EP1888859A1

EP1888859A1 - Panel, in particular floor panel

Info

Publication number: EP1888859A1
Application number: EP06723233A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Dirk Dammers
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Dammers Dirk
Priority date: 2005-06-06
Filing date: 2006-03-06
Publication date: 2008-02-20
Also published as: US8082717B2; WO2006131160A1; US20100154343A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a panel having means for the detachable connection of adjacent panels by means of pivoting, the means provided comprising, on a first edge, a projecting tongue (3) with a lower and upper tongue surface (4, 5) which divides the edge into an upper and a lower edge section (7, 6), the second edge situated opposite the first edge having a groove (8) which corresponds to the tongue of an adjacent panel and which is enclosed by an upper-side and a lower-side panel section, the upper tongue surface having a projection (13) with a contact surface (14) which is directed rearwardly in the direction S of the upper edge section, and the upper-side panel section having on its lower side a recess which at least partially accommodates the projection and which has a complementary surface (16) interacting with the contact surface, the complementary surface interacting with the contact surface of an adjacent panel in the pivoted-in state.

Description

Panel, in particular floor panel

The invention relates to a panel, in particular floor panel, with a top and a bottom and means for releasably connecting the panel with adjacent panels by pivoting, wherein as a means at a first longitudinal and / or a first transverse edge one respectively over the respective longitudinal - And / or transverse edge projecting spring is provided with a lower and an upper spring surface, which divides the longitudinal and / or transverse edge into an upper and a lower edge portion, and wherein the first longitudinal and / or the first transverse edge opposite second longitudinal - And / or second transverse edge each having a corresponding with the spring of an adjacent, identically formed panel, surrounded by an upper-side and a lower-side panel section groove, wherein preferably the lower-side panel section opposite the upper-side panel section is formed above and preferably wherein the lower edge portion against is arranged set back above the upper edge portion.

Such panels are usually made of wood or wood materials, such. Chipboard, HDF (high density fiberboard) or MDF (medium density fiberboard) plates) . They are suitable for laying laminate or parquet floors or as wall and ceiling panels. Wood materials are usually provided with a top-side decorative layer. This can be a lacquered or printed decorative paper which is laminated onto a carrier material. In the case of floors, a counter-pull is usually applied on the lower side due to the tension compensation. The panel itself can be single-layered but also multi-layered.

Of course, an embodiment is conceivable in which the bottom and top panel sections are approximately aligned and the bottom and the top edge portion on the other hand approximately aligned. An embodiment in which the lower-side panel section is set back in relation to the upper-side panel section and the lower edge section is designed to protrude from the upper edge section is also conceivable.

When laying the panel to be laid is applied with its edge in the tilted state to the associated edge of an already laid panel and then pivoted downwards, so that in this way a lock both in a direction perpendicular to the top of the panel and in a Direction perpendicular to the locked side edge of the panel is realized. The disadvantage is that in the pivoted state, a small gap in the upper sides between the adjacent panels may remain.

The object of the invention is to avoid the aforementioned disadvantage and to provide a panel in which in the connected state with another panel a gap-free surface is generated. This object is achieved in that the spring has on its upper spring surface a projection with a rearwardly facing in the direction S of the upper edge portion contact surface, and the upper-side panel portion has a projection on the underside at least partially receiving recess with a cooperating with the contact surface mating surface, wherein the counter surface in the pivoted state cooperates with the contact surface of an adjacent panel, so that the panels in the interconnected by pivoting state have a connection which is free of play in the direction of a relation to the orientation of the surfaces of the edge portions perpendicular, and wherein the panels when connecting the Panels are pulled against each other by pivoting due to the interaction of the contact surface and mating surface, so that in the connected state in contact surfaces, ie the upper edge portion and the upper panel section to in the area of the top of the panels, abut each other.

By pointing rearwardly in the direction of the upper edge portion is meant that the contact surface is not aligned parallel to the top of the panel and the normal (N) on the contact surface from the end of the spring viewed on the panel, in particular at an angle between 0 ° and 90 °, assigns.

