EP3121348B1 - Panel - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a panel, in particular a floor panel, comprising a body, complementary locking means which are provided in pairs on opposite panel edges so that several of these panels can be locked together, at least one pair of locking means with hook profiles, namely a receiving hook and a locking hook opposite this with the proviso that the receiving hook has a hook edge arranged farther from the fuselage and a receiving recess arranged closer to the fuselage, the receiving recess being open to the top, that the locking hook is provided with a locking recess arranged closer to the fuselage and open to the underside and having a locking shoulder arranged away from the fuselage, which is in the vertical joining direction fits into the receiving recess of the receiving hook, the locking hook having a fuselage-remote joint surface and likewise a vertically acting locking contour, the receiving hook being closer to the fuselage ne joint surface and also has a form-fitting contour closer to the fuselage, which fits together in a form-fitting manner with the locking contour of the locking hook remote from the fuselage, so that a vertical locking can be effected, the locking hook arranged closer to the fuselage having a flat horizontal locking surface on its locking shoulder, the receiving hook arranged on the fuselage having a flat horizontal locking surface in the receiving recess, wherein a narrowed receiving opening is formed on the receiving hook, through which the locking shoulder can be inserted into the receiving recess essentially in the vertical joining direction, wherein the locking contour of the locking hook that is remote from the fuselage projects behind the plane of the joint surface of the locking hook, the free shoulder end of the The locking heel is designed narrower than the width of the receiving opening of the receiving hook, with the form-fitting contour of the receiving hook closer to the torso protruding at least partially beyond the level of the joint surface of the receiving hook, with the proviso that the locking heel and the receiving opening are designed in such a way that the heel end during a joining movement without elastic deformation of the hook profile initially fits so far into the receiving opening, the flat horizontal locking surface of the locking hook having part of its surface in contact with the flat horizontal locking surface of the receiving hook e rhalt, wherein the receiving hook has a flexible web, which is designed in such a way that the width of the receiving opening can be enlarged due to its elastic flexibility, so that the locking shoulder can be inserted completely into the receiving recess and, moreover, the locking contour of the locking hook fits into the form-fitting contour of the receiving hook, and wherein the locking heel touches the bending web in the locked state.

From the WO 2010/015516 a panel for floors is known. The hook profiles of the known panel are matched to the material from which the body of the panel is made. Such panels can be hooked that have a body made of a flexible and elastic plastic material. The locking contour, which is provided below the joint surface of the locking hook, has areas which protrude from the plane of the joint surface and other areas set back from the plane of the joint face. Likewise, the form-fitting contour below the joint surface of the receiving hook, has areas which protrude from the plane of the joint surface and other areas which recede from the plane of the joint surface. The above-mentioned protruding and recessed areas of the form-fitting contour and the locking contour form undercuts, which counteract the two hook profiles moving apart in a direction perpendicular to the panel plane (vertical). In order to be able to fit the undercuts into one another, the locking contour and the form-fitting contour are pressed against and past one another. You have to be elastically deformed. The locking contour and the form-fitting contour are flexible and can be brought into positive contact with one another in this way. The maximum amount of undercut is limited due to the soft elastic property of the plastic material. The effect of the vertical locking is unsatisfactory.

Another panel with complementary locking means, which have pairs of hook profiles, namely a receiving hook and a locking hook is in the US 6,591,568 B1 described. The core of this panel consists of particles or fibers of wood bound with resin or glue.

the US 2010/0031594 A1 proposes a hardwood flooring system with a so-called push-down latch. It includes panels that have pairs of hook profiles designated as male and female locking mechanisms. A male locking mechanism of one panel can be inserted into the female locking mechanism of an adjacent panel by applying a downward force. The female locking mechanism features a spring-loaded slot that promotes snapping.

A generic panel is from DE 10 2004 001 363 A1 known, this panel having a hull made of HDF / MDF or is designed as a parquet floor.

The object of the invention is to improve the panel in such a way that the variety of plastic materials that can be used for the hull is increased and the effect of the vertical locking is improved as much as possible.

The invention is defined by the appended claims.

According to the invention, the object is achieved in that the plastic layer of the fuselage is formed from an elastic plastic material such as a thermoplastic polymer, for example polyolefin, polypropylene, polyurethane or polyamide, or from soft PVC or from an amorphous elastomer such as PVC.

