Mechanical connection device for panels

Abstract

The mechanical connection device for panels (1, 2) comprises a first panel (1), a second panel (2) and a mechanical locking device for locking the first panel (1) to the second panel (2). In a locked position of the first and second panels (1, 2), a surface of the first panel (1) and a surface of the second panel (2) are parallel and in contact. The mechanical locking device comprises at least one rod-shaped element (3) on said surface of the first panel (1) and at least one corresponding insertion recess (4) on said surface of the second panel (2). The rod-shaped element (3) is configured to be inserted into the insertion recess (4). An outer surface of the rod-shaped element (3) extends from the surface of the first panel (1) at a first angle (α) and an outer side of the insertion recess (4) extends from the surface of the second panel (2) into the second panel (2) at a second angle (β). The rod-shaped element (3) is configured to bend when inserted into the insertion recess (4) such that a first angle (α') in the locked position is different from a first angle (α) in the unlocked position of the first and second panels (1, 2).

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a mechanical connection device for panels and a method for connecting panels using said mechanical connection device. The device includes a first panel, a second panel, and a mechanical locking device for locking the first panel to the second panel. A surface of the first panel and a surface of the second panel are parallel and in contact in a locked position of the first and second panels. The mechanical locking device includes at least one rod-shaped element on said surface of the first panel and at least one corresponding insertion recess on said surface of the second panel. The rod-shaped element is configured to be inserted into the insertion recess. The rod-shaped element extends from the surface of the first panel at a first angle. The insertion recess extends from the surface of the second panel at a second angle into the second panel. [Background technology]

[0002] Assembling two or more objects into one, such as a piece of furniture, has historically required tools such as drills, screwdrivers, hammers, and wrenches.

[0003] With further developments in tool-free assembly, such as click floors, more or less all types of furniture in the home can be assembled without tools, or at least with a minimum of tools.

[0004] WO 2020 / 046193 discloses a set including a first panel, a second panel, and a mechanical locking device for locking the first panel to the second panel. The first panel includes a first edge surface and the second panel includes a second panel surface. The mechanical locking device includes at least one bar-shaped element extending from the first edge surface at a first angle. An insertion groove extends from the second panel surface into the second panel at a second angle. The mechanical locking device further includes at least one locking groove and at least one locking portion. The locking groove includes at least one locking surface extending from the first edge surface or from the second panel surface at a third angle. The locking portion is configured to be inserted into the locking groove and lock against the locking surface. The third angle is different from the first angle.

[0005] WO 2020 / 046194 discloses a set including a first panel, a second panel, and a mechanical locking device for locking the first panel to the second panel. The first panel includes a first edge surface and the second panel includes a second panel surface. The mechanical locking device includes at least one rod-shaped element on the first edge surface and at least one insertion groove on the second panel surface. The rod-shaped element is configured to be inserted into the insertion groove. The set also includes a back panel configured to be inserted into and cooperate with at least one of the first and second panel grooves, and at least one locking gear configured to cooperate with the back panel and the first and / or second panel grooves for locking the first panel to the second panel. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Accordingly, embodiments of the present disclosure further seek to provide an alternative mounting solution that requires minimal equipment and promotes having an interference fit between two panels, preferably by providing a mechanical connection device and a method of connecting to panels using such a mechanical connection device in accordance with the accompanying patent claims.

[0007] According to one aspect of the disclosure, a mechanical connection apparatus for panels includes a first panel, a second panel, a mechanical locking device for locking the first panel to the second panel, and The mechanical locking device includes a surface of the first panel and a surface of the second panel that are parallel and in contact in a locked position of the first and second panels. The mechanical locking device includes at least one bar-shaped element on said surface of the first panel and at least one corresponding insertion recess on said surface of the second panel. The bar-shaped element is configured to be inserted into the insertion recess. An outer side of the bar-shaped element extends from the surface of the first panel at a first angle and an outer side of the insertion recess extends from the surface of the second panel at a second angle into the second panel.

[0008] The rod-shaped element may be configured to bend when inserted into the insertion recess such that a first angle in the locked position is different from a first angle in the unlocked position.

[0009] The difference between the first angle in the locked position and the first angle in the unlocked position can be in the range of about 0.5° to about 6°, such as about 1° to about 4°, about 1° to about 3°, about 1° to about 2°, etc.

[0010] The first angle in the locked position may be greater than the first angle in the unlocked position.

[0011] The difference between the first angle and the second angle can be in the range of about 0.5° to about 6° in the unlocked position of the first and second panels, and the rod element and the insertion recess are positioned such that the difference between the first angle and the second angle is smaller in the locked position compared to when in the unlocked position.

[0012] In the context of this disclosure, a panel is a flat piece of construction material that is made to form a part of a surface or a complete surface. Generally, panels used for furniture are rectangular so that they have two opposing flat surface sides and four edge faces that are parallel in pairs. However, panels with other shapes are not excluded, such as triangular panels. Also, panels that have at least one chamfered edge, usually each at 45°, so that two panels can form a miter joint are also considered in the context of this disclosure.

[0013] Also, the rod-shaped element may have an equally large cross-sectional area over its entire length, and the insertion recess may have a corresponding shape. In a further possible embodiment, the rod-shaped element may have a frusto-conical shape, and the insertion recess may have a shape that allows for misalignment of the outer angles of the rod-shaped element and the insertion recess. Thus, this concept may be achieved, for example, with a cylindrical rod-shaped element and an insertion recess with an inwardly narrowing cross-section.

