referred to as concave rounded.

The supporting projection 66a comes into contact with the opposite side of the connecting portion and pushes it away from the retaining groove 61, as can be seen from the gap formation between the supporting projection 66a and the panel 52 in the region of the rear edge of the connecting portion 63. In addition, the explanation of the FIG. 5 Referring to which further details of the connection have been explained.

FIG. 8 again shows the initial position of the spring 60a before locking, with the comments to FIG. 6 Reference is made. The difference from the spring 60 in FIG. 6 is the concave configuration of the edge 72 at the connecting portion 63 of the spring 60 a.

FIG. 9 again shows the panels 51, 52. The left in the image plane panel 51 corresponds in its edge profiling exactly the panel of FIG. 7 , The right in the image plane panel 52 is in contrast to the representation of FIG. 7 not provided with a displaceable spring, but with a rigid spring tongue 73. The representation in FIG. 9 is in relation to FIG. 8 the counterpart to the representation of the FIG. 4 in terms of the Figures 1 and 2 , Accordingly, such a rigid spring tongue 73, for example, in a rectangular panel at a corner adjacent adjacent side to the in FIG. 7 be provided side. In the same way as in the embodiment in the FIG. 4 grips the spring tongue 73 in the locking groove 59. By the additional horizontal locking in the region of the locking bar 53, that is, the mutual engagement of Kuppelwulstes 54 in the coupling channel 56 results in a positive connection in the horizontal direction, that is, within the laying plane V. Regarding the other functions in the area of the support bar 58 and the interaction in the area of the locking bar 53 is added to the explanations FIG. 5 Referenced.

Reference numerals:

1 -

paneling

2 -

paneling

3 -

bottom

4 -

top

5 -

Page of 2

6 -

feather

7 -

retaining groove

8th -

locking

9 -

Auflagerleiste

10 -

Page of 1

11 -

locking bar

12 -

dome channel

13 -

Kuppelwulst

14 -

dome channel

15 -

foot

16 -

connecting portion

17 -

locking body

18 -

End of 16

19 -

End of 16

20 -

Bottom of 16

21 -

convex contact area

22 -

supporting projection

23 -

support surface

24 -

End of 17

25 -

upper edge of 24

26 -

pressing edge

27 -

Deepening in 33

28 -

chamfer

29 -

locking edge

30 -

upper groove flank of 8

31 -

lower groove flank of 8

32 -

Top of 22

33 -

Top of 17

34 -

lower edge of 24

35 -

Groove bottom of 8

36 -

fixed spring tongue

37 -

Kuppelwulst

51 -

paneling

52 -

paneling

53 -

locking bar

54 -

Kuppelwulst

55 -

bottom

56 -

dome channel

57 -

top

58 -

Auflagerleiste

59 -

locking

60 -

feather

60a -

feather

61 -

retaining groove

62 -

foot

63 -

connecting portion

64 -

locking body

65 -

spring blank

66 -

supporting projection

66a -

supporting projection

67 -

free end of 64

68 -

locking edge

69 -

pressing edge

70 -

Means for latching 52

71 -

Means for latching 64

72 -

flank

73 -

spring tongue

A1 -

distance

A2 -

distance

P -

arrow

P2 -

arrow

V -

laying plane

W1 -

angle

W2 -

angle

Claims (15)

1. Covering composed of panels which can be mechanically connected to one another with following characteristics:

   a) the panels (1, 2; 51, 52) have at their sides (5, 10) which can be connected to one another a corresponding profile, by means of which adjoining first and second panel (1, 2; 51, 52) can be locked together when they are put together;

   b) the locking is achieved through at least one tongue (6, 60, 60a) which is held at the second panel (2, 52) in a holding groove (7, 61) and which during the joining movement can be partially pivoted behind a locking edge (29, 68) of a locking groove (8, 59) of the adjacent first panel (1, 51);

   c) the tongue comprises a foot (15, 62) held in the holding groove (7, 61) and externally to the holding groove (7, 61) a connecting section (16, 63) attached to the foot (15, 62) and a locking body (17, 64) attached to the connecting section (16, 63), for the engagement with the adjoining panel (1, 51), wherein the free end of the locking body (17, 64) provides the locking engagement and wherein the holding groove (7, 61) has the function of holding the foot (15, 62) and of transferring the force of the tongue (6, 60, 60a) starting from the locking onto the panel (2, 52);