These measures allow the hook profiles to engage at the beginning of the joining path without already being elastically deformed at the point of engagement. Only as the joining movement progresses do the undercut areas of the locking contour and form-fitting contour come into contact at the engagement point in such a way that elastic deformation is brought about, with the flexible web being provided specifically for the purpose of elastic deformation. Although the locking contour and the form-fitting contour are also pressed and deformed, the harder and more brittle the plastic material of the fuselage, the lower the elastic deformation of the locking contour and form-fitting contour and the higher the proportion of elastic deformation of the flexible web. This design makes it possible to provide a high degree of undercut for the form fit between the locking contour and the form fit contour, even if the body is made of a relatively hard and brittle plastic material. The form-fitting contour can, for example, have a locking element that protrudes further than on the stand of the art, and the locking contour has a locking recess which is complementary to the locking element and which is deeper than in the prior art. Nevertheless, the locking contour and the form-fitting contour can be brought into engagement without any problems, because the bending web which is prepared for this purpose bends elastically and this bending enables the receiving opening to be widened. The locking contour and form-fitting contour can thus be moved past one another without any major deformation of their own until they engage.

The proposed soft PVC is a polyvinyl chloride that contains plasticizers. Basically, however, PVC is an amorphous elastomer with a natural hardness and brittleness that can only be reduced by plasticizers.

However, the panel is advantageously designed in such a way that it is also possible to produce the plastic layer of the core from a plastic material with natural hardness and brittleness, for example an amorphous elastomer such as PVC, which contains no or only a small amount of plasticizer.

Depending on the embodiment of the invention, the thickness of the panels according to the invention is 3 to 10 mm, preferably 4 to 8 mm, particularly preferably 5 to 6 mm. Depending on the thickness and specific structure, the area weight of the panels is between 1 and 2.5 kg/m ² , preferably between 1.6 and 1.8 kg/m ² .

A resilient snap-in tab can be provided on the hook edge of the receiving hook remote from the fuselage, with the locking recess having a snap-in recess near the fuselage, which fits together with the resilient snap-in tab. In this way, a second point is created within the hook connection, which is formed by elastic deformation of an area provided and prepared for this purpose, namely the resilient locking tab. to be put together. Together with the locking recess, the spring-loaded snap-in tab also causes the two hook profiles to be locked in the vertical direction, ie perpendicular to the level of the locked panels.

The elastic properties of the torso can be utilized if the resilient locking tab is formed in one piece with the torso. If the body is made of a relatively hard plastic material, this favors, among other things, the production of the resilient latching tab by machining manufacturing processes such as milling.

The resilient locking tab is rooted on the side of the hooked edge that is remote from the hull, and the free end of the resilient locking tab projects obliquely from the hooked edge, for example obliquely downwards. The resilient snap tab is always positioned such that contact with the complementary hook profile causes deflection of the integral snap tab, moving it closer to the body of its panel.

Expediently, the resilient locking tab has a sliding surface. This comes into contact with the locking hook during a vertical joining movement. This contact moves the resilient locking tab closer to the hook edge of the receiving hook. In this way, it is stretched elastically and releases the joining path. The locking hook can then be inserted further into the receiving hook until both panels are level.

A free space can be provided between the resilient latching tab and the edge of the hook, into which the latching tab can deflect elastically. The elastic preload allows the resilient locking tab to spring back toward its neutral position when space is available.

The latching recess expediently has a latching contact surface on. Through contact with the spring-loaded snap-in tab, this causes the connected panels to be locked in place in the vertical direction.

The locking contact surface is preferably designed in such a way that it forms a stop bevel for the free end of the resilient locking tab. The stop bevel is designed in such a way that the tensioned locking tab, when it springs back towards its neutral position, hits this stop bevel. It can also be arranged in such a way that the locking tab hits before it reaches its neutral position, so that there is always a residual tension in the locking tab, which is used for secure locking.

