EP3981931B1 - Panel with hook-shaped locking system - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a panel according to the preamble of claim 1.

Such panels are made of DE 102011 086846 A Other similar panels are available in DE 102011 121348 A , WO 2012/001503 A , and WO 03/016654 A disclosed.

Such panels are used, for example, to make floor coverings; they are particularly suitable for floating floor coverings. The panels usually have decorative surfaces.

The proposed panel should be suitable for locking using the "fold-down method". For this method, a type of panel is used in which one of the holding profile pairs is provided with a modified tongue and groove profile, while the other holding profile pair is provided with the hook profiles according to the invention. For the fold-down method, a new panel is angled and preferably brought with its tongue profile edge to the groove profile edge of a lying panel or a row of panels. Then the new panel is swung down to the level of the installed panels, thereby locking the tongue profile with the groove profile. During the aforementioned downward swinging movement, a positive locking of the hook profiles is also created at the same time, because one of the hook profiles moves towards the other hook profile like a pair of scissors and hooks into it with a positive fit. This creates a locking effect.

The proposed hook profiles are also suitable for push-down locking. For push-down locking, all pairs of retaining profiles of a panel must be able to be connected by a vertical movement, i.e. for example by a lowering movement of a panel, namely in a direction perpendicular to the top of the panel (vertical). The fold-down method cannot then be used.

In practice it happens that a panel at the end of a row of panels cannot be locked because a wall is in the way and the panel is too long. In order to close the gap in the floor, it is common practice to cut through a panel, for example with a saw, to shorten it to the required length. A new row of panels can usually be started with the remaining piece of panel that has been cut off. Basically, the complementary holding profiles of a severed panel always fit into one another. In principle, complementary retaining profile edges of a severed panel can therefore be locked together.

The WO 01/02670 proposes various pairs of hook profiles. The hook profiles are intended to prevent the panels from being pulled apart horizontally, ie in the panel plane and perpendicular to the locked panel edges. However, when subjected to a load in the horizontal direction mentioned, the strength of the hook profiles is unsatisfactory.

Further panels with pairs of hook profiles are available from the WO 2010/ 143962 A1 known. The various exemplary embodiments of this prior art suffer from the fact that the hook profile pairs can burst when they are pulled apart in the panel plane and perpendicular to the locked panel edges. This happens in particular when the panels are made of artificial wood material, which consists of wood particles or fibers that are bound to a panel material with a binder.

Therefore, the applicant is looking for a panel with an improved pair of hook profiles.

For this purpose, the invention proposes a panel according to claim 1 comprising a panel top and a panel bottom as well as at least four panel edges, which lie opposite one another in pairs, with complementary holding profiles provided in pairs on the panel edges, which fit together in such a way that similar panels can be fastened to one another, whereby at least one of the pairs of holding profiles is provided with hook profiles, namely on one panel edge with a receiving hook and on the opposite panel edge with a locking hook, the receiving hook having a receiving edge directed towards the top of the panel and a receiving groove open to the top of the panel and the locking hook with a locking edge directed towards the underside of the panel and is provided with a locking groove open to the underside of the panel, the receiving edge having an inside that faces the receiving groove, and this inside serves as a lower locking surface, and to match the locking edge has an inside that faces the locking groove, and this inside as a corresponding one upper locking surface serves, with the proviso that both the upper locking surface and the lower locking surface are each inclined in this way relative to the plumb line on the top of the panel is that in the locked state they are aligned parallel to each other and can touch each other, the inclination of the locking surfaces being selected such that the normal vector on the lower locking surface intersects the top of the panel and the normal vector on the upper locking surface intersects the underside of the panel, with a lower locking is provided, which comprises a first locking means which is arranged on an outside of the receiving edge, and the lower locking comprises a corresponding second locking means which is arranged on a recessed groove flank of the locking groove, with at least a portion of the top of the receiving edge in the direction of The outside of the receiving edge slopes downwards, with at least a portion of the groove base of the locking groove being adapted in a complementary manner to the inclination of the top of the receiving edge.

In the sense of the invention, the normal vector is directed vertically outwards from the corresponding locking surface (not directed into the panel material). The normal vector encloses an angle with the respective panel side that it intersects, which is the same size as the angle by which the locking surfaces are inclined with respect to the perpendicular on the top of the panel (alternating angle).

The inclination of the locking surfaces relative to the plumb line on the top of the panel can be in an angle range α of 4° to 50°. Preferably, the angle α is in a range of 5° to 30° and particularly preferably in a range of 5° to 15°.

The panel is preferably made of a wood material such as HDF, MDF or OSB, although in a broader sense this also includes WPC materials (wood plastic composite). Since the locking mechanism requires a certain elasticity, especially in the area of the first and corresponding second locking means, the materials mentioned are suitable because of their certain elasticity. Alternatively, the panel material can also be a plastic, as in the case of LVT products (luxury vinyl tiles), because this plastic also has a certain elasticity.

