Decorative panels with one-piece locking means, locking system for decorative panels, and method for connecting two decorative panels

Abstract

The present invention relates to a decorative panel, in particular a wall or floor panel, comprising one-piece locking means, and to a locking system for decorative panels. The locking means according to the invention are particularly suitable for connecting relatively thin decorative panels.

Description

[0001] AKZENT A PANEELE + PROFILE GMBH

[0002] Our reference number: CD 44547 / UAM

[0003] AKZENT A PANEELE + PROFILE GMBH

[0004] Werner-von-Siemens-Str. 18-20, 56759 Kaisersesch, Germany

[0005] Decorative panels with one-piece locking devices and locking systems for decorative panels, as well as methods for joining two decorative panels

[0006] The present invention relates to a decorative panel, in particular a wall or floor panel, with one-piece locking means and a locking system for decorative panels, as well as a method for joining two decorative panels.

[0007] Wall or floor panels in the sense of the invention are decorated panels or decorative panels and are known per se as such, being used, for example, in interior design as floor or wall coverings. The term "wall panel" also includes panels suitable for ceiling cladding. The panels typically consist of a substrate or core made of a solid material, such as a wood-based material, plastic, or a composite material, which is provided on at least one side with a decorative layer and a top layer, and optionally with further layers, for example, a wear layer arranged between the decorative and top layers. The decorative layer is typically formed from printed paper or a decoration printed directly onto the substrate or a decorative base initially applied to it. In particular, the so-called direct printing of decoration onto a substrate or...The application of a decorative substrate to a substrate using direct printing methods such as inkjet printing has become increasingly important in the relevant industry in recent years. Methods for manufacturing decorative panels based on wood-based substrates such as HDF or MDF boards are well known. For example, WO 2009 / 080772 discloses a method for manufacturing a decorated laminate with a panel-shaped core made of wood or wood-based material.

[0008] Regardless of the substrate material chosen, the resulting panels are printed as large sheets with a surface area several times that of the final decorative panel and then divided into individual, usually rectangular, panels. The resulting panels can then be profiled along their edges, allowing the individual decorative panels to be joined together to form a continuous surface.

[0009] To connect several of these typically rectangular panels, they are usually equipped with locking mechanisms along their edges. This allows panels with matching locking mechanisms to be connected along their respective longitudinal and transverse edges to create a continuous, seamless surface. The locking mechanisms are designed to prevent the connected panels from separating in both horizontal and vertical directions, even under load.

[0010] Panels of this type consist of a core or substrate and functional layers applied to it. These functional layers include, for example, substrate layers, decorative layers, adhesion promoter layers, wear-resistant layers, structural or pre-coated layers, and the like, in various combinations. The aforementioned locking elements are typically incorporated at least into the core or substrate. This is often achieved using machining processes such as milling the panel edges with appropriate rotary profiling tools.

[0011] One-piece locking means within the meaning of the invention are understood to be complementary profiles inserted into the panel edges which ensure sufficient vertical and horizontal locking of the panels without the use of separate locking elements that can be detached from the panel.

[0012] Especially with very thin panels, i.e. panels with a total thickness of less than 8mm, such as 7.6mm, 6.6mm, or even < 6mm, such as 5.9mm, 5.5mm or even 5.3mm, the introduction of appropriate connecting elements or profiles that are easy to install on the one hand and have sufficient stability and locking force on the other, presents a challenge.

[0013] Against this background, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved locking system for particularly thin decorative panels, which can be easily installed while providing very good connection strength.

[0014] This problem is solved by a decorative panel according to claim 1, a locking system according to claim 13 and a method according to claim 14.

[0015] A decorative panel is proposed, comprising two opposing long edges and two opposing short edges. The panel has at least one connecting element on each long edge and on each short edge, enabling the decorative panel to be detachably connected to another decorative panel along its long edges and to each other along its short edges. Preferably, the connection along the long edges is achieved by a pivoting motion, whereas the connection along the short edges is achieved by a pivoting motion or a horizontal displacement. The connecting element on a first long edge comprises a spring and at least one downward-facing locking groove. The spring has a proximal spring surface with an adjacent proximal apical spring surface, a medial apical spring surface and an adjacent distal spring surface, and a basal spring surface.The connector further features a downward-facing locking groove with a distal groove wall surface, an adjacent groove top, and a proximal groove wall surface adjacent to the groove top. The connector on a second long edge features a groove with a distal groove surface and an adjacent distal groove top surface, which transitions into a groove top. The groove further features a proximal groove wall surface that transitions into a groove bottom surface. This connector on the second long edge further features a locking hook with a proximal locking hook surface, an apical locking hook surface, and a distal locking hook surface.To connect the connector on the first long edge with the connector on the other, second long edge, the downward-facing locking groove of the connector on the first long edge and the locking hook of the connector on the second long edge are designed such that, in the connected state of the connectors, the locking hook engages in the locking groove in a contact-locking manner between the distal groove wall surface and the proximal locking hook surface.The spring of the fastener on the first long edge and the groove of the fastener on the second long edge are designed such that, in the connected state of the fasteners, the spring of the fastener on the first long edge engages in a contact-locking manner between the proximal apical spring surface and the distal groove cover surface of the fastener on the second long edge, as well as in a contact-locking manner between the proximal spring surface of the fastener on the first long edge and the distal groove surface of the fastener on the second long edge.In the connected state of the fasteners, a contact-free space is formed between the distal spring surface of the fastener at the first long edge and the proximal groove wall surface of the fastener at the second long edge, which extends at least partially in the direction of a space between a groove bottom surface of the fastener at the second long edge and the basal spring surface of the fastener at the first long edge.The spring of the fastener on the first long edge and the groove of the fastener on the second long edge are designed such that, in the connected state of the fasteners, the spring on the fastener on the first long edge engages in a contact-locking manner between the proximal apical spring surface and the distal groove top surface of the fastener on the second long edge, as well as in a contact-locking manner between the proximal spring surface of the fastener on the first long edge and the distal groove surface of the fastener on the second long edge, wherein the spring and the groove are further designed such that, in the connected state of the fasteners, a spring base of the spring of the fastener on the first long edge is in contact with a region of the groove bottom surface of the fastener on the second long edge.In the connected state, a contact-free space is formed between the distal spring surface and the proximal groove wall surface, which extends at least partially in the direction of a space between the groove bottom surface and the basal spring surface.

