PANEL WITH BREAK-RESISTANT COUPLING ELEMENTS

Description

Technical area

[0001] The present invention relates to a panel for a cladding, in particular a floor panel for a floor covering. Background of the invention

[0002] What is known so far is a panel for a cladding, in particular a floor panel for a floor covering, comprising a panel surface and a panel bottom surface parallel thereto, which are spaced apart from one another by an overall thickness; an upper coupling element and a lower coupling element, wherein two such panels are designed to be coupled to one another by means of a downward movement of the upper coupling element of the first panel with respect to the lower coupling element of the second panel; wherein the upper coupling element has a wedge-shaped projection at its distal end and the lower coupling element has a counter-surface, which form a first locking system when two panels are coupled; the upper coupling element has a latching element adjoining the wedge-shaped projection and the lower coupling element has a latching receptacle adjoining the counter-surface, which form a second locking system when two panels are coupled;the upper coupling element has a locking receptacle adjoining the latching element and the lower coupling element has a locking element adjoining the latching receptacle at its distal end, which form a third locking system when two panels are coupled.

[0003] Such a panel therefore always has a lower coupling element and an upper coupling element. During panel installation, an upper coupling element of a panel to be installed is pressed onto a lower coupling element of an already installed panel lying on the substrate. To form the first locking system, a wedge-shaped projection of the upper coupling element is pressed onto a counter surface of the lower coupling element that runs diagonally towards the substrate. To form the second locking system, the lower coupling element is spread open in the area of ​​the locking receptacle by the penetrating locking element of the upper coupling element. To form the third locking system, the upper coupling element is spread open in the area of ​​the locking receptacle by the penetrating locking element of the lower coupling element.The spreading of the upper and lower coupling elements leads to high material stresses during assembly and thus regularly to material failure, especially in panels containing thermoplastic styrene block copolymers.

[0004] A previously known panel is disclosed, for example, in US Patent Application Publication US 2015 / 0368910 A1. This document discloses a connection system for a panel having first and second major surfaces as panel surfaces and subsurfaces that oppose each other, the connection system comprising a male and a female connection that are asymmetrical connections extending along opposite sides of the panel, the male and female connections being configured to enable two substrates having similar connection systems to engage each other in response to a force applied in an engagement direction perpendicular to the major surfaces;the male and female joints are each provided with two laterally spaced, transversely extending surfaces configured to enable the male joint of a first panel to engage the female joint of a second panel, the first and second transversely extending surfaces of the female joint being arranged relative to the first and second transversely extending surfaces of the male joint to form respective first and second locking planes on an innermost and an outermost side of each joint;

[0005] US 10 000 935 B2 discloses a vertical connection system for substrates consisting of joints Jm and Jf that engage each other by relative movement in a direction perpendicular to the major surfaces of the substrate. The joints are configured to allow relative rotation of up to 3 degrees (i.e., clockwise or counterclockwise) while maintaining the engagement of the joints. The joints Jm and Jf are further designed to form two locking planes, one each on the inner and outer sides of the joint. The engagement about the locking planes is established by transversely outwardly extending surfaces Cm1, Cm2, Cf1, and Cf2. The surfaces Cf1 and Cf2 project beyond the surfaces Cm1 and Cm2. At least one surface in each pair of engagement surfaces: Cf1 and Cm1; and Cf2 and Cm2, is uniformly curved.The joints Jm and Jf can further be arranged to create a third locking plane parallel to and between the locking planes. The joints are released by a combination of downward rotation of one joint relative to the other and subsequent application of a downward force. Due to these features, flooring with the jointing system can be installed on subfloors with greater irregularities than current global industry standards. Furthermore, replacement of damaged subfloors is possible by vertically lifting the damaged subfloors, without the need to pull the excess flooring from the nearest wall to the damaged subfloors.

[0006] EP 3 543 427 A1 proposes a panel with a top side, a bottom side, and side regions formed as outer edge regions. Each of the edge regions has an end face with a first profile or a second profile in the thickness direction of the panel. The first profile is formed as a tongue-and-groove profile or double tongue-and-groove profile with at least one first horizontal locking projection with a first stop edge over the entire length of its edge region. The second profile is formed as a tongue-and-groove profile or double tongue-and-groove profile corresponding to the first profile with at least one second horizontal locking projection with a second stop edge over the entire length of its edge region.On at least one of the outer edge regions, the horizontal locking projection associated with its profile only begins at a predetermined distance from one of the corners formed by the outer edge region with an adjoining outer edge region.

[0007] EP 3 581 732 A1 discloses a panel (1) comprising a panel top side, a panel bottom side, a panel core and complementary locking means provided in pairs on opposite panel edges, wherein at least one pair of locking means is provided with complementary hook profiles, namely a receiving hook and, opposite said receiving hook, a locking hook, with the proviso that the receiving hook has a hook edge arranged remote from the body and a receiving recess arranged closer to the body, wherein the receiving recess is open towards the panel top side, and wherein the locking hook is provided with a locking recess arranged closer to the body and open towards the panel bottom side and has a locking shoulder arranged remote from the body, which fits into the receiving recess of the receiving hook in the vertical joining direction, wherein the locking hook has a vertically locking locking contour and the receiving hook has a positive-locking contour,which fits positively with the locking contour of the locking hook for vertical locking, wherein the locking hook has a horizontally locking holding surface arranged closer to the fuselage on its locking shoulder, and the receiving hook is provided with a horizontally locking holding surface arranged farther from the fuselage in the receiving recess, wherein the receiving hook is provided with a sealing groove which is open towards the top of the panel, and wherein the locking hook has a sealing strip protruding towards the underside of the panel, which fits into the sealing groove when the complementary hook profiles are joined together, which is characterized in that the sealing groove and the sealing strip are arranged in the region of the panel core, and that the surface of the sealing groove is formed from the material of the panel core and / or the surface of the sealing strip is formed from the material of the panel core.

