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 difference between the first angle (α) and the second angle (β) is 0.5°-6°, 2°-4°, or about 3° in the unlocked position of the first and second panels (1, 2). The bar 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.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

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

[0003] [[IDID=16]]Assembly that does not require tools, such as click floors, has been further developed, and more or less all types of furniture in the home can be assembled without tools or with at least minimal tools.

[0004] International Publication No. 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 rod-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 inserted into the locking groove and configured to lock against the locking surface. The third angle is different from the first angle.

[0005] International Publication No. 2020 / 046194 discloses a set comprising 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 inserted into at least one of the first and second panel grooves and configured to cooperate therewith, as well as 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. [Overview of the project]

[0006] Accordingly, embodiments of the present disclosure seek to further provide alternative mounting solutions that require minimal fixtures and facilitate interference fit between two panels, preferably by providing mechanical connectors and methods for connecting to panels using such mechanical connectors in accordance with the appended patent claims.

[0007] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a mechanical connection device for a panel includes a first panel, a second panel, and a mechanical locking device for locking the first panel to the second panel. The surfaces of the first panel and the second panel are parallel and in contact with each other in the locked positions of the first and second panels. The mechanical locking device includes at least one rod-shaped element on the surface of the first panel and at least one corresponding insertion recess on the surface of the second panel. The rod-shaped element is configured to be inserted into the insertion recess. The outside of the rod-shaped element extends from the surface of the first panel at a first angle, and the outside of the insertion recess extends from the surface of the second panel into the second panel at a second angle. The difference between the first angle and the second angle is in the range of approximately 0.5° to approximately 6° in the unlocked position of the first and second panels, and the rod-shaped elements and insertion recesses are positioned such that the difference between the first angle and the second angle is smaller in the locked position compared to the unlocked position.

[0008] In the context of this disclosure, a panel is a flat component of a constituent material fabricated to form part or all of a surface. Generally, panels used for furniture are rectangular, such that they have two opposing flat surface sides and four parallel edge faces in pairs. However, panels of other shapes, such as triangular panels, are not excluded. Also considered in the context of this disclosure are panels that typically have at least one chamfered edge, usually at 45° each, so that two panels can form a mitered joint.

[0009] Furthermore, the rod-shaped element may have a uniformly large cross-sectional area along its entire length, and the insertion recess may have a corresponding shape. In a further conceivable embodiment, the rod-shaped element may have a frustoconical shape, and the insertion recess may have a shape that allows for mismatch in the outer angles of the rod-shaped element and the insertion recess. Thus, this concept can be achieved, for example, by a cylindrical rod-shaped element and an insertion recess having an inwardly narrow cross-section.

[0010] The tolerance for angles when drilling / creating holes is generally far less than 0.5° in modern production equipment. One of the suggestions associated with this solution is to intentionally provide an angle mismatch between the angle of the insertion recess in one panel and the angle of the rod element protruding from the other panel, when two panels will be connected using rod elements and insertion recesses. To facilitate understanding, the insertion recess can be a cylindrical hole, which has an axis that is at a specified angle with respect to the surface on which the opening of the hole is located. The rod element can be cylindrical, i.e., it has a cylindrical cross-section and also an axis that is at a different angle with respect to the surface on which the rod element protrudes. Typically, panels with rod elements are made by inserting the rod elements into holes drilled or otherwise created within the panel.

[0011] The intentional misalignment of the insertion recess and the rod element provides an interference fit between the two panels because pressing the panels together so that the surfaces of the first and second panels are in full contact with each other results in the rod element partially compressing the inside of the insertion recess, leading to plastic and / or elastic deformation, and / or partially compressing the sides of the rod element, leading to plastic and / or elastic deformation inside the insertion recess, and / or plastically and / or elastically bending the rod element. The deformation / compression of either the insertion recess and / or the rod element provides a stronger connection between the two panels than if the insertion recess and the rod element were normally aligned for a typical plug-and-socket connection. This is because the rod element and the insertion recess are positioned such that the difference between the first and second angles is smaller in the locked position of the panel compared to when it is in the unlocked position.

[0012] According to one aspect of this disclosure, the difference between the first angle and the second angle in the unlocked position is in the range of about 0.5° to about 6°, about 2° to about 4°, or about 3°. This angle range may be advantageous in applications relating to panels used for furniture.

[0013] According to another aspect of this disclosure, the rod-shaped element is made of a material that is at least harder than the core of the second panel. Therefore, the inside of the second panel is subjected to somewhat greater compression / deformation compared to the rod-shaped element.