If the body of the panel is at least partially made of a plastic, then an embodiment can consist of a body made of a plastic or a wood-plastic composite material (WPC). The carrier plate or the fuselage is made, for example, from a thermoplastic, elastomeric or thermosetting plastic. Furthermore, recycled materials made from the materials mentioned can be used within the scope of the invention. Sheet material is preferably used, in particular made of thermoplastic, such as polyvinyl chloride, polyolefins (for example polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyamides (PA), polyurethanes (PU), polystyrene (PS), acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) , polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polycarbonate (PC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyether ether ketone (PEEK) or mixtures or co-polymers. Regardless of the base material of the carrier plate, plasticizers can be provided, for example, which are in a range of ≥0 wt. -% to ≤20% by weight, in particular ≤10% by weight, preferably ≤7% by weight, for example in a range from ≥5% by weight to ≤10% by weight. A suitable plasticizer includes, for example, the plasticizer sold by BASF under the trade name “Dinsch.” Furthermore, copolymers, such as acrylates or methacrylates, can be provided as a replacement for conventional plasticizers.

Thermoplastics in particular also offer the The advantage is that the products made from them can be recycled very easily. Recycled materials from other sources can also be used. This provides another opportunity to reduce manufacturing costs.

Such carrier plates are very elastic or resilient, which allows for a comfortable impression when walking on and can also reduce the noise that occurs when walking on compared to conventional materials, so that improved impact sound insulation can be achieved.

In addition, the aforementioned carrier plates offer the advantage of good water resistance since they have a swelling of 1% or less. This surprisingly applies not only to pure plastic supports but also to WPC materials, as these are explained in detail below.

In a particularly advantageous manner, the material of the carrier plate can comprise or consist of wood-polymer materials (wood plastic composite, WPC). For example, wood and a polymer can be suitable here, which can be present in a ratio of 40/60 to 70/30, for example 50/50. Polypropylene, polyethylene or a copolymer of the two aforementioned materials can be used as polymer components. Such materials offer the advantage that they can be formed into a carrier plate even at low temperatures, such as in a range of ≥180°C to ≤200°C in the method described above, so that a particularly effective process control can be made possible, for example with exemplary line speeds in a range of 6 m/min. For example, for a WPC product with a 50/50 distribution of the wood and polymer components with an exemplary product thickness of 4.1 mm, which can enable a particularly effective manufacturing process.

Furthermore, very stable panels can be produced in this way, which continue to have a high level of elasticity, which can be particularly advantageous for an effective and cost-effective design of connecting elements on the edge region of the support plate and also with regard to impact sound insulation. Furthermore, the aforementioned good water compatibility with a swelling of less than 1% can also be achieved with such WPC materials. WPC materials can, for example, have stabilizers and/or other additives, which can preferably be present in the plastic content.

Furthermore, it can be particularly advantageous for the carrier plate to comprise or consist of a PVC-based material. Such materials can also be used in a particularly advantageous manner for high-quality panels, which can also be used without any problems in damp rooms. Furthermore, PVC-based materials for the carrier plate are also suitable for a particularly effective manufacturing process, since line speeds of 8 m/min can be possible with an exemplary product thickness of 4.1 mm, which can enable a particularly effective manufacturing process. Furthermore, such carrier plates also have advantageous elasticity and water compatibility, which can lead to the aforementioned advantages.

Mineral fillers can be beneficial for plastic-based panels as well as for WPC-based panels. Particularly suitable are talc or calcium carbonate (chalk), aluminum oxide, silica gel, quartz powder, Wood flour, gypsum. For example, chalk can be provided in a range of ≥30 wt.% to ≤70 wt.%, whereby the slip of the carrier plate can be improved by the fillers, in particular by the chalk. They can also be colored in a known manner. In particular, it can be provided that the material of the carrier plates contains a flame retardant.

According to a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the material of the carrier plate consists of a mixture of a PE/PP block copolymer with wood. The proportion of PE/PP block copolymer and the proportion of wood can be between ≥45% by weight and ≤55% by weight. Furthermore, the material of the carrier plate can contain between ≥0% by weight and ≤10% by weight of other additives, such as flow aids, thermal stabilizers or UV stabilizers. The particle size of the wood is between >0 µm and ≤600 µm with a preferred particle size distribution D50 of ≥400 µm. In particular, the material of the carrier plate can have wood with a particle size distribution D10 of ≥400 µm. The particle size distribution is based on the volumetric diameter and refers to the volume of the particles. The material of the carrier plate is particularly preferably provided as a granulated or pelletized pre-extruded mixture of a PE/PP block copolymer with wood particles of the specified particle size distribution. The granules and/or the pellets can preferably have a grain size in a range of ≥400 µm to ≤10 mm, preferably ≥600 µm to ≤10 mm, in particular ≥800 µm to ≤10 mm.

