Panel and method for manufacturing a panel

Abstract

A panel, the panel being rectangular and having long edges and short edges, on each long edge and on each short edge the panel comprises coupling means allowing the panel to be coupled to another similar panel, the coupling means on one long edge comprising a tongue and a downwardly directed interlocking groove; the coupling means on the other long edge and on the short edges each comprising a groove and an interlocking lip; the interlocking lip on each of the other long edge and the short edges delimiting a respective groove along a bottom and comprising an upwardly directed interlocking element; the tongue being configured to cooperate with the groove on each of the other long edge and the short edges of the other panel; the downwardly directed interlocking groove being configured to cooperate with the upwardly directed interlocking element on each of the other long edge and the short edges of the other panel; the coupling means on the long edges being configured to couple one long edge of the panel to the other long edge of the other panel by a turning movement.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of Chinese patent application for invention “Panel and method for manufacturing a panel” with application date 25 November 2019 and application number 201980077906.4. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present invention relates to a panel and a method for manufacturing a panel.

[0003] More in particular, the present invention relates to a panel which is rectangular and which has long edges and short edges. The panel comprises a coupling part on each edge which makes it possible to couple the panel to another similar panel. BACKGROUND

[0004] Such panels are known, for example, from WO 97 / 47843. In this case, the coupling parts are configured to cooperate with coupling parts at the other long edges of another similar panel at one long edge. The coupling parts at one short edge are configured to cooperate with coupling parts at the other short edges of another similar panel. The cooperating coupling parts form an interlocking tongue-and-groove connection at both the long edges and the short edges. This is a tongue-and-groove connection which not only produces a vertical interlock between the coupled edges, but also a horizontal interlock. The vertical interlock is produced by the cooperation between the tongue and the groove. The horizontal interlock is produced by an interlocking lip which engages with a downwardly directed interlocking groove. The panels in WO 97 / 47843 are generally arranged in rows according to a standard pattern. In this case, the panels are installed with the short edges abutting the short edges and the long edges abutting the long edges.

[0005] Similar panels which allow for more advanced laying patterns are also known. In this case, the panels are generally installed with the short edges abutting the long edges. This is the case, for example, for herringbone patterns. Such herringbone patterns can be produced using the panels described in WO 03 / 089736 and WO 2004 / 063491. However, a general problem is that two different types of these panels are required to achieve a herringbone pattern. In this case, one type of panel is a mirror image of the other type of panel. This not only makes the installation of the panels more difficult, because the correct type of panel must be chosen as the next panel to be installed, but also makes the manufacturing process relatively complex, because two types of panels must be manufactured.

[0006] WO 2011 / 153916 and WO 2015 / 155312 attempt to provide a solution to these problems. They propose to construct the coupling parts on each edge of the panels similar. This offers the advantage that only one type of panel is needed to create a herringbone pattern. Each coupling part comprises a repeatedly interrupted interlocking lip and an interlocking groove present at the location of the interruptions in the interlocking lip. In the case of coupled panels, the interlocking lip of one panel engages with the interlocking groove of the other panel and vice versa. As a result, a vertical interlocking and a horizontal interlocking are created between the coupled panels. However, the resulting interlocking is not optimal. This is due to the fact that the fit between the interlocking lip and the interlocking groove only occurs over a limited distance along the coupled edge. As a result, a fluctuation of the surface can occur in the case of a flexible material, in which case an alternating height difference occurs between two adjoining floor panels, i.e. in which the height difference occurs along the coupled edge alternatingly one adjoining panel and then the other adjoining panel is located in a higher position. Furthermore, the manufacture of the coupling parts is not simple due to the discontinuous or variable nature of the coupling parts.

[0007] WO 2005 / 098163 also describes that only one type of panel is needed to create a herringbone pattern. In the coupled position, the coupling parts form an interlocking tongue and groove connection over the long edges. The coupling parts on the short edges have the same design and are configured to cooperate with each coupling part on the long edges. However, the actual instance of the coupling parts on the short edges is relatively complex or does not create a sufficient interlocking action. As a result, the vertical movement of the short edges is not always limited in the coupled position. This has the disadvantageous effect that a height difference between adjacent panels is created in the installed position of the respective panels. SUMMARY

[0008] It is an object of the present invention to provide a solution for one or more of the problems encountered with the prior art panels.

[0009] To this end, the invention relates to a panel according to a first independent aspect and a panel according to a second independent aspect. Both independent aspects propose an alternative solution to the problems encountered with the prior art panels.

[0010] To this end, according to a first independent aspect of the application, the application relates to a panel that is rectangular and has long edges and short edges. On each long edge and on each short edge, the panel comprises a coupling part that allows the panel to be coupled to another similar panel. The coupling part on one long edge comprises a tongue and a downwardly directed interlocking groove. The coupling parts on the other long edge and on the short edges each comprise a groove and an interlocking lip. The interlocking lip on each of the other long edge and the short edges delimits a respective groove along the bottom and comprises an upwardly directed interlocking element. The tongue is configured to cooperate with the groove on each of the other long edge and the short edges of another similar panel in order to create a vertical interlock between the respective edges. The downwardly directed interlocking groove is configured to cooperate with the upwardly directed interlocking element on each of the other long edge and the short edges of another similar panel in order to create a horizontal interlock between the respective edges. The panel thus makes it possible to form an interlocking tongue-and-groove connection between one long edge of the panel and the other long edge and the short edges of another similar panel. This results in a stable unit of coupled panels. In this case, it should be noted that the expression horizontal interlock is understood to mean an interlock that acts in the horizontal direction or in a direction in the plane of the coupled panels and at right angles to the coupled edges. The expression vertical interlock is understood to mean an interlock that acts in the vertical direction or in a direction at right angles to the plane of the coupled panels.

[0011] The interlocking lip on the other long edge is preferably absent along a portion of the other long edge. At the location of the portion, the coupling part on the other long edge preferably comprises a downwardly directed interlocking groove. The downwardly directed interlocking groove on the other long edge is preferably configured to cooperate with the upwardly directed interlocking element on one and / or the other short edge of another similar panel in order to create a horizontal interlock between the respective edges. The other long edge of the panel can thus be interlocked with the short edges of another similar panel in a simple and appropriate manner. The vertical movement of the short edges can be limited by their interlocking lip that engages with the other long edge below the coupling part. This limits or reduces the risk of a height difference occurring between adjacent panels in the installed position of the respective panels.

[0012] The interlocking lip on one and / or the other short edge is preferably absent along a part of the respective short edge. The coupling part on the respective short edge preferably comprises a downwardly directed interlocking groove at the location of the aforementioned part. The downwardly directed interlocking groove on the respective short edge is preferably configured to cooperate with the upwardly directed interlocking element on the other long edge of the other similar panel, in order to create a horizontal interlocking between the respective edges. As a result, it is possible in a simple and appropriate manner to interlock the respective short edge of a panel with the other long edge of the other similar panel. The vertical movement of the other long edge can be limited by its interlocking lip engaging the respective short edge below the coupling part. This limits or reduces the risk of a height difference between adjacent panels in the installed position of the respective panel. A specific situation arises if the interlocking lip of the respective short edge engages below the coupling part of the other long edge. This also creates a vertical interlocking between the respective coupling edges. As a result, the risk of a height difference between adjacent panels in the installed position of the respective panel is limited in an optimal manner.

