Set of panels comprising a locking device

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a set of panels, such as building panels, comprising a first panel (1) and a second panel (2), and locking means for locking a first edge portion (1a) of the first panel to a second edge portion (2b) of the second panel. And the locking device comprises a vertical locking device. The vertical locking device comprises a flexible tongue (3) arranged in an insertion groove (4) of one of the first edge portion (1a) and the second edge portion (2b). The vertical locking device further comprises a tongue groove (5) which is arranged in the other one of the first edge portion (1a) and the second edge portion (2b) and extends along the other one of the first edge portion (1a) and the second edge portion (2b). In a vertically locked state of the first edge portion (1a) and the second edge portion (2b), a flexible portion (30) of the flexible tongue (3) cooperates with the tongue groove (5). In a vertically locked state of the first edge portion (1a) and the second edge portion (2b), a longitudinal end portion (31) of the flexible tongue (3) cooperates with a stop surface (6) located on the other of the first edge portion (1a) and the second edge portion (2b).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a set of panels comprising a first panel, a second panel and a locking device. Background Art

[0002] Floating floor panels, such as laminate floor panels, are generally mechanically connected by means of mechanical locking systems. These systems include locking devices that lock the panels horizontally and vertically on all edges.

[0003] WO 2014 / 081382 A1 discloses a set of floor panels which are mechanically connected to each other at a first edge and a second edge of a first and a second floor panel, respectively, wherein the upper edges of the first and second edges define a vertical plane in the connected state. The first edge is provided with a protruding tongue formed integrally with the core of the first floor panel. The protruding tongue extends beyond the vertical plane. The second edge is provided with a separate flexible tongue, which comprises an inner part connected to a retaining groove at the second edge and an outer flexible snap-in tab extending upwards and, in the connected state, extending into a cavity below the protruding tongue for locking the first and second floor panels to each other in the vertical direction.

[0004] The main advantage of floating floors with a mechanical locking system is the ease of installation. There are several versions of locking systems on the market and there is a constant demand for improvements. Summary of the invention

[0005] It is an object of the present invention to at least partially alleviate the disadvantages of the prior art.It is an object of the present invention to provide a set of panels having a locking device which can be removed or unlocked more easily.

[0006] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, a set of panels, such as building panels, is provided, comprising a first panel and a second panel, and a locking device for locking a first edge portion of the first panel to a second edge portion of the second panel. The panels comprise a front side and a rear side, a main plane extending along the front side and / or the rear side, and a normal to the main plane. The normal defines a vertical direction. The locking device comprises a horizontal locking device and a vertical locking device. The vertical locking device comprises a flexible tongue arranged in an insertion groove of one of the first edge portion and the second edge portion. The flexible tongue extends along the one of the first edge portion and the second edge portion. The vertical locking device further comprises a tongue groove provided in and extending along the other of the first edge portion and the second edge portion. In the vertical locked state of the first and second edge portions, the flexible portion of the flexible tongue cooperates with a locking surface in the tongue groove; and a longitudinal end portion of the flexible tongue cooperates with a stop surface located on the other of the first edge portion and the second edge portion. In the vertical locked state of the first and second edge portions, the stop surface is closer to the bottom of the insertion groove than the locking surface. The stop surface may hinder the flexible portion, eg the tip of the flexible portion, from cooperating with the locking surface at an end portion of the flexible tongue and from entering the tongue groove.

[0007] The end of the longitudinal end portion may be closer to the bottom of the insertion groove than the end of the flexible portion.

[0008] The stop surface may be substantially vertical, for example the stop surface has an inclination of 0-10° with respect to the vertical axis Z, for example an inclination of 0-5° with respect to the vertical axis Z.

[0009] The stop surface may be arranged adjacent to the tongue groove in the longitudinal direction.

[0010] The flexible tongue may be longer than the tongue groove.An end portion of the tongue groove may have a bevel.

[0011] The stop surface may be part of a separate piece of material, such as a polymer based material, a wood material or a filler, preferably provided in the tongue groove.

[0012] The first edge portion of the first panel and the second edge portion of the second panel may be short edge portions.

[0013] In the vertical locked state, a portion of the flexible portion (eg a tip) may protrude from the insertion groove along most of the length of the flexible tongue.

[0014] In the vertical locked state, a part of the flexible portion, such as the end, may protrude from the insertion groove along 50-98%, such as 70-95%, such as 90-95% of the length of the flexible tongue.

[0015] In the vertical locked state, a part of the flexible portion, such as the tip, may protrude from the insertion groove along at least 90%, such as at least 95%, of the length of the tongue groove.

[0016] The stop surfaces may be provided on opposite sides of the tongue groove. By providing the stop surfaces on both (opposite) longitudinal sides of the tongue groove, reverse disassembly of an already laid panel (e.g. an already laid floor) may be achieved. Sometimes it may be easier to start disassembly in reverse order.

[0017] The flexible portion may be configured to be displaced toward a bottom surface of the insertion groove during assembly, and may be configured to rebound toward the locking surface in a locked state.

[0018] The flexible portion may be a pivot member, such as a pivot tab.

[0019] The pivoting member may be biased by the stop surface in the vertical locked state.The spring force from the biased pivoting member may facilitate unlocking of the second edge portion from the first edge portion.

[0020] The flexible tongue may comprise an inner part which is configured to face the bottom of the insertion groove when the flexible tongue is arranged in the insertion groove.

[0021] The flexible tongue may be arranged in an insertion groove in the first edge portion, the flexible tongue extending along the first edge portion. The tongue groove may be provided in the second edge portion and extend along the second edge portion. In the vertical locked state of the first and second edge portions, a longitudinal end portion of the flexible tongue may cooperate with a stop surface on the second edge portion.

[0022] The flexible tongue may be arranged in an insertion groove in the second edge portion, said flexible tongue extending along said second edge portion. The tongue groove may be provided in the first edge portion and extend along the first edge portion. In the vertical locked state of the first and second edge portions, a longitudinal end portion of the flexible tongue cooperates with a stop surface on the first edge portion.

[0023] The horizontal locking device may include a locking element arranged on a strip extending horizontally outward from a lower portion of the first edge portion, and a locking groove provided in the second edge portion. The locking element and the locking groove may be configured to cooperate to provide a horizontal locking state of the first and second edge portions.

[0024] The first and second edge portions may be configured to be vertically unlocked by relative vertical displacement of the first and second edge portions away from each other and / or by repeated relative vertical displacement of the first and second edge portions away from and towards each other.

[0025] A preferably horizontal shelf may be provided between the joints between the front side 1c of the first panel and the front side 2c of the second panel. Such a shelf may improve the waterproofing of the panels, in particular the waterproofing of the joints of the panels. The joints may be small gaps of 0.1 to 2 mm (e.g. 0.1-1 mm, e.g. 0.1-0.5 mm). The joints may have a vertical plane, but with a slight thickness, depending on the thickness of the possible gaps.

