Connecting element for wall or ceiling panels when constructed by a dry method

A connecting element useful in the assembly of abutting end faces of wall- or ceiling-cladding panels when assembled by the so-called dry construction method wherein the assembly is by abutting the end faces of cladding panels which have the same width and which are assembled by connecting the region of their longitudinal edges through a tongue-and-groove system, wherein the connecting element consists of a sectioned member whose longitudinal median plane, when in use, extends across that of the assembled panels, the sectioned member including two locating strips positioned, at least approximately, in the same plane and which function as supports for the undersides of end face sections of two adjacent panels which are to be assembled end to end, and which strips include stiffening flanges and holes for fixing screws or the like;

• said sectioned member also including a gap-forming flange having a locating wall between said locating strips for locating the end faces of assembled panels, said gap-forming flange separating said locating strips and having an essentially rectangular cross-section which determines the width of the joint gap, said locating wall projecting approximately at right angles from the plane of the locating strips;
• wherein at least one longitudinal end of each locating strip is connected with a clamping plate capable of establishing a clamped connection between the sectioned member and one of the panels when assembled, the spacing between said clamping plate and the corresponding locating strip being approximately equal to the distance between the locating strip and a longitudinal groove in the panel, and wherein at least two lateral stops are provided for each locating strip in the direction across the longitudinal axis of the connecting element, the spacing between the stops corresponding either to the distance between two longitudinal side edges of a corresponding panel when assembled therebetween or to the distance between the ground-surfaces of the longitudinal grooves of a panel to be assembled which take part in the connection between a given panel and adjacent panels at either of its longitudinal sides.