SET OF PANELS WITH MECHANICALLY SECURED EDGES

Abstract

A panel assembly comprising first and second panels (1, 2); the first and second panels respectively comprising first and second edges; the first edge comprising a securing strip (19) with a securing element (5) configured to cooperate with a securing groove (4) in the second edge to secure the first edge (17) to the second edge (18); the securing element (5) comprising a first securing surface (31) at a first angle (101) from a plane parallel to the first panel surface (15) and the securing groove comprising a second securing surface (32) at a second angle (102) from a plane parallel to the third panel surface (13); the first angle (101) differs from the second angle (102) such that the first securing surface (31) converges toward the second securing surface (32) in a cooperating part (104) in a secured position;the first securing surface (31) cooperates with the second securing surface (32) in the cooperation part (104).;

Description

SET OF PANELS WITH MECHANICALLY SECURED EDGES FIELD OF INVENTION The embodiments of the present invention relate to panels, such as staves, that are configured to be secured together by a vertical displacement. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Panels are known that are configured to be assembled by a vertical displacement and to be secured together in a vertical and a horizontal direction. Such panels are described, for example, in documents WO2018 / 063047 and WO2014 / 209213. A tongue-and-groove connection secures a first edge of a first panel to a second edge of a second panel in a second direction. The first edge and the second edge also comprise a locking element configured to cooperate with a locking groove to secure themselves in a first direction, which is perpendicular to the second direction. The embodiments of the present invention satisfy a need to provide easier assembly and / or increased securing strength of the panels. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION An objective of at least certain embodiments of the present invention is to provide an improvement over the techniques previously described and the known technique. Another objective of at least certain embodiments of the present invention is to facilitate the assembly of panels configured to be assembled by a vertical displacement and secured together in the vertical and horizontal directions. Another objective of at least one embodiment of the present invention is to increase securing strength by preventing or at least reducing damage to the edges of the panels, particularly the edge portions that have a securing function. Securing strength can also be increased by means of an improved configuration of the securing surfaces on the panel edges. At least some of these and other objectives and advantages that may be evident from the description have been achieved by a first aspect of the invention, which includes a panel assembly comprising a first panel and a second panel, wherein the first panel comprises a first edge, a first panel surface, and an opposing second panel surface, and the second panel comprises a second edge, a third panel surface, and an opposing fourth panel surface. The first edge comprises a securing strip with a securing element configured to cooperate with a securing groove in the second edge of the second panel, to secure the first edge to the second edge in a first direction that is parallel to the first panel surface.The first edge is configured to be assembled to the second edge by offsetting the second edge relative to the first edge in an assembly direction perpendicular to the first panel surface, thus achieving a secure position of the first and second edges. The securing element comprises a first securing surface at a first angle to a plane parallel to the first panel surface, and the securing groove comprises a second securing surface at a second angle to a plane parallel to the third panel surface. The first angle differs from the second angle, such that the first securing surface converges toward the second securing surface in a cooperative portion in the secured position. The first securing surface cooperates with the second securing surface in this cooperative portion for securing in the first direction. Converging bracing surfaces can have the effect that a load in the first direction, for example, from a force pulling the panels apart, is absorbed in a part with a shorter moment arm. A shorter moment arm can have the advantage of increasing bracing strength. Coverage securing surfaces can reduce the contact area between the first and second securing surfaces during assembly. This reduced contact area can have the advantage of decreasing friction and facilitating assembly. The securing element may comprise a first guide surface on an outer surface, and the securing groove may comprise a second guide surface within an opening of the securing groove. The first guide surface is configured to cooperate with the second guide surface during assembly to guide the securing element into the securing groove. The size of the first guide surface can be larger than the size of the second guide surface, which can have the effect of improving the guidance. The first guide surface may comprise an essentially flat surface. The second guide surface can have a rounded shape. A ratio between a length of the flat surface and a radius of the rounded shape can be on the scale of approximately 