[0026] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, a set of panels, such as building panels, is provided, comprising a first panel and a second panel, and a locking device for locking a first edge portion of the first panel to a second edge portion of the second panel. The panels comprise a front side and a rear side, a main plane extending along the front side and / or the rear side, and a normal to the main plane. The normal defines a vertical direction. The locking device comprises a horizontal locking device and a vertical locking device. The vertical locking device comprises a flexible tongue and a tongue groove, the flexible tongue being arranged in an insertion groove of one of the first edge portion and the second edge portion, such as being inserted therein, the flexible tongue extending along the one of the first edge portion and the second edge portion, and the tongue groove being arranged in and extending along the other of the first edge portion and the second edge portion.

[0027] In the vertical locked state of the first and second edge parts: the flexible part of the flexible tongue cooperates with a locking surface in the tongue groove; and a longitudinal end portion of the flexible tongue comprises an abutment member. In the vertical locked state of the first and second edge parts, the abutment member cooperates with a stop surface located on the other of the first edge part and the second edge part. The stop surface is closer to the bottom of the insertion groove than the locking surface.

[0028] The stop surface may be substantially vertical, for example the stop surface has an inclination of 0-20° relative to the vertical axis Z, an inclination of 0-10° relative to the vertical axis Z, for example an inclination of 0-5° relative to the vertical axis Z.

[0029] A stop surface may be provided below the tongue groove.

[0030] The first edge portion of the first panel and the second edge portion of the second panel may be short edge portions.

[0031] In the vertical locked state, a portion of the flexible portion may protrude from the insertion groove along most of the length of the flexible tongue.

[0032] Abutment members may be provided on both opposite longitudinal end portions of the flexible tongue. This enables reverse disassembly.

[0033] The flexible portion may be a pivoting member.

[0034] The flexible tongue may comprise an inner part which is configured to face the bottom of the insertion groove when the flexible tongue is arranged in the insertion groove.

[0035] The flexible tongue may be arranged in an insertion groove in the first edge portion, along which the flexible tongue extends, and the tongue groove may be provided in the second edge portion and along which the second edge portion extends. In the vertically locked state of the first and second edge portions, the abutment member of the flexible tongue may cooperate with a stop surface on the second edge portion.

[0036] The flexible tongue may be arranged in an insertion groove in the second edge portion, the flexible tongue extending along the second edge portion; and the tongue groove may be provided in the first edge portion and extending along the first edge portion. In the vertical locked state of the first and second edge portions, the abutment member of the flexible tongue may cooperate with a stop surface on the first edge portion.

[0037] The horizontal locking device may include a locking element arranged on a strip extending horizontally outward from a lower portion of the first edge portion, and a locking groove provided on the second edge portion. The locking element and the locking groove may be configured to cooperate to provide a horizontal locking state of the first and second edge portions.

[0038] The first and second edge portions may be configured to be vertically unlocked by relative vertical displacement of the first and second edge portions away from each other and / or by repeated relative vertical displacement of the first and second edge portions away from and towards each other.

[0039] There may be a preferably horizontal convex wall between the joint between the front side of the first panel and the front side of the second panel and the tongue groove or the insert groove.

[0040] In a third aspect of the present disclosure, a set of panels, such as building panels, is provided, comprising a first panel and a second panel, and a locking device for locking a first edge portion of the first panel to a second edge portion of the second panel. The panels comprise a front side and a rear side, a main plane extending along the front side and / or the rear side, and a normal to the main plane. The normal defines a vertical direction. The locking device comprises a horizontal locking device and a vertical locking device. The vertical locking device comprises a flexible tongue arranged in an insertion groove of one of the first edge portion and the second edge portion. The flexible tongue extends along the one of the first edge portion and the second edge portion. The vertical locking device also comprises a tongue groove arranged in the other of the first edge portion and the second edge portion and extending along the other. In the vertical locked state of the first and second edge portions, the flexible portion of the flexible tongue cooperates with a locking surface in the tongue groove. In the vertical locked state of the first and second edge portions, the longitudinal end portion of the flexible portion has a slope, so that the vertical locking gradually decreases towards the end of the longitudinal end portion, for example, to no vertical locking.

[0041] The first edge portion of the first panel and the second edge portion of the second panel may be short edge portions.

[0042] In the vertical locked state, a portion of the flexible portion may protrude from the insertion groove along most of the length of the flexible tongue.

[0043] Both longitudinal end portions may have a bevel.

[0044] The flexible portion may be a pivoting member.

[0045] The flexible tongue may comprise an inner part which is configured to face the bottom of the insertion groove when the flexible tongue is arranged in the insertion groove.

[0046] The flexible tongue may be arranged in an insertion groove in the first edge portion, along which the flexible tongue extends; and the tongue groove may be provided in the second edge portion and extend along the second edge portion.

[0047] The flexible tongue may be arranged in an insertion groove in the second edge portion, said flexible tongue extending along said second edge portion; and the tongue groove may be provided in the first edge portion and extending along the first edge portion.

[0048] The horizontal locking device may include a locking element disposed on a strip extending horizontally outward from a lower portion of the first edge portion, and a locking groove disposed on the second edge portion. The locking element and the locking groove may be configured to cooperate to provide a horizontal locking state of the first edge portion and the second edge portion.

[0049] The first and second edge portions may be configured to be vertically unlocked by relative vertical displacement of the first and second edge portions away from each other and / or by repeated relative vertical displacement of the first and second edge portions away from and towards each other.

[0050] There may be a preferably horizontal convex wall between the joint between the front side of the first panel and the front side of the second panel and the tongue groove or the insert groove. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0051] The present disclosure will be described in more detail below in conjunction with exemplary embodiments and with reference to the attached exemplary drawings, in which:

[0052] Figure 1A A top view of one embodiment of a panel is shown.

[0053] Figure 1B A perspective view of one embodiment of a panel is shown during assembly or disassembly.

[0054] FIG. 2 shows a top view of one embodiment of two assembled panels, with the locations of cross-sectional views C1 - C1 , C2 - C2 , and C3 - C3 marked.

[0055] Figure 2B -C shows an embodiment of two assembled panels in cross-sectional views C1-C1 and C2-C2 respectively.

[0056] Figures 3A-3C Cross-sectional side views C1 - C1 , C2 - C2 , and C3 - C3 , respectively, of one embodiment are shown.

[0057] Figure 3D Shows Figure 3B Enlarged view of the circled area.

[0058] Figure 4A An embodiment of a first edge portion of an embodiment of a first panel is shown.

[0059] Figure 4B An embodiment of a second edge portion of an embodiment of a second panel is shown.

[0060] Figure 4C A perspective view of an embodiment of a flexible tongue is shown in a vertical locked state.

[0061] Figure 5A , 5B 5D and 5D respectively show cross-sectional side views C1-C1, C2-C2, and C3-C3 of one embodiment.

[0062] Figure 5C yes Figure 5BMagnified view of the circled part.

[0063] Fig. 6A An embodiment of a first edge portion of an embodiment of a first panel is shown.

[0064] Figure 6B An embodiment of a second edge portion of an embodiment of a second panel is shown.

[0065] Figure 6C A side view of one embodiment of a flexible tongue is shown in a compressed and uncompressed state.

[0066] Fig. 7A An embodiment of a second edge portion of an embodiment of a second panel is shown.

[0067] Figure 7B Shows Fig. 7A C1-C1 and C3-C3 cross sections of the embodiment.