It is considered to be a further advantage if the locking shoulder has an inclined sliding surface, which can be referred to as a sliding slope, on its side remote from the fuselage. The sliding bevel is expediently designed in such a way that it interacts with that area of the form-fitting contour that protrudes. This area of the form-fitting contour protruding from the joint plane forms, for example, a protruding latching element. The protruding area interacts with the sliding slope of the locking heel. As soon as the sliding bevel comes into contact with the protruding area, for example the latching element, it slides along the latching element. As a result, the joint surfaces of the receiving hook and locking hook are initially moved apart. Simultaneously, the horizontal locking surface of the locking hook exerts a force pressing against the horizontal locking surface of the receiving hook. This force introduced into the horizontal locking surface of the receiving hook is transmitted to the bending web of the receiving hook, which is elastically bent as a result. During the further joining movement, the arresting contour passes the form-fitting contour until both have reached a position in which they form-fit into one another fit. The bending stress in the bending web exerts a force via the horizontal locking surface of the receiving hook, which again prestresses the joint surface of the locking hook in the direction of the joint surface of the receiving hook. In this way a closed joint can be achieved. The horizontal locking surfaces of the two hook profiles are then preferably nestled against one another.

The degree of bending of the flexible web can be influenced by the geometric shape of the sliding bevel (linear or curved). By varying the sliding bevel, the bending stress generated can be adjusted in such a way that the plastic material in the area of the bending bridge is not overloaded and is not damaged.

A pair of the complementary locking means is formed as pivot profiles. A groove profile with an undercut on a groove wall and a tongue profile with an undercut on a tongue side are provided.

This has the advantage that panels can expediently be laid in such a way that a new panel with a pivoting profile is attached to the complementary pivoting profile of a panel already lying in the laying plane and pivoted down.

Advantageously, the hook profile of the new panel can be locked to the hook profile of a panel in the same row of panels at the same time. For this purpose the locking hook of the new panel is lowered in a scissors-like movement essentially in a vertical plane and inserted into the receiving hook. During the scissors-like movement, the locking shoulder initially protrudes into the receiving opening only at one end of the panel edge. As the scissors-like assembly movement progresses, the locking shoulder comes step by step into the receiving opening. the The resulting elastic deformation of the flexible web also increases step by step. When the panels are finally in one plane, the locking contour and the form-fitting contour are fitted exactly, the joint surfaces touch and form a closed joint. In addition, the bending stress of the flexible web is eliminated again and the horizontal locking surfaces of the two hook profiles nestle flat against one another.

The area of application can be expanded if a decorative layer is provided on the upper side of the panel. A further benefit results from the fact that a transparent cover layer is provided through which the cover layer is visible. The transparent top layer serves to protect the decorative layer. It can be provided with means that reduce wear, for example corundum particles, glass particles, etc. In addition, it can be useful if a counteracting layer is provided on the underside of the panel. This acts as a balance to the layers provided on the upper side to counteract warping of the panel.

Fig. 1a-1d

komplementäre Verriegelungsmittel eines ersten Kantenpaares eines erfindungsgemäßen Paneels sowie eine schrittweise Fügebewegung zur Verriegelung zweier Paneele,

Fig. 2a-2d

eine alternative Ausführung eines ersten Kantenpaares komplementärer Verriegelungsmittel eines Paneels sowie die schrittweise Fügebewegung zur Verriegelung zweier Paneele,

Fig. 3

ein Fußbodenbelag aus erfindungsgemäßen Paneelen, die ein zweites Kantenpaar mit komplementären Verriegelungsmitteln, die als Schwenkprofile ausgebildet sind,

Fig. 4

ein Ausführungsbeispiel für ein Kantenpaar aus Schwenkprofilen.

The invention is illustrated below by way of example in a drawing and described in detail with reference to several figures. Show it:

Figures 1a-1d

complementary locking means of a first pair of edges of a panel according to the invention and a stepwise joining movement for locking two panels,

Figures 2a-2d

an alternative design of a first pair of edges of complementary locking means of a panel and the stepwise joining movement for locking two panels,

3

a floor covering made of panels according to the invention, which have a second pair of edges with complementary locking means, which are designed as pivoting profiles,

4

an embodiment of a pair of edges from swivel profiles.

the Figures 1a to 1d each show a detail of two panels 1 and 2, respectively. The panels 1 and 2 are identical. Each individual panel has complementary profiles 3 and 4 on opposite panel edges of a pair of edges. In panel 1, therefore, the edge, not shown, has identical profile 4 of panel 2, and in panel 2, the edge, not shown, has identical profile 3 of panel 1.

In a four edge panel, the second pair of edges may be formed with complementary profiles identical to the profiles of the first pair of edges.

The series of Figures 1a to 1d clarifies in several steps the basic sequence of the joining movement for the purpose of connecting and locking panels 1 and 2.

