Building panels with mechanical locking systems

Abstract

A set of panels, such as building panels, configured to be interlocked by a flexible tongue (30) having a flexible element (36) and an opposite flexible element (37). One end of the flexible element (36) and one end of the opposite flexible element (37) are connected to a connecting portion (33), and the outer end of the flexible element (36) and the outer end of the opposite flexible element (37) are respectively provided with protrusions (41, 42). The protrusion 41 of the flexible element (36) and the outer end of the opposite flexible element (37) are respectively provided with protrusions (41, 42). The protrusions (42) of the flexible element (36) and the opposite flexible element (37) are configured to cooperate with the guide surface (14) of the first panel (1) so that the protrusions (41) of the flexible element (36) and the protrusions (42) of the opposite flexible element (37) are pressed towards the bottom surface (15) of the insertion groove (9) during assembly of the first panel (1) and the second panel (2). The protrusions (41) of the flexible element (36) and the protrusions (42) of the opposite flexible element (37) are configured to cooperate with the tongue-and-groove (9) in the assembled state.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to panels, such as building panels, flooring, wall panels, ceiling panels, furniture components, etc., with mechanical locking systems. [Background technology]

[0002] Building panels equipped with a mechanical locking system including a displaceable elastic tongue that cooperates with a locking tongue groove (recess) are known, as disclosed in Patent Document 1 (WO2019 / 203720), for example. The tongue is a separate part, made of, for example, plastic, that is inserted into the displacement groove at the edge of one panel. The tongue is pressed into the displacement groove during assembly of the panels and elastically returns to the tongue groove of the adjacent panel when the panels reach the locked position.

[0003] A drawback of known mechanical systems is the length of the tongue required to achieve a certain elastic force or a certain elastic displacement without breaking the tongue.

[0004] The above descriptions of various known aspects are applicant's depictions of those aspects and are not an admission that any of the above descriptions qualify as prior art. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2019 / 203720 Brochure Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] The aim of certain embodiments of the present invention is to provide an improvement over the above-mentioned approaches and known techniques. It can be said that the advantage of the inventive tongue and the inventive panel set including the tongue is that the required resilience for a particular compression distance or compression ratio of the tongue can be achieved while maintaining or even reducing the dimensions of the tongue. The required locking force can be achieved with a smaller tongue. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] Small tongues can be advantageous when assembling and locking objects, such as relatively small panels, together.

[0008] Embodiments of the tongue may have a gradual spring constant that may make it easier to assemble and lock objects, such as panels, together because it requires less force to compress the tongue initially when the guidance of the object may be unstable.

[0009] Additionally, tongues according to the present invention may be configured such that the maximum stress within the tongue at a particular compression distance is reduced.

[0010] Furthermore, tongues according to the present invention may be configured such that the compressive force applied to the tongue during compression is distributed over a high proportion of the material within the tongue, which may have the advantage that the maximum stress within the tongue during compression is relatively low.

[0011] Additionally, tongues according to the present invention may be configured to provide a gradual resilient force that may facilitate assembling and locking objects, such as panels, together.

[0012] Small tongues can be advantageous when assembling and locking objects, such as relatively small panels, together.

[0013] At least some of these and other objects and advantages which will become apparent from the present description are achieved by a first aspect of the present invention, which comprises a pair of panels, such as building panels, including a first panel having a first edge, a second panel having a second edge, and a flexible tongue, the second edge including an insertion groove containing the flexible tongue, and the first edge including a tongue groove, the flexible tongue being configured to cooperate with the tongue groove when the first panel and the second panel are assembled together.

[0014] The flexible tongue includes a flexible element and an opposite flexible element, and one end of the flexible element and one end of the opposite flexible element are connected to the connecting portion. The outer end of the flexible element and the outer end of the opposite flexible element each include a protrusion.

[0015] The protrusion of the flexible element and the protrusion of the opposite flexible element are configured to cooperate with the guide surface of the first panel 1 so that the protrusion of the flexible element and the protrusion of the opposite flexible element are pressed towards the bottom surface of the insertion groove during assembly of the first panel and the second panel.

[0016] The projection of the flexible element and the projection of the opposite flexible element are configured to cooperate with the tongue and groove in the assembled state.

[0017] The flexible element and the opposing flexible element may be configured to flex during assembly.

[0018] The protrusion of the flexible element and the protrusion of the opposite flexible element may protrude outside the insertion groove before assembly.

[0019] The flexible tongue may comprise an inner flexible element and an opposite inner flexible element, and one end of the inner flexible element and one end of the opposite inner flexible element may be connected to the connecting portion.

[0020] The inner flexible element may have a lower spring constant than the flexible element.

[0021] The opposing inner flexible element may have a lower spring constant than the opposing flexible element.

[0022] This may have the effect that during the initial stages of compression, primarily the inner and opposite inner flexible elements will deflect, while the inner and opposite flexible elements may deflect at later stages (e.g., when the inner and opposite inner flexible elements will be near their maximum deflection). An advantage may be that a gradual elastic force will be obtained.

[0023] The inner flexible element, the opposing inner flexible element, and the link may be configured to reside within the insertion channel.

[0024] The outer end of the inner flexible element and the outer end of the opposite inner flexible element may each have a protrusion, which may be configured to cooperate with the bottom surface of the insertion groove during assembly.

[0025] The flexible tongue may comprise a spacing between the flexible element and the inner flexible element and an opposing spacing between the opposing flexible element and the opposing inner flexible element.

