EP2795016B1 - Panel of a floor covering having a separate element - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a panel of a floor covering, in particular a laminate floor covering, with a first side edge and a second side edge, the first side edge and the second side edge being arranged opposite one another and being designed to correspond to one another in such a way that the first side edge can be moved by an approximately vertical movement with the second side edge of a panel of the same type, the first side edge having a first locking lug with a first locking surface pointing predominantly upwards, the first locking lug being provided on a locking section, the second side edge having a second locking lug with a second locking lug predominantly pointing downwards Having locking surface and wherein the first and the second locking surface engage behind each other in the connected state in a direction parallel to the panels.

Panels of this type are already known. However, there is still a need for optimization with regard to the locking of the side edges. To lock the side edges, the locking lugs must be forced past one another with elastic deformation of the side edges, so that the locking lugs then engage behind one another and the side edges can thus permanently latch against one another. On the one hand, the side edges should be quite elastic in the area of the locking lugs, so that there is no Damage to the side edges when connecting the side edges by a movement approximately vertical to the floor covering. On the other hand, the corresponding areas should not be too elastic either, so that the side edges remain securely and permanently locked together. There should also not be any misalignment of the tops of the adjoining panels. This is unsightly and can damage the corresponding edges or surfaces. Such an offset of the upper sides can occur in particular in the case of point loading.

In the EP 1 415 056 B1 describes a panel that can be locked to a similar panel via a foreign element in the vertical direction. For this purpose, the foreign element provided on a first side edge has a movable locking finger which engages in a groove provided for this purpose in a second side edge of an adjacent panel. The foreign element is inserted into a groove on a locking element in the first side edge, which is why the groove has to be made narrow and why the stability of the connection between the first side edge and the second side edge is low. In addition, chips or other impurities can penetrate into the area between the groove and the locking finger of the foreign element, which can lead to damage to the first and/or the second side edge when corresponding panels are connected.

Furthermore, panels of the type mentioned from the DE 102 37 397 A1 and the US2011/0167750A1 , from which the invention is based, known. The stability of such compounds is not yet satisfactory, although the connections take up a not inconsiderable amount of space.

The present invention is therefore based on the object of designing and developing the panels mentioned at the outset and previously described in more detail in such a way that the connection between the first and second side edges of corresponding panels can be made more stable and compact.

This object is solved by a panel having the features of claim 1.

The panel is designed as a laminate panel and has a carrier board made of a wood-based material, for example in the form of a medium-density fibreboard (MDF), a high-density fibreboard (HDF), a chipboard or an oriented strand board (OSB), made of a plastic or a wood-plastic -Compound (WPC) from a wood material and a plastic, wherein the wood material can be added in lumpy or fibrous form in a plastic matrix.

A decorative layer and a protective layer can be provided on the carrier plate. The protective layer is intended to protect the decoration from abrasion. The decor is printed either on resin-soaked paper or directly on the carrier board, primed if necessary. To protect the decoration, at least one resin layer can also be provided above it, which can include fiber materials (overlay) and/or hard solid particles such as corundum, if required. In order to prevent the corresponding panels from sagging, a counter coat of lacquer or resin can be applied to the underside or a counteracting layer made of a resin-impregnated kraft paper.

Furthermore, a third and a fourth side edge can also be present, which are also provided corresponding to one another and opposite one another. If necessary, the third side edge and the fourth side edge can be connected to one another by mutual angling. The angling down of one side edge relative to the other side edge can produce a movement essentially from top to bottom in relation to an adjacent first and an adjacent second side edge, which are simultaneously connected to one another by a corresponding movement.

A foreign element is an element of the first side edge that is not machined out of the material of the carrier plate and/or is not integrally connected to the carrier plate. Foreign elements are preferably made of different materials than the support plate of the panels. In this way, the properties of the connection between the first side edge and the second side edge can be adjusted better.

In order to connect the foreign element to the first side edge in a captive manner, the latter has a groove in which the foreign element is accommodated in sections, preferably in a form-fitting manner. The foreign element can be pushed, inserted, wedged, glued or otherwise fastened into the groove. It is useful, for example, if the part of the foreign element accommodated in the groove has ribs that are slightly inclined in the direction of the groove opening and in this orientation are employed against the groove flanks. Then these ribs would first have to be bent over in order to pull the foreign element out of the groove. Here, for example, a so-called pine cone profile comes into question. As a result, the foreign element can be held in the groove with a friction fit and/or with a form fit.

The groove can be made relatively wide if, for example, it is not provided on a locking element of the first side edge, since no additional forces have to be absorbed here by the first side edge, for example. In addition, the groove can be provided at a sufficient distance from the distal end of the first side edge, so that the foreign element can be arranged completely below a section of the side edge. Then the foreign element is well protected against the entry of chips or other contaminants from above.

The groove or the part of the first side edge adjoining the groove also has a stop surface for the foreign element, in particular for the part of the foreign element received in the groove. The stop surface is designed in such a way that the foreign element or the part of the foreign element received in the groove abuts against the stop surface when the foreign element or the part of the foreign element received in the groove is pulled out of the groove, specifically before the part received in the groove Part of the foreign element has left the groove. The stop surface is therefore preferably inclined relative to the pull-out direction of the part of the foreign element received in the groove. The more the abutment surface is inclined relative to this pull-out direction and/or the larger the abutment surface is, the larger it is Forces can be transferred from the foreign element to the stop surface in the pull-out direction. The foreign element is secured against unintentional pulling out of the groove by the stop on the stop surface. In particular, the stop surface can ensure that the part of the foreign element received in the groove is held in the groove with a positive fit. It makes sense here if the stop surface is formed by a step, a shoulder and/or a projection along at least one groove flank of the groove that partially accommodates the foreign element.

Additionally or alternatively, the stop surface can also serve to position the foreign element in the groove. This happens, for example, in that a pull-out force is exerted on the foreign element, which ensures that the foreign element rests against the stop surface. The corresponding pull-out force can, for example, be exerted on the foreign element without any further intervention in the connected state of the side edges. Alternatively or additionally, the part of the foreign element accommodated in the groove can have been inserted into the groove under prestress. This pretension can exert a restoring force in the pull-out direction of the part of the foreign element received in the groove. The restoring force can ensure, for example, that the foreign element is positioned as predetermined relative to the first side edge in the connected state, preferably by the part of the foreign element received in the groove resting against the stop surface.