According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the carrier plate consists of a mixture of a PE/PP polymer blend with wood. The proportion of the PE/PP polymer blend can and the proportion of wood is between ≥45 wt.% and ≤55 wt.%. Furthermore, the material of the carrier plate can contain between ≥0 wt.% and ≤10 wt.% of other additives, such as flow aids, thermal stabilizers or UV stabilizers. The particle size of the wood is between >0 µm and ≤600 µm with a preferred particle size distribution D50 of ≥400 µm. In particular, the carrier plate can contain wood with a particle size distribution D10 of ≥400 µm. The particle size distribution is based on the volumetric diameter and refers to the volume of the particles. The material of the carrier plate is particularly preferably provided as a granulated or pelletized pre-extruded mixture of a PE/PP polymer blend with wood particles of the specified particle size distribution. The granules and/or the pellets can preferably have a grain size in a range of ≥400 µm to ≤10 mm, preferably ≥600 µm to ≤10 mm, in particular ≥800 µm to ≤10 mm.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the material of the carrier plate consists of a mixture of a PP homopolymer with wood. The proportion of PP homopolymer and the proportion of wood can be between ≥45% by weight and ≤55% by weight. Furthermore, the material of the carrier plate can contain between ≥0% by weight and ≤10% by weight of other additives, such as flow aids, thermal stabilizers or UV stabilizers. The particle size of the wood is between >0 µm and ≤600 µm with a preferred particle size distribution D50 of ≥400 µm. In particular, the carrier plate can contain wood with a particle size distribution D10 of ≥400 µm. The particle size distribution is based on the volumetric diameter and relates to the volume of the particles. The material of the carrier plate is particularly preferably in the form of granulated or pelletized pre-extruded mixture of a PP homopolymer with wood particles of the specified particle size distribution. The granulate and/or the pellets can preferably have a grain size in a range of ≥400 µm to ≤10 mm, preferably ≥600 µm to ≤10 mm, in particular ≥800 µm to ≤10 mm. In a further embodiment of the invention, the material of the carrier plate consists of a mixture of a PVC polymer with chalk. The proportion of the PVC polymer and the chalk proportion can be between ≥45 wt.% and ≤55 wt.%. Furthermore, the material of the carrier plate can have between ≥0 wt.% and ≤10 wt.% of other additives, such as flow aids, thermal stabilizers or UV stabilizers. The particle size of the chalk is between >0 µm and ≤600 µm with a preferred particle size distribution D50 of ≥400 µm. In particular, the material of the carrier plate can have chalk with a particle size distribution D10 of ≥400 µm. The particle size distribution is based on the volumetric diameter and relates to the volume of the particles. The material of the carrier plate is particularly preferably provided as a granulated or pelletized pre-extruded mixture of a PVC polymer with chalk of the specified particle size distribution. The granulate and/or the pellets can preferably have a grain size in a range of ≥400 µm to ≤10 mm, preferably ≥600 µm to ≤10 mm, in particular ≥800 µm to ≤10 mm.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the material of the carrier plate consists of a mixture of a PVC polymer with wood. The proportion of PVC polymer and the proportion of wood can be between ≥45% by weight and ≤55% by weight. Furthermore, the material of the carrier plate can contain between ≥0% by weight and ≤10% by weight of other additives, such as Flow aids, thermal stabilizers or UV stabilizers. The particle size of the wood is between >0 µm and ≤600 µm with a preferred particle size distribution D50 of ≥400 µm. In particular, the material of the carrier plate can have wood with a particle size distribution D10 of ≥400 µm. The particle size distribution is based on the volumetric diameter and relates to the volume of the particles. The material of the carrier plate is particularly preferably provided as a granulated or pelletized pre-extruded mixture of a PVC polymer with wood particles of the specified particle size distribution. The granules and/or the pellets can preferably have a grain size in a range of ≥400 µm to ≤10 mm, preferably ≥600 µm to ≤10 mm, in particular ≥800 µm to ≤10 mm.

To determine the particle size distribution, generally known methods such as laser diffractometry can be used. With this method, particle sizes in the range from a few nanometers to several millimeters can be determined. This can also be used to determine D50 or D10 values, which indicate that 50% or 10% of the measured particles are smaller than the specified value.

According to a further embodiment of the invention, the material of the carrier plate comprises a matrix material comprising a plastic and a solid material, wherein the solid material is formed by talc to an extent of at least 50% by weight, in particular at least 80% by weight, particularly preferably at least 95% by weight, based on the solid material. The matrix material is present in an amount, based on the material of the carrier, of ≥ 30% by weight to ≤ 70% by weight, in particular of ≥ 40% by weight to ≤ 60% by weight. and the solid material, based on the material of the carrier, is present in an amount, based on the material of the carrier plate, of ≥ 30 wt.% to ≤ 70 wt.%, in particular of ≥ 40 wt.% to ≤ 60 wt.%, for example less than or equal to 50 wt.%. Furthermore, it is provided that the material of the carrier plate and the solid material together are present in an amount of ≥ 95 wt.%, in particular ≥ 99 wt.%, based on the material of the carrier plate.

In such an embodiment of the invention, the solid material can be made up of at least 50% by weight, in particular at least 80% by weight, for example 100%, based on the solid material, talc. In this case, talc is understood in a manner known per se to be a magnesium silicate hydrate, which can have the chemical formula Mg3[S14O10(OH)2], for example. The solid portion is thus advantageously made up of at least a large part of the mineral substance talc, whereby this substance can be used in powder form or can be present in the material of the carrier plate in the form of particles. In principle, the solid material can consist of a powdered solid.

It can be advantageous if the specific surface density according to BET, ISO 4652 of the talc particles is in a range of ≥ 4 m2/g to ≤ 8 m2/g, for example in a range of ≥ 5 m2/g to ≤ 7 m2/g.

Furthermore, it can be advantageous if the talc has a bulk density according to DIN 53468 in a range of ≥ 0.15 g/cm3 to ≤ 0.45 g/cm3, for example in a range of ≥ 0.25 g/cm3 to ≤ 0.35 g/cm3.

