DE20119830U1 - Arrangement of components - Google Patents

Description

ST12214

M. Kaindl, Wals/Salzburg, Austria

Arrangement of components

The invention relates to an arrangement of components according to the preamble of claim 1.

The term “components” is understood to mean, in particular, plate-shaped components, for example panel boards, floor boards, cladding boards, cladding strips or the like, in particular for the wall, ceiling or floor cladding of all types of buildings. Such components can be single-layer or multi-layer boards or strips made of wood-based materials or on a wood basis (laminates), in particular chipboard, MDF, HDF, hardboard or plywood boards, which may be coated on one or both outer surfaces. The coating can be done with plastic boards, veneers made of wood or plastic or paper, etc. For floor panels, decorative paper, for example with a natural wood look, is widely used, which gives the impression of a solid wood panel. Since floors are subject to heavy wear and tear in normal use, the surface of the decorative paper is protected by a hard, in particular scratch- and abrasion-resistant overlay made of, for example,

sealed with resin-impregnated alpha-cellulose paper and thus protected against scratches and dents. The invention is therefore particularly aimed at floor panels, so-called panels, which are made of wood-based material and have relatively hard surfaces made of plastic laminates.

Arrangements with such components or such components according to the preamble of claim 1 are known from the prior art. The invention relates in particular to the special type of connection of such components in order to hold them in an optimal position in relation to one another in the connected state with the aid of locking elements, but to be able to separate the components from one another if necessary.

Known floor panels have grooves or tongues on their side edges, especially those that can snap into the grooves. Such panels are particularly economical to manufacture, since only the mostly relatively soft middle layer of the panels, which are made of wood in particular, is used to form the

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The grooves and tongues used as locking elements must be specially treated, and not the relatively hard surfaces of laminates. In the case of laminate floors with a tongue milled out of the middle layer, this is usually made of chipboard, MDF, HDF, hardboard or plywood. These materials have the disadvantage that the tongues in particular, as already explained above, are relatively soft and can therefore break off completely or in sections. A panel with tongues that are squashed in places, for example, can only be inserted into the groove of another panel after the squashing has been treated before installation. This results in additional work during installation.

Damaged tongues or those made of water-permeable material also make the tongue-and-groove joint more permeable to water. Water spilled on the joint therefore penetrates more easily into the often liquid-absorbing middle layers (core) of the panel, which then swells and becomes unsightly. Moisture can also penetrate through the tongue-and-groove joint and remain on the underside of the panels for a long time. This moisture evades observation or removal and can cause the consequential damage typical of moisture in the long term, such as mold, bacteria, efflorescence, and leaching.

The tongue, which extends beyond at least one side edge of the panel, is particularly susceptible to damage because it can strike obstacles particularly hard due to its small cross-section and the large weight of a panel. This applies to production, transport and installation.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an improved arrangement or components which eliminate the aforementioned disadvantages.

This object is achieved by an arrangement or components according to claim 1. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

The invention provides an arrangement of components that can be connected by means of connecting means, in particular snap-in ones. Because the connecting means, for example with or in the form of two springs extending in opposite directions, is produced independently of the component, it is possible to select the optimum materials for both the components and the springs with regard to the requirements. Known panels are designed in one piece with the spring, while the invention is a two-piece design. It is therefore now possible to make the middle layer of the panels particularly

inexpensive or light in terms of surface weight, for example using the materials already mentioned. The connecting element consisting of springs, on the other hand, can be made of strong and heavy materials, as this only slightly affects the overall weight of the arrangement of panels. The connecting element can, for example, be made of solid wood, MDF, HDF, PVC, plastics or metal, which is harder than the core of the panels and can be produced on a special milling machine (e.g. pencil milling machine). This means that the particularly heavy and/or stable material is only processed where it is actually needed, while the core of the panel is made of light and cheaper material. The weight of the panels is an important economic factor, as it influences the transport costs and the price of the product, as well as consumer acceptance.

Snap-in occurs when a positive connection is made using elastic components that give way when connected, e.g. the expanding groove legs or a compressible spring. So-called snap-in connections are particularly easy and safe for the user to produce, as well as being particularly precise.