1 to approximately 5, approximately 2 to approximately 4, or approximately 3. nfrzenn / zznz / E / YiAi The cooperation part may be closer to a strip surface of the securing strip than to an outer surface of the securing element. There may be a space between the first securing surface and the second securing surface in the secured position, where the space is located between the cooperating part and an outer surface of the securing element. An outer part of the fastening element may be damaged during assembly if the panel material is brittle or has imperfections. The gap can have the advantage of allowing the desired secured position to be achieved even if an outer part of the fastening element is damaged. The difference between the first angle and the second angle can be on the scale of approximately 5° to approximately 15°, or on the scale of approximately 5° to approximately 10°, or approximately 7°. The cooperation part can be positioned at a first distance from a strip surface of the securing strip, wherein an outer surface of the securing element is positioned at a second distance from a strip surface of the securing strip, and wherein the ratio between the first distance and the second distance is on the scale of approximately 0.03 to approximately 0.3, or on the scale of approximately 0.1 to approximately 0.2, 03, or approximately 0.15. The first edge or the second edge may comprise a tab that is configured to cooperate with a tab groove on the other of the first edge or the second edge to secure in a second direction that is perpendicular to the first direction. The tab can be a flexible tab that is located in an insertion groove on the first or second edge. The first angle may be on the scale of approximately 90° to approximately 145°, or on the scale of approximately 100° to approximately 135°, or on the scale of approximately 110° to approximately 125°, or approximately 120° and where the second angle may be on the scale of approximately 80° to approximately 135°, or on the scale of approximately 100° to approximately 115°, or approximately 110°. The securing surface and the second securing surface can be configured to secure in a second direction that is perpendicular to the first direction. The first angle may be on the scale of approximately 70° to approximately 90°, or on the scale of approximately 80° to approximately 89°, or on the scale of approximately 85° to approximately 89°, and the second angle may be on the scale of approximately 75° to approximately 85°, or on the scale of approximately 80° to approximately 85°. ηπζΓηη / ζζηζ / Ε / γίΛΐ The panels can comprise a polymer material or a wood-based material. The distance between the first panel surface and the second panel surface can be on the scale of approximately 3 mm to approximately 15 mm, or on the scale of approximately 5 mm to approximately 8 mm. A distance between the third panel surface and the fourth panel surface can be on the scale of approximately 3 mm to approximately 15 mm, or on the scale of approximately 5 mm to approximately 8 mm. The first panel surface and the third panel surface may comprise a decorative surface. The assembly may involve a displacement in the horizontal direction. The first and second panels can have a rectangular shape. The first and second panels can be construction panels, such as floor panels, wall panels, or roof panels. The first edge and the second edge can be short edges of the first and second panels. The assembly may also include an angled movement along a long side of the first and / or second panel. This angled movement may simultaneously connect the long side of the first and / or second panel to a side of a third panel by means of a mechanical locking device. The first and second panels can be resilient panels. Resilient panels can comprise a core made of thermoplastic material. The thermoplastic material can be foamed. 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 can be made up of several layers. The first and second panels may comprise a decorative layer, such as a decorative sheet 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 sheet is preferably printed, for example, by direct printing, rotogravure, or digital printing. nbzrnn / zznz / E / YiAi The first and second panels may comprise a wear layer such as a film or sheet. The wear layer may comprise thermoplastic material. The thermoplastic material may be 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 embodiments of the invention may be particularly convenient for panels comprising securing surfaces with higher friction. The first panel and the second panel may comprise a wood-based core, such as HDF, MDF, or laminate. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS This and other aspects, characteristics, and advantages of which the embodiments of the invention are capable will become evident and elucidated from the following description of embodiments of the present invention, with reference to the attached drawings, in which Figures IA to 1C show illustrative modalities of the panel assembly in a secured position. Figure 2A shows the illustrative modality of Figure IA during assembly. Figure 2B shows the illustrative modality of Figure IB during assembly. Figures 3A and 3B show the illustrative version of Figure IB before assembly. Figures 4A and 4B show the illustrative version of Figure IA before assembly. Figure 5 shows an enlargement of the securing element, the securing strip, and the securing slot of the illustrative modalities in Figures IB, 1C, and 7. Figure 6 shows an enlargement of the securing element, the securing strip, and the securing slot of the illustrative modality in Figure IA. Figure 7 shows an illustrative representation of the panel assembly in a secured position. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE MODALITIES OF THE INVENTION Specific embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. This invention, however, can be embodied in many different forms and should not be considered as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided to make this description detailed and complete, and to fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. The terminology used in the detailed description of the embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings is not intended to limit the invention. In the drawings, equal numbers refer to equal elements. The embodiments of the panel assembly according to the invention are shown in a secured position in Figures 1A to 1C and 7. The panel assembly comprises a first panel 1 and a second panel 2, wherein the first panel 1 comprises a first edge 17, a first panel surface 15 and an opposing second panel surface 16, and wherein the second panel 2 comprises a second edge 18, a third panel surface 13 and an opposing fourth panel surface 14. The first edge 17 comprises a securing strip 19 with a securing element 5 configured to cooperate with a securing groove 4 in the second edge 18 of the second panel 2, to secure the first edge 17 to the second edge 18 in a first direction 12 that is parallel to the first panel surface 15.The first edge 17 is configured to be assembled to the second edge 18 by offsetting the second edge 18 relative to the first edge 17 in an assembly direction 10, which is perpendicular to the first panel surface 15, to obtain an assured position of the first edge 17 and the second edge 18. As shown, for example, in Figures 3A and 3B, the securing element 5 comprises a first securing surface 31 at a first angle 101 to a plane parallel to the first panel surface 15, and the securing groove 4 comprises a second securing surface 32 at a second angle 102 to a plane parallel to the third panel surface 13. The first angle 101 is different from the second angle 102, such that the first securing surface 31 converges towards the second securing surface 32 in a cooperating part 104 (see, for example, Figures 5 and 6) in the secured position, and wherein the first securing surface 31 cooperates with the second securing surface 32 in the cooperating part 104 for securing in the first direction 12.In illustrative embodiments, the cooperation part 104 is at an intersection point of the first securing surface 31 and the second securing surface 32. Converging securing surfaces can have the effect that a load in the first direction 12, for example, from a force pulling the panels apart, is absorbed in a part with a shorter moment arm. A shorter moment arm can have the advantage of increasing the securing strength. Coverage securing surfaces can reduce the contact area between the first and second securing surfaces during assembly. This reduced contact area can have the advantage of decreasing friction and facilitating assembly. Figure 5 shows an enlargement of the securing element 5, the securing strip 19 and the securing slot 4 of the modalities of figures IB, IC and 7. Figure 6 shows an enlargement of the securing element 5, the securing strip 19 and the securing slot 4 of the modality in Figure 1A. Figures 5 and 6 show modalities comprising a cooperation part 104 that is closer to a strip surface 36 of the securing strip 19 than to an outer surface 7 of the securing element 5. The outer surface 7 can be a more outer surface of the securing element 5. For example, in figure 5, the outer surface 7 can be a more upper surface of the securing element 5. The illustrative modalities of figures 5 and 6 comprise a space 115 between the first securing surface 31 and the second securing surface 32. The space is located between the cooperation part 104 and an outer surface 7 of the securing element 5. The difference 103 between the first angle 101 and the second angle 102 can be on the scale of approximately 2° to approximately 15°, or on the scale of approximately 5° to approximately 10°, or on the scale of approximately 5° to approximately 7°, or approximately 7°. If the difference is less than 2°, the space 115 may be too small to accommodate dust or particles from panel parts damaged during assembly or transportation. A larger difference, for example, more than 5°, can be an advantage as it allows for tighter production tolerances. A difference of more than 15° can be a disadvantage as it may result in a weak edge at the opening of the locking groove 4 on the second guide surface 22. As you may understand, the term approximately includes a margin for a measurement error of Io. The cooperating part 104 can be positioned at a first distance 113 from a strip surface 36 of the securing strip 19, wherein an outer surface 7 of the securing element 5 is positioned at a second distance 114 from a strip surface 36 of the securing strip 19, and wherein the ratio between the first distance 113 and the second distance 114 can be on the scale of approximately 0.03 to approximately 0.3, or on the scale of approximately 0.1 to approximately 0.2, approximately 0.3, or approximately 0.15. A short first distance has