Due to the interaction between the contact surface and the counter surface, the panels connected in this way are pulled together and thus ensured that the adjacent panels touch one another without a gap in the area of the upper sides. In this case, the underside panel section is not deflected downwards in the locked state relative to the underside of the panel. The lower spring surface is formed so that a locking by a Einschwenkbewegung is possible. Thus, for example, the lower spring surface may be convex only in the region of the free end of the spring, while the remaining region of the lower spring surface is, for example, flat, preferably parallel to the upper side. Instead of the convex curvature of the spring in the region of the free end and a chamfer is conceivable. The underside panel section is adapted to the upper side of the contour of the lower spring surface.

The means may be formed integrally with the panel. But it is also a two-part training possible. Then the means may also be made of another material, for. B. plastic, and by a suitable measure, for. B. gluing, be attached to the relevant panel. It is also conceivable that the funds are introduced into a groove in the panel.

The lower-side panel section may have a projecting groove wall area pointing in the direction of the upper side of the panel, which cooperates with an undercut provided on the adjacent panel in the interconnected state of the two panels. In this case, two adjacent panels are locked twice, since on the one hand a positive connection between the projection and the recess and on the other hand, a positive connection between the lower-side panel section and the undercut takes place.

If the groove wall area in the pivoted state touches the undercut of the adjacent panel on the upper side, it also limits the pivoting movement. Alternatively, the lower-side panel section may have a protruding groove wall area pointing in the direction of the upper side of the panel, which in the interconnected state of the two panels is located in an undercut provided on the adjacent panel, without the surfaces of the groove wall area having the corresponding surfaces of the Undercut in contact. In this embodiment, a simple locking, ie between projection and recess, realized because the Nutwandungsbereich is free in the undercut and thus no interaction in terms of additional locking.

The projection may be formed approximately triangular. In this case, the projection may be formed approximately isosceles, so far as the contact surface and the other surface have an equal pitch and a same length. But it is also quite possible that both surfaces differ in terms of slope. In this case, preferably, the contact surface is steeper than the other, the free end of the spring facing surface.

The projection may alternatively have an approximately curved contour. Conceivable, for example, a flattened rounding or a crescent-shaped curve.

The projection may also have an approximately rectangular contour or a flattened trapezoidal contour. Of course, other embodiments of the projection are conceivable.

As far as the contour of the recess, this is preferably adapted to the contour of the projection. This but is not essential. It is only essential that the projection at least partially engages in the recess in the locked state. Therefore, it is also quite conceivable that, for example, the contour of the projection is triangular, while the recess has a semicircular contour.

For the locking is primarily relevant that the contact surface comes into contact with the counter surface when pivoting the panel to be laid, so that thereby the panels are pulled against each other. The contact surface between the contact surface and the mating surface can be linear, punctiform but also flat.

The upper-side panel section and / or the upper edge section may (at least) be formed at least in a partial region, in particular forming a hollow space, extending inwards in the direction of the underside, in particular receding. This prevents the use of the laid panels can lead to an upper-side gap formation.

The spring may be formed at least partially convexly curved at its lower spring surface, wherein the underside panel section is formed on the upper side accordingly. As a result, a uniform pivoting is possible. If a groove wall area is provided, this supports the guidance of the panel to be pivoted and laid in the pivoting movement. Of course, the lower spring surface may be convex over its entire length.

The spring may be formed convex on its lower spring surface, in particular only in the region of its free end. In such an embodiment, the convex formation begins at the lowest point and increases in the direction of the free end of the spring.

The convex lower spring surface may have a uniform curvature. In such an embodiment, the radius along the curve is uniform.

Of course, another embodiment is possible such that the circular path of the convex lower spring surface has different radii. These different radii may have the same center or separate centers.

The lower spring surface of the spring may be at the lowest point, i. at approximately below the upper edge portion a parallel support surface oriented substantially parallel to the top of the panel; and the lower panel portion in the region in contact with the support surface in the pivoted-in state with an adjacent panel, i. In approximately below the upper-side panel section, have a correspondingly aligned plane correspondence surface. The convex curvature can pass without forming a break point in the parallel aligned bearing surface. But it is also quite possible that in the transition from convex curvature to parallel aligned bearing surface is a break point.

