EP1722042A1 - Panel elements for floor covering - Google Patents

Abstract

The panel element has a groove and a spring on opposite longitudinal sides, so that the groove of one element engages the spring of an adjacent element. The spring fits into the groove at an angle, so that one panel can be pivoted about the longitudinal edge of an adjacent panel. The spring and groove co-operate to secure the panel elements. The end faces of the panel elements have a groove (15b) and a tongue (16b), to connect the ends of adjacent panels. The end-side grooves and tongues can be connected by lowering one panel element onto a panel element that has already been installed, so that it cannot be lifted out.

Description

Technical area

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

Panel elements for the formation of floor coverings are usually rectangular and oblong. However, they can also have other contours and be designed, for example, square. Based on the usual, rectangular shape, terms such as "long side", "face" or the like are therefore used below without restricting the invention to elongated panel elements. These terms also serve only to distinguish between first and second sides of the panel element, which are arranged in pairs parallel to each other and at an angle to each other designated pages, so that the intended for the "long side" geometry of the panel element on the other, for example a "Face", can be provided.

State of the art

From the GB 2 256 023 A is a generic panel known. In the case of the floor covering formed from a plurality of such panel elements, it is provided that the individual panel elements have a certain mobility relative to one another. In this way, especially when the panel elements are made of wood and the wood "weathered" or due to the effects of moisture "working", a gaping of joints between adjacent panel elements are avoided because the proposed game, which is possible between adjacent panel elements, such movements of the natural material wood to be able to absorb.

However, in some applications, and depending on the style of furnishing, it may be desirable to minimize the mobility of adjacent floor panel members so as to prevent the ingress of dirt into joints which might result between adjacent panel members. For this reason, it is known to produce non-generic floor coverings in such a way that the tongue and groove geometries provided there do not already prevent the separation of adjacent floor panels, so that these elements can first be joined together in a simple manner, namely inserted into each other and only by means of glue addition on the one hand firmly connected and secured against the above separation forces and on the other hand are sealed by the mentioned glue addition downright, so that neither moisture nor dirt can penetrate the joints of two adjacent panel elements.

From the EP 0 085 196 A1 is a non-generic mat for forming a floor covering known, in which the entire edge is provided with complementary coupling elements. The coupling elements are designed on two sides as an upwardly open groove, and on the other two sides as downwardly extending nose. Accordingly, a mat with other, similar mats can be connected by being pressed on two sides simultaneously with their downwardly directed nose in the respective, upwardly open groove already laid mats.

In the field of generic panel elements, it is from the WO 96/27719 known to form a groove by two adjacent sides of an elongated panel element, that is, a longitudinal side and an end face, and to provide the lower groove cheek as a projecting element with a receiving channel for a complementary locking element on the respective opposite side. The complementary locking element is effectively formed on the underside of a spring which can be inserted into the groove. According to the cited document, these locking contours are formed identically on all four sides. It is also stated that the laying is done in rows. This means that first of all the panel elements of a row to be laid side by side must be connected to one another at their end faces, and then connected as a composite at their longitudinal edges to the longitudinal edges of the already laid panels. However, such an approach is relatively cumbersome and cumbersome, since several, locked together at their ends panel elements must be handled.

In contrast, it is from the DE 200 01 788 U1 known to make the locking contours provided on a tongue and groove connection of the longitudinal sides such that a second panel is attached to an already laid, first panel by a pivoting movement and then pivoted downwards, so that the spring passes into the groove. By a subsequent, taking place parallel to the longitudinal edge sliding movement provided on the front side spring is introduced with a locking element formed thereon in the groove of an already laid, laterally adjacent panel. For this purpose, at least the lower groove cheek of the groove provided on the front side is designed to be flexible, so that the spring of the newly laid panel can enter together with its locking element in the groove and can be locked by means of a formed on a groove cheek receiving channel. However, this approach is also in need of improvement in view of the ease of laying work.

Presentation of the invention

The invention has for its object to provide panel elements for the formation of a floor covering, with a simple, glueless laying of the floor covering is made possible while allowing a backlash-free investment adjacent panel elements and is reliably maintained.

This object of the invention is achieved by the panel elements having the features of claim 1.

Consequently, in the panel element according to the invention, two first sides, referred to as longitudinal sides, on the one hand a groove and on the other hand, a spring. In other words, in the case of a rectangular, in particular elongated panel element, one longitudinal side is provided with a groove, and the other, opposite longitudinal side has a spring. It is understood that the panel element according to the invention can also be designed square, so that two first sides, which are not necessarily longer than the two later explained in more detail second pages, are provided with tongue and groove. At these first sides grooves and complementary designed springs are designed such that a second panel element is applied for laying obliquely to a first, already laid panel element, and subsequently by a pivoting or rotational movement about the longitudinal side so down, in a plane with the already laid panel element is pivoted that the spring of the panel element to be laid is inserted into the groove of the already laid panel element.

In the final laying state, the spring of the second panel element cooperates with the groove of the first, similar panel element, which is adjacent to the second panel member in the final state, such that the two interconnected panel elements are secured against separation forces in both, perpendicular to the longitudinal side of the Panel elements extending axes act. In other words, it is prevented by the interaction of tongue and groove that one of the two panel elements with respect to the other in a direction perpendicular to the laying plane, ie perpendicular to the surface of the panel elements, can be raised. On the other hand, have tongue and groove locking contours, which are explained in more detail below and prevent separation of the two panel elements from each other in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal sides and parallel to the surface.

