EP2915934A1 - Set consisting of panels with a locking element - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a set of panels (1, 2, 3, 4), in particular of floor panels, comprising panels (1, 2, 3, 4) with a first edge (10), with a second edge (20), the first edge (10) and a third edge (30) and a fourth edge (40) opposite the third edge (30), each edge (10, 20, 30, 40) having a retaining profile (11, 21 , 31, 41) which is adapted to form a connection between the panels with a retaining profile (21, 11, 41, 31) of the opposite edge (20, 10, 40, 30) of a structurally identical panel, wherein the retaining profile (FIG. 11) of the first edge (10) or the retaining profile (21) of the second edge (20) have a locking element (50) which serves in a locking position of a locking in a direction transverse to the first edge direction and in an assembled position, the joining or Separating the retaining profiles along this direction allows, and wherein in the installed state, a first Pan eel (1) and a second panel (2) form a row (X) within a laying plane (E), wherein coupling means is provided, by the movement of the locking element (50) from the locking position to the mounting position at least one movable part ( 52) of the locking element performs a blockable positive movement, wherein, when the forced movement is blocked, the locking element (50) is held in the locking position and wherein, when the forced movement is not blocked, the locking element (50) is pressed out of the locking position when the Holding profiles (11, 21) are moved in said direction relative to each other.

Description

The invention relates to a set of panels, in particular of floor panels, the set comprising panels each having a first edge, a second edge opposite the first edge, a third edge and a fourth edge opposite the third edge. Each edge has a retaining profile which is suitable for forming a connection between these panels with a retaining profile of the opposite edge of a structurally identical panel.

From the WO 94/26999 and the WO 97/47834 rectangular floor panels are known which have at their four edges holding profiles, wherein a retaining profile at one edge of a Bodenpaneels and a retaining profile at the opposite edge of a similar floor panel in the connected state for vertical locking (perpendicular to the laying plane) and a lock in horizontal direction between these two panels. As a result, a glue-free installation of these floor panels is possible.

Furthermore, from the WO 01/75247 rectangular floor panels with retaining profiles known, with the retaining profiles can be connected at two opposite transverse edges (first and second edge) by a vertical relative movement, while the retaining profiles can be connected to the likewise opposite longitudinal edges (third and fourth edge) by a pivoting movement. This makes it possible at the Laying the panels in rows to connect a panel by only one pivoting movement simultaneously with an already laid panel of the same row at the transverse edge and with an already laid panel or already laid panels of a previous row on the longitudinal edge. These floor panels are also referred to as folddown floor panels. When folding down (fold-down movement) of the panel to be installed while the holding profile is folded at the transverse edge with the holding profile of the transverse edge of the already laid panel of the same row as the two blades of a pair of scissors.

The EP 1 415 056 discloses rectangular fold-down floor panels having two transverse edges and two longitudinal edges, wherein retaining profiles at the two transverse edges have a separate locking element. When connecting the retaining profiles, the locking element is pressed in a mounting position, which can be added by a vertical relative movement into each other, the holding profiles. The locking element then automatically locks in a locking position, in which the locking element ensures vertical locking of the two holding profiles. A separation of these retaining profiles with latched locking element is not readily possible. Although in principle it is possible to separate the holding profiles by a displacement in the longitudinal direction, but this makes a disassembly of laid in rows panels cumbersome.

The WO 2008/004960 reveals panels that can also be connected by a folddown movement. Again, the holding profiles on the transverse edges on a separate locking element, which provides a vertical locking. However, starting from a mounting position that allows a connection or disconnection of the retaining profiles by a relative vertical movement, the locking element does not automatically engage in a locking position when the retaining profiles of the transverse edges are connected together. The locking element is only pressed into the locking position when a succession of panels is installed. In this case, a panel of the following series exerts a lateral pressure (SidePush) on the locking element, so that it along the transverse edges is moved and is moved to its locking position. The lateral pressure through the panel of the next series takes place in some embodiments of the WO 2008/004960 against an elastic force, so that upon disassembly of the floor panels, a restoring force pushes the locking element again in the direction of the original mounting position when the panel of the next series is dismantled. However, it can not be ruled out that the locking element is clamped in the locking position, which precludes a simple separation of the holding profiles at the transverse edges by a vertical relative movement.

The WO 2011/061659 discloses panels with a locking element for vertical locking of two retaining profiles, wherein at least one movable part of the locking element is moved when connecting the retaining profiles along the retaining profiles. The locking element or at least the movable part of the locking element automatically locks in a locking position by which the retaining profiles are locked in the vertical direction. A simple separation of such connected holding profiles by a vertical relative movement is also not possible due to the latched locking element.