[0013] The interlocking lip on each short edge is preferably absent along a part of the short edge. The coupling part on each short edge preferably comprises a downwardly directed interlocking groove at the location of the aforementioned part. The downwardly directed interlocking grooves on one and the other short edge are preferably configured to cooperate with the upwardly directed interlocking elements on the other and one short edge, respectively, of the other similar panel, in order to create a horizontal interlocking between the respective edges. This makes it possible in a simple and appropriate manner to interlock the short edges of a panel with the short edges of the other similar panel. This makes it possible for the panels to also be installed in a row with the short edges abutting the short edges. A vertical interlocking arises if the interlocking lip of a short edge engages below the coupling part of the short edge with which it is coupled, and vice versa. As a result, the risk of a height difference between adjacent panels in the installed position of the respective panel is limited in an optimal manner.

[0014] The interlocking lip on one and / or the other short edge can be present along the entire or almost the entire length of one and / or the other short edge, respectively. Such an interlocking lip is easy to manufacture and offers the possibility of providing interlocking along the entire or almost the entire short edge.

[0015] The coupling part on one long edge is preferably present along the entire or almost the entire length of one long edge. Such a coupling part is easy to manufacture. In addition, interlocking can be achieved along the entire or almost the entire length of one long edge.

[0016] The groove on the other long edge is preferably present along the entire or almost the entire length of the other long edge. This offers the possibility of manufacturing the groove in a simple manner and provides interlocking along the entire or almost the entire length of the other long edge.

[0017] The recesses on one and / or the other short edge are preferably present along the entire or almost the entire length of the one and / or the other short edge, respectively. This provides the possibility of manufacturing the recesses in a simple manner and provides interlocking along the entire or almost the entire length of the respective one or more short edges.

[0018] The coupling parts on one and / or the other short edge can comprise the other interlocking element. The coupling parts on the other long edge can comprise the other interlocking element. The other interlocking element on the other long edge can be configured to cooperate with the other interlocking element on one and / or the other short edge of the other similar panel in order to create vertical interlocking between the respective edges. The vertical interlocking created between these edges makes it possible to create a stable unit of coupled panels. In this case, the risk of a height difference occurring between adjacent panels in the installed position of the respective panels is minimized.

[0019] The other interlocking element on one and / or the other short edge can be located above the respective recess. The other interlocking element can be located, for example, on a second top lip which delimits the recess along the top.

[0020] The other interlocking element on one and / or the other short edge can be located on the distal or free end of the respective interlocking lip.

[0021] According to a second independent aspect, the invention relates to a panel which is rectangular and has long edges and short edges, wherein on each long edge and on each short edge, the panel comprises coupling parts which allow the panel to be coupled to another similar panel, wherein the coupling parts on one long edge and on two short edges comprise a tongue and a downwardly directed interlocking recess; and wherein the coupling parts on the other long edge comprise a recess and an interlocking lip. The interlocking lip delimits the respective recess along the bottom and comprises an upwardly directed interlocking element. This interlocking lip preferably does not extend beyond the distal end of the top edge or top lip. If this interlocking lip does protrude, preferably at least a part of the standing interlocking element is located vertically below the top lip.

[0022] The downwardly pointing interlocking groove of one long edge and of the two short edges is configured to cooperate with the upwardly pointing interlocking element on the other long edge of the other similar panel, so as to create a horizontal interlock between the respective edges. The panel thus makes it possible to form an interlocked tongue-and-groove connection between the other long edge of the panel and one long edge and a short edge of the other similar panel. This results in a stable unit of coupled panels. In this case, it should be noted that horizontal interlock is understood to mean an interlock that acts in the horizontal direction or in a direction in the plane of the coupled panels and at right angles to the coupled edges. Vertical interlock is understood to mean an interlock that acts in the vertical direction or in a direction at right angles to the plane of the coupled panels.

[0023] The tongue and its interlocking groove on one long edge are preferably absent along a part of the respective long edge. At the location of the aforementioned part, the coupling part on one long edge preferably comprises a groove with an interlocking lip having an upwardly pointing interlocking element. The upwardly pointing interlocking element on one long edge is preferably configured to cooperate with the downwardly pointing interlocking groove on the other long edge and / or on a short edge of the other similar panel, so as to create a horizontal interlock between the respective edges. This makes it possible to interlock the other long edge of the panel with a short edge of the other similar panel in a simple and appropriate manner. The vertical movement of the short edge can be limited by its interlocking lip engaging above the coupling part with the other long edge. This thus limits or reduces the risk of a height difference occurring between adjacent panels in the installed position of the respective panel.

[0024] The tongue and the downwardly pointing interlocking groove on each short edge are preferably absent along a part of the respective short edge. At the location of the respective aforementioned part, the coupling part comprises a groove and an interlocking lip on each short edge. The groove and the interlocking lip on one and on the other short edge are configured to cooperate with the tongue and the downwardly pointing interlocking groove on the other and on one short edge of the other similar panel, respectively, so as to create a horizontal interlock between the respective edges. This makes it possible for the short edges of the panel to be interlocked with the short edges of the other similar panel in a simple and appropriate manner. This makes it possible for the panel to also be installed in a row with the short edges abutting the short edges. The risk of a height difference occurring between adjacent panels in the installed position of the respective panel is thus optimally limited.

[0025] Preferably, the tongue and the downwardly pointing interlocking groove on one and / or on the other short edge are present along the entire or almost the entire length of one and / or of the other short edge, respectively. Such an interlocking lip is easy to manufacture and offers the possibility of providing interlocking along the entire or almost the entire short edge or edge.

[0026] Preferably, the coupling means on one long edge are present along the entire or almost the entire length of one long edge. Such coupling means are easy to manufacture. In addition, interlocking can be achieved along the entire or almost the entire length of one long edge.

[0027] The recess on the other long edge is preferably present along the entire or almost the entire length of the other long edge. This provides the possibility of manufacturing the recess in a simple manner and provides interlocking along the entire or almost the entire length of the other long edge.

[0028] The tongue and downwardly directed interlocking recess on one and / or the other short edge are preferably present along the entire or almost the entire length of the one and / or the other short edge, respectively. This provides the possibility of manufacturing the tongue and downwardly directed interlocking recess in a simple manner and provides interlocking along the entire or almost the entire length of the respective short edge or short edges.

[0029] In the following, preferred features are described which can be used in embodiments according to the first independent aspect and according to the second independent aspect.

[0030] The interlocking lip on the other long edge, on one short edge and / or on the other short edge is preferably respectively beyond the top edge of the other long edge, of the one short edge and / or of the other short edge. This makes installation of the panels easier. In addition, if desired, a similar "long" interlocking lip can engage below the coupling means of the edge with which it is coupled, relatively far away. This makes the resulting interlocking stronger. In this particular embodiment, the upwardly directed interlocking element is preferably completely or partially in the part of the interlocking lip which is beyond the top edge. The top edge of the respective edge can be formed by the distal or free end of a second top lip which delimits the respective recess along the top.

[0031] The coupling means on the long edge are preferably configured in such a way that one long edge of a panel can be coupled to the other long edge of another similar panel by a turning movement. In this case, the interlocking lip on the other long edge can be bent back and forth in an elastic manner. In this case, this is referred to as a so-called snap-fit coupling. In this case, the interlocking lip can be completely elastically returned to its initial position or rest position, or can not be completely elastically returned to its initial position or rest position.