The connecting means can consist solely of the two springs or have an intermediate or insulating piece between the springs. If the connecting means, for example in the form of a double spring, are made entirely of a waterproof material, such as plastic, or are coated with a waterproof material, such as plastic, moisture cannot penetrate through the joint between panels connected to one another.

Symmetrically designed fasteners, i.e. those with two tongues of the same length or type, have the advantage that when processing or installing, it is not necessary to determine or take into account which tongue fits into which groove. An asymmetrical arrangement of the tongues enables stronger clamping and friction forces of the tongue-and-groove connection on the side with the longer tongue. This means that the previously determined assignment of a fastener to a specific panel is retained even when the panels are separated, since when two connected panels are separated, the tongue-and-groove connection on the side with the shorter tongue is more likely to come loose. A particularly secure assignment is achieved when a tongue-and-groove connection is additionally or alternatively glued, in particular bonded. Gluing can be done both by the consumer and directly during production.

of the panels. If the fasteners are not yet connected to the panel upon delivery, the side dimensions of the packaging can be reduced by the length that the tongue would protrude beyond the side edge of the panel. When gluing, a snap-in tongue-and-groove connection can be dispensed with.

As long as the maximum thickness of the fastener is smaller than the thickness of the panels, the fasteners are not noticeable and do not spoil the appearance. The fasteners can be manufactured in a material-saving manner if their maximum thickness is also the maximum thickness of the springs.

When the end faces of two adjacent panels meet in the area of the top surface, for example the decor or overlay, it becomes more difficult for dirt and moisture to penetrate into the core of the panels.

The flat underside of the panels has a positive effect on the appearance, is easier to produce than a contoured underside and insulates impact sound as hollow spaces are avoided.

Coated top and bottom surfaces make the surface more resistant to scratches, dents and moisture and ensure an attractive appearance.

Grooves and tongues with snap-in locking elements in the form of recesses or depressions that extend over the entire length of the groove and tongue enable particularly simple and economical production. Joining or separating the fasteners formed in this way is done quickly and reliably without damaging the material, while ensuring that the panels are held in the optimal position relative to one another when connected.

If the locking means are already glued or connected to the panels at the factory, the installation of the panels does not change much compared to the installation of known tongue and groove panels. By joining the components designed according to the invention, a firm and stable but detachable connection is created that can withstand the stresses that occur and connects the components to one another in a stable position.

It is advantageous that the groove is machined directly from the component, in particular milled out, which makes the manufacture of such panels easier. This is especially true for components that have legs of equal length and therefore have a

symmetrical milling head in one pass. The two sides of the groove are essentially the same length, apart from minor differences in length, which arise because the components can be arranged close to one another in the area near the surface and spaced apart from one another in the areas near the floor, forming a small gap. This ensures that the two upper sides of the panels abut one another securely, even when the surface is uneven.

In a further embodiment, each panel is provided with identical grooves on all sides, which further simplifies the production of the panels and requires less equipment. Milling can be carried out with a particularly high feed rate in the soft core of the panel and the service life of the milling cutter is increased. Irrespective of this, the connecting element with its two springs is preferably milled from HDF, which is harder than the core of the MDF panel, although other materials are also conceivable. In a further production step, the groove is glued in the run and one spring of the connecting element is pressed into the glued groove. The spring is sufficiently stabilized by the gluing and/or the possibly extended design of one spring.

The customer then only has to push the elements together as before; he will not notice any change in the product. He will only benefit from the improved material properties of the connecting element, of which only the spring that protrudes above the panels is visible. Panels manufactured in this way could also be combined with existing ones with a one-piece spring milled out of the core, which means that the product according to the invention is backwards compatible with known products. This opens up further areas of application and the system can be used more flexibly.

The width of the groove, which increases from the inside to the outside, and the thickness of the tongue, which decreases towards its free end, are coordinated so that when components are connected to one another, the tongue and groove surfaces fit snugly against one another, i.e. form-fitting. This keeps the components in a defined position relative to one another.