According to the invention, retaining means are also provided on two second sides of the panel element which are designated as end faces and which form an end-side composite of two adjacent panel elements. According to the invention, these holding means, like the holding means on the longitudinal sides, prevent the panel elements which are connected to one another from being lifted relative to one another or from one another in a direction perpendicular to the end faces and parallel to the laying plane. Any such means may be provided as such holding means. In particular, these need not necessarily be designed as mutually lockable tongue and groove, but it may generally be present a groove or a channel with a suitable undercut into which a protruding element, ie a spring with projections, the undercut of the complementarily shaped groove correspond, or a locking projection or hook can intervene.

In a completely novel manner compared to the prior art, the front-side holding means are connectable to one another by means of a substantially transverse to the laying plane lowering movement of a panel element to be laid on an already laid, similar panel element. In other words, unlike in the prior art, the locking on the front side takes place in that a panel element to be laid when laying is also arranged correctly with respect to the front side, and when turning or pivoting in the laying plane not only the spring at the longitudinal side in the associated groove, but at the same time, as it were by a vertical or perpendicular to the laying plane taking place Lowering also the holding means, so the spring or the locking projection on the front side. This locking is particularly designed according to the invention so that two panel elements connected in the manner described also on the front sides against a separating forces, which are aligned perpendicular to the front side and parallel to the laying plane, and on the other hand against lifting forces, which are substantially perpendicular aligned to the laying level, are reliably secured. This creates a particularly simple and at the same time reliable laying of a floor covering consisting of several panel elements according to the invention. With a single pivoting or rotating movement, a panel element to be laid is in fact locked both on its longitudinal side and also on its front side. In that regard, the invention also relates to a laying method, which is characterized in that a panel to be laid with its spring on the longitudinal side obliquely attached to an already laid panel element, and when swiveling down both on the longitudinal side and, without further displacement in the direction of the longitudinal side , is connected at the front side with an already laid panel element.

In the embodiment of the locking contours on the longitudinal side, in particular of retaining channel and rib a strong profiling may be provided to allow high holding forces of the interconnected panel elements. In departure from the commonly used laying method, in which a panel element is pushed horizontally to an already laid panel element, the invention provides not horizontally to push the panel elements when laying the floor covering, but by means of a pivoting movement into each other. So can a strong Profiling of retaining channel and rib are selected, which would not allow a horizontal nesting of two panel elements. In accordance with weaker profiling or elastic design of the edge portion, however, the usual purely horizontally shifting laying method may be possible.

It should be noted, however, that the invention is not limited to the previously described type of connection and locking at the longitudinal edges. Rather, it is also conceivable and is introduced at this point as an innovation, on all edges of a largely rectangular floor panel that as a laminate with HDF or MDF middle layer or as engineered parquet, both with HDF or MDF middle layer as well as with a middle layer Wood, may be provided to provide a locking contour, which engages in an insertion or indentation in the locking contours already laid, adjacent floor panels in a direction largely perpendicular to the surface of the panels. In other words, the locking contour provided on the front sides according to the invention, which engages in a substantially horizontal direction during installation by insertion into the locking contour complementary thereto, can also be provided on the longitudinal edges. For example, one end face and the longitudinal side adjacent thereto can be provided with a shape of such a locking contour, and the other two sides can have the form complementary thereto. As part of the laying of such a panel is positioned both on the longitudinal and the front side in a sense on the locking contours of the already laid panels and subsequently pressed largely perpendicular to its surface in the locking contours, so that At these points a connection is formed. It should be mentioned in this context that all embodiments of locking contours, which are described below with respect to the end faces, in this embodiment are also suitable and conceivable for the long sides. Furthermore, it should again be emphasized that the embodiment described above accordingly develops its advantages even without the pivotable connection on the long sides described above. In summary, the "push button solution" described according to the invention for the front side can be provided on all sides of the panel.

The panel elements according to the invention have their advantages in particular also in the preferred embodiment, which is not, as otherwise preferred, a laminate with an HDF or MDF middle layer, but a prefinished parquet, the middle layer of HDF, MDF, Plastic, other wood material or even the common spruce sticks may have. In particular with regard to the common middle layer of spruce sticks, which have a comparatively irregular and rough surface with imperfections, resinous galls and the like, the panel element according to the invention offers the advantage that two panel elements adjacent to their longitudinal edges do not have to be displaced relative to each other. If this were the case, then prefinished parquet, in which the locking contours according to the invention are provided on the longitudinal sides, would be moved only with difficulty and with the aid of tools parallel to the longitudinal sides in order to lock the end faces. In contrast, according to the invention no shift in this direction is required. Rather, the end faces during the same movement, namely the Einschwenkbewegung on the long sides for the Lock ensures substantially without a horizontal displacement brought into engagement with each other and locked together at this point.

Preferred developments can be found in the further claims.

With regard to the reliability of the locking, in particular on the longitudinal side, it is preferred that the spring is designed such that it has a rib extending in the longitudinal direction of the spring on its underside, and that the groove is accordingly provided on its underside, i. having on the lower groove cheek, a retaining channel for receiving the rib. This has made good experiences both in terms of a simple and a reliable installation.

