EP3971365A1 - Panel - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a panel (A, B, C, D) with a panel core (E), a panel top (0), a panel bottom (G) and with a first pair of edges and a second pair of edges, the first pair of edges having a groove profile ( 1) is provided on a panel edge (N) and a spring profile (2) complementary thereto on the opposite panel edge (F), which interact in a form-fitting manner in such a way that, in the locked state, a moving apart of locked panels in the plane of the panels (horizontally) is counteracted, the second pair of edges is provided with complementary hook profiles on its opposite panel edges, namely a receiving hook (3) and a locking hook (6), wherein the locking hook (6) can be joined to the receiving hook (3) by a joining movement in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the panel , with the proviso that the receiving hook (3) with a retaining groove (41, 67) for a separate locking element (5, 66, 73, 80, 86, 93) ver can be seen, with which a vertical locking effect can be achieved, with the tongue edge (2) of the first pair of edges meeting the receiving hook (3) at a corner (K1) of the panel (A, B, C, D), the receiving hook ( 3) the retaining groove (41, 67) provided on the second pair of edges for the blocking element (5, 66, 73, 80, 86, 93) is provided with an upper groove wall (43, 68) which is at a distance (L2 ) which is greater than the distance (L1) between the top side of the panel (O) and the top side of the tongue (19) of the tongue profile (2) of the first pair of edges.

Description

The invention relates to a panel with a panel core, a panel top, a panel bottom and with a first pair of edges and a second pair of edges,
wherein the first pair of edges is provided with a groove profile on one panel edge and a tongue profile complementary thereto on the opposite panel edge, which interact in a form-fitting manner in such a way that in the locked state a moving apart of locked panels in the plane of the panels (horizontally) is counteracted [which moving apart would otherwise vertical distance between the groove profile and the tongue profile would increase],
wherein the second pair of edges is provided on its opposite panel edges with complementary hook profiles, namely a receiving hook and a locking hook, wherein the locking hook can be joined to the receiving hook by a joining movement in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the panel,
with the proviso that the receiving hook is provided with a distally outwardly open retaining groove for a separate locking element, with which a vertical locking effect can be achieved, with the tongue of the first pair of edges with the receiving hook at one corner of the panel meets.

A generic panel is from EP 1 415 056 B1 famous. It is a panel that includes a first pair of edges with a tongue and groove profile and a second pair of edges with hook profiles. As a result, the known panel can be locked to the groove profile of the panels of a previous row of panels by means of a pivoting movement at an edge with a tongue profile; It is seen as a great advantage that one of the edges with a hooked profile is also locked at the same time by means of the pivoting movement mentioned. The separate blocking element snaps into place by itself. The latching function of the blocking element is automatically triggered by the aforementioned pivoting movement on the first pair of edges of the panel.

This type of laying is also referred to as fold-down laying or the suitable panel as fold-down panel.

Such panels are connected to one another in rows, resulting in transverse joints between the panels within a row of panels. In addition, longitudinal joints are formed between the rows of panels of a covering surface formed in this way as a composite. It is desirable that the longitudinal joints and transverse joints of such a covering surface should have a certain impermeability to water passing through. In practice, unfortunately, it turned out that water can penetrate into joints and in places run through the joint from the top of the panel to the bottom of the panel. Water penetrating or passing through in this way can lead to the formation of mould, which can spread hidden under a floor covering.

It has been shown that moisture can penetrate or pass through, in particular via the transverse edge and the crossing points of the transverse and longitudinal edges.

The object of the invention is to propose a panel which has an improved design of the profiles of the first and/or second pair of edges in order to better counteract the passage of water at the joints.

According to the invention, the object is achieved in that the retaining groove for the locking element provided on the receiving hook of the second pair of edges is provided with an upper groove wall, which is at a distance from the top of the panel that is greater than the distance between the top of the panel and the top of the tongue of the tongue profile of the first pair of edges .

The cross section of the retaining groove for the separate blocking element can simply be retained and the known blocking element can be used. It is then expedient to arrange the retaining groove lower overall on the receiving hook, so that the retaining groove has an increased distance from the top side of the panel overall. As a result of this change, the upper groove wall of the retaining groove is brought to a level which is lower than the level of the upper side of the tongue of the first pair of edges. As a result of this measure, a somewhat greater height of the joint is available above the retaining groove in order to achieve sealing effects through a suitable design.

As a result of the change, the tightness of the joints within a covering surface has been significantly improved. In particular, the areas of a covering surface where a transverse joint meets a longitudinal joint show better tightness against water running through. The areas in which a transverse joint meets a longitudinal joint each form one T-shaped arrangement of the joints and are referred to simply as T-joints.

The proposed panel has a square basic shape. The tongue profile of the first pair of edges meets the hook of the second pair of edges at one of the four corners of the panel. These two different shapes of panel edges intersect in this corner, creating an intersection zone of the different profile shapes, resulting in a complex three-dimensional shape. The complex shape is due to the fact that the receiving hook must have the holding groove for the locking element and this holding groove therefore meets at the corner with the tongue profile of the adjacent panel edge of this corner. To produce the holding groove, material from the panel core must be removed, for example milled. The milling of the retaining groove runs through the tongue profile at one end (transition zone) and cuts part of the panel core that formed the tongue. A part of the material of the spring profile is thus machined and removed. Surprisingly, it has been shown that the transition zone has better tightness against water passing through if the upper groove wall of the retaining groove is arranged at a lower level than the tongue upper side in relation to the top side of the panel.