[0032] The coupling means on the long edge are preferably configured in such a way that one long edge of a panel can be coupled to the other long edge of another similar panel by a substantially horizontal translational movement. When this translational movement is performed, the interlocking lip on the other long edge can be bent back and forth in an elastic manner. In this case, the interlocking lip can be completely elastically returned to its initial position or rest position, or can not be completely elastically returned to its initial position or rest position.

[0033] The coupling part on the long edge is preferably designed in such a way that it allows a rotational movement and a substantially horizontal translational movement as coupling movement.

[0034] The coupling part on the one and / or the other short edge and the coupling part on the long edge are preferably configured in such a way that the one and / or the other short edge of the panel can be coupled to the one long edge of the other similar panel by a substantially horizontal translational movement. When this translational movement is performed, the interlocking lip on the one and / or the other short edge can flex back and forth in an elastic manner. In this case, the interlocking lip can fully spring back into its initial position or rest position, or can not fully spring back into its initial position or rest position.

[0035] The coupling part on the one and / or the other short edge and the coupling part on the other long edge are preferably configured in such a way that the one and / or the other short edge of the panel can be coupled to the other long edge of the other similar panel by a substantially horizontal translational movement. When this translational movement is performed, the interlocking lip on the one and / or the other short edge and / or the interlocking lip on the other long edge can flex back and forth in an elastic manner. In this case, the respective interlocking lip can fully spring back into its initial position or rest position, or can not fully spring back into its initial position or rest position.

[0036] The coupling part on the short edge is preferably configured in such a way that the one short edge of the panel can be coupled to the other short edge of the other similar panel by a substantially horizontal translational movement. When this translational movement is performed, the interlocking lip on the one and / or the other short edge spring can flex back and forth in an elastic manner. In this case, the respective interlocking lip can fully spring back into its initial position or rest position, or can not fully spring back into its initial position or rest position.

[0037] The coupling part on the one and / or the other long edge is preferably formed as a single part with the actual panel and made of the same material. The coupling part on the one and / or the other long edge can or can not be integrally formed as a single part with the actual panel and can or can not be made of the same material. The coupling part on the one and / or the other long edge can be made of a different material than the actual panel. The coupling part on the one and / or the other long edge can be manufactured separately, for example, and subsequently attached to the actual panel. Separate manufacturing can be achieved by extrusion, for example. Attachment to the actual panel can be obtained by glue, for example.

[0038] According to a particular embodiment, the above-mentioned interlocking lip can, if desired, be formed together with the upwardly directed interlocking element by a separate strip, for example mechanically attached to the respective edge. Such a strip can be made of plastic, or can be formed of a wood-based material, for example of MDF or HDF. In this case, it can be possible to create a profile of the panel material with a substantially constant cross-section on the respective edge, for example with at least one groove, but without an interlocking lip, while the above-mentioned interlocking lip is provided locally, preferably approximately in the centre, along the respective edge, for example by mechanically attaching it to the above-mentioned substantially constant cross-section. This substantially constant cross-section is preferably able to cooperate with the coupling means of the two short edges, and remains accessible along at least half the width or at least the length of the width of the short edge near both ends of the respective long edge, i.e. without the attached interlocking lip. In this way, the short edges can be coupled to these ends. Even if the interlocking lip forms an integral part of the panel material, this construction of the long edge with a groove is preferred, as will become clear from the detailed description below.

[0039] The coupling means on one and / or the other short edge are preferably formed as a single part with the actual panel, and are made of the same material. The coupling means on one and / or the other short edge can or can not be formed integrally as a single part with the actual panel, and can or can not be made of the same material. The coupling means on one and / or the other short edge can be made of a different material than the actual panel. The coupling means on one and / or the other short edge can for example be manufactured separately, and subsequently attached to the actual panel. Separate manufacturing can for example be achieved by extrusion. Attachment to the actual panel can for example be obtained by glue.

[0040] The panel is preferably constructed in such a way that several such panels can be used to create a herringbone pattern.

[0041] The panel is preferably constructed in such a way that several such panels can be used to create a herringbone pattern, without the need to use additional, different types of panels.

[0042] The panel is preferably a decorative panel. The decorative panel is provided with a decoration on its side, which is visible in the installed position. The decoration can be any type of decoration, for example a wood or stone decoration.

[0043] The panel preferably comprises a substrate and a top layer connected to the substrate. Connecting the top layer to the substrate can be achieved by any known lamination or connecting technique. The top layer can be connected to the substrate by hot lamination. The top layer can for example be fused together with the substrate. The top layer can be connected to the substrate by pressure and / or heat. The top layer can be connected to the substrate by a bonding means such as glue.

[0044] The top layer is preferably decorative. This means that the top layer has a decoration on its side facing away from the substrate. The decoration can be any type of decoration, for example a wood or stone decoration.

[0045] The top layer can comprise a wood layer. The wood layer can be for example a wood veneer layer. The wood layer can be finished with a lacquer layer or a varnish layer.

[0046] The top layer can comprise a printed decoration and a wear layer in order to protect the printed decoration.

[0047] The printed decoration can be provided on a carrier. The carrier can comprise paper. The paper can be impregnated with a resin. The resin is for example a melamine resin. The carrier can comprise a plastic film. The plastic film can comprise a thermoplastic. The thermoplastic can comprise a vinyl plastic, for example polyvinyl chloride or PVC. The wear layer can comprise paper. The paper can be impregnated with a resin. The resin is for example a melamine resin. The wear layer can comprise hard or wear resistant particles, for example corundum particles. The wear layer can comprise a plastic film. The plastic film can comprise a thermoplastic. The thermoplastic can comprise a vinyl plastic, for example polyvinyl chloride or PVC. The wear layer can comprise a lacquer layer. The lacquer layer can comprise a polyurethane or a UV based lacquer.

[0048] The top layer can comprise a printed decoration applied directly to the substrate. This is also referred to as direct printing. In this case, the decoration is not first printed onto a carrier before being applied to the substrate. It is not excluded that the directly printed decoration is applied to a primer present on the substrate. The directly printed decoration is preferably a digitally directly printed decoration, thus applied by a digital printer, for example a single pass or multi pass inkjet printer.

[0049] The substrate can comprise wood. For example, the substrate can comprise several wooden planks connected to each other. This is often the case for engineered wood. However, the substrate can also be formed as a single part made of wood, for example made of solid wood.

[0050] The substrate can comprise wood particles and a binder for binding the wood particles to each other. The wood particles can be wood fibers and / or wood flakes. The binder can be a glue or a resin, for example a melamine, formaldehyde or isocyanate resin. The substrate comprises for example a wood fiber board, for example a medium density fiberboard (MDF) or a high density fiberboard (HDF), or a particle board.

[0051] The substrate can comprise a thermoplastic material. The thermoplastic material comprises a thermoplastic. The thermoplastic can be polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyurethane (PU), or polyethylene terephthalate (PET). The thermoplastic material can comprise polyvinyl chloride with or without plasticizer. The thermoplastic material can comprise polyvinyl chloride with plasticizer in an amount of at most 5 phr. The thermoplastic material can comprise polyvinyl chloride with plasticizer in an amount of at least 12 phr or at least 20 phr. In this case, phr means “parts per hundred parts of resin”. The thermoplastic material can or can not be foamed. The thermoplastic material can comprise a closed cell or open cell foam. The thermoplastic material can comprise a filler. The filler can be an organic filler, such as wood particles. The filler can be an inorganic filler. The filler can be a mineral filler, such as calcium carbonate, for example chalk or limestone. The filler can be talc.