[0014] According to an alternative aspect of the present disclosure, the second panel has an outer layer adjacent to the surface and that is harder than the material in the core of the panel. The insertion recess opening is less likely to be affected by compression / deformation, which is advantageous for the positioning of the two panels relative to each other. Rather, the inside of the panel is compressed / deformed before the insertion recess opening is compressed / deformed.

[0015] According to yet another aspect of this disclosure, the rod-shaped elements are made from one or a combination thereof of wood-based materials, polymers, and metals.

[0016] Furthermore, regarding the materials, according to one aspect of this disclosure, at least the core of the second panel is wood-based or plastic with or without filler.

[0017] According to further aspects of the present disclosure, the rod-shaped element is cylindrical in shape, and the insertion recess has a circular cross-section. The diameter of the rod-shaped element is about 90% to 98% of the diameter of the insertion recess, more preferably 92% to 97%, and most preferably 94% to 96%.

[0018] In further embodiments, both the first and second angles are in the range of 30° to 60°, and more preferably 40° to 50°. Conventionally, when assembling furniture, rod-shaped elements and corresponding insertion recesses are set to a vertical alignment, i.e., a 90° angle. However, in misalignment strategies, it has been shown that it is advantageous to deviate from having a vertical alignment. Also, if two panels each have a chamfered edge at 45° and these chamfered edges are to be connected to form a miter joint, the angle is also preferably deviate from the conventional vertical alignment, i.e., with respect to the contact surfaces of the panels.

[0019] According to yet another aspect of this disclosure, the thickness of the second panel is greater than the diameter of the cylindrical rod element and less than three times the diameter of the cylindrical rod element.

[0020] According to one aspect of this 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 opposite situation, i.e., when the first angle is larger than the second angle.

[0021] According to another aspect of this disclosure, the contact length between the rod-shaped element and the insertion recess on the side closest to the panel having the insertion recess is longer than the radius of the cylindrical rod-shaped element and shorter than twice the diameter of the rod-shaped element. If the contact length is too short, a minimum locking principle exists. If the contact length is too long, it may result in a tension or load on the rod-shaped element and / or insertion recess that is greater than the strength, and instead of interference fit and locking, the rod-shaped element and / or the panel having the insertion recess may break. Also, an excessively long contact length may cause the two panels to be unable to make contact with each other.

[0022] The insertion recess has a countersink according to a further aspect of the present disclosure. This is particularly advantageous when the panel having the insertion recess has an outer layer that is harder than the core of the panel. Fabricating a countersink that corresponds to the thickness of the harder outer layer can prevent the rod element from affecting the surface of the second panel. Also, the harder surface does not affect the rod element. Depending on the combination of materials in the panel and the rod element, the rod element may press against the edge of the insertion recess, thereby deforming the surface around the insertion recess if a countersink is not present.

[0023] According to further aspects of this disclosure, the first panel further includes a second rod-shaped element extending at the same angle as the first rod-shaped element, the second rod-shaped element being shorter than the first rod-shaped element. Thus, the second rod-shaped element does not extend as far into its insertion recess in the second panel as the first rod-shaped element. This allows for easier assembly / connection of the two panels. For example, if there are three or more rod-shaped elements in one connection, every other rod-shaped element may be shorter.

[0024] To further ensure the connection of the two panels, according to further embodiments of the present disclosure, the connecting device further includes a locking device. The locking device is positioned so that the rod element and the insertion recess do not separate, and therefore the two panels do not separate. For example, a spring-loaded element extending at a different angle from the rod element may be positioned so as to fit into the insertion recess when the two panels are in their final / desired positions relative to each other. A further alternative may be a simple screw or nail so as to prevent axial movement of the rod element out of the insertion recess.

[0025] A further aspect of the present disclosure provides a method for connecting two panels to each other using an apparatus as previously disclosed. The method includes the step of placing a panel having a rod-shaped element such that the tip of the rod-shaped element is positioned in the opening of the insertion recess of the second panel, and the axis of the rod-shaped element is aligned with the axis of the insertion recess.

[0026] Furthermore, the process involves the steps of: joining the panels together by inserting a rod-shaped element into an insertion recess; partially compressing the inside of the insertion recess with the rod-shaped element to cause plastic and / or elastic deformation, and / or partially compressing the sides of the rod-shaped element to cause plastic and / or elastic deformation inside the insertion recess, and / or bending the rod-shaped element plastically and / or elastically, thereby pressing the panels together so that the surfaces of the first panel and the second panel come into complete contact with each other and enter a locked position.