The matrix material in such an embodiment of the invention serves in particular to provide a Carrier to receive or embed the solid material. The matrix material comprises a plastic or a plastic mixture. In particular with regard to the manufacturing process, as described in detail below, it can be advantageous for the matrix material to comprise a thermoplastic. This makes it possible for the material of the carrier plate or a component of the material of the carrier plate to have a melting point or a softening point in order to shape the material of the carrier plate in a further process step by the action of heat, as described in detail below with regard to the process. The matrix material can in particular consist of a plastic or a plastic mixture and optionally an adhesion promoter. These components can preferably make up at least 90% by weight, particularly preferably at least 95% by weight, in particular at least 99% by weight of the matrix material.

Furthermore, it can be provided that the matrix material is present in an amount, based on the material of the carrier plate, of ≥ 30% by weight to ≤ 70% by weight, in particular from ≥ 40% by weight to ≤ 60% by weight. is present. Furthermore, it is provided that the solid material, based on the material of the carrier plate, in an amount of ≥ 30% by weight to ≤ 70% by weight, in particular ≥ 40% by weight, based on the material of the carrier plate. up to ≤ 60% by weight.

Polypropylene is particularly suitable as a matrix material because, on the one hand, it is available inexpensively and, as a thermoplastic, it also has good properties as a matrix material for embedding the solid material. In particular, a mixture of a homopolymer and a copolymer can be particularly advantageous for the matrix material enable properties. Such materials also offer the advantage that they can be formed into a carrier in the above-described process at low temperatures, such as in a range from ≥ 180 ° C to ≤ 200 ° C, so that a particularly effective process control, for example with exemplary Line speeds in a range of 6m/min can be made possible.

Furthermore, it may be advantageous if the homopolymer has a tensile strength according to ISO 527-2 which is in a range of ≥ 30 MPa to ≤ 45 MPa, for example in a range of ≥ 35 MPa to ≤ 40 MPa, in order to achieve good stability.

Furthermore, in particular for good stability, it can be advantageous if the homopolymer has a flexural modulus according to ISO 178 in a range of ≥ 1000 MPa to ≤ 2200 MPa, for example in a range of ≥ 1300 MPa to ≤ 1900 MPa, for example in a range of ≥ 1500 MPa to ≤ 1700 MPa.

With regard to the tensile deformation of the homopolymer according to ISO 527-2, it may also be advantageous if it is in a range of ≥ 5% to ≤ 13%, for example in a range of ≥ 8% MPa to ≤ 10%.

For particularly advantageous manufacturability, it can be provided that the Vicat softening temperature according to ISO 306/A for an injection-molded component is in a range from ≥ 130 ° C MPa to ≤ 170 ° C, for example in a range of ≥ 145 ° C up to ≤ 158°C.

It may also be advantageous for the solid material to contain at least one other solid in addition to talc. This design may in particular make it possible for the weight of the material of the carrier plate or of a Panels can be significantly reduced compared to a material of the carrier plate or panel in which the solid material consists of talc. Thus, the solid added to the solid material can in particular have a reduced density compared to talc. For example, the added material can have a bulk density that is in a range of ≤ 2000 kg/m3, in particular ≤ 1500 kg/m3, for example ≤ 1000 kg/m3, particularly preferably ≤ 500 kg/m3. Depending on the solid added, further adaptability to the desired, in particular mechanical, properties can also be made possible.

For example, the additional solid can be selected from the group consisting of wood, for example in the form of wood flour, expanded clay, volcanic ash, pumice, aerated concrete, in particular inorganic foams, cellulose. With regard to aerated concrete, this can be, for example, the solid used by the company Xella under the brand name YTONG, which essentially consists of quartz sand, lime and cement, or the aerated concrete can have the aforementioned components. With regard to the added solid, this can, for example, be made up of particles that have the same particle size or particle size distribution as the particle sizes or particle size distributions described above for talc. The additional solids can in particular be present in the solid material in a proportion that is in a range of < 50 wt.%, in particular < 20 wt.%, for example < 10 wt.%, further for example < 5 wt.%.

Alternatively, for example, for wood, in particular for wood flour, it can be provided that its particle size is between >0µm and ≤600µm with a preferred particle size distribution D50 of ≥400µm.

According to a further embodiment, the material of the carrier plate can have hollow microspheres. Such additives can in particular have the effect that the density of the carrier plate and thus of the panel produced can be significantly reduced, so that particularly simple and cost-effective transport and also particularly comfortable laying can be guaranteed. In particular, the insertion of hollow microspheres can ensure stability of the panel produced, which is not significantly reduced compared to a material without hollow microspheres. The stability is therefore completely sufficient for the majority of applications. Hollow microspheres can in particular be understood to mean structures which have a hollow base body and a size or a maximum diameter that is in the micrometer range. For example, usable hollow spheres can have a diameter that is in the range of ≥5 µm to ≤100 µm, for example ≥20 µm to ≤50 µm. In principle, any material can be considered as the material of the hollow microspheres, such as glass or ceramic. Furthermore, due to the weight, plastics, such as the plastics used in the material of the carrier plate, for example PVC, PE or PP, can be advantageous, although these can optionally be prevented from deforming during the manufacturing process, for example by suitable additives.