[0016] Surprisingly, it has been shown that such connecting elements, especially on the long edges of relatively thin decorative panels, exert excellent holding force, preventing the panels connected along their long edges from separating even under load. Furthermore, these decorative panels are robust enough that the connecting profiles on the long edges are essentially insensitive to mechanical stresses during installation or transport, thus preventing breakage or damage to parts of the locking profiles.

[0017] According to one embodiment of the invention, the proximal locking surface of the fastener can be inclined at an angle to the vertical on the second long edge. This angle can be in a range between > 25° and < 45°, preferably between > 27.5° and < 40°. It is particularly preferred that the angle be 30° or 40°. This prevents, on the one hand, the fasteners from easily sliding into each other during installation and, on the other hand, ensures sufficient locking force against horizontal displacement of the decorative panels relative to one another, i.e., opening of the lock in the horizontal direction.

[0018] According to a further embodiment of the invention, the locking groove of the fastener on the first long edge may have a basal groove wall surface, and the locking hook of the fastener on the second long edge may have a basal locking hook surface, wherein this surface is essentially opposite the basal groove wall surface when the fasteners are connected, thus forming a basal clearance between the connected decorative panels. This basal clearance can advantageously accommodate any excess adhesive when decorative panels are glued to a substrate, thereby preventing the decorative panels from buckling at the joint of the long edges due to an adhesive bead.

[0019] According to a further embodiment of the invention, the spring of the fastener on the first long edge and the groove of the fastener on the second long edge can be designed such that, in the connected state of the fasteners, a contact-free space is formed between the basal spring surface and the groove bottom surface. This contact-free space prevents the fasteners from being used twice, which could otherwise lead to an improper profile fit of the fasteners if there is a deviation from the nominal dimensions during manufacturing. By providing this contact-free space, larger manufacturing tolerances can be accepted, which can significantly reduce production rejects.

[0020] According to a further embodiment of the invention, the spring of the connecting element may have a distal apical spring surface at the first long edge and be further configured such that the contact-free space formed between the distal spring surface and the proximal groove wall surface in the connected state of the connecting elements extends over the area of ​​the distal apical spring surface. This advantageously makes further manufacturing tolerances acceptable without impairing the holding force of the connecting elements or the accuracy of the transition between the connected decorative panels at the long edges.According to a further embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that, in the connected state of the connecting means, the contact-free space formed between the basal spring surface and the groove bottom surface and the contact-free space formed between the distal spring surface and the proximal groove wall surface are separated by a contact point between the basal spring surface and the groove bottom surface.

[0021] This allows for additional stabilization of the locking mechanism and optimization of the locking pattern, i.e., the accuracy of the transition between two decorative panels connected via their long edges.

[0022] According to a further embodiment of the invention, the locking hook of the fastener on the second long edge and the locking groove of the fastener on the first long edge can be designed such that, in the connected state of the fasteners, a contact-free space is formed between the groove top and the apical locking hook surface. This advantageously makes further manufacturing tolerances acceptable without impairing the holding force of the fasteners or the accuracy of the transition between the connected decorative panels on the long edges.

[0023] According to a further embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that the contact-free space extends into a contact-free space between the proximal groove wall surface and the distal locking hook surface.

[0024] According to a further embodiment of the invention, the connecting elements may have chamfered surfaces. Such chamfered surfaces create a V-shaped joint at the connection point, which on the one hand has a pleasing appearance and on the other hand can conceal any height difference between two connected panels.

[0025] According to a further embodiment of the invention, the connecting element may have a flattening or bevel on the first long edge in the area of ​​the transition from the distal groove wall surface to the spring base, and / or the connecting element may have a flattening or bevel on the second long edge in the area of ​​the transition from the proximal locking hook surface to the apical locking hook surface. This allows the connecting elements to be joined even more easily when laying the decorative panels by improving the sliding action of the connecting elements.