A key factor in the detachable connection is that the surface of the projection on the tongue closest to the component and the surface of the recess on the groove closest to the groove opening are inclined or slanted towards the component or groove opening.

so that the spring can be pulled out of the groove. The insertion and removal is possible because at least one of the legs of the groove can be elastically expanded or moved away from the other leg; in particular, the two legs of the groove are made of such a material thickness that they can be elastically bent outwards to allow the spring to penetrate into the groove, whereby the at least one projection formed on the spring can overcome the inner edges at the groove opening, precisely by sliding along the inner edges and thereby pushing the legs of the groove apart.

The locking elements intended for the stable connection of the components, which are formed by projections and recesses that match each other, are provided on the groove and on the tongue. These locking elements can be provided in sections on the groove and the tongue; however, better hold and simplified production are achieved if these locking elements extend over the entire length of the grooves and tongues provided.

An embodiment of the arrangement according to the invention is particularly advantageous in which corresponding projections are formed on both sides of the spring and corresponding recesses are formed on both groove surfaces, since this allows a double locking effect to be achieved and thus a firm cohesion of the components is achieved.

The width of the components can be chosen as desired. Components of the same width or components of different widths can be connected to one another, for example to achieve a specific floor design.

It is advantageous for the sliding together or the releasing of the components if the features of claims 20 and 21 are followed.

A preferred embodiment of the invention is characterized in claim 22. This cross-sectional shape of a spring with at least one projection located thereon and at least one correspondingly adapted recess in the groove enables the surfaces of the spring or the projection carried by the spring to slide easily on the groove surfaces or the groove surfaces directly adjacent to the groove opening when the spring is inserted into the groove.

The features of claim 23 result in a firm locking of the two components to be connected.

It is particularly advantageous for inserting the spring of one component into the groove of the other component and for releasing it if the procedure is carried out in accordance with the feature of claim 24. With this procedure, there is indeed increased resistance to releasing or removing the spring from the groove compared to the resistance that is encountered when inserting the spring into the groove; however, the spring is held firmly in the groove, although it is quite possible to release this locking connection.

The formation of an elastically flexible, e.g. slotted, spring or spring sections is not necessary, since the groove legs have sufficient elasticity to be able to expand accordingly when the spring is inserted. A solid spring according to claim 25 is easier to manufacture.

It is advantageous if the features of claim 26 are provided, since this provides a defined formation of tongue and groove, the manufacture of which is simple and enables the tongue and groove to fit together well.

The features of claim 27 facilitate the insertion of the spring into the groove.

The features of claim 28 define the exact position of the tongue in the groove, since the projection lies exactly in the recess and thus the projection and the recess or the tongue surfaces and the groove surfaces lie exactly and snugly and flatly against one another.

A design of the cross section of the triangular projection or of the projection of the spring received by the recess in the groove according to claim 29 facilitates the insertion of the spring into the groove or offers the spring a firm hold in the groove and nevertheless enables the spring to be pulled out of the groove without damaging the material.

The features of claim 31 are advantageous for the introduction of the tongue into the groove in order to avoid jamming. Furthermore, the features of this claim contribute to the fact that the surfaces of the components to be connected lie closely against one another or are brought closer together by the engagement of the projections of the tongue in the recesses of the groove on the end faces and the formation of gaps is avoided.

It has been shown in practice that the features of claim 32 have further advantages, namely a gentle widening of the grooves when pushed together, an automatic

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Fixing of the panels when snapped in and a very firm, play-free fit of the connection when closed. In addition, the production of the tongue and groove is simplified and the force transmission is gentle on the material. ■

It is technically simple to lay and at the same time visually attractive if the features of patent claim 33 or 34 are followed. In this way, relatively wide, plate-shaped components, which may not necessarily be elongated but may also be rectangular or square, are held together with the help of relatively narrow, strip-shaped components, which not only results in an attractive pattern but also in a simple laying technique.

Further advantageous embodiments of the invention emerge from the following description, the drawings and the patent claims.

In the following, the invention is explained in more detail using the designation, namely

Fig. 1 two components connected to each other by means of the two-spring connecting means,

Fig. 2 a detailed view to explain the profile of a spring required for snapping in and

Fig. 3 the profile of a spring in an asymmetrical design.