With the proposed measure, a portion of the material of the spring profile is milled away below the upper side of the spring in the transition zone, but an upper piece of the material remains, including the upper side of the spring. The remaining piece of material on the top of the spring forms a lid. Viewed from above, the cover closes the retaining groove underneath.

Within a covering surface, the remaining cover of the spring top is always located where a T-joint results. In this way, the proposed measure improves the tightness and particularly counteracts the passage of water in the area of the T-joints.

The complementary hook profiles of the second pair of edges, namely the receiving hook, which is open at the top, and the locking hook, which is open at the bottom, advantageously have holding surfaces on both sides that are provided in one piece on the panel core, by means of which the locking effect prevents the panels from moving apart within the panel plane away from one another in a direction perpendicular to the locked panel edges can be achieved. The locking effect in the vertical direction perpendicular to the top side of the panel is particularly user-friendly and easily achievable by means of the separate locking element. Suitable locking elements are, for example EP 1 415 056 B1 , WO 2011/087425 A1 , US 9,347,469 B2 or U.S. 7,866,110 B2 famous. Reference is hereby made to the design examples for separate blocking elements and their arrangement on a panel, as defined in the aforementioned publications, and this technical teaching is included. The separate locking element for the complementary hook profiles can optionally be provided as part of the panel. It is then preferably preassembled in the retaining groove of the receiving hook.

Advantageously, the carrier board on which a panel according to the invention is based has a fiber material, such as a high-density fiber material (HDF) or a medium-density fiber material (MDF), a coarse particle board material (OSB) or a wood-plastic composite material (WPC). It can also be provided that the panel identifies a decor, this decor either by applying a already printed decorative layer is formed on a carrier plate or by direct printing of the carrier plate with such a decoration. In the present case, direct printing is also to be understood as meaning printing on a printing substrate that has previously been applied to a carrier plate. It can also be provided that the panel consists of a solid wood material or is formed entirely from a wood material. Such a fiber material can advantageously absorb water or liquid in the event of contact with moisture, which leads to swelling. Such swelling leads to an improved sealing of the abutment surface and the counter-abutment surface. In a further embodiment of the invention, the carrier plate on which a panel according to the invention is based comprises a plastic material, such as polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), an acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer (ABS), a polyvinyl chloride (PVC ), a polycarbonate (PC), a polyamide (PA), a polyetherketone (PEK), polyetheretherketone (PEEK), mixtures or copolymers of these, or a plastic composite material made of one or more of these plastics with a fiber and/or mineral filler on.

It is also considered useful if at least one of the complementary panel edges is provided with an edge break on at least one of the two edge pairs.

Furthermore, the tightness can be improved if at least one of the edge pairs has an edge break on its two complementary panel edges, which forms a deepened joint when two of these panels are joined together, the edge breaks of the complementary panel edges being of different sizes and in the assembled state, the larger edge break is covered by the smaller edge break. In the overlap area, the major edge break is in contact with a protrusion of the complementary panel edge. The projection carries at least part of the smaller edge break on its upper side.

An abutment surface is expediently provided at a lower end of the larger edge breakage, and on that panel edge with the smaller edge breakage there is a counter-abutment surface which interacts with the abutment surface, the panel edge with the smaller of the two edge breakages below this smaller edge breakage forming an undercut countersurface for the has covered part of the larger edge refraction.

Furthermore, the pairing of abutment surface and counter-abutment surface provided in the upper partial area of the panel edges interacts with the locking means arranged in the lower partial area of the panel edges, with which the locking effect against the panels moving apart within the panel plane and perpendicular to the locked panel edges is brought about. The locking means arranged in the lower partial area are expediently designed in such a way that the abutting surface can be kept in contact with the counter-abutting surface. In this way, the closure of the joint that is desired in the upper partial area of the panel edge is supported by the locking means provided in the lower partial area.

An advantageous development provides that the abutment surface provided below the smaller edge break and/or the counter-abutment surface is designed in such a way that it is provided oversized in an upper contact area.

As a result, a pressure can be generated on the upper area of the counter-abutment surface when two panels are joined together with the abutment surface of the complementary panel edge. The term "oversize" refers to the ratio of the two joinable panel edges. Based on a theoretical nominal dimension of both panel edges, "oversize" means that there is more material on either the abutment surface and/or the counter abutment surface, based on the nominal dimension, such that the surface of the abutment surface and/or the surface of the counter abutment surface protrudes further distally than the nominal size. In practice, it can be a hundredth to a few tenths of a millimeter maximum oversize, which in practice causes the desired pressure between the abutting surface and the counter-abutting surface of the joined panel edges. This desired pressure takes place expediently in the upper area of the abutment surface and the counter-abutment surface and can, for example, extend over half the height of the abutment surface or counter-abutment surface.