[0026] Optionally, the flexible element and the inner flexible element may be configured to flex toward each other during assembly, and the opposite flexible element and the opposite inner flexible element may be configured to flex toward each other, so that the spacing and the opposite spacing decrease.

[0027] The longitudinal direction of the tongue may be essentially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the insertion groove.

[0028] The flexible tongue may have a symmetrical shape with a line of symmetry passing through the connection.

[0029] The flexible tongue may be injection molded, so that the entire flexible tongue is made from the same material.

[0030] The flexible tongue may comprise a polymer material, for example a thermoplastic material, optionally with an application, for example, glass fibre.

[0031] A second aspect of the invention is a flexible tongue configured to lock a first edge of a first panel 1 to a second edge of a second panel 2. The flexible tongue is configured to sit within an insertion groove in the second edge of the second panel 2 and to cooperate with a tongue groove in the first edge of the first panel 1.

[0032] The flexible tongue comprises a flexible element and an opposite flexible element, one end of the flexible element and one end of the opposite flexible element are connected to a connecting portion, and the outer end of the flexible element and the outer end of the opposite flexible element each have a protrusion.

[0033] The flexible tongue comprises an inner flexible element and an opposite inner flexible element, one end of the inner flexible element and one end of the opposite inner flexible element are connected to a connecting portion, and the outer end of the inner flexible element and the outer end of the opposite inner flexible element each have a protrusion configured to cooperate with the bottom surface of the insertion groove during assembly.

[0034] When a force is applied to the protruding portion of the flexible element, the flexible element and the inner flexible element are configured to deflect toward each other.

[0035] The opposing flexible element and the opposing inner flexible element are configured to deflect toward each other when a force is applied to the protrusion of the opposing flexible element.

[0036] They are configured so that the flexible tongue is pressed against the bottom surface of the insertion groove.

[0037] The protrusion of the flexible element and the protrusion of the opposite flexible element may be configured to protrude outside the insertion groove before the flexible elements are compressed.

[0038] The inner flexible element, the opposing inner flexible element, and the link may be configured to reside within the insertion channel.

[0039] The protrusion of the inner flexible element and the protrusion of the opposite inner flexible element may be configured to cooperate with a bottom surface of the insertion groove during compression.

[0040] The projection of the flexible element and the projection of the opposite flexible element may be configured to cooperate with the tongue and groove in the assembled state.

[0041] The flexible tongue may include a spacing between the flexible element and the inner flexible element and an opposing spacing between the opposing flexible element and the opposing inner flexible element.

[0042] The flexible tongue may be configured such that during compression the spacing and the opposing spacing decrease.

[0043] The longitudinal direction of the tongue may be essentially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the insertion groove.

[0044] The flexible tongue may have a symmetrical shape with a line of symmetry passing through the connection portion.

[0045] The flexible tongue may be elongated in shape with a certain longitudinal length.

[0046] The length of the flexible tongue may be in the range of about 20 mm to about 70 mm, such as about 30 mm to about 50 mm, for example about 40 mm.

[0047] A third aspect is a flexible tongue configured to lock a first edge of a first panel to a second edge of a second panel, the flexible tongue being configured to reside within an insertion groove in the second edge of the second panel and to cooperate with a tongue groove in the first edge of the first panel; The flexible tongue has an elongated shape with a certain longitudinal length, the flexible tongue has a tongue uncompressed width in an uncompressed state; the flexible tongue has a tongue compressed width in a compressed state; The elastic travel distance is the difference between the uncompressed width of the tongue and the compressed width of the tongue, The ratio between the length of the tongue and the elastic travel distance is in the range of about 5 to about 30, such as about 10 to about 20, such as about 12 to about 18, for example about 15.

[0048] The fourth embodiment comprises a pair according to the first embodiment and a tongue according to the second or third embodiment.

[0049] The first and second panels may be elastic panels. The elastic panels may have a core comprising a polymeric material (e.g., a thermoplastic material). The thermoplastic material may be foamed.

[0050] The thermoplastic material may comprise polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyester, polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), polystyrene (PS), polyurethane (PU), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyacrylate, methacrylate, polycarbonate, polyvinyl butyral, polybutylene terephthalate, or a combination thereof. The core may be formed of several layers.

[0051] The first and second panels may include a decorative layer, such as a decorative foil comprising a thermoplastic material. The thermoplastic material of the decorative layer may be or comprise polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyester, polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), polystyrene (PS), polyurethane (PU), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyacrylate, methacrylate, polycarbonate, polyvinyl butyral, polybutylene terephthalate, or a combination thereof. The decorative foil is preferably printed, for example, by direct printing (off-plate printing), rotogravure printing, or digital printing.

[0052] The first and second panels may include an abrasion-resistant (protective) layer, such as a film or tissue. The abrasion-resistant layer may comprise a thermoplastic material, such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyester, polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), polystyrene (PS), polyurethane (PU), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyacrylate, methacrylate, polycarbonate, polyvinyl butyral, polybutylene terephthalate, or a combination thereof.

[0053] The first and second panels may have a wood-based core, for example HDF, MDF, or plywood.