[0068] Fig. 8A , 8C 8 and 8E respectively show cross-sectional side views C1 - C1 , C2 - C2 , and C3 - C3 of one embodiment.

[0069] Figure 8B , 8D and 8F respectively Fig. 8A , 8C and an enlarged view of the circled portion in 8E.

[0070] Fig. 9A Shows the unlocked state Figures 8A-8F A 3D view of one embodiment of a flexible tongue shown in FIG.

[0071] Fig. 9B Shows the locked state Fig. 9A and Figures 8A-8F 3D view of an embodiment of a flexible tongue shown in .

[0072] Fig. 10A A 3D view of an embodiment of a flexible tongue is shown in an unlocked state.

[0073] Figures 10B-10C The cross-sectional side views C2-C2 and C1-C1 / C3-C3 of one embodiment are shown respectively, which include Fig. 10A An embodiment of a flexible tongue is shown in .

[0074] Fig.11A , 11C 11E show cross-sectional side views of one embodiment of a second edge portion with one embodiment of a first edge portion during assembly and disassembly.

[0075] Fig. 11B , 11D and 11F respectively show Fig.11A , 11C and an enlarged view of the circled area in 11E.

[0076] Fig. 12A , 12C 12E illustrate a cross-sectional side view of one embodiment of a second edge portion with one embodiment of a first edge portion during assembly and disassembly.

[0077] Fig. 12B , 12D and 12F respectively show Fig. 12A , 12C and an enlarged view of the circled area in 12E.

[0078] Fig.13A An embodiment is shown where all sides of the panel may have vertical locking means and more than one locking tongue may be provided along the edge portion. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0079] Next, various embodiments of the inventive concept will be described with reference to, for example, the embodiments in FIGS. 1-13A .

[0080] refer to Figure 1A and 1B The present disclosure relates to a set of panels, such as building panels, comprising a first panel 1 and a second panel 2, the first panel 1 and the second panel 2 comprising a first edge portion 1a and a second edge portion 2b, respectively. Figure 2B and 2C The panels 1, 2 comprise a front side 1c, 2c and a rear side 1d, 2d, which preferably extend along a first perpendicular horizontal direction X and a second horizontal direction Y. A normal N to a main plane MP1, MP2 extending along the front and / or rear side defines a vertical direction Z.

[0081] The panels 1, 2 here may be rectangular. Preferably, the first edge portion 1a and the second edge portion 2b provided with the locking device are short edge portions. The panels 1, 2 may comprise opposite short edge portions 1a, 2a and 1b, 2b, for example Figure 1A The panels 1, 2 may further comprise opposite third edge portions 1f, 2f and fourth edge portions 1e, 2e, which are preferably long edge portions, such as Figure 1A shown.

[0082] The third edge portion 1f, 2f and the fourth edge portion 1e, 2e may have horizontal locking means, which can be locked and unlocked by angular movements A, B respectively ( Figure 1B). The same angular movement A, B may be a vertical displacement A, B of the first edge portion 1 a relative to the second edge portion 2b.

[0083] However, in some embodiments, the opposing edge portions 1a, 2a and 1b, 2b may be long edge portions, and the opposing edge portions 1e, 2e and 1f, 2f may be short edge portions.

[0084] The set of panels also includes locking means for locking the first edge portion 1a and the second edge portion 2b to each other and obtaining a locked state of the set of panels. The locking means includes horizontal locking means and vertical locking means, which are configured to define the horizontal and vertical locked states of the first edge portion 1a and the second edge portion 2b, respectively.

[0085] Figure 2A A top view of a first edge portion 1a of a first panel locked with a second edge portion 2b of a second panel is shown. Figure 2A The cross-sectional views C1-C1, C2-C2 and C3-C3 are schematically defined along the positions of the first edge portion 1a locked to the second edge portion 2b. These cross-sectional views are used throughout the detailed description to illustrate embodiments of the locking device according to the present disclosure, for example, Figure 2B , 2C , 3A, 3B, 3C, 5A, 5B, 5D, 7B, 8A-8F, 8C, 10B and 10C.

[0086] According to the first aspect of the present disclosure, and with reference to e.g. Figure 2B , 2C , 3A-C, 5A-D, 7A and 7B, the vertical locking device comprises a flexible tongue 3, which is arranged in an insertion groove 4 of one of the first edge portion 1a and the second edge portion 2b. In other words, the flexible tongue 3 can be inserted in the insertion groove 4. In other words, the insertion groove 4 can receive at least a part of the flexible tongue 3. The flexible tongue 3 can be a separate entity, which can be attached in the insertion groove 4. The flexible tongue 3 extends along the same one of the first edge portion 1a and the second edge portion 2b.

[0087] The flexible tongue 3 may be separate and may be based on a polymer, such as a thermoplastic. The flexible tongue 3 may be extruded or may be injection moulded, such as extruded.

[0088] The vertical locking device further comprises a tongue groove 5 provided in and extending along the other of the first edge portion 1 a and the second edge portion 2b .

[0089] Thus, the flexible tongue 3 located in the insertion groove 4 can be provided on either panel, i.e. on the first edge portion 1a or the second edge portion 2b. Correspondingly, the tongue groove 5 can be provided in and extend along the other of the first edge portion 1a and the second edge portion 2b, so that the flexible tongue 3 can cooperate with, e.g. engage with, the tongue groove 5.

[0090] References Figure 2B , 2C , 3A-D, 5A-D, 7A and 7B, the flexible part 30 of the flexible tongue 3 cooperates with the locking surface 50 in the tongue groove 5 in the vertical locked state of the first edge part 1a and the second edge part 2b.

[0091] The flexible portion 30 may mate with the locking surface 50 at the locking surface portion 63 .

[0092] The flexible tongue 3 may comprise a longitudinal end portion 31 and an opposite longitudinal end portion 37 , wherein the flexible portion 30 may extend between the longitudinal end portion 31 and the opposite longitudinal end portion 37 .

[0093] The longitudinal end portion 31 of the flexible tongue 3 cooperates, for example engages, with a stop surface 6 on the other of the first edge portion 1a and the second edge portion 2b. The stop surface 6 may be closer to the bottom 40 of the insertion groove 4 than the locking surface 50.

[0094] The longitudinal end portion 31 and / or the opposite longitudinal end portion 37 may cooperate with the stop surface 6 at the stop surface region 64 .

[0095] The locking surface 50 may be located at a first distance 61 from the bottom 40 of the insertion groove 4 .

[0096] The stop surface 6 may be located at a second distance 62 from the bottom 40 of the insertion groove 4 .

[0097] The first distance 61 and the second distance 62 may be measured along the horizontal direction X.

[0098] The first distance 61 may be measured from the locking surface portion 63 .

[0099] The second distance 62 may be measured from the stop surface area 64 .

[0100] The outer ends of the longitudinal end portion 31 and / or the opposite longitudinal end portion 37 may be closer to the bottom 40 of the insertion groove 4 than the outer ends of the flexible portion 30 .

[0101] The vertically displaced end, eg the folded end, of the panel may be the third edge portion 1f, 2f or the fourth edge portion 1e, 2e.