The protrusion may have a surface pointing towards the free end of the spring and may be located between the surface and the groove. Opposite area of the groove may be a free space.

In addition, the spring may have a locking element on its lower spring surface, preferably in the area of the free end of the spring, and the underside panel section may have on the upper side a locking recess cooperating with interconnected panels with the locking element of the adjacent panel. This configuration gives the compound in the pivoted state overall even greater stability and makes it difficult to unintentionally swing up.

Alternatively, a reverse arrangement may be provided. In this case, the spring may have on its lower spring surface, preferably in the region of the free end of the spring, a locking recess and the underside panel section on the upper side in an interconnected panels with the locking recess of the adjacent panel cooperating locking element.

Of course, it is also possible that a respective locking element is provided both on the lower spring surface of the spring and on the upper side on the lower-side panel section, wherein each locking element is assigned a corresponding locking recess in the upper side of the lower-side panel section or in the lower spring surface.

The upper spring surface may be aligned approximately parallel to the top of the panel. Also, an oblique plane alignment is conceivable. But it is also quite possible that the upper spring surface is curved in the direction of the top or bottom. The adjacent to the upper spring surface in the pivoted state region of the adjacent panel, which extends between the upper-side panel portion and the counter surface of the recess is designed so that a pivoting and locking is possible.

The lower spring surface may have at least one projecting portion, and in the lower panel portion, each projecting portion may be associated with a corresponding recess enabling a joining of two adjacent panels by pivoting. Of course, a plurality of projecting area may be provided, each associated with a recess. Depending on the design of the projecting region, an additional locking can be realized perpendicularly in the direction of the upper side of the panels by means of the projecting regions.

In addition, a laterally projecting portion may be integrally formed on the upper edge portion and / or the upper-side panel portion, and a corresponding exception opening may be provided in the upper-side panel portion and / or in the upper edge portion.

At least one pressing element may be provided on the lower spring surface and / or on the upper side of the lower-side panel section, which in the pivoted state of two adjacent panels is in contact with the opposite region of the adjacent panel.

Embodiments of the invention illustrated in the drawings are explained below. Show it: 1 shows a partial section through two panels according to the invention in the locked state without a facing in the direction of the top Nutwandungsbereich,

2 shows a partial section through two panels according to the invention in the unlocked state,

3 - 5 is a partial section through two panels according to the invention in the locked state,

6 shows the Einschwenkvorgang shown in five different positions,

7 - 9 different embodiments of a panel according to the invention and

10 - 22 further embodiments in the locked state.

In all figures the same reference numerals are used for identical or similar components.

In the figures, panels are shown which have a top 1 and a bottom 2. On the top 1 is usually a decorative layer, not shown.

The panels can be used for example as a floor panel. Adjacent panels can be locked together by a pivoting movement, as shown in Figure 5. For locking the panels have suitable means. Thus, a protruding spring 3 with a lower spring surface 4 and an upper spring surface 5 is provided at the first longitudinal and / or a first transverse edge respectively over the respective longitudinal and / or transverse edge.

For example, as shown in Fig. 1 in the right panel, the spring 3 divides the panel into a lower edge portion 6 and an upper edge portion 7. The lower edge portion 6 is set back from the upper edge portion 7.

The opposite edge is formed so that it corresponds to the spring 3. Therefore, a groove 8 is provided here, which is surrounded by an upper-side panel section 9 and a lower-side panel section 10. The lower-side panel section 10 is formed protruding relative to the upper-side panel section 9.

In the exemplary embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 11 to 13, 16 and 18, the lower spring surface 4 in the region adjoining the lower edge section 6 has an area aligned parallel to the upper side 1. In the region of the free end, the lower part surface 4 of the spring 3 is convex. The lower spring surface 4 is formed convexly curved in the embodiments of FIGS. 2 to 9 and 14 on its essential length. In Fig. 10, the lower spring surface 4 consists of two obliquely aligned surfaces 4a and 4b. In Fig. 15, the lower spring surface 4 is also formed convex only in the region of the free end.

