PANEL ELEMENT FOR LINING A CEILING AND/OR WALL, AND LINING FOR A CEILING AND/OR WALL

Abstract

Panel elements for lining ceilings and/or walls are provided. Here, a panel element (1), among others, is proposed, having a holding device (4) that is used to fix at least one holding spring (3), which is used to secure the panel element (1) to the ceiling and/or wall, in the transport position of the holding spring.

Claims

1. A panel element (1) for lining a ceiling and/or wall, the panel element (1) comprising: a cover panel (2); at least one retaining spring (3) which is movable from a transport position to a fastening position for fastening the cover panel (2) to a ceiling and/or wall; a retaining device (4) for the at least one retaining spring (3), the retaining device (4) is configured to fix the at least one retaining spring (3) in the transport position under tension, and the retaining device (4), for tensioned fixing of the at least one retaining spring (3) in the transport position, comprises a counter-bearing and the at least one retaining spring (3) is fixed on the retaining device (4) in the transport position by an inherent spring force; and the at least one retaining spring (3) is closer to a back side (7) of the cover panel (2) in the transport position than in the fastening position.

2. The panel element (1) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the counter-bearing is a static counter-bearing for the tensioned fixing of the at least one retaining spring (3) in the transport position.

3. The panel element (1) as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least one of a) the at least one retaining spring (3) includes spring legs (5, 6), and is closer via the spring legs to the back side (7) of the cover panel (2) in the transport position than in the fastening position, or b) the at least one retaining spring (3), in the transport position, rests against the back side (7) of the cover panel (2).

4. The panel element (1) as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least one retaining spring (3) includes spring legs (5, 6) which are further apart in the fastening position than in the transport position.

5. The panel element (1) as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least one of a) the retaining spring (3) is pivotable on the retaining device (4) from the transport position into the fastening position, or b) the retaining device (4) has a combined longitudinal and pivoting guide for the at least one retaining spring (3), such that the at least one retaining spring (3) is arranged on the retaining device (4) so as to be displaceable from the transport position in a longitudinal direction thereof.

6. The panel element (1) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the retaining device (4) delimits a pivot angle for pivoting the retaining spring (3) between the transport position and the fastening position to at most 110°, preferably to 90°.

7. The panel element (1) as claimed in, wherein the at least one retaining spring includes spring legs (5, 6), and the retaining device (4) has a respective retaining opening (8) for each said spring leg (5, 6).

8. The panel element (1) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the retaining openings (8) have edges (9, 10) facing away from one another, against which edges the spring legs (5, 6) of the at least one retaining spring (3) bear when the retaining spring (3) is in the transport position, and two of the edges (9, 10) are at a distance from one another which is dimensioned such that the spring legs (5, 6) of the retaining spring (3) are held tensioned when the retaining spring (3) is in the transport position, and as a result the retaining spring (3) is fixed in the transport position under tension.

9. The panel element (1) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the retaining device (4), adjacent to at least one of the two retaining openings (8), has an insertion opening (11) for receiving a free end (12) of one of the two spring legs (5, 6) of the at least one retaining spring (3), and the spring legs (5, 6) are bent at their ends (12) by between 100° and 200°.

10. The panel element (1) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the retaining opening (8) has a first opening portion (13) and a second opening portion (14), and the spring legs (5, 6) are arranged in the first opening portion (13) when the retaining spring (3) is in the transport position and are arranged in the second opening portion (14) when the retaining spring (3) is in the fastening position.

11. The panel element (1) as claimed in claim 10, further comprising a retaining web (15), which fixes the retaining spring (3), in the fastening position, on the retaining device (4) by an intermediate portion (16) of the retaining spring arranged between spring legs (5, 6), formed between two of the retaining openings (8) of the retaining device (4) that are assigned to one said retaining spring (3).