[0027] As used herein, the term "comprise / comprising" is taken to specify the presence of the stated feature, integer, step, or component, but is not to be taken as precluding the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components, or groups thereof.

[0028] Further features of the invention, and the advantages attendant thereon, will become apparent from the appended claims and the following description. It is to be understood by those skilled in the art that the different features of the invention can be combined in other embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0029] These and other aspects, features, and advantages made possible by embodiments of the invention will be apparent from and elucidated in the following description of embodiments of the invention, with reference being made to the accompanying drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0030] [Figure 1] A partial cross-sectional view of an embodiment according to the present disclosure. [Figure 2] A partial side view of a further embodiment according to the present disclosure. [Figure 3] A partial perspective view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 2. [Figure 4] A perspective view of an embodiment according to the present disclosure. [Figure 5] A perspective view of an alternative insertion recess according to the present disclosure. [Figure 6] A side view of an alternative embodiment of a connecting device according to the present disclosure. [Figure 7] A perspective view of two panels mounted to each other using the connecting device of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] A partial enlarged view of the device shown in FIG. 7. [Figure 9] A side view of a countersink made in a panel. [Figure 10]This is a side view of the panel in Figure 9 after the drill has been removed. [Figure 11] This is a partial side view showing the insertion recess and rod-shaped element before the connection of the two panels. [Figure 12] This is a partial side view showing a rod-shaped element in an insertion recess during the first contact stage. [Figure 13] This is a partial side view showing a rod-shaped element in another embodiment of the insertion recess in the first contact stage. [Figure 14] This is a partial side view showing a rod-shaped element fully inserted into an insertion recess. [Figure 15] This is a side view of the two panels in the first contact stage. [Figure 16] This is a side view of another embodiment of the two panels in the first contact stage. [Figure 17] This is a side view of the two panels on the rock stage. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0031] Specific embodiments of the present invention will 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 expressed herein, but rather these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure is thorough and complete and fully conveys the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. The terms used in the detailed description of the embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings are not intended to be limitations of the invention. In the drawings and in the description, the same numbers refer to the same elements.

[0032] Figure 1 shows 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 surface 21 of the first panel 1 and the surface 22 of the second panel 2 are parallel and in contact with each other in the locked position of the first and second panels 1, 2. The mechanical locking device includes a rod-shaped element 3 on the surface of the first panel 1 and a corresponding insertion recess 4 on the surface of the second panel 2. The rod-shaped element 3 is inserted into the insertion recess 4. The rod-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'.

[0033] Figure 1 shows the first panel 1 and the second panel 2 in the 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'.

[0034] The first panel 1 and / or the second panel 2 may be wood-based panels, including MDF, HDF, OSB, WPC, plywood, or particleboard.

[0035] The first panel 1 and / or the second panel 2 may include a plastic material, such as a thermosetting plastic or a thermoplastic, e.g., vinyl, PVC, PU, ​​or PET. The plastic material may include a filler.

[0036] The first panel 1 and / or the second panel 2 may also include solid wooden boards.

[0037] The first panel 1 and / or the second panel 2 may include a decorative layer, such as foil or veneer, on one or more surfaces.

[0038] As shown in Figure 7, the thickness 31 of the first panel 1 and / or the thickness 32 of the second panel 2 are in the range of approximately 8 mm to approximately 30 mm, or in the range of approximately 12 mm to approximately 25 mm, or approximately 20 mm.

[0039] As illustrated in Figure 1, the second panel 2 has an outer layer 6 adjacent to the surface which is harder than the material in the panel's core 5. For example, the second panel 2 may be made of a wood-based material, which is compressed on the top and bottom surfaces of the panel 2 so 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 0.5 to 4 mm, for example 1 to 3 mm, or for example 1.5 to 2.5 mm.

[0040] Furthermore, in the embodiment shown, the rod-shaped element 3 is made of a material harder than the core 5 of the second panel 2. Hardness can be measured by a Brinell test according to ASTM E10-18, or by a honeycomb hardness test according to ASTM D143-21 in the case of wood-based materials. In this embodiment, relative hardness can be indicated by the fact that the rod-shaped element 3 is unaffected, i.e., it still has a uniform diameter. Also, in the insertion recess 4 on the side closest to the surface, the rod-shaped element 3 is pushed into the core of the panel such that the insertion recess side is compressed. This is the effect of mismatch, or a difference in angles α, β.