Fig. 1 shows two components 1, 2 connected to one another, with a groove 5a and 5b being formed in one component, into which the connector 40 with its two springs 6a and 6b can be inserted. The components 1, 2 rest against one another with their end faces in the area close to the usable area (e.g. floor surface) and form a gap 16 in the area near the floor.

Fig. 1 shows an embodiment of the invention in which each of the individual components 1, 2 is provided with grooves 5a and 5b on its two opposite end faces or on all four of its end faces. The components 1, 2 are thus constructed symmetrically with respect to their schematically illustrated center plane M.

The formation of the grooves 5a and 5b, as well as the springs 6a and 6b of the connector 40 takes place in the same manner as described in connection with Fig. 2 and 3 or in the following description. As can be seen from Fig. 1,

the projections 7 and recesses 8 that engage with one another are adapted to one another and, according to their cross-sectional shape, correspond to the projections 7 and recesses 8 of the recesses described in Figs. 2 and 3. However, it is in principle possible to select other similar cross-sectional shapes for the locking elements 7, 8 or to select other angles of inclination of the tongue and groove surfaces in relation to the surface 13 of the components 1, 2 than shown. The elasticity of the legs 3, 4 is essential in order to ensure that the locking elements 7, 8 engage, i.e. the desired snap-in.

The strip-shaped connector 40 shown in Fig. 1 consists of two springs 6a and 6b, each with a dovetail profile, the left spring 6a being longer than the right spring 6b.

In the embodiment, the longer spring ensures better stability of the connector in the groove 5a of the component, since when an attempt is made to separate two connected components, the shorter tongue-and-groove connection 6b, 5b is more likely to come loose due to the lower frictional and clamping forces, which prevents the spring 6a from being accidentally pulled out of the groove 5a when separating two components.

Unlike in Fig. 1, it is advantageous if the grooves 5a and 5b are the same size, i.e. both are designed to accommodate the long tongue 6a. This simplifies the production of the groove, for example by milling, since two different groove geometries do not have to be produced. This also ensures that both when installing the panels and during any further processing of the panels in the factory, the step of "connecting the tongue to the component" is always successful, without having to pay attention to the orientation of the components.

The relatively wide components 1, 2 shown in Fig. 1 with their width compressed have dovetail-shaped grooves 5a and 5b on their opposite end faces, in particular on all four end faces.

The strip-shaped connectors 40 are easy to handle or cut to length; the components 1 can have grooves 5 formed on the end faces over their circumference, so that the components 1 can be connected on all sides to the strip-shaped connectors 40.

Figures 2 and 3 serve to illustrate the profile of the springs 6a and 6b. They are to be understood as detailed figures, with only one spring being shown in each of the figures 2 and 3.

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is shown. Where it is not necessary, no distinction is made in the description between the two springs 6a and 6b, or the two grooves 5a and 5b, and these are simply referred to as spring 6 and groove 5.

As can be seen in Fig. 3, the components 1, 2, which in particular consist of wood or plastic, can be provided with coatings 23, 24 (see Fig. 2) in order to obtain corresponding surface values or a corresponding appearance.

Locking elements 7, 8 adapted to one another are provided on the spring 6 or the spring surfaces 10 and in the groove 5 or in the groove surfaces or side surfaces 9 of the groove 5. These locking elements are formed by projections 7 and depressions 8 which interact with one another or can be snapped into place. The cross-sectional shapes of the depressions 8 and the associated projections 7 correspond to one another, so that the locking elements engage snugly with one another, i.e. form a positive snap-in connection.

When the components 1, 2 are assembled, the locking elements 7, 8 are in engagement with one another. The locking elements 7, 8 are formed in particular over the entire length of the long and/or narrow sides of the components 1, 2.

In Fig. 3, a projection 7 is formed on a spring surface 10, which is received in a recess 8 in the groove surface 9 adjacent to this spring surface 10. When the spring 6 is inserted into the groove 5, the two legs 3.4 of the groove 5 are elastically pressed apart; when the spring 6 is pulled out of the groove 5, the groove legs 3,4 are also elastically spread apart.

