panel

Abstract

The present invention relates to a panel (1) having at least one first edge pair of complementary shape-locking retaining profiles (6, 7) on opposing panel edges, one of the retaining profiles (6) having a locking groove (8) having a retaining strip (12) protruding at a free end of a lower groove wall (11) toward a panel surface (4), the complementary retaining profile (7) being provided with a locking spring (9) which, in the engaged state, interacts with the retaining surface (12b) of the retaining strip (12) and has a gap including a height gap (Q). ) and horizontal gaps (P, P'), thereby maintaining the profile (6, 7) so that it can move perpendicular to the panel surface (4, 4') and can move in a direction perpendicular to the panel edge (2, 2') and simultaneously parallel to the panel surface (4, 4'). In the insertion step, the lower side (9a) of the locking spring (9) can be placed horizontally on the retaining bar (12) of the locking groove (9), and then the upper side (16) of the spring can move toward the inner side (10a) of the upper groove wall (10). The upper side (16) of the spring touches the inner side (10a) of the upper groove wall (10) in the area of ​​the panel core (3').

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a panel having a panel core, a panel surface, a lower panel surface, and at least one pair of first edge profiles having complementary shape-locking retaining profiles on opposing panel edges. One of the retaining profiles has a locking groove having an upper groove wall projecting distally and a lower groove wall projecting distally beyond the upper groove wall, and a retaining strip projecting toward the panel surface from a free end of the lower groove wall and having a free upper strip end and at least one undercut retaining surface oriented toward the panel core and defining a gap in the lower groove wall behind the retaining strip. The complementary retaining profiles are provided with locking springs having at least one undercut abutting surface oriented toward the panel core and, in the assembled state... The locking spring, acting in conjunction with the retaining surface of the retaining bar, has a lower spring side and an upper spring side. The upper spring side has a distal end and a proximal end and is straight or curved and is arranged obliquely relative to the vertical line on the panel surface, such that the distal end is farther from the panel surface and the proximal end is closer to the panel surface. In the assembled state, there is a gap, including a height gap and a horizontal gap, thereby maintaining the profile's ability to move perpendicular to the panel surface and in a direction perpendicular to the panel edge and simultaneously parallel to the panel surface. The inner side of the upper groove wall is adapted to the upper spring side and is straight or curved and has an angle α relative to the vertical line on the panel surface, such that the inclined upper spring side and the inner side of the upper groove wall formally touch each other in a state of moving towards each other. Background Technology

[0002] Prior art of this kind is known from DE 10 2014 114 250 A1. This document proposes a panel having a spring on its upper side inclined from the vertical and having a gap within a form-locking device in the assembled state. Due to this gap, interlocking and locking are slightly simpler than in panels with form-locking devices without gaps. Furthermore, due to this gap, the panel is suitable for floating flooring. In the case of floating installation, the panel must be considered in the context of continuous changes in environmental conditions, such as temperature and humidity. These changes in environmental conditions cause the panel to contract or expand, which can be balanced by the gap within the assembled locking device. This also applies to panels configured as wall panels / wall coverings. The term "horizontal gap" refers to the horizontal application of the panel to the floor. The gap, referred to as a horizontal gap, is no longer horizontally oriented in wall coverings, but is still advantageous here because it can compensate for the contraction or expansion of the panel.

[0003] In practice, panels known from DE 10 2014 114 250 A1 are preferably used for thin floor or wall panels, where the technology abandons panel cores made of HDF or MDF (as is common in laminated panels). Instead, panel cores for thin panels are in practice made of plastic materials or composite materials made of plastic reinforced with fibers and / or including other fillers.

[0004] Locking devices must typically be manufactured precisely so that they fit together and maintain their shape stability. Here, the material of the panel core is exposed and unprotected at the form-locking points. The thinner the panel, the more difficult it is to maintain shape stability. Even small imperfections can cause the locking devices to become misfit.

[0005] Because the panels of shape-locking devices are fragile, they must be handled with care once removed from the packaging. Therefore, there is always a risk of damage to the locking devices due to rough working practices on the construction site.

[0006] As mentioned, known panels are preferably manufactured with a panel core made of plastic and typically have a smaller overall thickness than, for example, common laminated panels with a panel core made of MDF or HDF.

[0007] Known panels with plastic cores are also manufactured in large sizes, such as 40×80cm or even 40×120cm. The thinnest panels are now produced with a total thickness of only 3.2mm. The problem with such large panels is the long lever created when the installer lifts the panel from the base at one end and aims to engage the locking devices at the other end, where the base can be the ground or a wall. Engaging the small, form-locking devices is difficult. They can misalign, almost invisible and imperceptible to the installer / installer. Breakage can occur in the locking devices. Conversely, if the panel is very small, such as 10×30cm, hand operation is much easier because the installer can grasp and feel the panel much closer to the locking devices. The risk of damage to the locking devices is lower. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The objective of this invention is to extend known panels so that they are less susceptible to damage, and more specifically, to make them less susceptible to damage when the panels are constructed in large sizes and / or have a small overall thickness.

[0009] According to the invention, this task is thus solved by providing a chamfer between the free upper end of the retaining bar and its lower retaining surface, wherein the chamfer constitutes a free surface having a distal end and a proximal end and being formed in a straight line or a curve, wherein the free surface has an angle β relative to a vertical line on the panel surface, provided that in the insertion step, the lower side of the locking spring can be placed horizontally on the retaining bar of the locking groove and then the upper side of the spring can move to the inside of the upper groove wall, and at the end of the aforementioned insertion step, the distal end of the upper side of the spring touches the inside of the upper groove wall in the region of the panel core.

[0010] The new panel has a spring that slopes from the vertical and has a gap inside the locking device in the form-locking state. The new panel has the advantage that it can be locked almost horizontally (that is, within the plane of the panel).

[0011] Therefore, the locking device is configured such that the lower side of the spring of the new panel can be placed on the retaining strip of the placed panel and maintain its shape. Then, the panels can move toward each other by moving in a direction parallel to the panel plane, wherein the upper side of the spring can move closer and closer to the inner side of the upper groove wall and finally overlap with the inner side of the upper groove wall without having already touched it.

[0012] When a new panel is to be locked onto a previous panel already positioned on the base (floor or wall), the new panel is positioned such that its lower spring side rests on the retaining strip of the previous panel. Here, the new panel can be slightly bent toward the edge of the opposing panel, and the bent portion also rests on the base. The smaller the bend of the new panel, and the larger the panel size, i.e., the farther apart the opposing retaining profiles are, the smaller the bend of the new panel. The overlap of the upper spring side through the inner side of the upper groove wall is not substantially damaged due to the small bend of the new panel.

[0013] The new design is highly practical for panels with small overall thickness and for large panels, as it eliminates the need to attach new panels at an angle for locking, as in the prior art DE 10 2014 114 250 A1 setup (e.g.). Figure 8a Therefore, the downward swinging motion onto the base is no longer required. In cases of high leverage when manually operating the panel, such swinging motion could cause damage to the locking mechanism if it was not accurately and obliquely guided. The new panel configuration allows for large floor panels (as was previously impossible), with side lengths of 100×100cm and beyond. Large square floor panels have been tested and unexpectedly successfully locked without compromising their shape.

[0014] The new panels are suitable for floating installations on floors, meaning they are loosely placed on a base without being attached to it. Here, the shrinkage and stretching of the panels that occur in practice are compensated for by the installation gaps.

[0015] On the other hand, the panel is also highly advantageous if the floor or wall panel is to be bonded to the base. The particularly simple assembly process achieved with the panel described herein also facilitates this type of installation, as the panel to be locked is simply placed on the retaining strip of the previous panel by the lower side of the spring, and the lower panel surface can be generally placed on the base provided with adhesive. Further assembly can then occur by moving the panel toward the previous panel, wherein the lower side of the locking spring (as described above) moves above the retaining strip, then slides downward on the free surface, and finally reaches the gap in the lower groove wall, where the lower side of the spring rests on the supporting surface of the lower groove wall.