12. The panel element (1) as claimed in claim 11, wherein the first opening portion (13) is delimited in the pivoting direction of the retaining spring (3) toward the fastening position by an opening edge (17), which secures the respective spring leg (5, 6) of the retaining spring (3) in a form fit in the transport position.

13. The panel element (1) as claimed in claim 12, wherein at least one of a) the first opening portion (13) is closer to one side of the cover panel (2) than the second opening portion (14), which side is not a visible side (26) of the panel element (1), b) the first opening portion (13) spans a larger angle with one side of the cover panel (2) than the second opening portion (14), or c) the second opening portion (14) is aligned parallel to one side of the cover panel (2).

14. The panel element (1) as claimed in claim 13, wherein the first opening portion (13) and the second opening portion (14) are aligned at an angle less than 180° in relation to one another.

15. The panel element (1) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the retaining device (4) comprises at least one profile (18) which is arranged or formed on the cover panel (2).

16. The panel element (1) as claimed in claim 15, wherein the retaining openings (8) are formed in the profile (18), and the profile (18) has a first profile leg (19) with the first opening portions (13) and a second profile leg (20) with the second opening portions (14).

17. The panel element (1) as claimed in claim 16, wherein the profile (18) is shaped by bending the cover panel (2), the profile (18) is fastened to or integrally formed on one side of the cover panel (2).

18. The panel element (1) as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least one said respective retaining device (4) with at least one said retaining spring (3) is arranged on each of two edges of the cover panel (2) that face away from one another.

19. The panel element (1) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cover panel (2) consists at least partially of metal.

20. A lining (22) for a ceiling and/or wall, comprising: at least one mount (23) that is fastenable can to a ceiling and/or wall and is fastened in a use position, and at least one panel element (1) as claimed in claim 1, wherein, in the use position, the panel element (1) is fastened to the mount (23) by the at least one retaining spring (3).

21. The lining (22) as claimed in claim 20, wherein at least one of a) the retaining spring (3) is hooked into the mount (23) or b) the mount (23) is a retaining profile.

22. The lining (22) as claimed in claim 21, wherein the mount (23) has at least one retaining hole (24) for each said retaining spring (3), and at least one securing receptacle (27) for receiving a hook-shaped end (12) of a spring leg (5, 6) of the retaining spring (3) is assigned to at least one retaining hole (24).

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0045] The invention will now be described in more detail on the basis of an exemplary embodiment, but is not restricted to this exemplary embodiment. Further exemplary embodiments will emerge from the combination of the features of individual or multiple patent claims with one another and/or in the combination of individual or multiple features of the exemplary embodiment. In the figures:

[0046] FIG. 1 shows a perspective rear view of a panel element with two retaining springs,

[0047] FIG. 2 shows an enlarged illustration of the detail marked by the circle A in FIG. 1,

[0048] FIG. 3 shows a plan view of the panel element illustrated in the previous Figures,

[0049] FIG. 4 shows an enlarged illustration of the detail marked by the rectangle B in FIG. 3,

[0050] FIG. 5 shows two panel elements on a mount for lining a ceiling, and

[0051] FIG. 6 shows an enlarged detail from FIG. 5 to illustrate the function of the retaining springs of the panel elements on the mount.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0052] All of the figures show at least part of a panel element, denoted 1 overall, for lining a ceiling and/or wall. The panel element 1 has a rectangular cover panel 2 and multiple retaining springs 3. The retaining springs 3 are so-called leg springs, which are also referred to as torsion springs.

[0053] To fasten the cover panel 2 to a ceiling and/or wall in a suspended manner, the retaining springs 3 can be transferred from their transport positions, shown for example in FIGS. 1 to 4, to a fastening position, in which some retaining springs 3 are illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6.

[0054] The retaining springs 3 are fastened to the cover panel 2 of the panel element 1 by means of a retaining device 4.