The benefit can be further improved if the abutment surface and the abutment surface are prepared in such a way that when two complementary panel edges are joined together, a wedge-shaped gap is formed between the abutment surface and the abutment surface and that the apex of the gap points upwards towards the top of the panel. The wedge-shaped gap between the abutment surface and the counter abutment surface promotes relative movement of two mated interlocked panels. The panels can get a crease along the interlocked panel edges as a pivot if they are placed on an uneven surface, for example. In this case, locked panels can assume a position relative to one another in which their panel upper side n lie at an angle of >180° to one another.

In this case, the wedge-shaped gap within the interlocked panel edges provides room for the required angular movement of the panel edges. The abutment surface and counter abutment surface remain in contact and opening of the joint is thus resisted.

For a closed joint, it is useful if, in the joined state of two complementary panel edges, the abutting surface and the counter-abutting surface touch one another at the tip of the wedge-shaped gap.

The wedge-shaped gap can have a wedge angle in the range of 0°-10° and preferably of 1°-5°, with a central axis of the wedge-shaped gap bisecting the wedge angle being arranged either orthogonally to the top side of the panel or relative to the orthogonal on the top side of the panel in an angular range of ± 5°.

Furthermore, the separate blocking element can have a latching means with which it can be latched in a latching contour of the complementary panel edge.

An alternative provides that the retaining groove for the separate blocking element has parallel groove walls, the groove walls being at a constant distance from one another.

It is also helpful if the retaining groove or the groove walls of the retaining groove are arranged inclined relative to the top side of the panel.

It is also useful if the free opening of the inclined retaining groove is directed upwards, ie towards the top of the panel.

Fig. 1

eine schematische Darstellung mehrerer erfindungsgemäßer Paneele im Verbund,

Fig. 2

beispielhaft einen Querschnitt durch ein erstes Kantenpaar eines erfindungsgemäßen Paneels im verriegelten Zustand,

Fig. 3

einen Querschnitt durch das zweite Kantenpaar des erfindungsgemäßen Paneels im verriegelten Zustand,

Fig. 4

eine perspektivische Darstellung zweier Paneelstücke mit den Paneelkanten gemäß Fig. 2 im verriegelten Zustand und mit dem Federprofil gemäß Fig. 1,

Fig. 5

einen Querschnitt durch das erste Kantenpaar einer zweiten Ausführungsform des erfindungsgemäßen Paneels im verriegelten Zustand,

Fig. 6

einen Querschnitt durch das zweite Kantenpaar des zweiten Ausführungsbeispiels des erfindungsgemäßen Paneels im verriegelten Zustand,

Fig. 7

eine perspektivische Darstellung zweier Paneelstücke des zweiten Ausführungsbeispiels des Paneels mit den Paneelkanten gemäß Fig. 5 im verriegelten Zustand und mit dem Federprofil gemäß Fig. 4,

Fig. 8

einen alternativen Querschnitt durch ein erstes Kantenpaar eines erfindungsgemäßen Paneels im verriegelten Zustand,

Fig. 9

eine perspektivische Darstellung zweier Paneelstücke eines weiteren Ausführungsbeispiels des Paneels,

Fig. 10

einen alternativen Querschnitt durch das zweite Kantenpaar des erfindungsgemäßen Paneels im verriegelten Zustand,

Fig. 11

ein weiteres Beispiel eines Querschnitts durch ein zweites Kantenpaar des erfindungsgemäßen Paneels im verriegelten Zustand,

Fig. 11

noch ein Beispiel eines Querschnitts durch das zweite Kantenpaar des erfindungsgemäßen Paneels im verriegelten Zustand,

Fig. 13

eine weitere Alternative eines Querschnitts durch das zweite Kantenpaar des erfindungsgemäßen Paneels im verriegelten Zustand.

In the following, the invention is illustrated by way of example in a drawing and described in detail using a number of exemplary embodiments. Show it:

1

a schematic representation of several panels according to the invention in combination,

2

exemplarily a cross section through a first pair of edges of a panel according to the invention in the locked state,

3

a cross section through the second pair of edges of the panel according to the invention in the locked state,

4

a perspective view of two panel pieces with the panel edges according to 2 in the locked state and with the spring profile according to 1 ,

figure 5

a cross section through the first pair of edges of a second embodiment of the panel according to the invention in the locked state,

6

a cross section through the second pair of edges of the second embodiment of the panel according to the invention in the locked state,

7

a perspective view of two panel pieces of the second embodiment of the panel with the panel edges according to figure 5 in the locked state and with the spring profile according to 4 ,

8

an alternative cross section through a first pair of edges of a panel according to the invention in the locked state,

9

a perspective view of two panel pieces of a further embodiment of the panel,

10

an alternative cross section through the second pair of edges of the panel according to the invention in the locked state,

11

another example of a cross section through a second pair of edges of the panel according to the invention in the locked state,

11

another example of a cross section through the second pair of edges of the panel according to the invention in the locked state,

13

a further alternative of a cross-section through the second pair of edges of the panel according to the invention in the locked state.