It is preferably provided that the groove opens at its mouth upwards, thus facilitating the insertion of the spring of an obliquely attached panel element. As a result, the rib provided on the underside of the spring can protrude comparatively far downwards from the spring, so that high holding forces can be applied after laying the floor covering, which can reliably prevent the separation of the two adjacent panel elements in the laying plane of the floor, So the pulling across the panel longitudinal direction. Further, the formation of a chamfer on the upper groove cheek, instead of the underside of the spring, has the advantage that the spring comes into contact both above and below in an area in the groove, which is comparatively deep in the groove, so that a particularly stable connection is achieved, since the dimension between the two am farthest away from each other touch and connection points of the compound is comparatively large.

Preferably, it is provided that arise by the geometry of tongue and groove a total of four contact points between the two panel elements, so that in this way a reliable stability is achieved against separation forces acting transversely to the installation level of the floor and, for example, a lifting or Canting one could cause the opposite panel element. Inadvertent release could be initiated or facilitated by a pivotal movement opposite the pivotal movement about the longitudinal side required for locking at that location. The four contact points complicate such unintentional pivotal movement of two connected panel elements and can result in a veritable latching connection, in which first a latching force must be overcome to release the two connected panel elements. In particular, there are two first contact points on the top and the bottom of the spring. The third and fourth contact points are advantageously separated from one another such that at the third contact point, preferably between the holding rib and the holding channel, contact is formed in a direction parallel to the laying plane, ie usually horizontally, in particular on the side wall of the holding channel. At the fourth contact point, which is preferably located at the front end of the lower groove cheek and at a position adjacent to the rib, contact is at an angle to the direction of the third contact point, preferably in a substantially vertical direction, so that the position of two interconnected Panel elements in the vertical direction, in particular perpendicular to the laying plane is exactly defined.

Furthermore, it is preferred that the plane of the groove or spring is displaced downwards, so that above the groove or the spring at least equal or possibly even greater material thickness is provided as below the groove or the spring. In this way, occurring during use of the floor covering, so in everyday operation, pressure forces are better absorbed by people or furniture and load the tongue and groove connection less, so that lower separation forces acting on two adjacent panel elements.

Preferably, an upper contact surface extending up to the upper side of the panel element is present above the spring, and advantageously a glue receiving channel is provided if the panel elements are to be laid permanently and connected to one another by means of glue. This glue receiving channel can be provided in the form of a recess which extends longitudinally to the spring and above the spring, below the upper edge of the panel element, since in the region of this upper edge a contact surface is provided for abutment with an adjacent panel element.

Furthermore, two contact surfaces between two adjacent panel elements can advantageously be provided, which prevent movements in both directions transversely to the longitudinal direction of the panel element: on the one hand the contact surface between the two panel elements, so that the two panel elements can not be pushed further to each other. On the other hand, as a second contact surface, a contact surface between the retaining channel on the one hand and the rib on the other hand, so that the adjacent panel elements are secured against pulling-separating forces. To this Way is not only a play-free but also jointless or gap-free installation of the panel elements allows and thus a hygienic floor covering with a very closed surface.

The locking on the longitudinal sides by tongue and groove is additionally facilitated when the bottom of the spring to the free end of the spring is rising towards. As a result, a panel to be laid can be attached particularly easily with its spring to an already laid panel at an angle and then pivoted.

During the pivoting movement when laying a panel element, a detent point is to be overcome. This locking point ensures the reliable maintenance of the position of the laid panel elements after installation. In order to achieve the smoothest possible latching characteristic and thus simplify the laying, it is advantageously provided to form this latching point between the rib on the one hand and the retaining channel on the other hand, wherein the retaining channel is rounded in the region of this locking point with the largest possible radius, so that no sudden increasing, but results in a gently as possible building, to be overcome latching pressure.

It is advantageously provided to allow the longitudinal groove of the panel element to be connected to the right-hand end of the frontal groove, the terms "right" and "left" being considered from above and from outside, ie not from the center of the panel element, to a ready-to-lay aligned, are selected with its decorative side facing up panel element. This groove arrangement is unusual for the usual way of laying the panel elements and Surprisingly, because usually joins the longitudinal groove of a panel element to the left end of the frontal groove:

The usual installation system, as it is carried out by professional floor installers and as it is known from the laying instructions of commercially available floor panel systems, provides that from a certain corner of the room, the floor covering is laid. In order to achieve a reliable connection of two adjacent panel elements, usually a certain pressing force must be exerted. For this purpose, a pad is usually used, which is placed on the groove edge of the newly laid panel element and is to absorb and distribute the impact exerted by a hammer, so that the newly laid panel element is pressed with its spring into the groove of an already laid panel element ,

In practice, it can not be ruled out, especially in the laying of the floor by laymen, that the impact block is tilted to the edge of the groove, so that there is the danger of an inadmissibly high edge pressure caused by the impact. As a result, the edge of the panel element may be deformed and the surface damaged so that an undesirable seam may result at the deformed location or there may be an upwardly projecting butt edge. In addition, the desired moisture protection of the floor can be endangered there.

Due to the geometry proposed here, an unusual laying system is favored, in which, while maintaining the usual laying direction, the impact block does not touch the groove edge but the spring edge of the panel element is set. The pressing forces to be applied by the impact in order to lock the two panel elements together are not so great that deformations of the spring are to be expected, which could hinder the connection of the two panel elements. In any case, the surface of the panel element is not affected when applying a pad to the spring, so that the desired surface quality of the floor covering is reliably ensured.