[0026] The invention further relates to a locking system for decorative panels, wherein the decorative panels each have two opposing long edges and two opposing short edges, and wherein the decorative panels have at least one connecting element on each long edge and at least one connecting element on each short edge, which makes it possible to detachably connect the decorative panels to one another at the long edges and to one another at the short edges. The locking system is designed such that the connecting element has a spring and at least one downwardly directed locking groove on one of the short edges, wherein the spring has a proximal spring surface with a proximal apical spring surface adjacent to it, a medial apical spring surface and a distal spring surface adjacent to it, and a basal spring surface.The fastener further comprises a downward-facing locking groove with a distal groove wall surface having an adjacent groove top and a proximal groove wall surface adjacent to the groove top. The fastener also has a groove on its other short edge with a distal groove surface and an adjacent distal groove top surface that transitions into a groove top. The groove further comprises a proximal groove wall surface that transitions into a groove bottom surface. The fastener further comprises a locking hook with a proximal locking hook surface, an apical locking hook surface, and a distal locking hook surface.To connect the fastener at one of the short edges to the fastener at one of the other short edges, the downward-facing locking groove and the locking hook are designed such that, in the connected state, the locking hook engages in the locking groove in a contact-locking manner between the distal groove wall surface and the proximal locking hook surface. The spring and the groove are designed such that, in the connected state, the spring engages in a contact-locking manner between the proximal apical spring surface and the distal groove top surface, as well as in a contact-locking manner between the proximal spring surface and the distal groove surface. In the connected state, a contact-free space is formed between the distal spring surface and the proximal groove wall surface, which extends at least partially towards a space between a groove bottom surface and the basal spring surface.The tongue and groove are designed such that, in the connected state of the fasteners, the tongue engages in a contact-locking manner between the proximal apical tongue surface and the distal groove top surface, as well as in a contact-locking manner between the proximal tongue surface and the distal groove surface. The tongue and groove are further designed such that, in the connected state of the fasteners, a spring base of the tongue engages in a contact-locking manner with a region of the groove bottom surface. In the connected state, a contact-free space is formed between the distal tongue surface and the proximal groove wall surface, which extends at least partially towards a space between the groove bottom surface and the basal tongue surface. The locking system is further designed such that the fastener has a tongue and at least one downward-facing locking groove on one of its long edges.The spring has a proximal spring surface with an adjacent proximal apical spring surface, a medial apical spring surface and an adjacent distal spring surface, and a basal spring surface. The fastener further has a downward-facing locking groove with a distal groove wall surface, an adjacent groove top surface, and a proximal groove wall surface adjacent to the groove top surface. The fastener on the other long edge has a groove with a distal groove surface and an adjacent distal groove top surface, which transitions into a groove top surface. The groove further has a proximal groove wall surface that transitions into a groove bottom surface. The fastener has a locking hook with a proximal locking hook surface, an apical locking hook surface, and a distal locking hook surface.To connect the fastener at one of the long edges to the fastener at one of the other long edges, the downward-facing locking groove and the locking hook are designed such that, in the connected state of the fasteners, the locking hook engages in the locking groove in a contact-locking manner between the distal groove wall surface and the proximal locking hook surface. The spring and the groove are designed such that, in the connected state of the fasteners, the spring engages in a contact-locking manner between the proximal apical spring surface and the distal groove top surface, as well as in a contact-locking manner between the proximal spring surface and the distal groove surface, wherein, in the connected state, a contact-free space is formed between the distal spring surface and the proximal groove wall surface, which extends at least partially towards a space between a groove bottom surface and the basal spring surface.The tongue and groove are designed such that, in the connected state of the fasteners, the tongue engages in a contact-locking manner between the proximal apical tongue surface and the distal groove top surface, as well as in a contact-locking manner between the proximal tongue surface and the distal groove surface. Furthermore, the tongue and groove are designed such that, in the connected state of the fasteners, a spring base of the tongue engages in a contact-locking manner with a region of the groove bottom surface. In the connected state, a contact-free space is formed between the distal tongue surface and the proximal groove wall surface, which extends at least partially towards a space between the groove bottom surface and the basal tongue surface.

[0027] The invention further relates to a method for connecting two decorative panels, wherein, for connecting the short edges to each other, a panel to be connected to an already lying panel is connected to it by a pivoting movement and / or a horizontal displacement in the direction of the already lying panel, and, for connecting the long edges to each other, a panel to be connected to an already lying row of panels is connected by a pivoting movement.

[0028] The invention is further described by the following figures.

[0029] Fig. 1 shows a top view of two connectable decorative panels according to the invention; Fig. 2 shows a cross-section of an embodiment of a connecting element according to the invention at a first short edge;

[0030] Fig. 3 shows the cross-section of an embodiment of a connecting element according to the invention at a second short edge;

[0031] Fig. 4 shows the cross-section of the embodiments shown in Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 in the connected state;

[0032] Fig. 5 shows the cross-section of a further embodiment of a connecting means according to the invention at a first long edge;

[0033] Fig. 6 shows the cross-section of a further embodiment of a connecting element according to the invention on a second long edge; and

[0034] Fig. 7 shows the cross-section of the embodiments shown in Fig. 5 and Fig. 6 in the connected state.

[0035] Fig. 1 shows decorative panels 100, 200, each having two opposing long edges 110, 120, 330, 440 and two opposing short edges 240, 130, 210, 220. The panels have at least one connecting element on each long edge 110, 120, 330, 440 and at least one connecting element on each short edge, which make it possible to detachably connect the decorative panel 100 to the further decorative panel 200 at the long edges 110, 120, 330, 440 to each other, and at the short edges 130, 240, 210, 220 to each other.