In 1 four panels A, B, C and D according to the invention are shown schematically, joined together to form a covering surface which can be used for a building wall, ceiling or floor. The panel according to the invention has four panel edges F, M, N and U and four corners K1, K2, K3 and K4. It has a panel top O, a panel bottom G and a panel core E. The panel has two pairs of edges. A first pair of edges includes panel edges N and F, with panel edge N being a Groove profile 1 and panel edge F has a tongue profile 2, which below with reference to 2 be explained. A second pair of edges includes the panel edges M and U, which are designed as hook profiles. The panel edge M is designed as a receiving hook 3 and is provided with a holding groove for a separate locking element 5 . The locking member 5 is assembled and used to lock in the vertical direction (vertical locking member). The panel edge U is designed as a locking hook 6 which can be connected to the receiving hook 3 in a vertical downward direction. If a vertical locking element 5 is used, the vertically acting locking is done automatically, as shown in FIG 3 is described in detail. Due to the two different pairs of edges, the panel (A, B, C, D) is suitable for locking with a pivoting movement (fold-down). The pivoting movement is in 1 indicated by panel D shown in phantom in an inclined starting position D'. The panel D is moved down from its starting position D' in the direction of the arrow of the pivoting movement S by a single downward pivoting movement about its panel edge F as the axis of rotation. It locks with the groove profile N of the panels A and B of a previous row of panels P1. At the same time, panel edge U of panel D is interlocked with panel edge M of panel C, which is in the same panel row P2.

According to 1 at corner K1 of panel D, panel edge F (first pair of edges) meets panel edge U (second pair of edges). This corner K1 turns out to be particularly critical for the impermeability of the covering surface against water passing through. The tongue profile 2 of the panel edge F meets the locking hook 6 of the panel edge U at the critical corner K1.

The cross sections of the spring profile 2 and the locking hook overlap spatially and a complex spatial shape is created at the corner K1.

In combination with other identical panels A and C, the relevant corner K1 of panel D is in an area marked IV. A T-joint forms there, which is made up of a longitudinal joint (panel edges F/N) and a transverse joint (panel edges M/U). A view of this T-joint looking in the direction of arrow IV is given below with reference to 4 explained in detail.

Based on 2 a first pair of edges of the panel according to the invention is shown in cross section by way of example. The viewing direction corresponds to that in 1 marked cutting line II - II. The panel edges F and N of panels D and A are in 2 so opposite, as in 1 indicated by the section line II - II. The panel edge F is designed with a tongue profile and the panel edge N with a complementary groove profile. These complementary panel edges F/N can be fragmentarily shown in a locked condition, as if the panel were split in two. This form of representation is intended to facilitate understanding of the functionality and interaction of the complementary panel edges. A starting position D' of the panel edge F indicates a pivoting movement S. The upper side of the tongue has a distance L1 to the upper side of the panel. Of course, several panels of the type according to the invention can be interlocked in the same way to obtain a covering surface for a building wall, floor or ceiling. That's why they can figures 2 and 3 also be understood as two panels, which are shown in part.

The panel edge M designed as a receiving hook 3 and the panel edge U designed as a locking hook 6 of the second pair of edges are in 3 shown in cross section, also in the assembled locked condition. The viewing direction corresponds to that in 1 marked cutting line III - III.

On the top side O of the panel, both panel edges M and U of the second pair of edges have a broken edge. The edge breaks are designed as chamfers 28 and 29, respectively. In this example, both chamfers are the same size and result in a symmetrical V-joint 30 when locked.

The receiving hook 3 and the locking hook 6 lock the joined panel edges M/U in the vertical and also in the horizontal direction. In this exemplary embodiment, a separate blocking element 5 can be used for the vertical locking effect (vertical blocking element), which can be provided with spring-elastic properties. Suitable vertical locking elements are known, for example, from the following publications: EP 1 415 056 B1 , WO 2011/087425 A1 and US 2014/0366476 A1 .

For the horizontal locking effect according to 3 the receiving hook 3 of the panel edge M is provided distally with a hook edge 31 which protrudes in the direction of the top side O of the panel and with a receiving recess 32 which is open to the top side O of the panel. The locking hook 6 of the panel edge U has a locking shoulder 33 protruding in the direction of the panel underside G and a locking recess 34 open at the bottom. The locking shoulder 33 fits into the receiving recess 32 of the receiving hook 3 and interacts with it.

The receiving hook 3 has a holding surface 35 on the hook edge 31 which is directed toward the panel core E. Similarly, on the locking hook 6 there is a holding surface 36, which is also directed towards the panel core E and which, together with the holding surface 35 on the hook edge 31, results in an undercut and thus a locking effect against the panels C and D moving apart within the panel plane away from one another in a direction perpendicular to the locked ones panel edges M/U (horizontal).

The holding surface 35 of the receiving hook 3 is provided on a proximal side of the hook edge 31 . The surface normal of the holding surface 35 is directed towards the panel core E of the panel C. Likewise, the retaining surface 36 of the locking hook 6 is arranged on a proximal side of the locking shoulder 33, and its surface normal is directed toward the panel core E of the panel D.