[0014] The tolerance for angles when drilling / creating holes is generally much less than 0.5° in modern production equipment. One of the suggestions with the present solution is to intentionally provide a misalignment between the angle of the insert recess in one panel and the angle of the bar element protruding from the other panel when two panels are to be connected using a bar element and an insert recess. To facilitate understanding, the insert recess may be a cylindrical hole, with an axis having a specified angle relative to the surface where the hole opening is. The bar element may be cylindrical, i.e. having a cylindrical cross section, and also an axis at another angle relative to the surface where the bar element protrudes. Typically, panels with bar elements are made by inserting the bar elements into holes drilled or made in some other way in the panel.

[0015] The intentional misalignment of the insertion recess and the rod-shaped element provides an interference fit between the two panels because pressing the panels together such that the surface of the first panel and the surface of the second panel are in full contact with each other results in the rod-shaped element partially compressing the inside of the insertion recess into plastic and / or elastic deformation and / or partially compressing the sides of the rod-shaped element into plastic and / or elastic deformation inside the insertion recess and / or bending the rod-shaped element plastically and / or elastically. The deformation / compression of either the insertion recess and / or the rod-shaped element provides a stronger connection between the two panels than if the insertion recess and the rod-shaped element were normally aligned for a typical plug and socket connection. This is because the rod-shaped element and the insertion recess are positioned such that the difference between the first angle and the second angle is smaller in the locked position of the panels compared to when they are in the unlocked position.

[0016] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the difference between the first angle and the second angle in the unlocked position is within a range of about 0.5° to about 6°, within a range of about 2° to about 4°, or about 3°. In applications involving panels used for furniture, this angle range may be advantageous.

[0017] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the rod is made of a harder material than at least the core of the second panel, so that the inside of the second panel is subjected to a somewhat greater compression / deformation compared to the rod.

[0018] According to an alternative embodiment of the present disclosure, the second panel has an outer layer adjacent the surface that is harder than the material in the core of the panel. The insertion recess opening is less likely to be affected by the compression / deformation, which is advantageous for positioning the two panels relative to each other. Rather, the inside of the panel is compressed / deformed before the insertion recess opening is compressed / deformed.

[0019] According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, the bar-shaped elements are made from one or a combination of wood-based materials, polymers, and metals.

[0020] Further to materials, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the core of at least the second panel is wood-based or plastic, with or without filling.

[0021] According to a further embodiment of the present disclosure, the rod-shaped element is cylindrical and the insertion recess has a circular cross section, and the diameter of the rod-shaped element is about 90% to 98% of the diameter of the insertion recess, more preferably 92% to 97% of the diameter of the insertion recess, and most preferably 94% to 96% of the diameter of the insertion recess.

[0022] According to a still further aspect, both the first angle and the second angle are in the range of 30°-60°, and more preferably 40°-50°. Conventionally, when assembling furniture, the bar-like elements and the corresponding insertion recesses are in vertical alignment, i.e., at an angle of 90°. However, in a misalignment strategy, it has been shown to be advantageous to deviate from having a vertical alignment. Also, when two panels each have a chamfered edge at 45°, which chamfered edges are to be connected to make a miter joint, the angle also preferably deviates from the conventional vertical alignment, i.e., with respect to the contact surface of the panels.

[0023] According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, the thickness of the second panel is greater than the diameter of the cylindrical bar-shaped element and less than three times the diameter of the cylindrical bar-shaped element.

[0024] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the first angle is smaller than the second angle. This slightly facilitates the assembly of the two panels. However, the locking principle still works in the reverse situation, i.e., when the first angle is larger than the second angle.

[0025] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the contact length between the rod element and the insertion recess at the side closest to the panel side with the insertion recess is longer than the radius of the cylindrical rod element and shorter than twice the diameter of the rod element. If the contact length is too short, there is a minimum locking principle. If the contact length is too long, it may result in the tension or load on the rod element and / or the insertion recess being higher than the strength, and instead of the interference fit and lock, the rod element and / or the panel with the insertion recess may break. Also, too long a contact length may cause the two panels to not be in contact with each other.

[0026] The insertion recess has a countersink according to a further aspect of the disclosure. This is particularly advantageous when the panel with the insertion recess has a harder outer layer compared to the core of the panel. Creating a countersink corresponding to the thickness of the harder outer layer can prevent the bar-shaped element from affecting the surface of the second panel. Also, the harder surface does not affect the bar-shaped element. Depending on the combination of materials in the panel and the bar-shaped element, it may happen that the bar-shaped element presses against the edge of the insertion recess, thereby deforming the surface around the insertion recess, which would occur if the countersink was not present.

[0027] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, the first panel further includes a second bar element extending at the same angle as the first bar element, the second bar element being shorter than the first bar element. Thus, the second bar element does not extend as far into the insertion recess of the second panel as the first bar element. This allows for easier assembly / connection of the two panels. For example, when there are three or more bar elements in one connection, every other bar element can be shorter.

[0028] To further secure the connection of the two panels, according to a further aspect of the disclosure, the connection device further comprises a locking device. The locking device is arranged so that the rod element and the insertion recess do not separate, and thus the two panels do not separate. For example, a compressible locking element, such as a spring-loaded element extending at a different angle than the rod element, can be arranged to fit into the insertion recess when the two panels are in their final / desired position relative to each other. A further alternative could be a simple screw or nail, such that movement of the rod element in the axial direction out of the insertion recess is prevented.