The hardness of the material of the carrier plate can have values in a range of 30-90 N/mm ² (measured according to Brinell). The modulus of elasticity can be in a range of 3,000 to 7,000 N/mm ² .

The section of the groove base of the locking groove and the section the top of the receiving edge can be aligned parallel to each other in the locked state.

The receiving groove of one hook profile is designed such that the locking edge of the complementary hook profile fits into the receiving groove and the locking groove of the complementary hook profile is designed such that the receiving edge of one hook profile fits into the locking groove.

A further development provides that the first latching means of the lower latching has a latching projection, and that the second latching means of the lower latching has a matching latching recess.

Alternatively, the first locking means of the lower locking mechanism can have a locking recess and the second locking means of the lower locking mechanism can have a matching locking projection.

According to the invention, an upper latching device is provided, which has a first latching means on an outside of the locking edge, and a corresponding second latching means is provided on a recessed groove flank of the receiving groove.

The first latching means of the upper latching has a latching projection and the second latching means of the upper latching has a matching latching recess.

Alternatively, the first latching means of the upper latching can have a latching recess and the second latching means of the upper latching can have a matching latching projection.

Another benefit is when at least one free space is provided between the underside of the locking edge and the base of the receiving groove. The free space can accommodate dirt particles or other loose particles. In the case of panels made of wood materials, for example, particles can be caught from the edge of the panel. which should not become stuck between the joining surfaces of the hook profiles. Otherwise they could prevent the hook profiles from locking in the correct position.

In addition, it is useful if, in the locked state, a gap is provided between the outside of the receiving edge and the groove flank of the locking groove.

It is advantageous if the underside of the locking edge at least partially touches the base of the receiving groove when locked. If a load presses on the top of the panel in the area of the locking edge, the locking edge can bear this load because its underside is supported on the base of the receiving groove of the receiving hook.

The receiving edge expediently has a transition to the inside of the receiving groove, the transition being provided with a curvature. The curvature provides edge protection. It can also serve to guide the locking edge when it comes into contact with the curvature. The locking edge is moved down along the curvature into the receiving groove.

Fig. 1

fold-down-Methode rechtsgängig

Fig. 2

fold-down-Methode linksgängig

Fig. 3

ein erstes Beispiel eines Paneels, wobei das Paneel zerteilt dargestellt ist, um dessen gegenüberliegende Hakenprofile im noch nicht verriegelten Zustand darzustellen,

Fig. 4

die Hakenprofile des Paneels gemäß Fig. 3 im verriegelten Zustand,

Fig. 4a

ein vergrößertes Detail gemäß Ausschnitt IVa in Fig. 4

Fig. 4b

eine Alternative für Fig. 4a

Fig. 5

ein Ausführungsbeispiel für Hakenprofile des Paneels gemäß der Erfindung im verriegelten Zustand,

Fig. 5a

ein vergrößertes Detail gemäß Ausschnitt Va in Fig. 5

Fig. 5b

eine alternative für Fig. 5a

Fig. 6

ein weiteres Beispiel für Hakenprofile des Paneels gemäß Fig. 3 im verriegelten Zustand,

Fig. 7

ein weiteres Beispiel für Hakenprofile des Paneels gemäß Fig. 3 im verriegelten Zustand,

Fig. 8

ein weiteres Beispiel für Hakenprofile des Paneels gemäß Fig. 3 im verriegelten Zustand,

Fig. 8a

ein vergrößertes Detail gemäß Ausschnitt VIIIa in Fig. 8

Fig. 8b

eine alternative für Fig. 8a

Fig. 9

ein weiteres Beispiel für Hakenprofile des Paneels gemäß Fig. 3 im verriegelten Zustand,

The invention is illustrated below by way of example in a drawing and described in detail. Show it:

Fig. 1

fold-down method right-handed

Fig. 2

fold-down method left-handed

Fig. 3

a first example of a panel, the panel being shown divided in order to show its opposing hook profiles in the not yet locked state,

Fig. 4

the hook profiles of the panel accordingly Fig. 3 in locked state,

Fig. 4a

an enlarged detail according to detail IVa in Fig. 4

Fig. 4b

an alternative for Fig. 4a

Fig. 5

an exemplary embodiment of hook profiles of the panel according to the invention in the locked state,

Fig. 5a

an enlarged detail according to detail Va in Fig. 5

Fig. 5b

an alternative for Fig. 5a

Fig. 6

another example of hook profiles of the panel according to Fig. 3 in locked state,

Fig. 7

another example of hook profiles of the panel according to Fig. 3 in locked state,

Fig. 8

another example of hook profiles of the panel according to Fig. 3 in locked state,

Fig. 8a

an enlarged detail according to section VIIIa in Fig. 8

Fig. 8b

an alternative for Fig. 8a

Fig. 9

another example of hook profiles of the panel according to Fig. 3 in locked state,

Fig. 1 shows a perspective fold-down method for locking panels according to the prior art. A new panel 1 is brought at an angle with a tongue profile edge 2 in front of a groove profile edge 3 of a lying panel 4 of a previous row of panels. The new panel 1 is then placed in the level of the assembled one Panels swung down, with an identical panel 5 already lying in the same row of panels. The pivoting joining movement locks the tongue and groove profile edges together. The new panel 1 also has a pair of hook profiles, namely a receiving hook (not shown) and a locking hook 6. During the downward pivoting joining movement, the locking hook 6 of the new panel 1 is moved like a scissor in the direction of the complementary receiving hook 7 of the identical panel 5. The locking hook 6 hooks into the receiving hook 7 and at the same time as the tongue and groove profile edge is locked, the hook profiles are positively locked.