A simple separation of connected holding profiles is not only desired when disassembling a laid floor, but can also be very advantageous during installation or installation, if a floor panel is initially only to be installed as a test. For example, it can be checked so easily whether a sawed-off floor panel, which is to form the last panel of a row of panels, actually has the correct length. A floor panel with a special design can also be laid as a test, in order to test its effect in combination with other already installed floor panels.

The invention is therefore based on the object to provide a set of glue-free installable panels, in particular of floor panels, whose handling during assembly and disassembly is easy.

The object underlying the invention is achieved with the feature combination according to claim 1. Embodiments of the invention may be taken from the dependent claims.

According to claim 1, a panel has a first and a second edge opposite thereto. Furthermore, the panel has a third and a fourth edge opposite thereto. Each edge has a retaining profile which is suitable for forming a connection of adjacent panels with a retaining profile of the opposite edge of a structurally identical panel. The retaining profile of the first edge or the retaining profile of the second edge has a locking element which serves in a locking position of a locking in a direction transverse to the first edge and in a mounting position allows the joining or separation of the retaining profiles along this direction. When installed, a first panel and a second panel form a row of panels within a laying plane, being joined together by the retaining profiles of the first and second edges. There are provided coupling means by which, when the locking element is moved out of the locking position into the assembly position, at least one movable part of the locking element inevitably performs a movement or a forced movement, whereby the forced movement can be blocked. If this forced movement is blocked and thus not possible, the locking element is held in the locked position. The locking element ensures in the locking position for locking in the direction transverse to the first edge. On the other hand, if the forced movement of the movable part is not blocked and thus possible, the locking element can be moved out of its locking position. Accordingly, in this latter case, the holding profiles could be moved relative to each other in said direction and thus separated.

The first panel and the second panel may be connected at the third edges with a third panel, which forms a further row of panels, wherein in the installed state of the third panel, the forced movement of the movable part of the locking element is blocked and thus the Locking element is held in the locked position. In the uninstalled state of the third panel, the locking element is moved out of the locking position when the retaining profiles are moved in the said direction transverse to the first edge relative to each other.

The forced movement of the movable part of the locking element may be a movement along the first edge or the second edge. The forced movement may also be a movement perpendicular to the laying plane or a movement parallel to the laying plane and transverse to the first and second edge.

Thus, a set of panels, in particular of floor panels is disclosed, wherein in the laid state, the first panel and the second panel form a row of panels within the laying plane, wherein they are connected to each other at the first edge and second edge and at the third edge are connected to the third panel, which forms a further row of panels, said coupling means are provided, is moved by the at least the movable part of the locking element along the first edge or second edge during the movement of the locking element from the locking position to the mounting position, wherein in laid state of the third panel is blocked movement of the movable part of the locking element along the edge and thus the locking element is held in the locking position and wherein in the non-installed state of the third panel, the locking element is moved from the locking position when the retaining profiles be moved in said direction relative to each other.

Preferably, the panels are rectangular floor panels. Hereinafter, the first and second edges are also referred to as short edges, while the third and fourth edges are also referred to as long edges. It should be noted, however, that the panels may also be square panels whose edges are the same length. It should also be noted that the first and second edges do not necessarily have to be shorter than the third and fourth edges. The following Use of the terms "short edges" and "long edges" should therefore not be understood as limiting.

Reference will now be made to panels used as floor panels to cover a flat, horizontally extending subfloor with a floor covering. Accordingly, the laying plane of the floor panels also extends in the horizontal, while a direction perpendicular to the laying plane represents a vertical direction.

The locking by the locking element can take place in a horizontal direction, which, since it is assumed here by floor panels, extends parallel to the laying plane. Preferably, the locking takes place by the locking element in the vertical direction, which extends at floor panels perpendicular to the laying plane. For the sake of simplicity, in the following reference will always be made only to the locking in the vertical direction, but this also applies analogously to locking in the horizontal direction.

In cooperation with the third panel, which does not permit the forced movement or movement of the movable part of the locking element in the longitudinal direction of the short edges when laid, the locking element can provide the preferred vertical locking. However, lacking the limitation of movement of the movable member along the short edge, the locking member can not develop its locking effect. Rather, it is automatically pushed out of the locking position when a vertically acting force is applied to the first panel or to the second panel to release the connection between the first panel and the second panel in the vertical direction. The function of the third panel, namely the blocking of the forced movement of the movable part of the locking element, can in principle also be taken over by another component.

