dovetail slot

Abstract

A kit is disclosed comprising a first panel (1), a second panel (2) and a mechanical locking device for locking the first panel (1) to the second panel (2). The first panel (1) comprises a first edge surface (11) and a first panel surface (12) and the second panel (2) comprises a second edge surface (21) and a second panel surface (22). The mechanical locking device comprises a slot (3) at the first edge surface (11), wherein the slot (3) has a first displacement surface (30) and an opposite second displacement surface (31), a bottom surface (32) and a depth direction (D). The slot (3) comprises a flexible tongue (4) and the edge tongue comprises a tongue groove (5), wherein the flexible tongue (4) is configured to cooperate with the tongue groove (5) for locking the first panel (1) to the second panel (2), and the first and second displacement surfaces (30, 31) of the slot (3) are converging.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to panels configured to be locked together using mechanical locking devices. These panels may be panels that can be assembled and locked together to form furniture products such as bookshelves, cabinets, wardrobes, chests, drawers, or furniture components, and the panels may subsequently be detachable. The mechanical locking device may include a flexible tenon. Background Technology

[0002] As demonstrated in WO2015 / 038059, furniture products equipped with mechanical locking devices are known in the art. The previously described furniture product includes a first panel vertically connected to a second panel by a mechanical locking device comprising a flexible tenon in a slot.

[0003] The above descriptions of the various known aspects are the applicant's descriptions of these aspects and do not constitute an admission that any of the above descriptions are considered prior art.

[0004] Embodiments of the present invention address the need to provide an assemblable and detachable panel with a mechanical locking device that provides improved stiffness and strength. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The object of certain aspects of this invention is to provide improvements over the aforementioned and known technologies. Specifically, the object is to improve the assembly of panels (e.g., furniture panels) that are locked together by mechanical locking devices. Panels can be part of furniture products such as furniture components, drawers, cabinets, bookshelves, wardrobes, kitchen utensils, or chests.

[0006] Another object of at least some aspects of the invention is to facilitate the assembly of panels configured to be assembled together using locking devices that are easy to use and install, and reduce the risk of damage to the panels during their production.

[0007] Another object of at least some aspects of the present invention is to facilitate the assembly of panels, which are constructed so as to require no tools for assembly.

[0008] Another object of at least some aspects of the invention is to facilitate the assembly of panels configured to be assembled together using locking devices that are easy to use and install and reduce the risk of improper installation.

[0009] Another object of at least some aspects of the present invention is to facilitate the assembly of panels constructed to be assembled in a more stable and aesthetically pleasing manner.

[0010] At least some of these and other objects and advantages, which will become apparent from the description, have been achieved by a kit comprising a first panel, a second panel, and a mechanical locking device for locking the first panel to the second panel, wherein the first panel comprises a first edge surface and a first panel surface, the second panel comprises a second edge surface and a second panel surface, the mechanical locking device comprises a slot at the first edge surface and an edge tongue having a groove, wherein the slot has a first displacement surface and an opposing second displacement surface, a bottom surface, and a depth direction, wherein the slot comprises a flexible tongue configured to engage with the groove for locking the first panel to the second panel, characterized in that the first displacement surface and the second displacement surface of the slot are converging.

[0011] According to one aspect, the angle between the first shifting surface and the second shifting surface of the slot is greater than about 0° and less than or equal to about 5°, preferably greater than about 0° and less than or equal to about 3°, and more preferably about 1° to about 2°.

[0012] According to one aspect, the angle between the main plane of the slot and the first displacement surface of the slot is about 0° to about 5°, preferably about 0° to about 3°, and more preferably about 1° to about 2°. The main plane of the slot is oriented along the longitudinal direction of the slot.

[0013] According to one aspect, the second shifting surface of the slot is substantially parallel to the main plane of the slot.

[0014] According to one aspect, the angle between the first displacement surface of the slot and the first side surface of the first panel is about 45° to about 90°, preferably about 45° to about 70°, and more preferably about 60° to about 65°.

[0015] According to one aspect, the angle between the second displacement surface and the second side surface of the first panel is about 90° to about 135°, preferably about 110° to about 125°, and more preferably about 115° to about 120°.