[0008] DE 20 2019 101807 U1 discloses a panel with a panel core, a panel surface, a panel underside and with at least one pair of opposite complementary panel edges which are provided with complementary locking means (V), wherein the complementary locking means are designed such that, in the joined state of two of these panels below a visible joint, a locking effect of the panel edges can be achieved by means of the joined complementary locking means both in a direction perpendicular to the panel surface and a locking effect against a movement apart of the panels, specifically within the panel plane away from each other in a direction perpendicular to the locked panel edges, with the proviso,that the panel edges provided with the complementary locking means have, based on the thickness of the panel, an upper partial area (A) and a lower partial area (B), wherein the complementary locking means are arranged and designed in the lower partial area (B) of the panel edges, wherein the upper partial area (A) of the panel edges is provided for the design of the upper joint area, including the visible part of the joint, and for this purpose the upper partial area (A) has an edge refraction on each panel edge of the edge pair, which forms a recessed joint when two of these panels are joined together, wherein in the upper partial area of ​​the panel edges the edge refractions of the complementary panel edges are of different sizes, and that in the joined state of two complementary panel edges the larger edge refraction is covered by the smaller edge refraction, which is characterized in thatthat a blunt impact surface is provided at a lower end of the larger edge break., Description of the invention

[0009] Based on this situation, it is an object of the present invention to provide a panel for a cladding, in particular a floor panel for a floor covering, which is improved compared to the aforementioned disadvantages.

[0010] The object of the invention is achieved by the features of the independent main claim. Advantageous embodiments are specified in the subclaims. To the extent technically feasible, the teachings of the subclaims can be combined arbitrarily with the teachings of the main and subclaims.

[0011] According to the invention, the object is therefore achieved by a panel for a cladding, in particular a floor panel for a floor covering, comprising a panel surface and a panel bottom surface parallel thereto, which are spaced apart from one another by an overall thickness; an upper coupling element and a lower coupling element, wherein two such panels are designed to be coupled to one another by means of a downward movement of the upper coupling element of the first panel with respect to the lower coupling element of the second panel; wherein the upper coupling element has a wedge-shaped projection at its distal end and the lower coupling element has a counter-surface, which form a first locking system when two panels are coupled; the upper coupling element has a latching element adjoining the wedge-shaped projection and the lower coupling element has a latching receptacle adjoining the counter-surface, which form a second locking system when two panels are coupled;The upper coupling element has a locking receptacle adjoining the latching element, and the lower coupling element has a locking element adjoining the latching receptacle at its distal end, which form a third locking system when two panels are coupled. In particular, it is provided that the material thickness of the lower coupling element between the panel's underside and the latching receptacle is less than 100 percent of the material thickness of the upper coupling element between the panel surface and the locking receptacle.

[0012] Aspects of the claimed subject matter of the invention are explained below, and preferred modified embodiments of the invention are further described below. Explanations, particularly regarding advantages and definitions of features, are essentially descriptive and preferred, but not limiting, examples. If an explanation is limiting, this will be expressly stated.

[0013] One idea of ​​the present invention is that, when two panels are joined together, coupling elements are subjected to less stress due to adapted dimensioning compared to previously known panels, thus reducing the risk of material failure or breakage. It has been found that the assembly loads on the lower coupling element can generally be better balanced than the assembly loads on the upper coupling element. This is due, among other things, to the fact that the lower coupling element rests on a substrate during assembly of the upper coupling element. The forces acting on the lower coupling element can thus be directly and evenly counteracted by the substrate and have less damaging effects on individual components of the lower coupling element.In contrast, forces acting on the upper coupling element during the joining of two panels have no such opportunity for force distribution, so that the upper coupling element is generally more prone to material failure. Such material failure or fracture usually occurs in areas with high loads and the smallest possible material thickness. The lower coupling element has the thinnest material thickness between the panel underside and the locking recess. The upper coupling element has the thinnest material thickness between the panel surface and the locking recess. In the following, material thickness refers to a minimum or maximum material thickness in this respective area. Where the term material thickness is used, this applies to this definition or arrangement.

[0014] The invention proposes, as an improvement to a panel, that the material thickness of the upper coupling element is thus greater than the material thickness of the lower coupling element.

[0015] In principle, the information on the dimensioning of the panel is given with reference to a longitudinal section of the panel along its main extension axis.

[0016] Furthermore, for all subsequent dimensioning, it must be considered that each feature leads to a reduced risk of material failure of the lower and / or upper coupling element. It is essential that the material thickness of the upper coupling element is greater than the material thickness of the lower coupling element. The further dimensioning of the subclaims is advantageous, but not limiting or absolutely necessary.

[0017] According to a modified embodiment of the invention, the material thickness of the lower coupling element between the panel's underside and the locking receptacle is at least 62 percent, preferably at least 67 percent, and particularly preferably at least 72 percent of the material thickness of the upper coupling element between the panel's surface and the locking receptacle. It has been found that a lower coupling element dimensioned in this way particularly advantageously reduces its tendency toward material failure, with this improving with each stage, since the lower coupling element increasingly contains material for a component-friendly force flow distribution.