The retaining profile of the first edge of the first panel may have an upwardly directed heel and the retaining profile of the second edge of the second panel may have a downwardly open groove, wherein groove and shoulder in the connected state of these retaining profiles for locking in the horizontal direction transverse to the first Edge care. The shoulder may have a locking surface which is inclined to the laying plane by an angle (locking angle) between 60 and 90 degrees, preferably between 75 and 90 degrees. The locking surface may be flat or curved. A locking surface of the downwardly open groove, which may be formed by a lateral groove wall of the groove, may rest fully on the locking surface of the shoulder when a force acts, which pulls apart the retaining profile of the first edge and the retaining profile of the second edge. The invention thus provides panels with large locking angles which can be easily disassembled.

The relative vertical movement between the first panel and the second panel to connect the retaining profile of the first edge of the first panel to the retaining profile of the second edge of the second panel may be a straight-line motion. The retaining profiles can also be connected by a pivoting movement about an axis which lies substantially in the laying plane and extends perpendicular to the first edge. The axis can substantially coincide with a third edge of an already laid panel of a previous row, wherein the holding profile of the fourth edge of the second panel can be connected by a pivoting or Einwinkelbewegung with the holding profile of the third edge of the panel of the previous row. Thus, in this embodiment, the second panel can be connected at two adjacent edges (second edge and fourth edge) with only one pivotal movement simultaneously with a panel of the same row and with one or more panels of the previous row. It is therefore the above-mentioned folddown movement.

The locking element may also have a fixed part in addition to the movable part. For example, the fixed part in a groove for the locking element in the longitudinal direction of the groove and preferably also be fixed transversely to the longitudinal direction of the groove. It is also possible that the locking element can be moved as a whole. It is also possible that the locking element has a first movable part and a second movable part, wherein the first movable part can be moved relative to the second movable part. The locking element with the two movable parts may moreover also have a fixed part.

In one embodiment, spring means are provided which constrain the movable part in the direction of a position, so that the locking element assumes the locking position. The spring means may be part of the locking element, wherein the spring means exert a force on the movable part of the locking element, so that the locking element is moved into the locking position or moves at least in the direction of this locking position.

The coupling means may comprise spring bars that are inclined in the locking position of the locking element to the first edge or the second edge by an angle of 20 to 70 degrees (preferably 30 to 60 degrees). Relative to the laying plane, the spring webs can be parallel or inclined at an angle of 0 to 90 degrees.

The coupling means may have guide surfaces along which the locking element or the movable part of the locking element slides when the locking element is transferred from the locking position to the mounting position. The guide surfaces may be formed by the fixed part of the locking element. It is also possible that the guide surfaces are incorporated in the material of the floor panel. The floor panel may have a core of MDF, HDF or plastic, in which the guide surfaces and also other grooves, shoulders, etc. may be incorporated.

In one embodiment, the locking element has a locking head, which has an inclined surface on a lower side. The Sloping surface can be flat or curved. An angle between this bevel and the laying plane may be 20 to 70 degrees.

A locking groove for receiving the locking head may have a lower groove wall along which slides the inclined surface of the locking head, so that the locking element is moved from its locking position when the associated holding profiles of the short edges to be solved by a relative movement of the panels. If the movement of the movable part of the locking element or the movement of the locking element along the short edge is not blocked, the force for releasing the retaining profiles due to the inclined surface causes movement of the movable part or the entire locking element, so that the locking element can leave the locking position ,

In the above embodiments, with the inclined surface on the underside of the locking head and with the lower groove wall, on which the inclined surface can slide along, are panels, wherein the locking element is associated with the first edge. If the locking element is associated with the second edge, then the at least one inclined surface is provided on an upper side of the locking head, the inclined surface then slides along a preferably provided with the same inclination upper groove wall of the locking groove.

The movable part may be movably held between two groove side walls of a spring groove or sliding groove. The movable part may have a width corresponding to the distance between the two groove side walls. In this case, there is no play between the movable part and each side wall of the sliding groove. Alternatively, a game may be provided, for example, less than 0.2 mm, or preferably less than 0.15 mm.

In one embodiment, the first edge and the second edge have chamfered upper edges, which form a V-groove in the connected state of the first and second holding profile. As a result, any gap between upper mating surfaces of the first edge and the second edge is less recognizable. Alternatively or additionally, the movable part of the locking element can compress the retaining profiles on the upper mating surfaces. For example, the locking element (partially) sitting in a groove, which incorporated in the shoulder of the retaining profile of the first edge.