The lower spring surfaces 4 in the embodiments according to FIGS. 11 and 13 are each aligned essentially parallel to the upper side 1, wherein each lower spring surface che 4 in the region of its two ends in the direction of the top 1 is chamfered.

In the exemplary embodiments according to FIGS. 2 to 11, 13, 15 and 17, the underside panel section 10 has a projecting groove wall region 11 pointing in the direction of the top side 1 of the panel, which, for example in FIG. 11, has an upper side surface running parallel to the upper side 1 , The groove wall portion 11 acts in FIGS. 2 to 11 and 13 in the interconnected by pivoting state of two panels with an undercut 12 of the adjacent panel together. In Fig. 15, a variant is shown, in which the groove wall portion 11 is located without contact within the edges of the undercut 12 of the adjacent panel. But it is also conceivable that the lower spring surface 4 rests on the upper side on the Nutwandungsbereich 11 in the manner of a support.

In the embodiments shown in Figures 2 to 9 and 14, the lower spring surface 4 is convexly curved, while the upper spring surface 5 is aligned approximately parallel to the top 1 of the panel. As can be seen from the figures, in the exemplary embodiments illustrated here, the upper spring surface 5 is much shorter or smaller than the lower spring surface 4.

In the embodiments illustrated in the figures, a projection 13 is provided on the spring 3 at its upper spring surface 5, which has a rearwardly in the direction of the upper edge portion 7 facing contact surface 14 and a free end of the spring 3 facing surface 14a. The upper-side panel section 9 of the adjacent panel has on its underside a recess 15, which corresponds to the projection 13, with a counter-surface 16. In the pivoted state, the mating surface 16 cooperates with the contact surface 14. As a result, the panels in the interconnected by pivoting state due to the interaction of contact surface 14 and mating surface 16 are pulled against each other, so that in the top 1 a gap-free connection between adjacent panels is made. In this case, the connection in the direction of a related to the orientation of the surfaces of the edge portions perpendicular (arrow S) is free of play.

In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1, 14, 15, 18 to 22, two adjacent panels are pulled against each other solely by the interaction of contact surface 14 and counter surface 16.

In the exemplary embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 2 to 11, 13 and 17, two adjacent panels are doubly locked insofar as, on the one hand, a positive connection between the projection 13 and the recess 15 and, on the other hand, a positive connection between the groove wall region 11 of the underside panel section 10 and the undercut 12 takes place.

In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the projection 13 and the recess 15 are configured approximately triangular. This is also the case in FIGS. 3 to 6 and 10 to 15.

In the figures 7 to 9, other embodiments are shown. Thus, in FIG. 7, an approximately semicircular recess and in FIG. 9 a rectangular recess are shown. posed. Fig. 9 shows an embodiment in which only the counter surface 16 is formed flat, while the remaining contour of the recess 15 is curved.

For a good locking, it is advantageous if the contact surface 14 has a sufficient steepness, so that the panels are pulled against each other during pivoting due to the interaction of contact surface 14 and counter surface 16.

In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 5, for example, the upper edge section 7 is designed to spring back in the partial area adjoining the upper spring surface 5. A similar return also has the upper-side panel section 9 of the adjacent panel. This results in a cavity 17. The circular path of the convex lower spring surface 4 of the spring 3 in Fig. 5 has different radii A, B on.

3 and 4, an embodiment is shown in which on the spring 3 at its lower spring surface 4, a locking element 18 is provided which engages in a top side disposed in the lower-side panel portion 10 locking recess 19. FIG. 13 shows an embodiment in which two locking elements 18 are provided on the lower spring surface 4 and two locking recesses 19 are provided on the underside of the panel section 10 on the upper side.

In Fig. 12, a reverse arrangement is shown. Here, three locking elements 18 are provided on the upper side on the lower-side panel section 10, which in corresponding engaging locking recesses 19 in the lower spring surface 4 engage.

The Verrieglungselement 18 may be formed as a respect to the lower spring surface 4 of the spring 3 projecting molded area. Alternatively, the locking element 18 as part of the spring 3, as shown in Fig. 4, are generated by an undercut area and thus lie within the circular path of the lower spring surface 4.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the cross section of the locking element 18 is approximately curved and arranged in the portion of the lower spring surface 4, which is adjacent to the undercut 12.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the locking element 18 is in the region of the free end of the spring 3 and the locking recess 19 is provided in the corresponding area in the lower-side panel section 10.