[0054] These and other aspects, features and advantages of embodiments of the present disclosure will become apparent and elucidated from the following description of embodiments of the present disclosure, which makes reference to the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0055] [Figure 1] 3A and 3B are three-dimensional views of an embodiment of a set of panels according to the invention, a tongue according to the invention; [Figure 2A] 1 is a plan view of an embodiment of a tongue according to the present invention; [Figure 2B] 1 is a plan view of an embodiment of a tongue according to the present invention; [Figure 3A] 1 is a plan view of an embodiment of a tongue according to the present invention; [Figure 3B] 1 is a plan view of an embodiment of a tongue according to the present invention; [Figure 4A] 3A and 3B are three-dimensional views of embodiments of tongues according to the invention; [Figure 4B] FIG. 4B is a side view of the tongue shown in FIG. 4A. [Figure 4C] FIG. 4B is a side view of the tongue shown in FIG. 4A. [Figure 4D] FIG. 4B is a side view of the tongue shown in FIG. 4A. [Figure 4E] FIG. 4B is a side view of the tongue shown in FIG. 4A. [Figure 5A] 1 is a side view of an embodiment of a panel set according to the present invention; [Figure 5B] FIG. 5B shows the enlarged portion circled in FIG. 5A. [Figure 5C] 1 is a side view of an embodiment of a panel set according to the present invention; [Figure 6A] 1 is a plan view of an embodiment of a panel according to the present invention; [Figure 6B] 1 is a three-dimensional view of an embodiment of an assembled furniture component according to the present invention; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0056] Specific embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, this invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the disclosure 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. Like reference numerals in the various figures refer to like elements.

[0057] 1 shows a three-dimensional view of an embodiment of a panel, a set of panels (e.g., building panels, etc.), comprising a first panel 1 having a first edge 11, a second panel 2 having a second edge 21, and a flexible tongue 30, the second edge 21 comprising an insertion groove 8 containing the flexible tongue 30, the first edge 11 comprising a tongue groove 9, the flexible tongue 30 being configured to cooperate with the tongue groove 9 when the first panel 1 and the second panel 2 are assembled together.

[0058] 2A to 4E show an embodiment of a flexible tongue 30 comprising a flexible element 36 and an opposite flexible element 37. One end of the flexible element 36 and one end of the opposite flexible element 37 are connected to a connecting portion 33, and the outer end of the flexible element 36 and the outer end of the opposite flexible element 37 are provided with protrusions 41 and 42, respectively.

[0059] The protrusion 41 of the flexible element 36 and the protrusion 42 of the opposite flexible element 37 may be configured to cooperate with the guide surface 14 of the first panel 1 so that the protrusion 41 of the flexible element 36 and the protrusion 42 of the opposite flexible element 37 are pushed towards the bottom surface 15 of the insertion groove 9 during assembly of the first panel 1 and the second panel 2.

[0060] The flexible element 36 may be able to deflect 10 towards the bottom surface 15 of the insertion groove 9 when a force 55 is applied to the protruding portion 41 of the flexible element 36 .

[0061] The flexible element 36 may be configured to resiliently recover when the force 55 is removed.

[0062] The opposing flexible element 37 may be able to deflect 10 ′ toward the bottom surface 15 of the insertion groove 9 when a force 56 is applied to the protrusion 42 of the opposing flexible element 37 .

[0063] The opposing flexible element 37 may be configured to resiliently return to its original position when the force 56 is removed.

[0064] The projection 41 of the flexible element 36 and the projection 42 of the opposite flexible element 37 may be configured to cooperate with the tongue and groove 9 in the assembled state.

[0065] The protrusion 41 of the flexible element 36 may protrude from the flexible element 36 in a direction away from the bottom surface 15 of the insertion groove 9 .

[0066] The protrusion 42 of the opposite flexible element 37 may protrude from the opposite flexible element 37 in a direction away from the bottom surface 15 of the insertion groove 9 .

[0067] The flexible tongue may comprise a longitudinal spacing 81 between the protrusion 41 of the flexible element 36 and the protrusion 42 of the opposing flexible element 37 .

[0068] Flexible element 36 and opposing flexible element 37 are configured to flex 10, 10' during assembly.

[0069] The protrusion 41 of the flexible element 36 and the protrusion 42 of the opposite flexible element 37 may be configured to protrude outside the insertion groove 8 before assembly.

[0070] The flexible tongue 30 may include an inner flexible element 34 and an opposite inner flexible element 35, and one end of the inner flexible element 34 and one end of the opposite inner flexible element 35 may be connected to the connecting portion 33.

[0071] The inner flexible element 34 may be located between the flexible element 36 and the bottom surface 15 of the insertion groove 9 .

[0072] The opposing inner flexible element 35 may be located between the opposing flexible element 37 and the bottom surface 15 of the insertion groove 9 .

[0073] The inner flexible element 34 and / or the opposite inner flexible element 35 and the linking portion 33 may be configured to be positioned within the insertion groove 8 .

[0074] The outer end of the inner flexible element 34 and the outer end of the opposite inner flexible element 35 may each include a protrusion 43, 44 that may be configured to cooperate with the bottom surface of the insertion groove 8 during assembly.

[0075] The protrusion 43 of the inner flexible element 34 may protrude from the inner flexible element 34 in a direction toward the bottom surface 15 of the insertion groove 9 .

[0076] The protrusion 44 of the opposite inner flexible element 35 may protrude from the opposite inner flexible element 35 in a direction towards the bottom surface 15 of the insertion groove 9 .

[0077] The flexible tongue may include a spacing 82 between the protrusion 43 of the inner flexible element 34 and the protrusion 44 of the opposing inner flexible element 35 .

[0078] The flexible tongue may include a spacing 38 between flexible element 36 and inner flexible element 34 and an opposing spacing 39 between opposing flexible element 37 and opposing inner flexible element 35 .

