Patent attributes
The invention relates to a locking system (1) for plate-shaped panels (4.1, 4.2) with hook-profiled sections (5.1, 5.2) which complement one another and each of which is provided with a hook element (6). The hook elements (6) of complementary hook-profiled sections (5.1, 5.2) of adjacent panels (4.1, 4.2) hook in a joining movement (f) so as to engage into one another into a connected position. A profiled locking element (11) which has a first spring portion (12.1) and a first foot portion (13.1) is provided, said locking element being insertable into a first undercut (9.1) of a first hook-profiled section (5.1). The first undercut (9.1) of at least the first hook-profiled section (5.1) has a second undercut (9.2) which is effective perpendicular to the larger lateral surfaces (2) and into which the first spring portion (12.1) of the locking element (11) automatically locks from an open position into a locking position upon reaching the connected position of the two panels (4.1, 4.2). The second undercut (9.2) has a space (14) in which or into which the first spring portion (12.1) of the locking element (11) can be elastically deflected into the open position.