[0016] According to one aspect, the flexible tenon includes a first locking surface and a second locking surface, the first locking surface being configured to engage with a tongue groove when the flexible tenon is positioned in a slot in a first orientation for locking the first panel to the second panel in a first direction, and the second locking surface of the flexible tenon being configured to engage with a tongue groove when the flexible tenon is positioned in a slot in a second orientation for locking the first panel to the second panel in a first direction.

[0017] According to one aspect, the first locking surface and the second locking surface are positioned substantially symmetrically on the flexible tenon.

[0018] According to one aspect, the first direction for locking the first panel to the second panel is perpendicular to the surface of the first panel.

[0019] According to one aspect, the bottom surface extends between the first shifted surface and the opposite second shifted surface.

[0020] According to one aspect, the core of the first panel and / or the second panel may be a wood-based core, preferably made of MDF, HDF, OSB, WPC, plywood, or particleboard. The core may also be a plastic core, comprising thermosetting or thermoplastic plastics such as vinyl resin, PVC, PU, ​​or PET. The plastic core may include filler.

[0021] Depending on one aspect, the first panel and / or the second panel may also be made of solid wood.

[0022] According to one aspect, the first panel and / or the second panel may have a decorative layer such as foil or finish on one or more surfaces. Attached Figure Description

[0023] These and other aspects, features, and advantages achievable by the embodiments and aspects of the present invention will become apparent and elucidated from the following description with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0024] Figure 1 A side view of an exemplary embodiment of the first panel is shown.

[0025] Figure 2 A side view of an exemplary embodiment of the first panel is shown, wherein a flexible tenon is positioned in a tongue groove.

[0026] Figure 3-4 A side view of an exemplary embodiment of the invention is shown during assembly.

[0027] Figure 5 A view showing an exemplary embodiment of a tool for forming slots is illustrated.

[0028] Figure 6A A side view of an exemplary embodiment of the first panel is shown when the tool is machining the slot. Figure 6B It shows Figure 6A The enlarged view of the circled area shown. The tool is positioned at the end, thus also machining the bottom surface of the slot.

[0029] Figure 7A A side view of an exemplary embodiment of the first panel is shown, at which point the tool has machined the slot and is retracting, i.e., the tool no longer extends all the way to the bottom of the slot.

[0030] Figure 7B It shows Figure 7AThe enlarged view of the circled area shown illustrates that when the tool retracts, it does not interact with both the first shift surface and the opposing second shift surface simultaneously.

[0031] Figures 8A-8C Different exemplary embodiments of the first and second panels according to the present invention are shown.

[0032] Figure 9 An exemplary embodiment of a set of panels according to the present invention in an assembled state is shown.

[0033] Figure 10 A 3D view of an exemplary embodiment of a set of panels according to the present invention in an assembled state is shown.

[0034] Figure 11A-11C Figures 12 and 13 show different views of a flexible tenon tongue according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0035] Specific embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided to make this disclosure thorough and complete, and to fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. The terminology used in the detailed description of the embodiments shown in the drawings is not intended to limit the invention. In the drawings, similar reference numerals refer to similar elements.

[0036] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing a particular aspect of this disclosure only and is not intended to limit it. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0037] It should be noted that the word "comprising / including" does not necessarily exclude the presence of other elements or steps not listed, and the word "a" preceding an element does not exclude the presence of multiple such elements. It should also be noted that any reference numerals do not limit the scope of the claims, exemplary aspects can be implemented at least in part by means of hardware and software, and several "mechanisms," "units," or "assemblies" can be represented by the same hardware.

[0038] The different aspects, alternatives, and embodiments of the invention disclosed herein can be combined with one or more other aspects, alternatives, and embodiments described herein. Two or more aspects can be combined.

[0039] The first embodiment of the present invention is, for example, in Figure 3-4The image shows a kit comprising a first panel 1, a second panel 2, and a mechanical locking device for locking the first panel 1 to the second panel 2. The first panel 1 includes a first edge surface 11 and a first panel surface 12, and the second panel 2 includes a second edge surface 21 and a second panel surface 22. The mechanical locking device includes a slot 3 at the first edge surface 11, wherein the slot 3 has a first displacement surface 30 and opposing second displacement surfaces 31, a bottom surface 32, and a depth direction D. The slot 3 includes a flexible tenon 4. The mechanical locking device also includes an edge tenon including a groove 5, wherein the flexible tenon 4 is configured to engage with the groove 5 for locking the first panel 1 to the second panel 2. The first and second displacement surfaces 30, 31 of the slot 3 are convergent, for example, resulting in a wedge-shaped slot. This improves the assembly of the first panel 1 and the second panel 2 because the convergent first and second displacement surfaces 30, 31 prevent the flexible tenon 4 from being stuck / clamped in the slot 3. Furthermore, this can improve the stiffness and strength of the mechanical locking device. For example, in several illustrative embodiments, the flexible tongue 4 and the tongue groove 5 are configured such that when the flexible tongue 4 is inserted into the tongue groove 5, it contacts both the first and second displacement surfaces 30, 31 under compressive pressure only a portion of the longitudinal extension of the slot 3, and contacts only one of the first and second displacement surfaces 30, 31 at another portion of the longitudinal extension of the slot 3 closer to its opening (or contacts both surfaces 30, 31, but with less compressive pressure).