[0018] According to a modified embodiment of the invention, the material thickness of the lower coupling element between the panel's underside and the locking receptacle is at most 82 percent, at most 77 percent, and particularly preferably at most 72 percent of the material thickness of the upper coupling element between the panel's surface and the locking receptacle. This establishes a preferred maximum rigidity of the lower coupling element, so that it is advantageously flexible or yielding for connecting two panels, and no components break out of the upper coupling element.

[0019] According to a modified embodiment of the invention, the material thickness of the upper coupling element between the panel surface and the locking receptacle is at least 34 percent, preferably at least 39 percent, and particularly preferably at least 44 percent of the total thickness of the panel. It has been found that an upper coupling element dimensioned in this way particularly advantageously reduces its tendency to material failure, with this improving with each stage, since the upper coupling element increasingly contains material for a component-friendly force flow distribution.

[0020] According to a modified embodiment of the invention, the material thickness of the upper coupling element between the panel surface and the locking receptacle is at most 54 percent, preferably at most 49 percent, and particularly preferably at most 44 percent of the total thickness of the panel. This establishes a preferred maximum rigidity of the upper coupling element, so that it is advantageously flexible or yielding for connecting two panels and no components break out of the lower coupling element.

[0021] According to a modified embodiment of the invention, the material thickness of the lower coupling element between the panel's underside and the locking receptacle is at least 24 percent, preferably at least 29 percent, and particularly preferably at least 34 percent of the total thickness of the panel. These values ​​have proven to be preferred material thicknesses to further reduce the risk of undesirable material failure of the lower coupling element. This is made possible by an advantageous minimum force flow distribution volume.

[0022] According to a modified embodiment of the invention, the material thickness of the lower coupling element between the panel's underside and the locking receptacle is at most 44 percent, preferably at most 39 percent, and particularly preferably at most 34 percent of the total thickness of the panel. It has been found that such a material thickness of the lower coupling element within these ranges advantageously adjusts the rigidity of the lower coupling element such that both the lower and upper coupling elements are better able to withstand material failure.

[0023] According to the invention it is provided that a locking element surface of the locking element facing the locking receptacle has a substantially uniform arcuate shape and / or that a locking receptacle surface of the locking receptacle facing the locking element has a substantially uniform arcuate shape, wherein the locking element surface and the locking receptacle surface are in particular formed with substantially the same contours as one another. In the case of multiple arcuate shapes, a main arc of extension is considered the decisive arcuate shape, regardless of this exemplary embodiment. A main arc of extension is the one of several arcs whose parabolic shape component is greatest at the locking receptacle or at the locking element. In other words, the main arc of extension occupies the longest distance of the locking receptacle or of the locking element. In particular, the degree of static friction that could lead to material failure is reduced.A substantially uniform arch shape is defined as one that provides a uniform support surface and thus a uniform force distribution, excluding any acute angles. This reduces the risk of material failure in the panel.

[0024] According to a modified embodiment of the invention, a radius of the arcuate shape of the locking element surface and / or a radius of the arcuate shape of the locking receiving surface is between 85 percent and 95 percent of the total thickness of the panel, and preferably approximately 90 percent of the total thickness of the panel. It has been found that within these values, the most advantageous and even force distribution is achieved. The resulting flat arcuate shape advantageously protects the coupling elements from static friction and thus from the risk of breakage.

[0025] According to the invention, a tangent to the center of the arcuate shape of the locking element surface and / or a tangent to the center of the arcuate shape of the locking receiving surface encloses or encloses a respective arc angle relative to the panel surface and the panel bottom surface. The respective arc angle is less than or equal to 45 degrees, preferably less than or equal to 35 degrees, particularly preferably less than or equal to 25 degrees. Thus, as many vertical forces as possible can be absorbed by the locking element of the lower coupling element in a horizontally evenly distributed manner. At the same time, a sufficient inclination is present to form the third locking system. This protects the components and secures the panel.

[0026] For example, a tangent to the center of the arc shape of the locking element surface relative to the panel surface and the panel bottom surface encloses a respective arc angle which is less than or equal to 45 degrees, preferably less than or equal to 35 degrees, particularly preferably less than or equal to 25 degrees.

[0027] For example, it can be provided that a tangent to the center of the arcuate shape of the locking receiving surface encloses a respective arc angle with respect to the panel surface and the panel bottom surface, which is less than or equal to 45 degrees, preferably less than or equal to 35 degrees, particularly preferably less than or equal to 25 degrees.

[0028] For example, it can be provided that the tangent to the center of the arcuate shape of the locking element surface and the tangent to the center of the arcuate shape of the locking receiving surface enclose a respective arc angle with respect to the panel surface and the panel bottom surface, wherein the respective arc angle is less than or equal to 45 degrees, preferably less than or equal to 35 degrees, particularly preferably less than or equal to 25 degrees.

[0029] The fact that a tangent to the center of the arcuate shape of the locking element surface encloses a respective arc angle with respect to the panel surface and the panel underside can be understood in particular to mean that this tangent does not run vertically or horizontally. In other words, the tangent runs obliquely to the substrate. The arc angle is therefore not 0, 90, 180, 270, or 360 degrees with respect to the panel surface or the panel underside.

[0030] The fact that a tangent to the center of the arcuate shape of the locking receiving surface encloses a respective arc angle with respect to the panel surface and the panel underside can be understood in particular to mean that this tangent does not run vertically or horizontally. In other words, the tangent runs obliquely to the substrate. The arc angle is therefore not 0, 90, 180, 270, or 360 degrees with respect to the panel surface or the panel underside.