[0029] According to one aspect of the disclosure, the first panel includes a compressible locking element and the second panel includes a recess, with a tip of the compressible locking element configured to cooperate with the recess in the locked position.

[0030] The compressible locking element may include a polymeric material, such as a thermoplastic material, optionally with an accent such as fiberglass.

[0031] The compressible locking element may be injection molded as a unit.

[0032] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method for connecting two panels together using an apparatus as disclosed above, the method comprising placing a panel having a rod-shaped element such that a tip of the rod-shaped element is disposed in an opening of an insertion recess of a second panel and such that an axis of the rod-shaped element is aligned with an axis of the insertion recess.

[0033] Also included are the steps of bringing the panels together by inserting a rod-shaped element into the insertion recess, partially compressing the rod-shaped element against the inside of the insertion recess causing plastic and / or elastic deformation, and / or partially compressing the sides of the rod-shaped element causing plastic and / or elastic deformation inside the insertion recess, and / or plastically and / or elastically bending the rod-shaped element, thereby pressing the panels together so that the surfaces of the first panel and the second panel are in full contact with each other and enter a locked position.

[0034] It is emphasized that the term "comprise" as used within this specification is taken to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps or components, but does not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components or groups thereof.

[0035] Further features of the present invention and advantages associated with the present invention will become apparent upon studying the appended claims and the following description. Those skilled in the art will recognize that different features of the present invention can be combined to create embodiments other than those described below without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0036] These and other aspects, features and advantages possible with embodiments of the invention will be apparent from and elucidated in the following description of embodiments of the invention, which refers to the accompanying drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0037] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a partial cross-sectional view of an embodiment according to the present disclosure. [Diagram 2] FIG. 13 is a partial side view of a further embodiment according to the present disclosure. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a partial perspective view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 2. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment according to the present disclosure. [Diagram 5] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an alternative insertion recess according to the present disclosure. [Figure 6] 13 is a side view of an alternative embodiment of a connection device according to the present disclosure. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of two panels attached to one another using a connection device of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is an enlarged partial view of the device shown in FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 13 is a side view of a countersink being fabricated in a panel. [Figure 10]FIG. 10 is a side view of the panel in FIG. 9 after the drill has been removed. [Figure 11] FIG. 13 is a partial side view showing the insertion recess and the rod-shaped element before the two panels are connected. [Figure 12] FIG. 13 is a partial side view showing a rod-shaped element within an insertion recess in a first contact stage. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a partial side view showing a rod-shaped element in another embodiment of an insertion recess in the first contact stage. [Figure 14] 13 is a partial side view showing a rod-shaped element completely inserted into an insertion recess. FIG. [Figure 15] FIG. 13 is a side view of two panels in a first contact stage. [Figure 16] FIG. 13 is a side view of another embodiment of two panels in a first contact stage. [Figure 17] FIG. 13 is a side view of two panels at the lock stage. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0038] Specific embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention may be embodied in different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein, but rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. The terminology used in the detailed description of the embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings is not intended to be limiting of the present invention. In the drawings and the description, the same numbers refer to the same elements.

[0039] FIG. 1 shows a mechanical connection device for panels 1, 2, 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. In the locked position of the first and second panels 1, 2, a surface 21 of the first panel 1 and a surface 22 of the second panel 2 are parallel and in contact. The mechanical locking device comprises a bar-shaped element 3 on said surface of the first panel 1 and one corresponding insertion recess 4 on said surface of the second panel 2. The bar-shaped element 3 is inserted into the insertion recess 4. The bar-shaped element 3 extends from the surface 21 of the first panel 1 at a first angle α', and the insertion recess 4 extends from the surface of the second panel 2 into the second panel 2 at a second angle β'.

[0040] 1 shows a first panel 1 and a second panel 2 in a locked position. The difference between the first angle α' and the second angle β' in the locked position is in the range of about 0 to about 3°, and more preferably in the range of about 1 to about 2°. In the embodiment shown, the first angle α' is smaller than the second angle β'.

[0041] The first panel 1 and / or the second panel 2 may be a wood-based panel, such as including MDF, HDF, OSB, WPC, plywood, or particle board.

[0042] The first panel 1 and / or the second panel 2 may comprise a plastic material, such as a thermoset or thermoplastic, for example vinyl, PVC, PU, ​​or PET. The plastic material may include a filler.

[0043] The first panel 1 and / or the second panel 2 may also comprise solid wood boards.

[0044] The first panel 1 and / or the second panel 2 may include a decorative layer, such as a foil or veneer, on one or more surfaces.

[0045] 7, the thickness 31 of the first panel 1 and / or the thickness 32 of the second panel 2 is in the range of about 8 mm to about 30 mm, or in the range of about 12 mm to about 25 mm, or about 20 mm.

[0046] As also illustrated in Figure 1, the second panel 2 has an outer layer 6 adjacent the surface which is harder than the material in the core 5 of the panel. For example, the second panel 2 may be of a wood-based material, which is compressed on the upper and lower surfaces of the panel 2 such that the outer layer 6 closest to the surface has a higher density and is therefore harder. The thickness of the outer layer 6 may be from 0.5 to 4 mm, such as from 1 to 3 mm, for example from 1.5 to 2.5 mm.

[0047] Furthermore, in the embodiment shown, the bar element 3 is made of a harder material than the core 5 of the second panel 2. The hardness can be measured by the Brinell test according to ASTM E10-18 or, for wood-based materials, by the Janka hardness test according to ASTM D143-21. In this embodiment, the relative hardness can be shown by the fact that the bar element 3 is unaffected, i.e. it can still have a uniform diameter. Also, in the insertion recess 4 on the side closest to the surface, the bar element 3 is pressed into the core of the panel in such a way that the insertion recess side is compressed. This is the effect of the misalignment, or the difference in the angles α, β.