According to Fig.1 the structure of a floor area is indicated. In this example, a new panel is always placed continuously to the left.

Fig.2 shows a second example of a fold-down method known in the prior art for locking panels. It differs from the method of Fig.1 only because a new panel must be placed continuously to the right, ie the panel edges that have the receiving hook or the locking hook are compared to the example of Fig.1 been swapped.

Tongue and groove profiles that are suitable for positive locking using the fold-down method are well known in the art, for example from WO 97/ 47834 A1 or from WO 00/63510 .

Fig. 3 represents a first example of a panel 1 with a panel top 1a and a panel bottom 1b, with only a pair of holding profiles of the panel being shown in simplified form. The pair of holding profiles shown here has complementary hook profiles, namely a locking hook 6 (top) and a receiving hook 7 (bottom). To explain how it works, you can imagine the panel 1 cut into two parts so that the two hook profiles (6 and 7) of the panel can be hooked together. Hook profiles of identical panels are of course locked in the same way.

The receiving hook 6 has a receiving edge 8 directed towards the top of the panel 1a and a receiving groove 9 open to the top of the panel. The locking hook 7 is provided with a locking edge 10 directed towards the bottom of the panel 1b and with a locking groove 11 open to the bottom of the panel 1b.

An inner side of the receiving edge 8 faces the receiving groove 9 and this inner side serves as a lower locking surface 12. In accordance with this, the locking hook 7 forms an upper locking surface 13 on an inner side of its locking edge 10 facing the locking groove 11, which upper locking surface 13 cooperates with the lower locking surface 12 of the receiving edge 8.

Both the lower locking surface 12 and the upper locking surface 13 are each inclined at an angle α relative to the plumb line L on the top of the panel. The inclinations are aligned with one another so that the corresponding locking surfaces 12 and 13 are aligned parallel to one another in the locked state and can touch one another.

In addition, the inclination of the lower locking surface 12 is selected such that the normal vector N ₁₂ , which is directed vertically outwards from the lower locking surface 12, intersects the panel top 1a. Correspondingly, the normal vector N ₁₃ on the upper locking surface 13 is directed vertically outwards, so that this Normal vector N ₁₃ intersects the opposite underside of the panel 1b. In general, the panel top 1a and the normal vector N ₁₂ enclose an angle that is as large as the above-mentioned angle α (alternating angle). The same applies to the underside of the panel, which forms an angle of the same size (alternating angle) with the normal vector N ₁₃ .

With an underside 10a of the locking edge 10, the locking hook 7 sits firmly on a groove base 9a of the receiving groove 9 of the receiving hook 6. If a load presses on the top of the panel 1a in the area of the locking edge 10, the locking edge 10 can carry this load because its underside 10a the groove base 9a of the receiving groove 9 is supported.

Another function of the hook profiles is to counteract any height offset of the locked panel edges. For this purpose, a lower catch 14 is provided. This includes a first locking means on the receiving hook 7 in the form of a protruding locking projection 15. The locking projection 15 is arranged on an outside 8a of the receiving edge 8. Corresponding to this, a second locking means in the form of a locking recess 16 is provided on the locking hook 7. The locking recess 16 is arranged on a recessed groove flank 11a of the locking groove 11.

On the receiving hook 6, a section 8b of the top of the receiving edge 8 has a downward incline, namely falling in the direction of the outer side 8a of the receiving edge. In addition, on the locking hook 7, a section 11b of the groove base of the locking groove 11 is adapted in a complementary manner to the inclination of the section 8b of the top of the receiving edge 8. In the locked state, the inclined sections 8b and 11b of the top of the receiving edge and of the locking groove base are aligned parallel to one another.

In addition, a transition from the upper side 8b of the receiving edge 8 to the lower locking surface 12 is provided on the receiving hook 6. The transition is designed as a curve 17. In the present example, the curve 17 is a radius. A transition with a curve 18 between the section 11b of the groove base of the locking groove 11 and the upper locking surface 13 is also provided on the locking hook 7. The curve 17 on the receiving edge offers edge protection and a guide surface. The edge protection is stronger than the protective effect of a phase which has the same width and height as the curve 17. The curve 18 forms a groove. In the present example, it has a radius and serves to provide stability in the transition area from the upper locking surface 13 to the groove base of the locking groove 11.

According to Fig.4 the hook profiles are made of Fig.3 shown in the locked state. The locking projection 15 of the receiving hook 6, which is arranged on the outside 8a of the receiving edge 8, engages in a form-fitting manner in the locking recess 16, which is arranged on the recessed groove flank 11a of the locking groove 11. The lower locking mechanism 14 counteracts a height offset of the two panel top sides 1a, ie a movement of the panel edges apart perpendicular to the panel surface is counteracted. A closed joint F is also formed on the panel surface 1a in the horizontal direction. At this joint, an outside 10b of the locking edge 10 is in contact with a recessed groove flank 9b of the receiving groove 9.