[0041] The insertion recess 4 includes an upper side 14 and an opposite lower side 16.

[0042] 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%, and most preferably 94% to 96%. An example of a preferred diameter is having a rod-shaped element 3 with a diameter of 8 mm and an insertion recess 4 with a diameter of 8.4 mm.

[0043] If the second panel 2 is made of wood-based material, it is preferable that the rod-shaped elements 3 are also made of wood-based material. However, any combination may work; for example, if the panel is wood-based or plastic with or without filler, the rod-shaped elements may be made from one of wood-based materials, polymers, and metals, or a combination thereof. Exemplary fillers may include one or more of chalk, glass fibers, or carbon fibers.

[0044] In one embodiment, both the first and second angles α and β are in the range of 30° to 60°, and more preferably 40° to 50°, or about 45°, as in the embodiment shown.

[0045] In one embodiment, the thickness of the second panel 2 is greater than the diameter of the rod-shaped element 3 and less than three times the diameter of the rod-shaped element 3. Also in one embodiment, 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 rod-shaped element 3 and shorter than twice the diameter of the rod-shaped element 3.

[0046] Therefore, when assembled, panel 1 having the rod-shaped element 3 is positioned such that the tip of the rod-shaped element 3 is positioned at 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. Next, panels 1 and 2 are joined together by inserting the rod-shaped element 3 into the insertion recess 4. Finally, panels 1 and 2 are pressed together so that the surfaces of the first panel 1 and the second panel 2 come into full contact with each other and enter a locked position, with the rod-shaped element 3 partially compressing the inside of the insertion recess 4. The compression results in plastic and / or elastic deformation, and / or partial plastic and / or elastic deformation of the sides of the rod-shaped element 3 inside the insertion recess, and / or 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 the compression. Furthermore, 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, that is, when panels 1 and 2 are pressed together and in full contact with each other, only the core 5, or at least primarily only the core 5, is affected by the misalignment between the axis of the rod-shaped element 3 and the axis of the insertion recess 4.

[0047] In Figure 1, panel 1, which has the rod-shaped element 3, can be considered a rectangular parallelepiped in the sense that the contact surface of panel 1 is the edge surface and the contact surface of panel 2 is the face surface.

[0048] Moving to Figures 2-4, an alternative to the contact surface shown in Figure 1 is presented. 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 figure shows 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 into the second panel 2. The surfaces of the first panel 1 and the second panel 2 are parallel and in contact with each other in the locked positions of the first and second panels 1, 2. The mechanical locking device includes a rod-shaped element 3 on the surface of the first panel 1 and a corresponding insertion recess 4 on the surface of the second panel 2. The rod-shaped element 3 is inserted into the insertion recess 4. The rod-shaped element 3 extends from the surface of the first panel 1 at a first angle, and the insertion recess 4 extends from the surface of the second panel 2 into the second panel 2 at a second angle.

[0049] In the locked position, the difference between the first angle α' and the second angle β' may be in the range of about 0 to about 3°, and more preferably in the range of about 1° to about 2°. In the shown embodiment, the first angle α' is smaller than the second angle β'.

[0050] In the embodiments 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%, and most preferably 94% to 96%. An example of a preferred diameter is having a rod-shaped element 3 with a diameter of 8 mm and an insertion recess 4 with a diameter of 8.4 mm.

[0051] If the second panel 2 is made of wood-based material, it is preferable that the rod-shaped elements 3 are also made of wood-based material. However, any combination may work; for example, if the panel is wood-based or plastic with or without filler, the rod-shaped elements may be made from one of wood-based materials, polymers, and metals, or a combination thereof.

[0052] 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°.

[0053] In one embodiment, the thickness of the second panel 2 is greater than the diameter of the rod-shaped element 3 and less than three times the diameter of the rod-shaped element 3. Also in one embodiment, 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 rod-shaped element 3 and shorter than twice the diameter of the rod-shaped element 3.

[0054] Therefore, when assembled, panel 1 having the rod-shaped element 3 is positioned such that the tip of the rod-shaped element 3 is positioned 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. Next, panels 1 and 2 are joined together by inserting the rod-shaped element 3 into the insertion recess 4. Finally, panels 1 and 2 are pressed together so that the surfaces of the first panel 1 and the second panel 2 come into full contact with each other and enter a locked position, with the rod-shaped element 3 partially compressing the inside of the insertion recess 4. The compression results in plastic and / or elastic deformation, and / or partial plastic and / or elastic deformation of the sides of the rod-shaped element 3 inside the insertion recess, and / or 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 the compression.