[0016] The proposed panel construction naturally allows for slightly lifting new panels of this type and attaching them at a small angle (if desired). However, a high lift for the purpose of a tilted position is never required. When the panel is lifted at an angle, the locking spring also engages gently with the locking groove. Furthermore, the craftsman needs much less force to construct the floor. This is partly because the craftsman does not need to lift the panel so high and partly because the staggered insertion / staggered assembly progresses more quickly. Additionally, in the case of large panels, if they must be lifted high, it becomes more difficult for the locking spring to engage with the locking groove. This requires more time for the craftsman. It is tiring if each panel must be held high and difficult to insert for an extended period.

[0017] According to one aspect, the panel is alternatively configured such that it must be raised / tilted so that the locking groove and the locking spring can be form-locked together; in this respect, this aspect is explicitly considered its own invention. The solution upon which this is based is that the locking groove has a minimum opening between the distal end of its upper groove wall and the free surface, wherein the locking spring does not pass through this minimum opening when its upper surface contacts the inner side of the upper groove wall; however, the locking spring is simultaneously configured to have a small extension through the opening, but this small extension only passes through the minimum opening of the locking groove when the panel with the locking spring is raised / tilted by an angle γ.

[0018] All the solutions described below concerning the horizontal lockability of the panel edges mentioned earlier are also proposed to be combined with the following solutions that require one panel to be raised / tilted relative to another panel for the purpose of locking the panel edges.

[0019] Support panels made of HDF, MDF, or OSB can be used as raw materials for new panels. However, they can also be made of, for example, wood-plastic composites (WPC) or mineral-plastic composites (MPC). The plastics used (whether pure or treated with the aforementioned additives) can be thermoplastic elastomers or thermosetting plastics. For example, compositions of MPC comprising talc and polypropylene are well-suited for support panels composed of MPC. Furthermore, recycled materials, consisting of the aforementioned plastic examples, can be used.

[0020] Advantageously, a circle is provided at the distal end of the front portion of the locking spring (i.e., at its spring tip), extending between the upper and lower sides of the spring. Alternatively, a flattened surface or a surface with a preferably convex ball-shaped bead can be provided instead of the circle.

[0021] Practically, the configuration involves a chamfer between the underside of the spring and the undercut abutment surface, the chamfer having a cross-section that is at least 50% smaller than that of the retaining strip chamfer. This chamfer on the locking spring protects the edges from damage. It proves suitable here that this chamfer is implemented relatively small, as this leaves more space for the undercut abutment surface. The abutment surface should be able to extend as far as possible towards the lower panel surface, because the larger the abutment surface, the better it reacts to the separation movement of the panel within the panel plane and perpendicular to the panel edge.

[0022] It can also be set to omit the chamfer on the locking spring so as to maximize the height of the contact surface.

[0023] On the other hand, chamfering can also serve the same purpose as the free surface of the retaining bar, namely, to create space so that the locking spring, which moves above the retaining bar, can transition to downward movement. The desired space can be created by removing material only from the retaining bar or only from the locking spring, or by distributing material in the desired proportion and removing material at both locations to create the chamfer.

[0024] Here we see another application: the height of the free face is greater than or equal to the height of the retaining face of the retaining strip. The larger the free face is, the easier it is for the retaining shape to conform to the trend.

[0025] Preferably, the distal end of the upper side of the spring, in the assembled state, is located at a level between the free upper end of the retaining bar and the proximal end of the free surface, or the distal end of the upper side of the spring is located above the free bar end by an amount equivalent to the height of the free surface. The sliding surface and sliding area are configured for relative movement of the edges of the assembled panels within the frame of the horizontal gap.

[0026] Advantageously, a sliding surface is provided on the lower side of the spring, which is arranged parallel to the surface of the panel and supported on a sliding area in the gap of the lower groove wall in the assembled state, wherein the sliding area is arranged parallel to the surface of the panel in that respect.

[0027] Usefully, the retaining bar forms a support surface on which the underside of the spring can rest during the assembly process, and the locking spring has a recess with a base surface that is open to the lower panel surface. Therefore, the retaining bar is located in the recess of the locking spring when the panel edge is in the assembled state of being locked.

[0028] Furthermore, it is useful that the supporting surface of the retaining strip and the empty base surface are parallel to each other and touch each other in the assembled state, so that they function as sliding surfaces parallel to the panel surface within the existing gap framework.

[0029] An improved solution is described here: when the undercut retaining surface of the locking groove and the undercut abutting surface of the locking spring contact, the maximum height gap Q is in a proportional relationship Q / S relative to the height S of the retaining surface, with this proportional relationship ranging from 0.5 to 2.0, preferably from 0.8 to 1.2. The height S of the retaining surface is defined as the distance from the upper end of the retaining surface vertically to the plane (or sliding area) of the support surface of the lower groove wall. When the proportional relationship is ≥1, the locking spring can be inserted into the locking groove without resistance until the lower side of the spring contacts the support surface of the lower groove wall. Conversely, if the proportional relationship Q / S is selected to be <1.0, then a certain elastic deformation of the retaining profile is required to allow the retaining profile to fit together. This can be achieved through local compression and / or through local bending (e.g., downward bending of the lower groove wall). Compression is preferably performed in the area behind the lower side of the spring, which contacts the free surface during the fitting motion.

[0030] Preferably, the angle α of the inner side of the upper groove wall relative to the vertical line L on the panel surface is in the range of 30° to 60°. Particularly preferably, the angle α is 45°. It has been shown that the locking mechanism can be easily manufactured here, and the resulting shape-locking achieves good strength.

[0031] When the free surface of the retaining bar is inclined at a free angle β relative to the vertical line on the panel surface, and the free angle β is greater than or equal to the inclination angle α of the inner side of the upper groove wall, the manual operation of the panel can be improved. This results in a wedge-shaped, narrowed opening that creates a locking groove, which simplifies the access of the locking spring.

[0032] Practically, the free angle β is located in the range of 1.0 to 1.5 times the inclination angle α. Preferably, the free angle β is located in the range of 1.1 to 1.3 times the inclination angle α. Alternatively, it is also possible to implement the free angle β < the inclination angle α, for example, in the range of 0.7 to 1.0 times the inclination angle α. This enables the fulfillment of, for example, the necessity of a certain amount of elastic deformation during the assembly process.

[0033] A second retaining surface oriented distally toward the panel core can be provided on the retaining bar, and a second abutting surface proximal to the locking spring can be adapted to fit it. In the case of an uneven base with high and low positions, the retaining profile that engages will be located either at the high position or at the low position of the base. Here, the two interlocking panels no longer form a flat surface. Instead, if the high position of the base is involved, there is an angle >180° between the surface of one panel and the surface of the other panel, and if the low position of the base is involved, there is an angle <180°. The proposed embodiment of the panel having two retaining surfaces on the retaining bar and two abutting surfaces on the locking spring that interact with them provides a solution, because there is always a pair of retaining contacts consisting of the retaining surface / abutting surface, while another pair consisting of the retaining surface / abutting surface may lose contact slightly. However, the locking effectiveness of the form-locking is maintained.

[0034] In practice, the second retaining surface of the retaining strip is arranged on the far end of the free surface.

[0035] The panel surface may have a chamfer on at least the side of the locking groove or the side of the locking spring. Of course, it is also possible for both sides (locking groove and locking spring) to have chamfers.

[0036] Usefully, the panel is constructed at the four corners and has a second edge pair, which has complementary retaining profiles on the opposing panel edges, wherein the retaining profiles are configured identically to the retaining profiles of the first edge pair.

[0037] Furthermore, a method for laying and locking a panel having a pair of edges including complementary retaining profiles according to the invention is proposed, wherein the spring underside of a new panel is placed on a retaining strip of a panel already placed on a base, and then the new panel, placed in the plane of the panel, is moved perpendicularly to the edge of the panel toward the placed panel until the spring underside of the new panel exceeds the retaining strip of the placed panel and sinks downward into a gap located behind the retaining strip.