In the embodiment of the invention shown in Fig. 3, a projection 7 is formed on only one side of the spring 6. The projection 7 is formed in such a way that the spring surface 10 runs flat from the front free end region of the spring 6 to a bend which is located at the thickest point of the spring and leads into a rear short surface 17, which in turn leads into a surface 31 leading to the component 2. Only a partial area 30 of the spring surface 10 is received in the recess 8 in the groove surface 9; this partial area of the spring surface, however, lies snugly against the surface 18' in the recess; the rear shorter surface 17 also lies snugly against the surface 17' of the recess 8 facing the groove opening.

The groove surface 10 or its partial area 30 is inclined at an angle α to the surface 13 of the two components 1,2; the rear shorter surface section 17 is inclined at an

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Angle β to the surface 13 of the two components 1, 2. The same applies to the two surfaces 17' and 18' of the recess 8 in the groove leg 3. The area of the groove surface 9 located outside the recess 8 of the groove leg 3 or close to the groove base is inclined at an angle γ to the surface 13 of the two components. The surface 10 of the spring 6 which does not have a projection and which lies snugly against the facing groove surface 9 is inclined at the same angle γ.

In order to form a defined mutual position of the locked components 1, 2, it can be expedient if the angle α to the useful or surface 13 of the longer triangular side 18 of the projection 7 on the spring 6 corresponds to the angle or inclination, in particular of the front area, of the spring surface 10, which in its front area runs at a distance from the groove surface 9. The spring surface 10, which is free of locking elements, lies against the inner groove surface 9 over most of its length and both surfaces approach the surface or useful surface 13 of the two components 1, 2 at the angle γ, as seen from the groove base 11.

In practice, it is advantageous if the recess or groove is provided in the tongue and groove surfaces close to the surface. It is particularly advantageous if corresponding locking elements are provided in both tongue surfaces and both groove surfaces. The connection is then self-centering, which makes assembly easier, and is self-locking in the end position.

It can be seen from Fig. 3 that when the spring 6 is pushed into the groove 5, the groove legs 3, 4 are spread apart, i.e. are moved away from each other, in particular the surface 25' near the groove opening and the spring surface 10, in particular its area 30, slide against each other, so that the groove legs 3, 4 are widened without damaging them. When the spring 6 is pulled out of the groove 5, the groove legs 3, 4 are widened by the surfaces 17 and 17' sliding against each other.

Fig. 2 shows a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, in which the groove 5 and the tongue 6 are advantageously formed symmetrically to a center plane M' running perpendicular to the plane of the drawing through the components 1, 2.

The cross-section of the projection 7 or the recess 8 according to Fig. 2 is triangular, with the triangle sides 17, 17' closer to the groove opening being shorter and more inclined than the triangle sides 18, 18' closer to the groove base 11. When the spring 6 is inserted into the groove 5, the longer side 18 of the projection 7 slides on the inner edge or a recess formed in this area.

Bevel 25' of the groove leg 3 until the projection 7 has overcome this inner edge surface 25' and is received in the recess 8. This causes the components to be locked by snapping into place.

In the advantageous embodiment according to Fig. 2, it is provided that on the two opposite tongue surfaces 10, in particular symmetrically positioned projections 7 or depressions 8 and on both adjacent groove surfaces 9, depressions and projections adapted to these projections 7 or depressions 8 are formed, or that the groove 5 and tongue 6 are dovetail-shaped and adapted to one another. This embodiment enables a double locking of the two components 1, 2, whereby such a locking can also be easily released by the two components 1, 2 being moved away from one another or pulled apart in the plane spanned by them. The widening of the legs 3, 4 can be supported by turning the components against one another.

In this embodiment, the longer side of the triangle 18 or the surface of the projection 7 formed by this side merges into the front area of the spring surface 10, forming a kink 19; the area of the groove surface 9 near the base of the groove and this front area of the spring surface 10 lie flush against one another, as do the projection 7 and the recess 8; in this way, a very precise connection of the components 1, 2 can be achieved and at the same time it is ensured that the end faces of the components 1, 2 lie against one another under pressure or are brought closer to one another, so that a gap between the components 1, 2 on the usable surface 13 or removal of the components 1, 2 during use is avoided.