In the present example, the locking heel 33 has a distal heel surface 38 on a heel underside 37, which touches a bottom 39 of the receiving recess 32, and a proximal recess 40 which extends laterally to the holding surface 36 of the locking heel 33. The recess 40 uses a good contact of the holding surfaces 35/36 of the hook edge and locking heel.

The vertical locking element is provided with a distally protruding latching means 46 which automatically latches into a lateral latching recess provided on the complementary panel edge 1 during the assembly movement. The joining movement is a pivoting movement, as in 1 indicated by the arrow G.

A retaining groove 41 for the blocking element 5 is provided in the receiving hook. The retaining groove 41 has a flat lower groove wall 42, an upper groove wall 43 and a groove base 44. The upper groove wall 43 is provided with a step 45. The step 45 is arranged in such a way that there is a narrower part of the holding groove 41 facing the bottom of the groove and an area with a greater width, which is oriented towards the open side of the holding groove 41 .

It is important that the upper groove wall 43 is arranged at a distance L2 from the top side of the panel O and that the distance L2 is always proportionally greater than the distance L1 between the top side of the tongue 19 and the top side of the panel O.

The design of the retaining groove 41 with the step 45 is adapted to the blocking element 5, whose cross section is in 3 is shown as an example. In the hatched blocking element 5 shown, the latching means 46 is designed in the form of a latching tab 46a protruding obliquely downwards, which protrudes from the holding groove 41, and with a holding means 47 which faces the bottom of the holding groove 41. In addition, the blocking element 5 has a shoulder 48 which is supported on the step 45 of the upper groove wall 43 .

During a pivoting movement to lock the panel D, the locking hook 6 comes into contact with the distally protruding locking means 46 or the locking tab 46a of the locking element 5 and pushes it back in the direction of the retaining groove 41. In the 3 the pivoting joining movement is indicated in simplified form by an arrow Z pointing downwards. Dashed is in 3 an intermediate position during the pivoting movement of the locking hook 6 is shown. In the intermediate position shown, the locking means 46 (locking tab 47) of the locking element in the direction of Retaining groove 41 pressed back and spring-loaded. In the fully locked position, the blocking element has then reduced its elastic spring tension again and is moved in the direction of its neutral position and thus into a latching contour 49 of the locking hook 6 designed as a locking groove 49a. The locking groove 49a has a lower inclined groove wall 50 and an upper inclined groove wall 51. In 3 a residue of elastic spring tension remains in the latching means 46, as a result of which the vertical latching in this way remains permanently free of play.

An abutment surface 52 is provided below the chamfer 29 on the receiving hook 3 . The abutment surface is arranged orthogonally relative to the top surface O of the panel.

A counter-impact surface 53 is provided on the locking hook 6 below the chamfer 28, which in this example is inclined by an angle of 3° relative to the orthogonal line on the upper side O of the panel. The cross section of the locking hook 6 is in 3 drawn as a dashed line in the area of the counter-abutment surface 53 to show the neutral shape as if it were not assembled with the receiving hook 3 . It can be seen that the dashed line in the area of the counter-abutment surface 51 intersects the cross-section of the complementary receiving hook 3, specifically at the point where it has its abutment surface 52. The oversize on the counter impact surface is in 3 exaggerated for better visibility. In practice, it is a matter of hundredths to a few tenths of a millimeter of the maximum depth of the intersection. In practice, the overlap causes the joined panel edges M and U to be pressed between the abutting surface 50 and the counter-abutting surface 53.

This desired pressing takes place in the upper area of the abutment surface 52 and the counter-abutment surface 53 . For this purpose, the design is prepared in such a way that the extent of the overlap extends over half the height (X/2) of the area (X) of the panel edges, which the abutment surface 52 and the counter-abutment surface 53 occupy.

4 shows an isometric representation of two connected panels C and D. The representation corresponds to viewing direction IV, as in 1 noted. In the foreground of 4 the tongue profiles of the panel edges F of panels C and D can be seen. In the perspective to the rear, the panel edges M of panel C and the panel edge U of panel D run 3 Mistake.

Furthermore, in 4 the critical corner K1 of the panel C is noted, at which the receiving hook 3 including the retaining groove 41 provided for the locking element 5 (panel edge M) meets the tongue profile 2 (panel edge F). The perspective of 4 shows clearly that the retaining groove 41 runs through the spring profile 2 and emerges at the spring tip 2a. The end cross section of the retaining groove 41 can be clearly seen on the spring tip 2a. The locking groove 49a is provided on the complementary panel D, in which the locking element 5 can be pre-assembled and automatically latched during the assembly of a covering surface. The locking groove 49a also runs through the tongue profile 2 on the panel D and ends as an open cross-section at the tongue tip 2a. In the receiving hook, the retaining groove 41 for the locking element can be seen, which is the flat lower groove wall 42, the upper groove wall 43 and the Groove bottom 44 has. The upper groove wall 43 is provided with the step 45 and this step 45 is arranged in such a way that there is a narrower part of the holding groove 41 facing the bottom of the groove and an area with a greater width, which is directed towards the open side of the holding groove 41 . The locking groove 49a can be seen on the locking hook 6.