[0048] The insertion recess 4 includes an upper side 14 and an opposite lower side 16 .

[0049] In the embodiment shown, the rod-shaped element 3 is cylindrical and the insertion recess 4 has a circular cross section. The diameter of the rod-shaped element 3 is about 90% to 98% of the diameter of the insertion recess 4, more preferably 92% to 97% of the diameter of the insertion recess 4, and most preferably 94% to 96% of the diameter of the insertion recess 4. An example of a preferred diameter is to have the rod-shaped element 3 with a diameter of 8 mm and the insertion recess 4 with a diameter of 8.4 mm.

[0050] If the second panel 2 is made of a wood-based material, it is preferred that the bar elements 3 are also made of a wood-based material. However, any combination may work, for example, if the panel is wood-based or plastic with or without filler, the bar elements may be made of one or a combination of wood-based materials, polymers, and metals. Exemplary fillers may include one or more of chalk, glass fiber, or carbon fiber.

[0051] In one embodiment, both the first and second angles α, β are in the range of 30° to 60°, and more preferably 40° to 50°, or about 45°, as in the embodiment shown.

[0052] In one embodiment, the thickness of the second panel 2 is greater than the diameter of the rod element 3 and less than three times the diameter of the rod element 3. Also, in one embodiment, the length of contact between the rod element 3 and the insertion recess 4 at the upper side 14 is greater than the radius of the rod element 3 and less than two times the diameter of the rod element 3.

[0053] Thus, when assembled, the panel 1 with the rod-shaped element 3 is placed so that the tip of the rod-shaped element 3 is located in the opening of the insertion recess 4 of the second panel and the axis of the rod-shaped element 3 is aligned with the axis of the insertion recess 4. The panels 1, 2 are then brought together by inserting the rod-shaped element 3 into the insertion recess 4. Finally, the panels 1, 2 are pressed together by the rod-shaped element 3 partially pressing against the inside of the insertion recess 4, so that the surfaces of the first panel 1 and the second panel 2 are in full contact with each other and in the locked position. The pressing results in a plastic and / or elastic deformation and / or a plastic and / or elastic deformation of the side of the rod-shaped element 3 partially inside the insertion recess and / or a plastic and / or elastic bending of the rod-shaped element 3. In the example shown, only the inside of the insertion recess 4 is plastically and / or elastically deformed by pressing. Also, in the embodiment shown, since the outer layer 6 of panel 2 is harder than the core 5 of panel 2, the opening of the insertion recess 4 acts as a pivot point for the rod-shaped element, i.e. when panels 1, 2 are pressed together and fully into contact with each other, only the core 5, or at least mainly only the core 5, is affected by any misalignment between the axis of the rod-shaped element 3 and the axis of the insertion recess 4.

[0054] In FIG. 1, panel 1 with rod-like elements 3 can be considered as a rectangular parallelepiped in the sense that the contact surface of panel 1 is an edge surface and the contact surface of panel 2 is a face surface.

[0055] Turning to Figures 2-4, an alternative to the contact surface shown in Figure 1 is shown. One edge of each panel 1, 2 has a chamfer, and these chamfered edges are in contact with each other to form a miter joint. The figures show a mechanical connection device for panels 1, 2, including 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 surfaces of the first panel 1 and the second panel 2 are parallel and in contact in the locked position of the first and second panels 1, 2. The mechanical locking device includes a bar-shaped element 3 on said surface of the first panel 1 and one corresponding insertion recess 4 on said surface of the second panel 2. The bar-shaped element 3 is inserted into the insertion recess 4. The bar-shaped element 3 extends from a surface of the first panel 1 at a first angle and the insertion recess 4 extends from a surface of the second panel 2 into the second panel 2 at a second angle.

[0056] In the locked position, the difference between the first angle α' and the second angle β' can be in the range of about 0 to about 3°, and more preferably in the range of about 1 to about 2°. In the embodiment shown, the first angle α' is smaller than the second angle β'.

[0057] In the embodiment shown in Figures 2 to 4, the rod-shaped element 3 is cylindrical and the insertion recess 4 has a circular cross section. The diameter of the rod-shaped element 3 is about 90% to 98% of the diameter of the insertion recess 4, more preferably 92% to 97% of the diameter of the recess 4, and most preferably 94% to 96% of the diameter of the insertion recess 4. An example of a preferred diameter is to have the rod-shaped element 3 with a diameter of 8 mm and the insertion recess 4 with a diameter of 8.4 mm.

[0058] If the second panel 2 is made of a wood-based material, it is preferred that the bar elements 3 are also made of a wood-based material. However, any combination may work, for example if the panel is wood-based or plastic with or without filler, the bar elements may be made of one of the following materials, or a combination of these: wood-based material, polymer, and metal.

[0059] In one embodiment, both the first and second angles are in the range of 30° to 60°, and more preferably in the range of 40° to 50°.

[0060] In one embodiment, the thickness of the second panel 2 is greater than the diameter of the rod element 3 and less than three times the diameter of the rod element 3. Also, in one embodiment, the length of contact between the rod element 3 and the insertion recess 4 at the upper side 14 is greater than the radius of the rod element 3 and less than two times the diameter of the rod element 3.