[0102] At the end of the tenon groove 5 closer to the vertical displacement end, the stop surface 6 may be adjacent to the tenon groove 5. The longitudinal end portion 31 may be oriented towards the vertical displacement end. The vertical displacement end may be the fourth edge portion 1e, 2e (see Figure 1B ).

[0103] On the end of the tongue groove 5 closer to the fourth edge portion 1e the stop surface 6 may be adjacent to the tongue groove 5. The longitudinal end portion 31 may be located on the end of the flexible tongue 3 closer to the fourth edge portion 1e.

[0104] The flexible tongue 3 may be arranged in an insertion groove 4 in the first edge part 1a and may extend along the first edge part 1a. In this case, the tongue groove 5 is provided in the second edge part 2b and extends along it. In the vertically locked state of the first edge part 1a and the second edge part 2b, the longitudinal end portion 31 of the flexible tongue thus cooperates, e.g. engages, with a stop surface 6 on the second edge part 2b, see Figure 2B , 2C , 3A-3D, 4A-C.

[0105] The flexible tongue 3 may be arranged in an insertion groove 4 in the second edge part 2b and may extend along the second edge part 2b. In this case, the tongue groove 5 may be provided in the first edge part 1a and extend along it. In the vertically locked state of the first edge part 1a and the second edge part 2b, the longitudinal end portion 31 of the flexible tongue 3 may cooperate, e.g. engage, with a stop surface 6 on the first edge part 1a, see Figure 5A -D, 6A and 6B.

[0106] The flexible tongue 3 located in the insertion groove 4 provided on either panel (ie on the first edge part 1a or the second edge part 2b) can also be applied Fig. 7A - B. Accordingly, the tongue groove 5 may be provided in and extend along the other of the first edge portion 1 a and the second edge portion 2b , such that the flexible tongue 3 may cooperate, eg engage, with the tongue groove 5 .

[0107] The flexible portion 30 may be a pivot member 32. The pivot member may be made of a flexible material that springs back after being biased, for example, during locking or unlocking.

[0108] The flexible portion 30 may be configured to be displaced toward the bottom 40 of the insertion groove 4 during assembly (eg, by pivoting), and may be configured to rebound toward the locking surface 50 in the locked state.

[0109] The flexible portion may include a resilient joint 35 or hinge that enables the flexible portion to spring back after being biased, for example during locking or unlocking. These features of the pivoting member may apply to all embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0110] The flexible portion may include a tip 36 that may cooperate with the locking surface 50 in the vertical locked state.

[0111] The flexible portion 30 may be a pivot member 32. The pivot member 32 may be biased by the stop surface 6 in the vertical locked state (see e.g. Figure 2B , 3A , 3C, 5A, 5D and 7B). The pivot member 32, for example the end of the pivot member, may be a part of the flexible tongue 3 that cooperates with the stop surface 6.

[0112] The angle alfa between the main plane MP1 and the locking surface may be 30-60°, such as 40-50°, such as about 45°. More specifically, the angle alfa between the horizontal axis X and the locking surface may be 30-60°, such as 40-50°, such as about 45°. Figure 3D , 5C , 11C and 12C, but can be applied to any embodiment.

[0113] Figure 4C The flexible tongue is shown in a vertical locked state, wherein the flexible part has been pivoted towards the inner part 40 of the flexible tongue. Figure 2B -C, 3A-C, 5A-D and 7B. Figure 6C Another perspective view is shown.

[0114] The flexible portion 30 extends in the longitudinal direction along the flexible tongue 3. In the vertical locked state, a part of the flexible portion 30 may protrude from the insertion groove 4 along most of the length of the flexible tongue 3, such as an end 36 of the flexible portion.

[0115] refer to Figure 4C , the flexible portion 30 of the flexible tongue 3 can be slightly bent in the longitudinal direction in the vertical locking state, so that the middle portion of the flexible portion 30 protrudes more than the end portion. To illustrate the principle, Figure 4C The slight curvature may further facilitate unlocking of the second edge portion 2b from the first edge portion 1a. The one or more longitudinal end portions may be biased by one or more stop portions 6.

[0116] The stop surface 6 may be substantially vertical, such as Figure 2B , 3A, 3C, 5A, 5D and 7B. The inclination of the stop surface relative to the vertical axis Z can be, for example, 0-10°, for example, 0-5° relative to the vertical axis Z. The stop surface can be a part of the first edge portion 1a or the second edge portion 2b (see, for example Figure 4A and 6B ).

[0117] The first edge portion 1a or the second edge portion 2b may comprise an edge surface 11, which is optionally vertical. The edge surface 11 may comprise a tongue groove 5 and a stop surface 6. There may be a stop surface 6 on the opposite side of the tongue groove 5, for example adjacent to the tongue groove in the longitudinal direction, see for example Figure 4A , 6B , 7A. The tongue groove 5 may be produced by moving a cutting tool which forms a chamfered end 12 of the tongue groove. Hence, the stop surface 6 may essentially be an edge surface 11 adjacent to the end of the tongue groove.

[0118] The stop surface 6 may be arranged adjacent to the tongue groove 5 in the longitudinal direction, so that the flexible tongue 3 may be longer than the tongue groove 5 (see for example Figure 4A and Figure 6B ).

[0119] The stop surface 6 can be a separate piece of material, such as a polymer-based material, a wood material or a filler, which is preferably arranged in the tongue groove 5 (see Fig. 7A ). The filler may be, for example, a curable compound.

[0120] refer to Figure 2B -C, 3A-D and 5A-D, there may be a seam JS between the front surfaces 1c, 2c of the first and second panels. The seam may be a gap. The surface entering the edge portion from the seam JS may be angled or vertical. The vertical plane VP1 of JS may be the same as the vertical plane VP2 of the edge surface 11 ( Figure 2B -C) or different (Figures 3a-d and 5a-d). Between the horizontally separated seam JS and the edge surface 11 there may be a convex wall 10, which is preferably horizontal. The convex wall is independent of the vertical locking device and can be applied to any embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0121] like Figure 1B , Figures 11A-11F and Figures 12A-12F As shown, the first edge portion 1 a and the second edge portion 2 b may be configured to be vertically locked by a relative vertical displacement A (eg, a downward folding movement A) of the second edge portion 2 b toward the first edge portion 1 a .

[0122] Can be Fig.11A , 11Cand 11E sequence to illustrate the locking. Fig. 11B , 11D and 11F respectively show Fig.11A , 11C 11E and an enlarged view of the circled area. The vertical displacement A of the second edge portion 2b towards the first edge portion 1a (e.g. a folding movement downwards) starts from the unbiased flexible portion 30 of the flexible tongue 3. When the edge portion 2b is lowered, the flexible portion meets the first edge portion 1a and the flexible portion 30 may be biased, e.g. pivoted towards the inner portion 33 of the flexible tongue. Fig.11A In the embodiment, the convex wall 10 is a portion connected to the flexible portion 30, but it can be any portion of the first edge portion 1a, such as the front side 1c or the edge surface 11. The end 36 of the flexible portion can be guided downward from the first edge portion 1a (such as the edge surface 11) toward the locking surface 50. Fig. 11C -D, the flexible portion 30 can pass the guide surface 51 and the flexible portion (e.g. the pivot member 32) starts to move away from the inner portion 33a. The flexible portion can then reach the locking surface 50 and vertical locking can be achieved. The longitudinal end portion 31 can instead reach the stop surface 6, so that vertical locking is not achieved (see Figure 3A ).