[0052] The substrate can comprise a thermoset material. The thermoset material comprises a thermoset. The thermoset can be polyurethane (PU). The thermoset material can comprise a filler. The filler can be an organic filler, such as wood particles. The filler can be an inorganic filler. The filler can be a mineral filler, such as calcium carbonate, for example chalk or limestone. The filler can be talc.

[0053] The substrate can comprise any other material desired, such as a cement fiberboard or a magnesium board.

[0054] The panel can be formed as a single piece. For example, the panel can be formed as a single piece made of wood. This is for example the case for solid parquet flooring.

[0055] The panel can be a floor, wall, or ceiling panel. Other types of panels are not excluded.

[0056] According to a third independent aspect of the application, the application further relates to a method for manufacturing a panel according to the first or second independent aspect of the application. The method comprises at least the steps of:

[0057] - advancing the panel relative to a cutting or milling tool; and

[0058] - processing the edges of the advancing panel by the cutting or milling tool so as to form at least some of the coupling parts.

[0059] Forming the coupling parts by a cutting or milling operation is efficient and yields precise results. The cutting or milling tool is preferably a rotating cutting or milling tool.

[0060] Preferably, at least one of the cutting or milling tools is moved towards or away from the panel. This makes it possible for this cutting or milling tool to only process a part of the respective edge. This is advantageous if a coupling part has to be formed which varies along the respective edge. An example of such a coupling part is a coupling part from which no interlocking lip is present along a part of the respective edge and which comprises at least there a downwardly pointing interlocking groove. Such a coupling part is described herein and can be present on the other long edge and / or short edge.

[0061] The moving cutting or milling tool can comprise a so-called crossover wire.

[0062] The moving cutting or milling tool can be used to form a coupling part from which no interlocking lip is present along a part of the respective edge and which comprises at least there a downwardly pointing interlocking groove. The moving cutting or milling tool can for example be used to remove the interlocking lip along the aforementioned part. Thus, the interlocking lip can first be formed using for example one or more stationary cutting or milling tools. A stationary cutting or milling tool is a cutting or milling tool which has a fixed position and thus does not move towards or away from the panel. In this case, the cutting or milling tool can rotate or perform a local movement. After processing using one or more stationary cutting or milling tools, the interlocking lip can be present along the entire or almost the entire respective edge. Then, the moving cutting or milling tool can be used to remove the interlocking lip along the aforementioned part. The moving cutting or milling tool can also be used to form the downwardly pointing interlocking groove. Alternatively, the downwardly pointing interlocking groove can be formed using one or more stationary cutting or milling tools. In this alternative embodiment, the downwardly pointing interlocking groove can be present along the entire or almost the entire respective edge.

[0063] The moving cutting or milling tool can be used on the long edges and / or the short edges. Preferably, one or more moving cutting or milling tools are used on the edges where a varying coupling part is present or has to be made.

[0064] Preferably, the tongue on one long edge and the downwardly pointing interlocking groove are formed by stationary cutting or milling tools. This effectively ensures that these elements are present along the entire or almost the entire one long edge.

[0065] Preferably, the groove on the other long edge is formed by one or more stationary cutting or milling tools. This effectively ensures that this element is present along the entire or almost the entire other long edge.

[0066] Preferably, the groove on one and / or the other short edge is formed by one or more stationary cutting or milling tools. This effectively ensures that this element is present along the entire or almost the entire one and / or the other short edge.

[0067] The interlocking lip is preferably formed by one or more stationary cutting or milling tools. The interlocking lip can or can not be completed by another tool. An example of such another tool is a moving cutting or milling tool. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0068] To show the features of the application in more detail, some preferred embodiments will be described below by way of example and not by way of limitation, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0069] - Figure 1 A top view of a panel according to the first independent aspect of the application is shown;

[0070] - Figure 2 A herringbone pattern consisting of panels according to Figure 1 is shown;

[0071] - Figure 3 A cross-section along the intersection line III-III in Figure 1 is shown;

[0072] - Figure 4 A cross-section along the intersection line IV-IV in Figure 2 is shown;

[0073] - Figures 5 to 7 Cross-sections along the intersection lines V-V, VI-VI and VII-VII in Figure 1 are shown, respectively;

[0074] - Figure 8 and Figure 9 Cross-sections along the intersection lines VIII-VIII and IX-IX in Figure 2 are shown, respectively;

[0075] - Figures 10 to 12 One variant of the views according to similar views as Figure 5 , Figure 7 and Figure 9 are shown, respectively;

[0076] - Figures 13 to 15 Yet another variant of the views according to similar views as Figure 5 , Figure 7 and Figure 9 are shown, respectively;

[0077] - Figures 16 to 18 Another variant of the views according to similar views as Figure 5 , Figure 7 and Figure 9 are shown, respectively;

[0078] - Figures 19 to 21 Another variant of the views according to similar views as Figure 5 ,Figure 7 and Figure 9 a further variant of the view according to

[0079] - Figures 22 to 24 show a further variant of the view according to Figure 5 , Figure 7 and Figure 9 a further variant of the view according to

[0080] - Figure 25 show a variant of the view according to Figure 1 a variant of the view according to

[0081] - Figure 26 show a cross-section along the intersection line XXVI-XXVI in Figure 25 -

[0082] show a coupling part of Figure 27 in a coupled position; Figure 26 -

[0083] and Figure 28 show a variant of the view according to Figure 29 a variant of the view according to Figure 1

[0084] - Figures 30 to 33 show a cross-section along the intersection lines XXX-XXX, XXXI-XXXI, XXXII-XXXII and XXXIII-XXXIII in Figure 28

[0085] - Figure 34 show a method of manufacturing a panel according to the present application; Figure 1

[0086] - Figure 35 show a further variant of the floor panel according to the first independent aspect in a view similar to Figure 6 a variant of the view according to

[0087] - Figures 36 to 39 show a floor panel having features of the second independent aspect in a view similar to Figures 3 to 6 a variant of the view according to

[0088] - Figure 40 , Figure 41 and Figure 42 respectively relate to a further embodiment of the floor panel according to the first independent aspect of the present application in a view similar to Figure 4 , Figure 8 and Figure 9 a variant of the view according to DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0089] Figure 1 ​​​A panel 1 according to the application is shown. The panel 1 is a floor panel. The panel 1 is suitable for forming a floor covering. The panel 1 is of the decorative type. Indeed, a decoration is not shown in Figure 1 . This decoration can be for example a wood or stone decoration. The panel 1 is rectangular and has a pair of long edges 2-3 and a pair of short edges 4-5. On each long edge 2-3 and on each short edge 4-5, the panel 1 comprises a coupling part which makes it possible for the panel 1 to be coupled to another similar panel. The coupling parts on the edges 2-3-4-5 are respectively denoted by the references 7-8-9-10. The specific embodiments of the coupling parts 7-10 will be explained in more detail below with reference to the appended drawings. Figures 3 to 9

[0090] Figure 2 A herringbone pattern 6 is shown which is made using panels designed like the panel 1 of Figure 1 . The herringbone pattern 6 thus consists only of one type of panel.