For the frontal locking an embodiment is preferred in which the end-side groove and the end-side spring each have a preferably slot-shaped recess, wherein the recesses are directed in the final installation state to each other such that a foreign spring can be inserted. By this foreign spring two adjacent to each other at the end faces panels are secured against lifting in this case.

Alternatively, good experiences have been made in one embodiment, in which the end-face spring is provided with at least one hook-like projection, which is preferably formed on one or both side walls of the spring. The hooks can be designed as latching hooks, wherein they are designed obliquely in the insertion direction, and prevents a substantially parallel to the laying plane aligned projection lifting. Alternatively, such projections may of course also be formed on the side flanks of the frontal groove.

Finally, in one embodiment good results have been obtained in which the spring, preferably at its end, is provided with at least one bulge or bead, which can be received in appropriately recessed areas at the edges of the groove bottom of the frontal groove. To provide additional elasticity for such locking, these recesses may be formed larger than the bulges of the spring.

Brief description of the drawings

Fig. 1

einen Querschnitt durch den Bereich der Nut-und Federausbildung der Längsseiten zweier miteinander verbundener, benachbarter Paneelelemente,

Fig. 2 und 3

die Verbindung der Längsseiten der beiden Paneelelemente von Fig. 1 in verschiedenen Verlegestadien,

Fig. 4

eine schematische, detailarme und perspektivische Ansicht auf die Oberseite eines Paneelelementes,

Fig. 5 und 6

jeweils einen Querschnitt durch ein Ausführungsbeispiel einer stirnseitigen Nut-bzw. Federausgestaltung eines Paneelelementes, und

Fig. 7 bis 13

jeweils einen Querschnitt weiterer Ausführungsbeispiele stirnseitiger Verbindungen zwischen Paneelelementen.

Embodiments of the invention illustrated by way of example in the drawings will be explained in more detail below.
Show it:

Fig. 1

a cross section through the region of the tongue and groove formation of the longitudinal sides of two interconnected, adjacent panel elements,

FIGS. 2 and 3

the connection of the longitudinal sides of the two panel elements of Fig. 1 in different laying stages,

Fig. 4

a schematic, detail and perspective view on the top of a panel element,

FIGS. 5 and 6

in each case a cross section through an embodiment of an end-side groove or. Spring design of a panel element, and

Fig. 7 to 13

in each case a cross section of further embodiments of end-side connections between panel elements.

Detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention

In Fig. 1 are denoted by 1 two similar panel elements, wherein the one panel element 1 has a groove 2 and the other panel element 1, a spring 3, which extends into the groove 2 of the adjacent panel element 1. The material thickness of the panel elements 1 is above the groove 2 or above the spring 3 slightly more than below the groove 2 and the spring 3, so that pressure loads by persons or furniture can be collected comparatively well and burden the tongue and groove as little as possible ,

Against upwardly lifting forces, the two panel elements 1 are secured by the toothing effect of groove 2 on the one hand and spring 3 on the other hand, as well as downwardly acting compressive forces in addition to the support of the panel elements 1 through the substrate on which these two panel elements 1 are laid.

Against separating forces acting transversely to the longitudinal direction of the panel elements 1, the panel elements 1 are secured by a contact surface 4. Along this contact surface 4 is a rib 5, which is formed on the underside of the spring 3, on the side wall of a retaining channel 6 at.

The opposing forces acting on these separation forces, which endeavor to push the two panel elements 1 against each other, are absorbed by a contact surface 7, at which the two panel elements 1 to each other abut and extending from the upper edge of the two panel elements 1 down.

In the laid-off state shown in FIG. 1, four contact points 8a to 8d result, the contact point 8c being identical to the contact surface 4. Through these four contact points 8a to 8d, the two panel elements 1 are fixed with respect to separating or angling forces, so that only a parallel displacement of the two panel elements 1 in their longitudinal direction against each other is possible without having to overcome additional holding forces.

In Fig. 1, a glue-free connection of the two panel elements 1 is shown. However, a recess 9 above the spring 3 and below the upper contact surface 7 can serve as a glue receiving channel to receive excess glue, if the two panel elements 1 are to be permanently and joint-sealingly connected to each other by means of glue.

Fig. 2 shows the two panel elements 1 during installation. In this case, the left panel element 1, of which the groove 2 is visible, already laid. The second panel element 1 is attached with its spring 3 obliquely to the side edge of the first panel element 1 and thereby the spring 3 is inserted as far as possible into the groove 2. This is facilitated by the fact that the groove 2 has an upper edge 10, which rises towards the mouth of the groove 2 and in this way forms an insertion channel 11 which can be seen in particular from FIG.

Likewise, the spring 3 has an underside 12 which is bevelled towards the free end of the spring 3, that is rising runs so that the right panel element 1 in its apparent from Fig. 2 inclined position can be inserted as far as possible in the groove 2. This insertion movement is limited on the one hand by the contact of the spring 3 with the upper and lower boundary edges of the groove 2 and on the other hand by contact of the two panel elements 1 in the region of their upper contact surface. 7

In Fig. 3, the right panel member 1 is compared with Fig. 2 shallower and less steeply angled, so that it could be further introduced into the groove 2. The rib 5 passes with its rounded lower edge against a portion 14 which extends between the retaining channel 6 and the side edge of the panel element 1. The transition from this section 14 to the retaining channel 6 runs with a comparatively large radius: in the illustrated embodiment, the radius of this rounding corresponds to approximately half the width of the retaining channel 6 or half the width of the material below the section 14.