[0036] Fig. 2 shows the cross-section of an embodiment of a connecting element 131 according to the invention at a first short edge 130. The connecting element has a spring 131a and at least one downward-facing locking groove 138a. The spring 131a has a proximal spring surface 133 with a proximal apical spring surface 134a adjacent to it, a medial apical spring surface 134b and a distal spring surface 135 adjacent to it, as well as a basal spring surface 136. Furthermore, the connecting element 131 has a downward-facing locking groove 138a with a distal groove wall surface 137 with a groove top 138 adjacent to it and a proximal groove wall surface 139 adjacent to the groove top 138.

[0037] Fig. 3 shows the cross-section of an embodiment of a connecting element 241 according to the invention on a second long edge 240, which has a groove 245a with a distal groove surface 243 and an adjacent distal groove top surface 244, which transitions into a groove top 245. The groove 245a further has a proximal groove wall surface 246, which transitions into a groove bottom surface 247. The connecting element 241 has a locking hook 248a with a proximal locking hook surface 248, an apical locking hook surface 249, and a distal locking hook surface 250.

[0038] Fig. 4 shows the cross-section of the embodiments shown in Figs. 2 and 3 in the connected state. For connecting the connecting element 131 at one of the long edges to the connecting element 241 at one of the other long edges 240, the downward-facing locking groove 138a and the locking hook 248a are designed such that, in the connected state of the connecting elements 131, 241, the locking hook 248a engages in the locking groove 138a in a contact-locking manner between the distal groove wall surface 137 and the proximal locking hook surface 248. The spring 131a and the groove 245a are designed such that, in the connected state of the connecting means 131, 241, the spring 138a engages in a contact-locking manner between the proximal apical spring surface 134a and the distal groove top surface 244, as well as in a contact-locking manner between the proximal spring surface 133 and the distal groove surface 243.In the connected state, a contact-free space 502 is formed between the distal spring surface 135 and the proximal groove wall surface, which extends at least partially towards a space between a groove bottom surface 247 and the basal spring surface 136. The spring 131a and the groove 245a are configured such that, in the connected state of the connecting means 131, 241, the spring 131a engages in a substantially contact-locking manner between the proximal apical spring surface 134a and the distal groove top surface 244, as well as in a contact-locking manner between the proximal spring surface 133 and the distal groove surface 243. "Substantially contact-locking" in the context of the invention means that, to compensate for any machine tolerances during manufacturing, air gaps in a range of > 0.01 mm to < 0.05 mm, such as 0.04 mm, may be provided.The spring 131a and the groove 245a are further configured such that, in the connected state of the connecting means 131, 241, a spring foot 141 of the spring 131a is in contact with a region of the groove bottom surface 247, and wherein, in the connected state, the contact-free space 502 is formed between the distal spring surface 135 and the proximal groove wall surface 246, which extends at least partially towards a space between the groove bottom surface 247 and the basal spring surface 136. According to the embodiment shown, the proximal locking hook surface 248 can be inclined by an angle 700 with respect to the vertical, wherein the angle 700 lies in a range between > 25° and < 45°, preferably between > 27.5° and < 40°, and particularly preferably that the angle 700 is 30°.The locking groove 138a has a basal groove wall surface 140, and the locking hook 248a has a basal locking hook surface 251, which, in the connected state of the fasteners 131, 241, is essentially opposite the basal groove wall surface 140, so that, in the connected state of the fasteners 141, 241, a basal clearance is formed between the connected decorative panels. The tongue 131a and the groove 245a are further designed such that, in the connected state of the fasteners 131, 241, a contact-free space 504 is formed between the basal tongue surface 136 and the groove bottom surface 247. The spring 131a has a distal apical spring surface 134c and is further designed such that the contact-free space 502 formed in the connected state of the connecting means 141, 241 between the distal spring surface 135 and the proximal groove wall surface 246 extends over the area of ​​the distal apical spring surface 134c.The contact-free space 504 formed between the basal spring surface 136 and the groove bottom surface 247 in the connected state of the connecting means 141, 241, and the contact-free space 502 formed between the distal spring surface 135 and the proximal groove wall surface 246, are separated by a contact point 509 between the basal spring surface 136 and the groove bottom surface 247. The locking hook 248a and the locking groove 138a are designed such that a contact-free space 507 is formed between the groove top 138 and the apical locking hook surface 249 in the connected state of the connecting means 131, 241. The contact-free space 507 extends into a contact-free space 508 between the proximal groove wall surface 139 and the distal locking hook surface 250. The connecting elements 131, 241 also have chamfered surfaces 132, 242.

[0039] Fig. 5 shows the cross-section of a further embodiment of a connecting element 331 according to the invention at a first long edge 330. The connecting element has a spring 331a and at least one downward-facing locking groove 338a. The spring 331a has a proximal spring surface 333 with a proximal apical spring surface 334a adjacent to it, a medial apical spring surface 334b ​​and a distal spring surface 335 adjacent to it, as well as a basal spring surface 336. Furthermore, the connecting element 331 has a downward-facing locking groove 338a with a distal groove wall surface 337 with a groove top 338 adjacent to it and a proximal groove wall surface 339 adjacent to the groove top 338.