The area of the groove surfaces 9 near the groove base and the area of the spring surfaces 10 near the free end of the spring 6 have the same angle of inclination γ. The angle a, which the surfaces 18 of the projection or the surfaces 18' of the recess form with the surface 13 of the components 1, 2, is greater than the angle γ. At this angle α, the area of the inner edge surface 25' near the groove opening is also inclined to the surface 13 of the two components 1, 2.

The angle ß at which the shorter triangle sides 17,17' are inclined is greater than the angle α and advantageously encloses an angle of between 25° and 65° with the surface 13 of the components 1,2.

For connecting and disconnecting, it is advantageous if the triangular sides 18, 18' near the groove base are approximately four to eight times, preferably five to seven times, as long

than the triangle sides 17,17' remote from the groove base and if the angle between the two triangle sides 17, 18 or 17' 18' is 100 to 140°, in particular 110 to 130°.

To facilitate insertion, it is advantageous if the inner end edges of the spring 6 are provided with bevels 12 and/or the inner end edge of the groove leg 4 free of latching or locking elements is provided with a bevel 29.

With the connection method according to the invention it is possible and intended that the components 1, 2 to be connected to one another lie with their lower surfaces 15 in one plane.

In principle, several projections and/or recesses can be formed on a tongue or groove surface, which further increases the self-locking of the connection in the final position.

Claims (23)

