Wall panel or floor panel having locking means which are suitable for herringbone installation

Abstract

The present invention relates to a wall panel or floor panel having locking means which are suitable for herringbone installation. From the field of classic parquet, so-called herringbone patterns are known, in which periodically arranged parquet strips usually have translational symmetry at a right angle, 45° or 30° to a right angle. The wall panels and floor panels according to the invention have, on their edges, compatible locking means which can be locked by means of a pivoting movement and which allow herringbone installation.

Description

[0001] Wall or floor panel with locking devices suitable for herringbone installation

[0002] The present invention relates to a wall or floor panel with locking means suitable for herringbone installation.

[0003] Wall or floor panels in the sense of the invention are decorated boards or decorative panels and are known as such and are used, for example, in interior design as floor or wall coverings. The term wall panel also includes panels that are suitable for ceiling cladding. The panels usually consist of a carrier or core made of a solid material, for example a wood-based material, plastic or a composite material, which is provided on at least one side with a decorative layer and a cover layer and, if appropriate, with further layers, for example a wear layer arranged between the decorative layer and the cover layer. The decorative layer is usually formed from printed paper or a decoration printed directly onto the carrier or a decorative substrate initially applied to it. In particular, the so-called direct printing of decoration onto a carrier orA decorative substrate initially applied to the carrier using direct printing processes such as inkjet printing has become increasingly important in the relevant industry in recent years.

[0004] Processes for producing decorative panels based on wood-based materials, such as HDF or MDF boards, are well known. For example, WO 2009 / 080772 discloses a process for producing a decorated laminate with a panel-shaped core made of wood or wood-based material.

[0005] Regardless of the chosen substrate material, the resulting panels are printed as large sheets with a surface area several times the size of the final decorative panel and then divided into individual, usually rectangular panels. The resulting panels can then be profiled along the panel edges, allowing the individual decorative panels to be joined together to form a single, connected surface.

[0006] From the area of ​​classic parquet, so-called herringbone or ear patterns are known, in which periodically arranged parquet strips usually have a translational symmetry at a right angle, 45° or 30° to the right angle.

[0007] To achieve such an installation pattern, both the long edges of a panel and the short edges of a panel must be able to be connected to one another. In the area of ​​classic parquet with a simple tongue and groove profile on the respective panel edges, this is easily possible because the grooves provided on the long and short sides are compatible with the leathers provided on the other long and short sides, and not only short and long sides can be connected to each other, but also short sides can be connected to long sides. However, joining the panels together requires complex gluing in order to ensure that the panels are mechanically resilient. However, modern decorative flooring, regardless of whether it comes from the area of ​​real wood parquet (also known as engineered wood) or from the area of ​​laminate panels or plastic panels, must be able to be installed without adhesive.Corresponding installation systems are known, for example, as click laminate or click parquet.

[0008] However, with most of the adhesive-free locking systems used, only the short and long edges are compatible with each other, preventing a connection between a long edge and a short edge. This is necessary, however, for the herringbone installation described above. To achieve this, different panel types (A / B panels) are often required, each with different connecting elements at their respective edges. However, such a provision of different panel types is logistically complex and undesirable, especially in the do-it-yourself market.

[0009] From DE 20 2019 103 690, a panel is known which is rectangular and has long and short edges, wherein the panel comprises a coupling part on each long edge and on each short edge, which allows the panel to be coupled to another such panel; wherein the coupling part on one long edge comprises a tongue and a downwardly directed locking groove; wherein the coupling parts on the other long edge and on the short edges each comprise a groove and a locking lip; wherein the locking lip on each of the other long edges and the short edges delimits the respective groove downwards and comprises an upwardly directed locking element; wherein the tongue is configured to cooperate with the groove on each of the other long edges and the short edges of another such panel to effect a vertical locking between the respective edges;and wherein the downward locking groove is configured to cooperate with the upward locking element on each of the other long edges and the short edges of another such panel to effect a horizontal lock between the respective edges.;

[0010] From WO 1997 / 47843, a panel is known in which the coupling part on one long edge is configured to cooperate with the coupling part on the other long edge of another such panel. The coupling part on one short edge is configured to cooperate with the coupling part on the other short edge of another such panel. The cooperating coupling parts form an interlocking tongue and groove connection on both the long and short edges. This is a tongue and groove connection that effects not only vertical but also horizontal locking between the coupled edges. The vertical locking is achieved by the interaction between the tongue and the groove. The horizontal locking is achieved by a locking lip engaging in a downwardly directed locking groove.

[0011] Document WO 2005 / 098163 describes panels of which only one type is necessary to achieve a herringbone pattern. The coupling parts on the long edges form an interlocking tongue-and-groove connection when coupled. The coupling parts on the short edges are identical and configured to interact with each of the coupling parts on the long edges. However, the practical examples of the coupling parts on the short edges are quite complex or do not provide adequate locking. Thus, the vertical movement of the short edges is not always restricted when coupled. This has the disadvantage of creating a risk of height differences.

[0012] However, the solutions known from the outset often have the disadvantage of insufficient mechanical stability of the panel connections, so that they come loose under load.

[0013] The object of the present invention is therefore to provide an improved wall or floor panel with which geometrically complex laying patterns, such as herringbone patterns in particular, can be easily provided without the need to provide different panel types.