The complementary profiles 3 and 4 of each panel 1 and 2 respectively form complementary locking means V in the form of hook profiles H. The hook profile of profile 1 forms a receiving hook 5 and the hook profile of profile 2 forms a locking hook 6 which fits into receiving hook 5, the both hook profiles are designed in such a way that locking occurs. The locking counteracts a reversal of the joining movement. The panels 1 and 2 can thus not be released from each other again in a backward movement after locking.

Each panel 1 or 2 comprises a body 1' or 2' with a plastic layer on which the complementary locking means V mentioned are arranged. A top 7 of the panel forms a working surface.

A hook edge 8 is provided on the receiving hook 5 on the far side of the fuselage and a receiving recess 9 is provided closer to the fuselage. The receiving recess 9 is open to the top 7 .

The locking hook 6 is provided with a locking recess 11 which is arranged closer to the fuselage and is open towards the underside 10 and has a locking heel 12 on the fuselage. The locking heel fits into the receiving recess 9 of the receiving hook 5 in the vertical joining direction T. Furthermore, the locking hook 6 has a joint surface 13 that is remote from the body and a locking contour 14 that has a vertical locking effect. The receiving hook 5 has a joint surface close to the fuselage and also a form-fitting contour 16 close to the fuselage, which fits together in a form-fitting manner with the locking contour 14 of the locking hook 6 . In this way, vertical locking can be effected.

In addition, the locking hook 6 has a horizontal locking surface 17 arranged close to the fuselage, which is arranged on its locking shoulder 12 . Matching to this, the receiving hook 5 has a horizontal locking surface 18 , which is arranged in the receiving recess 9 on the hull, which interacts with the horizontal locking surface 17 of the locking hook 6 .

The receiving hook 5 is provided with a narrowed receiving opening 19 in its receiving recess 9 . The locking shoulder 12 can be inserted into the receiving recess 9 essentially in the vertical joining direction T, that is to say in a plane perpendicular to the plane of the locked panels.

According to the Figures 1a to 1d the panel 1 with the receiving hook 5 is arranged on a solid surface (not shown). The locking heel 12 of the panel 2 is lowered perpendicularly to the panel plane (vertical). The rear locking contour 14 of the locking hook 5 has a latching recess 14a which projects behind the plane of the joint surface 13 of the locking hook 6. The form-fitting contour 16 of the receiving hook 5 near the torso is designed in such a way that it has a latching element 16a which protrudes beyond the plane of the joint surface 15 of the receiving hook 5 and in the locked state engages/engages behind the latching recess 14a of the locking hook 6 . Otherwise, the locking shoulder 12 and the receiving opening 19 are designed in such a way that the free heel end of the locking shoulder 12 initially fits into the receiving opening 19 during the beginning of the joining movement without any noticeable elastic deformation of the hook profiles. The horizontal locking surface 17 of the locking hook 6 comes with part of its surface in contact with the horizontal locking surface 18 of the receiving hook 5.

At the receiving hook 5, a special bending web 20 is formed, which is best in the Figures 1b and 1c can be seen. The flexible web 20 is designed in such a way that the width of the receiving opening 19 can be enlarged due to its elastic flexibility, so that the locking shoulder 12 can be inserted into the receiving recess 9 without any problems. In addition, the locking contour 14 of the locking hook 6 can be inserted very easily into the form-fitting contour 16 of the receiving hook 5 due to the flexibility of the flexible web 20 .

The hook profiles are to be brought into engagement at the beginning of the joining path without already being elastically deformed at the point of engagement. Only as the joining movement progresses do the undercut areas of the locking contour 14 and the form-fitting contour 16 come into play at the engagement point Contact. However, this contact causes elastic deformation, which essentially takes place at a different point, namely at the bending web 20 provided for this purpose. Although the locking contour 14 and the form-fitting contour 16 are also pressed and deformed, the harder and more brittle the plastic material of the fuselage is, the lower the elastic deformation of locking contour 14 and form-fitting contour 16 and the higher the proportion of elastic deformation of bending web 20.

The locking recess 14a of the locking hook 6 is designed deeper than in the prior art. Likewise, the latching element 16a of the receiving hook 5 protrudes further from the joint surface 15 of the receiving hook 5 than in the prior art. This results in a higher degree of undercut in the vertical joining direction than in the prior art. Nevertheless, the locking contour 14 and form-fitting contour 16 can be brought into engagement without any problems. This is because the bending web 20 can be bent so elastically that this bending allows the receiving opening 19 to be widened. The locking contour 14 and form-fitting contour 16 can thus be moved past one another without any major deformation of their own until they are in a form-fitting engagement and develop their vertical locking effect.