[0038] Furthermore, a method for laying and locking corner panels with two identical edge pairs is proposed. Here, a new corner panel of this type, having two identical edge pairs, is locked in a second panel row with the existing panels of the first panel row and simultaneously with panels already present in the second row. This is achieved by placing the new panel on the retaining bar of the first panel row with its spring underside and on the retaining bar of the existing panel in the second row with the spring underside of its adjacent locking spring. Then, the new panel moves diagonally, thereby simultaneously engaging its two adjacent locking springs: one locking spring engages with the locking groove of the panel in the first panel row, and the other locks with the locking groove of the existing panel in the second row. The spring undersides of the two adjacent locking springs of the new panel extend beyond the retaining bar of the laid panel and sink into gaps located behind the retaining bar. In this manner, the two edges of the new panel are locked simultaneously to a certain extent. The edges of the new panel can naturally be of varying lengths. This results in one edge of the new panel being locked earlier and the other edge being locked slightly later. At least, the locking processes of the two edges of the new panel can overlap in time.

[0039] The proposed panel can be used to create a panel surface with a herringbone pattern. For this purpose, two different types of panels are required: Type A and Type B. Both panel types A and B have identical edge pairs; that is, the locking groove of type A is arranged on the same panel edge as in panel type B, and the locking spring of type A is also arranged on the same panel edge as in panel type B. However, the other edge pair is implemented in type B in a reversed manner relative to type A; that is, the panel edge with the locking spring in type A has a locking groove in type B, and vice versa. In the current embodiment, both types have a pair of long panel edges and a pair of short panel edges. The long panel edges are constructed identically in type A and type B. The short panel edges are different from each other. A locking groove is provided in type B on the panel edge with the locking spring in type A. Where the locking groove is in type A, a locking spring is arranged in type B.

[0040] In the production of panel types A and B, the retaining profile of the long edges is first milled. Then, the panels continue to be transported within the production equipment to mill the short edges, wherein half of a batch of panels must be rotated 180° before milling to manufacture the short edges on this portion of the panel in a left-right inverted manner. This pattern is conditional upon the long and short panel edges being able to interlock. That is, different edge pairs (e.g., long and short edges) must at least be milled compatiblely with each other. In its simplest form, the long and short edges can be milled using the same or identical tools. This method allows for the creation of fishbone patterns. Specifically, the panels can be form-locked everywhere despite the presence of a particular pattern, wherein the locking action is achieved in the panel plane (horizontally), more precisely, perpendicular to the locked edges, but also in a direction perpendicular to the panel plane (vertically). That is, in a rectangular or square panel, horizontal and vertical locking action is achieved on both sides. Attached Figure Description

[0041] The invention will now be illustrated in the accompanying drawings and described in detail with reference to several embodiments:

[0042] Figure 1a According to a first embodiment of the panel of the invention, the panel is shown separately to demonstrate the complementary retention of its edge pairs' profiles during the assembly movement.

[0043] Figure 1b During the continued process of the assembly movement, according to Figure 1a paneling,

[0044] Figure 1c In the locked state, having a gap and having the maximum gap on the upper side of the panel, according to Figure 1a paneling,

[0045] Figure 1d In the locked state, having a gap and a closed slit on the upper side of the panel, according to Figure 1a paneling,

[0046] Figure 1e In the locked state, within the existing gap frame, in the middle position, according to Figure 1a paneling,

[0047] Figure 1f In the locked state, with a high degree of misalignment, according to Figure 1a paneling,

[0048] Figure 2aAccording to a second embodiment of the panel of the invention, the panel is shown separately to demonstrate the complementary retention of its edge pairs' profiles during the assembly movement.

[0049] Figure 2b During the continued process of the assembly movement, according to Figure 2a paneling,

[0050] Figure 2c In the locked state, having a gap and having the maximum gap on the upper side of the panel, according to Figure 2a paneling,

[0051] Figure 2d In the locked state, having a gap and a closed slit on the upper side of the panel, according to Figure 2a paneling,

[0052] Figure 2e In the locked state, within the existing gap frame, in the middle position, according to Figure 2a paneling,

[0053] Figure 2f In the locked state, with a high degree of misalignment, according to Figure 2a paneling,

[0054] Figure 3a According to a third embodiment of the panel of the invention, the panel is shown separately to demonstrate the complementary retention of its edge pairs' profiles during the assembly movement.

[0055] Figure 3b During the continued process of the assembly movement, according to Figure 3a paneling,

[0056] Figure 3c In the locked state, having a gap and having the maximum gap on the upper side of the panel, according to Figure 3a paneling,

[0057] Figure 4a According to a fourth embodiment of the panel of the invention, the panel is shown separately to demonstrate the complementary retention of its edge pairs' profiles during the assembly movement.

[0058] Figure 4b During the continued process of the assembly movement, according to Figure 4a paneling,

[0059] Figure 4c In the locked state, having a gap and having the maximum gap on the upper side of the panel, according to Figure 4a paneling,

[0060] Figure 5aAccording to a fifth embodiment of the panel of the invention, the panel is shown separately to demonstrate the complementary retention of its edge pairs' profiles during the assembly movement.

[0061] Figure 5b During the continued process of the assembly movement, according to Figure 5a paneling,

[0062] Figure 5c In the locked state, having a gap and having the maximum gap on the upper side of the panel, according to Figure 5a paneling,

[0063] Figure 6a The sixth embodiment of the panel,

[0064] Figure 6b During the continued process of the assembly movement, according to Figure 6a paneling,

[0065] Figure 6c In the locked state, having a gap and having the maximum gap on the lower panel surface, according to Figure 6a paneling,

[0066] Figure 7a In a seventh embodiment of the panel according to the invention, the panel is shown separately to demonstrate the complementary retention of its edge pairs' profiles during the assembly movement.

[0067] Figure 7b During the continued process of the assembly movement, according to Figure 7a paneling,

[0068] Figure 7c In the locked state, having a gap and having the maximum gap on the upper side of the panel, according to Figure 7a paneling,

[0069] Figure 7d In the locked state, having a gap and a closed slit on the upper side of the panel, according to Figure 7a paneling,

[0070] Figure 8a According to the eighth embodiment of the panel of the present invention,

[0071] Figure 8b During the assembly process, according to Figure 8a paneling,

[0072] Figure 8c In a complementary, shape-preserving assembly state, according to Figure 8a paneling,

[0073] Figure 8dHaving a protrusion and a groove in the fit, according to Figure 8c paneling,

[0074] Figure 9 A method for laying and locking new panels in a rectangular form.

[0075] Figure 10 Another implementation of the panel,

[0076] Figure 11 A top view showing the fishbone pattern of the panel according to the invention.

[0077] Figure 12a According to a ninth embodiment of the panel of the invention, the panel is shown separately to demonstrate the complementary retention of its edge pairs' profiles during the assembly movement.

[0078] Figure 12b During the continued process of the assembly movement, according to Figure 12a paneling,

[0079] Figure 12c In the locked state, having a gap and having the maximum gap on the upper side of the panel, according to Figure 12a paneling,

[0080] Figure 12d In the locked state, having a gap and a closed slit on the upper side of the panel, according to Figure 12a paneling,

[0081] Figure 12e In the locked state, within the existing gap frame, in the middle position, according to Figure 12a paneling,

[0082] Figure 12f In the locked state, with a high degree of misalignment, according to Figure 12a paneling,

[0083] Figure 12g Based on Figure 12a An embodiment with modified panels. Detailed Implementation

[0084] Figures 1a-1f A first embodiment of the panel 1 according to the invention is shown. The panels are shown separately to show their opposing panel edges 2 and 2' during the assembly movement / assembly process and in the locked state. It is also naturally understood that the panel edges are shown partially and that the two panels are not cut apart.

[0085] In practice, when panels have, for example, a rectangular shape, it is quite common to cut panels that are too long at the ends of a panel row to shorten them to the required length. Typically, a new panel row can be started with the separated pieces. The complementary retaining profiles of the cut panels fit into each other and can lock together, as shown in the following embodiments.

[0086] exist Figure 1a The diagram shows a panel 1 having a panel core 3, wherein the panel has a panel surface 4 and a lower panel surface 5 and a pair of complementary retaining profiles 6 and 7 on opposing panel edges 2 and 2', wherein the retaining profiles are configured to lock in shape.