[0014] This object is achieved by a wall or floor panel according to claim 1. Embodiments of such a decorative panel can be found in the dependent claims and the following description. A wall or floor panel is thus proposed, each having two opposite long edges and two opposite short edges, wherein the panel has at least one connecting means on each long edge and on each short edge, which makes it possible to connect the panel to another panel at the long edges to one another and at the long edges and the short edges. The connecting means on one of the long edges comprises a tongue and at least one downwardly directed locking groove and one upwardly directed locking groove as well as an upwardly directed latching hook. The connecting means on the other long edge has a latching hook and a substantially horizontally running locking groove.On the short edges, the connecting means comprises a tongue and at least a first downwardly directed locking groove and a second downwardly directed locking groove, as well as a latching shoulder. To connect the connecting means on one of the long edges to the connecting means on one of the other long edges, the downwardly directed locking groove and the latching hook are designed such that, when the connecting means are connected, the latching hook engages in the locking groove in a contact-locking manner between a distal groove surface and a proximal hook surface, and the upwardly directed latching hook of the locking element of the long edges is supported via a head surface against a groove ceiling of the essentially horizontally extending groove of the locking element.In order to connect the connecting means on one of the long edges with the connecting means on the short edges, a spring of the connecting element is designed such that, in the connected state of the connecting means, the spring engages in the downwardly directed locking groove in a contact-locking manner between a proximal groove wall and a distal spring surface and preferably in a contact-locking manner between a proximal hook surface and a proximal spring surface and preferably in a contact-locking manner between a basal projection surface of a projection of the connecting element and an apical spring surface of the spring of the connecting element.In order to connect the connecting means at one of the long edges with the connecting means at the short edges, the spring of the connecting element is designed such that, in the connected state of the connecting means, the apical spring surface of the spring is preferably in contact with a basal projection surface of a proximal projection of the connecting element and a groove wall surface of the downwardly directed locking groove is preferably in contact with the proximal hook surface of the latching hook of the connecting element and a foot surface of a spring foot of the connecting element is in contact with an apical hook arm surface of the latching hook.

[0015] It has been shown that with the wall or floor panel according to the invention it is possible to provide geometrically complex laying patterns such as herringbone patterns even on large laying surfaces in a simple and user-friendly manner, which have improved mechanical stability of the panel connections.

[0016] For the purposes of the invention, the term "decorative panel" refers in particular to wall, ceiling, door, or floor panels that feature a decorative pattern applied to a carrier plate. Decorative panels are used in a variety of ways, both in the interior design of rooms and for the decorative cladding of buildings, for example, in trade fair construction. One of the most common applications for decorative panels is their use as floor coverings. The decorative panels often feature a pattern intended to replicate a decorative pattern, usually a natural material.

[0017] Examples of such simulated natural materials include wood species such as maple, oak, birch, cherry, ash, walnut, chestnut, wenge, and even exotic woods such as panga-panga, mahogany, bamboo, and bubinga. In addition, natural materials such as stone or ceramic surfaces are often simulated.

[0018] The carrier or core of a decorative panel according to the invention can, for example, be a carrier based on a natural material, a plastic, a wood-plastic composite (WPC), or a mineral-plastic composite (SPC). Layered structures made of several of the aforementioned materials can also be used, for example, plasterboard or wood-plastic laminated panels.

[0019] For example, the carrier plate or support can be made of a thermoplastic, elastomer, or thermosetting plastic. Mineral plates such as natural and artificial stone plates, concrete plates, gypsum fiber plates, WPC plates (made of a mixture of plastic and wood), SPC plates (made of a mixture of mineral fillers, such as a phyllosilicate, and plastic), and plates made of natural raw materials such as cork and wood can also be used as supports according to the invention. Plates made of biomass as a natural material such as straw, corn stalks, bamboo, leaves, algae extracts, hemp, and oil palm fibers can also be used according to the invention. Furthermore, recycled materials made of the aforementioned materials can be used within the scope of the inventive process. Furthermore, the plates can be based on the natural material cellulose, such as paper or cardboard.

[0020] Wood-based materials within the meaning of the invention include, in addition to solid wood materials, materials such as cross-laminated timber, glued laminated timber, block laminated timber, veneer plywood, laminated veneer lumber, veneer strip lumber, and bending plywood. Furthermore, wood-based materials within the meaning of the invention also include particleboards such as chipboards, extruded boards, oriented structural boards (OSB), and chipboard strips, as well as wood fiber materials such as wood fiber insulation boards (HFD), medium-hard and hard fiberboards (MB, HFH), and, in particular, medium-density fiberboards (MDF) and high-density fiberboards (HDF).Modern wood materials such as wood-polymer materials (wood-plastic composite, WPC), sandwich panels made of a lightweight core material such as foam, rigid foam or paper honeycomb with a wood layer applied to it, as well as mineral-bonded chipboard, for example with cement, also constitute wood materials within the meaning of the invention. Cork also represents a wood material within the meaning of the invention. For the purposes of the invention, the term fibre materials refers to materials such as paper and nonwovens based on plant, animal, mineral or even artificial fibres, as well as cardboard. Examples of fibre materials made from plant fibres include paper and nonwovens made from cellulose fibres, as well as panels made from biomass such as straw, corn stalks, bamboo, eucalyptus, algae extracts, hemp, cotton or oil palm fibres. Examples of animal fibre materials include keratin-based materials such as wool or horsehair.Examples of mineral fiber materials are mineral wool or glass wool.

[0021] Furthermore, the carrier can be a plastic-based carrier, i.e. it can comprise or consist of a plastic. Examples of thermoplastics are polyvinyl chloride, polyolefins (e.g. polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP)), polyamides (PA), polyurethanes (PU), polystyrene (PS), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polycarbonate (PC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyetheretherketone (PEEK) or mixtures or copolymers thereof. The plastics can contain conventional fillers, for example a layered silicate such as talc, calcium carbonate (chalk), aluminum oxide, silica gel, quartz powder, wood flour, gypsum. They can also be colored in a known manner. In particular, it can be provided that the carrier material comprises a flame retardant.

[0022] Thermoplastics, in particular, offer the advantage that the products made from them can be easily recycled. Recycled materials from other sources can also be used. This provides a further opportunity to reduce manufacturing costs.

[0023] According to one embodiment of the wall or floor panel according to the invention, it can be provided that, when the connecting means of a short edge are connected to a connecting means of a long edge, a contact-free space is formed between the distal end face of the upwardly directed locking hook and the proximal wall surface of the connecting element. A contact-free space, in the sense of the invention, is understood to mean the absence of direct contact between corresponding structural elements of the locking means. The corresponding structural elements therefore do not touch each other in the corresponding areas.

[0024] According to a further embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that in the connected state of the connecting means of a short edge with a connecting means of a long edge, a groove chamber is formed between the undercut surface and the proximal groove wall of the upwardly directed locking groove.

[0025] According to a further embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that, in the connected state of the connecting means of a short edge with a connecting means of a long edge, a contact-free space is formed between the groove cover of the downwardly directed groove of the connecting element of the short edge and an apical hook surface of the locking hook of the connecting means of the long edge.