Figur 1

Paneele, die in parallelen Reihen angeordnet sind;

Figur 2

im Querschnitt eine erste Kante eines Paneels und eine zweite Kante eines weiteren Paneels;

Figur 3

ein erstes Ausführungsbeispiel für ein Verriegelungselement in einer Verriegelungsstellung und in einer Montagestellung;

Figur 4

ein zweites Ausführungsbeispiel für das Verriegelungselement in der Verriegelungsstellung und der Montagestellung;

Figur 5

im Querschnitt die erste Kante und die zweite Kante beim Zusammenfügen dieser Kanten und ein Verriegelungselement in verschiedenen Stellungen;

Figur 6

im Querschnitt eine dritte Kante und eine vierte Kante eines Paneels mit unterschiedlichen Stellungen des Verriegelungselements;

Figur 7

im Querschnitt die erste Kante und die zweite Kante eines weiteren Ausführungsbeispiels;

Figur 8

im Querschnitt die erste Kante und die zweite Kante eines zusätzlichen Ausführungsbeispiels; und

Figur 9

im Querschnitt die dritte und vierte Kante des Ausführungsbeispiels der Figur 8.

Reference to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings, the invention is explained in detail. Show it:

FIG. 1

Panels arranged in parallel rows;

FIG. 2

in cross section a first edge of a panel and a second edge of another panel;

FIG. 3

a first embodiment of a locking element in a locking position and in an assembled position;

FIG. 4

a second embodiment of the locking element in the locking position and the mounting position;

FIG. 5

in cross-section, the first edge and the second edge when joining these edges and a locking element in different positions;

FIG. 6

in cross-section, a third edge and a fourth edge of a panel with different positions of the locking element;

FIG. 7

in cross section, the first edge and the second edge of another embodiment;

FIG. 8

in cross section, the first edge and the second edge of an additional embodiment; and

FIG. 9

in cross-section, the third and fourth edge of the embodiment of the FIG. 8 ,

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a first panel 1 and a second panels 2, which are arranged in a row X. Further shows FIG. 1 a third panel 3 of a following row X + 1 and a fourth panel 4 lying in a preliminary row X-1.

The panels 1 to 4 should be designed as floor panels and each be identical. The detailed description for the first panel 1 therefore applies mutatis mutandis to the remaining panels 2 to 4.

The first panel 1 is rectangular and has an upper side 5 on which a decorative layer can be arranged. A first edge 10 and a second edge 20 form opposite short edges of the rectangular panel 1. Further, the first panel 1 has a third edge 30 and a fourth edge 40 forming opposite long edges. For example, the short edges may be 10 to 40 cm long, while the long edges may be 80 to 200 cm long. A thickness or thickness of the panel 1 is preferably 4 to 12 mm. It should be noted that the identical panels on the top 5 may have different decorative layers or different decorative design features, which is not to oppose the identical design.

The first panel 1 has holding profiles, which, however, in the illustration of FIG. 1 are not shown. The holding profiles serve to connect a panel with adjacent panels. For example, the first panel 1 can be connected at its fourth edge 40 to the third edge 30 of the fourth panel 4. For clarity, the panels 1 to 4 in the illustration of FIG. 1 shown spaced apart. In the laid state of the panels, ie in connected holding profiles, the tops 5 of the panels form a coherent decorative surface, which is to correspond to a laying plane E.

FIG. 2 shows in cross section the first edge 10 of the first panel 1 and the second edge 20 of the second panel 2. The first edge 10 has a holding profile 11, which includes a web 12 and an adjoining paragraph 13. The paragraph 13 has a perpendicular to the laying plane E locking surface 14. An angle α between the locking surface 14 and the laying plane E is correspondingly 90 degrees. The angle α can also be different from 90 degrees (for example in a range of 75 to 90 degrees).

A spring groove 15 with groove side walls parallel to the laying plane E (see upper groove side wall 15a and lower groove side wall 15b) serves to receive a separate locking element 50. The groove side walls 15a, 15b may also be inclined to the laying plane E. The locking element 50 has a fixed part 51 and a movable part 52. The movable part 52 is formed primarily by a locking head 53 having an inclined surface 54 on a lower side. The inclined surface 54 is inclined to the laying plane E, wherein an angle β between the inclined surface 54 and the laying plane E or to a plane parallel to it in the embodiment shown here is about 30 degrees. Alternatively, the angle β may be smaller (for example, 20 to 30 degrees) or larger (for example, 30 to 60 degrees). On an upper side, the locking head 53 has a further inclined surface 55 which encloses an angle γ with the laying plane E. In the embodiment of FIG. 2 If the angle γ is approximately the same as the angle β, the angles β and γ can also vary in size. The connection between the fixed part 51 and the movable part 52 of the locking member 50 will be discussed later.