There is a gap 19 between the inclined section 11b of the groove base of the locking groove and the inclined section 8b of the upper side of the receiving edge 8. This facilitates a height offset at the joint F of the panel upper side 1a. In addition, the gap 19 allows a certain flexibility of the locking hook 7. It has a point with its smallest thickness, which is located where the locking groove 11 is at its deepest. The flexibility gained in this way can be used because the gap 19 creates space into which deformation can take place.

Fig. 4a shows a detail that enlarges a section that is in Fig. 4 is noted with IVa. In Fig. 4a the locking projection 15 is provided on the receiving hook 6, namely on the outside 8a of the receiving edge 8. The locking recess is provided on the locking hook 7 and there on a recessed groove flank 11a of the locking groove 11.

In the case of an alternative, which is shown in the section according to Fig. 4b As shown, the positions of the locking recess and locking projection are swapped. Here, a locking recess 15a is arranged on the receiving hook 6, specifically on the outside 8a of the receiving edge 8. A locking projection 16a is then provided on the locking hook 7, specifically on its recessed groove flank 11a of the locking groove 11.

An example of a panel with special hook profiles suggests Fig.5 This is based on the example of the Figures 3 and 4 It differs from this by an additional upper latch 20. The upper latch 20 has a first latching means in the form of a latching projection 21 on the locking hook 7, which is arranged on the outside 10b of the locking edge 10. It works together with a corresponding second latching means on the receiving hook 6, which is provided on the recessed groove flank 9b of the receiving groove 9. The second latching means forms a latching recess 22, as best shown in the cutout according to Fig. 5a can be recognized. Fig. 5a enlarged the detail that in Fig.5 is designated Va.

In the case of an alternative, which is shown in the section according to Fig. 5b As shown, the positions of the locking recess and locking projection are swapped. Here, a locking recess 21a is arranged on the locking hook, namely on the outside of the locking edge 10. A locking projection 22a is provided on the receiving hook, namely on the recessed groove flank 9b of the receiving groove 9.

The example of Fig.6 shows hook profiles that are based on the Figures 3 and 4 have a change, namely in the locked state of the hook profiles shown, a free space 23 is formed which extends between the groove base 9a of the receiving groove 9 of the receiving hook 6 and a bottom side 10a of the locking edge 10 of the locking hook 7. The free space 23 extends to the outside 10b of the locking edge 10 or to the recessed groove flank 9b of the receiving groove 9. The free space 23 can accommodate dirt particles or other loose particles. In the case of panels made of wood materials, for example, particles can detach from the edge of the panel. Detached particles should not get between the joining surfaces of the hook profiles and become stuck there, because otherwise they will prevent the hook profiles from being locked in the correct position. Between the bottom side 10a of the locking edge 10 and the groove base 9a of the receiving groove 9, the Fig.6 The proposed free space 23 is designed in the form of a gap. The gap-shaped free space 23 widens towards the groove base 9a and in this way creates the desired space for the absorption of undesirable particles.

The example of Fig.7 shows hook profiles, which are also based on the Figures 3 and 4 have a change in such a way that again in the locked state the hook profiles, a free space 24 is formed which extends between the groove base 9a of the receiving groove 9 of the receiving hook 6 and a bottom side 10a of the locking edge 10 of the locking hook 7. The free space 24 reaches as far as the lower locking surface 12 of the receiving hook 6 or as far as the upper locking surface 13 of the locking hook 7. In order to create the free space 24, the bottom side 10a of the locking edge 10 is provided with a flat shoulder 24a which stands back from the bottom side 10a of the locking edge 10. The free space 24 can also absorb dirt particles or other loose particles and, in the case of panels made of wood materials, can absorb any detached wood particles which would otherwise become stuck between the joining surfaces of the hook profiles and prevent the hook profiles from being locked in the correct position. In the locked state, the remaining area of the underside 10a is in contact with the groove base 9a of the receiving groove 9 and is thereby supported.

The example of Fig. 8 also shows hook profiles that are used by the Figures 3 and 4 go out. Compared to these figures, only the lower catch 14 has been modified. According to Fig. 8 the locking projection 15 of the receiving hook 6 protrudes further from the outside 8a of the receiving edge 8 than in Fig. 4 . The depth of the locking recess 16 is opposite Fig. 4 unchanged. This creates a gap 25 between the outside 8a and the recessed groove flank 11a of the locking groove 11 of the locking hook 7. The gap 25 improves the snap-in ability of the lower catch 14.

In Fig. 8a the lower catch 14 is enlarged as a cutout. An alternative to Fig. 8a shows the section according to Fig. 8b . The position of the locking recess and locking projection is then swapped. A locking recess 15a is now on the receiving hook 6, specifically on the outside 8a of the receiving edge 8. A locking projection 16a is provided for this purpose on the locking hook 7 on its recessed groove flank 11a of the locking groove 11.

Another exemplary embodiment for hook profiles of the panel is shown in Fig. 9 shown. This is also based on the Figures 3 and 4 and also integrates all changes made in the examples of Fig. 5, Fig. 6 , Fig. 7 and Fig. 8 were proposed.