As a result of this "gentle" rounding between the section 14 and the retaining channel 6, a latching pressure slowly builds up during the further insertion of the spring 3 into the groove 2, which must be overcome when the right panel element 1 is laid, until the two panel elements are then in their position Fig. 1 apparent, interconnected form are arranged. In this laid state, the two panel elements 1 are mutually free of play, but also stress-free, wherein the rib 5 is absorbed tension in the retaining channel 6. The latching pressure to be overcome again to lift the laid panel element 1 secures the composite of the two panel elements 1. It should be added that the locking contours are designed such that at the male spring 3 is formed an oversize. In other words, the dimension on the panel comprising the spring 3 between the contact surface 7 and the right-hand edge of the rib 5, ie the contact point 8c, as shown in FIG. 1, is greater than the corresponding dimension on the panel having the groove , So the dimension between the contact point 7 and that point of the holding channel 6, on which the third contact point 8c is formed. It should be added that the retaining channel is formed slightly rounded overall, and that the bottom of the rib 5 is rounded. However, the third pad 8c is provided such that the tangent thereon is oriented at least substantially vertically, thereby positioning the panels in the horizontal direction with respect to each other. Also, the pad 8d is formed in the vicinity of the holding channel 6 at a rounded portion. However, in the preferred embodiment shown, the tangent thereto is largely horizontal, generally oriented at an angle to the third contact point 8c, so that the panels are positioned vertically with respect to each other, and release and height differences are prevented even on an uneven ground.

From Fig. 4 is a purely schematic and perspective view of a panel element 1 can be seen, each with a longitudinal groove 2 and spring 3. The panel element 1 is aligned ready for laying, so with his visual or decorative side up. Also on the front sides of this panel element 1 is provided with an end-side groove 15 and a front-side spring 16. The longitudinal groove 2 closes, seen in the viewing direction "B" from above and outside of the panel element 1, to the right end of frontal groove 15 at. In this way, while maintaining the usual installation direction of the floor covering a laying system allows in which, if worked with a block impact, this block is not attached to the side edge of the panel element 1, where the groove 2 is located. Rather, the impact block can be applied directly to the spring 3, so that even with tilting of the impact block damage to the surface of the panel element 1 can be reliably excluded.

The corresponding undercuts of the longitudinal groove 2 or spring 3, so in particular the design of the rib 5 and the retaining channel 6, may possibly be chosen so strong that a smooth horizontal telescoping in the laying plane is not provided. In contrast, such pronounced undercuts in the frontal groove and spring geometry are not provided, so that in this variant by a displacement of two adjacent panel elements 1 along each other, the front side of the displaced panel element 1 with a further, third panel element 1 can be connected.

5 and 6 show an inventive embodiment of the frontal groove 15 and the frontal spring 16: The spring 16b does not extend in the horizontal plane of the panel element 1, but approximately perpendicular to this plane down. The corresponding groove 15b accordingly opens up to receive the spring 16b.

In such a configuration of the end-side groove 15b and spring 16b, a laying method is selected in which the panel element 1 to be laid is laid obliquely to already Panel elements is attached and then pivoted in the manner described below. Subsequently, however, this panel element is no longer moved horizontally. Rather, the panel element is arranged with its front side from the outset with the front side of an already laid panel element 1 overlapping, so that when pivoting down the panel element to be laid whose end face with the spring 16b dips into the groove 15b of the front side of an already laid panel element 1. Although the movement of the lowered panel element 1, strictly speaking, is a pivoting movement, the teeth of groove 15b and spring 16b can essentially be described as a lowering movement, which takes place transversely to the surface of the panel element 1.

In this case, the groove 15b has an undercut and the spring 16b is contoured with corresponding projections, in the illustrated, purely schematic embodiment by a slightly convex contour, so that after overcoming a latching force with which the spring 16b is pressed into the groove 15b, holding forces can be constructed, which secure a laid panel element 1 in its frontal area against lifting forces and allow free from impact edges, smooth floor surface in the region of the separation points on the front edges of two adjacent panel elements.

The illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6, purely schematic and convex contouring of spring 16b and groove 15b allows overcoming the corresponding detent forces the non-destructive disassembly of the panel elements 1 and the release of their frontal composite. In particular, when the spring 16b diverges comparatively gently on its underside and up to a greater extent again converges, it can be provided that a comparatively easy insertion of the spring 16b is made possible in the groove 15b and in contrast significantly higher holding forces, which, however, complicate a disassembly of the two panel elements 1. In this case, it may be provided not to separate the end faces by overcoming the latching forces, but by a sliding movement, are displaced in the longitudinal direction against each other in the groove 15b and spring 16b.

The groove 15b advantageously has a larger free cross section than the cross section of the spring 16b allows, so that the spring 16b can be held without tension or with a downward effective bias within the groove 15b and is ensured even with certain dimensional tolerances of the spring 16b in that no pressure points can occur between the spring 16b and the groove 15b, which push the spring 16b upwards and could possibly provide an abutting edge in the region of the separation point between the two end faces of adjacent panel elements. Instead, only one contact is advantageously provided in each upper region between the groove 15b and the spring 16b, so that the spring 16b is reliably held in this groove 15b due to the undercut of the groove 15b.