[0123] In the embodiment where the flexible tongue is located at the first edge portion 1a, it is possible to Fig. 12A -F to illustrate the locking. The vertical displacement A of the second edge part 2b towards the first edge part 1a (e.g. a folding movement downwards) starts from the unbiased flexible part 30 of the flexible tongue 3. When the edge part 2b is lowered, the flexible part meets the second edge part 2b and the flexible part 30 can be biased, e.g. pivoted towards the inner part 33 of the flexible tongue. Fig. 12A In the embodiment, the edge surface 11 is the part that meets the flexible portion 30, but it can be any part of the second edge portion 2b. The end 36 of the flexible portion can be guided along the second edge portion 2b (e.g., the edge surface 11) toward the locking surface 50. Fig. 12B , the flexible portion 30 can pass the guide surface 51. The flexible portion 30, for example the pivot member 32, starts to move away from the inner portion 33. The flexible portion can then reach the locking surface 50 and vertical locking can be achieved. The longitudinal end portion 31 of the flexible tongue 3 can instead reach the stop surface 6, so that vertical locking is not achieved (see for example Figure 5A ).

[0124] refer to Figures 11A-11Fand 12A-12F, the first edge portion 1a and the second edge portion 2b can be configured to be vertically unlocked by a relative vertical displacement B of the first edge portion 1a and the second edge portion 2b away from each other and / or by repeated relative vertical displacements of the first edge portion 1a and the second edge portion 2b away from and toward each other.

[0125] Since the longitudinal end portion 31 of the flexible tongue cooperates with the stop surface 6, unlocking can be achieved by virtue of the longitudinal end portion of the flexible tongue 3 being unlocked, i.e. by a relative vertical displacement B of one panel away from the other (see Figure 3A and 5A ). The stop surface 6 may be substantially vertical and enable a small upward displacement of the second edge portion 2b relative to the first edge portion 1a where the longitudinal end portion 31 is located. This displacement results in a weakening of the engagement of a slightly larger portion of the flexible tongue with the locking surface, enabling a further upward displacement of the second edge portion relative to the first edge portion. This mechanism may be compared to the continuous opening of a zip fastener.

[0126] This can be done through Figures 11A-11F 12A-12F. When the second edge surface 2b is vertically displaced at the longitudinal end portion 31, the biased flexible portion 30 may be slightly pressed against the locking surface at a location close to (adjacent to) the longitudinal end portion along the seam JS between the first edge portion 1a and the second edge portion 2b. Another force acting on the flexible portion 30 may be a vertical displacement B at the end portion. The state at this time is still the locked state, such as Fig. 11C and 12C At the location along the seam JS between the first edge portion 1a and the second edge portion 2b, the second edge portion 2b is vertically displaced and the flexible portion 30 may be assisted by a guide portion 51 which gradually pushes the end of the flexible portion out of the tongue groove (see Fig. 11B and 12B With further vertical displacement B, the flexible part of the flexible tongue gradually releases its vertical locking and pivots out of the tongue groove 5 (see Fig.11A and 12A ).

[0127] Subsequently, another portion along the seam JS between the first edge portion 1a and the second edge portion 2b (the other portion being slightly away from the longitudinal end portion 31) undergoes a similar process, and the lock between the first edge portion 1a and the second edge portion 2b can be gradually unlocked, as shown in FIG. Figure 1B Movement B is schematically shown in FIG.

[0128] The angle between the horizontal axis X and the guide surface may be 45-90°, such as 50-80°, such as 60-70°, such as about 75°.The guide surface may be rounded.

[0129] The third and fourth opposite edge portions 1f, 2f and 1e, 2e may also have locking means which are provided by Figure 1B The angular movement A shown is used for locking.

[0130] refer to Fig.13A , the third edge portion 1f, 2f may also include one or more flexible tongues 3 arranged in the insertion groove 4. The flexible tongue 3 may extend along the third edge portion 1f, 2f. Correspondingly, the fourth edge portion 1e, 2e may include one or more tongue grooves 5 arranged in and extending along the fourth edge portion 1e, 2e. A plurality of flexible tongues 3 arranged in the insertion groove 4 may be arranged in sequence along the third edge portion 1f, 2f. The longitudinal end portion 31 may be oriented in the same direction along the third edge portion 1f, 2f. The one or more tongue grooves 5 may be arranged in sequence in the fourth edge portion 1e, 2e and may be configured to receive a flexible portion according to the first aspect of the present disclosure. In the vertically locked state of the third edge portion 1f and the fourth edge portion 2e: the flexible portion 30 of the flexible tongue 3 cooperates with the locking surface 50 in the tongue groove 5; and the longitudinal end portion 31 of the flexible tongue 3 cooperates with the stop surface 6 located on the corresponding other edge portion according to the present disclosure.

[0131] Although not shown, one or more flexible tongues 3 arranged in the insertion groove 4 may be provided in the fourth edge portion 1e, 2e instead. The flexible tongue 3 may extend along the fourth edge portion 1e, 2e. Accordingly, the third edge portion 1f, 2f may include one or more tongue grooves 5 provided in and extending along the third edge portion 1f, 2f. A plurality of flexible tongues 3 arranged in the insertion groove 4 may be arranged in sequence along the fourth edge portion 1e, 2e. The longitudinal end portions 31 may be oriented in the same direction along the third edge portion 1f, 2f. The one or more tongue grooves 5 may be provided in sequence in the third edge portion 1f, 2f and may be configured to receive a flexible portion according to the first aspect of the present disclosure. In the vertically locked state of the third edge portion 1f and the fourth edge portion 2e: the flexible portion 30 of the flexible tongue 3 cooperates with the locking surface 50 in the tongue groove 5; and the longitudinal end portion 31 of the flexible tongue 3 cooperates with the stop surface 6 located on the corresponding other edge portion according to the present disclosure.

[0132] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, a set of panels, such as building panels, is provided, comprising a first panel 1 and a second panel 2, and a locking device for locking a first edge portion 1a of the first panel to a second edge portion 2b of the second panel. The panels comprise a front side 1c; 2c and a rear side 1d; 2d, a main plane MP1; MP2 extending along the front side and / or the rear side, and a normal N to the main plane MP1; MP2, the normal N defining a vertical direction Z. The locking device comprises a horizontal locking device and a vertical locking device, the vertical locking device comprising a flexible tongue 3 and a tongue groove 5, the flexible tongue 3 being arranged in an insertion groove 4 of one of the first edge portion 1a and the second edge portion 2b, the flexible tongue 3 extending along the one of the first edge portion 1a and the second edge portion 2b, the tongue groove 5 being arranged in and extending along the other of the first edge portion 1a and the second edge portion 2b (see Figure 1A -B and 2A). In the vertical locked state of the first edge portion 1a and the second edge portion 2b, the flexible portion 30 of the flexible tongue 3 cooperates with the locking surface 50 in the tongue groove 5. Therefore, the second aspect may have most of the same features as the first aspect of the disclosure.