The laying, i. the Einschwenkbewegung is illustrated in the five views of FIG. 6. As can be seen from these figures, the panels can be locked against each other by a simple pivoting movement.

In FIGS. 7 and 9 on the one hand and FIG. 8 on the other hand, different embodiments of the region 20 adjoining the upper spring surface 5 and extending between the upper-side panel section 9 and the counter-surface 16 of the recess 15 are shown. Thus, in FIG. 8, the adjacent region 20 is formed obliquely, while the 7 and 9 illustrate a parallel alignment of the adjacent region 20 to the top 1.

For example, in Fig. 7, an embodiment is shown in which the groove wall portion 11 from the bottom 2 of the panel has a greater distance than the region 20 in front of the bottom. Thus, the groove 8 - in the direction parallel to the top and bottom 1, 2 seen - covered by the Nutwandungsbereich 11. In FIG. 9, the upper surface of the groove wall portion 11 is approximately flush with the region 20. Other embodiments, such as shown in Fig. 8, are of course conceivable. Here, the groove 8 of the Nutwandungsbereich 11 only partially - in the direction parallel to the top and bottom 1, 2 seen - covered.

In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1 and 11 to 13 and 18, the lower spring surface 4 is formed to a large extent substantially parallel to the upper side 1, wherein the lower-side panel section 10 is formed on the upper side accordingly. In FIGS. 11 and 13, a groove wall region 11 is additionally formed on the lower-side panel section 10, which is web-like, forming two parallel side flanks pointing upwards. When swiveling in and out, the underside panel section 10 shifts down to a certain extent. In the locking position, as shown in FIGS. 11 and 13, however, the lower-side panel section 10 has returned to its original position.

It is obvious that the locking element (s) 18 and / or the projection 13, as shown in the figures, formed integrally with the respective panel. can (can) be. Of course, a two-part arrangement is conceivable, wherein the (the) locking element (s) 18 and / or the projection 13 by suitable connection techniques, for. B. bonding, is connected to the relevant panel (are).

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 15, the projecting groove wall portion 11 of the lower-side panel portion 10 is located in the undercut 12 of the adjacent panel such that the surfaces of the groove wall portion 11 are not in contact with the corresponding surfaces of the undercut 12.

The spring 3 is convexly formed on its lower spring surface 4 only in the region of its free end towards the lowest point of the spring 3. The convex training begins at the lowest point of the spring 3 and rises in the direction of the free end of the spring 3.

The lower spring surface 4 of the spring 3 points in the lowest point, i. in this embodiment, approximately below the upper edge portion 7, a substantially parallel to the top 1 of the panel aligned bearing surface 21 (level "x") and the lower-side panel portion 10 in the region, in the pivoted-in with an adjacent panel state with the support surface 21 is in contact, ie in approximately below the upper-side panel section 9, a correspondingly aligned planar correspondence surface 22.

The width A of the support surface 21 in this embodiment is smaller than the width B of the correspondence surface 22, so that even in this embodiment, a pulling apart of two panels only by the combination act from mating surface 16 and contact surface 14 is prevented.

The projection 13 has a direction to the free end of the spring 3 facing surface 14 a. Between the surface 14a and the opposite region lβa of the groove 8 is a gap-like space 23 which extends in the illustrated embodiment also partially around the free end of the spring 3 in the area between the lower spring surface 4 and the adjacent panel.

In the embodiments according to FIGS. 1, 14 and 15, a pulling apart of two panels in direction S is prevented only by the interaction of contact surface 14 and counter surface 16.

Compression, i. Another push against each other, two connected panels is prevented by the interaction on the one hand between the upper edge portion 7 and the upper-side panel portion 9 and on the other hand between the lower spring surface 4 in the region of the convex curvature and the groove 8 of the adjacent panel.

A displacement of two mutually locked panels in a direction perpendicular to the bottom 2 of the panel direction is prevented by the interaction between the contact surface 14 and counter surface 16 and on the other hand between the lower spring surface 4 in the region of the convex curvature and the groove 8 of the adjacent panel.