[0055] To have a more stable connection between the two panels 1 and 2, at least two mechanical locking devices should be positioned along the contact surfaces and preferably evenly distributed. Three locking devices are shown in Figure 4.

[0056] Generally, the rod-shaped element 3 is pushed / pressed into a much narrower insertion recess within the first panel 1 during the pre-assembly step. Generally, it is preferable that the rod-shaped element 3 extends longer into the second panel 2 than the length of the rod-shaped element 3 that extends into the insertion recess 4 of the second panel 2. In other words, the portion 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 portion embedded in the first panel 1.

[0057] In Figure 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 the countersink 8 on the lower side 16, along the circumference of the insertion recess 4, such as 90–180° or 45–270°. This is particularly advantageous when the panel 2 having the insertion recess 4 as shown in Figure 6 has a harder outer layer 6 compared to the core 5 of the panel 2. Fabricating the countersink 8 to correspond to the thickness of the harder outer layer 6 can prevent the rod elements 3, 9 from affecting the surface of the second panel 2. Alternatively, the harder outer layer may not affect the rod elements 3, 9. Depending on the combination of materials in the panel 2 and the rod elements 3, 9, the rod elements 3, 9 may press against the edge of the insertion recess, thereby deforming the surface around the insertion recess 4 if the countersink 8 were not present.

[0058] Furthermore, in Figure 6, the first panel further includes another rod-shaped element 9 that extends at the same angle as the first rod-shaped element 3. In one embodiment, the second rod-shaped element 9 does not extend as far into its insertion recess 4 of the second panel 2 as the first rod-shaped element 3.

[0059] As shown in Figure 6, the second rod-shaped element 9 is shorter than the first rod-shaped element 3, and is positioned so that the second rod-shaped element 9 does not extend as far into its insertion recess 4 of the second panel 2 as the first rod-shaped element 3. In another embodiment, the second rod-shaped element 9 is embedded more deeply into the first panel 1 so that the second rod-shaped element 9 does not extend as far into its insertion recess 4 of the second panel 2 as the first rod-shaped element 3. Having the second rod-shaped element 9 not extending as far into its insertion recess 4 of the second panel 2 as the first rod-shaped element 3 allows for easier assembly / connection of the two panels.

[0060] When assembling / connecting two panels, the first rod element 3 is inserted first into its insertion recess, and only when the connection is nearing completion does the second rod element 9 enter its insertion recess 4, and the final pressing of the first panel toward the second panel 2 can be done with less force compared to when the two rod elements are of equal length. Preferably, the longer rod element is positioned closest to the corner of the two panels being connected. For example, in Figure 7, if one of the rod elements is longer, it should be the one at the far right in the figure. With the longer rod element, a larger contact surface between the rod element and the insertion recess forms a stronger connection between the two panels and also provides higher friction as a result of greater pressure due to the mismatch.

[0061] To further secure the connection between the two panels 1 and 2, the connection device may further include locking devices 10 and 11. The locking devices are positioned so that the rod-shaped elements 3 and 9 and the insertion recess 4 do not separate, and therefore the two panels 1 and 2 do not separate. Figures 7 and 8 show how the spring load element 10 extends at a different angle from the rod-shaped elements 3 and 9 and is positioned to fit into the recess 11 when the two panels 1 and 2 are in their final / desired positions relative to each other.

[0062] Moving on to Figures 9 and 10, we can see the drill 12 that fabricates the countersink 8 within the second panel 2. The countersink 8 allows for a deliberate misalignment between the rod element 8 and the insertion recess 4 when the surface of panel 2 is fabricated from a material harder than the panel's core, or even harder than the rod element 3.

[0063] As can be seen in Figure 11, it may be easier to attach the two panels 1 and 2 together when the second panel 2 has a larger opening for the rod-shaped element 3 to "find". The countersink may have the effect of reducing the force required to insert the rod-shaped element 3 into the insertion recess 4.

[0064] Figure 11 shows the first panel 1 and the second panel 2 in the unlocked position. The outer surface of the rod-shaped element 3 extends from the surface 21 of the first panel 1 at a first angle α, and the outer surface of the insertion recess 4 extends from the surface 22 of the second panel 2 into the second panel 2 at a second angle β.