[0079] Optionally, flexible element 36 and inner flexible element 34 may be configured to flex 10, 10" toward one another during assembly, and opposing flexible element 37 and opposing inner flexible element 35 may be configured to flex 10', 10'" toward one another, such that spacing 38 and opposing spacing 39 decrease.

[0080] The deflection of each flexible element during assembly and / or the exact position of the flexible tongues before and in the assembled state can be detected by a CT scanner.

[0081] The longitudinal direction of the tongue 30 may be essentially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the insertion groove 8 .

[0082] The flexible tongue may have a symmetrical shape with a line of symmetry 50 passing through the connecting portion 33 .

[0083] The inner flexible element 34 may have a first friction joint 45 and / or the opposite inner flexible element 35 may have a second friction joint 46 that may secure the flexible tongues in place, for example during transportation or assembly of the panel.

[0084] The first friction bond 45 may be larger than the second friction bond 46, such that a higher friction force is obtained at the first friction bond 45 compared to the friction force at the second friction bond 46. It may be advantageous that during compression (e.g. during assembly) the length of the flexible tongue may increase and the end of the flexible tongue where the second friction bond 46 is located may be displaced.

[0085] FIG. 2A shows a plan view of one embodiment of a tongue in an uncompressed state, and FIG. 2B shows the same embodiment in a compressed state.

[0086] FIG. 3A shows a plan view of one embodiment of a tongue in an uncompressed state, and FIG. 3B shows the same embodiment in a compressed state.

[0087] 2B and 3B show that the flexible element 36 and the inner flexible element 34 can be configured such that when a force 55 is applied to the protrusion 41 of the flexible element 36 and a force 55' is applied to the protrusion 43 of the inner flexible element 34, the flexible element 36 and the inner flexible element 34 deflect 10, 10''' toward each other.

[0088] The opposing flexible element 37 and the opposing inner flexible element 35 can be configured such that when a force 56 is applied to the protrusion 42 of the opposing flexible element 37 and a force 56' is applied to the protrusion 44 of the opposing inner flexible element 35, the opposing flexible element 37 and the opposing inner flexible element 35 deflect 10', 10''' toward each other.

[0089] These forces may correspond to the forces applied to the flexible tongue 30 during assembly, in the sense that the flexible tongue 30 may be pressed against the bottom surface of the insertion groove.

[0090] The flexible element 36 may have a spring constant in the range of about 5 N / mm to about 80 N / mm, such as about 10 N / mm to about 60 N / mm, such as about 10 N / mm to about 40 N / mm, or about 20 N / mm.

[0091] The opposing flexible element 37 may have a spring constant in the range of about 5 N / mm to about 80 N / mm, such as about 10 N / mm to about 60 N / mm, for example about 10 N / mm to about 40 N / mm, or about 20 N / mm.

[0092] The inner flexible element 34 may have a spring constant in the range of about 1 N / mm to about 40 N / mm, for example, about 5 N / mm to about 20 N / mm, or about 10 N / mm.

[0093] The opposing inner flexible element 35 may have a spring constant in the range of about 1 N / mm to about 40 N / mm, such as about 5 N / mm to about 20 N / mm, or about 10 N / mm.

[0094] Inner flexible element 34 may have a lower spring constant than flexible element 36 .

[0095] The spring constant of the inner flexible element 34 may be at least 10% lower than the spring constant of the flexible element 36, such as 25% lower, such as 50% lower, such as 75% lower.

[0096] The opposing inner flexible element 35 may have a lower spring constant than the opposing flexible element 37 .

[0097] The spring constant of the opposing inner flexible element 35 may be at least 10% lower than the spring constant of the opposing flexible element 37, such as 25% lower, such as 50% lower, such as 75% lower.

[0098] This may have the effect that during the initial stages of compression, primarily inner flexible element 34 and opposite inner flexible element 35 will deflect, while flexible element 36 and opposite inner flexible element 37 may deflect at later stages (e.g., when inner flexible element 34 and opposite inner flexible element 35 are near or may have reached their maximum deflection).

[0099] An advantage may be that a gradual elastic force may be obtained which may make it easier to assemble and lock objects such as panels together, since initially lower forces are required to compress the tongues when the guidance of the objects may be unstable.

[0100] 2A and 3A show the flexible tongue, which may be elongated in shape with a length 61. FIG.

[0101] The flexible tongue may be injection molded, so that the entire flexible tongue is made from the same material.

[0102] The flexible tongue may comprise a polymer material, for example a thermoplastic material, optionally with an application, for example, glass fibre.

[0103] In an uncompressed state, the flexible tongue has a tongue uncompressed width 71. The width of the tongue in an uncompressed state may be in the range of about 6 mm to about 12 mm, such as about 8 mm to about 10 mm, for example about 9 mm.

[0104] The length 61 of the flexible tongue may be in the range of about 20 mm to about 70 mm, such as about 30 mm to about 50 mm, for example about 40 mm.

[0105] The flexible tongue has a compressed tongue width 72 in a compressed state (see Figures 2B and 3B), and the ratio between the uncompressed tongue width 71 and the compressed tongue width 72 may be in the range of about 1.1 to about 2, for example about 1.5.

[0106] The elastic travel distance may be the difference between the uncompressed tongue width 71 and the compressed tongue width 72. The elastic travel distance may be in the range of about 0.5 mm to about 10 mm, such as about 1 mm to about 8 mm, for example about 2 mm to about 5 mm.