The locking hook 6 (panel edge U) of the panel D also includes the downwardly open locking recess 34, which is shown in 3 shown in cross section. The locking recess also runs transversely through the tongue profile 2 of the panel D and emerges in the lower area of the tongue profile. The open cross-section of the locking recess 34 emerges below the spring tip 2a. The distance L1 between the tongue upper side 19 and the panel upper side O is shown next to the distance L2 of the upper groove wall 43 of the retaining groove 41, where L2>L1.

It is important that the retaining groove 41 for the blocking element 5 is arranged lower overall than in the prior art due to the new design, namely so deep that the cross section of the retaining groove 41 is at a level below the upper side 19 of the spring. Although this measure removes part of the material of the tongue profile 2 during the production of the holding groove 41, the tongue upper side 19 is retained up to a certain material thickness. Retaining the tongue top 19 at this critical corner K1 of panel C has been found to improve the tightness of a pavement surface because the tongue tops 19 of panels C and D lined up end to end result in a tighter T-joint for each T-joint in a Covering surface applies, which is built with the panel according to the invention. This works because the ones on panel C The remaining spring top side 19 abuts the spring profile 2 of the panel D without a gap, so that there is a unity at least on the spring top sides 19, which counteracts the passage of water. In particular, if the tongue profiles 2 lined up next to one another are inserted into a complementary groove profile 1, so that the finished T-joint is formed, better tightness is then provided.

figure 5 shows a cross section through the first pair of edges of a second embodiment of the panel according to the invention in the locked state. The viewing direction corresponds to that for 2 intended viewing direction, which for orientation as section line II - II in 1 is drawn. In contrast to 2 are according to figure 5 changed the edge breaks at the top of the panel edges. For this purpose, a chamfer is provided on the tongue profile of the panel edge F, which is designed to be larger, and in comparison, a smaller chamfer is formed on the groove profile of the panel edge N. The larger bevel is partially covered by the smaller bevel.

6 shows a cross section through the second pair of edges of the second embodiment of the panel according to the invention in the locked state. This embodiment is based on the second pair of edges according to FIG 3 . The viewing direction corresponds to that for 3 intended viewing direction, which for orientation as section line III - III in 1 is drawn. The example of 6 differs from 3 by modified edge bevels at the top of the panel edges M and U. The panel edge M with the receiving hook 3 is provided with an edge bevel, which is designed as a larger bevel 58, larger in comparison to one on the locking hook 6 of the panel edge U formed smaller chamfer 59. The smaller chamfer 59 is arranged on a distal projection 60. The larger chamfer 58 is partially covered by the smaller chamfer 59, resulting in a V-joint. In the overlapping area, the larger chamfer is in contact with the projection 60 of the locking hook 6. Below the smaller chamfer 59, an undercut mating surface 61 is arranged on the projection 60, which is in contact with the covered part of the larger chamfer 58. This contact essentially creates a seal against the ingress of water, which should not get into the transverse joint. Furthermore, the abutting surface 52 of the panel edge U is provided with an oversize E3 in the upper area, so that in the upper area in the assembled state a pressure can be generated against the counter-abutting surface 53 of the complementary panel edge M, which has a sealing effect. Oversize refers to the ratio of the two joinable panel edges. Based on a theoretical nominal size of both panel edges, in this example there is more material on the counter-abutment surface 53, so that the surface of the counter-abutment surface 53 protrudes further distally compared to its nominal size. The material area protruding compared to the nominal size represents the oversize E3. In practice, it can be a hundredth to a few tenths of a millimeter oversize, which causes the desired pressure between the abutting surface 52 and the counter-abutting surface 53 of the joined panel edges. According to 6 the desired pressure takes place in the upper area of impact surface 52 and counter-impact surface 53 and extends essentially over half the height of impact surface 52 or counter-impact surface 53.

7 shows a perspective view of sections of panels C and D. Panel edges M and U are on it according to 6 seen when locked. In addition, the tongue profiles of the panel edges F of panels C and D can be seen, which correspond to the in figure 5 shown spring profile 2 correspond. This spring profile 2 has the broken edges in the form of the larger bevel 54, which in the perspective of 7 above the spring top 19 can be seen.

8 shows a third alternative for the first pair of edges of the panel according to the invention in the locked state. The panel has a panel edge F with a tongue profile and a panel edge N with a groove profile. The two panel edges F and N are positively locked by the shape of the complementary panel edges shown, both in the vertical and in the horizontal direction.