[0031] According to the invention, the counter surface forms a respective counter surface angle with the panel surface and the panel bottom surface. The respective counter surface angle is less than or equal to 45 degrees, preferably less than or equal to 35 degrees, particularly preferably less than or equal to 25 degrees. This allows the counter surface of the lower coupling element to absorb as many vertical forces as possible in a horizontally evenly distributed manner. At the same time, a sufficient inclination is present to form the first locking system. This protects the components and secures the panel.

[0032] According to the invention, the arc angle and the counter-surface angle differ from each other by less than or equal to 20 degrees, preferably less than or equal to 15 degrees, and particularly preferably less than or equal to 10 degrees. It has been found that it is advantageous to design the arc angle and the counter-surface angle as similarly as possible, so that a uniform force distribution can be achieved. Especially during assembly, forces are absorbed evenly, so that no consecutive load maxima arise. Particularly preferably, the arc angle and the counter-surface angle correspond.

[0033] For example, a panel for a cladding, in particular a floor panel for a floor covering, can be provided, comprising a panel surface and a panel bottom surface parallel thereto, which are spaced apart from one another by an overall thickness; an upper coupling element and a lower coupling element, wherein two such panels are designed to be coupled to one another by means of a downward movement of the upper coupling element of the first panel with respect to the lower coupling element of the second panel; wherein the upper coupling element has a wedge-shaped projection at its distal end and the lower coupling element has a counter-surface, which form a first locking system when two panels are coupled; the upper coupling element has a latching element adjoining the wedge-shaped projection and the lower coupling element has a latching receptacle adjoining the counter-surface, which form a second locking system when two panels are coupled;the upper coupling element has a locking receptacle adjoining the latching element and the lower coupling element has a locking element adjoining the latching receptacle at its distal end, which form a third locking system when two panels are coupled.

[0034] In particular, it is provided that a material thickness of the lower coupling element between the panel bottom surface and the locking receptacle is less than 100 percent of a material thickness of the upper coupling element between the panel surface and the locking receptacle; wherein a tangent to the center of the arcuate shape of the locking element surface encloses a respective arc angle with respect to the panel surface and the panel undersurface; wherein the countersurface encloses a respective countersurface angle with respect to the panel surface and the panel undersurface; wherein the arc angle and the countersurface angle differ from one another by less than or equal to 20 degrees, preferably less than or equal to 15 degrees, particularly preferably less than or equal to 10 degrees. The respective arc angle is less than or equal to 45 degrees, preferably less than or equal to 35 degrees, particularly preferably less than or equal to 25 degrees. In addition, the respective countersurface angle is less than or equal to 45 degrees, preferably less than or equal to 35 degrees, particularly preferably less than or equal to 25 degrees.

[0035] Alternatively, a panel for a cladding, in particular a floor panel for a floor covering, can be provided, comprising a panel surface and a panel bottom surface parallel thereto, which are spaced apart from one another by an overall thickness; an upper coupling element and a lower coupling element, wherein two such panels are designed to be coupled to one another by means of a downward movement of the upper coupling element of the first panel with respect to the lower coupling element of the second panel; wherein the upper coupling element has a wedge-shaped projection at its distal end and the lower coupling element has a counter-surface, which form a first locking system when two panels are coupled; the upper coupling element has a latching element adjoining the wedge-shaped projection and the lower coupling element has a latching receptacle adjoining the counter-surface, which form a second locking system when two panels are coupled;the upper coupling element has a locking receptacle adjoining the latching element and the lower coupling element has a locking element adjoining the latching receptacle at its distal end, which form a third locking system when two panels are coupled.

[0036] In particular, it is provided that a material thickness of the lower coupling element between the panel bottom surface and the locking receptacle is less than 100 percent of a material thickness of the upper coupling element between the panel surface and the locking receptacle; wherein a tangent to the center of the arcuate shape of the locking receiving surface encloses a respective arc angle with respect to the panel surface and the panel undersurface; wherein the mating surface encloses a respective mating surface angle with respect to the panel surface and the panel undersurface; wherein the arc angle and the mating surface angle differ from one another by less than or equal to 20 degrees, preferably less than or equal to 15 degrees, particularly preferably less than or equal to 10 degrees. The respective arc angle is less than or equal to 45 degrees, preferably less than or equal to 35 degrees, particularly preferably less than or equal to 25 degrees. In addition, the respective mating surface angle is less than or equal to 45 degrees, preferably less than or equal to 35 degrees, particularly preferably less than or equal to 25 degrees.

[0037] Furthermore, alternatively, a panel for a cladding, in particular a floor panel for a floor covering, comprisinga panel surface and a panel bottom surface parallel thereto, which are spaced apart from one another by an overall thickness; an upper coupling element and a lower coupling element, wherein two such panels are designed to be coupled to one another by means of a downward movement of the upper coupling element of the first panel with respect to the lower coupling element of the second panel; wherein the upper coupling element has a wedge-shaped projection at its distal end and the lower coupling element has a counter-surface, which form a first locking system when two panels are coupled; the upper coupling element has a latching element adjoining the wedge-shaped projection and the lower coupling element has a latching receptacle adjoining the counter-surface, which form a second locking system when two panels are coupled;the upper coupling element has a locking receptacle adjoining the latching element and the lower coupling element has a locking element adjoining the latching receptacle at its distal end, which form a third locking system when two panels are coupled.