[0087] The retaining profile 6 has a locking groove 8, and its complementary retaining profile 7 has a locking spring 9. The locking groove has an upper groove wall 10 and a lower groove wall 11, the lower groove wall protruding further away from the panel core 3 on the distal side than the upper groove wall. A retaining strip 12 is provided on the distal side (i.e., at the free end of the lower groove wall), the retaining strip protruding towards the panel surface 4 and having a free upper strip end 12a and a retaining surface 12b, wherein the retaining surface is oriented towards the panel core 3. Behind this retaining surface (i.e. towards the panel core), a gap 11a is constructed in the lower groove wall, the gap having a support surface 11b arranged parallel to the panel surface 4 for the locking spring 9. The gap 11a is outwardly limited by the retaining strip 12 or by its retaining surface 12b. A radius 13 is provided between the strip end 12a of the retaining strip 12 and the outwardly turned side.

[0088] The upper groove wall 10 has an inner side 10a, which is arranged obliquely, more specifically, obliquely relative to the vertical line L on the panel surface 4. It has an angle α, so that the distal end 10b of the inner side extends to the panel surface 4 and the proximal end 10c of the inner side is oriented further away from the panel surface and closer to the mid-plane of the panel core 3. It can also extend slightly beyond the mid-plane of the panel core.

[0089] When the main surfaces of the retaining profile (such as the upper side of the spring and the inner side of the upper groove wall) extend into the intermediate panel thickness region or approach the region on both sides of the intermediate plane of the panel core 3 or cross the intermediate plane, it generally contributes to the locking strength. This also preferably applies to the retaining surface 12b of the retaining strip, which, in the sense of the invention, is at least close to the intermediate plane of the panel core and arranged in the intermediate panel thickness region.

[0090] The locking spring 9 has a lower spring side 9a, which is arranged parallel to the panel surface 4'. Near the edge, the locking spring has a downwardly opening recess 14, which provides space for the retaining strip 12 when the panel edge 2 / 2' is engaged. Furthermore, the locking spring has an undercut abutment surface 15, which interacts with the retaining surface 12b of the retaining strip when engaged. The locking spring also has an upper spring side 16, which is inclined relative to a vertical line on the panel surface 4', with the inclination angle being the same as the inclination angle α of the inner side 10a of the upper groove wall.

[0091] exist Figure 1a In this configuration, the lower side 9a of the locking spring is located on the upper end 12a of the retaining strip 12, which is arranged parallel to the panel surface 4. This position is a good starting point for the continued assembly process.

[0092] exist Figure 1b The diagram illustrates the continued process of the joining motion. Now, the lower side 9a of the spring slides down over the bar end 12a and onto the chamfer 12c located at the retaining bar 12. The chamfer forms a free surface 12d, which is arranged at an angle β relative to the perpendicular L on the panel surface 4. The free surface 12d provides so much free space that the distal front end 9b of the locking spring, or the locking spring itself, can move generally unimpeded into the locking groove 8.

[0093] The assembly motion continues in the following manner: the lower side 9a of the spring passes through the free surface 12d and continues to move downwards into the gap 11a in the lower groove wall 11, as in... Figure 1c As shown in the diagram, the lower side 9a of the spring rests on the support surface 11b of the lower groove wall, and the undercut contact surface 15 of the locking spring contacts the corresponding retaining surface 12b of the retaining strip 12 of the lower groove wall. A maximum gap W is formed between the upper side of the spring and the inner side 10a of the upper groove wall, which is smaller than the size of the gap P.

[0094] exist Figure 1c In the diagram, a horizontal gap P is shown between the upper side 16 of the spring and the inner side 10a of the upper groove wall. This gap P allows the locking spring 9 to move deeper into the locking groove 8 parallel to the panel surface 4 / 4' until the gap between the upper side of the spring and the inner side of the upper groove wall is zero; the final position is... Figure 1d As shown in the diagram. For this purpose, the contact surface 15 of the locking spring moves away from the retaining surface 12b of the lower groove wall, thus creating a horizontal gap P' at this position. Here, the lower side 9a of the spring forms a sliding surface, and the empty support surface 11b of the lower groove wall functions as a sliding zone within the framework of the existing horizontal gap P / P'.

[0095] The shapes should maintain a relatively central position relative to each other. Figure 1eThe middle position is shown in the diagram. Accordingly, not only is there a horizontal gap portion p1 between the contact surface 15 and the retaining surface 12b, but there is also a horizontal gap portion p2 between the upper side of the spring 16 and the inner side 10a of the upper groove wall. The two gap portions, when added together, form a gap portion p2. Figure 1c and 1d The horizontal gaps P / P' that exist only at one end are of the same amount.

[0096] exist Figure 1c and 1e The vertical clearance or height clearance Q (i.e., perpendicular to the panel surface) is specified. This vertical clearance is at its maximum when the undercut contact surface 15 and the retaining surface 12b are in contact. When the lower side 9a of the spring moves upward and is lifted from the support surface 11b of the lower groove wall (as in...), Figure 1f (As shown in the diagram) A height misalignment K is created between panel surface 4 and panel surface 4'. The higher panel surface 4' forms a small step with an obtuse angle, which has a certain stability due to its obtuse configuration.

[0097] In the above embodiment, the ratio of the height gap Q to the height S of the retaining surface is Q / S = 1.1. This ratio partially creates an opening that is wider at the top and gradually narrows towards the lower groove wall. The locking spring is thus guided within the narrowing opening during the engagement movement.

[0098] Ideally, two joined panels occupy a position relative to each other, in which the panel surface 4 of one panel and the panel surface 4' of the other panel form an angle of 180°, and they lie precisely in a plane. However, it is possible that when the base is corrugated, the panel surfaces 4 / 4' form an angle of <180° or >180°, where the deviation from 180° can be approximately ±3°.

[0099] In the assembled state (such as in) Figure 1d-1f As shown in the diagram, the retaining bars 12 of the lower groove wall 11 extend into the openings 14 of the locking spring 9. However, in this embodiment, a gap 17 is always maintained between the free end 12a of the retaining bar and the downwardly open opening 14. In the assembled state, this simplifies horizontal mobility within the existing gap P / P' framework.

[0100] In the first embodiment, the defined chamfer is removed between the lower spring side 9a of the locking spring and the abutment surface 15. Instead, an almost right-angled edge is constructed. Simultaneously, a right angle is also constructed between the support surface 11b and the retaining surface 12b of the lower groove wall 11. In practice, this right angle of the lower groove wall has a very small radius because the tools used to manufacture this geometry do not have acute angles, and this integral edge can only be manufactured / milled with a minimal radius / chamfer. To accommodate the abutment surface 15 and the retaining surface 12b, the edge of the lower spring side 9a is minimally rounded or has a small chamfer.

[0101] The free surface has a height T, which in the current embodiment is greater than the height S of the retaining surface. Here, the proximal end of the free surface coincides with the upper end 12e of the retaining surface 12b. The term "height S" refers to the distance measured horizontally from the upper end 12e of the retaining surface 12b to the support surface 11b of the lower groove wall 11.

[0102] Here, the upper side 16 of the spring has a distal end 16a, which is determined according to... Figure 1c In the assembled state, it is located at the following level, which is located between the free upper strip end 12a and the upper end 12e of the retaining surface or in the region of the height T of the free surface 12d.

[0103] In the current embodiment, the inclination angle α of the inner side of the upper groove wall is 45° relative to the perpendicular line L on the panel surface 4.

[0104] In the current embodiment, the free angle β of the free surface of the retaining strip is 50° relative to the perpendicular line L on the panel surface 4.

[0105] according to Figures 2a to 2f A second embodiment is shown. This second embodiment differs from the embodiment in the previous set of figures 1 in two aspects. One aspect is the configuration of the panel surface 4 on the side of the locking groove 8. Here, a chamfer 18 in the form of a chamfer 18a is provided at the upper groove wall 10. Thus, the inner side 10a of the upper groove wall 10 is shorter than in the embodiment of the previous set of figures. Furthermore, a V-shaped joint 19 is constructed in the assembled state. V-shaped joints are often considered more satisfactory. In addition, the V-shaped joint protects the free end of the upper groove wall 10 from damage. This free end and Figure 1a Compared to being blunter and located at a lower position, i.e., separated from the panel surface 4 by a certain distance and thus protected.