The prestress can be generated by compressing or bending the foreign element, for example because the groove is a little too small or not sufficiently formed is in order to be able to accommodate the part of the foreign element accommodated in the groove without prestressing. The prestress forms a force which tries to move the part of the foreign element accommodated in the groove at least partially in the pull-out direction out of the groove and thus keeps the foreign element in contact with the stop surface. In the manner described, self-locking and/or self-positioning of the foreign element can be achieved, for example. Here, too, it makes sense if the stop surface is formed by a step and/or projection along at least one groove flank of the groove that partially accommodates the foreign element.

Prestressing for a better connection of the side edges and/or more precise positioning of the foreign element in the groove of the first side edge, with the foreign element preferably lying against the stop surface of the first side edge, can alternatively or additionally be achieved by, in the connected state, the attached to the in part of the external element adjacent to the groove, which can but does not have to be the locking section, is pivoted relative to the part of the external element provided in the groove to generate a restoring force, preferably about a pivot axis that extends longitudinally extends to the first side edge and thus longitudinally to the foreign element. The part of the foreign element that is adjacent to the part of the foreign element received in the groove is preferably pivoted in the direction of the second side edge. If the part of the foreign element adjacent to the part of the foreign element received in the groove points downwards, the part of the foreign element pointing downwards can be pivoted upwards and/or forwards and vice versa. The resulting restoring force attempts to be about that in the groove pull out recorded part of the foreign element in the pull-out direction from the groove, but this is prevented, for example, by the stop surface of the first side edge. The stop surface can thus contribute to positioning the foreign element relative to the first side edge, if required. However, it is not absolutely necessary for the foreign element to rest against the additional contact surface.

If necessary, the angle α between the part of the foreign element provided in the groove and the part adjoining the part of the foreign element provided in the groove, which can also be the locking section of the foreign element, can be smaller in the unconnected state than in the connected state . This is achieved, for example, in that the part of the foreign element adjoining the part of the foreign element provided in the groove abuts against the first side edge when it is inserted into the groove and is consequently pivoted. For example, when the part of the foreign member adjacent to the part of the foreign member received in the groove protrudes downward from the groove, the foreign member may abut the lower lip of the groove, preferably the distal end face of the lower lip of the groove. If a stop surface is now also provided, for example, on the upper flank of the groove, the part of the foreign element accommodated in the groove may tend to be pulled out of the groove and pressed against the stop surface. The foreign element will thus assume a defined position, for example. Alternatively or additionally, the foreign element can also be wedged and/or clamped in the groove in such a way that the foreign element is better held in the groove.

In a preferred embodiment of the panel, the angle α between the part of the foreign element provided in the groove and the part of the foreign element adjoining the part of the foreign element provided in the groove is smaller in the connected state than the angle β between the lower flank of the groove and the distal end, particularly the end face, of the bottom lip of the groove. With a corresponding configuration of the first side edge, a free space is provided between the foreign element and the lower lip of the groove in the connected state, into which the locking section can escape when connecting the first and second side edges. The locking section or another part of the foreign element can rest at least in sections on the lower lip of the groove in order to prevent the locking section from being able to disengage from the locking lug of the second side edge under load and/or to prevent the locking lug of the second side edge from reaching behind significantly less . In this context, too, the previously described design of the part of the foreign element that adjoins the part of the foreign element provided in the groove can apply in the same way to the locking section if it is adjacent to the part of the foreign element received in the groove. The contact of the foreign element on the lower lip of the groove can alternatively or additionally serve to set the prestressing of the foreign element and/or the wedging of the foreign element in the groove in a defined manner, since the foreign element achieves a defined deformation by contacting the lower lip .

The part of the foreign member adjacent to the part of the foreign member provided in the groove, which may or may not be the locking portion, may alternatively be pivoted down and / or to the first side edge, so that a restoring force is generated that presses the locking portion against the locking lug of the second side edge. The connection of the side edges is then tight and therefore stable. In this way it can be ensured, for example, that a defined connection state is achieved and accidental separation of the side edges is avoided.

It is particularly easy to manufacture when the groove has a rectangular cross section. The longitudinal extension of the groove from the opening of the groove in the direction of the bottom of the groove can enclose an angle with the upper side of the panel. This angle is preferably between 10° and 90°, preferably between 15° and 65°. The larger the angle, the easier it is to separate the panels in the pull-out direction by allowing the foreign element to slide out of the groove. On the other hand, smaller angles can lead to a more permanent and stable connection of the first and second side edges.

Compared to the part of the external element received in the groove, the locking section of the external element preferably protrudes in an outward direction, ie in the direction of an adjoining panel, but without having to protrude outward in relation to the carrier plate or the top side of the panel. In this way, the function of the locking section, namely the locking of an adjacent side edge, can be optimally used. It can be provided, for example, that the locking section of the foreign element protrudes in the distal direction parallel to the panel in relation to the part of the foreign element provided in the groove.

In order to stabilize the floor covering and in particular also the connection between the first and the second side edge, the locking section is supported on the ground when the first side edge is connected to the second side edge. This is achieved, for example, in that the locking section extends down to the level of the underside of the panel.

The extraneous element can also be provided in such a way that the extraneous element is supported on the second side edge in the connected state of the first side edge with the second side edge. The foreign element is preferably supported on a surface of the second side edge that points predominantly in the direction of the distal end of the second side edge. In this way it can be achieved that the foreign element is positioned as desired in the connected state of the first and the second side edge. An additional locking surface between the foreign element and the second side edge is not required. It is also advisable if the foreign element is supported in an approximately straight extension of the groove on the second side edge. For example, the foreign element is pressed into the groove as far as desired from the second side edge.

The foreign element can also engage in a recess in the second side edge and, if necessary, be supported on a surface of the recess in the second side edge. This can be the case on a surface pointing predominantly in the direction of the distal end of the second side edge. A foreign element can, however, additionally or alternatively also come into contact with at least one predominantly upward and/or predominantly downward-facing contact surface of the recording come into contact. This at least one contact surface, on which the foreign element rests or can come into contact, can be used to achieve an additional locking of the foreign element with the second side edge compared to separating the first and second side edges from one another. In addition or as an alternative, however, the foreign element can also be positioned in such a way that the locking engagement behind the first locking surface and the second locking surface is supported. This can be achieved, for example, in that the foreign element is positioned and/or held in position even better or more stably by resting on the contact surface.