[0040] The first panel is Figure 1-2 It is shown in detail in the text.

[0041] The first panel 1 and the second panel 2 are preferably panels for furniture products, and may be part of the frame of the furniture product.

[0042] For furniture products, the kit is preferably configured to lock the first panel 1 to the second panel 2, wherein the surface 12 of the first panel is perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the surface 22 of the second panel.

[0043] The angle α between the first and second shifting surfaces 30 and 31 of the slot 3 can be greater than about 0° and less than or equal to about 5°, preferably greater than about 0° and less than or equal to about 3°, and more preferably about 1° to about 2°.

[0044] The angle β between the main plane M of slot 3 and the first shifting surface 30 of slot 3 can be about 0° to about 5°, or about 0° to about 3°, or about 1° to about 2°, or about 0.1° to about 1°, or about 0.5°.

[0045] The angle β between the main plane M of slot 3 and the first shifting surface 30 of slot 3 can be greater than about 0.1°.

[0046] The second shifting surface 31 of the slot 3 can be substantially parallel to the main plane M of the slot 3. According to this embodiment, only the first shifting surface 30 is offset from the main plane M of the slot 3.

[0047] The angle γ between the first displacement surface 30 of the slot 3 and the first side surface 13 of the first panel 1 can be from about 45° to about 90°, preferably from about 45° to about 70°, and more preferably from about 60° to about 65°. The first side surface 13 is the surface of the first panel 1 that is adjacent to the slot 3 and located below the slot 3.

[0048] The angle δ between the second displacement surface 31 and the second side surface 14 of the first panel 1 can be from about 90° to about 135°, preferably from about 110° to about 125°, and more preferably from about 115° to about 120°. The second side surface 14 is the surface of the first panel 1 that is adjacent to and above the slot 3.

[0049] The bottom surface 32 may extend between the first shifting surface 30 and the opposite second shifting surface 31.

[0050] Figure 3-4 The diagram shows a view of a furniture product during assembly, representing one aspect of the invention. The second panel 2 can be assembled by moving the second panel 2 relative to the first panel 1 in a direction perpendicular to the surface 12 of the first panel, as shown. Figure 3 As shown. The mechanical locking device can be configured such that when the first panel 1 and the second panel 2 are in the locked position and the flexible tenon extends into the tongue groove 5 of the second panel (as shown). Figure 4 As shown), it automatically locks the first panel 1 to the second panel 2.

[0051] Figures 8A-8C Different embodiments of the first and second panels 1 and 2 of the present invention are shown. Figure 8A The panel 1” includes two second edge surfaces 21, Figure 8B The panel 1' includes two first edge surfaces 11, while Figure 8C The panel 1 includes a first edge surface 11 and a second edge surface 21.

[0052] according to Figure 8A The two panels 1" can, for example, be with according to Figure 8B The two panels 1' are used together to assemble the box, and, for example, according to Figure 8C The four panels 1 can be used to assemble the box. Alternatively, according to Figure 8A A panel 1”, according to Figure 8B A panel 1' and according to Figure 8C The two panels 1 can be used to assemble furniture products, such as boxes.

[0053] Figure 9 The image shows the locked position, as shown. Figure 8C The set of four panels 1 shown forms a box 61.

[0054] Figure 10 A 3D view is shown of four panels 1 according to the invention forming a furniture product 62 in a locked position. The mechanical locking mechanism is invisible when the panels are assembled, resulting in a very aesthetically pleasing outcome.

[0055] In the different embodiments of the present invention described above, the first panel 1 and the second panel 2 are preferably panels for furniture products, and may be part of the frame of the furniture product.