[0040] Fig. 6 shows the cross-section of a further embodiment of a connecting element 441 according to the invention on a second long edge 440, which has a groove 445a with a distal groove surface 443 and an adjacent distal groove top surface 444, which transitions into a groove top 445. The groove 445a further has a proximal groove wall surface 446, which transitions into a groove bottom surface 447. The connecting element 441 has a locking hook 448a with a proximal locking hook surface 448, an apical locking hook surface 449, and a distal locking hook surface 450. According to the embodiment shown, the proximal locking hook surface 448 can be inclined at an angle to the vertical, wherein the angle lies in a range between > 25° and < 45°, preferably between > 27.5° and < 40°, and particularly preferably that the angle is 40°. Fig. 7 shows the cross-section of the embodiments shown in Figs. 5 and 6 in the connected state.To connect the fastener 331 at one of the long edges to the fastener 441 at one of the other long edges 440, the downward-facing locking groove 338a and the locking hook 448a are designed such that, in the connected state of the fasteners 331, 441, the locking hook 448a engages in the locking groove 338a in a contact-locking manner between the distal groove wall surface 337 and the proximal locking hook surface 448. The spring 331a and the groove 445a are designed such that, in the connected state of the fasteners 331, 441, the spring 331a engages in a contact-locking manner between the proximal apical spring surface 334a and the distal groove top surface 444, as well as in a contact-locking manner between the proximal spring surface 333 and the distal groove surface 443.In the connected state, a contact-free space 602 is formed between the distal spring surface 335 and the proximal groove wall surface, which extends at least partially in the direction of a space between a groove bottom surface 447 and the basal spring surface 336, wherein the spring 331a and the groove 445a are designed such that, in the connected state of the connecting means 331, 441, the spring 33a engages essentially in a contact-locking manner between the proximal apical spring surface 334a and the distal groove top surface 444, as well as in a contact-locking manner between the proximal spring surface 333 and the distal groove surface 443.The spring 331a and the groove 445a are further designed such that in the connected state of the connecting means 331, 441 a spring foot 341 of the spring 331a is in contact with a region of the groove bottom surface 447, and wherein in the connected state between the distal spring surface 335 and the proximal groove wall surface 446 the contact-free space 602 is formed, which extends at least partially in the direction of a space between the groove bottom surface 447 and the basal spring surface 336. The locking groove 338a has a basal groove wall surface 340 and the locking hook 448a has a basal locking hook surface 451, which in the connected state of the connecting means 331, 441 is essentially opposite the basal groove wall surface 340, so that in the connected state of the connecting means 341, 441 a basal free space is formed between the connected decorative panels.The spring 331a and the groove 445a are further configured such that, in the connected state of the connecting means 331, 441, a contact-free space 604 is formed between the basal spring surface 336 and the groove bottom surface 447. The spring 331a is further configured such that, in the connected state of the connecting means 331, 441, a contact-free space 602 is formed between the distal spring surface 335 and the proximal groove wall surface 446. The contact-free space 604 formed between the basal spring surface 336 and the groove bottom surface 447 in the connected state of the connecting means 331, 441 and the contact-free space 602 formed between the distal spring surface 335 and the proximal groove wall surface 446 are separated, particularly under load, by a contact point between the basal spring surface 336 and the groove bottom surface 447.The locking hook 448a and the locking groove 338a are designed such that, in the connected state of the connecting elements 331, 441, a contact-free space 607 is formed between the groove cover 338 and the apical locking hook surface 449. The contact-free space 607 extends into a contact-free space 608 between the proximal groove wall surface 339 and the distal locking hook surface 450. The connecting elements 331, 441 also have chamfered surfaces 332, 442. The connecting element 331 has a flattened area 342 in the region of the transition from the distal groove wall surface 337 to the spring base 341. Alternatively or additionally, the connecting element 441 has a flattening 452 in the area of ​​the transition from the proximal locking hook surface 448 to the apical locking hook surface 449.

[0041] According to one embodiment of the invention, the connecting means (131, 241, 331, 441) are configured such that, for connecting the short edges (130, 210, 220, 240) to one another, a panel to be connected to an already laid panel can be connected to it by a pivoting movement and / or a horizontal displacement in the direction of the already laid panel, and, for connecting the long edges (110, 120, 330, 440) to one another, a panel to be connected to an already laid row of panels can be connected to it by a pivoting movement. Reference numeral list:

[0042] 100 decorative panels

[0043] 110 long edge

[0044] 120 long edge

[0045] 130 short edge

[0046] 131 Fastener short edge 131a Spring

[0047] 132 chamfer area

[0048] 133 proximal spring surface

[0049] 134a proximal apical spring surface 134b medial apical spring surface 134c distal apical spring surface 135 distal spring surface

[0050] 136 basal spring area

[0051] 137 di stal e Nutwandfl äche

[0052] 138 Nutdecke

[0053] 138a Locking groove

[0054] 139 proximal groove wall area 140 basal groove wall area

[0055] 200 decorative panels

[0056] 210 short edge

[0057] 220 short edge

[0058] 240 short edge

[0059] 241 Fastener short edge 242 Chamfered surface

[0060] 243 distal groove surface

[0061] 244 distal groove ceiling surface

[0062] 245 Groove ceiling 246 Proximal groove wall surface 247 Groove floor surface