[0026] In a further alternative embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that the wall or floor panel according to one of the preceding claims, wherein in the connected state of the connecting means of one long edge with a connecting means of a second compatible long edge, a contact-free space is formed between a proximal groove wall of the locking groove of the connecting means of the other long edge and the distal end face of the connecting means of the first long edge.

[0027] In a further embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that, in the connected state of the connecting means of a first long edge with a connecting means of a second compatible long edge, a contact-free space is formed between a groove ceiling of the locking groove of the connecting means of the second long edge and the apical hook surface of the latching hook of the connecting means of the first long edge. In a further embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that, in the connected state of the connecting means of a long edge with a connecting means of a second compatible long edge, a contact-free space is formed between a proximal groove wall of the horizontal locking groove of the connecting means of the first long edge and the distal end face of the upwardly directed latching hook of the connecting means of the second long edge.It can be provided that the contact-free space extends at least partially along the apical hook arm surface of the hook arm of the connecting means of the first long edge.

[0028] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the locking shoulder of the connecting means can be inclined at the short edges toward the distal spring surface of the connecting means. "Inclined" in the sense of the invention means that the outer distal corner of the locking shoulder is displaced distally relative to a plane of the proximal wall surface of the downwardly directed locking groove and does not lie in the plane of the proximal wall surface. Such an inclination is preferably substantially arcuate.

[0029] According to a further embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that the connecting means of a first long edge can be locked to the connecting means of a second compatible long edge by means of a pivoting movement. The connecting means of the first edge is thus angled into the connecting means of the second edge.

[0030] According to a further embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that the connecting means of the short edges can be connected or locked to the connecting means of the long edges by means of a substantially vertical joining movement. In this case, it can be provided that a substantially vertical force is exerted in the direction of the installation substrate for the final connection or locking of the two panel edges. This joining movement is generally known as push-to-lock.

[0031] According to a further embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that the difference between the angle of the basal projection surface to the vertical and the angle of the proximal hook surface to the vertical, thus the angle difference, lies in a range between >10° and <60°, preferably >15° and <50°, in particular >20° and <30°. This can significantly reduce the risk of the interconnected locking elements of the first long edge and the second long edge, as well as the first long edge and the short edge, slipping out of the connected state.

[0032] The invention is further explained below with reference to figures.

[0033] Fig. 1 shows exemplary panels according to the invention with a corresponding assignment of the panel edges;

[0034] Fig. 2 shows an example of a herringbone laying pattern to be achieved according to the invention;

[0035] Fig. 3 shows an embodiment of a connecting means according to the invention on the short edges of a panel;

[0036] Fig. 4 shows an embodiment of a connecting means according to the invention on a first long edge;

[0037] Fig. 5 shows an embodiment of a connecting means according to the invention on a second long edge;

[0038] Fig. 6 shows an alternative embodiment of a connecting means according to the invention on a first long edge;

[0039] Fig. 7 shows an alternative embodiment of a connecting means according to the invention on a second long edge; Fig. 8 shows a connection of a connecting means according to Fig. 5 of a long edge with a connecting means of a short edge according to Fig. 3 before a final connection of the connecting means;

[0040] Fig. 9 shows the connection from Fig. 8 in the connected state;

[0041] Fig. 10 shows a connection of an alternative embodiment of a long edge connecting means according to Fig. 7 with a short edge connecting means according to Fig. 3 in the connected state;

[0042] Fig. 11 shows a connection of a connecting means according to Fig. 4 of a long edge with a connecting means of a short edge according to Fig. 3 before a final connection of the connecting means;

[0043] Fig. 12 shows the connection from Fig. 11 in the connected state;

[0044] Fig. 13 shows a connection of a long edge connecting means according to Fig. 4 with a long edge connecting means according to Fig. 5 before a final connection of the connecting means;

[0045] Fig. 14 shows the connection from Fig. 13 in the connected state;

[0046] Fig. 15 11 shows a connection of a connecting means according to Fig. 6 of a long edge with a connecting means of a short edge according to Fig. 3 in the connected state;

[0047] Fig. 16 shows a connection of a long edge connecting means according to Fig. 1 with a long edge connecting means according to Fig. 7 before a final connection of the connecting means;

[0048] Fig. 17 shows the connection from Fig. 16 in the connected state;

[0049] Fig. 18 shows an embodiment of a connecting means according to the invention on the short edges of a panel;

[0050] Fig. 19 shows an alternative embodiment of a connecting means according to the invention on a first long edge;

[0051] Fig. 20 shows a connection of a connecting means according to Fig. 19 of a long edge with a connecting means of a short edge according to Fig. 18 in the connected state; Fig. 21 shows an alternative embodiment of a connecting means according to the invention on a second long edge;

[0052] Fig. 22 shows a connection of the alternative embodiment of a long edge connecting means according to Fig. 21 with the short edge connecting means according to Fig. 18 in the connected state; and

[0053] Fig. 23 shows the connection of the connecting elements of Fig. 19 and 21 in the connected state.

[0054] Fig. 1 panels 100, 200 according to the invention with a corresponding assignment of the panel edges 110, 120, 210, 220 to the respective short edges of the panels 100, 200 and 130, 140, 230, 240 to the respective long edges of the panels 100, 200.

[0055] Fig. 2 shows an example of a herringbone installation pattern that can be achieved according to the invention. Panels 100, 200 are offset by 90° to each other and connected to the long edges 130, 140, 230, 240 via the respective short edges 110, 120, 210, 220.

[0056] Fig. 3 shows an embodiment of a connecting means 121 according to the invention on the short edges 110, 120, 210, 220 of a panel. The connecting means 121 has a tongue 122 with a distal tongue surface 122a and a proximal tongue surface 122b. Furthermore, the connecting element has a downwardly directed locking groove 123 with a groove ceiling 123a, a proximal groove wall 123b, and a locking groove 124 with a proximal wall surface 124a. Furthermore, the connecting element has a locking shoulder 125 and an apical tongue surface 126, a tongue base 127, a groove wall surface 128, and a base surface 129 of the locking shoulder 125.