[0133] Fig. 8A , 8C 8 and 8E respectively show cross-sectional side views C1 - C1 , C2 - C2 , and C3 - C3 of one embodiment. Figure 8B , 8D and 8F respectively Fig. 8A , 8C and an enlarged view of the circled portion of 8E. Fig. 9A Shows the unlocked state Figures 8A-8E A 3D view of one embodiment of a flexible tongue shown in FIG. Fig. 9B Shows the locked state Fig. 9A and 8A -3D view of an embodiment of a flexible tongue shown in 8E. The shown embodiment of the flexible tongue 3 may comprise an abutment member 34 at a longitudinal end portion 31 and / or an opposite longitudinal end portion 37 of the flexible tongue 3. The abutment member 34 may cooperate with a stop surface 6 on the other of the first edge portion 1a and the second edge portion 2b. The stop surface 6 is closer to the bottom 40 of the insertion groove 4 than the locking surface 50.

[0134] The flexible tongue may be inserted into the insertion groove 4 in the first edge part 1a, and the tongue groove 5 is located in the second edge part 2b. The arrangement may also be reversed in a similar manner to the first aspect of the disclosure.

[0135] According to a third aspect of the invention, a set of panels, such as building panels, is provided, comprising a first panel 1 and a second panel 2, and a locking device for locking a first edge portion 1a of the first panel to a second edge portion 2b of the second panel. The panels comprise a front side 1c; 2c and a rear side 1d; 2d, a main plane MP1; MP2 extending along the front side and / or the rear side, and a normal N to the main plane MP1; MP2, the normal N defining a vertical direction Z. The locking device comprises a horizontal locking device and a vertical locking device, the vertical locking device comprising a flexible tongue 3 and a tongue groove 5, the flexible tongue 3 being arranged in an insertion groove 4 of one of the first edge portion 1a and the second edge portion 2b, the flexible tongue 3 extending along the one of the first edge portion 1a and the second edge portion 2b, the tongue groove 5 being arranged in and extending along the other of the first edge portion 1a and the second edge portion 2b (see Figure 1A -B and 2A). In the vertical locked state of the first edge portion 1a and the second edge portion 2b, the flexible portion 30 of the flexible tongue 3 cooperates with the locking surface 50 in the tongue groove 5. Therefore, the third aspect of the disclosure may have most of the same features as the first aspect of the disclosure.

[0136] refer to Fig. 10A -C, different features include: in the vertical locked state, the longitudinal end portion 31 of the flexible portion 30 has an inclined surface, so that the vertical locking gradually decreases toward the end of the longitudinal end portion 31, for example, to no vertical locking. Fig. 10A In the embodiment shown in -C, the flexible tongue is inserted into the insertion groove 4 in the first edge part 1a, and the tongue groove 5 is located in the second edge part 2b, but according to the embodiment, it can also be arranged in the opposite way similar to the first aspect of the present disclosure.

[0137] Itemized list of embodiments:

[0138] 1. A set of panels, such as building panels, comprising a first panel (1) and a second panel (2), and locking means for locking a first edge portion (1a) of the first panel to a second edge portion (2b) of the second panel, wherein the panels comprise a front side (1c; 2c) and a rear side (1d; 2d), a main plane (MP1; MP2) extending along the front side and / or the rear side and a normal (N) to the main plane (MP1; MP2), the normal (N) defining a vertical direction (Z), wherein the locking means comprise horizontal locking means and vertical locking means, the vertical locking means comprising:

[0139] a flexible tongue (3) which is arranged in an insertion groove (4) of one of the first edge portion (1a) and the second edge portion (2b), the flexible tongue (3) extending along the one of the first edge portion (1a) and the second edge portion (2b), and

[0140] a tongue groove (5) provided in and extending along the other of the first edge portion (1a) and the second edge portion (2b),

[0141] Wherein, in the vertical locking state of the first edge portion (1a) and the second edge portion (2b):

[0142] The flexible portion (30) of the flexible tongue (3) cooperates with a locking surface (50) in the tongue groove (5); and

[0143] A longitudinal end portion (31) of the flexible tongue (3) cooperates with a stop surface (6) on the other of the first edge portion (1a) and the second edge portion (2b), the stop surface (6) being closer to the bottom (40) of the insertion groove (4) than the locking surface (50).

[0144] 2. A set of panels according to item 1, wherein the stop surface (6) is substantially vertical, for example, the inclination of the stop surface relative to the vertical axis Z is 0-10°, for example, the inclination relative to the vertical axis Z is 0-5°.

[0145] 3. A set of panels according to item 1 or 2, wherein the stop surface (6) is arranged adjacent to the tongue groove 5 in the longitudinal direction.

[0146] 4. A set of panels according to any of items 1 to 3, wherein the flexible tongue (3) is longer than the tongue groove (5).

[0147] 5. A set of panels according to any one of items 1, 2 and 4, wherein the stop surface (6) is part of a separate piece of material, such as a polymer-based material, a wood material or a filler, preferably arranged in the tongue groove (5).

[0148] 6. A set of panels according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the first edge portion (1a) of the first panel and the second edge portion (2b) of the second panel are short edge portions.

[0149] 7. A set of panels according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein, in the vertical locked state, a portion of the flexible portion (30) protrudes from the insertion groove (4) along most of the length of the flexible tongue (3).

[0150] 8. A set of panels according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein stop surfaces (6) are provided on opposite sides of the tongue groove (5).

[0151] 9. A set of panels according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the flexible portion (30) is a pivoting member (32) which is biased by the stop surface (6) in the vertical locked state.

[0152] 10. A set of panels according to any of the preceding items, wherein the flexible tongue (3) comprises an inner portion (33), which is configured such that when the flexible tongue (3) is arranged in the insertion groove (4), the inner portion faces the bottom (40) of the insertion groove (4).

[0153] 11. A set of panels according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the flexible tongue (3) is arranged in an insertion groove (4) in the first edge portion (1a), the flexible tongue (3) extending along the first edge portion (1a); and

[0154] The tongue groove (5) is arranged in the second edge portion (2b) and extends along the second edge portion (2b),

[0155] Wherein, in the vertical locking state of the first edge portion (1a) and the second edge portion (2b), the longitudinal end portion (31) of the flexible tongue cooperates with the stop surface (6) located on the second edge portion (2b).

[0156] 12. A set of panels according to any of clauses 1 to 10, wherein the flexible tongue (3) is arranged in an insertion groove (4) in the second edge portion (2b), the flexible tongue (3) extending along the second edge portion (2b); and

[0157] The tongue groove (5) is arranged in the first edge portion (1a) and extends along the first edge portion (1a),

[0158] Wherein, in the vertical locking state of the first edge portion (1a) and the second edge portion (2b), the longitudinal end portion (31) of the flexible tongue cooperates with the stop surface (6) located on the first edge portion (1a).