In Fig. 1b it is shown that an inclined surface is provided on the locking shoulder 12, which forms a sliding slope 12a. The sliding bevel touches the protruding locking element 16a of the form-fitting contour 16 of the receiving hook. As a result, during the vertical joining movement of the locking hook 6, a horizontal movement is superimposed, which moves the panels apart, so that a distance is formed between the joint surfaces 13, 15. At the same time, the horizontal locking surface 17 of the locking hook 6 exerts a force against the horizontal locking surface 18 of the receiving hook 5 presses. The force acting on the horizontal locking surface 18 of the receiving hook 5 is transmitted to the bending web 20 of the receiving hook 5, which is elastically bent as a result.

In the further joining movement according to 1c happens the widest point of the locking paragraph 12, the widened receiving opening 19 of the receiving recess 9. Then the bending of the flexible web 20 decreases, and the receiving opening 19 narrows again. The joint surfaces 13, 15 of the panels located at a distance k are pressed towards one another by the bending stress of the flexible web 20.

In Fig. 1d the locking contour 14 and the form-fitting contour 16 have reached a position in which they fit into one another in a form-fitting manner. The hook profiles H can be designed in such a way that a residual bending stress of the bending web 20 is retained and an elastic force (spring force) is exerted via the horizontal locking surface 18 of the receiving hook 5, which permanently moves the joint surface 13 of the locking hook 6 in the direction of the joint surface 15 of the receiving hook 5 biases. In this way, a closed joint can be achieved permanently. In Fig. 1d the horizontal locking surfaces 17, 18 of the two hook profiles H nestle against one another and do not exert any permanent pretension.

the Figures 2a to 2d each show sections of two panels 1 and 2, respectively. These are in turn identical. Each individual panel has the complementary profiles shown on opposite panel edges of an edge pair. In a four edge panel, the second pair of edges may be formed with complementary profiles identical to the panel edges of the first pair of edges.

The series of figures again illustrates the basic course of the joining movement in several steps 2a to 2d for connecting and locking the panels.

The embodiment of the panel 1 or 2 according to the Figures 2a to 2d largely corresponds to the embodiment according to the Figures 1a to 1d . In this respect, the same reference symbols are used for identical features as in FIGS Figures 1a to 1d . According to the Figures 2a to 2d a second positive lock is provided. For this purpose, a resilient locking tab is provided, which is rooted in the hook edge 8 of the receiving hook 5 . The locking recess 11 has a locking recess 22 close to the fuselage, which fits together with the resilient locking tab 21 . In this way, a second point is created within a hook connection, which can be easily joined together by elastically deforming an area provided and prepared for this purpose, namely the resilient locking tab 21 . The resilient latching tab 21, together with the locking recess 9, also causes the two hook profiles H to be locked in the vertical direction, ie perpendicular to the plane of the locked panels.

The resilient locking tab 21 is formed in one piece with the body. In this respect, the elastic properties of the hull are used. It is favorable for the locking effect of the resilient locking tab 21 if the plastic material of the body is relatively hard and rigid. A harder plastic material therefore works better than a soft plastic material that gives easily.

The resilient latching tab 21 protrudes from the edge of the hook 8 at an angle downwards. If the panel 1 lies with its underside 10 on a base (not shown), the free end of the resilient latching tab 21 points in the direction of the base. The resilient locking tab 21 has rumpffern on a sliding surface 23 during the joining movement with the Locking hook 6 comes into contact and thus produces a spring deflection of the locking tab 21. As a result of the deflection, the locking tab 21 is moved closer to the hook edge 8 or closer to the body of the panel 1 . The resilient latching tab 21 is stretched elastically and releases the vertical joining path so that the locking hook 6 can be lowered further. The locking hook 6 can then be inserted further into the receiving hook 5 until both panels 1 and 2 are in one plane. Between the resilient latching tab 21 and the hook edge 8 there is a free space 24 into which the latching tab 21 can deflect elastically. The resilient bias of the latching tab 21 allows the latching tab to spring back toward its neutral position when space is available. There is space when the locking tab 21 reaches the area of the locking recess 22 of the locking hook 6 during the joining movement. The latching recess 22 has a latching contact surface 25 which, through contact with the resilient latching tab 21, causes connected panels to be locked vertically, that is to say perpendicularly to the panel plane.