Alternatively or additionally, the locking section and the part of the foreign element accommodated in the groove can be connected directly or indirectly via a hinge element. The hinge element can be designed in such a way that the locking section is pivoted away from the adjoining panel about the hinge element when the first side edge is connected to the second side edge. As an alternative or in addition, the locking section can also be pivoted about the hinge element toward the adjacent panel or pivoted back into the starting position in order to latch the side edges together. The hinge element thus preferably forms a pivot axis parallel to the upper side of the panel.

The latching or locking of the locking section with the corresponding locking lug can, if necessary, make a clearly audible noise, for example in the form of a clicking generate to indicate to the installer that the side edges are intended to be joined together.

In order to improve the stability of the connection between the first and the second side edge, the hinge element can be arranged further away from the top side of the panel than is the locking lug of the foreign element.

Instead of providing a hinge element, however, the locking section can also be designed in such a way that it is displaced and/or compressed in the direction of the panel plane during connection. As a result, it is not necessary to pivot the locking section about the hinge element, which is why a corresponding hinge section can be dispensed with. It is particularly preferred in this connection if the locking section can be displaced and/or compressed by 2% to 25% of its extent in the direction of the panel plane during connection in precisely this horizontal direction. It is further preferred if the locking section can be displaced and/or compressed by 4% to 20% in the panel plane, for example by interacting with the second side edge. Particularly good properties of the connection were obtained if the locking section can be displaced and/or compressed by at least 6% and at most 15% of its extension in the direction of the panel plane. Then the side edges can be easily connected to each other without the risk of accidentally separating the side edges.

To adjust the elasticity of the locking section when connecting the first and second side edges and/or To set the resistance of the locking section against lifting of the first side edge from the second side edge, a hollow space extending longitudinally to the first side edge can be provided in the foreign element between the locking section and the part of the foreign element provided in the groove. The cavity is preferably closed perpendicularly to the first side edge and is preferably encompassed by the foreign element for this purpose. It is particularly preferred in this connection if the hollow space can on the one hand be pressed together and/or compressed when connecting the first side edge to the second side edge and/or on the other hand can subsequently enlarge and/or expand again. Squeezing the cavity then facilitates bonding, for example, while subsequently enlarging the cavity can aid in locking the side edges in the vertical direction.

The foreign element is made of a plastic material to provide suitable properties, in particular to provide suitable elasticity. It is particularly simple if the foreign element is made from an extruded material and/or is itself extruded. The extraneous element can then be separated from an endless profile for mounting on the panel. The foreign element can be coextruded for better adjustment of the properties and/or for varying the properties of the part received in the groove and the locking section independently of one another. Particularly in the case of coextrusion, the foreign element can be produced from different plastics.

In order to be able to form the second side edge in a compact manner so that unnecessary waste is avoided, the second locking lug is provided at the distal end of the second side edge. In addition, the second locking lug can be provided on a locking element, which can contribute to the stabilization and longevity of the connection between the first and second side edges.

For example, the locking element can extend essentially in the direction of the top side of the panel. In addition, if necessary, the locking element can engage in a groove, at least in sections, in the connected state of the first side edge with the second side edge, which can be open in the direction of the underside of the panel. If the locking portion protrudes below the opening of such a groove, the connection can be stable and the side edges can be made compact.

Alternatively or additionally, the first side edge can have a feather key extending essentially in the direction of the underside of the panel, it being possible for the second side edge to have a fitting groove corresponding to the feather key, if required. For example, when the first side edge is connected to the second side edge, the feather key can engage in the fitting groove and thus also contribute to locking the first side edge to the second side edge, even if this locking is preferably parallel to the panels and perpendicular to the connected side edges .

In order to lock the side edges, the feather key and the fitting groove can have corresponding contact surfaces in the connected state of the first side edge with the second side edge exhibit. The contact surfaces can be designed to lock the first side edge and the second side edge in a direction parallel to the panel.

Provision can also be made for the feather key and the fitting groove to each have two corresponding pairs of contact surfaces when the first side edge is connected to the second side edge, and for these pairs of contact surfaces to move the first side edge and the second side edge in two opposite directions parallel to the panel and, if necessary, perpendicular to it lock the joined side edges.

Alternatively or additionally, the distal end of the feather key can rest on the base of the fitting groove for mutual support of the side edges in the connected state of the first side edge and the second side edge.

The side edges can be particularly compact and the connection can be implemented in a particularly closed manner if a contact surface pair of feather key and fitting groove is arranged in the connected state of the first side edge with the second side edge in the horizontal direction of the panel at the height of the outer edges of the visible side of the top side of the panel.

Fig. 1 bis 4

miteinander verbundene erste und zweite Seitenkanten unterschiedlicher Ausführungsbeispiele nicht erfindungsgemäßer Paneele in einer Seitenansicht und

Fig. 5 bis 10

miteinander verbundene erste und zweite Seitenkanten unterschiedlicher Ausführungsbeispiele erfindungsgemäßer Paneele in einer Seitenansicht.

The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to a drawing that merely shows exemplary embodiments. In the drawing show the

Figures 1 to 4

interconnected first and second side edges of different Embodiments not according to the invention panels in a side view and

Figures 5 to 10

Interconnected first and second side edges of different exemplary embodiments of panels according to the invention in a side view.

The in the Figures 1 to 10 The panels 1 shown are laminate panels with a decorative upper layer 2 and a base layer 3 balancing the tensions in the panel 1, which are provided on both sides of a carrier plate 4 in the form of a fiber board made of a wood material. The two panels 1 are connected to each other with a first side edge 5 shown on the right side and a second side edge 6 provided on each panel opposite the first side edge 5 and shown on the left side. Due to the corresponding connection, the side edges 5, 6 shown are locked to one another in a direction parallel to the panels 1 and perpendicular to the side edges 5, 6 on the one hand and in a direction approximately perpendicular to the panels 1 on the other hand.

The tops of the interconnected panels 1 are aligned with each other. Adjacent to the upper sides, the panels 1 have corresponding stop surfaces 7 on the first side edge 5 and on the second side edge 6 and in the connected state rest against one another. Bevels 8 can be provided above the stop surfaces 7 to form a so-called V-joint in the connected state. The corresponding abutment surface 7 of the first side edge 5 is followed by a feather key 9 which extends roughly from top to bottom. In this case, a flank of the feather key 9 can form the abutment surface 7 described above.