9 shows a perspective view of two panel pieces of a fifth embodiment of the panel. The design is based on the example of 4 , which is referenced. The example of 9 differs from 4 , because it is designed for a different locking element 66. For this blocking element 66, a retaining groove 67 with a rectangular cross section is provided on the receiving hook 3, in which the blocking element 66 can be preassembled. The retaining groove 67 has a top groove wall 68 spaced a distance L2 from the top of the panel. A latching contour is also provided on the locking hook 6, which is designed as a locking groove 69 and whose cross section is correspondingly adapted so that the blocking element 66 can be automatically latched there. In the 9 proposed retaining groove 67 is prepared, for example, for the use of an arcuate locking element, as shown in FIG U.S. 2014/0366476 A1 known (see there Figure 3b ), or for a locking element with rear springy bristles prepared, which are supported on the groove base of the retaining groove, as also from the US 2014/0366476 A1 known (there Figures 6a or 6b ). It is important that the tongue upper side 19 of the tongue profile 2 of the panel edge F is arranged at a higher level than the retaining groove 67 of the receiving hook 3. The tongue profile 2 of the panel edge F meets the receiving hook 3 at the critical corner K1 of the panel. The holding groove runs through the tongue profile in the area of the corner K1, so that material of the tongue profile is removed. However, the spring top 19 is not removed. A distance L1 is provided between the top of the panel O and the top of the tongue 19, which is smaller than the distance L2 between the upper groove wall 68 of the retaining groove 67 and the top of the panel O. In this way, material is always retained up to a certain material thickness on the top of the tongue.

Retaining the tongue top 19 at this critical corner K1 of panel C is an improvement in the tightness of a decking surface because the tongue tops 19 of panels C and D juxtaposed together result in a tighter T-joint and this is true for any T-joint in a decking surface , which is built with the panel according to the invention. This works because according to 9 the tongue upper side 19 remaining on the panel C abuts the tongue profile 2 of the panel D without any gaps. In this way, at least on the upper sides 19 of the spring, there is a unity that counteracts the passage of water. In particular, when the tongue profiles 2 lined up next to one another are inserted into a complementary groove profile 1, so that the finished T-joint is formed, a particularly good tightness is provided.

10 shows an alternative cross-section through the second pair of edges of the panel according to the invention in the locked state. This example comprises a receiving hook 70 on a panel edge M and a locking hook 71 on a panel edge U. A retaining groove 72 for a locking element 73 is provided in the receiving hook 70 . The retaining groove 72 has parallel groove walls. In addition, the distance between the groove walls is constant in this example. The locking hook 71 has a contour 74 into which the blocking element 73 can automatically engage during a joining movement. The retaining groove 72 for the locking element 73 is arranged essentially parallel to the top side of the panel. An upper groove wall 75 of the retaining groove 72 is at a distance L2 from the top side of the panel, which is always greater than the distance L1 provided on the first pair of edges between a tongue top side and the top side of the panel, as in FIGS figs 5 , 8th and 11 shown.

11 shows another example of a second pair of edges. Again, a receiving hook 77 is provided on a panel edge M and a locking hook 78 on a panel edge U. The receiving hook 77 includes a retaining groove 79 for a locking element 80. The locking hook 78 has a contour 81 in which the locking element 80 can engage automatically. The retaining groove 79 has parallel groove walls. In addition, the distance between the groove walls is constant in this example. In contrast to the example 10 the retaining groove 79 in the receiving hook 77 is arranged inclined relative to the top side of the panel. The free opening of the inclined holding groove 79 is directed upwards towards the top of the panel. The upper groove wall 82 of the retaining groove 79 has a distance L2 from the top side of the panel, which is always greater than the distance L1 provided on the first pair of edges between a tongue top side and the panel top, as in the figs 5 , 8th and 11 shown.

12 shows another example of a cross section through the second pair of edges of the panel according to the invention in the locked state. This example also has a receiving hook 84 on a panel edge and a locking hook 85 on panel edge U, which can be automatically locked in the vertical direction by means of a locking element 86. In this example, a retaining groove 87 for the blocking element 86 is provided on the other hook element, namely the locking hook 85, and the receiving hook 84 has a contour 88 into which the blocking element 86 can engage automatically. An upper groove wall 89 of the retaining groove 87 has a distance L2 from the top side of the panel, which is always greater than that based on FIG figs 5 , 8th and 11 distance L1 noted on the first pair of edges between the top of the tongue and the top of the panel.

13 shows a further alternative of a cross-section through the second pair of edges. This example again has a receiving hook 91 and a locking hook 92 which can be locked automatically in the vertical direction by means of a locking element 93 . As in 12 a retaining groove 94 for the blocking element 93 is also provided on the locking hook 92 in this example, and the receiving hook 91 has a contour 95 into which the blocking element 93 can be automatically engaged. The retaining groove 94 has parallel groove walls. In addition, the groove walls have a constant distance from one another. An upper groove wall 96 of the retaining groove 94 is at a distance L2 from the top side of the panel, which is always greater than that based on FIG figs 5 , 8th and 11 distance L1 noted on the first pair of edges between the top of the tongue and the top of the panel.