[0063] 248 proximal detent surface 248a detent

[0064] 249 apical locking hook surface

[0065] 250 distal locking hook surface

[0066] 251 basal locking hook surface

[0067] 330 long edge

[0068] 331 Fastener long edge 331a Spring

[0069] 332 chamfer area

[0070] 333 proximal spring surface

[0071] 334a proximal apical spring surface 335 di stal e spring surface

[0072] 336 basal spring surface

[0073] 337 di stal e Nutwandfl äche

[0074] 338 Nutdecke

[0075] 338a Locking groove

[0076] 339 proximal groove wall surface 341 spring foot

[0077] 342 Flattening

[0078] 440 long edge

[0079] 441 Fastener long edge 442 Chamfer surface

[0080] 443 distal groove surface

[0081] 444 distal groove ceiling surface

[0082] 445 Nutdecke

[0083] 446 Proximal groove wall surface 447 Groove bottom surface 448 Proximal locking hook surface 448a Locking hook

[0084] 449 Apical locking hook surface 450 Distal locking hook surface 451 Basal locking hook surface 452 Flattening

[0085] 502 contactless room

[0086] 504 contactless room

[0087] 507 contactless space

[0088] 508 contactless space

[0089] 509 Contact point

[0090] 602 contactless room

[0091] 604 contactless room

[0092] 606 Contact point

[0093] 607 contactless space

[0094] 608 contactless space

[0095] 609 contactless space

[0096] 700 angle

Claims

P at e nt an s p rü c h e 1. Decorative panel (100, 200), each having two opposing long edges (110, 120, 330, 440) and two opposing short edges (130, 210, 220, 240), wherein the panel has at least one connecting element (331, 441) on each long edge (110, 120, 330, 440) and at least one connecting element (131, 241) on each short edge (130, 210, 220, 240), which makes it possible to connect the decorative panel (100, 200) to another decorative panel (100, 200) at the long edges (110, 120, 330, 440) to each other, as well as at the short edges (130, 210, 220, 240). to be detachably connected to one another, wherein the connecting means (131) has a spring (131a) and at least one downwardly directed locking groove (138a) on one of the short edges (130, 210), wherein the spring (131a) has a proximal spring surface (133) with a proximal apical spring surface (134a) adjacent to it,a medial apical spring surface (134b) and a distal spring surface (135) adjacent thereto, as well as a basal spring surface (136), wherein the connector (131) further comprises a downwardly directed locking groove (138a) with a distal groove wall surface (137) with a groove top (138) adjacent thereto and a proximal groove wall surface (139) adjacent to the groove top (138), wherein the connector (241) has on the other short edge (240, 220) a groove (245a) with a distal groove surface (243) with an adjacent distal groove top surface (244) which transitions into a groove top (245), wherein the groove (245a) further comprises a proximal groove wall surface (246) which transitions into a groove bottom surface (247), and wherein the connector (241) has a locking hook (248a) comprising a proximal locking hook surface (248), an apical locking hook surface (249), and a distal locking hook surface (250),wherein, for connecting the connecting element (131) at one of the short edges (130, 210) to the connecting element (241) at one of the other short edges (220, 240), the downward-facing locking groove (138a) and the locking hook (248a) are designed such that the locking hook (248a) in the connected state of the, Connecting means (131, 241) engage in the locking groove (138a) in a contact-locking manner between the distal groove wall surface (137) and the proximal locking hook surface (248), and wherein the spring (131a) and the groove (245a) are designed such that, in the connected state of the connecting means (131, 241), the spring (131a) engages substantially in a contact-locking manner between the proximal apical spring surface (134a) and the distal groove top surface (244), as well as in a contact-locking manner between the proximal spring surface (133) and the distal groove surface (243), wherein, in the connected state, a contact-free space (502) is formed between the distal spring surface (135) and the proximal groove wall surface, which extends at least partially towards a space between a groove bottom surface (247) and the basal spring surface (136) extends, wherein the spring (131a) and the groove (245a) are designed such that in the connected state of the connecting means (131,241) the spring (131a) engages in a contact-locking manner between the proximal apical spring surface (134a) and the distal groove top surface (244), as well as in a contact-locking manner between the proximal spring surface (133) and the distal groove surface (243), wherein the spring (131a) and the groove (245a) are further designed such that, in the connected state of the connecting means (131, 241), a spring base (141) of the spring (131a) is in contact with a region of the groove bottom surface (247), and wherein, in the connected state, the contact-free space (502) is formed between the distal spring surface (135) and the proximal groove wall surface (246), which extends at least partially in the direction of a space between the groove bottom surface (247) and the basal spring surface (136).