[0159] 13. A group of panels according to any one of the preceding items, wherein the horizontal locking device includes a locking element (7) arranged on a strip (8) extending horizontally outward from the lower part of the first edge portion (1a), and a locking groove (9) provided in the second edge portion (2b), and the locking element (7) and the locking groove (8) are configured to cooperate to provide a horizontal locking state of the first edge portion (1a) and the second edge portion (2b).

[0160] 14. A group of panels according to any of the preceding items, wherein the first edge portion (1a) and the second edge portion (2b) are configured to be vertically unlocked by relative vertical displacement of the first and second edge portions away from each other and / or by repeated relative vertical displacement of the first and second edge portions away from and towards each other.

[0161] 15. A set of panels according to any of the preceding items, wherein there is a preferably horizontal convex wall (10) between the joint (JS) between the front side 1c of the first panel and the front side 2c of the second panel and the tongue groove (5) or the insertion groove (4).

[0162] 16. A set of panels, such as building panels, comprising a first panel (1) and a second panel (2), and locking means for locking a first edge portion (1a) of the first panel to a second edge portion (2b) of the second panel, wherein the panels comprise a front side (1c; 2c) and a rear side (1d; 2d), a main plane (MP1; MP2) extending along the front side and / or the rear side, and a normal (N) to the main plane (MP1; MP2), the normal (N) defining a vertical direction (Z), wherein the locking means comprise horizontal locking means and vertical locking means, the vertical locking means comprising:

[0163] a flexible tongue (3) which is arranged in an insertion groove (4) of one of the first edge portion (1a) and the second edge portion (2b), the flexible tongue (3) extending along the one of the first edge portion (1a) and the second edge portion (2b), and

[0164] a tongue groove (5) provided in and extending along the other of the first edge portion (1a) and the second edge portion (2b),

[0165] Wherein, in the vertical locking state of the first edge portion (1a) and the second edge portion (2b):

[0166] The flexible portion (30) of the flexible tongue (3) cooperates with a locking surface (50) in the tongue groove (5); and

[0167] The longitudinal end portion (31) of the flexible tongue (3) comprises an abutment member, the abutment member (34) cooperating with a stop surface (6) located on the other of the first edge portion (1a) and the second edge portion (2b), the stop surface (6) being closer to the bottom (40) of the insertion groove (4) than the locking surface (50).

[0168] 17. A set of panels according to item 16, wherein the stop surface (6) is substantially vertical, for example, the stop surface has an inclination of 0-10° relative to the vertical axis Z, for example, an inclination of 0-5° relative to the vertical axis Z.

[0169] 18. A set of panels according to clause 16 or 17, wherein the stop surface (6) is arranged below the tongue groove (5).

[0170] 19. A set of panels according to any of clauses 16 to 18, wherein the first edge portion (1a) of the first panel and the second edge portion (2b) of the second panel are short edge portions.

[0171] 20. A set of panels according to any of items 16 to 19, wherein in the vertical locked state, a portion of the flexible portion (30) protrudes from the insertion groove (4) along most of the length of the flexible tongue (3).

[0172] 21. A set of panels according to any of clauses 16 to 20, wherein abutment members (34) are provided on opposite longitudinal end portions of the flexible tongue (3).

[0173] 22. A set of panels according to any of clauses 16 to 21, wherein the flexible portion (30) is a pivoting member (32).

[0174] 23. A set of panels according to any one of items 16 to 22, wherein the flexible tongue (3) includes an inner part (33), which is configured so that when the flexible tongue (3) is arranged in the insertion groove (4), the inner part faces the bottom (40) of the insertion groove (4).

[0175] 24. A set of panels according to any of clauses 16 to 23, wherein the flexible tongue (3) is arranged in an insertion groove (4) in the first edge portion (1a), the flexible tongue (3) extending along the first edge portion (1a); and

[0176] The tongue groove (5) is arranged in the second edge portion (2b) and extends along the second edge portion (2b),

[0177] Wherein, in the vertical locking state of the first edge portion (1a) and the second edge portion (2b), the abutment member (34) of the flexible tongue (3) cooperates with the stop surface (6) on the second edge portion (2b).

[0178] 25. A set of panels according to any of items 16 to 23, wherein the flexible tongue (3) is arranged in an insertion groove (4) in the second edge portion (2b), the flexible tongue (3) extending along the second edge portion (2b); and

[0179] The tongue groove (5) is arranged in the first edge portion (1a) and extends along the first edge portion (1a),

[0180] Wherein, in the vertically locked state of the first edge portion (1a) and the second edge portion (2b), the abutment member (34) of the flexible tongue cooperates with the stop surface (6) on the first edge portion (1a).

[0181] 26. A group of panels according to any one of items 16 to 25, wherein the horizontal locking device includes a locking element (7) arranged on a strip (8) extending horizontally outward from the lower part of the first edge portion (1a), and a locking groove (9) provided in the second edge portion (2b), and the locking element (7) and the locking groove (8) are configured to cooperate to provide a horizontal locking state of the first edge portion (1a) and the second edge portion (2b).

[0182] 27. A group of panels according to any one of items 16 to 26, wherein the first edge portion (1a) and the second edge portion (2b) are configured to be vertically unlocked by relative vertical displacement of the first and second edge portions away from each other and / or by repeated relative vertical displacement of the first and second edge portions away from and towards each other.

[0183] 28. A set of panels according to any one of items 16 to 27, wherein there is a preferably horizontal convex wall (10) between the joint (JS) between the front side 1c of the first panel and the front side 2c of the second panel and the tongue groove (5) or the insertion groove (4).

[0184] 29. A set of panels, such as building panels, comprising a first panel (1) and a second panel (2), and locking means for locking a first edge portion (1a) of the first panel to a second edge portion (2b) of the second panel, wherein the panels comprise a front side (1c; 2c) and a rear side (1d; 2d), a main plane (MP1; MP2) extending along the front side and / or the rear side, and a normal (N) to the main plane (MP1; MP2), the normal (N) defining a vertical direction (Z), wherein the locking means comprise horizontal locking means and vertical locking means, the vertical locking means comprising:

[0185] a flexible tongue (3) which is arranged in an insertion groove (4) of one of the first edge portion (1a) and the second edge portion (2b), the flexible tongue (3) extending along the one of the first edge portion (1a) and the second edge portion (2b), and

[0186] a tongue groove (5) provided in and extending along the other of the first edge portion (1a) and the second edge portion (2b),

[0187] Wherein, in the vertical locking state of the first edge portion (1a) and the second edge portion (2b):

[0188] The flexible portion (30) of the flexible tongue (3) cooperates with a locking surface (50) in the tongue groove (5); and

[0189] The longitudinal end portion (31) of the flexible portion (30) has a slope such that the vertical locking gradually decreases towards the end of the longitudinal end portion (31), for example, decreases to no vertical locking.

[0190] 30. The set of panels according to item 29, wherein the first edge portion (1a) of the first panel and the second edge portion (2b) of the second panel are short edge portions.

[0191] 31. A set of panels according to item 29 or 30, wherein in the vertical locked state, a portion of the flexible portion (30) protrudes from the insertion groove (4) along most of the length of the flexible tongue (3).

[0192] 32. A set of panels according to any of items 29 to 31, wherein said longitudinal end portions (31) each have a bevel.