The second edge 20 of the first panel 1 (in FIG. 2 If the second edge 20 of the identical second panel 2 is shown) has a holding profile 21, which can be connected by a relative vertical movement perpendicular to the laying plane E with the holding section 11. The retaining profile 21 comprises a downwardly open groove 22 with a lateral groove wall 23 which defines a locking surface 24. In the connected state of the holding profiles 11, 21 to the Locking surfaces 14, 24 for locking the retaining profiles in the horizontal direction across the edges 10, 20 and parallel to the laying plane E provide.

To receive the locking head 53 in the retaining profile 21, a locking groove 25, which has a lower groove wall 25a, is used. Like the inclined surface 54 of the locking head 53, the lower groove wall 25a is inclined to the laying plane E. An angle of inclination between the lower groove wall 25a and the laying plane E preferably corresponds to the angle β between the inclined surface 54 and the laying plane E. Below the locking groove 25, a bevel 26 is provided.

The edges 10, 20 each have a chamfered upper edge 16 and 27, which forms a V-groove in the decorative surface in the connected state of the holding profiles 11, 21. The captured upper edges 16, 27 or the legs of the V-groove can be contrasting with respect to the top 5 of the panels 1, 2, so that they contribute visibly to the overall design of the decorative surface. Between the chamfered upper edge 16 and the tongue groove 15 extends a mating surface 17. In the connected state of the holding profiles 11, 21 of this mating surface 17 is a corresponding mating surface 28 above the locking groove 25 opposite. The connection of the holding profiles 11, 21 may be designed so that the mating surfaces 17, 28 abut each other with a certain contact pressure. Between the mating surfaces 17, 28 may alternatively be provided a small game.

FIG. 3 (please refer FIG. 3a ) shows an exemplary embodiment of the locking element 50. FIG. 3 shows the locking element from above, which the viewing direction according to the arrow III in FIG. 2 equivalent. Components or features that are related to the components and characteristics of Figures 1 and 2 are identical or similar, are provided with the same reference numerals. This applies mutatis mutandis to all other figures.

Between the fixed part 51 and the movable part 52 and the locking head 53 of the locking element 50 are spring webs 56th arranged. For example, the locking element 50 can be produced by an extrusion process, wherein the spring bars 56 are formed by punching diamond-shaped cutouts 57 after the extrusion of the locking blank. Alternatively, the locking element 50 may also be an injection molded part.

FIG. 3a should show the locking element 50 in a locked position while FIG. 3b shows the locking element 50 in a mounting position. Also FIG. 2 shows the locking element 50 in its locking position.

The spring webs 56 are inclined relative to a longitudinal extent L of the edge 10 by an angle σ. In the embodiment of FIG. 3 this angle σ is approximately 45 degrees. Preferred values for the angle σ are in a range between 30 and 60 degrees. The spring webs 56, the connection of the spring webs 56 with the fixed part 51 and / or the connection of the spring webs 56 with the movable part 52 are formed so that at a pressure P on the movable part 52, the spring webs 56 laterally evade or in move or deform laterally (along the longitudinal extent L). As a result, due to the pressure P, the movable part is moved not only in the direction of the stationary part 51 but also by a lateral deflection Δ along the longitudinal extent L. The fixed part 51 and / or the edge 10 may have means (not shown) by which the fixed part 51 is fixed at least in the longitudinal extension L with respect to the edge 10.

Based FIG. 5 If the relationship between the action of the locking element 50 and the lateral deflection Δ is to be shown. FIG. 5a shows the holding profiles 11, 21 in the non-connected state. The locking element 50 is in an unloaded starting position, which should correspond to the locking position. FIG. 5b shows the locking element 50 from above in the position that in FIG. 5a shown position of the locking element 50 corresponds. Now, if the panel 2 pressed vertically downwards in the direction of the panel 1, that comes Holding profile 21 with the bevel 26 to rest with the inclined surface 55 of the locking element 50. Due to the inclination of the inclined surface 55 and the bevel 26 while the locking head 53 is pressed into the spring groove 15 (see FIG. 5c ). Out FIG. 5d that the locking element 50 in the FIG. 5c Corresponding position shows, it is clear that while the spring head 53 is moved along the edge 10. The spring head 53 slides relative to the upper groove wall 15a and relative to the lower groove wall 15b in two directions: transversely to the edge 10 and along the edge 10th

FIG. 5e shows the locking element 50 in the mounting position in which the retaining profile 21 can be completely pushed into the retaining section 11. Opposite the in FIG. 5c shown position, the locking head 53 has moved not only further in the direction of the fixed part 51, but also along the edge 11. When the retaining profile 21 has been pressed completely down, in which case the tops 5 of the panels 1, 2 in a common Plane are due to the restoring forces of the elastically deformed spring bars 56 of the locking head 53 is pushed back into its original position. The locking element 50 is then back in the locked position.