In the embodiment shown in Fig. 16, the lower spring surface 4 of the spring 3 is convex at the free end formed, this convex training merges to the lower edge portion 6 in a direction parallel to the top 1 alignment. In this parallel-aligned region, a locking element 18 of approximately rectangular cross-section is provided on the underside on the lower spring surface 4, which engages in a corresponding locking recess 19 in the lower-side panel section 10. In the locked state, the active surface 24 of the locking element 18 pointing in the direction of the lower edge section 6 and a corresponding locking surface 25 of the locking recess 19 are in contact. Thus, in this respect, a double locking takes place, since on the one hand, the contact surface 14 and the counter surface 16 and on the other hand, the active surface 24 and the locking surface 25 interact with each other.

In Fig. 17, an alternative embodiment of the embodiment of FIG. 2 is shown. While in FIG. 2 the groove wall region 11 has a surface aligned parallel to the underside 2 on the upper side, in FIG. 17 the groove wall region 11 is tapered towards the top. The provided in the adjacent panel undercut 12 which cooperates with the Nutwandungsbereich 11 also has an approximately triangular configuration, which is designed wider in the direction of the lower edge portion 6, so far as between the free end of the lower-side panel portion 10 and the opposite region of the adjacent panel remains an expanding towards the bottom 2 of the panel gap.

In Fig. 18, an alternative embodiment of Fig. 1 is shown. Here is in the lower spring surface 4 in the to the bottom 2 parallel region a recess 26 is provided.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 19, the upper-side and the lower-side panel sections 9, 10 are approximately in alignment. The lower edge portion 6 is set back only slightly with respect to the upper edge portion 7. The lower spring surface 4 has inter alia a substantially parallel to the bottom 2 of the panel aligned area and then rises to the free end obliquely. In order to facilitate pivoting in, the lower spring surface 4 facing corner of the lower-side panel section 10 is slightly chamfered.

FIG. 20 shows a further embodiment in which the upper-side panel section 9 is formed projecting with respect to the lower-side panel section 10. In this embodiment, the lower spring surface 4 is step-like, in the illustrated embodiment in two stages, formed to form a projecting portion 27. This projecting region 27 has two surfaces aligned substantially parallel to the underside 2. In the locked state, the projecting portion 27 engages in a corresponding recess 28 in the adjacent panel.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 21, a laterally projecting region 29 is integrally formed on the upper edge section 7, which has a surface 30 aligned substantially parallel to the upper side 1 and facing the upper side 1. The adjacent panel has, in the upper-side panel section 9, a corresponding exception opening 31 with a contact surface 32 likewise aligned approximately parallel to the upper side 1. In the pivoted state, the surface 30 of the projecting portion 29 abuts against the contact surface 32 of the receiving opening 31, so that an additional locking is ensured perpendicular to the top 1 of the panels.

In Fig. 22, an embodiment is shown, in which the upper-side and the lower-side panel section 9, 10 are aligned. The spring 3 has in the direction of its free end toward a smaller width than the width of the groove 8, so that in the pivoted state between the lower spring surface 4 and the lower-side panel portion 10, a free space 33 is formed. Therefore, on the upper side of the lower-side panel section 10 in the region in which the free space 33 exists, there is additionally provided a pressing element 34, which is in contact with the lower spring surface 4 in the swung-in state. As a result, a force in the direction of the arrow 35 in the swung-in state is exerted by the pressure element 34 on the spring 3.