[0056] For furniture products, the kit is preferably configured to lock the first panel 1 to the second panel 2, wherein the surface 12 of the first panel is perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the surface 22 of the second panel.

[0057] Figure 11A-11C Figures 1 and 12 show different views of the flexible tenon 4 according to one embodiment. Figure 11A It is a top view. Figure 11B It is a side view. Figure 11C It is a bottom view. Figure 12 The flexible tenon 4 is shown in Figure 11A The cross-sectional view taken at position C is shown. The flexible tenon 4 may include a first locking surface 101 and a second locking surface 102. The first locking surface 101 may be configured to engage with the tongue groove 5 for locking the first panel 1 to the second panel 2 in a first direction when the flexible tenon 4 is positioned in the slot 3 along a first orientation. The second locking surface 102 of the flexible tenon 4 may be configured to engage with the tongue groove 5 for locking the first panel 1 to the second panel 2 in a first direction when the flexible tenon 4 is positioned in the slot 3 along a second orientation.

[0058] like Figure 12 As shown, the first locking surface 101 and the second locking surface 102 can be positioned substantially symmetrically on the flexible tenon 4.

[0059] The first direction for locking the first panel 1 to the second panel 2 may be perpendicular to the surface 12 of the first panel.

[0060] The flexible tenon 4 may include a flexible material so that the flexible tenon 4 can be compressed and displaced in the slot 3 during assembly and disassembly.

[0061] The flexible tenon 4 may include a flexible element that enables the flexible tenon 4 to be compressed and displaced in the slot 3 during assembly, and another element that is less flexible to improve locking strength.

[0062] The flexible tenon 4 can be placed on the bottom surface 32 of the slot 3.

[0063] In the locked position, the flexible tenon 4 can be arranged between the tongue groove 5 and the bottom surface 32 of the slot 3.

[0064] Slot 3 and tongue 5 can be formed by mechanical cutting such as milling or sawing. Figure 5 A view is shown of an embodiment of a tool T that can be used to form a slot 3 for the first panel 1.

[0065] Figure 6A A side view of an embodiment of the first panel 1 is shown when the tool T is forming the slot. Figure 6B It shows Figure 6A The enlarged view of the circled area shown. Tool T is positioned at the end, thus forming the final bottom surface 32 of slot 3.

[0066] Figure 7A A side view of an embodiment of the first panel 1 is shown, where the tool T has machined the slot 3 and is retracting, i.e., the tool T no longer extends all the way to the bottom surface 32 of the slot 3. Figure 7B It shows Figure 7A The enlarged view of the circled area shows that when tool T retracts, tool T no longer interacts with the first shifting surface 30. When tool T is partially in slot 3 and retracting, a distance of 63 may exist between tool T and the first shifting surface 30. This minimizes the risk of the first shifting surface 30 being damaged by tool T when it retracts after forming slot 3.

[0067] The tool T can be configured to no longer interact with the second shift surface 31 when the tool T retracts due to the distance between the tool T and the second shift surface.

[0068] The tool T can be configured to no longer interact with the first shift surface 30 and the second shift surface 31 when the tool T retracts due to the distance 63 between the tool T and the first shift surface 30.

[0069] The damaged displaced surface may have the effect that, for example, during the assembly of the first panel 1 and the second panel 2, or when the flexible tenon 4 is inserted into the slot 3, the flexible tenon 4 is stuck / clamped in the slot 3.

[0070] Damaged displaced surfaces may also cause loose fragments in the locking device, which may have the effect of reducing the locking strength or preventing the first panel 1 and the second panel 2 from displacing into the locked position.

[0071] Tool T operates in the same direction as the depth direction D. The axis of rotation of tool T can be perpendicular to the principal plane M / depth direction D.

[0072] The core of the first panel 1 and / or the second panel 2 may be a wood-based core, preferably made of MDF, HDF, OSB, WPC, plywood, or particleboard. The core may also be a plastic core, including thermosetting or thermoplastic plastics such as vinyl resin, PVC, PU, ​​or PET. The plastic core may include fillers.

[0073] The first panel 1 and / or the second panel 2 may also be made of solid wood.

[0074] The first panel 1 and / or the second panel 2 may have decorative layers, such as foil or finishes, on one or more surfaces.