Due to the inclination of the inclined surface 54 and cooperating with this inclined surface lower groove wall 25a, however, the locking head 53 can be pushed back into the spring groove 15 when the holding profiles 11, 21 are pulled apart in the vertical direction. Without an additional measure, the locking element would thus not be able to provide a lock in the vertical direction. The holding profile 21 could be, starting from the position in FIG. 5g , move upwards relative to the holding profile 11. It is clear from this that the term "locking position" is here not to be equated with a position in which the locking element inevitably ensures a locking in the vertical direction.

The spring webs 56 are designed so that starting from the locking position (see FIG. 3a and 5g ) a movement of the Spring head 53 in the direction of the fixed part 51 inevitably leads to a movement (forced movement) of the locking head 53 along the edge 10. If a movement of the locking head 53 along the edge 10 is not possible, the locking head 53 can not be pressed into the spring groove 15 either. This results in spite of the inclined inclined surface 54 and the inclined lower groove wall 25a to a locking of the holding profiles 11, 21 in the vertical direction. The locking thus does not take place directly by the locking element 50 in interaction with the locking groove 25, but only indirectly by the locking of the movable part 52 and the locking head 53 along the edge 10th

Out FIG. 6 It is clear how the lateral movement of the spring head 53 can be limited, so that starting from the in FIG. 3a or in FIG. 5g shown position a lateral deflection Δ is not possible. FIG. 6a shows a third edge 30 of the first panel 1 with a holding profile 31. The holding profile 31 can be connected with a substantially complementary design retaining profile 41 at the fourth edge 40 of a third panel 3 (identical to panel 1) by an angle or by a pivoting in that the retaining profiles 31, 41 provide both a horizontal locking (transverse to the edge 30) and a vertical locking. The holding profile 31 has a groove 32, a web 33 and a shoulder 34. The groove 32 serves to receive a spring 42 of the retaining profile 41. In the connected state (see FIG. 6e ), the spring 42 is seated in the groove 32, so that the holding profiles 31, 41 are locked in the vertical direction. The shoulder 34 engages in the connected state of the holding profiles 31, 41 in a downwardly open groove 43, whereby the holding profiles 31, 41 are locked in the horizontal direction transverse to the edges 30, 40.

FIG. 6 shows not only the retaining profile 31 at the third edge of the first panel 1, but also schematically the locking head 53 of the locking element 50 which is inserted into the tongue groove 15 of the first retaining profile 11. In the FIG. 6a shown position of the locking head 53 should correspond to the starting position or the locking position of the locking element, as in the FIGS. 5a and 5g is shown. Will now, as in FIG. 5 shown, the panel 2 pressed with the retaining profile 21 down to connect it to the support section 11 of the panel 1, the spring head 53 is displaced laterally (see in particular FIG. 6b with the lateral deflection Δ).

The FIG. 6c shown position of the locking head 53 corresponds to the locking position of the locking element 50 after the connection of the holding profiles 11, 21 (see FIG. 5g ). The locking head 53 has again completely returned to its original position.

For the formation of the next series X + 1, the third panel 3 with its holding profile 41 is now according to FIG. 6d obliquely attached to the retaining profile 31 to pivot it out of this inclination down. A pivot axis of this pivoting movement runs parallel to the edge 30 and falls in good approximation with this edge 30 together.

In the connected state, an outer end 44 of the spring 42 abuts directly on a lateral end 58 of the locking head 53. As a result, movement of the locking head 53 along the edge 10 in the direction of the shoulder 34 is not possible. In other words, thus the spring 42 blocks a lateral movement of the locking head 53 and thus its movement in the direction of the fixed part 51 of the locking element 50. As a result, the movement of the locking head 53 is blocked altogether, so that the locking element 50 now for a vertical locking of the retaining profiles 11, 21 at the edges 10, 20 provides. If, however, the third panel 3 is not installed or the third panel 3 is dismantled, the second panel 2 can be folded up in a simple manner, since in this case the movement of the spring head 53 is not restricted. While it may be that certain forces must be applied to overcome clamping forces to move the spring head 53, but due to the inclination of the inclined surface 54 of the spring head 53 and the lower groove wall 25a of the locking groove 25 is a force acting in the vertical direction directly converted into a force that actively pushes the locking head 53 from its locking position. A simple disassembly of in horizontal Direction and vertical direction locked panels is thus possible by simply reversing the order of assembly steps made during assembly.