1. Arrangement of components with components that can be connected by grooves ( 40 , 6 , 6a , 6b ) and tongues ( 5 , 5a , 5b ), in particular panels ( 1 , 2 ), characterized in that the tongue ( 6a , 6b ) is provided as a separate connecting means ( 40 ) for connecting the components to one another. 2. Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the components are connected by positive locking by the connecting means ( 40 ). 3. Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the legs ( 3 , 4 ) of the groove are elastically springy and the spring can be inserted into the groove. 4. Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the components are connected by the connecting means ( 40 ) in such a way that they are fixed in a direction perpendicular to the surface ( 13 ) of the components and in a further direction perpendicular to the joint formed between two adjacent components and parallel to the surface of the components. 5. Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connecting means ( 40 ) have two springs ( 6a , 6b ) extending in opposite directions. 6. Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the two springs ( 6 a, 6 b) extending in opposite directions have the same length and/or are symmetrical to one another. 7. Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the two springs ( 6 a, 6 b) extending in opposite directions are of different lengths and/or are asymmetrical to one another. 8. Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the maximum thickness (D) of the connecting means ( 40 ) is smaller than the thickness of the components. 9. Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the maximum thickness (D) of the connecting means ( 40 ) is equal to the maximum thickness (D) of the springs ( 6a , 6b ). 10. Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connecting means are designed such that the end faces of two adjacent components ( 1 , 2 ) can at least partially abut one another, in particular in the region of the upper side. 11. Arrangement flat according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the components have a flat lower surface ( 15 ) for resting on a flat base. 12. Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the components are plate- or strip-shaped. 13. Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the components are coated on the top and/or bottom side, in particular with plastic laminates. 14. Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the components are made of wood, wood-based material or on a wood basis, e.g. panel boards, floor boards, laminate boards, cladding boards or strips or the like or similar components. 15. Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least two abutting end faces of two adjacent components ( 1 , 2 ) each have a groove ( 5a , 5b ), each groove ( 5a , 5b ) being formed by two, in particular equally long, legs ( 3 , 4 ). 16. Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the spring ( 6 a, 6 b) of the connecting means ( 40 ) can be connected to the groove ( 5 a, 5 b). 17. Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connecting means ( 40 ) is firmly connected, in particular glued or bonded, to the groove ( 5a , 5b ) of the component by only one of its springs ( 6a ) in such a way that the other spring ( 6b ) protrudes from the end face of the component associated with the groove. 18. Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connecting means consists of a waterproof material, in particular plastic, PVC, metal, waterproof wood material or the like. 19. Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connecting means consists of HDF, in particular milled HDF. 20. Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connecting means is made of extruded plastic or wood granulate. 21. Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connecting means has a greater strength than the material of the components into which the groove is machined. 22. Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, in particular for the firm but releasable connection of the components, on at least one side of the groove and on at least one side of the tongue, preferably extending over the entire length of the groove and the tongue, mutually adapted locking elements in the form of a depression or recess ( 8 ) or in the form of a projection ( 7 ) are formed in order to hold connected components ( 1 , 2 ) in the assembled position. 23. Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in particular for the fixed but detachable connection of the components ( 1 , 2 ) - the groove ( 5 ) is formed directly in the component ( 1 ) itself or is machined out of it, - the width (B) of the groove ( 5 ) increases from the inside to the outside, - the thickness (D) of the spring ( 6 ) decreases in the direction of its free end, the projection ( 7 ) on the spring ( 6 ) has a longer front surface ( 18 , 30 ) which encloses the angle (α) with the surface ( 13 ) of the components ( 12 ) and a shorter rear surface (17) which adjoins this surface and forms a kink and which encloses an angle (β) exceeding the angle (α) with the surface ( 13 ) of the components ( 12 ), the recess ( 8 ) in the groove ( 5 ) has a contact surface ( 18 ') close to the base of the groove which, in the locking position, at least partially rests against the longer front surface ( 18 , 30 ) and a shorter contact surface ( 18 ') which is remote from the base of the groove and, in the locking position, rests against the shorter rear surface ( 17 ) of the projection ( 7 ). 17 '), - and at least one of the two, preferably both, groove legs ( 3 , 4 ) can be bent elastically outwards relative to the other groove leg, so that the spring ( 6 ) is held in the locking position by the groove legs ( 3 , 4 ) under a clamping effect or can be inserted into or pulled out of the groove ( 5 ) under elastic bending of the groove legs ( 3 , 4 ). - Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the angle (α) which the front surface ( 10 ) encloses with the surface ( 13 ) of the components ( 1 , 2 ) is greater than the angle (γ) which the region of the groove surface ( 9 ) near the groove base encloses with the surface ( 13 ) of the components ( 1 , 2 ). - Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that when the projection ( 7 ) is formed on only one side of the tongue ( 6 ) and the recess ( 8 ) is formed on only the side of the groove ( 5 ) facing this side, the projection- and recess-free surfaces of the tongue ( 6 ) and groove ( 5 ) lie flat and snugly against one another and enclose the same angle (γ) with the surface ( 13 ) of the components ( 1 , 2 ). - Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in - that the spring surfaces ( 10 ) near the end region have the same