the advantage of a shorter moment arm.The second distance may be long enough to allow the first guide surface 20 and to reduce the risk of the securing element slipping out of the securing groove when a high load is applied to the panels, which could cause the securing strip to bend away from the securing groove. nbzrnn / zznz / E / YiAi Figures 1A to 1C show that the first edge 17 or the second edge 18 may comprise a tongue 3 configured to cooperate with a tongue groove 6 on the other side of the first edge 17 or the second edge 18 to secure it in a second direction 11 that is perpendicular to the first direction 12. Figure 1A shows an embodiment comprising a tongue 3, which is a flexible tongue located in an insertion groove 8. The insertion groove 8 may be located on the first edge 17 or the second edge 18. Figures 1B and 1C show an embodiment comprising a tongue 3 that may be formed, for example, by mechanically cutting a panel material. The modes comprising a tab 3 on the first or second edge and the tab groove 6 on the other of the first edge 17 or the second edge 18 for securing in a second direction 11, may comprise a mode of the first angle 101 that may be on the scale of approximately 90° to approximately 145°, or on the scale of approximately 100° to approximately 135°, or on the scale of approximately 110° to approximately 125°, or approximately 120° and a mode of the second angle 102 that may be on the scale of approximately 80° to approximately 135°, or on the scale of approximately 100° to approximately 115°, or approximately 110°. As shown, for example, in Figure 5, the modes shown in Figures IB and IC and Figure 7 comprise a first securing surface 31 and a second securing surface 32 that are configured for securing in a second direction 11 perpendicular to the first direction 12. The modes of the first angle 101 can be on the scale of approximately 70° to approximately 90°, or on the scale of approximately 80° to approximately 89°, or on the scale of approximately 85° to approximately 89°, and the modes of the second angle 102 can be on the scale of approximately 75° to approximately 85°, or on the scale of approximately 80° to approximately 85°. Figure 2A shows the configuration shown in Figure 1A during an illustrative assembly. The second edge 18 of the second panel 2 is being displaced in an assembly direction 10 relative to the first edge 17 of the first panel 1 to achieve a secure position of the first and second edges. The assembly direction 10 can be perpendicular to the first surface of panel 15. Figures 4A and 4B show the configuration before assembly. The flexible tab can be compressed and / or displaced, during assembly, in a direction 112 towards a bottom 9 of the insertion groove 8. The flexible tab is configured to spring back when the first edge 17 and the second edge 18 have reached the secured position. nfrzenn / zznz / E / YiAi Figure 2B shows the configuration shown in Figure 1A during one assembly mode. The configurations shown in Figures 1C and 7 can be assembled using the same or a similar method. The second edge 18 of the second panel 2 is being displaced in an assembly direction 10 relative to the first edge 17 of the first panel 1 to achieve a secure position of the first and second edges. The assembly direction 10 can be perpendicular to the first surface of panel 15. Figures 3A and 3B show the configuration before assembly. The securing element 5 may comprise a first guide surface 20 on an outer surface and the securing groove 4 may comprise a second guide surface 22 in an opening of the securing groove 4. The first guide surface 20 is configured to cooperate with the second guide surface 22 during assembly to guide the securing element 5 into the securing groove 4. Figure 5 shows that the size of the first guide surface 20 can be larger than the size of the second guide surface 22, which can have the effect of improving the guidance. The first guide surface 20 may comprise an essentially flat surface. A flat surface may provide a longer guide length. The second guide surface 22 may have a rounded shape. The rounded shape may provide a smaller contact surface between the first guide surface 20 and the second guide surface 22 during assembly, which may reduce friction. As shown, for example, in Figure 5, a ratio between a length 21 of the flat surface and a radius R1 of the rounded shape of the second guide surface 22 may be on the scale of approximately 2 to approximately 5, or approximately 3 to approximately 4. The above ratio may be large enough to allow effective guidance over a relatively large guide length, but not so large as to result in a sharp edge on the second guide surface 22 that may break during assembly or transportation. A transition surface between the first securing surface 31 and the strip surface 36 may have a rounded shape. The transition surface may comprise a transition radius R2. The transition radius R2 may be larger than the radius R1 of the rounded shape of the second guide surface, which may have the effect of increasing the securing strength and preventing cracking in the transition surface during assembly and when a load is applied in the first direction, for example, from a force pulling the panels apart. A relatively smaller radius R1 of the rounded shape of the second guide surface also has the effect of positioning the cooperating part 104 closer to the strip surface 36 of the securing strip 19. This can have the effect