In FIG. 4 an alternative embodiment for the locking element 50 is shown. The fixed part 51 of the locking element 50 has guide surfaces 59, by means of which sliding surfaces 60 of the movable part 52 slide along, when the movable part 52 is subjected to a pressure P. As already stated above, the pressure P can be built into the movable part 52 via the inclined surface 54 by a vertically acting force. The interaction of guide surfaces 59 and sliding surfaces 60 ensures that upon movement of the movable part 52 in the direction of the fixed part 51, the movable part 52 is displaced in the longitudinal direction L. Correspondingly, a lateral deflection Δ (see FIG FIG. 4a ).

Between the fixed part 51 and the movable part 52 only spring means 61 are connected, which serve to move the movable part 52 from the mounting position (see FIG. 4b ) in the direction of the locking position (see FIG. 4a ). The embodiment of FIG. 4 shows that the coupling means in the form of the guide surfaces 59, by which a lateral movement of the movable member 52 and the locking head 53 is caused to be functionally separated from the spring means 61 may be.

It should be noted that alternatively when joining the holding profiles 31, 41, the spring 42 itself laterally displaces the locking head 53 by the amount of the lateral deflection Δ or by a substantial proportion thereof, so that only then does the locking element 50 assume its locking position. Accordingly, the spring means 61 can also be omitted or designed differently.

FIG. 7 show for a further embodiment, the first edge 10 of a panel 1 and the second edge 20 of a panel 2. The holding profiles 11, 21 of the edges 10, 20 can be parallel here by a relative horizontal movement connect to Laying E Vertical locking is provided by a groove 18 and a spring 29 arranged therein. The locking element 50 is here assigned to the second edge 20 and ensures horizontal locking transversely to the edges 10, 20, insofar as the forced movement of the locking head 53 along the edges 10, 20 is blocked. Basically, can be here for the locking element 50, the locking elements of FIGS. 3 and 4 use. Also be on the connections of the FIG. 5 referenced, referring to the embodiment of FIG. 7 transfer.

FIG. 8 shows an embodiment of the first edge 10 and the second edge 20, in which the locking element 50 in the locking position shown here for a vertical locking of the interconnected holding profiles 11, 21 provides. The locking element 50 has a locking head 53 and an actuating leg designated 62. In the assembled position, the locking element 50 is opposite to in FIG. 8 illustrated locking position tilted substantially about an axis 63 counterclockwise, so that the operating leg 62 is pointing obliquely upward and a rear wall 64 of a connection 65 between the locking head 53 and operating leg 62 on the slightly inclined groove rear wall of the spring groove 15 is applied to this or substantially is parallel. In the mounting position, the locking head 53 is so far in the spring groove 15, so that the panel 2 from the top to a vertical downward movement in the in FIG. 8 shown position can bring. In this case, the panel 2 presses the obliquely upwardly standing operating leg 62 down, whereby the locking member 50 is rotated about the axis 63 in a clockwise direction until the locking head 53 engages in the Verrieglungsnut 25.

Along the edge 10, the actuating leg 62 at the third edge 30 facing the end opposite the locking head 53 and the connection 65 a certain supernatant (see FIG. 9 in which the protruding area is designated 62a). FIG. 9 shows the third edge 30 of the panel 1 of FIG. 8 As well as the fourth edge 40 of a third panel 3. With regard to the basic structure of the holding profiles 31, 41 is on the embodiment of FIG. 6 directed. In FIG. 9 it can be seen that the Spring 42 is slightly narrower, wherein it is arranged above the protruding portion 62 a of the actuating leg 62. In the connected state of the holding profiles 31, 41 thus the spring 42 presses on the protruding part 62 a of the actuating leg 62 and prevents the protruding part 62 a can move upwards. The actuating leg 62 or its projecting area 62 a form here the movable part 52 of the locking element 50.