In the illustrated and preferred panel 1, the flank of the feather key 9 facing away from the distal end of the first side edge 5 is bordered by a groove 10, which also forms a common flank with the feather key 9 and extends essentially from bottom to top.

On the side of the groove 10 facing away from the distal end of the first side edge 5, there is a groove 11, in which a part of an external element 12 engages. The part 13 of the external element 12 that engages in the groove is permanently held in the groove 11 in a force-fitting, frictional and/or material-locking manner, which preferably forms an essentially rectangular cross-section.

The foreign element 12 carries a first locking lug 14 which engages with the second locking lug 15 of the second side edge 6 connected to the first side edge 5 . The first and second locking lugs 14,15 have first and second locking surfaces 16,17 which, in the connected state, reach behind in the direction of the panels 1 and perpendicularly to the side edges 5,6 in order to lift the first side edge 5 from the second side edge 6 to prevent. For this purpose, the first locking surface 16 points predominantly downwards, while the second locking surface 17 is inclined at approximately the same angle in relation to the upper side of the panel 1 and points upwards.

The second locking lug 15 is provided on a locking member 18 which is itself located at a distal end of the second side edge 6 and extends substantially from bottom to top. The upper end of the locking element 18 is inserted in the corresponding groove 10 provided on the first side edge 5.

Adjacent to the locking element 18, namely on the side facing away from the distal end of the second side edge 6, a fitting groove 19 is provided, which forms a common flank with the locking element 18. The stop surface 7 adjoining the upper edge of the panel 1 is provided on the side of the fitting groove 19 facing away from the distal end of the second side edge 6 .

The common flanks of the feather key 9 and the adjacent groove 10 on the one hand and of the locking element 18 and the fitting groove 19 on the other hand each form a contact surface 20,21. The contact surfaces 20 , 21 are aligned to correspond to one another and are in contact with one another when the first side edge 5 is connected to the second side edge 6 . The first and second side edges 5.6 are locked to one another in opposite directions parallel to the panels 1 and perpendicular to the side edges 5.6 by the abutting stop surfaces 7 adjacent to the panel tops and the contact surfaces 20,21 also abutting one another.

Even if the first side edges 5 are always very similar and the second side edges 6 are essentially the same in the illustrated and preferred panels 1, the representation of the preferred panels 1 not be expressed that the same, previously described elements of the first side edge 5 and / or the second side edge 6 must actually always be present. The reproduction of very similar panels 1 is only intended to improve comparability in the Figures 1 to 10 illustrated, preferred configurations of the panels 1, in particular with regard to the shape of the groove 11 for receiving the foreign element 12 and the formation of the foreign element 12, are used.

Thus, for example, the locking element 18, the fitting groove 19 and/or the contact surface 20, 21 could be dispensed with. Alternatively, however, the arrangement of these elements with one another could also be modified. The same applies accordingly to the feather key 9 and/or the locking groove 10. The locking lug 15 is provided on a distal end of the second side edge 6. FIG. It is only preferred that the second side edge 6 is set back under the locking lug 15, ie does not protrude below the locking lug 15 and/or does not reach under the locking lug 15. Ultimately, individual elements of the described first side edge 5 and the second side edge 6 can also be singled out or otherwise combined with one another, as long as this does not lead to solutions that are clearly technically nonsensical to a person skilled in the art.

A locking of the first side edge 5 with the second side edge 6, in particular against a lifting of the first side edge 5 from the second side edge 6, i.e. in a direction essentially or at least approximately perpendicular to the panels 1 connected to one another, is achieved by mutually reaching behind the first and the second Locking lug 14.15 reached. For this purpose, the first side edge 5 is pushed onto the second side edge 6 from above. The second locking lug 15 abuts against the first locking lug 14 which is positioned on a locking section 22 . The second locking lug 15 presses the locking section 22 in a direction away from the distal end of the first side edge 5, wherein the locking section can be pivoted away, for example, by a hinge element 23 provided between the part 13 of the foreign element 12 received in the groove 11 and the locking section 22. As a result, the second locking lug 15 can slide past the first locking lug 14 . Once this has happened, for example, the locking section 22 pivots back about the hinge element 23 in the direction of its original position and in this way latches audibly for the installer with the second locking lug 15. If the locking section 22 is not pivoted back about a hinge element 23, the locking section 22 becomes otherwise moved back toward the home position to engage with the second locking lug 15. Then the in the Figures 1 to 10 shown connected state of the first and the second side edge 5.6 achieved by the first and the second locking surface 16,17 of the two locking lugs 14,15 abut each other.

As an alternative to the procedure described above, with appropriate redesign in the Figures 1 to 10 illustrated second side edge, in addition to or instead of the second locking lug 15, an area of the second side edge 6 directly or indirectly adjoining the locking lug against the first Push the locking tab 14 and/or the locking portion 22 to move the locking portion 22 in a direction away from the distal end of the first side edge 5 when the first side edge 5 is connected to the second side edge 6.

To support the first and second side edges 5.6 against each other in the Figures 1 to 3 shown and insofar preferred panels 1, the feather key 9 designed to be supported in the connected state of the side edges 5.6 on the groove base of the fitting groove 19. In addition, the locking section 22 is supported with its lower, distal end on the subsurface of the floor covering.

The difference in the Figures 1 to 3 The panels 1 shown are based on the arrangement of the groove 11 for partially receiving and fixing the foreign element 12 and the formation of the foreign element 12 itself. The groove 11 basically has a longitudinal extension from its opening to the bottom of the groove. This longitudinal extension of the groove forms an angle γ in its extension with the top of the panel 1 or floor, which is at the in the 1 panel shown is 45°. The same angle γ is in the in the 2 panel shown is 30°, while the angle γ in the case of that in FIG 3 panel shown is 15°. The flatter the groove 11 is aligned, the stronger the part 13 of the foreign element 12 provided in the groove 11 is wedged in the groove 11 when the first side edge 5 is loaded upwards in the pull-out direction. In addition, the risk or possibility of the foreign element 12 being pulled out of the groove 11 is all the lower. Due to the inclination of the groove 11 and the connection between the part 13 of the Foreign element 12 on the one hand and groove 11 on the other hand can be set as required so that panels 1 connected to one another can be separated by lifting the first side edge 5 relative to the second side edge 6, with foreign element 12 being at least partially pulled out of groove 11. At the same time, the connection between the foreign element 12 and the groove 11 should be so stable that accidental separation of panels 1 that have been laid together is prevented.