[0057] Fig. 4 shows an embodiment of a connecting means 131 according to the invention on a first long edge 130, 230. The connecting element 131 has a distal end face 131a, a proximal projection 132 with a basal projection surface 132a, a proximal end face 132b, and a distinguishing surface 132c. Furthermore, the connecting element 131 comprises a latching hook 133 with a proximal hook surface 133a, an apical hook arm surface 133b, and an apical hook surface 133c. Furthermore, the connecting element comprises a horizontal locking groove 134 with a groove top 134a and a proximal groove wall 134b.

[0058] Fig. 5 shows an embodiment of a connecting means 141 according to the invention on a second long edge 140, 240. The connecting means 141 has a tongue 142 with a basal tongue surface 142a and an upwardly directed locking groove 143 with a proximal groove wall 143a and a groove bottom 143b. Furthermore, the connecting element 141 has a locking groove 144 with a distal groove surface 144a, a proximal groove wall 144b, and a groove top 144c. Furthermore, the connecting element 141 comprises an upwardly directed latching hook 145 with a head surface 145a, a distal end surface 145b, and a proximal hook surface 145c, as well as a projection 146 with a basal projection surface 146a.

[0059] Fig. 6 shows an alternative embodiment of a connecting means 531 according to the invention on a first long edge 130, 230. The connecting element 531 has a distal end face 531a, a proximal projection 532 with a basal projection surface 532a, a proximal end face 532b, and a distinguishing surface 532c. Furthermore, the connecting element 531 comprises a latching hook 533 with a proximal hook surface 533a, an apical hook arm surface 533b, and an apical hook surface 533c. Furthermore, the connecting element comprises a horizontal locking groove 534 with a groove cover 534a and a proximal groove wall 534b.

[0060] Fig. 7 shows an alternative embodiment of a connecting means 541 according to the invention on a second long edge 140, 240. The connecting means 541 has a tongue 542 with a basal tongue surface 542a and an upwardly directed locking groove 543 with a proximal groove wall 543a and a groove bottom 543b. Furthermore, the connecting element 541 has a locking groove 544 with a distal groove surface 544a, a proximal groove wall 544b, and a groove top 544c. Furthermore, the connecting element 541 comprises an upwardly directed latching hook 545 with a head surface 545a, a distal end surface 545b, and a proximal hook surface 545c, as well as a projection 546 with a basal projection surface 546a. Furthermore, the connecting element 541 comprises a spring base 547, a groove wall surface 548 and a head surface 549.

[0061] Fig. 8 shows a connection of a connecting means 141 according to Fig. 5 of a long edge 140, 240 with a connecting means 121 of a short edge 110, 120, 210, 220 according to Fig. 3 before a final connection of the connecting means. In order to connect the connecting means 141 on one of the long edges 140, 240 with the connecting means 121 on the short edges 110, 120, 210, 220, the spring 122 of the connecting element 121 is designed such that, in the connected state of the connecting means 121, 141, the spring 122 engages in the downwardly directed locking groove 143 in a contact-locking manner between the proximal groove wall 143a and the distal spring surface 122a, as well as in a contact-locking manner between the proximal hook surface 145c and the proximal spring surface 122b, as well as in a contact-locking manner between the basal projection surface 146a of the projection 146 of the connecting element 141 and the apical spring surface 126 of the spring 122 of the connecting element 121.

[0062] Fig. 9 shows the connection from Fig. 8 in the connected state. In the connected state of the connecting means 121 with a connecting means 141, a contact-free space 310 forms between the distal end face 145a of the upwardly directed locking hook 145 and the proximal wall surface 124a of the connecting element 121.

[0063] Fig. 10 shows a connection of the alternative embodiment of a connecting means 541 of a long edge according to Fig. 7 with the connecting means 121 of the short edges according to Fig. 3 in the connected state. In the connected state of the connecting means 121 with a connecting means 541, a contact-free space 610 forms between the distal end face 545a of the upwardly directed latching hook 545 and the proximal wall surface 124a of the connecting element 121. Fig. 11 shows a connection of the connecting means 131 according to Fig. 4 of a long edge with the connecting means 121 of the short edges according to Fig. 3 before a final connection of the connecting means 131, 121.In order to connect the connecting means 131 to the connecting means 121 at the short edges, the spring 122 of the connecting element 121 is designed such that, in the connected state of the connecting means 121, 131, the apical spring surface 126 of the spring 121 is in contact with the basal projection surface 132a of the proximal projection 132 of the connecting element 131 and the groove wall surface 128 of the downwardly directed locking groove 123 is in contact with the proximal hook surface 133a of the latching hook 133 of the connecting element 131 and the foot surface 129 of the latching shoulder 125 of the connecting element 121 is in contact with the apical hook arm surface 133b of the latching hook 133. The connecting means 121 can be locked to the connecting means 131 by means of a substantially vertical joining movement.

[0064] Fig. 12 shows the connection from Fig. 11 in the connected state. In the connected state of the connecting means 121 with the connecting means 131, a contact-free space 320 forms between the groove cover 123a of the downward-facing groove 123 of the connecting element 121 and the apical hook surface 133c of the locking hook 133.

[0065] Fig. 13 shows a connection of a connecting means 131 according to Fig. 4 of a long edge 130, 230 with the connecting means 141 of a compatible long edge 140, 240 according to Fig. 5 before a final connection of the connecting means 131, 141. The connecting means 131 can be locked to the connecting means 141 by means of a pivoting movement.

[0066] Fig. 14 shows the connection from Fig. 13 in the connected state. To connect the connecting means 141 to the connecting means 131, the downwardly directed locking groove 144 and the latching hook 133 are designed such that, when the connecting means 131, 141 are connected, the latching hook 133 engages in the locking groove 144 in a contact-locking manner between the distal groove surface 144a and the proximal hook surface 133a, and the upwardly directed latching hook 145 of the locking element 141 is supported via the head surface 145a against a groove ceiling 134a of the essentially horizontally extending groove 134 of the locking element 131. In the connected state of the connecting means 131 with the connecting means 141, a contact-free space 340 is formed between the proximal groove wall 144b of the locking groove 144 and the distal end face 131a of the connecting means 131.Furthermore, a groove chamber 330 forms between the undercut surface 132c and the proximal groove wall 143a of the upwardly directed locking groove 143. A contact-free space 350 forms between the groove ceiling 144c of the locking groove 144 and the apical hook surface 133c of the latching hook 133 of the connecting means 131 when the connecting means 131, 141 are connected. A contact-free space 360 ​​also forms between the proximal groove wall 134b of the horizontal locking groove 134 of the connecting means 131 and the distal end face 145b of the upwardly directed latching hook 145 of the connecting means 141 when the connecting means 131, 141 are connected.