   d) the locking groove (8, 59) has a shorter upper groove flank (30) with the opening-sided latching edge (29, 68) and a longer lower groove flank (31) with an end-sided support protrusion (22, 66, 66a) which has a support surface (23) angled to the locking groove (8), at which support surface the tongue (6, 60, 60a) is supported during the locking, so that the locking body (17, 64) when the panels (1, 2; 51, 52) are being put together is movable in the direction of the locking groove (8);

   characterised in

   e) that the connecting section (16, 63) in its two transition areas to the foot (15, 62) and to the locking body (17, 64) is formed jointedly, at least however elastically deformable, in order to facilitate a relative movement of the locking body (17, 64) with respect to the foot (15, 62),

   f) and that the second panel (2, 52) has a protruding press edge (26, 69), which is designed, when the panels (1, 2; 51, 52) are being put together, to press the locking body (17, 64) on one hand against the support surface (23) and on the other hand to push the locking groove (8, 59) behind the latching edge (29, 68), wherein the press edge (26, 69) in the latched position viewed from an upper side (4, 57) of the first panel (1, 51) has a greater spacing (A1) than the latching edge (29), wherein the position of the press edge (26, 69) reliably prevents the free end of the locking body (17, 64) from slipping out of the locking groove (8).
2. Covering according to claim 1, characterised in that the press edge (26, 69) in the locked position takes hold in a recess (27) on an upper side (33) of the locking body (17, 64).
3. Covering according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that in the locked position the locking body (17, 64) is raised from the lower groove flank (31) of the locking groove (8) and exerts a force from below in direction to the upper side (4, 57) of the first panel (1, 51) onto the upper groove flank (30).
4. Covering according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that a free end (24) of the locking body (17) is substantially triangular, wherein an upper flank (25) of the triangular end (24) in the installation position abuts on the upper groove flank (30) of the locking groove (8).
5. Covering according to claim 4, characterised in that a lower flank (34) of the triangular end (24) of the locking body (17) at least partially abuts on a groove floor (35) of the locking groove (8).
6. Covering according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterised in that the support protrusion (22) has on its the upper side (32) a run-on bevel for the tongue (6), so that the panels (1, 2) can be connected with one another by sliding within the relocation plane (V).
7. Covering according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterised in that a lower side (20), facing the support protrusion (22), of the connecting section (16) has a convex contact area (21).
8. Covering according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterised in that the connecting section (16) has a thickness which increases from its end (18) abutting on the foot (15) in the direction of its end (19) abutting on the locking body (17).
9. Covering according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterised in that tongue (6, 60, 60a) is formed like a comb, wherein the foot (15, 62) forms a continuous back with a plurality of connecting sections (16, 63) and latching bodies (17, 64) joined thereto and independent from one another.
10. Covering according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterised in foot (15) forms a first angle (W1) with the connecting section (16) and the connecting section (16) forms a second angle (W2) with the locking body (17), wherein both angles (W1, W2) in the latched position are greater than the angles (W1, W2) in the unlatched position.
11. Covering according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterised in that at the free end (67) of the locking body (64) perpendicularly to the relocation plane (V) are disposed effective means for the form-fitting and/or friction-fitting latching of the locking body (64) with respect to the second panel (52).
12. Covering according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterised in that abutting on the press edge (69) and pointing towards the locking groove (59) perpendicularly to the relocation plane (V) are disposed effective means (70) for the form-fitting and/or friction-fitting latching of the locking body (64) with respect to the second panel (52).
13. Covering according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterised in that at least one of the panels (1, 2, 51, 52) is rectangular or square and at two sides adjoining via a corner is populated with the said tongues (6, 60, 60a).
14. Covering according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterised in that the sides of a panel (1, 2, 51, 52) not populated with said tongues (6, 60, 60a) are populated with a profile, which comprises a fixed spring tongue (36, 73), which engages in the locking groove (8) for the said relocatable tongues (6, 60).
15. Covering according to one of claims 1 to 14 characterised in that the second panel (2, 52) in the locking position bears on a bearing bar (9, 58) between the upper side (4, 57) of the first panel (1, 51) and its locking groove (8, 59), wherein the first panel (1, 51) is either held by the pressure of the relocatable tongues (6) against the upper groove flank (30) of the locking groove (8), or is held in the case of a fixed spring tongue (36) according to claim 15 by the spring tongue (36, 73), which presses against the upper groove flank (30).

Images