[0055] FIGS. 1 to 4 illustrate that the retaining device 4 is configured to fix the retaining springs 3 in their respective transport position. In this way, the retaining springs 3 are securely immobilized in their transport position on the cover panel 2 of the panel element 1. According to the exemplary embodiment, shown in the figures, of the panel element 1, the retaining device 4 is configured to fix the retaining springs 3 in their respective transport positions under tension. The retaining device 4 is designed such that the retaining springs 3 are fixed in their transport position by their inherent spring force. In this respect, the retaining device 4 acts as a static counter-bearing for fixing the retaining springs 3 in their transport position under tension.

[0056] A comparison of FIGS. 1 to 4 with FIGS. 5 and 6 makes it clear that the retaining springs 3, by way of its spring legs 5, 6, is closer to a side of the cover panel 2 that is not a visible side 26 of the mounted panel element 1 in its transport position than in its fastening position. The side closer to which the retaining springs 3 are by way of their spring legs 5, 6 in the transport position is a back side 7 of the cover panel 2.

[0057] By way of their spring legs 5, 6, the retaining springs 3 are aligned approximately parallel to the back side 7 in the transport position. The spring legs 5, 6 of the at least one retaining spring 3 are further apart in its fastening position than in its transport position. Consequently, the retaining springs 3 are under greater tension in the transport position than in the fastening position.

[0058] In order to transfer the retaining springs 3 from their transport position to their fastening position, the retaining springs 3 can be pivoted on the retaining device 4. A pivot axis about which the pivoting movement of the retaining springs 3 takes place runs along the cover panel 2 of the panel element 1 here. Upon viewing the figures, it becomes clear that the pivoting movement constitutes merely one movement component for transferring the retaining springs 3 from their transport position to their fastening position. Before the retaining springs 3 can be pivoted on the retaining device 4, in the exemplary embodiment illustrated in the figures they must be moved by way of a longitudinal movement aligned in the direction of their longitudinal extent and in the direction of an opening angle of their spring legs 5, 6. For this, the retaining device 4 provides a combined longitudinal and pivoting guide for the retaining springs 3. Thus, the retaining springs 3 are arranged on the retaining device 4 also so as to be displaceable from their transport position in their longitudinal direction.

[0059] The retaining device 4 delimits a pivot angle of the retaining springs 3 between their respective transport position and their respective fastening position to at most 110°. In the exemplary embodiment, shown in the figures, of the panel element 1, the pivot angle of the retaining springs 3 between their transport position and their fastening position is delimited to 90°.

[0060] The retaining device 4 has a respective retaining opening 8 for each spring leg 5, 6 of the two retaining springs 3. The two retaining openings 8 assigned to one retaining spring 3 have edges 9, 10 that face away from one another. According to the figures, these edges 9, 10 are aligned at right angles to the back side 7 of the cover panel 2. When the retaining spring 3 is in the transport position, the spring legs 5, 6 of the retaining springs 3 bear against these edges 9, 10. The edges 9, 10 are at a distance from one another which is dimensioned such that the spring legs 5, 6 of the retaining springs 3 are held tensioned when the retaining springs 3 are in the transport position. As a result, the retaining springs 3 are fixed in their transport position under tension. The tension for fixing the retaining springs 3 is created in this case by the respective retaining spring 3 by virtue of its inherent spring force itself.

[0061] The spring legs 5, 6 of the retaining springs 3 are hook-shaped at their free ends. The retaining springs 3 can be hooked into a mount 23 by way of their hook-shaped ends, as is shown for example in the right-hand half of FIG. 5. This facilitates the mounting of the panel element 1.

[0062] The retaining device 4 of the panel element 1 has insertion openings 11 adjacent to the retaining openings 8. The insertion openings 11 serve to receive a respective free, hook-shaped, bent end 12 of the spring legs 5, 6 of the retaining springs 3. The hook-shaped ends 12, positioned in the insertion openings 11, of the spring legs 5, 6 prevent the retaining springs 3 from being displaced out of their transport position in their direction of longitudinal extent by their spring force, which presses the spring legs 5, 6 apart. This is possible in a particularly reliable manner when the hook-shaped ends 12 of the spring legs 5, 6 engage behind a respective edge of the insertion openings 11 in the process. The spring legs 5, 6 may be bent at their hook-shaped ends 12 by between 100° and 200°, in particular by 180°.