[0091] Figure 3 A cross section along the line III-III of Figure 1 is shown and in this case a view of the coupling parts 7-8 on the long edges 2-3 is shown. The coupling part 7 on one long edge 2 comprises a tongue 11 and a downwardly directed interlocking groove 12. The interlocking groove 12 is located on the bottom side of the coupling part 7. The coupling part 8 on the other long edge 3 comprises a groove 13 and an interlocking lip 14. The groove 13 is bounded along the top by a top lip 23 and along the bottom by the interlocking lip 14. The free end or distal end of the top lip 23 forms the top edge of the other long edge 3. The interlocking lip 14 overhangs the top edge of the other long edge 3 or the free end or distal end of the top lip 23. The interlocking lip 14 comprises an upwardly directed interlocking element 19. The upwardly directed interlocking element 19 is provided on the top side of the interlocking lip 14. The upwardly directed interlocking element 19 is located entirely in the portion of the interlocking lip 14 which overhangs the top edge or overhangs the free end or distal end of the top lip 23.

[0092] Figure 3 On the right-hand side it is shown by dashed lines that the coupling part 7 of one long edge 2 can be inserted into the coupling part 8 of the other long edge 3 by a turning motion W. In this case, a snap or click fit effect can or can not occur.

[0093] Figure 3 On the left-hand side it is shown by dashed lines that the coupling part 7 of one long edge 2 can also be inserted into the coupling part 8 of the other long edge 3 by a substantially horizontal translational motion T. When the translational motion T is performed, the interlocking lip 14 can flex back and forth in an elastic manner as indicated by the arrows. This is referred to as a snap or click fit coupling. ​

[0094] Figure 4 A cross-section along the line IV-IV in Figure 2 is shown, thus indicating how the coupling parts 7-8 on the coupled long edges 2-3 fit together.

[0095] The tongue 11 on one long edge 2 fits with the groove 13 on the other long edge 3. In this case, a vertical interlock or interlock in the direction V is created between the coupled edges 2-3. More specifically, the top side of the tongue 11 fits with the bottom side of the top lip 23. In this position, thus an interlock surface 20 is formed, which in this case is horizontally oriented. However, the interlock surface 20 can also have an inclined orientation. The interlock surface 20 can for example have a downward inclination in the direction of the tip of the tongue 11. Here, in particular, a support point or support surface 58 is also formed between the bottom side of the tongue 11 and the top side of the bottom lip 14. Furthermore, one or more spaces or air chambers 24 are formed between the coupled edges 2-3 of the panel 1.

[0096] The downwardly pointing interlock groove 12 on one long edge 2 fits with the upwardly pointing interlock element 19 on the other long edge 3. In this case, a horizontal interlock or interlock in the direction H is created between the coupled edges 4-5. The interlock groove 12 and the interlock element 19 fit by means of an interlock surface 21. In this case, the interlock surface 21 is oriented at an angle and defines a non-zero angle with the horizontal.

[0097] The interlock lip 14 can be elastically bent in the coupled position. As a result, a force can be created which pushes the coupled edges 2-3 towards each other at the top side of the coupled panel 1. For example, the contact surfaces 22 can be pushed towards each other by such a counteracting force or spring-back force. More specifically, the interlock lip 14 can be elastically bent downwards. In practice, this is not shown in Figure 4 .

[0098] The coupling parts 7-8 on the long edges 2-3 are formed as a single part with the actual panel 1 and are made of the same material. More specifically, in this case, the coupling parts 7-8 are made of the material of the substrate 25 of the panel 1.

[0099] Figure 5 Coupling parts 9-10 on the short edges 4-5 of the panel 1 are shown. The coupling parts 9-10 have a similar design as the coupling parts 8 on the other long edge 3, as shown in Figure 3 and Figure 4 . This allows the short edges 2-3 to be coupled to one long edge 2 by a substantially horizontal translational movement T, as shown in Figure 3As shown. Coupling components 9-10 have a similar design. Coupling components 9-10 each include grooves 26-27 and interlocking lips 17-18. Each groove 26-27 is bounded along the top by a top lip 30-31 and along the bottom by an interlocking lip 17-18. The free end or distal end of the top lip 30-31 forms the top edge of the corresponding short edge 2-3. The interlocking lips 17-18 extend beyond the top edge of the corresponding short edge 2-3 or the free end or distal end of the top lip 30-31. The interlocking lips 17-18 each include an upwardly directed interlocking element 28-29. The upwardly directed interlocking element 28-29 is disposed on the top side of the corresponding interlocking lip 17-18. The upwardly directed interlocking element 28-29 is completely located in the portion of the corresponding interlocking lip 17-18 that extends beyond the top edge or the free end or distal end of the top lip 30-31.

[0100] Figure 1 Also shown is a coupling member 7 which is present along the entire or nearly the entire length of the long edge 2. Likewise, coupling members 9-10 are present along the entire or nearly the entire length of the respective short edges 4-5. Figure 1 Also shown is the absence of the interlocking lip 14 along one or more portions 15 of the other long edge 3 . Figure 6 and Figure 7 The design of the coupling part 8 is shown at the location of the portion 15. In this location, the coupling part 8 comprises a groove 13 and a downwardly directed interlocking groove 16. The groove 13 is present along the entire or nearly the entire length of the long edge 3.

[0101] Figure 8 Shown along Figure 2 The cross section along line VIII-VIII thus illustrates the cooperation between coupling element 7 on long edge 2 and coupling element 9 on short edge 4. The cooperation between these coupling elements 7 and 9 is similar to the cooperation between coupling elements 7 and 8. After all, the corresponding coupling elements have a similar design. The cooperation between coupling elements 7 and 10 is also similar.

[0102] Figure 9 Shown along Figure 2The cross-section of the line IX-IX is shown, thus showing the cooperation between the coupling part 8 of the long edge 3 and the coupling part 9 of the short edge 4. The upwardly directed interlocking element 28 cooperates with the downwardly directed interlocking groove 16. In this case, a horizontal interlocking or interlocking in the horizontal direction H is created. More specifically, the horizontal interlocking is created by the interlocking surface 35. Here, the interlocking surface 35 is specifically oriented at an angle. The interlocking lip 17 can be elastically bent in the coupling position. As a result, a force can be created that pushes the coupled edges 3 and 4 towards each other. Thus, the contact surfaces 36 can be pushed towards each other, for example. The vertical movement of the short edge 4 is limited by the fact that the interlocking lip 17 engages with the long edge 3 below the coupling part 8. Figure 9 The coupling position of the coupling parts 8 and 9 can be achieved by a substantially horizontal translational movement that brings the coupling parts 8 and 9 together. In this case, the interlocking lip 17 can be elastically bent back and forth. The cooperation between the coupling parts 8 and 10 is similar.

[0103] Figures 10 to 12 A panel is shown that has a similar construction as the panel of Figure 1 In fact, the coupling parts are designed differently. Figure 10 Coupling parts 9-10 on the short edges 4-5 are shown. The coupling parts 9-10 comprise further interlocking elements 37-38 on the distal or free end of the interlocking lips 17-18 in order to create a vertical interlocking. Figure 11 Coupling parts 7-8 on the long edges 2-3 are shown. The coupling part 8 comprises a further interlocking element 39 in order to create a vertical interlocking. Figure 12 The cooperation between the coupling parts 8 and 9 is shown. The further interlocking elements 37 and 39 cooperate, in particular by means of the interlocking surface 40. In this case, a vertical interlocking or interlocking in the vertical direction V is created. The cooperation between the coupling parts 8 and 10 is similar.