Claims

1. A kit comprising a first panel (1), a second panel (2), and a mechanical locking device for locking the first panel (1) to the second panel (2), wherein the first panel (1) includes a first edge surface (11) and a first panel surface (12), the second panel (2) includes a second edge surface (21) and a second panel surface (22), the mechanical locking device comprising a slot (3) at the first edge surface (11) and an edge tongue having a groove (5), wherein the slot (3) has a first displacement surface (30) and opposing second displacement surfaces (31), a bottom surface (32), and a depth direction (D), wherein the slot (3) includes a flexible tongue (4), wherein the flexible tongue (4) is configured to engage with the groove (5) for locking the first panel (1) to the second panel (2), characterized in that, The first displacement surface (30) and the second displacement surface (31) of the slot (3) converge toward the bottom surface (32), wherein the first displacement surface (30) extends toward the first side surface (13) of the slot (3), and the second displacement surface (31) extends toward the second side surface (14) of the slot (3), wherein the second displacement surface (31) is substantially parallel to the main plane (M) of the slot (3), the main plane of the slot being oriented along the longitudinal direction of the slot.

2. The kit according to claim 1, wherein, The angle (α) between the first shifting surface (30) and the second shifting surface (31) of the slot (3) is in the range of greater than 0° and less than or equal to 5°.

3. The kit according to claim 1, wherein, The angle (α) between the first shifting surface (30) and the second shifting surface (31) of the slot (3) is in the range of greater than 0° and less than or equal to 3°.

4. The kit according to claim 1, wherein, The angle (α) between the first shifting surface (30) and the second shifting surface (31) of the slot (3) is in the range of 1° to 2°.

5. The kit according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The angle (β) between the main plane (M) of the slot (3) and the first displacement surface (30) of the slot (3) is in the range of 0° to 5°.

6. The kit according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The angle (β) between the main plane (M) of the slot (3) and the first displacement surface (30) of the slot (3) is in the range of 0° to 3°.

7. The kit according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The angle (β) between the main plane (M) of the slot (3) and the first displacement surface (30) of the slot (3) is in the range of 1° to 2°.

8. The kit according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The angle (β) between the main plane (M) of the slot (3) and the first displacement surface (30) of the slot (3) is in the range of 0.1° to 1°.

9. The kit according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The angle (β) between the main plane (M) of the slot (3) and the first displacement surface (30) of the slot (3) is 0.1°.

10. The kit according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The angle (γ) between the first displacement surface (30) of the slot (3) and the first side surface (13) of the first panel (1) is 45° to 90°, wherein the first side surface (13) is the surface of the first panel (1) adjacent to the slot (3) and located below the slot (3).

11. The kit of claim 10, wherein, The angle (γ) between the first displacement surface (30) of the slot (3) and the first side surface (13) of the first panel (1) is 45° to 70°.

12. The kit according to claim 10, wherein, The angle (γ) between the first displacement surface (30) of the slot (3) and the first side surface (13) of the first panel (1) is 60° to 65°.

13. The kit according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The angle (δ) between the second displacement surface (31) and the second side surface (14) of the first panel (1) is 90° to 135°, wherein the second side surface (14) is the surface of the first panel (1) adjacent to the slot (3) and located above the slot (3).

14. The kit according to claim 13, wherein, The angle (δ) between the second displacement surface (31) and the second side surface (14) of the first panel (1) is 110° to 125°.

15. The kit according to claim 13, wherein, The angle (δ) between the second displacement surface (31) and the second side surface (14) of the first panel (1) is 115° to 120°.

16. The kit according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The flexible tenon (4) includes a first locking surface (101) and a second locking surface (102), the first locking surface (101) being configured to engage with the tongue groove (5) when the flexible tenon (4) is positioned in the slot (3) in a first orientation for locking the first panel (1) to the second panel (2) in a first direction, and wherein the second locking surface (102) of the flexible tenon (4) is configured to engage with the tongue groove (5) when the flexible tenon (4) is positioned in the slot (3) in a second orientation for locking the first panel (1) to the second panel (2) in a first direction.

17. The kit of claim 16, wherein, The first locking surface (101) and the second locking surface (102) are positioned substantially symmetrically on the flexible tenon (4).

18. The kit of claim 16, wherein, The first direction for locking the first panel (1) to the second panel (2) is perpendicular to the surface (12) of the first panel.

19. The kit according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The bottom surface (32) extends between the first displacement surface (30) and the opposing second displacement surface (31).

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