List of reference symbols

1

new panel

1a

Panel top

1b

Panel bottom

2

Spring profile edge

3

Groove profile edge

4

lying panel previous row

5

Panel of the same panel row

6

Pick-up hook

7

Locking hook

8th

Recording edge

8a

Outside

8b

Part of the top

9

receiving groove

9a

Groove base

9b

recessed groove flank

10

Locking edge

10a

bottom

10b

Outside

11

Locking groove

11a

recessed groove flank

11b

Section of groove base

12

lower locking surface

13

upper locking surface

14

lower locking

15

locking projection

15a

Locking recess

16

Recessed recess

16a

locking projection

17

curvature

18

curvature

19

gap

20

upper locking

21

locking projection

21a

Recessed recess

22

Locking recess

22a

Locking projection

23

free space

24

free space

25

gap

α

angle

F

Gap

Claims (10)

1. Panel (1, 4, 5) comprising a panel top side (1a) and a panel underside (1b) and comprising at least four panel margins which are situated opposite one another in pairwise fashion, having complementary holding profiles which are provided in pairwise fashion on the panel margins and which fit together such that identical panels are fastenable to one another, wherein at least one of the holding profile pairs is equipped with hook profiles, specifically with a receiving hook (6) on one panel margin and with an arresting hook (7) on the opposite panel margin, wherein the receiving hook (6) has a receiving edge (8) directed towards the panel top side (1a) and a receiving groove (9) open towards the panel top side, and the arresting hook (7) is provided with an arresting edge (10) which is directed towards the panel underside (1b) and with an arresting groove (11) which is open towards the panel underside (1b), wherein the receiving edge (8) has an inner side which faces towards the receiving groove (9), and said inner side serves as lower locking surface (12), and in a manner adapted to this, the arresting edge (10) has an inner side which faces towards the arresting groove (11), and said inner side serves as corresponding upper locking surface (13), with the condition that both the lower locking surface (12) and the upper locking surface (13) are each inclined relative to the perpendicular (L) to the panel top side (1a) such that, in the locked state, said lower locking surface and upper locking surface are oriented parallel to one another and can make contact, wherein the inclination of the locking surfaces (12, 13) is selected such that the normal vector (N₁₂) with respect to the lower locking surface (12) intersects the panel top side (1a) and the normal vector (N₁₃) with respect to the upper locking surface (13) intersects the panel underside (1b), wherein (i) a lower detent engagement point (14) is provided which comprises a first detent means (15, 15a) which is arranged on an outer side (8a) of the receiving edge (8), and the lower detent engagement point (14) comprises a second detent means (16, 16a) which corresponds to said first detent means and which is arranged on a recessed groove flank (11a) of the arresting groove (11), and (ii) an upper detent engagement point (20) is provided which has a first detent means (21, 21a) on an outer side (10b) of the arresting edge (10), and a second detent means (22, 22a) corresponding to said first detent means is provided on a recessed groove flank (9b) of the receiving groove (9), wherein either the first detent means of the upper detent engagement point (20) has a detent projection (21), and the second detent means of the upper detent engagement point (20) has a detent depression (21a) adapted to said detent projection, or the first detent means of the upper detent engagement point (20) has a detent depression (21a) 20, and the second detent means of the upper detent engagement point (20) has a detent projection (22a) adapted to said detent depression;
   characterized in that
   at least a partial section (8b) of the top side of the receiving edge (8) runs downwards in an inclined manner in the direction of the outer side (8a) of the receiving edge (8), wherein at least a partial section (11b) of the groove base of the arresting groove (11) is adapted in complementary fashion to the inclination of the partial section (8b) of the top side of the receiving edge (8), and in that the first detent means (15) is spaced apart from the inclined partial section (8b) of the top side of the receiving edge (8).
2. Panel according to Claim 1, characterized in that the first detent means of the lower detent engagement point (14) has a detent projection (15), and in that the second detent means of the lower detent engagement point (14) has a detent depression (16) adapted to said detent projection.
3. Panel according to Claim 1, characterized in that the first detent means of the lower detent engagement point (14) has a detent depression (15a), and in that the second detent means of the lower detent engagement point (14) has a detent projection (16a) adapted to said detent depression.
4. Panel according to one of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that at least one free space (23, 24) is provided between the underside (10a) of the arresting edge (10) and the groove base (9a) of the receiving groove (9) .
5. Panel according to one of Claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, in the locked state, a gap is provided between the outer side (8a) of the receiving edge (8) and the groove flank (11a) of the arresting groove (11) .
6. Panel according to one of Claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the underside (10a) of the arresting edge (10) makes contact at least in regions with the groove base (9a) of the receiving groove (9) in the locked state.
7. Panel according to one of Claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the receiving edge has a transition to the inner side of the receiving groove (9), and in that the transition is provided with a curvature (17).
8. Panel according to one of Claims 1 to 7, characterized in that there is a gap (19) between the inclined partial section (11b) of the groove base of the arresting groove (11) and the inclined partial section (8b) of the top side of the receiving edge (8) .
9. Panel according to one of Claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the arresting hook (7) has a position of lowest thickness at the point at which the arresting groove (11) is at its deepest.
10. Panel according to one of Claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the free space (23) is in the form of a gap and widens in the direction of the groove base (9a).

Images