[0106] The second aspect differing from the embodiment in Figure 1 is the proportional relationship between the retaining bar 12 and the downwardly open recess 14 of the locking spring 9. Here, the free end 12a of the retaining bar forms a support surface 12f, which contacts and supports the recess 14's base surface 14a when the panel is assembled. During movement within the frame of the horizontal gap P / P', the base surface 14a of the recess 14 slides on the support surface 12f. This provides further stability when the panel is loaded from above onto the panel surface 4'.

[0107] According to Figure 2c In the position, the distal end 16a of the upper side 16 of the spring is located at a level between the free upper bar end 12a and the upper end 12e of the retaining surface, or in the region of height T of the free surface 12d. A maximum gap W is formed between the upper side of the spring and the inner side 10a of the upper groove wall, which is narrower than the size of the gap P.

[0108] Figures 3a to 3c A third embodiment is shown. This third embodiment is largely consistent with the embodiment in Figure 2. In the assembled state, a V-shaped joint 19 is constructed on the panel surface. A retaining strip 12 provided on the lower groove wall contacts the base surface 14a of the downwardly open recess 14 and supports this area of ​​the locking spring. The difference lies in the configuration of the upper side 16 of the spring, which here has an area including a convex curved surface 20 (curve). Accordingly, the inner side 10a of the upper groove wall 10 is provided with a concave curved surface 21 (curve). Furthermore, in this embodiment, the free surface 12d has a curved surface 22. Compared to the inner side of the upper groove wall, the curved surface 22 is inclined at a slightly larger angle relative to the vertical line L on the panel surface 4. An opening is formed to a certain extent between this inner side and the free surface, which has a larger width at the top and gradually narrows downward toward the lower groove wall.

[0109] Figures 4a to 4c A fourth embodiment is shown. This fourth embodiment is based on the embodiment in Figure 2. As in that embodiment, it has a chamfer 18a on the side of the locking groove on the panel surface, thereby creating a V-shaped joint 19 in the assembled state. Furthermore, the downwardly open recess 14 of the locking spring is common, and this recess is consistent with the opening in the assembled state. Figure 2c Similarly, it is placed on the support surface 12f of the retaining bar 12 with the base surface 14a and is thus supported.

[0110] The embodiment in Figure 4 differs in that a second retaining surface 23 is provided on the retaining strip 12 of the lower groove wall 11, and a second abutting surface 24 is adapted to it on the locking spring 9. Therefore, the two pairs consisting of the retaining surface and the abutting surface function. In the engaged state, this doubling of the retaining surface and the abutting surface generally improves the locking effect. In the illustrated embodiment, the second retaining surface 23 begins at the upper end of the free surface 12d and ends at the level of the support surface 12f of the retaining strip at the free strip end 12a. The second abutting surface 24 of the locking spring is arranged proximally relative to the first abutting surface 15 and is adapted to the second retaining surface 23 of the retaining strip in the engaged state.

[0111] Furthermore, when the base U is uneven, i.e., it has undulations, the embodiment with doubled retaining surfaces 12b / 23 and abutting surfaces 15 / 24 has advantages. The undulations refer to the appropriate slope / inclination of the base, on the order of ±3°. When two interlocking panels are laid on and locked onto this undulating base, a flat floor surface is no longer formed. When the retaining profile is in the raised position of the base, an angle >180° is formed between the panel surfaces of one panel and the other panel. When it is in the lower position of the base, an angle <180° is formed between the two panel surfaces. The embodiment presented in Figure 4 has the advantage that when the panel surfaces of the locked panels are in positions with angles <180° or >180° relative to each other, one of the pair consisting of retaining surfaces / abutting surfaces maintains contact accordingly. A pair consisting of retaining surfaces / abutting surfaces always maintains good contact with each other, while the contact of another pair consisting of retaining surfaces / abutting surfaces is lost, however, the degree of contact loss between retaining surfaces / abutting surfaces is only one-tenth of a millimeter or even a very small fraction of one-tenth.

[0112] The fifth embodiment is based on the embodiment in Figure 2. As in the previous embodiment, here, a chamfer 18 is also provided on the panel surface 4 on the side of the locking groove 9 (on the upper groove wall 10). The chamfer is constructed in the form of a chamfer 18a. Furthermore, in the assembled state, there is contact between the downwardly open recess 14 associated with the locking spring 9 and the support surface 12f on the end 12a of the retaining strip. The retaining strip 12 extends into the recess 14 and supports its base surface 14a.

[0113] The fifth embodiment is characterized by the configuration of the upper side 16 of the spring, which has a concave curved surface 25, while the inner side 10a of the upper groove wall 10 has a convex curved surface 26 adapted to it. Figure 5cIn the position shown, the two curved surfaces 25 / 26 are abutting each other. Conversely, a horizontal gap P' is visible between the retaining surface 12b of the retaining bar and the abutting surface 15 of the locking spring. The gap P' can naturally be reduced to zero, thereby creating a gap between curved surfaces 25 and 26 that is similar to that in... Figure 2c The gap P in the middle is the same as the gap P.

[0114] The assembly process is based on Figure 5a It is shown at the beginning. Its relation to... Figure 2a Similarly, it begins in this manner: the lower side 9a of the spring is placed on the retaining bar 12, and then the locking spring 9 continues to move towards the locking groove 8. According to... Figure 5b In this embodiment, the locking spring 9 abuts against the inner side 10a of the groove wall. In the current embodiment, this requires the plate with the locking spring to be raised / tilted by a small angle γ. Alternatively, however, it is possible to change the configuration and provide, for example, a larger gap P, so that the locking spring 9 can engage in the locking groove 8 with a small tilt or no tilt at all.

[0115] The sixth embodiment is also based on Figure 2. As in this sixth embodiment, a chamfer 18a is provided on the panel surface 4 on the side facing the locking groove 8, thereby creating a V-shaped joint 19 in the assembled state. Furthermore, a downwardly opening recess 14 for the locking spring 9 is also provided, which, in the assembled state, is similar to... Figure 2c The grooves are similarly placed on the retaining strip 12 and thereby support its base surface 14a. In the current embodiment, the two grooves 27 in the lower spring side 9a and the two grooves 28 in the support surface 11b of the lower groove wall 11 are new. The corresponding two grooves are opposite each other and together form a hollow cavity Y, in which, for example, dust particles or wear particles can accumulate. Alternatively, fewer or more of these grooves can be arranged on the lower spring side 9a or the support surface 11b, or the grooves can be arranged only on one side of the support surface 11b or the lower spring side 9a.

[0116] Figure 7 illustrates an embodiment based on the embodiment in Figure 2, where the chamfer 18a is also present on the panel surface 4 on the side of the locking groove 8, thus creating a V-shaped joint 19 in the assembled state. Furthermore, because a downwardly opening recess 14 for the locking spring 9 is provided, similar to that in Figure 2, this recess, in the assembled state, interacts with the... Figure 2c They are similarly placed on and supported by the retaining bar 12.

[0117] In the current embodiment, the retaining strip 12 of the lower groove wall 11 has a new configuration. Specifically, the retaining strip also has a chamfer on its outer side facing away from the opening 11a. This chamfer configuration makes its inclined starting surface 29 for locking the spring 9, as in... Figure 7aAs indicated in the diagram, the spring tip contacts the starting surface and moves upward along it. This can be achieved by lowering the distal end 29a of the starting surface to a level low enough that when a new panel is placed on the base U, the locking spring 9 of the new panel can contact the starting surface. Here, the new panel can continue to move from this position toward the locking groove, thereby causing the locking spring to move upward along the starting surface 29 until the lower side 9a of the spring is positioned above the retaining bar 12 or on its supporting surface 12f. The assembly process then continues as in the embodiment shown in Figure 2.