[0063] The retaining openings 8 each comprise a first opening portion 13 and a second opening portion 14. When the retaining spring 3 is in the transport position, the spring legs 5, 6 are placed in the first opening portion 13 and, when the retaining spring 3 is in the fastening position, they are placed in the second opening portion 14 of the retaining openings 8.

[0064] The retaining device 4 has a respective retaining web 15 between two retaining openings 8 assigned to one retaining spring 3, specifically between two second opening portions 14. The retaining web 15 fixes each of the retaining springs 3, in the fastening position, on the retaining device 4, and therefore on the cover panel 2 of the panel element 1, by way of an intermediate portion 16 arranged between the spring legs 5, 6. The intermediate portion 16 is in the form of an eye, which consists of turns of a wire from which the retaining springs 3 are each made.

[0065] The respective first opening portion 13 of the retaining openings 8 is delimited by an opening edge 17 in the pivoting direction of the retaining springs 3 toward their respective fastening position. The opening edge 17 is provided to secure the spring legs 5, 6, which are in the first opening portion 13 in the transport position, of the retaining spring 3 toward the fastening position of the retaining spring 3 in a form fit. In the case of the panel element 1 shown in the figures, the opening edge 17 is aligned parallel to the back side 7 of the cover panel 2 of the panel element 1.

[0066] The first opening portions 13 of the retaining openings 8 are arranged closer to the back side 7 of the cover panel 2 than the second opening portions 14. Here, the first opening portion 13 of the retaining opening 8 spans a larger angle with the back side 7 of the cover panel 2 than the second opening portion 14, which is aligned parallel to the rear side 7 of the cover panel 2 in the exemplary embodiment shown. Here, the angle amounts to 90°. The first opening portion 13 and the second opening portion 14 of the retaining openings 8 are therefore aligned at an angle of less than 180° in relation to one another.

[0067] The retaining device 4 comprises a profile 18, which is arranged on an edge of the cover panel 2 and therefore can be referred to as edge profile. The above-mentioned retaining openings 8 are formed in the profile 18. The profile 18 comprises a first profile leg 19, in which the first opening portions 13 of the retaining device 8 are formed. The profile 18 furthermore also comprises a second profile leg 20, in which the second opening portions 14 of the retaining openings 8 are formed.

[0068] In the exemplary embodiment, shown in the figures, of the panel element 1, the profile 18 is shaped by bending the cover panel 2 on the back side 7 of the cover panel 2. In an exemplary embodiment which is not shown in the figures, a profile 18 is fastened or integrally formed on a side of the cover panel 2 that preferably is not a visible side 26 of the panel element 1.

[0069] In one embodiment, not shown in the figures, of the panel element 1, it is provided that the respective at least one retaining device 4 with at least one retaining spring 3 is arranged on two edges of the cover panel 2 that face away from one another. In the exemplary embodiment, shown in the figures, of the panel element 1, two retaining springs 3 are arranged on an edge of the cover panel 2.

[0070] The cover panel 2 of the panel element 1 illustrated in the figures consists of metal. The cover panel 2 can be hooked into a correspondingly formed retaining structure by way of its retaining edge 21 facing away from the retaining device 4 for the purpose of fastening the ceiling element 1.

[0071] On the one side, the panel element 1 is held on the ceiling by the two retaining springs 3, while on the other side it can be fastened at least indirectly to the ceiling or wall with the aid of its retaining edge 21.