[0061] Thus, when assembled, the panel 1 with the rod-shaped element 3 is placed so that the tip of the rod-shaped element 3 is located in the opening 7 of the insertion recess 4 of the second panel and the axis of the rod-shaped element 3 is aligned with the axis of the insertion recess 4. The panels 1, 2 are then brought together by inserting the rod-shaped element 3 into the insertion recess 4. Finally, the panels 1, 2 are pressed together by the rod-shaped element 3 partially pressing against the inside of the insertion recess 4, so that the surfaces of the first panel 1 and the second panel 2 are in full contact with each other and in the locked position. The pressing results in a plastic and / or elastic deformation and / or a plastic and / or elastic deformation of the side of the rod-shaped element 3 partially inside the insertion recess and / or a plastic and / or elastic bending of the rod-shaped element 3. In the example shown, only the inside of the insertion recess 4 is plastically and / or elastically deformed by pressing.

[0062] In order to have a more stable connection between the two panels 1, 2, at least two mechanical locking devices should be placed along the contact surface, and preferably evenly distributed. In figure 4, three locking devices are shown.

[0063] The rod-shaped element 3 is forced / pressed in a pre-assembly step into a much narrower insertion recess in the first panel 1. It is generally preferred that the rod-shaped element 3 extends further into said panel compared to the length of the rod-shaped element 3 extending into the insertion recess 4 of the second panel 2. In other words, the part of the rod-shaped element 3 embedded in the insertion recess 4 in the assembled state of the two panels 1, 2 is smaller in length than the part embedded in the first panel 1.

[0064] In FIG. 5, the insertion recess 4 is shown with a countersink 8. The insertion recess 4 includes an upper side 14 and an opposite lower side 16. The insertion recess 4 includes a countersink 8 at the lower side 16, such as along 45-270°, such as 90-180°, of the circumference of the insertion recess 4. This is particularly advantageous when the panel 2 with the insertion recess 4 as shown in FIG. 6 has a harder outer layer 6 compared to the core 5 of the panel 2. Creating a countersink 8 corresponding to the thickness of the harder outer layer 6 may prevent the bar elements 3, 9 from affecting the surface of the second panel 2. Also, the harder outer layer may not affect the bar elements 3, 9. Depending on the combination of materials in the panel 2 and the bar elements 3, 9, it may be that the bar elements 3, 9 press against the edges of the insertion recess, thereby deforming the surface around the insertion recess 4 if the countersink 8 is not present.

[0065] 6, the first panel further comprises another rod element 9 extending at the same angle as the first rod element 3. In one embodiment, the second rod element 9 does not extend as far into its insertion recess 4 of the second panel 2 as the first rod element 3.

[0066] As shown in Figure 6, the second bar element 9 is shorter than the first bar element 3 and is positioned such that the second bar element 9 does not extend as far into its insertion recess 4 of the second panel 2 as the first bar element 3. In another embodiment, the second bar element 9 is embedded deeper into the first panel 1 such that the second bar element 9 does not extend as far into its insertion recess 4 of the second panel 2 as the first bar element 3. Having the second bar element 9 not extend as far into its insertion recess 4 of the second panel 2 as the first bar element 3 allows for easier assembly / connection of the two panels.

[0067] When assembling / connecting two panels, the first bar element 3 is first inserted into its insertion recess, and only when the connection is nearing completion, the second bar element 9 enters its insertion recess 4, and the final pressing of the first panel towards the second panel 2 can be performed using less force compared to the case where the two bar elements are equally long. Preferably, the longer one of the bar elements is arranged so as to be located closest to the corner of the two panels being connected. For example, in FIG. 7, if one of the bar elements is longer, it should be the one at the right end in the figure. A longer bar element forms a stronger connection between the two panels, since the contact surface between the bar element and the insertion recess is larger, and also provides higher friction as a result of the larger pressing due to the misalignment.

[0068] To further secure the connection of the two panels 1, 2, the connection device may further comprise a locking device 10, 11. The locking device is arranged so that the bar elements 3, 9 and the insertion recess 4 do not separate, and thus the two panels 1, 2 do not separate. In figures 7 and 8 it is shown how a compressible locking element 10, such as a spring-loaded element, extends at a different angle to the bar elements 3, 9 and is arranged to fit into the recess 11 when the two panels 1, 2 are in their final / desired position relative to each other.

[0069] The compressible locking element 10 may comprise a polymeric material, such as a thermoplastic material, optionally with an emphasis such as fiberglass.

[0070] The compressible locking element 10 may be injection molded in one piece.

[0071] 9 and 10, one can see the drill 12 creating the countersink 8 in the second panel 2. The countersink 8 allows for a deliberate misalignment between the bar-shaped element 8 and the insertion recess 4 when the surface of the panel 2 is made of a material that is harder than the core of the panel, or even harder than the bar-shaped element 3.

[0072] As can be seen in figure 11, it may be easier to attach two panels 1, 2 together when the second panel 2 has a larger opening for the rod-like element 3 to "discover". The countersink may have the effect that the force required to insert the rod-like element 3 into the insertion recess 4 is reduced.

[0073] 11 shows the first panel 1 and the second panel 2 in the unlocked position. The outer surface of the bar-shaped element 3 extends from a surface 21 of the first panel 1 at a first angle α, and the outer surface of the insertion recess 4 extends from a surface 22 of the second panel 2 at a second angle β into the second panel 2.

[0074] In the unlocked position, the difference between the first angle α and the second angle β can be in the range of about 0.5° to about 6°, such as about 2° to about 4°, or about 3°.