FIGS. 7 to 13 show further alternatives of the locking contours according to the invention on the end faces, which can be generally referred to as groove 15b and spring 16b. In the embodiment of FIG. 7, the spring 16b is formed as a downwardly projecting web on a lip which is formed at the upper edge of the panel to be recognized on the right. The spring 16b passes when pivoting down the panel shown on the right into the groove 15b. In the embodiment shown, the final locking is effected by a parallel to the front side inserted foreign spring 17, which is partially received in one side of the spring and partially in a groove flank. In this way, the right-to-be-seen, laid to the left-facing panel panel can be locked with its front side with the adjacent panel. For securing in a (according to FIG. 7) lateral direction provides the tongue and groove connection, and against lifting the panels are secured by the foreign spring 17.

In the embodiment of Fig. 8, the securing against laterally displacing forces also takes place through the tongue and groove connection, in which case the spring is formed at the front end of the lip. This also has two sloping flanks, which are received in obliquely formed flanks of the groove 15b. Thus, the right panel can not be raised without at least slightly shifting it to the right. However, this already prevents lifting of the panel, so that also in this embodiment, the two panels are inextricably linked in all directions.

In the embodiment of Fig. 9, the protection against lifting is achieved in that the spring 16b on the one hand has an oblique edge. On the other hand, a plurality of hook-like projections 18 are present on the flank just formed in the case shown, which prevent lifting of the right to be recognized panel. In other words, the protrusions 18, which are in the form of a detent or latch hook, prevent the straight groove flank from passing over them in order to lift the right-hand panel.

In the embodiment of FIG. 10, this is achieved in that the spring 16b has two substantially straight flanks, but whose front ends are somewhat convex or have beads. The groove 15b is accordingly at least slightly recessed in the corner regions, so that an undercut 20 is formed, in which the widenings of the spring can engage.

The embodiment of Fig. 11 is similar to that of Fig. 9, wherein the spring and the groove have two straight flanks, and on the spring on both flanks projections 18 are formed, which hold the panel to be recognized right in the laid position and secure against picking up.

In Fig. 12, an embodiment similar to the embodiment of Fig. 10 is shown, wherein the bulge 19 or the spherical rounding is provided at the front end of the spring element only for a flank, and accordingly the groove has a recess 20 only in a corner region in which this spherical training can be recorded. The recess 20 is also, as in the case of the embodiment of Fig. 10, designed somewhat deeper than necessary for the bulge of the spring to provide the surrounding area with a certain flexibility and to allow a resilient engagement.

• 1. Paneelelement (1) zur Ausbildung eines Fußbodenbelags aus mehreren gleichartigen, miteinander verbindbaren Paneelelementen (1), mit folgenden Merkmalen:
  • zwei erste, als Längsseiten bezeichnete Seiten jedes Paneelelements (1) weisen einerseits eine Nut (2) und andererseits eine Feder (3) auf,
  • die Feder (3) eines schräg zur Verlege-Ebene eines ersten, gleichartigen Paneelelements (1) angesetzten Paneelelements (1) ist in die Nut (2) des ersten Paneelelements (1) einführbar,
  • die Feder (3) wirkt mit der Nut (2) des benachbarten, gleichartigen Paneelelements (1) derart zusammen, dass zwei miteinander verbundene Paneelelemente (1) gegen Trennkräfte gesichert sind, welche in beiden senkrecht zur Längsseite der Paneelelemente (1) verlaufenden Achsen wirken,
  • zwei zweite, als Stirnseiten bezeichnete Seiten des Paneelelements (1) sind mit Haltemitteln wie einerseits mit einer Nut (15b) und andererseits mit einer Feder (16b) versehen, die einen stirnseitigen Verbund zweier benachbarter Paneelelemente (1) bilden,
  gekennzeichnet durch folgendes weitere Merkmal:
  • die stirnseitigen Nuten (15b) und Federn (16b) sind mittels einer im wesentlichen quer zur Verlege-Ebene erfolgenden Absenkbewegung des Paneelelements (1) auf ein bereits verlegtes, gleichartiges Paneelelement (1) miteinander verbindbar, so dass das Paneelelement (1) gegen abhebende, also weitgehend senkrecht zur Verlege-Ebene ausgerichtete Kräfte gesichert ist.
• 2. Paneelelement nach 1, dadurch
  gekennzeichnet , dass
  • die längsseitige Feder (3) an ihrer Unterseite eine in Längsrichtung der Feder verlaufende Rippe (5) aufweist, und
  • die längsseitige Nut(2) an ihrer Unterseite einen Haltekanal (6) zur Aufnahme der Rippe (5) aufweist.
• 3. Paneelelement nach 1 oder 2, dadurch
  gekennzeichnet , dass die Oberkante (10) der längsseitigen Nut (2) zur Mündung der Nut (2) hin ansteigend verläuft, so dass ein Einführungskanal (11) für die Feder (3) eines schräg zur Verlege-Ebene angesetzten zweiten Paneelelements (1) geschaffen wird.
• 4. Paneelelement nach einem der Absätze 1 bis 3, dadurch
  gekennzeichnet , dass längsseitige Nut (2) und Feder (3) zweier miteinander verbundener Paneelelemente (1) vier definierte Kontaktstellen (8a, 8b, 8c, 8d) aufweisen.
• 5. Paneelelement nach einem der Absätze 1 bis 4, dadurch gekennzeichnet , dass die Materialstärke des Paneelelements (1) oberhalb der Feder (3) bzw. der Nut (2) wenigstens gleich groß ist wie die Materialstärke des Paneelelements (1) unterhalb der Feder (3) bzw. der Nut (2).
• 6. Paneelelement nach einem der Absätze 1 bis 5, dadurch gekennzeichnet , dass oberhalb der Feder (3) eine sich bis zur Oberseite des Paneelelements (1) erstreckende obere Berührungsfläche (7) aufweist, und oberhalb der Feder (3) und unterhalb der Berührungsfläche (7) eine Ausnehmung (9) zur Aufnahme von Fremdstoffen wie Leim vorgesehen ist.
• 7. Paneelelement nach einem der Absätze 1 bis 6, dadurch gekennzeichnet , dass
  zwei miteinander verbundene, gleichartige Paneelelemente (1) sich sowohl an der oberen Berührungsfläche (7) berühren, welche ein Zusammenschieben der Paneelelemente (1) begrenzt,
  als auch mit dem Haltekanal (6) einerseits und der Rippe (5) andererseits, derart, dass diese so gebildete untere Berührungsfläche (4) eine die beiden Paneelelemente (1) trennende Zugbewegung in der Verlege-Ebene des Fußbodens begrenzt,
  wobei die beiden Berührungsflächen (4, 7) eine spielfreie Anlage der beiden Paneelelemente (1) aneinander bewirken.
• 8. Paneelelement nach einem der Absätze 1 bis 7, dadurch gekennzeichnet , dass die Unterseite der Feder (3) zum freien Ende der Feder (3) hin ansteigend verläuft.
• 9. Paneelelement nach einem der Absätze 1 bis 8, dadurch gekennzeichnet , dass der Übergang von dem Haltekanal (6) zu dem Abschnitt (14) der Unterkante der Nut (2), welcher sich zwischen dem Haltekanal (6) und der Seitenkante des Paneelelements (1) erstreckt, gerundet mit einem vergleichsweise großen Radius verläuft.
• 10. Paneelelement nach einem der Absätze 1 bis 9, dadurch gekennzeichnet , dass sich die an der Längsseite des Paneelelements (1) verlaufende Nut (2) an das rechte Ende der stirnseitigen Nut (15) anschließt.
• 11. Paneelelement nach einem der Absätze 1 bis 10, dadurch gekennzeichnet , dass die stirnseitige Nut (15b) und die stirnseitige Feder (16b) zueinander gerichtete, vorzugsweise schlitzförmige Aussparungen aufweisen, in die eine Fremdfeder einschiebbar ist.
• 12. Paneelelement nach einem der Absätze 1 bis 11, dadurch gekennzeichnet , dass die stirnseitige Feder (16b) zumindest einen hakenartigen Vorsprung an zumindest einer ihrer Seitenflächen aufweist.
• 13. Paneelelement nach einem der Absätze 1 bis 12, dadurch gekennzeichnet , dass die stirnseitige Feder (16b) zumindest eine, vorzugsweise an ihrem Ende ausgebildete Ausbauchung aufweist, und die stirnseitige Nut (15b) vorzugsweise an den Eckbereichen des Nutengrundes zumindest eine Ausnehmung aufweist.