That in the 4 illustrated and preferred panel 1 'is very similar to that in the Figures 1 to 3 panels 1 shown formed. However, a foreign element 12' is provided with an upstanding locking portion 22'. The locking portion 22' is fixed to a hinge member 23' located near the underside of the foreign member 12', which faces toward the ground. On the side of the hinge element 23' facing away from the locking section 22', the foreign element 12' is pushed into a groove 11 in the same way as already explained in connection with FIGS Figures 1 to 3 has been described.

In the direction of the bottom, the locking section 22′ is supported on a tongue 24 of the first side edge 5′, which is arranged below the external element 12 and which tapers in a wedge shape towards the distal end in the panel 1 shown, which is preferred in this respect. Due to the corresponding tongue 24, high pull-out forces in the vertical direction can be absorbed by the connection of the first side edge 5' to the second side edge 6.

To connect the first side edge 5' to the second side edge 6, the first side edge 5' is pushed onto the second side edge 6. First, the locking section 22' is pivoted by the locking lug 15 of the second side edge 6 about the hinge element 23' in the direction of the groove 11, the hinge element adjoining the tongue 24 in the panel shown and in this respect preferred. When the locking lug 14 of the locking section 22' has passed the locking lug 15 of the second side edge 6, the elastic restoring force of the hinge element 23' causes it to pivot outwards in the direction of its initial position and away from the groove 11. The locking lug 14 then engages underneath on the locking section 22 'The locking lug 15 on the locking element 18. The locking section preferably rests on the tongue 24 of the first side edge 5' provided underneath it. If necessary, however, a distance between the locking section 22' and the tongue 24 that is not too large can also be tolerated if the connection of the first side edge 5' to the second side edge 6 then does not become too unstable.

In the figure 5 a panel 1" is shown with a modified first side edge 5" and a modified external element 12". The rear end of the external element 12" sits in a groove 11 of the first side edge 5", which runs essentially horizontally, but is also fundamentally more inclined The groove 11 has a step 25 at its outer end. This step 25 defines a stop surface 26 pointing into the groove for the foreign element 12". The foreign element 12" rests against this stop surface 26 or comes into contact with it Stop surface 26 when the part of the foreign element 12" received in the groove 11" would be displaced in the extraction direction from the groove 11. The paragraph 25 and the stop surface 26 defined by it are in the case of the figure 5 The panel 1" shown is not so large that the external element 12" could be reliably prevented from being pulled out of the groove 11 as a result of a positive fit, although this would be possible. Then the introduction of the foreign element 12" into the groove 11 would also be very complex. However, the stop surface 26 of the shoulder 25 ensures that the contact of the foreign element 12" on the stop surface 26 prevents the further withdrawal of the foreign element 12" from the groove 11 offers a further resistance, which can be large enough to prevent the foreign element 12'' from being unintentionally pulled out of the groove 11.

Alternatively or additionally, the stop surface 26 can be used to permanently position the foreign element 12" in a predefined position. This applies all the more if a force is exerted on the foreign element 12" in the connected state and/or during the connection, which forces the foreign element 12 "Presses against the stop surface 26. This force can be transmitted to the foreign element 12" by the formation of the second side edge 6".

This force can also be a restoring force that is provided by the foreign element 12" itself, because the foreign element 12" is at least partially compressed or deformed, for example in the groove 11, as is shown in FIG 6 is shown. In this case, the foreign element 12" is, for example, at least in sections somewhat thicker than the groove 11 is high at the corresponding points, so that the foreign element 12" generates a restoring force which pushes the foreign element 12" in the direction out of the groove 11 and against the stop surface 26.

At the in the 6 In the panel 1" shown, the foreign element 12" has not been pushed all the way into the groove 11 up to the bottom of the groove. The foreign element 12 "can therefore be pressed further into the groove 11, for example when connecting the first side edge 5" to the second side edge 6, which would make it easier to connect the first side edge 5" to the second side edge 6. Due to the restoring force as a result of the Further insertion of the foreign element 12" into the groove 11, which entails deformation of the foreign element 12", the part 13 of the foreign element 12" received in the groove 11 is at least partially moved again in the opposite direction (extraction direction) until the foreign element 12" strikes the stop surface 26 of shoulder 25 butts against the upper flank of groove 11 and causes self-positioning of foreign element 12".

At the in the 6 In the panel 1" shown, the part 13 of the external element 12" received in the groove 11 is followed by a downward-pointing part 36 of the external element 12", which in the illustrated external element 12" merges into the hinge element 23". Part 13 of the foreign element 12" adjoining part 36 of the foreign element 12" that is accommodated in the groove 11 can be pivoted forwards in the direction of the second side edge 6 about a pivot axis running along the first side edge 5". The foreign element 12" can namely be pushed so far into the groove 11 that the corresponding part 36 of the foreign element 12" abuts against the distal end of the lower lip 28 of the groove 11 and is pivoted accordingly relative to the part 13 of the external element 12" pushed further into the groove. The angle α between the part 13 of the external element 12" received in the groove 11 and the adjoining part 36 of the external element 12" is consequently smaller in the unconnected state than in the connected state. The pivoting of the foreign element 12" generates a restoring force which attempts to pull the part 13 of the foreign element 12" received in the groove 11 out of the groove 11. The restoring force can be used in addition or as an alternative to the restoring force described above as a result of the further insertion of the part 13 of the foreign element 12" received in the groove 11". However, the foreign element 12" is not pulled out of the groove 11, but only comes into contact with the stop surface 26, which is formed by a shoulder 25 in the form of a step in the upper groove flank of the groove 11. In addition, the angle β between the lower flank 35 of the groove 11 and the end surface 27 of the lower lip 28 of the groove 11 is greater than the angle α between the part 13 of the foreign element 12" received in the groove 11 and the adjoining part 36 of the foreign element 12". The part 13 of the foreign element 12" received has the same orientation as the lower flank 35 of the groove 11. This results in a free space 34 between the end surface 27 of the lower lip 28 of the groove 11 and the adjoining part 36 of the foreign element 12". In addition, there is a defined position of the external element 12", which ensures that the first side edge 5" and the second side edge 6 are locked. Excessive deflection of the locking element 12" in the event of an increased load on the connection, this can be avoided.