angle of inclination (γ) to the surface ( 13 ) of the components ( 1 , 2 ) as the areas of the groove surfaces ( 9 ) near the groove base, against which areas the spring surfaces ( 10 ) near the end region rest when the components ( 1 , 2 ) are joined together, - that in the course of at least one, preferably the groove surface ( 9 ) close to the surface, in particular in both groove surfaces ( 9 ), a recess or depression ( 8 ) having a triangular shape in section perpendicular to the direction in which the components ( 1 , 2 ) are joined together is formed as a locking element, - that in the course of at least one, preferably the spring surface ( 10 ) close to the surface, in particular in both spring surfaces ( 10 ), a projection ( 7 ) is formed which has a triangular shape in section perpendicular to the direction in which the components ( 1 , 2 ) are joined together, and - that when the components ( 1 , 2 ) are assembled, the projection ( 7 ) and the recess ( 8 ) lie flat against one another along their contours, snugly and without play. - Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that essentially the entire region of the spring surface ( 10 ) located in front of the projection ( 7 ) in the direction of the front spring end rests against the groove surface ( 9 ) in the locking position of the components ( 1 , 2 ). - Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the longest triangular side of the recess ( 8 ) lies in the course or in the plane of the groove surface ( 9 ), the triangular side ( 17 ') located closer to the groove opening being shorter and inclined more strongly at an angle (β) to the surface ( 13 ) than the triangular side ( 18 ') located closer to the groove base ( 11 ) and inclined at an angle (α) to the surface ( 13 ), that the longest triangular side of the projection ( 7 ) lies in the course or in the plane of the spring surface ( 10 ), the triangular side ( 17 ) located further away from the free spring end being shorter and inclined more strongly at an angle (β) to the surface ( 13 ) than the triangular side ( 18 ) inclined at an angle (α) to the surface ( 13 ) and close to the free spring end, and that the triangle on the spring ( 6 ) formed projection ( 7 ) has a cross-section corresponding to the triangular shape of the recess ( 8 ). - Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the spring ( 6 ) is solid. - Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the triangular projection ( 7 ) on the spring ( 6 ) is located between surface areas of the spring ( 6 ) which have the same angle of inclination (γ) to the surface ( 13 ) of the components ( 1 , 2 ). - Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the surface area ( 25 ') of the groove surface ( 9 ) between the groove opening and the beginning of the shorter triangular side ( 17 ') of the recess ( 8 ) encloses an angle with the surfaces ( 13 ) of the components ( 1 , 2 ) which corresponds to the angle of inclination (α) of the longer triangular side ( 18 '), whereby this surface area ( 251 ) of the groove ( 5 ) is designed as a sliding surface for the longer triangular side ( 18 ) of the projection ( 7 ) carried by the spring ( 6 ). - Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the region of the spring surface (10) close to the free spring end and also the region of the spring surface ( 10 ) close to the end face of the component ( 2 ) each merge into the longer ( 18 ) and the shorter ( 17 ) triangular side of the projection ( 7 ) with the formation of a kink ( 19 , 20 ). - Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the triangle side ( 18 ) near the groove base ( Fig. 2) or the section ( 30 ) of the spring surface ( 10 ) ( Fig. 1) received by the recess ( 8 ) is approximately four to eight times, preferably five to seven times, as long as the triangle side ( 17 ) remote from the groove base ( Fig. 2) or the shorter rear surface ( 17 ) ( Fig. 1) and that the angle between the two triangle sides ( 17 , 18 ) or between the section ( 30 ) of the spring surface ( 10 ) and the shorter rear surface ( 17 ) is 100° to 140°, in particular 110° to 130°. - Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the longer triangular side ( 18 , 18 ') and the shorter triangular side ( 17 , 17 ') of the projection ( 7 ) or the recess ( 8 ) merge into the front and rear regions of the groove surface ( 9 ) and the tongue surface ( 10 ) respectively, forming a kink ( 19 , 20 ). - Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the groove leg ( 4 ) of one component ( 1 ) near the surface, which may have a rounded or beveled inner edge ( 29 ), rests with its end face on the end face region of the other component ( 2 ) near the surface and/or that the groove leg ( 3 ) near the bottom of one component ( 1 ) is located with its end face at a distance from or in relation to the end face region of the other component ( 2 ) near the bottom. - Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the groove ( 5 ) and the tongue ( 6 ) are formed in the central region of the respective end faces of the component ( 1 , 2 ) or symmetrically to a horizontally extending central plane of the components ( 1 , 2 ). - Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the arrangement comprises components ( 1 ) which have a groove ( 5 ) on one of their end faces and a tongue ( 6 ) on the other end face, and components ( 1 ) which have grooves ( 5 ) or tongues ( 6 ) on the two opposite end faces or on all end faces, and/or that the components ( 1 , 2 ) are symmetrical or identical in structure with respect to a plane perpendicular to their surface and running through the longitudinal and/or transverse central axis. - Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the components ( 1 , 2 ) have different widths, wherein, where appropriate, the components ( 1 ) carrying grooves ( 5 ) on opposite end faces are plate-shaped or wide and the components ( 1 ) carrying the springs ( 6 ) are strip-shaped, narrow or elongated. - Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the projection ( 7 ) or the projections or the recess ( 8 ) are located in the groove ( 5 ) or in the area between the legs ( 3 , 4 ) of the groove ( 5 ) or in the inner surface of the groove ( 5 ) or on the area of the spring (6) that can be inserted into the groove ( 5 ) or between the legs ( 3 , 4 ) of the groove ( 5 ). - Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the angles (α) at which the triangular sides ( 18 , 18 ') of the projection ( 7 ) and the recess ( 8 ) near the groove base are inclined are equal. - Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the angles (β) at which the triangular sides ( 17 , 17 ') of the projection ( 7 ) and the recess ( 8 ) remote from the groove base are inclined are equal.