[0075] The insertion recess 4 includes an upper side 14 and an opposite lower side 16. The second panel 2 may include a countersink 8 at the opening 7 of the insertion recess 4 and at the lower side 16 of the insertion recess 4.

[0076] The second panel 2 may include chamfers 23 at the edges of the opening of the insertion recess 4 and at the upper side 16 of the recess 16. The chamfers 23 are configured to blunt the edges of the opening. The blunt edges may prevent the edges from cutting into the rod-shaped element 3 when the rod-shaped element 3 is displaced into the insertion recess 4.

[0077] Proceeding to FIG. 12, the rod-shaped element 3 is displaced into the insertion recess 4 .

[0078] Initially, the upper edge 13 of the rod-shaped element 3 may be in contact with the upper side 14 of the insertion recess 4. The lower edge 15 of the rod-shaped element 3 may be a short distance from the lower side 16 of the insertion recess 4.

[0079] 13 shows an embodiment of the insertion recess 4 which does not include a countersink. In this embodiment, the bar-shaped element 3 is compressed against the underside 16 of the insertion recess 4 at its opening.

[0080] In FIG. 14 , the panels 1, 2 are in the locked position and the contact between the rod-shaped element 3 and the insertion recess 4 is increased due to compression resulting in plastic and / or elastic deformation and / or plastic and / or elastic deformation of the side of the rod-shaped element 3 partially inside the insertion recess and / or plastically and / or elastically bending the rod-shaped element 3 such that the angular difference between the rod-shaped element 3 and the insertion recess 4 may be reduced in the locked position.

[0081] The first angle α, α' and the second angle β, β' may be measured by a CT scanner in the unlocked and locked positions, respectively.

[0082] The first angles α, α′ may be measured in a central plane of the rod-shaped element 3 , such as a central plane that is parallel to a main surface of the first panel 1 .

[0083] 7, the first panel 1 may include two opposing flat surface sides 41, 42 and four pairwise parallel edge faces 43, 44, 45, 46. The major faces of the first panel 1 may be parallel to the two opposing flat surfaces 41, 42.

[0084] 7, the second panel 2 may include two opposing flat surface sides 51, 52 and four pairwise parallel edge faces 53, 54, 55, 56. The major faces of the second panel 2 may be parallel to the two opposing flat surface sides 51, 52.

[0085] The second angle β, β′ may be measured at a central plane of the insertion recess 4 , such as a central plane that is perpendicular to a major surface of the second panel 2 .

[0086] The rod-shaped element may be configured to bend when inserted into the insertion recess such that the first angle α' in the locked position is different from the first angle α in the unlocked position.

[0087] The difference between the first angle α' in the locked position and the first angle α in the unlocked position can be in the range of about 0.5° to about 6°, such as about 1° to about 3°, about 1° to about 2°.

[0088] The first angle α' in the locked position may be greater than the first angle α in the unlocked position.

[0089] In the locked position, the lower edge 15 of the rod-shaped element 3 may be a short distance from the underside 16 of the insertion recess 4 .

[0090] In the locked position, the upper edge 13 of the rod-shaped element 3 can be in contact with the upper side 14 of the insertion recess 4 .

[0091] In the locked position, the difference between the first angle α' and the second angle β' can be in the range of about 0° to about 3°, such as about 1° to about 2°.

[0092] The first angle α' may be less than the second angle β'.

[0093] In Figs. 11 to 14, two panels 1 and 2 are placing the panel 1 with the rod-shaped element 3 such that the tip of the rod-shaped element 3 is located in the opening 7 of the insertion recess 4 of the second panel and such that the axis of the rod-shaped element 3 is aligned with the axis of the insertion recess 4; - bringing the panels 1, 2 together by inserting the rod-shaped element 3 into the insertion recess 4; by pressing the panels 1, 2 together such that the surfaces of the first panel 1 and the second panel 2 are in full contact with each other and into the locked position, by the rod-shaped element 3 partially compressing the inside of the insertion recess 4 so that it undergoes a plastic and / or elastic deformation and / or by partially compressing the sides of the rod-shaped element 3 so that it undergoes a plastic and / or elastic deformation inside the insertion recess and / or by plastically and / or elastically bending the rod-shaped element 3 This indicates that they can be connected to each other.

[0094] FIG. 15 shows the connection of two panels 1 , 2 and more specifically the functioning of an embodiment of a locking device 10 , 11 with the tip of a compressible locking element 10 in initial contact with the surface of the second panel 2 .

[0095] 16 shows an embodiment of a connection of panels 1, 2 with an embodiment of an insertion recess 4 that does not include a countersink. In this embodiment, the bar-shaped element 3 is compressed against the underside 16 of the insertion recess.

[0096] The two panels 1, 2 are shown in a locked position in Figure 17, where a tip of a compressible locking element 10, such as a spring-loaded element, is pressed into its final position in a recess 11. To unlock the two panels 1, 2, a tool (not shown) can be inserted into the groove 17 of the first panel 1 to press against the angled surface 18 of the compressible locking element 10.