In the embodiment of FIG. 13, a safety against lifting is finally ensured by the fact that the spring and the groove are dimensioned to each other such that the spring is slightly wider than the male groove, so that in the installed state creates a press fit, which the two Holding the panels securely together. This is also in In this case, the right to be recognized panel secured at its front against lifting. The following paragraphs describe further preferred embodiments of the invention.

• 1. panel element (1) for forming a floor covering from a plurality of similar, interconnectable panel elements (1), having the following features:
  • two first sides, designated as longitudinal sides, of each panel element (1) have, on the one hand, a groove (2) and, on the other hand, a spring (3),
  • the spring (3) of a panel element (1) attached obliquely to the laying plane of a first, similar panel element (1) can be inserted into the groove (2) of the first panel element (1),
  • the spring (3) interacts with the groove (2) of the adjacent, similar panel element (1) in such a way that two panel elements (1) connected to one another are secured against separation forces acting in both axes perpendicular to the longitudinal side of the panel elements (1) .
  • two second sides of the panel element (1), which are referred to as end faces, are provided with holding means, such as, on the one hand, a groove (15b) and, on the other hand, with a spring (16b), which form an end-side composite of two adjacent panel elements (1),
  characterized by the following further feature:
  • the end-side grooves (15b) and springs (16b) are connected to one another by means of a substantially transverse to the laying plane lowering movement of the panel element (1) on an already laid, similar panel element (1), so that the panel element (1) against lifting , So extensively oriented perpendicular to the laying plane forces is secured.
• 2. Panel element according to 1, characterized
  marked that
  • the longitudinal-side spring (3) has on its underside a rib (5) extending in the longitudinal direction of the spring, and
  • the longitudinal groove (2) has on its underside a retaining channel (6) for receiving the rib (5).
• 3. Panel element according to 1 or 2, characterized
  in that the upper edge (10) of the longitudinal groove (2) runs rising towards the mouth of the groove (2) so that an introduction channel (11) for the spring (3) of a second panel element (1) arranged at an angle to the laying plane is provided. is created.
• 4. Panel element according to one of paragraphs 1 to 3, characterized
  in that longitudinal groove (2) and spring (3) of two panel elements (1) connected to one another have four defined contact points (8a, 8b, 8c, 8d).
• 5. Panel element according to one of the paragraphs 1 to 4, characterized in that the material thickness of the panel element (1) above the spring (3) or the groove (2) is at least as large as the material thickness of the panel element (1) below the spring (3) and the groove (2).
• 6. panel element according to one of the paragraphs 1 to 5, characterized in that above the spring (3) up to the top of the panel element (1) extending upper contact surface (7), and above the spring (3) and below the contact surface (7) a recess (9) for receiving foreign substances such as glue is provided.
• 7. Panel element according to one of the paragraphs 1 to 6, characterized in that
  two similar, similar panel elements (1) touch each other both on the upper contact surface (7), which limits a collapse of the panel elements (1),
  as well as with the retaining channel (6) on the one hand and the rib (5) on the other hand, such that this lower contact surface (4) thus formed bounds a pulling movement separating the two panel elements (1) in the laying plane of the floor,
  wherein the two contact surfaces (4, 7) effect a play-free contact of the two panel elements (1) to each other.
• 8. Panel element according to one of the paragraphs 1 to 7, characterized in that the underside of the Spring (3) to the free end of the spring (3) towards rising runs.
• 9. panel element according to one of the paragraphs 1 to 8, characterized in that the transition from the retaining channel (6) to the portion (14) of the lower edge of the groove (2) which extends between the retaining channel (6) and the side edge of the panel element (1), rounded with a comparatively large radius extends.
• 10. Panel element according to one of the paragraphs 1 to 9, characterized in that on the longitudinal side of the panel element (1) extending groove (2) adjoins the right end of the frontal groove (15).
• 11. Panel element according to one of the paragraphs 1 to 10, characterized in that the end-side groove (15b) and the end-side spring (16b) facing each other, preferably slot-shaped recesses, in which a foreign spring can be inserted.
• 12. Panel element according to one of the paragraphs 1 to 11, characterized in that the end-side spring (16b) has at least one hook-like projection on at least one of its side surfaces.
• 13. Panel element according to one of the paragraphs 1 to 12, characterized in that the end-side spring (16b) has at least one, preferably formed at its end bulge, and the end-side groove (15b) preferably at the corner regions of the groove bottom has at least one recess.