The locking element 50 of the in FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrated embodiment should be designed in terms of its rigidity so that due to the fixed protruding part 62a of the operating leg 62, the locking element 50 is held in its locking position and thus the retaining profiles 11, 21 locked in the vertical direction. The spring 42 or the third panel 3 blocks here the actuating leg 62 in a direction perpendicular to the laying plane E, namely vertically upwards.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

first panel

2

second panel

3

third panel

4

fourth panel

5

top

10

first edge

11

retaining profile

12

web

13

paragraph

14

locking surface

15

keyway

15a

upper groove side wall

15b

lower groove side wall

16

chamfered upper edge

17

mating surface

18

groove

20

second edge

21

retaining profile

22

groove

23

groove wall

24

locking surface

25

locking

25a

lower groove wall

26

bevel

27

chamfered upper edge

28

mating surface

29

feather

30

third edge

31

retaining profile

32

groove

33

web

34

paragraph

40

fourth edge

41

retaining profile

42

feather

43

groove

50

locking element

51

fixed part

52

movable part

53

locking head

54

sloping surface

55

sloping surface

56

spring bar

57

punching

58

lateral end

59

guide surfaces

60

sliding surface

61

spring means

62

actuating leg

62a

protruding part of the actuating leg 62

63

axis

64

rear wall

65

connection

Claims (15)

Set of panels (1, 2, 3, 4), in particular of floor panels, comprising panels (1, 2, 3, 4) with a first edge (10), with a second edge (20) facing the first edge (10 ), and a third edge (30) and a fourth edge (40) facing the third edge (30), each edge (10, 20, 30, 40) having a holding profile (11, 21, 31, 41 ), which is adapted to form a connection between the panels with a retaining profile (21, 11, 41, 31) of the opposite edge (20, 10, 40, 30) of a structurally identical panel, wherein the retaining profile (11) of the first Edge (10) or the holding profile (21) of the second edge (20) has a locking element (50) which serves in a locking position of a locking in a direction transverse to the first edge direction and in an assembly position, the joining or separating the holding profiles along allows this direction, and wherein in the installed state, a first panel (1) and a second Pan (2) form a row (X) within a laying plane (E), wherein they are connected to one another at the first edge (10) and second edge (20), wherein coupling means are provided, by which during the movement of the locking element ( 50) from the locking position into the mounting position at least one movable part (52) of the locking element performs a forced movement, wherein the forced movement is blocked and wherein, when the forced movement of the movable part (52) is blocked, the locking element (50) held in the locked position is, and wherein, when the forced movement of the movable part (52) is not blocked, the locking element (50) is moved from the locking position, when the retaining profiles are moved in said direction relative to each other. Set according to claim 1, characterized in that the first panel (1) and the second panel (2) are connected at the third edges (30) to a third panel (3) forming another row (X + 1), wherein in the installed state of the third panel (3) the forced movement of the movable part (52) of the locking element (50) is blocked and thus the locking element (50) is held in the locking position and wherein in the non-installed state of the third panel (3) the Locking element (50) from the locking position is movable. Set according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the forced movement of the movable part (52) of the locking element (50) is a movement along the first edge (10) and the second edge (20). Set according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that said direction is a horizontal direction which extends parallel to the laying plane (E). Set according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that said direction is a vertical direction which extends perpendicular to the laying plane (E). Set according to claim 5, characterized in that the retaining profile (11) of the first edge (10) of the first panel (1) has an upwardly directed shoulder (13) and the retaining profile (21) of the second edge (20) of the second panel (11). 2) have a downwardly open groove (22), which provide in the connected state of these holding profiles (11, 21) for locking in the horizontal direction transversely to the first edge (10). Set according to claim 6, characterized in that the shoulder has a locking surface (14) which is inclined to the laying plane (E) by an angle between 75 and 90 °. Set according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the holding profile (11) of the first edge (10) of the first panel (1) and the Retaining profile (21) of the second edge (20) of the second panel (2) are connected by a pivoting movement about an axis which is substantially in the laying plane (E) and extending perpendicular to the first edge (10). Set according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the locking element (50) has a fixed part (51). Set according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that spring means (61) are provided which constrain the movable part (52) in the direction of a position, so that the locking element (50) assumes its locking position. Set according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the mechanical coupling spring webs (56) which in the locking position of the locking element (50) to the first edge (10) or to the second edge (20) by 20 to 70 ° are inclined. Set according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the mechanical coupling guide surfaces (59), along which the movable part (52) of the locking element (50) slides when the locking element (50) transferred from the locking position to the mounting position becomes. Set according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that a locking head (53) of the locking element (50) on an underside and / or on an upper side has an inclined surface (54). Set according to claim 13, characterized in that a locking groove (25) of the second holding profile (21) for receiving the locking head (53) has a lower groove wall (26) or an upper groove wall on which the inclined surface (54) of the locking head (53) slides when the locking element (50) is moved from the locking position. Set according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the movable part (52) is movably held between two groove side walls (15a, 15b) of a spring groove (15).

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