[0107] In a compressed state, the flexible tongue has a tongue compressed width 72. The tongue width 72 in a compressed state may be in the range of about 3 mm to about 9 mm, such as about 5 mm to about 7 mm, for example about 6 mm.

[0108] The ratio between the tongue length 61 and the elastic travel distance may be in the range of about 5 to about 30, such as about 10 to about 20, such as about 12 to about 18, for example about 15.

[0109] The protrusion 41 on the flexible element 36 may protrude a distance 75 from the flexible element 36. The protrusion distance 75 may be in the range of about 0.5 mm to about 3 mm, such as about 1 mm to about 2 mm, for example about 1.5 mm.

[0110] The protrusion 41 of the flexible element 36 has a width 62 which may be in the range of 10 to 30%, such as 15 to 25%, for example about 20% of the tongue length 61 .

[0111] The protrusion 42 on the opposing flexible element 37 may protrude a distance 73 from the opposing flexible element 37. The protrusion distance 73 may be in the range of about 0.5 mm to about 3 mm, such as about 1 mm to about 2 mm, for example about 1.5 mm.

[0112] The protrusion 42 of the opposing flexible element 37 has a width 63 which may be in the range of 10 to 30% of the length of the tongue, for example 15 to 25%, or about 20%.

[0113] The protrusion 43 of the inner flexible element 34 may protrude a distance 76 from the inner flexible element 34. The protrusion distance 76 may be in the range of about 0.5 mm to about 3 mm, such as about 1 mm to about 2 mm, for example 1.3 mm.

[0114] The protrusion 44 of the opposing inner flexible element 35 may protrude a distance 74 from the opposing inner flexible element 35. The protrusion distance 74 may be in the range of about 0.5 mm to about 3 mm, such as about 1 mm to about 2 mm, or 1.3 mm.

[0115] 3A and 3B show that the inner surface of flexible element 36 may include a convex surface 51 facing inner flexible element 34.

[0116] The inner surface of the opposing flexible element 37 may have a convex surface 53 facing the inner opposing flexible element 34 .

[0117] The inner surface of inner flexible element 34 may include a convex surface 52 facing flexible element 36 .

[0118] The inner surface of the opposing inner flexible element 35 may include a convex surface 54 facing the opposing flexible element 37 .

[0119] Each convex surface may have the effect of increasing the bending strength of each flexible element.

[0120] An end of the flexible element 36 and an end of the opposite flexible element 37 may each include an inwardly projecting element 47. The inwardly projecting element 47 may be configured to cooperate with the insertion groove 8 to prevent the flexible element 36 or the opposite flexible element 37 from rotating (e.g., twisting) when the flexible tongues are compressed during assembly.

[0121] The distance 77 from the outer edge of each of the flexible element 36 and the opposing flexible element 37 to the innermost edge of the inwardly projecting element 47 may be in the range of about 2 mm to about 6 mm, for example about 3 mm to about 5 mm, for example about 4 mm.

[0122] Figure 4A is a three-dimensional view of an embodiment of flexible tongue 30. Figures 4B-4C show different side views of the same embodiment in an uncompressed state, and Figure 4E shows the same embodiment in a compressed state.

[0123] 4C and 4D show that the protrusion 41 of the flexible element 36 and the flexible element 37 opposite the protrusion 42 can be provided with locking surfaces 48, 49 and opposite locking surfaces 48', 49', respectively. These locking surfaces 48, 49 and 48', 49', respectively, can be configured to cooperate with the locking surface 7 of the tongue groove 9. This can have the advantage that the flexible tongue 30 can be inserted into the insertion groove 8 in two different orientations and still retain the same locking function.

[0124] 5A shows a side view of an embodiment of a panel set in an assembled state. A first panel 1 may be assembled perpendicular to a second panel 2. A first major surface 12 of the first panel is perpendicular to a second major surface 22 of the second panel 2.

[0125] Figure 5B shows an enlarged portion of the circled portion of Figure 5A. The insertion groove 8 may include a lower surface 16, an upper surface 17, and a bottom surface 15 extending between the lower surface 16 and the upper surface 17. An embodiment of a flexible tongue 30 is positioned within the insertion groove 8.

[0126] The locking surfaces 48 of the flexible tongues 30 cooperate with the locking surfaces 7 of the tongue grooves 9 of the first panel to lock the first and second panels together in a first direction D1. The first panel has edge ridges 5 that cooperate with panel grooves 4 of the second panel to lock the first and second panels 1 and 2 together in a second direction D2 that is perpendicular to the first direction.

[0127] 5C shows a side view of an embodiment of a panel set in an assembled state. The first panel 1 may be assembled parallel to the second panel 2, with the first main surface 12 of the first panel parallel to the second main surface 22 of the second panel 2. An embodiment of a flexible tongue 30 is placed in the insertion groove 8.

[0128] The locking surfaces 49 of the flexible tongues 30 cooperate with the locking surfaces 7 of the tongue grooves 9 of the first panel to lock the first and second panels together in a first direction D1. The first panel has edge ridges 5 that cooperate with panel grooves 4 of the second panel to lock the first and second panels 1 and 2 together in a second direction D2 that is perpendicular to the first direction.

[0129] 6A shows a plan view of an embodiment of a second panel 2 including an embodiment of a flexible tongue placed within an embodiment of an insertion groove 8. The longitudinal direction of the tongue 30 may be essentially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the insertion groove 8, which may be essentially parallel to the second edge 21 of the second panel.

[0130] FIG. 6B shows a three-dimensional view of an embodiment of an assembled furniture component comprising an embodiment of a first panel 1 and a second panel 2.