Claims (11)

Panel elements (1) which are similar and connectable to form a floor covering, having the following characteristics: each panel element has a surface and a bottom surface, - Two first, called longitudinal sides of each panel element (1) have on the one hand a substantially parallel to the surface aligned groove (2) and on the other hand a substantially parallel to the surface aligned spring (3), wherein the spring (3) on its underside a in Having the longitudinal direction of the spring (3) extending rib (5), and the groove (2) on its underside a retaining channel (6) for receiving the rib (5) of an adjacent panel element (2), - The spring (3) of an obliquely to the surface of a first, similar panel element (1) attached second panel element (1) is inserted into the groove (2) of the first panel element (1), so that the second panel element (1) on the longitudinal edge and the longitudinal edge so down, in the laying plane of the already laid, first panel element (1) can be pivoted that the spring (3) to be laid second panel element (1) in the groove (2) of the already laid, first Panel element (1) is inserted, and the rib (5) is received in the retaining channel (6), - The spring (3) of a panel element (1) cooperates with the groove (2) of the adjacent similar panel element (1) such that the two interconnected panel elements (1) are secured against separation forces, which in both perpendicular to the longitudinal edge of Panel elements (1) extending axes act, and are fixed in terms of bending forces, characterized by the following additional features: - Two second, designated as end faces sides of each panel element (1) are provided with holding means in the form of on the one hand a groove (15b) and on the other hand a spring (16b) which form a frontal composite of two adjacent panel elements (1) and approximately extend perpendicular to the surface, and - The end-side grooves (15b) and springs (16b) are connected to one another by means of a substantially transverse to the laying plane lowering movement of the panel member (1) on an already laid, similar, third panel element (1), so that the second panel element ( 1) is secured against lifting, so aligned substantially perpendicular to the laying plane forces. Panel elements according to claim 1,
characterized in that
the upper edge (10) of the longitudinal groove (2) rises towards the mouth of the groove (2), so that an introduction channel (11) for the spring (3) of the second panel element (1) arranged obliquely to the surface is created. Panel elements according to claim 1 or 2,
characterized in that
longitudinal groove (2) and spring (3) of two interconnected panel elements (1) four defined contact points (8a, 8b, 8c, 8d) have. Panel elements according to at least one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that
the material thickness of a panel element (1) above the longitudinal spring (3) or the longitudinal groove (2) is at least equal to the material thickness of the panel element (1) below the longitudinal spring (3) or the longitudinal groove (2). Panel elements according to at least one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that
the transition from the retaining channel (6) to the portion (14) of the lower edge of the groove (2) which extends between the retaining channel (6) and the side edge of a panel element (1), rounded with a comparatively large radius. Panel elements according to at least one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that
the groove (2) extending on the longitudinal side of the panel element (1) adjoins the right end of the frontal groove (15). Panel elements according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the end-face spring (16b) has at least one hook-like projection on at least one of its side faces. Panel elements according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the end-side groove (15b) has a larger free cross-section than corresponds to the cross section of the frontal spring (16b), so that the frontal spring (16b) without tension or with a downwardly acting Bias in the frontal groove (15b) can be maintained. Panel elements according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the end-side spring (16b) is crowned or at least one, preferably formed at its end bulge or bead, and the end-side groove (15b) preferably at least one corner region of the groove bottom at least having a preferably slot-shaped recess. Panel elements according to claim 9,
characterized in that
the recess is deeper than necessary for receiving the spring. Panel elements according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that
These consist of engineered parquet.

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