2. Decorative panel according to claim 1, wherein the connecting means (331) has a spring (331a) and at least one downward-facing locking groove (338a) on one of the long edges (330), wherein the spring (331a) has a proximal spring surface (333) with a proximal apical spring surface (334a) adjacent thereto, a medial apical spring surface (334b) and a distal spring surface (335) adjacent thereto, and a basal spring surface (336), wherein the connecting means (331) further has a downward-facing locking groove (338a) with a distal groove wall surface (337) with a groove top (338) adjacent to the groove top (338) and a proximal groove wall surface (339) adjacent to the groove top (338), wherein the connector (441) has a groove (445a) on the other long edge (440) with a distal groove surface (443) with an adjacent distal groove top surface (444) which transitions into a groove top (445), wherein the groove (445a) further has a proximal groove wall surface (446) which transitions into a groove bottom surface (447), and wherein the connector (441) has a locking hook (448a) with a proximal locking hook surface (448), an apical locking hook surface (449), and a distal locking hook surface (450), wherein the connector (331) is connected to the connector at one of the long edges (330). (441) on one of the other long edges (440) the downward-facing locking groove (338a) and the locking hook (448a) are designed in such a way,that the locking hook (448a) engages in the locking groove (338a) in a contact-locking manner between the distal groove wall surface (337) and the proximal locking hook surface (448) when the connecting means (331, 441) are connected, and wherein the spring (331a) and the groove (445a) are designed such that, when the connecting means (331, 441) are connected, the spring (331a) engages substantially in a contact-locking manner between the proximal apical spring surface (334a) and the distal groove top surface (444), as well as in a contact-locking manner between the proximal spring surface (333) and the distal groove surface (443), wherein, in the connected state, a contact-free space (602) is formed between the distal spring surface (335) and the proximal groove wall surface, which extends at least partially towards a space between a groove bottom surface (447) and the basal spring surface (336), wherein the spring (331a) and the groove (445a) are designed such thatthat in the connected state of the connecting means (331, 441) the spring (331a) engages in a contact-locking manner between the proximal apical spring surface (334a) and the distal groove cover surface (444), as well as in a contact-locking manner between the proximal spring surface (333) and the distal groove surface (443), wherein the spring (331a) and the groove (445a) are further designed such that in the connected state of the, Connecting means (331, 441) a spring foot (341) of the spring (331a) is in contact with a region of the groove bottom surface (447), and wherein in the connected state between the distal spring surface (335) and the proximal groove wall surface (446) the contact-free space (602) is formed, which extends at least partially in the direction of a space between the groove bottom surface (447) and the basal spring surface (336).

3. Decorative panel according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the proximal locking hook surface (248, 448) is inclined at an angle (700) relative to the vertical, wherein the angle (700) is in a range between > 25° and < 45°, preferably between > 27.5° and < 40°, particularly preferably that the angle (700) for the proximal locking hook surface (248) is 30° and / or for the proximal locking hook surface (448) is 40°.

4. Decorative panel according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the locking groove (138a, 338a) has a basal groove wall surface (140, 340) and wherein the locking hook (248a, 448a) has a basal locking hook surface (251, 451) which, in the connected state of the connecting means (131, 241, 331, 441), is substantially opposite the basal groove wall surface (140, 340) and thus, in the connected state of the connecting means (141, 241, 341, 441), a basal clearance is formed between the connected decorative panels.

5. Decorative panel according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the tongue (131a, 331a) and the groove (245a, 445a) are designed such that in the connected state of the connecting means (141, 241, 341, 441) a contact-free space (504, 604) is formed between the basal tongue surface (136, 336) and the groove bottom surface (247, 447).

6. Decorative panel according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the spring (131a) has a distal apical spring surface (134c) and is further configured such that that the contact-free space (502, 602) formed between the distal spring surface (135, 335) and the proximal groove wall surface in the connected state of the connecting means (141, 241, 341, 441) extends over the area of ​​the distal apical spring surface (134c).

7. Decorative panel according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the contact-free space (504) formed in the connected state of the connecting means (141, 241, 341, 441) between the basal spring surface (135, 336) and the groove bottom surface (247, 447) and the contact-free space (502) formed between the distal spring surface (135, 335) and the proximal groove wall surface are separated by a contact point (509) between the basal spring surface (136) and the groove bottom surface (247).

8. Decorative panel according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the locking hook (248a, 448a) and the locking groove (138a, 338a) are designed such that in the connected state of the connecting means (141, 241, 341, 441) a contact-free space (507, 607) is formed between the groove top (138, 338) and the apical locking hook surface (249, 449).

9. Decorative panel according to claim 7, wherein the contact-free space (507, 607) extends into a contact-free space (508, 608) between the proximal groove wall surface (139, 339) and the distal locking hook surface (250, 450).

10. Decorative panel according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the connecting means (141, 241, 341, 441) have chamfered surfaces (132, 242, 332, 442).

11. Decorative panel according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the connecting means (331) has a flattening (342, 452) in the area of ​​the transition of the distal groove wall surface (337) to the spring foot (341) and / or the connecting means (441) has a flattening (342, 452) in the area of ​​the transition of the proximal locking hook surface (448) to the apical locking hook surface (449).

12. Decorative panel according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the connecting means (131, 241, 331, 441) are designed such that, for connecting the short edges (130, 210, 220, 230) to each other, a panel to be connected to an already lying panel can be connected to it with a pivoting movement and / or a horizontal displacement in the direction of the already lying panel, and, for connecting the long edges (110, 120, 330, 440) to each other, a panel to be connected to an already lying row of panels can be connected with a pivoting movement.