The two in the Figures 5 and 6 External elements 12" shown have in common that the part 13 of the external element 12" received in the groove 11 and the locking section 22" forming the opposite end are connected to one another via a hinge element 23". With this hinge element 23" the locking section 22" and ultimately the foreign element 12" itself is supported on the substructure on which the panels 1" are laid.

In order to stabilize the connection between the first side edge 5" and the second side edge 6, the area of the hinge element 23" opposite the locking section 22" adjoins a steep end surface 27 of the lower lip 28 of the groove 11. The end surface 27 closes at the in figure 5 illustrated and preferred panel 1 "an angle of greater than 60 ° with the horizontal. When in 6 In the panel 1" illustrated and preferred in this respect, the angle is somewhat flatter and is at least 50°. This means that the external element 12" can deviate somewhat further into the groove 11 when it is connected to the second side edge 6. The foreign element 12" can then push itself further out of the groove 11 if necessary.

In the 7 a panel 1" is shown, which essentially corresponds to that in FIG figure 5 shown panel is 1". One difference is that the first side edge is 5" of the one in the 7 illustrated panel 1 ", the groove 11 is arranged somewhat higher than in the case of figure 5 panel shown. Due to this high similarity of the panels 1" are used in the figure 5 and 7 the same reference numbers are used. With the foreign element 12" the 7 an extension 29 is also provided, by means of which the external element 12" is supported on the second side edge 6 in the connected state of the first side edge 5" and the second side edge 6. In the panel 1" that is shown and is preferred in this respect, the foreign element 12" is supported on a surface 30 that predominantly points in the direction of the distal end of the second side edge 6. In addition, this surface 30 is provided on the locking element 18 in the panel 1" shown and in this respect preferred. Furthermore, in this case the extension 29 is an essentially rectilinear extension of the part 13 of the foreign element 12" received in the groove 11. The extension 29 is therefore supported more stably in relation to the groove base in the connected state of the first and second side edges 5'', 6. However, other configurations of the extension 29 or external element 12" would in principle be conceivable. In any case, the additional contact of the external element 12" via the extension 29 on the second side edge 6 ensures more reliable positioning of the external element 12" in the connected position of the first and second side edges 5",6.

The one in the 8 The panels 1" shown essentially correspond to those in FIG 6 illustrated panels 1", so that the same reference numerals are used. In these panels 1", too, the external element 12" has an extension 29, which essentially forms a straight-line extension of the part 13 of the external element 12" received in the groove 11. In addition, the part 13 of the foreign element 12" accommodated in the groove can be pressed a little further into the groove 11 when connecting the two side edges 5",6 than is the case in FIG 8 is shown. When connecting the two side edges 5'', 6, this causes pressure The locking element 18 of the second side edge 6 pushes the locking section 22" and the extension 29 inwards. A restoring force is thereby generated, which allows the foreign element 12" to come out of the groove 11 a little when the two side edges 5'', 6 are connected to one another. If necessary, the external element 12" then rests against the stop surface 26 of the shoulder 25 in the upper groove flank of the groove 11. At the same time, the extension 29 of the external element 12" can engage in a recess 31 of the second side edge 6, for example in the locking element 18. There the extension 29 in the illustrated and in this respect preferred panel 1" rests against a predominantly upward-pointing contact surface 32. As a result, the foreign element 12" is pressed against the upper groove flank of the groove 11 and is positioned and held there, for example, on the stop 26 of the shoulder 25. As a result, the locking of the two side edges 5'', 6 with one another can ultimately be improved.

At the in the 8 In the panel 1" shown, a prestressing of the foreign element 12" can alternatively or additionally be achieved by adjoining the part 13 of the foreign element 12" received in the groove 11" by a downward-pointing part 36 of the foreign element 12", which in the illustrated foreign element 12 "transitions into the hinge element 23". The part 36 of the external element 12" adjoining the part 13 of the external element 12" received in the groove 11 can be pivoted forwards about a pivot axis running longitudinally to the first side edge 5" in the direction of the second side edge 6 be. The foreign element 12" can namely be pushed so far into the groove 11 that the corresponding part 36 of the foreign element 12" abuts against the distal end of the lower lip 28 of the groove 11 and is pivoted accordingly.

The angle α between the part 13 of the external element 12" received in the groove 11 and the adjoining part 36 of the external element 12" is consequently smaller in the unconnected state than in the connected state. The pivoting of the foreign element 12" generates a restoring force which attempts to pull the part 13 of the foreign element 12" received in the groove 11 out of the groove 11. The restoring force can be provided in addition or as an alternative to the restoring force described above as a result of the further insertion of the part 13 of the foreign element 12" received in the groove 11. However, the foreign element 12" is not pulled out of the groove 11, but only comes into contact with the Stop surface 26, which is formed by a shoulder 25 in the form of a step in the upper flank of the groove 11. In addition, the angle β between the lower flank 35 of the groove 11 and the end surface 27 of the lower lip 28 of the groove 11 is greater than the angle α between the part 13 of the foreign element 12" received in the groove 11 and the part 36 of the adjoining part 36 of the Foreign element 12". The part 13 of the foreign element 12" received in the groove has the same orientation as the lower flank 35 of the groove 11. This results in a free space 34 between the end surface 27 of the lower lip 28 of the groove 11 and the adjacent part 36 of the Foreign element 12". In addition, there is a defined position of the foreign element 12", which ensures that the first side edge 5" and the second side edge 6 are locked. Excessive deflection of the locking element 12'' when the connection is subject to increased stress can thus be avoided.

In the 9 is a different embodiment of a foreign element 12‴shown, in a specific Formation of the first side edge 5 ", essentially the formation of the first side edge 5 "according to 6 is equivalent to. In principle, this type of extraneous element 12''' could also be provided in other configurations of the first side edge 5, 5', 5'' that have been described above. The extraneous element according to FIG 9 has no hinge element about which the locking section 22 ‴ can be pivoted in order to connect the two side edges 5 ″, 6 to one another. In order nevertheless to be able to provide the required flexibility and/or elasticity of the foreign element 12‴ for locking the two side edges 5″, 6, the foreign element 12‴ has a cavity 33 which extends longitudinally to the first side edge 5″ and perpendicular to the Longitudinal extension of the first side edge 5 "is encompassed by the foreign element 12 ‴.