[0067] Fig. 15 shows a connection of a connecting means 531 according to Fig. 6 of a long edge with a connecting means 121 of a short edge according to Fig. 3 in the connected state. In order to connect the connecting means 531 to the connecting means 121 at the short edges, the spring 122 of the connecting element 121 is designed such that, in the connected state of the connecting means 121, 531, the apical spring surface 126 of the spring 121 is in contact with the basal projection surface 532a of the proximal projection 532 of the connecting element 531 and the groove wall surface 128 of the downwardly directed locking groove 123 is in contact with the proximal hook surface 533a of the latching hook 533 of the connecting element 531 and the foot surface 129 of the spring foot 127 of the connecting element 121 is in contact with the apical hook arm surface 533b of the latching hook 533.The connecting means 121 can be locked to the connecting means 531 by means of a substantially vertical joining movement. When the connecting means 121 is connected to the connecting means 531, a contact-free space 620 forms between the groove cover 123a of the downwardly directed groove 123 of the connecting element 121 and the apical hook surface 533c of the locking hook 533.

[0068] Fig. 16 shows a connection of a connecting means 531 according to Fig. 6 of a long edge 130, 230 with a connecting means 541 of a compatible long edge 140, 240 according to Fig. 7 prior to a final connection of the connecting means. The connecting means 531 can be locked to the connecting means 541 by means of a pivoting movement.

[0069] Fig. 17 shows the connection from Fig. 16 in the connected state. To connect the connecting means 541 to the connecting means 531, the downwardly directed locking groove 544 and the latching hook 533 are designed such that, when the connecting means 531, 541 are connected, the latching hook 533 engages in the locking groove 544 in a contact-locking manner between the distal groove surface 544a and the proximal hook surface 533a, and the upwardly directed latching hook 545 of the locking element 541 is supported via the head surface 545a against a groove ceiling 534a of the essentially horizontally extending groove 534 of the locking element 531. In the connected state of the connecting means 531 with the connecting means 541, a contact-free space 640 is formed between the proximal groove wall 544b of the locking groove 544 and the distal end face 531a of the connecting means 531.Furthermore, a groove chamber 630 forms between the undercut surface 532c and the proximal groove wall 543a of the upwardly directed locking groove 543. A contact-free space 650 forms between the groove ceiling 544c of the locking groove 544 and the apical hook surface 531c of the latching hook 533 of the connecting means 531 when the connecting means 531, 541 are connected. A contact-free space 660 also forms between the proximal groove wall 534b of the horizontal locking groove 534 of the connecting means 531 and the distal end face 545b of the upwardly directed latching hook 545 of the connecting means 541 when the connecting means 531, 541 are connected. Fig. 18 shows an embodiment of a connecting means 721 according to the invention on the short edges 110, 120, 210, 220 of a panel.The connecting means 721 comprises a spring 722 with an upper distal spring surface 722a, a proximal spring surface 722b, and a lower distal spring surface 722c. Furthermore, the connecting element comprises a downwardly directed locking groove 723 with a groove cover 723a, a proximal groove wall 723b, and a locking groove 724 with a proximal wall surface 724a. Furthermore, the connecting element comprises a locking shoulder 725 with a locking projection 725a, an apical spring surface 726, a locking recess 726a, a spring base 727, a groove wall surface 728, an upper groove wall surface 728a, and a base surface 729 of the locking shoulder 725.

[0070] Fig. 19 shows an alternative embodiment of a connecting means 831 according to the invention on a first long edge 130, 230. The connecting element 831 has a distal end face 831a, a proximal projection 832 with a basal projection surface 832a, a proximal end face 832b, and a distinguishing surface 832c. Furthermore, the connecting element 831 comprises a latching hook 833 with a proximal hook surface 833a, an apical hook arm surface 833b, and an apical hook surface 833c. In addition, the connecting element comprises a horizontal locking groove 834 with a groove cover 834a and a proximal groove wall 834b.

[0071] Fig. 20 shows a connection of a connecting means 831 according to Fig. 6 of a long edge with a connecting means 721 of a short edge according to Fig. 3 in the connected state. In order to connect the connecting means 831 to the connecting means 721 at the short edges, the spring 722 of the connecting element 721 is designed such that, in the connected state of the connecting means 721, 831, the apical spring surface 726 of the spring 721 is in contact with the basal projection surface 832a of the proximal projection 832 of the connecting element 831 and the groove wall surface 728 of the downwardly directed locking groove 723 is in contact with the proximal hook surface 833a of the latching hook 833 of the connecting element 831 and the foot surface 729 of the spring foot 727 of the connecting element 721 is in contact with the apical hook arm surface 833b of the latching hook 833.The connecting means 721 can be locked to the connecting means 831 by means of a substantially vertical joining movement. When the connecting means 721 is connected to the connecting means 831, a contact-free space 921 forms between the groove cover 723a of the downwardly directed groove 723 of the connecting element 721 and the apical hook surface 833c of the latching hook 833, which preferably extends into a contact-free space 920 between the distal end face 831a and the proximal groove surface 723b.

[0072] Fig. 21 shows an alternative embodiment of a connecting means 1041 according to the invention on a second long edge 140, 240. The connecting means 1041 has a tongue 1042 with a basal tongue surface 1042a and an upwardly directed locking groove 1043 with a proximal groove wall 1043a and a groove bottom 1043b. Furthermore, the connecting element 1041 has a locking groove 1044 with a distal groove surface 1044a, a proximal groove wall 1044b, and a groove top 1044c. Furthermore, the connecting element 1041 comprises an upwardly directed locking hook 1045 with a head surface 1045a, a distal end surface 1045b, and a proximal hook surface 1045c, a locking projection 1045d, a locking recess 1045e, and a projection 1046 with a basal projection surface 1046a. Furthermore, the connecting element 1041 comprises a spring base 1047, a groove wall surface 1048, and a head surface 1049.