[0131] Further embodiments of the present invention are described below.

[0132] 1. A flexible tongue 30 configured to lock a first edge of a first panel 1 to a second edge of a second panel 2, the flexible tongue 30 configured to be located within an insertion groove 8 in the second edge of the second panel 2 and to cooperate with a tongue groove 20 in the first edge of the first panel 1; The flexible tongue 30 includes a flexible element 36 and an opposite flexible element 37, one end of the flexible element 36 and one end of the opposite flexible element 37 are connected to a connecting portion 33, and an outer end of the flexible element 36 and an outer end of the opposite flexible element 37 are provided with protrusions 41 and 42, respectively; The flexible tongue 30 comprises an inner flexible element 34 and an opposite inner flexible element 35, one end of the inner flexible element 36 and one end of the opposite inner flexible element 37 are connected to a connecting portion 33, and an outer end of the inner flexible element 34 and an outer end of the opposite inner flexible element 35 are respectively provided with protrusions 43 and 44 configured to cooperate with the bottom surface of the insertion groove 8 during assembly; the flexible element 36 and the inner flexible element 34 are configured to deflect toward each other when a force 55 is applied to the protrusion 41 of the flexible element 36; when a force 56 is applied to the protrusion 42 of the opposing flexible element 37, the opposing flexible element 37 and the opposing inner flexible element 35 are configured to deflect toward each other; They are flexible tongues 30, which are pressed against the bottom surface of the insertion groove.

[0133] 2. The flexible tongue 30 described in embodiment 1, wherein the protrusion 41 of the flexible element 36 and the protrusion 42 of the opposite flexible element 37 are configured to protrude outside the insertion groove 8 before the flexible element 36 is compressed.

[0134] 3. The flexible tongue 30 described in embodiment 1 or 2, wherein the inner flexible element 34, the opposite inner flexible element 35, and the connecting portion 33 are configured to be positioned within the insertion groove 8.

[0135] 4. The flexible tongue 30 described in any one of embodiments 1 to 3, wherein the protrusion 43 of the inner flexible element 34 and the protrusion 44 of the opposite inner flexible element 35 are configured to cooperate with the bottom surface of the insertion groove 8 during compression.

[0136] 5. The flexible tongue 30 described in any one of embodiments 1 to 4, wherein the protrusion 41 of the flexible element 36 and the protrusion 42 of the opposite flexible element 37 are configured to cooperate with the tongue groove 9 in the assembled state.

[0137] 6. The flexible tongue 30 as described in any one of embodiments 1 to 5, wherein the flexible tongue has a spacing 38 between the flexible element 36 and the inner flexible element 34, and an opposing spacing 39 between the opposing flexible element 37 and the opposing inner flexible element 35.

[0138] 7. The flexible tongue 30 described in embodiment 6, wherein the flexible tongue 30 is configured such that the spacing 38 and the opposing spacing 39 decrease during compression.

[0139] 8. The flexible tongue 30 as described in any one of embodiments 1 to 7, wherein the longitudinal direction of the tongue 30 is essentially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the insertion groove 8.

[0140] 9. The flexible tongue 30 as described in any one of embodiments 1 to 8, wherein the flexible tongue has a symmetrical shape with a line of symmetry 50 passing through the connecting portion 33.

[0141] 10. The flexible tongue 30 as described in any one of embodiments 1 to 9, wherein the flexible tongue is elongated in shape with a length 61.

[0142] 11. The flexible tongue 30 as described in any one of embodiments 1 to 10, wherein the flexible tongue has an uncompressed tongue width 71 in an uncompressed state.

[0143] 12. The flexible tongue 30 described in embodiment 11, wherein the flexible tongue has a compressed tongue width 72 in a compressed state, and the ratio between the uncompressed tongue width 71 and the compressed tongue width 72 is in the range of 1.1 to 2, for example 1.5.

[0144] 13. The flexible tongue 30 as described in any one of embodiments 1 to 12, wherein the protrusion 41 on the flexible element 36 protrudes a distance 75 from the flexible element 36.

[0145] 14. A flexible tongue 30 as described in embodiment 13, wherein the protrusion 41 of the flexible element 36 has a width 62 that is in the range of 10 to 30%, for example 15 to 25%, for example about 20% of the length of the tongue.

[0146] 15. The flexible tongue 30 as described in any one of embodiments 1 to 12, wherein the protrusion 42 on the opposite flexible element 37 protrudes a distance 73 from the opposite flexible element 37.

[0147] 16. A flexible tongue 30 as described in embodiment 15, wherein the protrusion 42 of the opposite flexible element 37 has a width 63, the width 63 being in the range of 10 to 30%, for example 15 to 25%, for example about 20% of the length of the tongue.

[0148] 17. The flexible tongue 30 as described in any one of embodiments 1 to 16, wherein the protrusion 43 on the inner flexible element 34 protrudes a distance 76 from the inner flexible element 34.

[0149] 18. The flexible tongue 30 described in any one of embodiments 1 to 17, wherein the protrusion 44 on the opposite inner flexible element 35 protrudes a distance 74 from the opposite inner flexible element 35.

[0150] 19. The flexible tongue 30 as described in any one of embodiments 1 to 18, wherein the inner surface of the flexible element 36 has a convex surface 51 facing the inner flexible element 34.

[0151] 20. The flexible tongue 30 as described in any one of embodiments 1 to 19, wherein the inner surface of the opposing flexible element 37 comprises a convex surface 53 facing the inner opposing flexible element 34.