[0038] In particular, it is provided that a material thickness of the lower coupling element between the panel bottom surface and the locking receptacle is less than 100 percent of a material thickness of the upper coupling element between the panel surface and the locking receptacle; wherein a tangent to the center of the arcuate shape of the locking element surface and a tangent to the center of the arcuate shape of the locking receiving surface enclose a respective arc angle with respect to the panel surface and the panel undersurface; wherein the mating surface encloses a respective mating surface angle with respect to the panel surface and the panel undersurface; wherein the arc angle and the mating surface angle differ from one another by less than or equal to 20 degrees, preferably less than or equal to 15 degrees, particularly preferably less than or equal to 10 degrees. The respective arc angle is less than or equal to 45 degrees, preferably less than or equal to 35 degrees, particularly preferably less than or equal to 25 degrees. In addition, the respective mating surface angle is less than or equal to 45 degrees, preferably less than or equal to 35 degrees, particularly preferably less than or equal to 25 degrees.

[0039] According to a modified embodiment of the invention, the panel is provided with a vertical surface, wherein the counter surface extends between the panel surface and the vertical surface. Optionally, it is possible that, in a longitudinal sectional view of the panel, a section of the vertical surface is shorter than a section of the counter surface. Optionally, it is possible that the section of the counter surface corresponds at least three times, preferably at least five times, the section of the vertical surface. Alternatively or additionally optionally, it is possible that the section of the counter surface corresponds at most eleven times, preferably at most nine times, the section of the vertical surface. For example, the section of the counter surface corresponds essentially seven times the section of the vertical surface. Essentially seven times here means that values ​​less than eight times and greater than six times are preferably included. However, it is also possible that exactly seven times the value applies.The vertical surface of the panel is defined as a surface of the panel that runs vertically to the substrate or vertically to the panel surface. Accordingly, the panel can have the vertical surface regardless of the other feature combinations in this paragraph. It has been found that the significantly longer design of the counter surface compared to the vertical surface enables a component-friendly force distribution, since the counter surface, with its larger contact surface, enables a more widely distributed load absorption by the panel to be installed, and the vertical surface, with its shorter length during panel installation, offers less interaction or loading area for the interactively installed panel. The aforementioned multiple values ​​include the original length and are not to be added to it.

[0040] According to a modified embodiment of the invention, the locking element has an outer locking surface leading to the panel's underside, which encloses a locking angle relative to a vertical plane, which is preferably less than or equal to 35 degrees, preferably less than or equal to 30 degrees, and particularly preferably less than or equal to 25 degrees. It has been found that this allows vertically acting forces to be effectively directed into the substructure, while minimizing the expansion of the locking element.

[0041] According to a modified embodiment of the invention, a shoulder of the locking receptacle is designed as a rounded portion at the transition to the locking element. Particularly when the upper coupling element is plugged onto the lower coupling element, the upper coupling element spreads between the locking receptacle and the locking element. This rounded portion reduces stress peaks and thus the risk of material failure occurring at the transition between the locking receptacle and the locking element.

[0042] According to a modified embodiment of the invention, an edge of the locking element facing a projection of the locking receptacle is designed as a rounded section. This reduces the risk of the locking element of the lower coupling element jamming with the locking element of the upper coupling element during the assembly of two panels.

[0043] According to a modified embodiment of the invention, the locking element comprises a locking projection, and the locking receptacle comprises a locking abutment, which form the second locking system when two panels are coupled. Such a configuration allows for a reliable, positive-locking second locking system, whereby the interaction of the locking projection and the locking abutment prevents the panel from being subjected to any component-damaging loads.

[0044] According to a modified embodiment of the invention, the locking element comprises a locking projection, and the locking receptacle comprises a locking abutment, which form the third locking system when two panels are coupled. Such a configuration allows for a reliable, positive-locking third locking system, whereby the interaction of the locking projection and the locking abutment prevents the panel from being subjected to any component-damaging loads.

[0045] According to a modified embodiment of the invention, the panel comprises at least partially, preferably entirely, thermoplastic styrene block copolymers (TPS) as the base material. It has been found that TPS-containing panels are particularly suitable for the required dimensions of the coupling elements. Materials that have similar properties to TPS or that only partially contain TPS are also considered equivalent. Short description of the drawings

[0046] The invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to preferred embodiments and the accompanying drawings. The term "figure" is abbreviated to "Fig."

[0047] The drawings show Figure 1 shows a schematic longitudinal sectional view of two interconnected panels according to the prior art; and Figure 2 shows a schematic longitudinal sectional view of two interconnected panels according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. Detailed description of the implementation examples

[0048] The described embodiments are merely examples which can be modified and / or supplemented in many ways within the scope of the claims.

[0049] Figure 1 shows a schematic longitudinal sectional view of two interconnected panels 10a, 10b according to the prior art. The illustration is purely schematic and, due to the arbitrary nature of the representation, is not to scale.

[0050] Figure 2shows a schematic longitudinal sectional view of two interconnected panels 10a, 10b according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. Thus, a panel 10a, 10b is provided for a covering, in particular a floor panel for a floor covering. Although two different panels 10a, 10b are shown, each panel 10a, 10b comprises: a panel surface 12 and a panel bottom surface 14 parallel thereto, which are spaced apart from each other by a total thickness G; an upper coupling element 16 and a lower coupling element 18, wherein two such panels 10a, 10b are designed to be coupled to each other by means of a downward movement of the upper coupling element 16 of the first panel 10a with respect to the lower coupling element 18 of the second panel 10b; wherein the upper coupling element 16 has a wedge-shaped projection 20 at its distal end and the lower coupling element 18 has a counter surface 22, which form a first locking system when two panels 10a, 10b are coupled; the upper coupling element 16 has a locking element 24 adjoining the wedge-shaped projection 20 and the lower coupling element 18 has a locking receptacle 26 adjoining the counter surface 22, which form a second locking system in the coupled state of two panels 10a, 10b;the upper coupling element 16 has a locking receptacle 28 adjoining the latching element 24, and the lower coupling element 18 has a locking element 30 adjoining the latching receptacle 26 at its distal end, which form a third locking system in the coupled state of two panels 10a, 10b.