[0073] Fig. 22 shows a connection of the alternative embodiment of a connecting means 1041 of a long edge according to Fig. 21 with the connecting means 721 of the short edges according to Fig. 18 in the connected state. In the connected state of the connecting means 721 with a connecting means 1041, a contact-free space 1053 forms between the distal end face 1045a of the upwardly directed locking hook 1045 and the proximal wall surface 724a of the connecting element 721, which preferably extends into a contact-free space 1052 between the head surface 1045a of the upwardly directed locking hook 1045 and the locking groove cover 724b. In the connected state, there is contact between the locking projection 725a and the surface in a locking recess 1045e as well as between the proximal spring surface 722b and the proximal hook surface 1045c.Preferably, there is contact between the apical spring surface 726 and the basal projection surface 1046a, with a contact-free space 1050 being formed above this contact point and opposite the projection 1046, as well as a contact-free space 1055 being formed below this contact point. Further preferably, in the connected state of the connecting elements 721 and 1041, there is contact between the groove bottom 1043b and the spring base 727.

[0074] Fig. 23 shows the connection of the connecting elements of Figs. 19 and 21 in the connected state. To connect the connecting means 1041 to the connecting means 831, the downwardly directed locking groove 1044 and the latching hook 833 are designed such that, when the connecting means 831, 1041 are connected, the latching hook 833 engages in the locking groove 1044 in a contact-locking manner between the distal groove surface 1044a and the proximal hook surface 833a, and the upwardly directed latching hook 1045 of the locking element 1041 is supported via the head surface 1045a against a groove ceiling 834a of the essentially horizontally extending groove 834 of the locking element 831. In the connected state of the connecting means 831 with the connecting means 1041, a contact-free space 920a is formed between the proximal groove wall 1044b of the locking groove 1044 and the distal end face 831a of the connecting means 831.Furthermore, a groove chamber 1053 is formed between the groove cover 834a and the proximal groove wall 1043a of the upwardly directed locking groove 1043. Between the groove cover 1044c of the locking groove 1044 and the apical hook surface 831c of the latching hook 833 of the connecting means 831, a contact-free space 921a is formed in the connected state of the connecting means 831, 1041, which extends into the contact-free space 920a. When the connecting means 831, 1041 are connected, two contact-free spaces 1051 and 1052 are formed between the proximal groove wall 834b of the horizontal locking groove 834 of the connecting means 831 and the distal end face 1045b of the upwardly directed latching hook 1045 of the connecting means 1041. These spaces can form a common contact-free space or be interrupted or separated into two individual spaces by a contact point between the proximal groove wall 834a and the latching projection 1045d.When the connecting elements 831, 1041 are connected, there is preferably contact between the groove cover 834a and the head surface 1045a. When the connecting elements 831, 1041 are connected, a contact-free space 1054 preferably forms between the apical hook arm surface 833b and the basal spring surface 1042a. This contact-free space 1054 can close vertically under the action of a load, allowing the acting forces to be dissipated via the contact surfaces then existing. This reduces the force acting on the locking hooks 133, 533, 833 under load.Likewise, in the connected state of the connecting elements 831, 1041, a contact-free space 1055 is formed in the region of the transitions between the distal groove surface 1044a to the basal spring surface 1042a on the one hand and the proximal hook surface 833a to the apical hook arm surface 833b on the other hand, while there is contact between the proximal hook surface 833a and the distal groove surface 1044a.

[0075] List of reference symbols:

[0076] 100 panels

[0077] 110 short edge

[0078] 111 Fasteners short edge

[0079] 120 short edge

[0080] 121 Fasteners short edge

[0081] 122 spring

[0082] 122a distal spring surface

[0083] 122b proximal spring surface

[0084] 123 downward locking groove

[0085] 123a grooved ceiling

[0086] 123b proximal groove surface

[0087] 124 Locking groove 124a proximal wall surface

[0088] 125 locking shoulder 126 apical spring surface

[0089] 127 spring foot

[0090] 128 groove wall area

[0091] 129 square feet

[0092] 130 long edge

[0093] 131 Long edge lanyards

[0094] 131a distal frontal surface

[0095] 132 proximal protrusion

[0096] 132a basal protrusion surface

[0097] 132b proximal frontal surface

[0098] 132c Differentiation surface

[0099] 133 locking hooks

[0100] 133a proximal hook surface

[0101] 133b apical hook arm surface

[0102] 133c apical hook surface

[0103] 134 horizontal locking groove

[0104] 134a grooved ceiling

[0105] 134b proximal groove wall

[0106] 140 long edge

[0107] 141 lanyards long edge

[0108] 142 spring

[0109] 142a basal feather surface

[0110] 143 upward locking groove

[0111] 143a proximal groove wall

[0112] 143b groove bottom

[0113] 144 locking groove

[0114] 144a distal groove surface

[0115] 144b proximal groove wall

[0116] 144c groove ceiling 145 upward-facing locking hook

[0117] 145 a head area

[0118] 145b distal frontal surface

[0119] 145c proximal hook surface

[0120] 146 leap

[0121] 146a basal protrusion surface

[0122] 150 first area of ​​the connecting means 131

[0123] 151 second area of ​​the connecting means 131

[0124] 152 second area of ​​the connecting means 131

[0125] 153 gap

[0126] 154 Chamber

[0127] 155 gap

[0128] 156 gap

[0129] 157 gap

[0130] 158 Chamber

[0131] 159 Chamber

[0132] 200 panels

[0133] 210 short edge

[0134] 220 short edge

[0135] 230 long edge

[0136] 240 long edge

[0137] 310 contact-free space

[0138] 320 contact-free space

[0139] 330 groove chamber

[0140] 340 contact-free space

[0141] 350 contact-free space

[0142] 360 contact-free space

[0143] 531 Long edge lanyard

[0144] 531a distal frontal surface 532 proximal projection

[0145] 532a basal projection surface

[0146] 532b proximal frontal surface

[0147] 532c Differentiation surface

[0148] 533 locking hooks

[0149] 533a proximal hook surface

[0150] 533b apical hook arm surface

[0151] 533c apical hook surface

[0152] 534 horizontal locking groove

[0153] 534a grooved ceiling

[0154] 534b proximal groove wall

[0155] 541 Long edge lanyard

[0156] 542 spring

[0157] 542a basal feather surface

[0158] 543 upward locking groove

[0159] 543a proximal groove wall

[0160] 543b groove bottom

[0161] 544 locking groove

[0162] 544a distal groove surface

[0163] 544b proximal groove wall

[0164] 544c grooved ceiling

[0165] 545 upward-facing locking hook

[0166] 545a head surface

[0167] 545b distal frontal surface

[0168] 545c proximal hook surface

[0169] 546 leap

[0170] 546a basal protrusion surface

[0171] 610 contact-free space

[0172] 620 contact-free space 630 groove chamber

[0173] 640 contact-free space

[0174] 650 contact-free space

[0175] 660 contact-free space

[0176] 721 lanyard short edge

[0177] 722 spring

[0178] 722a upper distal spring surface

[0179] 722b proximal spring surface

[0180] 722c lower distal spring surface

[0181] 723 downward locking groove

[0182] 723a grooved ceiling

[0183] 723b proximal groove surface

[0184] 724 locking groove

[0185] 724a proximal wall surface

[0186] 724b locking groove ceiling

[0187] 725 locking heel

[0188] 725a locking projection

[0189] 726 apical feather surface

[0190] 726a Rest bay

[0191] 727 spring foot

[0192] 728 groove wall area

[0193] 728a upper groove wall surface

[0194] 729 square meters

[0195] 831 Long edge lanyard

[0196] 831a distal frontal surface

[0197] 832 proximal protrusion

[0198] 832a basal projection surface

[0199] 832b proximal frontal surface

[0200] 833 locking hook 833a proximal hook surface

[0201] 833b apical hook arm surface

[0202] 833c apical hook surface

[0203] 834 horizontal locking groove

[0204] 834a grooved ceiling

[0205] 834b proximal groove wall

[0206] 920 contact-free space

[0207] 920a contact-free space

[0208] 921 contact-free space

[0209] 921a contact-free room

[0210] 922 contact-free space

[0211] 923 contact-free space

[0212] 1041 Long edge lanyard

[0213] 1042 spring

[0214] 1042a basal feather surface

[0215] 1043 upward locking groove

[0216] 1043a proximal groove wall

[0217] 1043b groove bottom

[0218] 1044 locking groove

[0219] 1044a distal groove surface

[0220] 1044b proximal groove wall

[0221] 1044c grooved ceiling

[0222] 1045 upward locking hook

[0223] 1045a head surface

[0224] 1045b distal frontal surface

[0225] 1045c proximal hook surface

[0226] 1045d locking projection

[0227] 1045e Rest Bay

[0228] 1046 projection 1046a basal projection surface

[0229] 1050 contact-free space

[0230] 1051 contact-free space

[0231] 1052 contact-free space 1053 groove chamber

[0232] 1054 contact-free space

[0233] 1055 contact-free space

Claims

P a t e n t a n s p r ü c h e 1. Wall or floor panel (100, 200), each having two opposite long edges (130, 140, 230, 240) and two opposite short edges (110, 120, 210, 220), wherein the panel has at least one connecting means (111, 121, 131, 141, 531, 541, 721, 831, 1041) on each long edge (130, 140, 230, 240) and on each short edge (110, 120, 210, 220), which allows the panel (100, 200) to be connected to another panel (100, 200) on the long edges (130, 140, 230, 240) and at the long edges (130, 140, 230, 240) and the short edges (110, 120, 210, 220), wherein the connecting means (141, 541, 1041) comprises a tongue (142, 542, 1042) on one of the long edges (140, 240) and at least one downwardly directed locking groove (144, 544, 1044) and one upwardly directed locking groove (143, 543, 1043) as well as an upwardly directed latching hook (145, 545, 1045); wherein the connecting means (131, 531,831) on the other long edge (130, 230) has a latching hook (133, 533, 833), a substantially horizontally extending locking groove (134, 534, 834), and wherein on the short edges (110, 120, 210, 220) the connecting means (121, 721) comprises a tongue (122, 722) and at least a first downwardly directed locking groove (124, 724) and a second downwardly directed locking groove (123, 723), as well as a latching shoulder (125, 725), wherein for connecting the connecting means (141, 541, 1041) on one of the long edges (140, 240) to the connecting means (131, 531, 831) on one of the other long edges (130, 230) the downwardly directed locking groove (144, 544, 1044) and the latching hook (133, 533, 833) are designed such that the latching hook (133, 533, 833) in the connected state of the connecting means (131, 531, 831, 141, 541, 1041) in the locking groove (144, 544, 1044) in a contact-locking manner between a distal groove surface (144a, 544a,1044a) and a proximal hook surface (133a, 533a, 833a) and the upwardly directed latching hook (145, 545, 1045) of the locking element (141, 541, 1041) engages via a head surface (145a, 545a, 1045a) against a groove cover (134a, 534a, 834a) of the, substantially horizontally extending groove (134, 534, 834) of the locking element (131, 531, 831); wherein, for connecting the connecting means (141, 541, 1041) on one of the long edges (140, 240) with the connecting means (121, 721) on the short edges (110, 120, 210, 220), a spring (122, 722) of the connecting element (121, 721) is designed such that, in the connected state of the connecting means (121, 721, 141, 541, 1041), the spring (122, 722) engages in the upwardly directed locking groove (143, 543, 1043) in a contact-locking manner between a proximal groove wall (143a, 543a, 1043a) and a distal spring surface (122a, 722a) and preferably in a contact-locking manner between a proximal hook surface (145c, 545c, 1045c) and a proximal spring surface (122b, 722b) and preferably in contact between a basal projection surface (146a, 546a, 1046a) of a projection (146, 546, 1046) of the connecting element (141, 541, 1041) and an apical spring surface (126,726) of the spring (122, 722) of the connecting element (121, 721); and wherein, for connecting the connecting means (131, 531, 831) on one of the long edges (130, 230) to the connecting means (121, 721) on the short edges (110, 120, 210, 220), the spring (122, 722) of the connecting element (121, 721) is designed such that, in the connected state of the connecting means (121, 721, 131, 531, 831), the apical spring surface (126, 726) of the spring (121, 721) preferably contacts a basal projection surface (132a, 532a, 832a) of a proximal projection (132, 532, 832) of the connecting element (131, 531, 831) and a groove wall surface (128, 728) of the downwardly directed locking groove (123, 723) is preferably in contact with the proximal hook surface (133a, 533a, 833a) of the latching hook (133, 533a, 833a) of the connecting element (131, 531, 831) and a foot surface (129, 729) of a spring foot (127, 727) of the connecting element (121,721) is in contact with an apical hook arm surface (133b, 533b, 833b) of the locking hook (133, 533, 833).