[0065] At the unlocked position, the difference between the first angle (α) and the second angle (β) may be in the range of approximately 0.5° to approximately 6°, approximately 2° to approximately 4°, or approximately 3°.

[0066] The insertion recess 4 includes an upper side 14 and an opposite lower side 16. The second panel 2 may include a countersink 8 in the opening 7 of the insertion recess 4 and in the lower side 16 of the insertion recess 4.

[0067] The second panel 2 may include chamfered portions 23 at the edges of the opening of the insertion recess 4 and on the upper side 16 of the recess 16. The chamfered portions 23 are configured to blunt the edges of the opening. The blunt edges can prevent the edges from digging into the rod-shaped element 3 when the rod-shaped element 3 is moved into the insertion recess 4.

[0068] Moving on to Figure 12, the rod-shaped element 3 is moved into the insertion recess 4.

[0069] 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 slightly separated from the lower side 16 of the insertion recess 4.

[0070] Figure 13 shows an embodiment of the insertion recess 4 without a countersink. In this embodiment, the rod-shaped element 3 is compressed against the lower side 16 of the insertion recess 4 at the opening of the insertion recess 4.

[0071] In Figure 14, panels 1 and 2 are in the locked position, and the contact between the rod-shaped element 3 and the insertion recess 4 is increased due to the compression resulting in plastic and / or elastic deformation, and / or partial plastic and / or elastic deformation of the side surface of the rod-shaped element 3 inside the insertion recess, and / or plastic and / or elastic bending of the rod-shaped element 3, such that the angle difference between the rod-shaped element 3 and the insertion recess 4 decreases in the locked position.

[0072] In the locked position, the lower edge 15 of the rod-shaped element 3 may be slightly separated from the lower side 16 of the insertion recess 4.

[0073] In the locked position, the upper edge 13 of the rod-shaped element 3 may be in contact with the upper side 14 of the insertion recess 4.

[0074] In the locked position, the difference between the first angle (α) and the second angle (β) may be in the range of approximately 0° to approximately 3°, approximately 2° to approximately 4°, or approximately 3°.

[0075] In the locked position, the difference between the first angle α' and the second angle β' may be in the range of about 0 to about 3°, and more preferably in the range of about 1° to about 2°. In the shown embodiment, the first angle α' is smaller than the second angle β'.

[0076] Figures 11-14 show two panels, 1 and 2. - Position the panel 1 having the rod-shaped element 3 such that the tip of the rod-shaped element 3 is positioned 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. By inserting the rod-shaped element 3 into the insertion recess 4, panels 1 and 2 are combined into one. By partially compressing the inside of the insertion recess 4 with the rod-shaped element 3, causing plastic and / or elastic deformation, and / or partially compressing the side surface of the rod-shaped element 3, causing plastic and / or elastic deformation inside the insertion recess, and / or by plastically and / or elastically bending the rod-shaped element 3, panels 1 and 2 are pressed together so that the surfaces of the first panel 1 and the second panel 2 come into complete contact with each other and enter the locked position. This demonstrates that they can be connected to each other.

[0077] Figure 15 illustrates the connection of two panels 1 and 2, and more specifically, the function of an embodiment of locking devices 10 and 11 in which the tip of the spring load element 10 is in initial contact with the surface of the second panel 2.

[0078] Figure 16 shows the connection of the panel 1 and 2 embodiments along with an embodiment of the insertion recess 4 that does not include a countersink. In this embodiment, the rod-shaped element 3 is compressed against the lower side 16 of the insertion recess.

[0079] The two panels 1 and 2 are shown in the locked position in Figure 17, where the tip of the spring load element 10 is pressed to its final position within the recess 11. To unlock the two panels 1 and 2, a tool (not shown) can be inserted into the groove 17 of the first panel 1 and pressed against the inclined surface 18 of the spring load element 10.

[0080] Further embodiments of the present invention are described below.

[0081] 1. A mechanical connecting device for panels 1 and 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, wherein the surface 21 of the first panel 1 and the surface 22 of the second panel 2 are parallel and in contact with each other in the locked position of the first and second panels 1 and 2, and the mechanical locking device has at least one rod-shaped element 3 on the surface of the first panel 1, and the second A mechanical connector comprising a panel 2 having at least one corresponding insertion recess 4 on its surface, wherein a rod-shaped element 3 is configured to be inserted into the insertion recess 4, the outer surface of the rod-shaped element 3 extending from the surface of the first panel 1 at a first angle α, and the outer surface of the insertion recess 4 extending from the surface 22 of the second panel 2 at a second angle β, the difference between the first angle α and the second angle β being in the range of about 0.5° to about 6°, in the range of about 1° to about 4°, or about 3°.