[0118] exist Figures 8a to 8d The eighth embodiment is shown. This eighth embodiment is based on the embodiment in Figure 1, but differs from Figure 1 in two aspects. The first aspect is the changed relationship between the retaining strip 12 provided on the lower groove wall 11 and the downwardly open gap 14 of the locking spring 9. The configuration is such that, in the assembled state, the gap is placed on the support surface 12f, as in... Figure 8c As shown in / 8d. On the other hand, it involves maintaining the special configuration of face 12b. As in Figure 8a As can be seen, the retaining surface is implemented with a bottom cut. The retaining surface has a cut-in groove 30. The cut-in groove is arranged such that the support surface 11b of the lower groove wall extends and transitions into the cut-in groove. The contact surface 15 of the locking spring further forms a protrusion 31, which points towards the insert core 3' and actually forms an extension of the lower side 9a of the spring. Figure 8d The protrusion 31 is configured to fit into the cut-in groove 30 in the assembled state and according to Figure 8d The position counteracts height misalignment. In this way, to a certain extent, a back-side shape-locking mechanism is provided behind the lower side 9a of the spring. The back-side shape-locking mechanism is located on the side of the steering panel core of the retaining bar 12, relative to the panel with the locking groove. Figure 8b The image shows the intermediate position during the assembly motion. The lower side of the spring moves downward along the free surface 12d, or the aforementioned protrusion 31 slides downward on the free surface. Figure 8c The image shows a position with a gap P', in which the upper side 16 of the spring rests against the inner side 10a of the upper groove wall.

[0119] Figure 9 A top view of the surface of the installed panel is shown, wherein, here, a panel of rectangular form is used, the panel having a retaining profile according to Figure 7 on two edge pairs. A first panel row D1 and a second panel row D2, initiating the locking process, are visible. The new panel has a first edge pair including a locking spring 32a and an opposing locking groove 32c, and a second edge pair including a locking spring 32b and an opposing locking groove 32d.

[0120] The new panel 32 should be connected to the second panel row. For this purpose, the new panel must be locked with panels 33 and 34 of the first panel row D1 and with panel 35 of the second panel row D2. According to the method described herein, the new panel 32 is placed on the base U. Then, the new panel moves in the direction of arrow V (diagonally). Here, it approaches the locking grooves of panels 33 / 34 of the first panel row. At the same time, it approaches the locking groove of panel 35. On the two sides of the new panel 32 to be locked, its locking springs 32a and 32b abut against the starting surfaces 35b or 33b / 34b, which are respectively externally provided on the retaining bars of adjacent panels 33, 34 and 35. As the movement continues in the direction of arrow V, the lower side of the spring reaches the retaining bar or its support surface, and then the lower side of the spring slides down along the free surface and finally moves downward until it reaches the gap in the lower groove wall. This occurs not only at panels 33 and 34 of the first panel row D1, but also at panel 35 of the second panel row D2.

[0121] When the panel is to be adhered to the base, the methods and steps described above can naturally be performed in exactly the same way. If a new panel 32 is to be installed, an adhesive must be prepared beforehand. The adhesive can be applied to the base and / or to the surface of the lower panel. The adhesive must have sufficient pot life to allow all installation steps to be performed before it ages and hardens. After aging and hardening / solidification, the adhesive creates a material-locking bond with the base U.

[0122] The locking of the two locking springs 32a and 32b involved in the new panel 32 occurs almost simultaneously. However, due to the bending nature of the panel, the locking of the new panel's locking spring with the locking groove of the already installed panel begins at the panel corner pointed to by arrow V of the new panel, and the locking process begins at this panel corner and continues in a zipper-like manner along the edges of both panels. It is possible that one edge of the new panel locks faster than the other; this can occur, for example, when the panel edges are of different lengths.

[0123] Alternatively, another method for locking can be implemented, which requires the following embodiment for the panel: this embodiment does not have an actuating surface on the retaining bar externally, so that the locking spring cannot automatically move upward beyond the actuating surface. Instead, the new panel is positioned such that its locking spring rests directly on the retaining bar of the adjacent panel, as in Figure 1a , 2a As shown in 3a, 4a, 6a, and 8a. That is to say, for Figure 9A locking spring is placed on the panel strip of the panel in the first panel row, and another locking spring is placed on the retaining strip of the panel already present in the second panel row. Then, the panels are moved diagonally as indicated by arrow V, so that the new panel forms a form-locking fit with the locking groove of the adjacent panel on the edges of the two panels to be locked.

[0124] Figure 10 A panel is shown that follows the principle of Figure 8, namely, it has a shape-locking locking mechanism on the back side. This shape-locking locking mechanism on the back side is achieved by a slot 30 on the retaining strip of the locking groove and a protrusion 31 on the locking spring 9 that is adapted to fit into the slot. When there is a maximum gap P on the panel surface in the fitted state, the protrusion 31 moves into the slot to the maximum depth, thereby achieving the best locking effect of the shape-locking mechanism on the back side perpendicular to the panel surface. During assembly, the protrusion 31 can freely pass through the proximal end of the free surface 12d and reach the support surface 11b of the lower groove wall on the lower spring side 9a. In the current embodiment, no elastic deformation (required during the assembly process in the retaining profile) is provided.

[0125] exist Figure 10 In one embodiment, the groove has a cross-section, which is manufactured by means of a milling tool. The dashed line is in... Figure 10 The milling tool R and its drive axis Z are outlined in the figure, and the milling tool rotates around the drive axis.

[0126] Compared to Figure 8, the locking groove is implemented with a larger radius on its groove bottom. The distal end 16a of the straight section on the upper side 16 of the spring is at a slightly higher level than the support surface 12f or the end 12a of the retaining bar 12. This has the advantage that the risk of cracking can be slightly reduced in the area constituting the groove bottom of the locking groove with an increased radius.

[0127] The increased radius at the bottom of the trench is not only advantageous for the current embodiment, but also a practical option for all previous embodiments.

[0128] When the distal end 16a of the straight section of the upper side 16 of the spring is above the end 12a of the bar, as in Figure 10 In this case, the distal end should practically be located in the region above the end of the strip, the amount of which is equivalent to the height T of the free surface.

[0129] When the protrusion 31 moves as low as possible into the groove 30, the side of the groove closer to the panel surface has a form-locking contact with the upper side of the protrusion. Here, some air can be provided between the free end of the protrusion and the bottom of the groove, thus forming a free space. The free space helps to reliably establish the form-locking and can also receive any dirt particles that may be present.

[0130] Figure 11 This illustration shows the application of the panel according to the invention for manufacturing a panel surface with a herringbone pattern. For this purpose, two different types of panels, type A and type B, are required. Both panel types A and B have edge pairs with identical configurations; that is, the locking groove of type A is arranged on the same panel edge as in panel type B, and the locking spring of type A is also arranged on the same panel edge as in panel type B. However, the other edge pair is implemented in type B in a left-right reversal relative to type A; that is, the panel edge with the locking spring in type A has a locking groove in type B, and vice versa. In the present embodiment, both types have a pair of long panel edges and a pair of short panel edges. The long panel edges have the same configuration in type A as in type B. The short panel edges are different from each other. A locking groove is provided in type B on the panel edge of type A with the locking spring. In type A, there is a locking groove, while in type B, a locking spring is arranged.

[0131] In the production of panel types A and B, the retaining profile of the long edges is first milled. Next, the panels continue to be transported within the production equipment to mill the shorter edges. Half of a batch of panels must be rotated 180° before milling to create the shorter edges by reversing the orientation of this portion of the panel. This pattern requires that the long and short panel edges be able to interlock. That is, different edge pairs (e.g., long and short edges) must be compatible. This method allows for the creation of a herringbone pattern. Specifically, the panels can be locked in a shape-locking manner everywhere, with locking achieved horizontally within the panel plane, more precisely, perpendicular to the locked edges, but also vertically in a direction perpendicular to the panel plane. In the case of rectangular or square panels, this horizontal and vertical locking is achieved on both edge pairs.

[0132] The panel types A and B produced in this way can achieve a herringbone pattern. Figure 11 A surface is schematically shown consisting of locked panels arranged in a herringbone pattern. For example, panels of type A and type B are distinguished by different shading lines. Here, (F) indicates the location of the spring in the respective panel type, and (N) indicates the location of the slot.