2. Wall or floor panel (100, 200) according to claim 1, wherein in the connected state of the connecting means (121, 721) of a short edge (110, 120, 210, 220) with a connecting means (141, 541, 1041) of a long edge (140, 240) between the distal end face (145a, 544a, 1044a) of the upwardly directed latching hook (145, 545, 1045) and the proximal wall surface (124a, 724a) of the connecting element (121, 721) a contact-free space (310, 610, 1055) is formed.

3. Wall or floor panel (100, 200) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein in the connected state of the connecting means (121) of a short edge (110, 120, 210, 220) with a connecting means (141, 541, 1041) of a long edge (140, 240), a groove chamber (330, 630, 1053) is formed between the undercut surface (132c, 532c, 832c) and the proximal groove wall (143a, 543a, 1043a) of the upwardly directed locking groove (143, 543, 1043).

4. Wall or floor panel (100, 200) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein in the connected state of the connecting means (121, 721) of a short edge (110, 120, 210, 220) with a connecting means (131, 531, 831) of a long edge (130, 230), a contact-free space (320, 620, 921) is formed between the groove cover (123a, 523a, 723a) of the downwardly directed groove (123, 523, 723) of the connecting element (121, 521, 721) and an apical hook surface (133c, 533c, 833c) of the latching hook (133, 533, 833).

5. Wall or floor panel (100, 200) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein in the connected state of the connecting means (131, 531, 831) of a long edge (130, 230) with a connecting means (141, 541, 1041) of a long edge (140, 240) between a proximal groove wall (144b, 544b, 1044b) of the locking groove (144, 544, 1044) and the distal end face (131a, 531a, 831a) of the Connecting means (131, 531, 831) are formed with a contact-free space (340, 640, 920).

6. Wall or floor panel (100, 200) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein in the connected state of the connecting means (131, 531, 831) of a long edge (130, 230) with a connecting means (141, 541, 1041) of a long edge (140, 240) between a groove cover (144c, 544c, 1044c) of the locking groove (144, 544, 1044) and the apical hook surface (133c, 533c, 833c) of the locking hook (133, 533, 833) of the connecting means (131, 531, 831) a contact-free space (350, 650, 921a) is formed.

7. Wall or floor panel (100, 200) according to claim 6, wherein in the connected state of the connecting means (131, 531, 831) of a long edge (130, 230) with a connecting means (141, 541, 1041) of a compatible long edge (140, 240) between a proximal groove wall (134b, 534b, 834b) of the horizontal locking groove (134, 534, 834) of the connecting means (131, 531, 831) and the distal end face (145b, 545b, 1045b) of the upwardly directed latching hook (145, 545, 1045) of the connecting means (141, 541, 1041) a contact-free space (360, 660, 1052) is formed.

8. Wall or floor panel (100, 200) according to claim 7, wherein the contact-free space (260, 660, 1051) extends at least partially along the apical hook arm surface (133b, 533b, 833b).

9. Wall or floor panel (100, 200) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the locking shoulder (125, 725) of the connecting means (121, 721) is inclined at the short edges (110, 120, 210, 220) in the direction of the distal spring surface (122a, 722).

10. Wall or floor panel (100, 200) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the connecting means (131, 531, 831) of the long edges (130, 230) can be locked by means of a pivoting movement with the connecting means (141, 541, 1041) of the other long edges (140, 240).

11. Wall or floor panel (100, 200) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the connecting means (121, 721) of the short edges (110, 120, 210, 220) can be locked to the connecting means (131, 141, 531, 541, 831, 1041) of the long edges (130, 140, 230, 240) by means of a substantially vertical joining movement.

12. Wall or floor panel (100, 200) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein between the proximal groove wall (834b) of the horizontal locking groove (834) of the connecting means (831) and the distal end face (1045b) of the upwardly directed latching hook (1045) of the connecting means (1041) in the connected state of the connecting means (831, 1041) two independent contact-free spaces 1051 and 1052 are formed, which are interrupted by a contact point between the proximal groove wall (834a) and the latching projection (1045d), 13. Wall or floor panel (100, 200) according to claim 12, wherein there is contact between the groove ceiling (834a) and the head surface (1045a) in the connected state of the connecting elements (831, 1041).

14. Wall or floor panel (100, 200) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a contact-free space (1054) is formed between the apical hook arm surface (133b, 533b, 833b) and the basal spring surface (142a, 542a, 1042a) in the connected state of the connecting elements (131, 531, 831, 141, 541, 1041), which space preferably closes under the action of a horizontal load.

15. Wall or floor panel (100, 200) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein in the connected state of the connecting elements (831, 1041) in the region of the transitions between the distal groove surface (144a, 544a, 1044a) to the basal tongue surface (142a, 542a, 1042a) on the one hand and the proximal hook surface (133a, 533a, 833a) to the apical hook arm surface (133b, 533b, 833b) on the other hand, a contact-free space (1055) is formed, while a contact is formed between the proximal hook surface (133a, 533a, 833a) and the distal groove surface (144a, 544a, 1044a).

16. Wall or floor panel (100, 200) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the difference between the angle of the basal projection surface (132a, 532a, 832a) to the vertical and the angle of the proximal hook surface (133a, 533a, 833a) to the vertical is in a range between >10° and <60°, preferably >15° and <50°, in particular >20° and <30°.

Images