[0097] Further embodiments of the invention are described below. 1. A method for manufacturing a panel 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 a surface (21) of the first panel (1) and a surface (22) of the second panel (2) are parallel and in contact in a locked position of the first and second panels (1, 2); the mechanical locking device includes at least one rod-shaped element (3) on said surface of the first panel (1) and at least one corresponding insertion recess (4) on said surface of the second panel (2), the rod-shaped element (3) being configured to be inserted into the insertion recess (4), an outer surface of the rod-shaped element (3) being configured to be inserted into the insertion recess (4), and a rod-shaped element (3) and an outer surface of the insertion recess (4) extending from a surface (21) of the first panel (1) at a first angle (α) and an outer surface of the insertion recess (4) extending from a surface (22) of the second panel (2) into the second panel (2) at a second angle (β), wherein a difference between the first angle (α) and the second angle (β) is in a range of about 0.5° to about 6° in an unlocked position of the first and second panels (1, 2), and wherein the rod-shaped element (3) and the insertion recess (4) are configured such that the difference between the first angle (α) and the second angle (β) is smaller in the locked position compared to when in the unlocked position.

[0098] 2. The mechanical connection device of embodiment 1, wherein in the unlocked position, the difference between the first angle (α) and the second angle (β) of the first and second panels (1, 2) is within the range of about 2° to about 4°, or about 3°.

[0099] 3. A mechanical connection device according to any one of embodiments 1 or 2, wherein the rod-shaped element (3) is made of a material harder than at least the core (5) of the second panel (2).

[0100] 4. The mechanical connection device of any one of embodiments 1 to 3, wherein the second panel (2) has an outer layer (6) adjacent said surface that is harder than the material in the core (5) of the panel.

[0101] 5. The device according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the rod-shaped element (3) is made from one or a combination of wood-based materials, polymers, and metals.

[0102] 6. The mechanical connection device according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein at least the core (5) of the second panel (2) is wood-based or plastic with or without filler.

[0103] 7. A mechanical connection device according to any one of embodiments 1 to 6, wherein the rod-shaped element (3) is cylindrical, the insertion recess (4) has a circular cross-section, and the diameter of the rod-shaped element (3) is approximately 90% to 98% of the diameter of the insertion recess (4), more preferably 92% to 97% of the diameter of the insertion recess (4), and most preferably 94% to 96% of the diameter of the insertion recess (4).

[0104] 8. The mechanical connection device according to any one of embodiments 1 to 7, wherein both the first and second angles (α, β) are within a range of about 30° to about 60°, or within a range of about 40° to about 50°.

[0105] 9. A mechanical connection device described in any one of embodiments 1 to 8, wherein the thickness of the second panel (2) is greater than the diameter of the cylindrical rod element (3) and less than three times the diameter of the cylindrical rod element (3).

[0106] 10. The mechanical connecting device according to any one of embodiments 1 to 9, wherein the first angle (α) is smaller than the second angle (β).

[0107] 11. A mechanical connection device described in any one of embodiments 1 to 10, wherein the insertion recess (4) includes an upper side (14) and an opposite lower side (16), and the length of contact between the rod-shaped element (3) and the insertion recess (4) on the upper side (14) is longer than the radius of the cylindrical rod-shaped element (3) and shorter than twice the diameter of the rod-shaped element (3).

[0108] 12. The mechanical connection device according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the insertion recess (4) has a countersink (8).

[0109] 13. The mechanical connection device of embodiment 12, wherein the insertion recess (4) includes an upper side (14) and an opposing lower side (16), the lower side (16) including a countersink (8).

[0110] 14. A mechanical connection device described in any one of embodiments 1 to 13, wherein the first panel (1) further includes a second rod-shaped element (9) extending at the same angle as the first rod-shaped element (3), and the second rod-shaped element (9) is shorter than the first rod-shaped element (3).

[0111] 15. A mechanical connection device described in any one of embodiments 1 to 14, wherein the first panel (1) further includes a second rod-shaped element (9), and in the locked position, the first rod-shaped element (3) extends deeper into the insertion recess (4) than the second rod-shaped element (9') extends into the second insertion recess (4').

[0112] 16. The mechanical connection device according to any one of embodiments 1 to 15, wherein in the locked position, the difference between the first angle (α') and the second angle (β') is within the range of about 0° to about 3°, within the range of about 2° to about 4°, or about 3°.

[0113] 17. The mechanical connection device according to any one of embodiments 1 to 16, further comprising a locking device (10, 11).

[0114] 18. A method for connecting two panels (1, 2) to each other using a device according to any one of the first to seventeenth embodiments, comprising: placing the panel (1) with the rod-shaped element (3) such that the tip of the rod-shaped element (3) is located in the opening (7) of the insertion recess (4) of the second panel and such that the axis of the rod-shaped element (3) is aligned with the axis of the insertion recess (4); - bringing the panels (1, 2) together by inserting a rod-shaped element (3) into the insertion recess (4); pressing the panels (1, 2) together such that the surfaces of the first panel (1) and the second panel (2) are in full contact with each other and in a locked position by partially compressing the rod-shaped element (3) inside the insertion recess (4) to cause plastic and / or elastic deformation and / or partially compressing the lateral surfaces of the rod-shaped element (3) to cause plastic and / or elastic deformation inside the insertion recess and / or plastically and / or elastically bending the rod-shaped element (3); A method comprising:

[0115] As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" are intended to include the plural unless expressly stated otherwise. It is further understood that the terms "include," "comprise," "including," and / or "comprising," as used herein, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof. It is understood that when an element is "connected" or "coupled" to another element, it may be directly connected or coupled to the other element, or there may be intervening elements.

[0116] Unless otherwise specified, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. It is further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted to have a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art, and not in an idealized or overly formal sense, unless expressly so defined herein.