[0104] Figures 13 to 15 A panel is shown that has a similar construction as the panel of Figure 1 In fact, as shown in Figures 13 to 15 the coupling parts are designed differently.

[0105] Figures 16 to 18 A panel is shown that has a similar construction as the panel of Figure 1 In fact, as shown in Figures 16 to 18 the coupling parts are designed differently.

[0106] Figures 19 to 21 A panel is shown that has a similar construction as the panel of Figure 1 In fact, as shown in Figures 19 to 21 the coupling parts are designed differently.

[0107] Figures 22 to 24Panels with similar coupling parts are shown in Figure 1 The coupling parts are designed differently, however. Figure 22 The coupling parts 9-10 on the short edges 4-5 are shown. The coupling parts 9-10 comprise further interlocking elements 41-42 on the distal or free end of the top lip 30-31 in order to create a vertical interlocking. Here, the further interlocking elements 41-42 are designed as recesses in particular. Figure 23 The coupling parts 7-8 on the long edges 2-3 are shown. The coupling part 8 comprises a further interlocking element 44 in order to create a vertical interlocking. Here, the further interlocking element 44 is designed as a protrusion in particular. The coupling part 7 comprises a recess 43 which can accommodate the protrusion 44 in the coupling position of the edges 2 and 3. Figure 24 The cooperation between the coupling parts 8 and 9 is shown. The further interlocking elements 41 and 44 cooperate. In this case, they create a vertical interlocking or an interlocking in the vertical direction V. The further interlocking elements 41 and 44 cooperate in particular by means of interlocking surfaces 45. The cooperation between the coupling parts 8 and 10 is similar.

[0108] Figure 25 A variant of the panel 1 of Figure 1 is shown. The particularity with respect to this variant is that the short edges 4-5 can be coupled to one another as shown by the dashed line. These panels 1 can thus also be installed such that the long edges abut long edges and the short edges abut short edges. To this end, the interlocking lips 17-18 are not present along one or more portions 46 of the short edges 4-5. Along this one or more portions 46, the coupling parts 9-10 comprise downwardly directed interlocking grooves 47-48. The dashed line indicates that the short edge 5 can be coupled to another long edge 3. The short edge 4 can likewise be coupled to another long edge 3.

[0109] Figure 26 A cross section along the line XXVI-XXVI of Figure 25 is shown. The coupling parts 9-10 on the short edges 4-5 are thus shown. The form of the coupling parts 9-10 is similar to that in Figure 10 and Figure 11 There are further interlocking elements 37-38 and 49-50 in order to create a vertical interlocking.

[0110] Figure 27 The cooperation of the coupling parts 9 and 10 is shown. The interlocking lip 27 is clamped under the coupling part 10. The upwardly directed interlocking element 28 cooperates with the downwardly directed interlocking groove 48. In this case, a horizontal interlocking is created. The elements 28 and 48 cooperate by means of interlocking surfaces 51. The elements 37 and 50 create a vertical interlocking. They cooperate by means of interlocking surfaces 52. A space or air chamber is also formed which is denoted by the reference 54.

[0111] Figure 28 A further variant of the panel 1 of Figure 1 and Figure 25 is shown. The particularity with respect to this variant is that due to the cooperation between the interlocking lips and the interlocking grooves, a vertical interlocking and a horizontal interlocking can be created between the coupling edges 5 and 3. A similar interlocking can be created between the edges 4 and 3.

[0112] Figure 29 A variant of the panel 1 of Figure 28 is shown. Along several portions 15 and 46 of the respective edges 3 and 4-5, no interlocking lips are present and the respective coupling parts comprise in said locations downwardly pointing interlocking grooves. Thus, in the coupled position, an optimal interlocking is created between the coupled panels.

[0113] Figure 30 The coupling parts 9-10 on the short edges 4-5 of the panel of Figure 28 are shown. The downwardly pointing interlocking grooves 47-48 are present along the entire short edges 4-5 and can for example be made according to the alternative method for manufacturing panels as described above, wherein one or more stationary cutting or milling tools are used to form the downwardly pointing interlocking grooves 47-48 along the entire short edges 4-5.

[0114] Figures 31 to 33 The coupling parts 7-8 on the long edges 2-3 of the panel of Figure 28 are shown. The downwardly pointing interlocking grooves 16 are present along the entire other long edge 3 and can for example be made according to the alternative method for manufacturing panels as described above, wherein one or more stationary cutting or milling tools are used to form the downwardly pointing interlocking grooves 16 along the entire long edge 3.

[0115] Figure 34 The method according to the invention is shown diagrammatically. The method is used for manufacturing the panel 1 of Figure 1 . The panel 1 is advanced with respect to a plurality of cutting or milling tools 55-56-57. In this case, the tools 55-56-57 are rotating milling tools. The stationary milling tool 55 is used to form the coupling parts 7-8 on the long edges 2-3. More specifically, the stationary milling tool 55 is used to form the tongue 11 and the downwardly pointing interlocking groove 12 on the edge 2, and the groove 13 and the interlocking lip 14 on the edge 3. In this case, the interlocking lip 14 is first formed along the entire edge 3. Then a milling tool 56 is used which is moved away from and towards the panel 1 to only process a portion of the edge 3. More specifically, it is used to remove or grind away the interlocking lip 14 on the portion 15 and to create the downwardly pointing interlocking groove 16. Then the panel 1 is passed along a further milling tool 57 in order to process the short edges 4-5. The stationary milling tool is used to form the coupling parts 9-10.

[0116] Figure 35 An embodiment is shown which substantially corresponds to the embodiment of Figures 1 to 6 but wherein the interlocking lip 14 and the upwardly directed interlocking elements 19 are formed on the other long edge 3 by a separate strip 59, which in this case is mechanically attached to the respective edge 3. The profiling of the panel material is carried out using a substantially constant cross-section on the respective edge 3, which in this case has at least the recess 13, but not the interlocking lip 14, which is centrally provided along the respective edge 3 by mechanically attaching a suitable strip 59 to the above-mentioned substantially constant cross-section. Along the portion 15 there is a substantially constant cross-section, which can cooperate with the coupling parts 9-10 of the two short edges 4-5. In this case, the length of the portion 15 is preferably at least half the width of the short edges 4-5, or at least the width. In this way, the short edges 4-5 can be coupled at these ends, i.e. at the location of the portion 15, to form a herringbone pattern. This length of the portion 15 is also preferred in the other embodiments in the drawings, i.e. also when the interlocking lip 14 forms a single part with the panel material.