Reference List

1

groove profile

2

spring profile

2a

pen tip

3

pick-up hook

5

blocking element

6

locking hook

7

shorter upper groove wall

8th

longer lower groove wall

9

chamfer

10

chamfer

11

V-joint

12

retaining edge

28

chamfer

29

chamfer

30

V-joint

31

hook edge

32

recording recess

33

locking heel

34

locking recess

35

holding surface

36

holding surface

37

heel bottom

38

sales area

39

bottom (mounting recess)

40

recess

41

retaining groove

42

lower groove wall

43

upper groove wall

44

groove bottom

45

step (upper groove wall)

46

snap-in means

46a

locking tab

47

holding means

48

shoulder

49

locking contour

49a

locking groove

50

lower inclined groove wall

51

upper inclined groove wall

52

impact surface

53

counter impact surface

54

larger bevel

55

smaller bevel

56

head Start

57

undercut mating surface (projection)

58

larger bevel

59

smaller bevel

60

head Start

61

counter surface (projection)

66

locking element

67

retaining groove

68

upper groove wall

69

locking groove

70

pick-up hook

71

locking hook

72

retaining groove

73

blocking element

74

blocking element

75

upper groove wall

77

pick-up hook

78

locking hook

79

retaining groove

80

blocking element

81

blocking element

82

upper groove wall

84

pick-up hook

85

locking hook

86

retaining groove

87

blocking element

88

blocking element

89

upper groove wall

91

pick-up hook

92

locking hook

93

blocking element

94

retaining groove

95

contour

96

upper groove wall

A

panel

B

panel

C

panel

D

panel

D'

starting position

E

panel core

E3

excess

f

panel edge

M

panel edge

N

panel edge

u

panel edge

S

pivoting movement

K1

corner

K2

corner

K3

corner

K4

corner

L1

distance

L2

distance

P1

row of panels

p2

row of panels

O

panel top

G

panel underside

Z

arrow

Claims (10)

Panel (A, B, C, D) with a panel core (E), a panel top (O), a panel bottom (G) and with a first pair of edges and a second pair of edges, the first pair of edges having a groove profile (1) on a panel edge (N) and a tongue profile (2) complementary thereto on the opposite panel edge (F), which interact in a form-fitting manner in such a way that, in the locked state, a moving apart of locked panels in the plane of the panels (horizontally) is counteracted, with the second pair of edges is provided with complementary hook profiles on its opposite panel edges, namely a receiving hook (3) and a locking hook (6), wherein the locking hook (6) can be joined to the receiving hook (3) by a joining movement in a direction perpendicular to the panel plane, with the proviso that the receiving hook (3) with a retaining groove (41, 67) for a separate locking element (5, 66, 73, 80, 86, 93) is provided with which a vertical locking effect can be achieved, wherein at a corner (K1) of the panel (A, B, C, D) the spring edge (2) of the first pair of edges meets the receiving hook (3), characterized in that the retaining groove (41, 67) provided on the receiving hook (3) of the second pair of edges for the blocking element (5, 66, 73, 80, 86, 93) has an upper groove wall ( 43, 68), which is at a distance (L2) from the panel top (O) that is greater than the distance (L1) between the panel top (O) and the tongue top (19) of the tongue profile (2) of the first pair of edges. Panel according to Claim 1, characterized in that at least one of the complementary panel edges (F, N, M, U) is provided with an edge break (9, 10, 54, 55, 58, 59) on at least one of the two edge pairs. Panel according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that at least one of the edge pairs has an edge break (54, 55, 58, 59) on its two complementary panel edges (F, N, M, U) which, when two of these panels are joined together forms a deepened joint, the edge breaks (54, 55, 58, 59) of the complementary panel edges (F, N, M, U) being of different sizes, and that in the assembled state the larger edge break (54, 58) is covered by the smaller edge breaking (55, 59) . Panel according to claim 3, characterized in that at a lower end of the larger edge break (54, 58) an abutment surface (23a, 52) is provided that at that panel edge (F, N) with the smaller edge break (55, 59) a Counter-abutment surface (24a, 53) is provided, which with the abutment surface (23a, 52) cooperates, wherein the panel edge with the smaller of the two edge breaks below this smaller edge break has an undercut counter-surface for the covered part of the larger edge break. Panel according to Claim 4, characterized in that the abutment surface (24a, 53) is designed in such a way that it is provided with an oversize in its upper area, so that with the upper area of the abutment surface (24a, 53) in the assembled state a pressure can be generated against the abutting surface (23a, 52) of the complementary panel edge (F, U). Panel according to Claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the abutment surface (23a, 52) and the counter-abutment surface (24a, 53) are prepared in such a way that in the assembled state of two complementary panel edges (F, N, M, U) there is a wedge-shaped gap between the abutment surface (23a, 52) and the counter abutment surface is formed such that the apex of the wedge-shaped gap points upwards towards the top of the panel (O). Panel according to Claim 6, characterized in that when two complementary panel edges (F, N, M, U) are joined together, the abutting surface (23a, 52) and the counter-abutting surface (24a, 53) touch one another at the tip of the wedge-shaped gap. Panel according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the wedge-shaped gap has a wedge angle in the range of 0°-10° and preferably 1°-5°, and that a central axis (M) of the wedge-shaped gap bisecting the wedge angle is either orthogonal to the top of the panel (O) or is positioned in an angular range of ± 5° relative to the orthogonal on the top of the panel (O). Panel according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the separate locking element (5, 66, 73, 80, 86, 93) has a latching means (46, 46a) with which it is in a latching recess (49, 49a) of complementary panel edge (U) can be locked. Panel according to one of Claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the retaining groove (72, 79, 94) for the separate blocking element (5, 66, 73, 80, 93) has parallel groove walls.

Images