[0133] Due to the advantageous manipulability of the shape-locking of the panels according to the invention, the locking between the panels is also very simple when two types of panels are implemented and they are assembled into a paving panel in the herringbone pattern shown.

[0134] exist Figures 12a to 12f Figure 12 shows a ninth embodiment of the panel according to the invention. It is based on the embodiment in Figure 1. The common features are indicated in Figure 12 by the same reference numerals as in Figure 1. However, relative to Figure 1, the ninth embodiment has a curved free surface 12d on the retaining strip 12. A curved surface 36, with a radius, is also provided between the lower side 9a of the spring and the abutment surface 15. The space is created by the curved surface 36 and the curved free surface 12d so that a locking spring 9 of a panel edge 2' can be easily inserted into the gap 11a in the lower groove wall 11 of the complementary panel edge 2. The lower groove wall 11 has a support surface 11b parallel to the panel surface, wherein the support surface 11b transitions into a curved surface 37 that rises relative to the bottom of the groove. Here, the curved surface 37 is also implemented as a radius. The curved surface 37 improves the stability of the locking groove where the lower groove wall 11 connects to the panel core 3. Furthermore, an inclined surface 38 is connected behind the lower side 9a of the spring, in the direction of the free end of the locking spring. The inclined surface 38 is inclined in the opposite direction to the upper side 16 of the spring. The surface 38 and the upper side 16 of the spring form a wedge shape. The wedge shape tapers towards the free end of the locking spring. The tip of the wedge is rounded at the front end 9b with a radius of 39.

[0135] The blank 14 has a surface 40 with rounded inner corners. The curvature of the surface 40 is adapted to fit the radius 13 provided on the retaining strip 12 and can be tightly abutted against it, as in... Figure 12d As can be seen in the text.

[0136] according to Figure 12b The panel edge 2' with locking spring 9 can be held parallel to the panel edge 2, thus ensuring parallelism between panel surfaces 4 and 4'. For the panel edges to lock together, they must only move towards each other in the horizontal direction. Here, the lower side 9a of the spring descends onto the support surface 11b due to the weight of the panel itself.

[0137] In the locked state, there is a certain gap, more precisely, there is a certain gap not only in the horizontal direction but also in the vertical direction. Figure 12c , 12d 12e and 12f show the locked states, where the edges of the locked panels occupy different positions relative to each other.

[0138] exist Figure 12cIn the middle, the panel surfaces 4 and 4' lie in the same horizontal plane. A maximum gap W is formed between the inner side 10a of the upper groove wall and the upper side 16 of the spring. This gap W is narrower than the dimension of the horizontal gap S. The retaining surface 12b of the retaining strip 12 contacts the abutting surface 15 of the locking spring 9.

[0139] according to Figure 12c The base surface 14a of the gap 14 rests on the support surface 12f of the retaining strip 12. The rounded inner corner surface 40 of the gap is spaced away from the radius 13 of the retaining strip 12.

[0140] Conversely, in Figure 12d In the middle, the edges 2 and 2' of the panel move closer to each other, so that the rounded inner corner surface 40 contacts the radius 13 of the retaining strip 12. The gap W disappears, so that the inner side 10a of the upper groove wall contacts the upper side 16 of the spring. In addition, the panel surfaces 4 and 4' lie in the same horizontal plane.

[0141] Next Figure 12e The diagram shows a centrally located position with gaps in two positions. On one hand, there is a gap W between the inner side 10a of the upper groove wall and the upper side 16 of the spring; however, the gap W is smaller than... Figure 12c The gap is smaller. In addition, a gap P' is provided between the retaining surface 12b on the retaining bar 12 and the contact surface 15 of the locking spring 9.

[0142] exist Figure 12f The diagram shows the locked state of panel edges 2 and 2', in which the panel edge 2' with the locking spring 9 has a height misalignment relative to the panel edge 2 with the locking groove 8. This height misalignment is manifested by panel surface 4, which is at a lower level than panel surface 4'. The lower side 9a of the spring thus loses contact with the support surface 11b. The contact between the retaining surface 12b and the abutment surface 15 of the locking spring 9 becomes slightly smaller; however, there is sufficient residual surface contact between the retaining surface and the abutment surface, which shape-locks and secures the panel edges, protecting them from horizontal movement away from each other.

[0143] Figure 12g An embodiment is shown that differs from... Figures 12a to 12f Its geometry has been altered. Due to this alteration, the complementary panel edges cannot be locked together by moving them toward each other in a parallel orientation; they cannot be connected to each other by simply locking their shapes together with horizontal movement.

[0144] The locking groove has an opening 41 with a minimum opening degree M. The locking spring cannot pass through this opening because the extension of the locking spring would be too large for the opening if the two panels were oriented parallel to each other.

[0145] However, in this embodiment, the locking spring has a specific shape. That is, when the panel with the locking spring is raised / tilted by an angle γ, its extension through the opening must be minimal. In the raised / tilted position, the locking spring 9 passes through the opening 41. Deformation and expansion of the opening are not required for this purpose.

[0146] Due to the proposed configuration, it is advantageous to attach / obliquely attach the panel edge 2' at an angle γ relative to the complementary panel edge 2, so that the panel edge is locked in a shape-locking manner with the complementary panel edge.

[0147] Preferably, in Figure 12g In one embodiment, the panel with the locking spring 9 is tilted up / tilted. Then, the tilted panel swings down into the plane of the placed panel so that its locking spring shape engages with the locking groove 8.

[0148] The edge of the panel Figure 12g The geometric structure set in Figures 12a to 12f The difference lies particularly in the higher retaining bar 12. Due to the increase in the height of the retaining bar 12, the opening 41 of the locking groove has a larger opening than in... Figures 12a to 12f The previous embodiment had a smaller opening M, which allowed it to be form-locked by horizontally moving the panel edges (without lifting / sliding) toward each other.

[0149] Figure 5b The embodiments are based on and Figure 12g They are constructed using the same principles.

[0150] List of reference numerals

[0151] 1 Panel

[0152] 2. Panel edge

[0153] 2' Panel edge

[0154] 3 panel core

[0155] 3' panel core

[0156] 4 Panel Surface

[0157] 4' Panel surface

[0158] 5. Lower panel surface

[0159] 6. Maintain the outline

[0160] 7. Maintain the outline

[0161] 8 Locking groove

[0162] 9. Locking spring

[0163] 9a Lower side of spring

[0164] 9b Front end

[0165] 10 Upper tank wall

[0166] 10a inner side

[0167] 10b distal end

[0168] 10c proximal end

[0169] 11 Lower tank wall

[0170] 11a (Leave blank)

[0171] 11b Support surface

[0172] 12. Maintain the condition

[0173] 12a end

[0174] 12b Maintaining surface

[0175] 12c chamfer

[0176] 12d free surface

[0177] 12e Upper end

[0178] 12f support surface

[0179] 13 Radius

[0180] 14. Leave blank.