[0117] Figures 36 to 39 An embodiment is shown according to the second independent aspect of the application, i.e. a panel 1 in which the coupling parts 9-10 on the two short edges 4-5 comprise a tongue 11. On each long edge 2-3 and on each short edge, the panel comprises coupling parts 7-8-9-10 which allow the panel to be coupled to another similar panel, wherein the coupling parts 7-9-10 on one long edge 2 and on the two short edges 4-5 comprise a tongue 11 and a downwardly directed interlocking recess 12, and wherein the coupling parts 8 on the other long edge 3 comprise a recess 13 and an interlocking lip 14. The interlocking lip 14 bounds the respective recess 13 along the bottom and comprises upwardly directed interlocking elements 19. As mentioned above, the interlocking lip 14 preferably does not extend beyond the distal end of the top edge or top lip 23. If such an interlocking lip 14 does protrude, then preferably at least a part of the upstanding interlocking elements 19 is positioned vertically below the top lip 23. The recess 13 is configured to cooperate with the tongue 11 on one long edge 2 and on each of the short edges 4-5 of another similar panel, in order to create a vertical interlock between the respective edges 2-4-5. The downwardly directed interlocking recess 12 of the one long edge 2 and of the two short edges 4-5 is configured to cooperate with the upwardly directed interlocking elements 19 on the other long edge 3 of another similar panel 1, in order to create a horizontal interlock between the respective edges 2-4-5. The panel thus makes it possible to form an interlocking tongue-and-groove connection between the other long edge 3 of the panel 1 and one long edge 2 and the short edges 4-5 of another similar panel 1.

[0118] As Figure 39shown (the figure is along the Figure 1 The actual tongue 11 is preferably absent at a portion 15 of the respective long edge 2 at one long edge 2. The coupling part 7 at one long edge 2 preferably comprises a groove 13 with an interlocking lip 14 and an upwardly directed interlocking element 19 at the location of the portion 15. The upwardly directed interlocking element 19 at one long edge 2 is preferably configured to cooperate with a downwardly directed interlocking groove 12 at the other long edge 3 and / or at the short edges 4-5 of another similar panel 1 in order to create a horizontal interlock between the respective edges 2-3-4-5.

[0119] Figure 40 , Figure 41 and Figure 42 respectively relate to a floor panel according to a further embodiment of the first independent aspect of the application in a view similar to Figure 4 , Figure 8 and Figure 9 the view. Identical reference numerals indicate identical elements.

[0120] Figure 40 shows a cross-section along the line IV-IV of Figure 2 and thus how the coupling parts 7-8 on the coupled long edges 2-3 cooperate.

[0121] Figure 41 shows a cross-section along the line VIII-VIII of Figure 2 and thus the cooperation between the coupling part 7 on the long edge 2 and the coupling part 9 on the short edge 4.

[0122] Figure 40 , Figure 41 and Figure 42 The embodiments shown in

[0123] The coupling part (7) on one long edge (2) comprises a tongue (11) and a downwardly directed interlocking groove (12). The downwardly directed interlocking groove (12) comprises two inclined interlocking surfaces (73, 75) separated by a face (74) which forms a smaller angle with the horizontal than the two inclined interlocking surfaces (73, 75). In this example, the face (74) is a face which extends parallel to the surface of the panel. The inclined interlocking surfaces (70, 72) of the upwardly directed interlocking elements (19 and 28) of the interlocking lips (14 and 17) are configured to form a horizontal interlock with the inclined interlocking surfaces (73, 75) of the downwardly directed interlocking groove (12).

[0124] The coupling part (8) on the other long edge (3) comprises a groove (13) which is bounded along the top by a top lip (23) and an interlocking lip (14). The end of this top lip (23) extends beyond the edge of the panel, also taking into account the possible bevelled top side of the panel. The top side of this top lip (23) comprises an interlocking surface (81). The coupling parts (7, 9, 10) on one long edge and on the two short edges comprise an undercut which comprises an interlocking surface (82). The two interlocking surfaces (81 and 82) are configured to form a vertical interlock of the coupled panels.

[0125] In Figure 42 (illustrating a cross-section of the coupling along the line IX-IX of Figure 2 the interlocking lip on the other long edge (3) is absent along a part of the other long edge. At the location of the above-mentioned part (15), the coupling part (8) on the other long edge (3) comprises a downwardly directed interlocking groove (16). This downwardly directed interlocking groove (16) is configured to cooperate with the upwardly directed interlocking elements (28-29) on one and / or the other short edge (4-5) of a similar panel in order to create a horizontal interlock between the respective edges.

[0126] Figures 40 to 42 The illustrated embodiment has the advantage that, for thin profiles, for example with a total thickness of less than 6 mm; preferably less than 5 mm, the long edges of the panels can be coupled to each other by a horizontal movement of the first panel relative to the second panel. The panels can also be coupled to each other along their long edges or by a turning movement.

[0127] The invention is in no way limited to the above-described embodiments, but different variants of such floor panels can be produced without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A panel, said panel being rectangular and having long edges (2-3) and short edges (4-5), in, On each of said long edges (2-3) and on each of said short edges (4-5), said panel (1) comprises coupling parts (7-8-9-10) allowing said panel (1) to be coupled to another panel (1); wherein the coupling member (7) on one long edge (2) comprises a tongue (11) and a downwardly directed interlocking groove (12); wherein the coupling members (8-9-10) on the other long edge (3) and on the short edges (4-5) each comprise a groove (13 and 26-27) and an interlocking lip (14 and 17-18); wherein interlocking lips (14 and 17-18) on each of the other long edge (3) and short edges (4-5) define corresponding grooves (13 and 26-27) along the bottom and include upwardly directed interlocking elements (19 and 28-29); wherein the tongue (11) is configured to cooperate with the grooves (13 and 26-27) on each of the other long edge (3) and short edge (4-5) of the other panel (1) to produce a vertical interlock between the respective edges; and wherein the downwardly directed interlocking groove (12) is configured to cooperate with upwardly directed interlocking elements (19 and 28-29) on each of the other long edge (3) and short edges (4-5) of the other panel (1) to produce a horizontal interlock between the respective edges; and wherein the coupling parts (7-8) on the long edges (2-3) are configured to couple one long edge (2) of the panel (1) to another long edge (3) of another panel (1) by a rotational movement (W), wherein the interlocking lips (17-18) on one and / or the other short edge (4-5) are absent along a portion (46) of the respective short edge (4-5); wherein the coupling members (9-10) on the respective short edges (4-5) include downwardly directed interlocking grooves (47-48) at the locations of the aforementioned portions (46); and Therein, downwardly directed interlocking grooves (47-48) on the respective short edges (4-5) are configured to cooperate with upwardly directed interlocking elements (19) on the other long edge (3) of the other panel (1) to produce a horizontal interlock between the respective edges.

2. The panel according to claim 1, wherein The interlocking lip (14) on the other long edge (3) is absent along a portion (15) of the other long edge (3); wherein, at the location of the above-mentioned portion (15), the coupling member (8) on the other long edge (3) comprises an interlocking groove (16) pointing downwards; and wherein the downwardly directed interlocking groove (16) on the other long edge (3) is configured to cooperate with upwardly directed interlocking elements (28-29) on one and / or the other short edge (4-5) of the other panel (1) to produce a horizontal interlock between the respective edges.

3. The panel according to claim 1, wherein The interlocking lip (17-18) on each short edge (4-5) is absent along a portion (46) of the short edge (4-5); wherein the coupling member (9-10) on each of the short edges (4-5) comprises a downwardly directed interlocking groove (47-48) at the location of the above-mentioned portion (46); and wherein downwardly directed interlocking grooves (47-48) on one and the other short edge (4-5) are configured to cooperate with upwardly directed interlocking elements (29-28) on the other and one short edge (5-4) of the other panel, respectively, to produce a horizontal interlock between the respective edges.