[0152] 21. The flexible tongue 30 as described in any one of embodiments 1 to 20, wherein the inner surface of the inner flexible element 34 has a convex surface 52 facing the flexible element 36.

[0153] 20. The flexible tongue 30 as described in any one of embodiments 1 to 19, wherein the inner surface of the opposite inner flexible element 35 has a convex surface 54 facing the opposite flexible element 37.

[0154] 21. The flexible tongue 30 as described in any one of embodiments 1 to 20, wherein the inner flexible element 34 has a first frictional joint 45 and / or the opposite inner flexible element 35 has a second frictional joint 46.

[0155] 22. A flexible tongue 30 as described in embodiment 21, wherein the first friction bond 45 is larger than the second friction bond 46, so that a greater friction force is obtained at the first friction bond 45 compared to the friction force at the second friction bond 46.

[0156] 23. The flexible tongue 30 as described in any one of embodiments 1 to 22, wherein the flexible tongue comprises a polymer material, such as a thermoplastic material, optionally with an application, such as glass fiber.

[0157] 24. The flexible tongue 30 as described in any one of embodiments 1 to 23, wherein the flexible tongue is injection molded.

[0158] 25. The flexible tongue 30 as described in any one of embodiments 1 to 24, wherein the entire flexible tongue is made from the same material.

[0159] 26. The flexible tongue has an elongated shape with a length 61; the flexible tongue has a tongue uncompressed width 71 in an uncompressed state; the flexible tongue has a tongue compressed width 72 in a compressed state; Assuming that the elastic travel distance is the difference between the tongue uncompressed width 71 and the tongue compressed width 72, A flexible tongue 30 as described in any one of embodiments 1 to 25, wherein the ratio between the tongue length 61 and the elastic movement distance is within the range of about 5 to about 30, for example about 10 to about 20, for example about 12 to about 18, for example about 15.

[0160] 27. The flexible tongue 30 described in any one of embodiments 1 to 26, wherein the flexible tongue has an elongated shape with a length 61, and the length 61 of the flexible tongue is in the range of about 20 mm to about 70 mm, for example, about 30 mm to about 50 mm, for example, about 40 mm.

[0161] 28. The flexible tongue 30 described in any one of embodiments 1 to 27, wherein the protrusion 41 of the flexible element 36 protrudes from the flexible element 36 in a direction away from the bottom surface 15 of the insertion groove 9.

[0162] 29. The flexible tongue 30 described in any one of embodiments 1 to 28, wherein the protrusion 42 of the opposite flexible element 37 protrudes from the opposite flexible element 37 in a direction away from the bottom surface 15 of the insertion groove 9.

[0163] 30. A flexible tongue 30 as described in any one of embodiments 1 to 29, wherein the flexible tongue has a longitudinal spacing 81 between the protrusion 41 of the flexible element 36 and the protrusion 42 of the opposite flexible element 37.

[0164] 31. A set of panels, such as building panels, comprising a first panel 1 having a first edge 11, a second panel 2 having a second edge 21, and a flexible tongue 30, the second edge 21 having an insertion groove 8 containing the flexible tongue 30, the first edge 11 having a tongue groove 9, the flexible tongue 30 being adapted to cooperate with the tongue groove 9 when the first panel 1 and the second panel 2 are assembled together; The flexible tongue 30 includes a flexible element 36 and an opposite flexible element 37, one end of the flexible element 36 and one end of the opposite flexible element 37 are connected to a connecting portion 33, and an outer end of the flexible element 36 and an outer end of the opposite flexible element 37 are provided with protrusions 41 and 42, respectively; the protrusion 41 of the flexible element 36 and the protrusion 42 of the opposite flexible element 37 are configured to cooperate with the guide surface 14 of the first panel 1 so that the protrusion 41 of the flexible element 36 and the protrusion 42 of the opposite flexible element 37 are pressed towards the bottom surface 15 of the insertion groove 9 during assembly of the first panel 1 and the second panel 2; A set of panels in which a protrusion 41 of the flexible element 36 and a protrusion 42 of the opposite flexible element 37 are configured to cooperate with the tongue and groove 9 in the assembled state.

[0165] 32. The set described in embodiment 31, wherein flexible element 36 and opposing flexible element 37 are configured to flex during assembly.

[0166] 33. A set as described in embodiment 31 or 32, in which the protrusion 41 of the flexible element 36 and the protrusion 42 of the opposite flexible element 37 are configured to protrude outside the insertion groove 8 before assembly.

[0167] 34. A set as described in any one of embodiments 31 to 33, wherein the flexible tongue 30 comprises an inner flexible element 34 and an opposite inner flexible element 35, and one end of the inner flexible element 34 and one end of the opposite inner flexible element 35 are connected to the connecting portion 33.

[0168] 35. The set described in embodiment 34, wherein the inner flexible element 34, the opposite inner flexible element 35, and the connecting portion 33 are configured to be positioned within the insertion groove 8.

[0169] 36. A set as described in embodiment 34 or 35, wherein the outer end of the inner flexible element 34 and the outer end of the opposite inner flexible element 35 are each provided with protrusions 43, 44 configured to cooperate with the bottom surface of the insertion groove 8 during assembly.

[0170] 37. The set described in any one of embodiments 34 to 36, wherein the flexible tongue comprises a spacing 38 between the flexible element 36 and the inner flexible element 34, and an opposing spacing 39 between the opposing flexible element 37 and the opposing inner flexible element 35.