The locking contact surface 25 is designed in such a way that it forms a stop bevel for the free end of the resilient locking tab 21 . The abutment bevel 26 is designed in such a way that the tensioned, resilient locking tab 21, when it springs back towards its neutral position, abuts this abutment bevel 26 before it reaches its neutral position. In this way, a residual pretension is always retained in the latching tab 21, which ensures secure locking.

A preferred embodiment of a square panel is in 3 to see, which represents a detail of the production of a floor covering from panels according to the invention. The panels used are an exemplary embodiment with a first pair of edges, which has complementary hook profiles H, and with a second pair of edges, which is provided with complementary positive pivot profiles S. The swivel profiles S are used to connect panels from different rows of panels to one another. In this exemplary embodiment, the hook profiles H are used to connect panels of the same row of panels to one another. The hook profiles H of the first pair of edges can be designed as in the embodiment of FIG Figures 1a to 1d . Alternatively, the hook profiles H of the first pair of edges can the embodiment according to Figures 2a to 2d correspond to.

3 Figure 13 shows a new panel 27 in the foremost row of panels III, which is intended to be interlocked with both the previous row of panels II and the adjacent panel 28 of the same row of panels III. The new panel 27 is fitted obliquely with respect to the plane of the laid panels and is fitted with one of its pivoting profiles S to the front row of panels II. It is then locked to the previous row of panels II by swinging it down into the level of the laid panels. At the same time, the hook profile (locking hook 6) of the new panel 27 also locks with the hook profile (receiving hook 5) of the panel 28 of the same panel row III. While the new panel 27 pivots down into the plane of the laid panels, the locking hook 6 is simultaneously brought into engagement with the receiving hook 5 in a scissors-like joining movement. The receiving hook 5 has a bending web, the elastic bending of which is completed step by step the further the locking hook 6 is moved in the direction of the receiving hook 5 or the further the locking shoulder of the locking hook 6 is inserted into the receiving recess of the receiving hook 5.

For the second pair of edges, all known form-fitting profiles can be used as complementary swivel profiles S, which can be positively connected by placing a new panel at an angle on a previous row of panels and then swiveling the new panel down into the level of the laid panels. An embodiment of such a swivel profile S is in 4 shown.

The complementary swivel profiles S according to 4 comprise a groove profile 29 and a tongue profile 30. The groove profile 29 has an upper groove wall 29a which is shorter than the lower groove wall 29b. The lower groove wall 29b is also provided with an undercut recess 29c for the tongue profile 30. The recess 29c also has a horizontal locking surface 29d. The tongue profile 30 is provided with a tongue upper side 30a which is arranged essentially parallel to the upper side 7 of the new panel 27 . The tongue underside 30b has an undercut 30c and a horizontal locking surface 30d which interacts with the horizontal locking surface 29d of the lower groove wall 29b. The inclination of the new panel 27 according to 3 is in 4 identified by the position of the spring profile 30' shown in dashed lines. The underside of the tongue 30b is placed on the longer underside of the groove wall 29b. The new panel 27 is moved with the spring tip first into the groove profile and the new panel 27 is then pivoted down into the plane of the lying panel(s).

Reference List

1

panel

1'

hull

2

panel

2'

hull

3

profile

4

profile

5

pick-up hook

6

locking hook

7

top

8th

hook edge

9

recording recess

10

bottom

11

locking recess

12

locking heel

12a

sliding slope

13

Joint surface (locking hook)

14

locking contour

14a

detent recess

15

Joint surface (hook)

16

form-fitting contour

16a

locking element

17

Horizontal locking surface (locking hook)

18

Horizontal locking surface (receiving hook)

19

intake opening

20

bending bar

21

springy latch

22

recess

23

sliding surface

24

free space

25

latching contact surface

26

stop bevel

27

new panel

27'

new panel

28

panel

29

groove profile

29a

upper groove wall

29b

lower groove wall

29c

undercut recess

29d

horizontal locking surface

30

spring profile

30a

feather top

30b

feather bottom

30c

undercut

30d

horizontal locking surface

30'

spring profile

H

hook profile

k

Distance

S

swivel profile

T

joining direction

V

complementary locking means

Claims (12)