4. The panel according to claim 1, wherein The coupling part (7) on one long edge (2) is present along the entire length of one long edge (2).

5. The panel according to claim 1, wherein The groove (13) on the other long edge (3) exists along the entire length of the other long edge (3).

6. The panel according to claim 1, wherein The grooves (26-27) on the one and / or the other short edge (4-5) are present along the entire length of the one and / or the other short edge (4-5), respectively.

7. The panel according to claim 1, wherein The coupling part (9-10) on one and / or the other short edge (4-5) comprises a further interlocking element (41-42); wherein the coupling member (8) on the other long edge (3) includes another interlocking element (44); and wherein another interlocking element (44) on another long edge (3) is configured to cooperate with another interlocking element (41-42) on one and / or another short edge (4-5) of another panel (1) to produce a vertical interlock between the respective edges.

8. A panel (1) which is rectangular and has long edges (2-3) and short edges (4-5), wherein: On each long edge (2-3) and on each short edge (4-5), the panel (1) comprises coupling parts (7-8-9-10) allowing the panel (1) to be coupled to another panel (1); wherein the coupling members (7, 9, 10) on one long edge (2) and on two short edges (4-5) comprise a tongue (11) and a downwardly directed interlocking groove (12); wherein the coupling member on the other long edge (3) comprises a groove (13) and an interlocking lip (14); wherein an interlocking lip (14) on the other long edge delimits a corresponding groove (13) along the bottom and includes an upwardly directed interlocking element (19); wherein the groove (13) is configured to cooperate with a tongue (11) on each of a long edge (3) and a short edge (4-5) of another panel (1) to produce a vertical interlock between the respective edges; and wherein the downwardly directed interlocking grooves (12) of one long edge and both short edges are configured to cooperate with upwardly directed interlocking elements (19) on the other long edge of the other panel to produce a horizontal interlock between the respective edges; and wherein the coupling parts (7-8) on the long edges (2-3) are configured to couple one long edge (2) of the panel (1) to another long edge (3) of another panel (1) by a rotational movement (W), wherein the tongue and the downwardly directed interlocking groove on one and / or the other short edge are absent along a portion of the respective short edge; wherein the coupling member comprises grooves and interlocking lips on respective short edges; and Therein, the groove and interlocking lip on the respective short edge are configured to cooperate with the tongue and downwardly directed interlocking groove on one long edge of the other panel to create a horizontal interlock between the respective edges.

9. The panel according to claim 8, wherein The tongue (11) and the interlocking groove (12) on one long edge are absent along a portion of one long edge (2); wherein, at the location of the above-mentioned portion, the coupling part on one long edge (2) comprises a groove (13) with an interlocking lip (14) having an interlocking element (19) pointing upwards; and wherein the upwardly directed interlocking elements (19) on one long edge (2) are configured to cooperate with the downwardly directed interlocking grooves (12) on the other long edge and / or on the short edge of another panel to produce a horizontal interlock between the respective edges.

10. The panel according to claim 8, wherein the tongue on each short edge and the downwardly directed interlocking groove being absent along a portion of the respective short edge; wherein the coupling member on each short edge comprises a groove and an interlocking lip at a location corresponding to the aforementioned portion; and Therein, the grooves and interlocking lips on one and the other short edge are configured to cooperate with the tongues and downwardly directed interlocking grooves on the other and one short edge respectively of the other panel to produce a horizontal interlock between the respective edges.

11. The panel according to claim 8, wherein The coupling feature on one long edge is present along the entire length of one long edge.

12. The panel of claim 8, wherein The groove on the other long edge exists along the entire length of the other long edge.

13. The panel of claim 8, wherein The grooves on one and / or the other short edge and the downwardly directed interlocking grooves are present along the entire length of the one and / or the other short edge, respectively.

14. The panel according to claim 1 or 8, wherein The coupling parts (9-10) on one and / or the other short edge (4-5) and the coupling part (7) on one long edge (2) are configured to couple the respective short edge (4-5) of the panel (1) to a long edge (2) of another panel (1) by a substantially horizontal translation movement (T).

15. The panel according to claim 1 or 8, wherein The coupling parts (9-10) on one and / or the other short edge (4-5) and the coupling part (8) on the other long edge (3) are configured to couple the respective short edge (4-5) of the panel (1) to the other long edge (3) of the other panel (1) by a substantially horizontal translation movement (T).

16. The panel according to claim 1 or 8, wherein The coupling parts (9-10) on the short edges (4-5) are configured to couple one short edge (4) of the panel (1) to another short edge (5) of another panel (1) by a substantially horizontal translation movement (T).

17. The panel according to claim 1 or 8, wherein The coupling parts (7-8) on one and / or the other long edge (2-3) are formed as a single part with the actual panel (1) and are made of the same material.

18. The panel according to claim 1 or 8, wherein The coupling parts (9-10) on one and / or the other short edge (4-5) are formed as a single part with the actual panel (1) and are made of the same material.

19. The panel according to claim 1 or 8, wherein The panels (1) are constructed so that a plurality of the panels (1) can be used to create a herringbone pattern (6).

20. The panel according to claim 1 or 8, wherein The panels (1) are constructed so that a plurality of the panels (1) can be used to produce a herringbone pattern (6) without the need to use additional panels (1) of a different type.

21. The panel according to claim 1 or 8, wherein The panel (1) is a decorative panel.

22. The panel according to claim 1 or 8, wherein The panel (1) is a floor panel.

23. A method for producing a panel according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 22, wherein: The method comprises at least the following steps: - advancing the panel (1) relative to the cutting or milling tool (55-56-57); and - Processing the edges (2-3-4-5) of the advancing panel (1) by means of the cutting or milling tools (55-56-57) in order to form at least some coupling parts (7-8-9-10).

24. The method according to claim 23, wherein At least one of the cutting or milling tools is moved towards and away from the panel (1) such that the cutting or milling tool (56) processes only a portion of the respective edge.

25. The method according to claim 24, wherein The cutting or milling tool (56) moving towards and away from the panel is used to form a coupling part from which a portion along the respective edge is free of an interlocking lip and which includes a downwardly directed interlocking groove at least at that portion.

26. The method according to claim 25, wherein The cutting or milling tool, which is moved towards and away from the panel, is used to remove the interlocking lip along the portion.

27. The method according to claim 25 or 26, wherein The interlocking lip is first formed by one or more fixed cutting or milling tools; and wherein a cutting or milling tool (56) that moves toward and away from the panel is then used to remove the interlocking lip along the portion.

28. The method according to claim 25 or 26, wherein A cutting or milling tool (56) that moves toward and away from the panel is used to form the downwardly directed interlocking grooves.

29. The method according to one of the preceding claims 23 to 26, wherein The tongue and downwardly directed interlocking groove on one long edge are formed by one or more fixed cutting or milling tools.

30. The method according to one of the preceding claims 23 to 26, wherein The groove on the other long edge is formed by one or more fixed cutting or milling tools.

31. The method according to one of the preceding claims 23 to 26, wherein The grooves on one and / or the other short edge are formed by one or more fixed cutting or milling tools.

32. The method according to one of the preceding claims 23 to 26, wherein The cutting or milling tool is a rotary cutting or milling tool.

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