[0193] 33. A set of panels according to any of items 29 to 32, wherein the flexible portion (30) is a pivoting member (32).

[0194] 34. A set of panels according to any one of items 29 to 33, wherein the flexible tongue (3) includes an inner part (33), which is configured so that when the flexible tongue (3) is arranged in the insertion groove (4), the inner part faces the bottom (40) of the insertion groove (4).

[0195] 35. A set of panels according to any of items 29 to 34, wherein the flexible tongue (3) is arranged in an insertion groove (4) in the first edge portion (1a), the flexible tongue (3) extending along the first edge portion (1a); and

[0196] The tongue groove (5) is arranged in the second edge portion (2b) and extends along the second edge portion (2b).

[0197] 36. A set of panels according to any of items 29 to 34, wherein the flexible tongue (3) is arranged in an insertion groove (4) in the second edge portion (2b), the flexible tongue (3) extending along the second edge portion (2b); and

[0198] The tongue groove (5) is arranged in the first edge portion (1a) and extends along the first edge portion (1a).

[0199] 37. A group of panels according to any one of items 29 to 36, wherein the horizontal locking device includes a locking element (7) arranged on a strip (8) extending horizontally outward from the lower part of the first edge portion (1a), and a locking groove (9) provided in the second edge portion (2b), and the locking element (7) and the locking groove (8) are configured to cooperate to provide a horizontal locking state of the first edge portion (1a) and the second edge portion (2b).

[0200] 38. A group of panels according to any one of items 29 to 37, wherein the first edge portion (1a) and the second edge portion (2b) are configured to be vertically unlocked by relative vertical displacement of the first and second edge portions away from each other and / or by repeated relative vertical displacement of the first and second edge portions away from and towards each other.

[0201] 39. A set of panels according to any one of items 29 to 38, wherein there is a preferably horizontal convex wall (10) between the joint (JS) between the front side 1c of the first panel and the front side 2c of the second panel and the tongue groove (5) or the insertion groove (4).

Claims

1. A set of panels, such as building panels, comprising a first panel (1) and a second panel (2), and a locking device for locking a first edge portion (1a) of the first panel to a second edge portion (2b) of the second panel, wherein: The panel comprises a front side (1c; 2c) and a rear side (1d; 2d), a main plane (MP1; MP2) extending along the front side and / or the rear side, and a normal (N) to the main plane (MP1; MP2), the normal (N) defining a vertical direction (Z), wherein the locking means comprises a horizontal locking means and a vertical locking means, wherein the vertical locking device comprises a flexible tongue (3) arranged in an insertion groove (4) of one of the first edge portion (1a) and the second edge portion (2b), the flexible tongue (3) extending along the one of the first edge portion (1a) and the second edge portion (2b), the other of the first edge portion (1a) and the second edge portion (2b) comprising a tongue groove (5), and a stop surface (6) located at an outer end of the tongue groove (5) in the longitudinal direction of the tongue groove (5), The flexible tongue (3) comprises a longitudinal end portion (31) and an opposite longitudinal end portion (37), and a flexible portion (30) located between the longitudinal end portion (31) and the opposite longitudinal end portion (37), wherein, in a vertically locked state of the first edge portion (1a) and the second edge portion (2b), the flexible portion (30) is configured to cooperate with a locking surface (50) in the tongue groove (5), and the longitudinal end portion (31) is configured to cooperate with the stop surface (6), wherein the flexible portion (30) is a pivoting member (32) configured to pivot toward the bottom (40) of the insertion groove (4) during assembly of the first edge portion (1a) and the second edge portion (2b), and configured to rebound toward the locking surface (50) in the vertical locking state, The stop surface (6) is closer to the bottom (40) of the insertion groove (4) than the locking surface (50).

2. A set of panels according to claim 1, wherein: The stop surface (6) is substantially vertical, for example, the inclination of the stop surface relative to the vertical axis Z is 0-10°, for example, the inclination relative to the vertical axis Z is 0-5°.

3. A set of panels according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The stop surface (6) is arranged adjacent to the tongue groove (5) in the longitudinal direction.

4. A set of panels according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The flexible tongue (3) is longer than the tongue groove (5).

5. A set of panels according to any one of claims 1, 2 and 4, wherein: The stop surface (6) is part of a separate piece of material from the other of the first edge portion (1a) and the second edge portion (2b), such as a polymer-based material, a wood material or a filler, and is preferably arranged in the tongue groove (5).

6. A set of panels according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The first edge portion (1a) of the first panel is a short edge portion of the first panel which is shorter than a long edge portion of the first panel, and the second edge portion (2b) of the second panel is a short edge portion of the second panel which is shorter than a long edge portion of the second panel.

7. A set of panels according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: In the vertical locked state, a portion of the flexible portion (30) protrudes from the insertion groove (4) along most of the length of the flexible tongue (3).

8. A set of panels according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: A second stop surface (6) is provided at a second outer end of the tenon groove (5), the second outer end being opposite to the outer end of the tenon groove (5) in the longitudinal direction of the tenon groove (5).

9. A set of panels according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The pivoting member (32) is biased by the stop surface (6) in the vertical locked state.

10. A set of panels according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The flexible tongue (3) comprises an inner portion (33) which is configured to face the bottom (40) of the insertion groove (4) when the flexible tongue (3) is arranged in the insertion groove (4).

11. A set of panels according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The flexible tongue (3) is arranged in an insertion groove (4) in the first edge portion (1a), the flexible tongue (3) extending along the first edge portion (1a); and The tongue groove (5) is arranged in the second edge portion (2b) and extends along the second edge portion (2b), Wherein, in the vertical locking state of the first edge portion (1a) and the second edge portion (2b), the longitudinal end portion (31) of the flexible tongue cooperates with the stop surface (6) on the second edge portion (2b).

12. A set of panels according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein: The flexible tongue (3) is arranged in an insertion groove (4) in the second edge portion (2b), the flexible tongue (3) extending along the second edge portion (2b); and The tongue groove (5) is arranged in the first edge portion (1a) and extends along the first edge portion (1a), Wherein, in the vertical locking state of the first edge portion (1a) and the second edge portion (2b), the longitudinal end portion (31) of the flexible tongue cooperates with the stop surface (6) on the first edge portion (1a).

13. A set of panels according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The horizontal locking device includes a locking element (7) arranged on a strip (8) extending horizontally outward from the lower part of the first edge portion (1a), and a locking groove (9) provided in the second edge portion (2b), and the locking element (7) and the locking groove (8) are configured to cooperate to provide a horizontal locking state of the first edge portion (1a) and the second edge portion (2b).

14. A set of panels according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The first edge portion (1a) and the second edge portion (2b) are configured to be vertically unlocked by relative vertical displacement of the first and second edge portions away from each other and / or by repeated relative vertical displacement of the first and second edge portions away from and towards each other.

15. A set of panels according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: A preferably horizontal convex wall (10) is provided between the joint (JS) and the tongue groove (5) or the insertion groove (4), the convex wall (10) horizontally separating the joint (JS) from the tongue groove (5) or the insertion groove (4), wherein the joint (JS) is the seam between the front side (1c) of the first panel and the front side (2c) of the second panel.

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