[0082] 2. The mechanical connection device according to Embodiment 1, 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 it is in the unlocked position.

[0083] 3. The mechanical connector according to Embodiment 1 or 2, 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.

[0084] 4. A mechanical connecting device according to any one of embodiments 1 to 3, wherein the second panel 2 has an outer layer 6 adjacent to the surface and harder than the material in the core 5 of the panel.

[0085] 5. A mechanical connector according to any of Embodiments 1 to 4, wherein the rod-shaped element 3 is made from one or a combination thereof of wood-based material, polymer, and metal.

[0086] 6. A mechanical connector according to any one of embodiments 1 to 5, wherein at least the core 5 of the second panel 2 is wood-based or plastic with or without filler.

[0087] 7. A mechanical connecting device according to any one of embodiments 1 to 6, wherein the rod-shaped element 3 is cylindrical in 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.

[0088] 8. A mechanical connection device according to any of Embodiments 1 to 7, wherein both the first and second angles α and β are in the range of approximately 30° to approximately 60°, or in the range of approximately 40° to approximately 50°.

[0089] 9. A mechanical connecting device according to any one of embodiments 1 to 8, 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.

[0090] 10. A mechanical connection device according to any of Embodiments 1 to 9, wherein the first angle α is smaller than the second angle β.

[0091] 11. The mechanical connecting device according to 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 at 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.

[0092] 12. The insertion recess 4 has a countersink 8, as described in any of embodiments 1 to 11 of the mechanical connection device.

[0093] 13. A mechanical connecting device according to any one of embodiments 1 to 12, wherein the first panel 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.

[0094] 14. A mechanical connection device according to any one of embodiments 1 to 13, further comprising locking devices 10, 11.

[0095] 15. A mechanical connection device according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 14, wherein, in the locked position, the difference between the first angle α' and the second angle β' is in the range of about 0° to about 3°, in the range of about 2° to about 4°, or about 3°.

[0096] Where used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural unless otherwise explicitly stated. It should be further understood that the terms “include,” “comprise,” “including,” and / or “comprising,” when used herein, specify the presence of the described feature, integer, step, action, element, and / or component, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, actions, elements, components, and / or groups thereof. When an element is “connected” or “combined” with another element, it should be understood that it may be directly connected to or combined with the other element, or that there may be an intervening element.

[0097] Unless otherwise specified, all terms used herein (including technical and scientific terms) have the same meaning as those generally understood by those skilled in the art to which this invention belongs. Terms should be interpreted as having the same meaning as their meanings in the context of the relevant art, such as as defined in commonly used dictionaries, and should not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless explicitly defined so herein.

[0098] While several embodiments of the present invention are described and illustrated herein, those skilled in the art will readily recall a variety of other means and / or structures for carrying out the function and / or obtaining one or more of the results and / or advantages described herein, and each of such variants and / or modifications will be considered within the scope of the present invention. More generally, those skilled in the art will readily understand that all parameters, dimensions, materials and configurations described herein are intended to be illustrative, and that actual parameters, dimensions, materials and / or configurations will depend on the particular application(s) in which the teachings of the present invention are used.

[0099] When the word "approximately" is used herein in relation to a number, it is intended that the number in relation to it includes a tolerance of + / - 10% around the stated number.

[0100] The indefinite articles "a" and "an" should be understood to mean "at least one" when used herein and in claims, unless the opposite is explicitly indicated.

Claims

1. The first panel (1), The second panel (2), The present invention includes a mechanical locking device for locking the first panel (1) onto the second panel (2), The surface (21) of the first panel (1) and the surface (22) of the second panel (2) are parallel and in contact with each other in the locked position of the first and second panels (1, 2). The mechanical locking device includes at least one rod-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). The rod-shaped element (3) is configured to be inserted into the insertion recess (4), The outer surface of the rod-shaped element (3) extends from the surface (21) of the first panel (1) at a first angle (α), The outer surface of the insertion recess (4) is a mechanical connecting device for panels (1, 2) that extends inward from the surface (22) of the second panel (2) at a second angle (β), wherein The difference between the first angle (α) and the second angle (β) is in the range of approximately 0.5° to approximately 6° in the unlocked position of the first and second panels (1, 2). 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 it is in the unlocked position. The insertion recess (4) is a mechanical connection device having a countersink (8).