Claims

claims

1. panel, in particular floor panel, with an upper and a lower side (1, 2) and means for releasably connecting the panel with adjacent panels by pivoting, wherein as a means at a first longitudinal and / or a first transverse edge a respectively above the respective longitudinal and / or transverse edge projecting spring (3) having a lower and an upper spring surface (4, 5) is provided, which divides the longitudinal and / or transverse edge in an upper and a lower edge portion (7, 6), and wherein the second longitudinal and / or second transverse edge opposite the first longitudinal and / or the first transverse edge in each case corresponds to a panel section (9, 10) corresponding to the spring (3) of an adjacent, identically designed panel. surrounded groove (8), wherein preferably the underside panel portion (10) opposite to the upper-side panel portion (9) is formed projecting and preferably wherein the underside ere edge portion (6) relative to the upper edge portion (7) is arranged set back, characterized in that the spring (3) on its upper spring surface (5) a projection (13) with a rear facing in the direction S of the upper edge portion (7) Contact surface (14), and the upper-side panel portion (9) on the underside of a projection (13) at least partially receiving recess (15) having a counter surface (16), wherein the mating surface (16) in the pivoted state cooperates with the contact surface (14) of an adjacent panel, so that the panels in the interconnected by pivoting state have a connection in the direction of a on the orientation of the surfaces of the edge portions (6, 7) related vertical play is, and wherein the panels when connecting the panels by pivoting due to the interaction of the contact surface (14) and counter surface

(16) are drawn against each other.

2. Panel according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the underside panel section (10) has a in the direction of the top (1) of the panel facing projecting Nutwandungsbereich (11) provided with a provided on the adjacent panel undercut (12) in the interconnected by pivoting state of the two panels cooperates.

3. A panel according to claim 1, characterized in that the underside panel section (10) has a in the direction of the top (1) of the panel facing projecting Nutwandungsbereich (11), which in the interconnected by pivoting state of the two panels in one of the adjacent panel provided undercut (12), without the surfaces of the Nutwandungsbereich (11) with the corresponding surfaces of the undercut (12) are in contact.

4. Panel according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the projection (13) is formed approximately triangular.

5. Panel according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the projection (13) has an approximately curved contour.

6. Panel according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the projection (13) has an approximately rectangular contour.

7. Panel according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the upper-side panel section

(9) and / or the upper edge portion (7) at least in a partial region, in particular to form a cavity (17) in the direction of the underside (2) extending inwardly, in particular receding, is (are).

8. Panel according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the spring (3) on its lower spring surface (4) is formed at least partially convexly curved.

9. Panel according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the spring (3) is convex on its lower spring surface (4) in particular only in the region of its free end.

10. Panel according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that the convex lower spring surface (4) has a uniform curvature.

11. Panel according to one of claims 8 to 10, characterized in that the circular path of the convex lower spring surface (4) has different radii (A, B).

12. Panel according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the lower spring surface (4) of the spring

(3) At the lowest point, a parallel support surface (21) oriented substantially parallel to the top (1) of the panel and the bottom panel section (10) in the region in contact with the support surface (21) in a pivoted state with an adjacent panel is, a correspondingly aligned planar correspondence surface (22).

13. Panel according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the projection (13) has a free end of the spring (3) facing surface (14 a) and between the surface (14 a) and the opposite region (16 a) of the groove ( 8) there is a free space (23).

14. Panel according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the spring (3) on its lower spring surface (4), preferably in the region of the free end of the spring (3), a locking element (18) and that the underside panel section ( 10) on the upper side has an associated with interconnected panels with the locking element (18) of the adjacent panel locking recess (19).

15. Panel according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the spring (3) on its lower spring surface (4), preferably in the region of the free end of the spring (3), a locking recess (19) and in that the underside panel section (19). 10) on the upper side has a locking element (18) cooperating with interconnected panels with the locking recess (19) of the adjacent panel.

16. Panel according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the upper spring surface (5) is aligned approximately parallel to the top (1) of the panel.

17. Panel according to one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that the upper spring surface (5) is curved in the direction of the top (1) or the bottom (2).

18. Panel according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lower spring surface (4) has at least one projecting portion (27) and in the lower-side panel portion (10) each projecting portion (27) one, connecting two adjacent panels by pivoting enabling corresponding recess (28) is assigned.

19. Panel according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at the upper edge portion

(7) and / or on the top panel portion (9) a laterally projecting portion (29) is integrally formed (are) and provided in the top panel portion (9) and / or in the upper edge portion (7) has a corresponding exception opening (31) is (are).

20. Panel according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one pressing element (34) is provided on the lower spring surface (4) and / or on the upper side of the lower-side panel section (10) in the pivoted state of two adjacent panels with the opposite area of the adjacent panel is in contact.