[0181] 14a Base plane

[0182] 15. Attach to the back surface

[0183] 16. Upper side of spring

[0184] 16a distal end

[0185] 17 gaps

[0186] 18 chamfer

[0187] 18a Bevel

[0188] 19 V-type joint

[0189] 20. Convex curved surfaces

[0190] 21. Concave curved surface

[0191] 22. Convex curved surfaces

[0192] 23 Second retaining surface

[0193] 24 Second backing

[0194] 25. Concave curved surface

[0195] 26. Convex curved surfaces

[0196] 27 Grooves

[0197] 28 Grooves

[0198] 29 Starting face

[0199] 29a Distal end

[0200] 30 Cut-in slot

[0201] 31. Protrusion

[0202] 32 New panels

[0203] 32a Locking Spring

[0204] 32b Locking Spring

[0205] 32c locking groove

[0206] 32d locking groove

[0207] 33 Panels

[0208] 33d starting surface

[0209] 34 Panels

[0210] 34d starting surface

[0211] 35 panel

[0212] 35c starting surface

[0213] 36 curved surfaces

[0214] 37 Curved Surface

[0215] 38. Inclined surface

[0216] 39 radius

[0217] 40 Hollow groove-shaped curved surface

[0218] 41 Opening

[0219] F spring

[0220] M Opening degree

[0221] N slots

[0222] K height misalignment

[0223] L perpendicular line

[0224] P gap

[0225] P' gap

[0226] p1 gap section

[0227] p2 gap section

[0228] Q Height clearance

[0229] R Milling tools

[0230] S Maintain surface height

[0231] T Free plane height

[0232] U-shaped base

[0233] V arrow

[0234] W gap

[0235] Y cavity

[0236] Z drive axis

[0237] α Angle of inclination

[0238] β angle

[0239] γ angle

Claims

1. A panel (1) having a panel core (3, 3'), a panel surface (4, 4'), a lower panel surface (5), and at least one first edge pair having complementary shape-locking retaining profiles (6, 7) on opposing panel edges, wherein, One of the retaining profiles (6) has a locking groove (8) having an upper groove wall (10) protruding distally and a lower groove wall (11) protruding distally beyond the upper groove wall (10), and a retaining strip (12) protruding toward the panel surface (4) at the free end of the lower groove wall (11) and having a free upper strip end (12a) and at least one undercut retaining surface (12b), wherein the retaining surface faces the panel surface (4). The core (3) is oriented and defines the gap (11a) in the lower groove wall (11) behind the retaining strip, wherein the complementary retaining profile (7) is provided with a locking spring (9) having at least one undercut abutment surface (15) oriented toward the core (3') and acting in conjunction with the retaining surface (12b) of the retaining strip (12) in the assembled state, wherein the locking spring (9) has a lower spring side (9a) and an upper spring side (16). The upper side (16) of the spring has a distal end (16a) and a proximal end (16b) and is either straight or curved and is arranged obliquely relative to the vertical line (L) on the panel surface (4, 4'), such that the distal end (16a) is farther from the panel surface (4, 4') and the proximal end (16b) is closer to the panel surface (4, 4'), wherein a gap exists in the assembled state, the gap including a height gap (Q) and a horizontal gap (P). P'), so that the retaining profile (6, 7) can move perpendicular to the panel surface (4, 4') and can move in a direction perpendicular to the panel edge (2, 2') and simultaneously parallel to the panel surface (4, 4'), wherein the inner side (10a) of the upper groove wall (10) is adapted to the upper side (16) of the spring in a straight or curved shape and has an angle α relative to the vertical line (L) on the panel surface (4, 4'), which angle makes the tilted The upper side (16) of the spring and the inner side (10a) of the upper groove wall (10) touch each other in a state of moving toward each other. The retaining profiles (6, 7) are configured such that the lower side (9a) of the spring of the new panel can be placed on the retaining strip (12) of the placed panel, and the retaining profiles (6, 7) can then move toward each other by the movement of the new panel in a direction parallel to the panel plane, so that the edge of the panel can be locked almost horizontally, i.e., within the panel plane. A chamfer (12c) is provided between the free upper end (12a) of the retaining strip (12) and the retaining surface (12b) of the lower part of the retaining strip, wherein the chamfer forms a free surface (12d), which has a distal upper end (12e) and a proximal end and is formed in a straight line or curve, wherein the free surface (12d) has an angle β relative to the perpendicular (L) on the panel surface (4, 4').The condition is that during the assembly step, the lower side (9a) of the locking spring (9) can be placed horizontally on the retaining bar (12) of the locking groove (8), and then the upper side (16) of the spring can move toward the inner side (10a) of the upper groove wall (10), and at the end of the aforementioned assembly step, the distal end (16a) of the upper side (16) of the spring in the region of the panel core (3') touches the inner side (10a) of the upper groove wall (10).

2. The panel according to claim 1, characterized in that, A chamfer is provided between the lower side (9a) of the spring and the undercut abutment surface (15), the chamfer having a cross-section that is at least 50% smaller than the chamfer (12c) of the retaining strip (12).

3. The panel according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The height (T) of the free surface is greater than or equal to the height (S) of the retaining surface of the retaining strip (12).

4. The panel according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The distal end (16a) of the upper side (16) of the spring is located at a level between the free upper end (12a) of the retaining bar (12) and the proximal end of the free surface (12d) in the assembled state, or the distal end of the upper side of the spring is located above the free end (12a) of the bar by an amount equivalent to the height (T) of the free surface.

5. The panel according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The lower side (9a) of the spring is provided with a sliding surface, which is arranged parallel to the surface of the panel (4') and supported in the assembled state on a sliding area in the gap (11a) of the lower groove wall (11), wherein the sliding area is arranged parallel to the surface of the panel (4) in that respect.

6. The panel according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The retaining strip (12) forms a support surface (12f), at least during the assembly process, the lower side (9a) of the spring can be placed on the support surface, and the locking spring (9) has a gap (14) with a base surface (14a) that opens toward the lower panel surface (5).

7. The panel according to claim 6, characterized in that, The support surface (12f) of the retaining strip (12) and the base surface (14a) of the gap (14) are parallel to each other and touch each other in the assembled state, so that the support surface and the base surface act as sliding surfaces parallel to the panel surface (4, 4') within the existing gap (P, P') framework.

8. The panel according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, When the retaining surface (12b) under the bottom of the locking groove (11) and the abutting surface (15) under the bottom of the locking spring (9) come into contact, the maximum height gap (Q) relative to the height (S) of the retaining surface (12b) is in the ratio Q / S, which is in the range of 0.5-2.0, preferably in the range of 0.8-1.

2.

9. The panel according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, The inclination angle α of the inner side (10a) of the upper groove wall (10) relative to the vertical line (L) on the panel surface (4, 4') is in the range of 30° to 60°.

10. The panel according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, The free surface (12d) of the retaining strip (12) is inclined at a free angle β relative to the vertical line (L) on the panel surface (4, 4'), and the free angle β is greater than or equal to the inclination angle α.

11. The panel according to claim 10, characterized in that, The free angle β is located in the range of 1.0 to 1.5 times the tilt angle α.

12. The panel according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that, The retaining bar (12) is provided with a second retaining surface (23) on the distal side oriented toward the panel core (3, 3'), and the locking spring (9) is adapted to have a second abutting surface (24) on the proximal side.

13. The panel according to claim 11, characterized in that, The second retaining surface (23) of the retaining strip (12) is arranged on the far end of the free surface (12d).

14. The panel according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that, The panel surface (4, 4') has a chamfer (18) at least on the side of the locking groove (11) or on the side of the locking spring (9).

15. The panel according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that, The panels (1, 32, 33, 34, 35) are constructed at the four corners and have a second edge pair, which has complementary retaining profiles on the opposing edges of the panels, wherein the retaining profiles are configured in the same way as the retaining profiles (6, 7) of the first edge pair.

16. A method for laying and locking a panel of the type claimed in any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that, The spring underside (9a) of the new panel is placed on the retaining strip (12) of the panel that has been placed on the base, and then the new panel, which is placed in the panel plane, moves perpendicular to the panel edge (2, 2') toward the placed panel until the spring underside (9a) of the new panel exceeds the retaining strip (12) of the placed panel and sinks down into the gap (11a) behind the retaining strip (12).

17. A method for laying and locking a panel of the type according to claim 15, characterized in that, This type of new corner panel (32) has two identical edge pairs. The new corner panel in the second panel row (D2) is locked to the existing panels (33, 34) of the first panel row (D1) and simultaneously to the existing panel (35) in the second row. This is achieved by placing the new panel (32) on the retaining bars (33d, 34d) of the panels (33, 34) of the first panel row (D1) with the lower side of the locking spring (32b) and on the retaining bar (35c) of the existing panel (35) in the second row with the lower side of the adjacent locking spring (32a). The new panel (32) moves diagonally, thereby simultaneously engaging the two adjacent locking springs (32a, 32b) of the new panel. Specifically, the locking spring (32b) engages with the locking groove of the panel (33, 34) in the first panel row (D1), and the additional locking spring (32a) engages with the locking groove of the existing panel (35) in the second row. The lower sides of the two adjacent locking springs (32a, 32b) of the new panel (32) extend beyond the retaining strips (33d, 34d, 35c) of the installed panel and sink into the gaps located behind the retaining strips.

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