13. Locking system for decorative panels (100, 200), wherein the decorative panels (100, 200) each have two opposing long edges (110, 120, 330, 440) and two opposing short edges (130, 210, 220, 240), wherein the decorative panels (100, 200) have at least one connecting element (331, 441) on each long edge (110, 120, 330, 440) and at least one connecting element (131, 241) on each short edge (130, 210, 220, 240), which makes it possible to lock the decorative panels (100, 200) to each other on the long edges (110, 120, 330, 440) and on the short edges (130, 210, 220, 240) to be detachably connected to one another, wherein the locking system is designed such that the connecting means (131) has a spring (131a) and at least one downwardly directed locking groove (138a) on one of the short edges (130, 210), wherein the spring (131a) has a proximal spring surface (133) with a proximal apical spring surface (134a) adjacent to it,a medial apical spring surface (134b) and a distal spring surface (135) adjacent thereto, as well as a basal spring surface (136), wherein the connecting element (131) further comprises a downwardly directed locking groove (138a) with a distal groove wall surface (137) with a groove top (138) adjacent thereto and a proximal groove wall surface (139) adjacent to the groove top (138), wherein the connecting element (241) has on the other short edge (240, 220) a groove (245a) with a distal groove surface (243) with a distal groove top surface (244) adjacent thereto, which transitions into a groove top (245), wherein the groove (245a) further comprises a proximal groove wall surface (246), which transitions into a groove bottom surface (247), and wherein the connecting element (241) has a locking hook (248a) with a proximal locking hook surface (248), an apical locking hook surface (249), and a distal locking hook surface (250), wherein, for connecting the connecting element (131) at one of the short edges (130, 210) to the connecting element (241) at one of the other short edges (220, 240), the downwardly directed locking groove (138a) and the locking hook (248a) are configured such that, in the connected state of the connecting elements (131, 241), the locking hook (248a) engages in the locking groove (138a) in a contact-locking manner between the distal groove wall surface (137) and the proximal locking hook surface (248), and wherein the spring (131a) and the groove (245a) are designed such that, in the connected state of the connecting means (131, 241), the spring (131a) is in contact between the proximal apical spring surface (134a) and the distal groove cover surface (244),and engages in a contact-locking manner between the proximal spring surface (133) and the distal groove surface (243), wherein in the connected state a contact-free space (502) is formed between the distal spring surface (135) and the proximal groove wall surface, which extends at least partially in the direction of a space between a groove bottom surface (247) and the basal spring surface (136), wherein the spring (131a) and the groove (245a) are designed such that in the connected state of the connecting means (131, 241) the spring (131a) engages in a contact-locking manner between the proximal apical spring surface (134a) and the distal groove top surface (244), as well as in a contact-locking manner between the proximal spring surface (133) and the distal groove surface (243), wherein the spring (131a) and the groove (245a) are further designed such that are that in the connected state of the connecting means (131, 241) a spring foot (141) of the spring (131a) is in contact with an area of ​​the groove bottom surface (247),and wherein, in the connected state, the contact-free space (502) is formed between the distal spring surface (135) and the proximal groove wall surface (246), which extends at least partially in the direction of a space between the groove bottom surface (247) and the basal spring surface (136), and wherein the locking system further, is designed such that the connecting element (331) has a spring (331a) and at least one downward-facing locking groove (338a) on one of the long edges (330), wherein the spring (331a) has a proximal spring surface (333) with a proximal apical spring surface (334a) adjacent to it, a medial apical spring surface (334b) and a distal spring surface (335) adjacent to it, as well as a basal spring surface (336), wherein the connecting element (331) further has a downward-facing locking groove (338a) with a distal groove wall surface (337) with a groove top (338) adjacent to it and a proximal groove wall surface (339) adjacent to the groove top (338), wherein the connecting element (441) has a groove (445a) on the other long edge (440) with a distal groove surface (443) with an adjacent distal groove cover surface (444) which transitions into a groove cover (445),wherein the groove (445a) further comprises a proximal groove wall surface (446) which transitions into a groove bottom surface (447), and wherein the connector (441) comprises a locking hook (448a) with a proximal locking hook surface (448), an apical locking hook surface (449), and a distal locking hook surface (450), wherein, for connecting the connector (331) at one of the long edges (330) to the connector (441) at one of the other long edges (440), the downwardly directed locking groove (338a) and the locking hook (448a) are configured such that, in the connected state of the connectors (331, 441), the locking hook (448a) engages in the locking groove (338a) in a contact-locking manner between the distal groove wall surface (337) and the proximal locking hook surface (448), and wherein the spring (331a) and the groove (445a) are designed such that in the connected state of the connecting means (331,441) the spring (331a) engages in a contact-locking manner between the proximal apical spring surface (334a) and the distal groove top surface (444), as well as in a contact-locking manner between the proximal spring surface (333) and the distal groove surface (443), wherein in the connected state a contact-free space (602) is formed between the distal spring surface (335) and the proximal groove wall surface, which extends at least partially in the direction of a space between, a groove bottom surface (447) and the basal spring surface (336), wherein the spring (331a) and the groove (445a) are configured such that, in the connected state of the connecting means (331, 441), the spring (331a) engages in a contact-locking manner between the proximal apical spring surface (334a) and the distal groove top surface (444), as well as in a contact-locking manner between the proximal spring surface (333) and the distal groove surface (443), wherein the spring (331a) and the groove (445a) are further configured such that, in the connected state of the connecting means (331, 441), a spring base (341) of the spring (331a) is in contact with a region of the groove bottom surface (447), and wherein, in the connected state, between the distal spring surface (335) and the proximal groove wall surface (446) the contact-free space (602) is formed, which extends at least partially in the direction of a space between the groove bottom surface (447) and the basal spring surface (336).

14. Method for connecting two decorative panels (100, 200) according to one of claims 1 to 12, wherein, for connecting the short edges (130, 210, 220, 230) to each other, a panel to be connected to an already lying panel is connected to the already lying panel by a pivoting movement and / or a horizontal displacement in the direction of the already lying panel, and, for connecting the long edges (110, 120, 330, 440) to each other, a panel to be connected to an already lying row of panels is connected by a pivoting movement.

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