[0171] 38. The set described in any one of embodiments 34 to 37, wherein flexible element 36 and inner flexible element 34 are configured to flex toward each other during assembly, and opposite flexible element 37 and opposite inner flexible element 35 are configured to flex toward each other, optionally so that spacing 38 and opposite spacing 39 decrease.

[0172] 39. The combination described in any one of embodiments 31 to 38, wherein the longitudinal direction of the tongue 30 is essentially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the insertion groove 8.

[0173] 40. A set described in any one of embodiments 31 to 39, wherein the flexible tongue has a symmetrical shape with the line of symmetry 50 passing through the connecting portion 33.

[0174] While the inventive concepts have been described and illustrated in detail, they are intended to be exemplary and illustrative only and not limiting, and the spirit and scope of the inventive concepts are intended to be limited only by the terms of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A set of panels, such as building panels, comprising a first panel (1) having a first edge (11), a second panel (2) having a second edge (21), and a flexible tongue (30), the second edge (21) having an insertion groove (8) containing the flexible tongue (30), the first edge (11) having a tongue groove (9), the flexible tongue (30) configured to cooperate with the tongue groove (9) when the first panel (1) and the second panel (2) are assembled together; The flexible tongue (30) comprises a flexible element (36) and an opposite flexible element (37), one end of the flexible element (36) and one end of the opposite flexible element (37) are connected to a connecting portion (33), and an outer end of the flexible element (36) and an outer end of the opposite flexible element (37) are respectively provided with protrusions (41, 42); The protrusion (41) of the flexible element (36) protrudes from the flexible element (36) in a direction away from the bottom surface (15) of the insertion groove (9); the protrusion (42) of the opposite flexible element (37) protrudes from the opposite flexible element (37) in a direction away from the bottom surface (15) of the insertion groove (9); the flexible tongue comprises a longitudinal spacing (81) between the protrusion (41) of the flexible element (36) and the protrusion (42) of the opposite flexible element (37); the protrusion (41) of the flexible element (36) and the protrusion (42) of the opposite flexible element (37) are configured to cooperate with the guide surface (14) of the first panel (1) so that, during assembly of the first panel (1) and the second panel (2), the flexible element (36) and the opposite flexible element (37) are bent, and the protrusion (41) of the flexible element (36) and the protrusion (42) of the opposite flexible element (37) are pressed toward the bottom surface (15) of the insertion groove (9); and when the first panel (1) and the second panel (2) reach an assembled state, the flexible element (36) and the opposite flexible element (37) are elastically restored in a direction toward the tongue groove (9); A set of panels, wherein the protrusion (41) of the flexible element (36) and the protrusion (42) of the opposite flexible element (37) are configured to cooperate with the tongue and groove (9) in the assembled state.

2. 2. The set according to claim 1, wherein in the unassembled state, the protrusion (41) of the flexible element (36) and the protrusion (42) of the opposite flexible element (37) protrude outside the insertion groove (8).

3. 3. The set according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the flexible tongue (30) comprises an inner flexible element (34) and an opposite inner flexible element (35), and one end of the inner flexible element (34) and one end of the opposite inner flexible element (35) are connected to the connecting portion (33).

4. 4. The set of claim 3, wherein the inner flexible element (34) has a lower spring constant than the flexible element (36) and / or the opposite inner flexible element (35) has a lower spring constant than the opposite flexible element (37).

5. 5. The set according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the inner flexible element (34) is located between the flexible element (36) and the bottom surface (15) of the insertion groove (9), and the opposite inner flexible element (35) is located between the opposite flexible element (37) and the bottom surface (15) of the insertion groove (9).

6. 6. The set according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the inner flexible element (34), the opposite inner flexible element (35), and the connecting portion (33) are configured to be located within the insertion groove (8) in an unassembled state.

7. 7. A set according to any one of claims 3 to 6, wherein the outer end of the inner flexible element (34) and the outer end of the opposite inner flexible element (35) each have a protrusion (43, 44) protruding in a direction toward the bottom surface (15) of the insertion groove (9).

8. 8. The set according to claim 7, wherein the protrusion (43) of the inner flexible element (34) and the protrusion (44) of the opposite inner flexible element (35) are configured to cooperate with a bottom surface (15) of the insertion groove (8) during the assembly.

9. 9. A set according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the flexible tongue (30) comprises a spacing (82) between the protrusion (43) of the inner flexible element (34) and the protrusion (44) of the opposite inner flexible element (35).

10. 10. The set according to any one of claims 3 to 9, wherein the flexible tongue (30) comprises a spacing (38) between the flexible element (36) and the inner flexible element (34) and an opposing spacing (39) between the opposing flexible element (37) and the opposing inner flexible element (35).

11. 11. The set according to any one of claims 3 to 10, wherein the flexible element (36) and the inner flexible element (34) are configured to flex towards each other during assembly, and the opposing flexible element (37) and the opposing inner flexible element (35) are configured to flex towards each other, optionally so that the spacing (38) and the opposing spacing (39) decrease.

12. A panel set according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the longitudinal direction of the flexible tongue (30) is essentially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the insertion groove (8).

13. 13. A panel set according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein said flexible tongue (30) has a symmetrical shape with a line of symmetry (50) passing through said connecting portion (33).

14. 14. A panel set according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the flexible tongue (30) comprises a polymer material, e.g. a thermoplastic material, optionally with application, e.g. glass fibre.

15. A panel set according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the entire flexible tongue (30) is made of the same material.

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