[0051] In particular, it is provided that a material thickness UM of the lower coupling element 18 between the panel bottom surface 14 and the locking receptacle 26 is less than 100 percent of a material thickness OM of the upper coupling element 16 between the panel surface 12 and the locking receptacle 28.

[0052] The upper coupling element 16 and the lower coupling element 18 are represented by two different panels 10a, 10b that are connected to each other. However, each panel 10a, 10b has such an upper coupling element 16 and such a lower coupling element 18. This is independent of the Figure 2illustrated embodiment.

[0053] Furthermore, the panels 10a, 10b are in Figure 2 shown according to an exemplary preferred scale.

[0054] Furthermore, an embodiment of the invention according to Figure 2 Preferably, the material thickness UM of the lower coupling element 18 between the panel bottom surface 14 and the locking receptacle 26 is at least 62 percent, preferably at least 67 percent, and particularly preferably at least 72 percent of the material thickness OM of the upper coupling element 16 between the panel surface 12 and the locking receptacle 28. In the embodiment of the invention according to Figure 2 This is exemplary and independent of other features of this embodiment at 72 percent.

[0055] Furthermore, an embodiment of the invention according to Figure 2Preferably, the material thickness UM of the lower coupling element 18 between the panel bottom surface 14 and the locking receptacle 26 is at most 82 percent, at most 77 percent, and particularly preferably at most 72 percent of the material thickness OM of the upper coupling element 16 between the panel surface 12 and the locking receptacle 28. In the embodiment of the invention according to Figure 2 This is exemplary and independent of other features of this embodiment at 72 percent.

[0056] Furthermore, an embodiment of the invention according to Figure 2It is preferred that the material thickness OM of the upper coupling element 16 between the panel surface 12 and the locking receptacle 28 is at least 34 percent, preferably at least 39 percent, particularly preferably at least 44 percent of the total thickness G of the panel 10a, 10b. In the embodiment of the invention according to Figure 2 This is exemplary and independent of other features of this embodiment at 44 percent.

[0057] Furthermore, an embodiment of the invention according to Figure 2 It is preferred that the material thickness OM of the upper coupling element 16 between the panel surface 12 and the locking receptacle 28 is at most 54 percent, preferably at most 49 percent, particularly preferably at most 44 percent of the total thickness G of the panel 10a, 10b. In the embodiment of the invention according to Figure 2This is exemplary and independent of other features of this embodiment at 44 percent.

[0058] Furthermore, an embodiment of the invention according to Figure 2 Preferably, the material thickness UM of the lower coupling element 18 between the panel bottom surface 14 and the locking receptacle 26 is at least 24 percent, preferably at least 29 percent, particularly preferably at least 34 percent of the total thickness G of the panel 10a, 10b. In the embodiment of the invention according to Figure 2 For example, and regardless of other features of this embodiment, this is 34 percent.

[0059] Furthermore, an embodiment of the invention according to Figure 2Preferably, the material thickness UM of the lower coupling element 18 between the panel bottom surface 14 and the locking receptacle 26 is at most 44 percent, preferably at most 39 percent, particularly preferably at most 34 percent of the total thickness G of the panel 10a, 10b. In the embodiment of the invention according to Figure 2 For example, and regardless of other features of this embodiment, this is 34 percent.

[0060] Furthermore, an embodiment of the invention according to Figure 2 before, that a locking element surface 32 of the locking element 30 facing the locking receptacle 28 has a substantially uniform arcuate shape and / or that a locking receptacle surface 34 of the locking receptacle 28 facing the locking element 30 has a substantially uniform arcuate shape, wherein the locking element surface 32 and the locking receptacle surface 34 are in particular formed with substantially the same contour as one another. In the embodiment of the invention according to Figure 2This is shown by way of example and independently of other features of this exemplary embodiment. Thus, both the locking element surface 32 and the locking receiving surface 34 have such an arcuate shape. In the case of multiple arcuate shapes, a main arc of extension is considered the decisive arcuate shape, independent of this exemplary embodiment. A main arc of extension is the one of several arcs whose parabolic shape portion is the largest at the locking receiving 28 or at the locking element 30. In other words, the main arc of extension occupies the longest distance of the locking receiving 28 or the locking element 30. As in Figure 2As can be seen, the locking receptacle 28 and the locking element 30 have essentially the same contour, namely a flat curvature. This essentially refers to the fact that contour deviations may occur starting from the respective ends of the curved shapes of the locking element surface 32 and the locking receptacle surface 34.

[0061] Furthermore, an embodiment of the invention according to Figure 2 Preferably, a radius R of the arcuate shape of the locking element surface 32 and / or a radius of the arcuate shape of the locking receiving surface 34 is between 85 percent and 95 percent of the total thickness G of the panel 10a, 10b. In the embodiment of the invention according to Figure 2By way of example and independently of other features of this exemplary embodiment, this is approximately 90 percent of the total thickness G of the panel 10a, 10b. "Approximately" here means that a deviation may exist, in particular from 87.5 percent up to and including 92.5 percent, with exactly 90 percent being preferred.