1. Panel (1, 2, 27, 28), comprising a body (1', 2'), complementary locking means (V), provided in pairs at mutually opposite panel edges, of which at least a pair of locking means with hook profiles (H), namely a receiving hook (5) and, opposite the latter, an arresting hook (6),

   with the proviso that the receiving hook (5) has a hook edge (8) arranged closer to the body and a receiving recess (9) arranged closer to the body,

   wherein the receiving recess (9) is open towards the top side (7), in that the arresting hook (6) is provided with a arresting recess (11) arranged nearer to the body and open to an underside and has an arresting step (12) arranged closer to the body, which fits into the receiving recess (9) of the receiving hook (5) in the vertical joining direction,

   wherein the arresting hook (6) has a joining surface (13) remote from the body and likewise a vertically acting arresting contour (14) remote from the body, wherein the receiving hook (5) has a joining surface (15) closer to the body and likewise a positively locking contour (16) closer to the body,

   which fits positively with the arresting contour (14) of the arresting hook (6) remote from the body, so that vertical locking can be implemented,

   said arresting hook (6) having a planar horizontal locking surface (17) on its arresting step (12) arranged nearer to the body,

   wherein the receiving hook (5) has a planar horizontal locking surface (18) in the receiving recess (9) arranged remote from the body,

   wherein a narrowed receiving opening (19) is formed on the receiving hook (5), through which the arresting step (12) can be inserted substantially in the vertical joining direction (T) into the receiving recess (9),

   wherein the free step end of the arresting step (12) is narrower than the width of the receiving opening (19) of the receiving hook (5),

   wherein the arresting contour (14) of the arresting hook (6) remote from the body protrudes behind the plane of the joining surface (13) of the arresting hook (6),

   wherein the positively locking contour (16) of the receiving hook (5) closer to the body protrudes at least partially above the plane of the joining surface (15) of the receiving hook (5),

   with the proviso that the arresting step (12) and the receiving opening (19) are designed in such a way that the step end initially fits into the receiving opening (19) during a joining movement without elastic deformation of the hook profiles (H) to such an extent that the flat horizontal locking surface (17) of the arresting hook (6) makes contact with a part of its surface with the flat horizontal locking surface (18) of the receiving hook (5),

   wherein the receiving hook (5) has a flexural leg (20) so adapted that the width of the receiving opening (19) can be enlarged by its elastic bendability, so that the arresting step (12) can be fully inserted into the receiving recess (9) and, in addition, the locking contour (14) of the arresting hook (6) fits into the positively locking contour (16) of the receiving hook (5),

   and wherein the arresting step (12) contacts the flexural leg (20) in the locked state,

   characterized in that the plastic layer of the body is formed of an elastic plastic material, such as a thermoplastic polymer, for example polyolefin, polypropylene, polyurethane or polyamide or soft PVC or an amorphous elastomer, like PVC.
2. Panel according to claim 1, characterized in that a resilient latching tongue (21) is provided on the hook edge (8) of the receiving hook (5), and in that the arresting recess (11) near to the body has a latching recess (22), which fits together with the resilient latching tongue (21)
3. Panel according to claim 2, characterized in that the resilient latching tongue (21) is formed in one piece with the body (1')
4. Panel according claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the resilient latching tongue (21) is rooted at the side of the hook edge (8) remote from the body and the free end of the resilient latching tongue (21) projects inclinedly from the hook edge (8).
5. Panel according to one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that the resilient latching tongue (21) has a sliding surface (23) remote from the body.
6. Panel according to one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that
   a free space (24) is provided between the resilient latching tongue (21) and the hook edge (8), into which the latching tongue (21) can resiliently springingly engage.
7. Panel according to one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that the latching recess (22) has a latching contact surface (25).
8. Panel according to claim 7, characterized in that the latching contact surface (25) is designed in such a way that it forms an inclined abutment surface (26) for the free end of the resilient latching tongue (21).
9. Panel according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the arresting step (12) has an inclined sliding surface (12a) on its side remote from the body.
10. Panel according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the other pair of complementary locking means are provided as pivotal profile portions (S), namely a groove profile (29) with undercut configuration of a groove wall (29b) and a tongue profile (30) with undercut configuration (30c) of a tongue side (30b).
11. Panel according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that a transparent cover layer is provided at a top side (7), and that a decorative layer visible through the cover layer is provided.
12. Panel according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that a backing layer is provided on its underside.

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