If the two side edges 5'', 6 are connected to one another, the locking element 18 of the second side edge 6 can press the foreign element 12‴ together so that the front part of the foreign element 12‴ designed as a locking section 22‴ is pressed against the cavity 33. As a result, the cavity of the foreign element 12‴ is pressed together and/or compressed, so that the foreign element 12‴ can pass the locking element 18 . The cavity will then assume its original shape in whole or in part and in the process press the locking section 22‴ under the second locking lug 15 of the second side edge 6, so that the corresponding locking lugs 14,15 engage behind. Ultimately, the required elasticity and/or flexibility of the external element 12‴ can, if required, also be provided by an in the foreign element 12‴ integrated cavity 33 between the actual locking portion 22‴ and the part 13 of the foreign element 12‴ received in the groove 11‴ can be provided.

At the in the 9 In the panel 1" shown, there is a clearance 34 between the locking section 22‴ and the distal end or the outer end surface 27 of the lower lip 28 of the groove 11. The clearance 34 results from the fact that the angle α between the part 13 received in the groove of the foreign element 12" and the locking section 22‴ is selected to be smaller than the angle β between the lower flank 35 of the groove 11 and the distal end of the lower lip 28 of the groove 11. In the panel 1" shown and preferred in this respect, the orientation of the The part 13 of the foreign element 12" received in the groove 11 corresponds to the orientation of the lower flank 35 of the groove 11. When the foreign element 12" is inserted into the groove 11, the part of the foreign element 12" protruding from the groove 11", in this case the locking section 22‴, is slightly a pivot axis along the first side edge 1" forwards, towards the second side edge 6. The foreign element 12" is namely so far into the groove 11 is pushed in until the locking portion 22‴ abuts against the end surface 27 at the distal end of the lower lip 28 of the groove 11 and a little further. Therefore, the angle α between the part 13 of the external element 12" received in the groove and the locking section 22‴ is smaller in the unconnected state than in the connected state maintained because the foreign element 12" at the lower lip 28 of the groove 11 and the abutment surface 26 of the paragraph 25 on the upper edge of the groove 11 rests. In the 10 is an alternative embodiment of the panel 1 "according to 9 shown, which has a similar foreign element 12 ‴ as the panel 1 "according to 9 . The first side edge 5 ‴, however, in contrast to the first side edge 5 "according to 9 on the upper flank of the groove 11 no shoulder, which has a stop surface pointing into the groove, on which the foreign element 12 ‴ can come into contact. The foreign element 12 ‴ is preferably held in the groove 11 by friction or as a result of an adhesive. A positive fit is not used in the panel shown, which is preferred in this respect, although this would also be possible.

This in 10 illustrated and preferred foreign element 12‴ corresponds in its general form to that in FIG 9 shown foreign element 12 ‴. One difference, however, is that the 10 shown foreign element 12 ‴ can provide the required flexibility and / or elasticity for locking the two side edges 5 ‴, 6 without a cavity. This is achieved by a suitable choice of material and/or by the fact that the part of the foreign element 12 ‴ not accommodated in the groove 11 is of relatively large volume. The corresponding part of the foreign element 12‴ has quite large dimensions both in the vertical and in the horizontal direction. A very low length-specific elasticity and/or flexibility of the foreign element 12‴ is therefore already sufficient to ensure that the foreign element 12‴ is sufficiently compressed and/or deflected when the two side edges 5‴, 6 are connected. so that the side edges 5 ‴, 6 can be connected. Since the elasticity and/or flexibility is provided by the material and the shape of the locking section 22‴, the locking section 22‴ can also be connected directly to the part 13 of the foreign element 12‴ received in the groove without a hinge element.

Due to the fact that the elasticity of a larger area of the foreign element 12‴ and not, for example, the elasticity of a hinge element 23", a malfunction can be avoided and it can be ensured that the foreign element 12‴ after the connection of the two side edges 5‴, 6 with its locking lug 14 securely grips the locking lug 15 of the second side edge 6 in order to prevent unintentional separation of the two side edges 5‴, 6. This is also supported by the fact that the foreign element 12‴ is between the two side edges 5‴, 6 on the floor is supported, which can support the vertical positioning and locking of the foreign element 12 ‴, especially when on the panel 1 ‴ of the second side edge 6 weighs a weight.

The in the Figures 9 and 10 The locking sections 22‴ shown are designed to be elastic and/or flexible in such a way that the locking section 22‴ is pushed and/or compressed in the direction of the panel plane when the first side edge 5" and the second side edge 6 are connected. Therefore, the foreign element 12" also comes in without hinge element. So that the locking section 22‴ makes enough space for the locking element 18 when connecting to allow the locking element 18 to pass, the locking section 22‴ can be horizontal Direction, which is present parallel to the plane of the panel, by about 6% to 15% of its original extent in this direction and / or compressed.

Claims (22)