[0062] Furthermore, an embodiment of the invention according to Figure 2that a tangent to the center of the arcuate shape of the locking element surface 32 and / or a tangent to the center of the arcuate shape of the locking receiving surface 34 relative to the panel surface 12 and the panel bottom surface 14 includes or include a respective arc angle alpha, wherein the respective arc angle alpha is preferably less than or equal to 45 degrees, preferably less than or equal to 35 degrees, particularly preferably less than or equal to 25 degrees. The tangent to the center of the arcuate shape of the locking receiving surface 34 is determined analogously from the side of the locking element surface 32. In the embodiment of the invention according to Figure 2 the respective arc angle alpha of the locking element surface 32 and the locking receiving surface 34 is, by way of example and independently of other features of this embodiment, 22 degrees.

[0063] Furthermore, an embodiment of the invention according to Figure 2that the counter surface 22 includes a respective counter surface angle beta with respect to the panel surface 12 and the panel bottom surface 14, which is preferably less than or equal to 45 degrees, preferably less than or equal to 35 degrees, particularly preferably less than or equal to 25 degrees. In the embodiment of the invention according to Figure 2 The respective counter surface angle beta is, for example and independently of other features of this embodiment, 35 degrees.

[0064] Furthermore, an embodiment of the invention according to Figure 2 that the arc angle alpha and the counter surface angle beta differ from each other by less than and including 20 degrees, preferably less than and including 15 degrees, particularly preferably less than and including 10 degrees. In the embodiment of the invention according to Figure 2The arc angle alpha and the counter surface angle beta differ from each other by 13 degrees, for example and independently of other features of this embodiment.

[0065] In Figure 2 By way of example, it is shown that the counter surface 22 extends between the panel surface 12 and a vertical surface 23 of the panel 10a. In a longitudinal sectional view of the panel 10a, the distance of the vertical surface 23 is shown as shorter than the distance of the counter surface 22. Preferably, the distance of the counter surface 22 corresponds essentially to seven times the distance of the vertical surface 23.

[0066] Furthermore, an embodiment of the invention according to Figure 2It is preferred that the locking element 30 has a locking outer surface 40 leading to the panel bottom surface 14, which includes a locking angle gamma relative to a vertical plane, which is less than or equal to 35 degrees, preferably less than or equal to 30 degrees, particularly preferably less than or equal to 25 degrees. In the embodiment of the invention according to Figure 2 The locking angle gamma is 30 degrees, by way of example and independent of other features of this embodiment.

[0067] Furthermore, an embodiment of the invention according to Figure 2 It is preferred that a projection 36 of the locking receptacle 28 is formed as a rounded portion transitioning to the locking element 24.

[0068] Furthermore, an embodiment of the invention according to Figure 2 It is preferred that an edge 38 of the locking element 30 pointing towards a projection 36 of the locking receptacle 28 is formed as a rounded portion.

[0069] Furthermore, an embodiment of the invention according to Figure 2 preferably, the locking element 24 has a locking projection 42 and the locking receptacle 26 has a locking abutment 44, which form the second locking system in the coupled state of the two panels 10a, 10b shown.

[0070] Furthermore, an embodiment of the invention according to Figure 2 preferably, the locking element 30 has a locking projection 46 and the locking receptacle 28 has a locking abutment 48, which form the third locking system in the coupled state of the two panels 10a, 10b shown.

[0071] Furthermore, an embodiment of the invention according to Figure 2 It is preferred that the panel 10a, 10b comprises at least partially, preferably completely, thermoplastic styrene block copolymers, TPS, as the base material. List of reference symbols

[0072] 10a, 10b Panel 12 Panel surface 14 Panel bottom surface 16 Upper coupling element 18 Lower coupling element 20 Wedge-shaped projection 22 Counter surface 23 Vertical surface 24 Latching element 26 Latching receptacle 28 Locking receptacle 30 Locking element 32 Locking element surface 34 Locking receptacle surface 36 Extension of the locking receptacle transitioning to the latching element 38 Edge of the locking element pointing towards a extension of the locking receptacle 40 Locking outer surface 42 Latching projection 44 Latching abutment 46 Locking projection 48 Locking abutment GTotal thickness OMMaterial thickness of the upper coupling element UMMaterial thickness of the lower coupling element alpha, αArc angle beta, βCounter surface angle gamma, γLocking angle RRadius