[0072] Now, FIGS. 5 and 6 show a lining for a ceiling and/or wall, which lining is denoted 22 overall. The lining 22 comprises multiple panel elements 1 that are shown in FIGS. 1 to 4 and at least one mount 23 fastened to the ceiling and/or wall in the use position. The panel elements 1 are fastened to the mount 23 by way of their retaining springs 3 in their use position. To that end, the retaining springs 3 are hooked into the mount 23 by way of their spring legs 5, 6. The mount 23 is in the form of a retaining profile and, for the purpose of hooking in the spring legs 5, 6, has multiple retaining holes 24 in the form of slots.

[0073] FIG. 5 illustrates the mounting of the panel elements 1. First of all, the retaining springs 3 are pushed out of their respective transport position in the longitudinal direction. Then, the retaining springs 3 are guided through the retaining holes 24 of the mount 23 by way of the hook-shaped ends of their spring legs 5, 6, and hooked into securing receptacles 27, present on either side of the retaining holes 24, of the mount 23 in order to hang up the panel element 1. In the process, the back side 7 of the cover panel 3 is aligned approximately in or in the direction of gravity (see right-hand half of FIG. 5). After that, the panel element 1 thus hung up is lifted up by 90°, hooked into a retaining rail, which is fastened to the ceiling, by way of its retaining edge 21, and pushed in the direction of the ceiling counter to the direction of gravity. In the process, the spring legs 5, 6 on the one hand enter the second opening portions 14 of the retaining openings 8. On the other hand, the spring legs 5, 6 slip further through the retaining holes 24 and spread apart owing to the spring force of the retaining springs 3, as a result of which the panel element 1 can be hung up correctly.

[0074] The panel elements 1 can become detached from their intended mounting position if strong vibrations and/or tremors act on them, for example in the event of an earthquake. If the panel elements 1 inadvertently become detached from their intended mounting position, the panel elements 1 can be intercepted with the aid of the hook-shaped ends 12 of the spring legs 5, 6 of their retaining springs 3 and the securing receptacles 27 and can be prevented from falling If the panel elements 1 become detached, the spring legs 5, 6 slip through the retaining holes 24 until the hook-shaped ends 12 of the spring legs 5, 6 of the retaining springs 3 engage in the securing receptacles 27. The hook-shaped ends 12 remain there, securing the panel element 1 against falling.

[0075] The hook-shaped ends 12 of the retaining springs 3 of the right-hand panel element 1 of FIG. 5 engage in the securing receptacles 27. It can be seen that the securing receptacles 27 introduced in the mount 23 are continuous securing holes.

[0076] The panel element 1 has a stop in the form of a stop leg 25, by way of which it can bear against the mount 23 in the correct position of use. The stop leg 25 is a third profile leg of the profile 18 and is aligned at right angles to the back side 7 of the cover panel 2 and/or at right angles to the second profile leg 20.

[0077] The invention is concerned with improvements to the technical field of panel elements for lining ceilings and/or walls. To that end, what is proposed, inter alia, is a panel element 1 which has a retaining device 4, by means of which at least one retaining spring 3, which is used to fasten the panel element 1 to the ceiling and/or wall, can be fixed in its transport position.

List of Reference Signs

[0078] 1 Panel element [0079] 2 Cover panel [0080] 3 Retaining spring [0081] 4 Retaining device [0082] 5 Spring leg [0083] 6 Spring leg [0084] 7 Back side of 2 [0085] 8 Retaining opening [0086] 9 Edge of 8 [0087] 10 Edge of 8 [0088] 11 Insertion opening [0089] 12 Hook-shaped end of 5, 6 [0090] 13 First opening portion of 8 [0091] 14 Second opening portion of 8 [0092] 15 Retaining web [0093] 16 Intermediate portion [0094] 17 Opening edge of 13 [0095] 18 Profile [0096] 19 First profile leg [0097] 20 Second profile leg [0098] 21 Retaining edge [0099] 22 Lining [0100] 23 Mount [0101] 24 Retaining hole [0102] 25 Bearing leg [0103] 26 Visible side [0104] 27 Securing receptacle