[0117] While several embodiments of the invention have been described and illustrated herein, those skilled in the art will readily envision a variety of other means and / or structures for performing the functions and / or obtaining the results and / or one or more of the advantages described herein, and each of such variations and / or modifications is deemed to be within the scope of the invention. More generally, those skilled in the art will readily understand that all parameters, dimensions, materials, and configurations described herein are intended to be exemplary, and that the actual parameters, dimensions, materials, and / or configurations will depend on the particular application(s) for which the teachings of the invention are used.

[0118] When the word "about" is used herein in connection with a numerical value, it is intended that the associated numerical value includes a tolerance of + / - 10% surrounding the stated numerical value.

[0119] The indefinite articles "a" and "an," as used in the specification and claims, unless expressly indicated to the contrary, should be understood to mean "at least one."

Claims

1. a first panel (1); a second panel (2); a mechanical locking device for locking the first panel (1) to the second panel (2), wherein the surface (21) of the first panel (1) and the surface (22) of the second panel (2) are parallel and in contact at the locking position of the first and second panels (1, 2), wherein the mechanical locking device includes at least one bar-shaped element (3) on the surface of the first panel (1) and at least one corresponding insertion recess (4) on the surface of the second panel (2), wherein the bar-shaped element (3) is configured to be inserted into the insertion recess (4), wherein an outer surface of the bar-shaped element (3) extends from the surface (21) of the first panel (1) at a first angle (α), wherein an outer surface of the insertion recess (4) extends into the second panel (2) at a second angle (β) from the surface (22) of the second panel (2), wherein the bar-shaped element (3) is configured to bend when inserted into the insertion recess (4) such that a first angle (α') at the locking position is different from the first angle (α) at the unlocking position of the first and second panels (1, 2), a mechanical connection device for the panels (1, 2).

2. The mechanical connection device according to claim 1, wherein a difference between the first angle (α') at the locking position and the first angle (α) at the unlocking position is in the range of about 0.5° to about 6°, such as about 1° to about 4°, about 1° to about 3°, about 1° to about 2°.

3. The mechanical connection device according to any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the first angle (α') at the locking position is greater than the first angle (α) at the unlocking position.

4. The mechanical connection device according to claim 1, wherein a difference between the first angle (α) and the second angle (β) is in the range of about 0.5° to about 6°, such as about 2° to about 4° at the unlocking position of the first and second panels (1, 2), or is about 3°.

5. The mechanical connection device according to claim 1, wherein the bar-shaped element (3) and the insertion recess (4) are configured such that a difference between the first angle (α) and the second angle (β) is smaller at the locking position compared to when in the unlocking position.

6. The first panel (1) includes a compressible locking element (10), the second panel (2) includes a recess (11), and the tip of the compressible locking element (10) is configured to cooperate with the recess (11) at the locking position. The mechanical connection device according to claim 1.

7. The mechanical connection device according to claim 6, wherein the compressible locking element (10) includes a polymer material such as a thermoplastic material, optionally with emphasis, such as glass fiber.

8. The mechanical connection device according to claim 1, wherein the rod-shaped element (3) is made of a material that is at least harder than the core (5) of the second panel (2).

9. The mechanical connection device according to claim 8, wherein the second panel (2) has an outer layer (6) that is adjacent to the surface and harder than the material in the core (5) of the panel.

10. The device according to claim 1, wherein the rod-shaped element (3) is made of one or a combination of a wood-based material, a polymer, and a metal.

11. The mechanical connection device according to claim 8, wherein at least the core (5) of the second panel (2) is a wood-based or plastic material with or without a filler.

12. The rod-shaped element (3) has a cylindrical shape, the insertion recess (4) has a circular cross-section, and the diameter of the rod-shaped element (3) is about 90% to 98% of the diameter of the insertion recess (4), more preferably 92% to 97% of the diameter of the insertion recess (4), and most preferably 94% to 96% of the diameter of the insertion recess (4). The mechanical connection device according to claim 1.

13. The mechanical connection device according to claim 1, wherein both of the first and second angles (α, β) are in the range of about 30° to about 60°, or in the range of about 40° to about 50°.

14. The mechanical connection device according to claim 1, wherein the thickness of the second panel (2) is greater than the diameter of the cylindrical rod-shaped element (3) and less than three times the diameter of the cylindrical rod-shaped element (3).

15. The mechanical connection device according to claim 1, wherein the first angle (α) is smaller than the second angle (β).

16. The insertion recess (4) includes an upper side (14) and an opposite lower side (16). The length of the contact between the rod-shaped element (3) and the insertion recess (4) in the upper side (14) is longer than the radius of the cylindrical rod-shaped element (3) and shorter than twice the diameter of the rod-shaped element (3), the mechanical connection device according to claim 1.

17. The insertion recess (4) has a countersink (8), the mechanical connection device according to claim 1.

18. The insertion recess (4) includes an upper side (14) and an opposite lower side (16), the lower side (16) including the countersink (8), the mechanical connection device according to claim 17.

19. The first panel (1) further includes a second rod-shaped element (9) extending at the same angle as the first rod-shaped element (3), the second rod-shaped element (9) being shorter than the first rod-shaped element (3), the mechanical connection device according to claim 1.

20. The first panel (1) further includes a second rod-shaped element (9), In the locked position, the first rod-shaped element (3) extends deeper into the insertion recess (4) than the second rod-shaped element (9') extends into the second insertion recess (4'), the mechanical connection device according to claim 1.

21. In the locked position, the difference between the first angle (α') and the second angle (β') is within a range of about 0° to about 3°, within a range of about 2° to about 4°, or about 3°, the mechanical connection device according to claim 1.

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