2. A first panel (1) and The second panel (2), The present invention includes a mechanical locking device for locking the first panel (1) onto the second panel (2), The surface (21) of the first panel (1) and the surface (22) of the second panel (2) are parallel and in contact with each other in the locked position of the first and second panels (1, 2). The mechanical locking device includes at least one rod-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). The rod-shaped element (3) is configured to be inserted into the insertion recess (4), The outer surface of the rod-shaped element (3) extends from the surface (21) of the first panel (1) at a first angle (α), The outer surface of the insertion recess (4) is a mechanical connecting device for panels (1, 2) that extends inward from the surface (22) of the second panel (2) at a second angle (β), wherein The difference between the first angle (α) and the second angle (β) is in the range of approximately 0.5° to approximately 6° in the unlocked position of the first and second panels (1, 2). 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 it is in the unlocked position. The mechanical locking device further includes a second rod-shaped element (9) extending from the surface of the first panel (1) at the same angle as the rod-shaped element (3), wherein the second rod-shaped element (9) is shorter than the rod-shaped element (3), in a mechanical connection device.

3. A first panel (1) and The second panel (2), The present invention includes a mechanical locking device for locking the first panel (1) onto the second panel (2), The surface (21) of the first panel (1) and the surface (22) of the second panel (2) are parallel and in contact with each other in the locked position of the first and second panels (1, 2). The mechanical locking device includes at least one rod-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). The rod-shaped element (3) is configured to be inserted into the insertion recess (4), The outer surface of the rod-shaped element (3) extends from the surface (21) of the first panel (1) at a first angle (α), The outer surface of the insertion recess (4) is a mechanical connecting device for panels (1, 2) that extends inward from the surface (22) of the second panel (2) at a second angle (β), wherein The difference between the first angle (α) and the second angle (β) is in the range of approximately 0.5° to approximately 6° in the unlocked position of the first and second panels (1, 2). 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 it is in the unlocked position. The mechanical locking device further includes a second rod-shaped element (9) on the surface of the first panel (1), and a second insertion recess (4') on the surface of the second panel (2), The second rod-shaped element (9) is configured to be inserted into the second insertion recess (4'), A mechanical connector in which, in the locked position, the 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').

4. The mechanical connection device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, in the unlocked position, the difference between the first angle (α) and the second angle (β) is in the range of about 2° to about 4°, or about 3°.

5. The mechanical connecting device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, 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).

6. The mechanical connecting device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the second panel (2) has an outer layer (6) adjacent to the surface and harder than the material in the core (5) of the panel.

7. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the rod-shaped element (3) is made from one of wood-based materials, polymers, and metals, or a combination thereof.

8. The mechanical connecting device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein at least the core (5) of the second panel (2) is made of wood or plastic with or without filler.

9. The mechanical connecting device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, 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 about 90% to 98% of the diameter of the insertion recess (4), more preferably 92% to 97%, and most preferably 94% to 96%.

10. The mechanical connection device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein both 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°.

11. The mechanical connecting device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, 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).

12. The mechanical connection device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the first angle (α) is smaller than the second angle (β).

13. The insertion recess (4) includes an upper side (14) and an opposite lower side (16), The mechanical connecting device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein 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).

14. The insertion recess (4) includes an upper side (14) and an opposite lower side (16), The mechanical connection device according to claim 1, wherein the lower part (16) includes the countersink (8).

15. The mechanical connecting device according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein in the locked position, the difference between the first angle (α') and the second angle (β') is in the range of about 0° to about 3°, in the range of about 2° to about 4°, or about 3°.

16. A mechanical connection device according to any one of claims 1 to 15, further comprising a locking device (10, 11).

17. A method for connecting two panels (1, 2) to each other using the apparatus described in any one of claims 1 to 16, The steps of placing the panel (1) having the rod-shaped element (3) such that the tip of the rod-shaped element (3) is positioned 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 steps include: inserting the rod-shaped element (3) into the insertion recess (4) to combine the panels (1, 2) into one; The steps include: pressing the panels (1, 2) together so that the surface of the first panel (1) and the surface of the second panel (2) come into complete contact with each other and enter a locked position, by partially compressing the inside of the insertion recess (4) with the rod-shaped element (3) to cause plastic and / or elastic deformation, and / or partially compressing the side surface of the rod-shaped element (3) to cause plastic and / or elastic deformation inside the insertion recess, and / or bending the rod-shaped element (3) plastically and / or elastically; Methods that include...

Images