1. Laminate flooring panel (1", 1‴) having a carrier plate made of a wood material, plastic or wood-plastic compound (WPC), having a first side edge (5", 5‴) and having a second side edge (6), wherein the first side edge (5", 5‴) and the second side edge (6) are arranged opposite one another and are designed corresponding to one another such that the first side edge (5", 5‴) can be connected to the second side edge (6) of an identical panel (1", 1‴) by a roughly vertical movement and the first side edge (5", 5‴) can be pushed from above onto the second side edge (6), wherein the first side edge (5", 5‴) has a first locking lug (14) with a first locking surface (16) pointing predominantly upwards, wherein the first locking lug (14) is provided on a locking section (22", 22‴), wherein the second side edge (6) has a second locking lug (15) with a second locking surface (17) pointing predominantly downwards, wherein the first and the second locking surface (16, 17), in the connected state, engage behind one another in a direction parallel to the panels (1", 1‴), wherein the first locking surface (16), in the connected state, engages under the second locking surface (17), wherein the locking section (22", 2‴) is formed by a foreign element (12", 12‴) and the foreign element (12", 12‴) is held in a groove (11) of the first side edge (5", 5‴), characterised in that the upper region of the groove (11) or the part of the first side edge (5", 5‴) adjoining the upper region of the groove (11) forms a stop surface (26) for the foreign element (12", 12‴) in such manner that the foreign element (12", 12‴) impacts against the stop surface (26) when removed from the groove (11) and before exiting the groove (11) in order to secure the foreign element (12", 12‴) from being removed from the groove (11) unintentionally and/or to position it in the groove (11) in that the locking section (22", 22‴), in the connected state of the first side edge (5", 5‴) with the second side edge (6), is suited for being supported on the substrate or is supported on a tongue (24) of the first side edge (5", 5‴) and in that the second locking lug (15) is provided on the distal end of the second side edge (6).
2. Laminate flooring panel according to claim 1, characterised in that the foreign element (12", 12‴) is held in a positive-locking manner in a groove (11) of the first side edge (5", 5‴).
3. Laminate flooring panel according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that, in the connected state, the locking section (22") and/or the part (36) of the foreign element (12") adjoining the part (13) of the foreign element (12") provided in the groove (11) is pivoted with respect to the part (13) of the foreign element (12") provided in the groove (11) to generate a restoring force in the direction of the second side edge (6).
4. Laminate flooring panel according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that the angle (α) between the part (13) of the foreign element (12") provided in the groove (11), on the one hand, and the locking section (22") and/or the part (36) of the foreign element (12") adjoining the part (13) of the foreign element (12") provided in the groove (11), on the other hand, is smaller in the unconnected state than in the connected state.
5. Laminate flooring panel according to claim 4, characterised in that the angle (α) between the part (13) of the foreign element (12") provided in the groove (11), on the one hand, and the locking section (22") and/or the part (36) of the foreign element (12") adjoining the part (13) of the foreign element (12, 12', 12") provided in the groove (11), on the other hand, is smaller in the connected state than the angle (β) between the lower flank (35) of the groove (11) and the distal end, in particular the end surface (27), of the lower lip (28) of the groove (11).
6. Laminate flooring panel according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterised in that, in the connected state, the locking section (22") and/or the part (36) of the foreign element (12") adjoining the part (13) of the foreign element (12") provided in the groove (11) rests on the distal end, in particular the end surface (27), of the lower lip (28) of the groove (11) and, preferably, is pivoted as a result.
7. Laminate flooring panel according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterised in that the longitudinal extension of the groove (11) in the direction of the groove base forms, with the panel upper side, an angle γ of between 10° and 90°, preferably of between 15° and 65°, in particular of between 20° and 40°.
8. Laminate flooring panel according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterised in that the foreign element (12"), in the connected state of the first side edge (5") and the second side edge (6), is supported on a surface (30) of the second side edge (6) pointing largely in the direction of the distal end of the second side edge (6).
9. Laminate flooring panel according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterised in that the foreign element (12"), in the connected state of the first side edge (5") and the second side edge (6), extends into a recess (31) of the second side edge (6) and can come into contact there with at least one contact surface (32) of the recess (31) pointing upwards and/or largely downwards.
10. Laminate flooring panel according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterised in that the locking section (22") is connected by the part (13) of the foreign element (12") provided in the groove (11) via a hinge element (23, 23', 23") and, preferably, in that the locking section (22") can be pivoted about the hinge element (23") in the direction of the core region of the panel (1") and, preferably, back again, when the first side edge (5") is connected to the second side edge (6).
11. Laminate flooring panel according to claim 10, characterised in that the hinge element (23") is arranged further away from the panel upper side than the first locking lug (15).
12. Laminate flooring panel according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterised in that the locking section (22‴), when being connected, is moved and/or compressed in the direction of the panel plane and, preferably, in that the locking section (22‴), when being connected, is moved and/or compressed in the direction of the panel plane by 2% to 25%, more preferably by 4% to 20%, in particular by 6% to 15%, of the expansion of the locking section (22‴) in the panel plane.
13. Laminate flooring panel according to claim 12, characterised in that, between the locking section (22‴) and the part (13) of the foreign element (12‴) provided in the groove (11), a hollow space (33) extending longitudinally to the first side edge (5") is provided in the foreign element (12‴) and, preferably, in that the hollow space (33), when the first side edge (5") is connected to the second side edge (6), is compressed and, more preferably, can then be enlarged again.
14. Laminate flooring panel according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterised in that the foreign element (12", 12‴) is made from a plastic material, preferably from at least one extruded material, in particular is coextruded from a number of plastics.
15. Laminate flooring panel according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterised in that the second locking lug (15) is provided on a locking element (18).
16. Laminate flooring panel according to any one of claims 1 to 15, characterised in that the locking element (18) extends substantially in the direction of the panel upper side and in that the locking element (18), in the connected state of the first side edge (5", 5‴) and the second side edge (6), engages at least in sections into a groove (10) open in the direction of the panel underside.
17. Laminate flooring panel according to any one of claims 1 to 16, characterised in that the locking section (22", 22‴) protrudes up to under the groove (10) which is open at the bottom.
18. Laminate flooring panel according to any one of claims 1 to 17, characterised in that the first side edge (5") has a fitting tongue (9) extending substantially in the direction of the panel underside, in that the second side edge (6) has a corresponding fitting groove (19) and in that, in the connected state of the first side edge (5", 5‴) and the second side edge (6), the fitting tongue (9) engages into the fitting groove (19).
19. Laminate flooring panel according to any one of claims 1 to 18, characterised in that the fitting tongue (9) and the fitting groove (19), in the connected state of the first side edge (5", 5‴) and the second side edge (6), have corresponding contact surfaces (20, 21) and in that the contact surfaces (20, 21) lock the first side edge (5", 5‴) and the second side edge (6) in a direction parallel to the panel (1").
20. Laminate flooring panel according to any one of claims 1 to 19, characterised in that the fitting tongue (9) and the fitting groove (19), in the connected state of the first side edge (5", 5‴) and the second side edge (6), each have two corresponding contact surface pairs (20, 21) and stop surface pairs (7) and in that the contact surface pairs (20, 21) and the stop surface pairs (7) lock the first side edge (5", 5‴) and the second side edge (6) in two opposing directions parallel to the panel (1", 1‴).
21. Laminate flooring panel according to any one of claims 1 to 20, characterised in that, in the connected state of the first side edge (5", 5‴) and the second side edge (6), the distal end of the fitting tongue (9) rests on the groove base of the fitting groove (19).
22. Laminate flooring panel according to any one of claims 1 to 21, characterised in that the stop surface pair (7) of fitting tongue (9) and fitting groove (19), in the connected state of the first side edge (5", 5‴) and the second side edge (6), is arranged in the horizontal direction of the panel (1", 1‴) at the height of the outer edges of the visible side of the panel upper side.

Images