Claims

1. Panel (10a, 10b) for a paneling, in particular floor panel for a floor covering, comprising: a panel upper surface (12) and a panel lower surface (14) extending parallel thereto, which are mutually spaced from each other by a total thickness (G); an upper coupling element (16) and a lower coupling element (18), wherein two panels (10a, 10b) of this type can be coupled to each other by means of a downward movement of the upper coupling element (16) of the first panel (10a) with respect to the lower coupling element (18) of the second panel (10b), wherein the upper coupling element (16) has at its distal end a wedge-shaped protrusion (20) and the lower coupling element (18) has a mating surface (22), which, in the coupled state of two panels (10a, 10b), form a first locking system, the upper coupling element (16) has a latching element (24) adjoining the wedge-shaped protrusion (20) and the lower coupling element (18) has a detent receptacle (26) adjoining the mating surface (22) which, in the coupled state of two panels (10a, 10b), form a second locking system, the upper coupling element (16) has a locking receptacle (28) adjoining the latching element (24), and the lower coupling element (18) has at its distal end a locking element (30) adjoining the detent receptacle (26), which, in the coupled state of two panels (10a, 10b), form a third locking system wherein a material thickness (UM) of the lower coupling element (18) between the panel lower surface (14) and the detent receptacle (26) is less than 100 percent of a material thickness (OM) of the upper coupling element (16) between the panel upper surface (12) and the latching receptacle (28), characterised in that a locking element surface (32) of the locking element (30) facing the locking receptacle (28) has a substantially uniform arcuate shape and / or in that a locking receptacle surface (34) of the locking receptacle (28) facing the locking element (30) has a substantially uniform arcuate shape, the locking element surface (32) and the locking receptacle surface (34) being designed in particular to be substantially contiguous with one another, and a tangent to the centre of the arcuate shape of the locking element surface (32) and / or a tangent to the centre of the arcuate shape of the locking receiver surface (34) encloses or enclose a respective arc angle (alpha) with respect to the panel surface (12) and the panel underside (14), wherein the respective arc angle (alpha) is less than or equal to 45 degrees, preferably less than or equal to 35 degrees, particularly preferably less than or equal to 25 degrees, and the counter surface (22) forms a respective counter surface angle (beta) with the panel surface (12) and the panel underside (14), wherein the respective counter surface angle (beta) is less than or equal to 45 degrees, preferably smaller including 35 degrees, particularly preferably smaller including 25 degrees, wherein the arc angle (alpha) and the counter-surface angle (beta) differ from one another by less than 20 degrees, preferably less than 15 degrees, particularly preferably less than 10 degrees.

2. Panel (10a, 10b) according to claim 1, characterized in that the material thickness (UM) of the lower coupling element (18) between the panel lower surface (14) and the detent receptacle (26) is greater than or equal to 62 percent, preferably greater than or equal to 67 percent, and particularly preferably greater than or equal to 72 percent of the material thickness (OM) of the upper coupling element (16) between the panel upper surface (12) and the locking receptacle (28).

3. Panel (10a, 10b) according to at least one of claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the material thickness (UM) of the lower coupling element (18) between the panel lower surface (14) and the detent receptacle (26) is less than or equal to 82 percent, preferably less than or equal to 77 percent and particularly preferably less than or equal to 72 percent of the material thickness (OM) of the upper coupling element (16) between the panel upper surface (12) and the locking receptacle (28).

4. Panel (10a, 10b) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the material thickness (OM) of the upper coupling element (16) between the panel upper surface (12) and the locking receptacle (28) is greater than or equal to 34 percent, preferably greater than or equal to 39 percent, particularly preferably greater than or equal to 44 percent of the total thickness (G) of the panel (10a, 10b).

5. Panel (10a, 10b) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the material thickness (OM) of the upper coupling element (16) between the panel upper surface (12) and the locking receptacle (28) is less than or equal to 54 percent, preferably less than or equal to 49 percent, particularly preferably less than or equal to 44 percent of the total thickness (G) of the panel (10a, 10b).

6. Panel (10a, 10b) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the material thickness (UM) of the lower coupling element (18) between the panel lower surface (14) and the detent receptacle (26) is greater than or equal to 24 percent, preferably greater than or equal to 29 percent, particularly preferably greater than or equal to 34 percent of the total thickness (G) of the panel (10a, 10b).

7. Panel (10a, 10b) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the material thickness (UM) of the lower coupling element (18) between the panel lower surface (14) and the detent receptacle (26) is less than or equal to 44 percent, preferably less than or equal to 39 percent, particularly preferably less than or equal to 34 percent of the total thickness (G) of the panel (10a, 10b).

8. Panel (10a, 10b) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that a radius (R) of the arc shape of the locking element surface (32) and / or a radius of the arc shape of the locking receptacle surface (34) is between 85 percent inclusive to 95 percent inclusive of the total thickness (G) of the panel (10a, 10b), and preferably about 90 percent of the total thickness (G) of the panel (10a, 10b).

9. Panel (10a, 10b) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the mating surface (22) includes a respective mating surface angle (beta) with respect to the panel upper surface (12) and the panel lower surface (14), wherein the respective mating surface angle (beta) is less than or equal to 45 degrees, preferably less than or equal to 35 degrees, particularly preferably less than or equal to 25 degrees.

10. Panel (10a, 10b) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the locking element (30) comprises a locking outer surface (40) which leads to the panel lower surface (14) and includes a locking angle (gamma) with respect to a vertical plane, wherein the locking angle (gamma) is less than or equal to 35 degrees, preferably less than or equal to 30 degrees, particularly preferably less than or equal to 25 degrees.

11. Panel (10a, 10b) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an extension (36) of the locking receptacle (28) transitioning to the latching element (24) is formed as a rounding.

12. Panel (10a, 10b) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an edge (38) of the locking element (30) facing to an extension (36) of the locking receptacle (28) is formed as a rounding.

13. Panel (10a, 10b) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the latching element (24) has a latching protrusion (42) and the detent receptacle (26) has a latching counter-bearing (44) which, in the coupled state of two panels (10a, 10b), form the second locking system.

14. Panel (10a, 10b) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the locking element (30) comprises a locking protrusion (46) and the locking receptacle (28) comprises a locking counter-bearing (48), which, in the coupled state of two panels (10a, 10b), form the third locking system.

15. Panel (10a, 10b) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the panel (10a, 10b) comprises at least partially, preferably completely, thermoplastic styrene block copolymers, TPS, as a base material.