that when a load is applied in the first direction, for example, from a force pulling the panels apart, the load is absorbed by a part with a shorter moment arm. A shorter moment arm can have the advantage of increasing securing strength. The securing element 5 can be flipped away in a direction 111 from the first edge 17 during vertical displacement, and can spring back when the first edge and the second edge have reached the secured position. As shown, for example in Figure 2B, one side of the securing strip 19 on the second panel surface 16 may comprise a space 41, in the form of a recess or bevel, under the securing element 5 which may facilitate turning of the lock 5 during assembly. The second edge 18 may be provided with a calibration groove 25 adjacent to the securing groove 4. The calibration groove 25 can compensate for staves of varying thicknesses, particularly any differences in thickness at the stave edges. The calibration groove allows the second edge to be pushed into a subfloor where the staves are laid. The calibration groove 25 shown in Figure 2B is rectangular; however, the calibration groove can have other shapes, such as a bevel. The assembly shown in Figures 2A and 2B may include a displacement that is parallel to the first direction. Panels 1, 2 may comprise a polymer material or a wood-based material. As shown, for example, in Figure 3A, a distance 116 between the first panel surface 15 and the second panel surface 16 can be on the scale of approximately 3 mm to approximately 15 mm, or on the scale of approximately 5 mm to approximately 8 mm. As shown, for example, in Figure 3B, a distance 117 between the third panel surface 13 and the fourth panel surface 14 can be on the scale of approximately 3 mm to approximately 15 mm, or on the scale of approximately 5 mm to approximately 8 mm. The securing strip 19 can protrude beyond a first joining surface 37, on the first edge 17, which is adjacent to the first panel surface 15. The second edge 18 may comprise a second joining surface 38 that is adjacent to the third panel surface 13. The first bonding surface 37 can be configured to cooperate with the second bonding surface 38 for securing in a direction that is opposite to the first nbzrnn / zznz / E / YiAi direction 12. An edge surface 35 on the second edge may be configured to cooperate with the strip surface 36 for securing in a direction that is opposite to the first direction 11. The edge surface may be positioned on the same side of the second edge 18 as the fourth panel surface 14. The first securing surface 31 and / or the second securing surface 32 can be essentially flat surfaces. The first panel surface 15 and the third panel surface 13 may comprise a decorative surface. The first and second panels can be construction panels, such as floor panels, wall panels, or roof panels. The first and second panels can have a rectangular shape. The first and second panels can be construction panels, such as floor panels, wall panels, or roof panels. The first edge and the second edge can be short edges of the first and second panels. The assembly may also involve an angled movement along a long side of the first and / or second panel. The aforementioned modalities may be resilient panels. Resilient panels may comprise a core made of thermoplastic material. The thermoplastic material may be foamed. 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 can be made up of several layers. The embodiments described above may include a decorative layer, such as a decorative sheet 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 sheet is preferably printed, for example, by direct printing, rotogravure, or digital printing. The above-described modalities may comprise a wear layer in the form of a film or sheet. The wear layer may comprise thermoplastic material. The thermoplastic material may be 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 above-described modalities may comprise a wood-based core, such as HDF, MDF, or laminate. Additional embodiments of the invention are described below. 1. A panel assembly comprises a first panel (1) and a second panel (2), wherein the first panel (1) comprises a first edge (17), a first panel surface (15), and an opposing second panel surface (16), and the second panel (2) comprises a second edge (18), a third panel surface (13), and an opposing fourth panel surface (14), wherein the first edge (17) comprises a securing strip (19) with a securing element (5) configured to cooperate with a securing groove (4) in the second edge (18) of the second panel (2), to secure the first edge (17) to the second edge (18) in a first direction (12) that is parallel to the first panel surface (15), wherein the first edge (17) is configured to be assembled to the second edge by offsetting the second edge (18) relative to the first edge (17) in an assembly direction (10) that is perpendicular to the first panel surface (15).to obtain a secured position of the first edge (17) and the second edge (18), wherein the securing element (5) comprises a first securing surface (31) at a first angle (101) from a plane parallel to the first panel surface (15) and the securing groove comprises a second securing surface (32) at a second angle (102) from a plane parallel to the third panel surface (13), wherein the first angle (101) is different from the second angle (102) such that the first securing surface (31) converges towards the second securing surface (32) in a cooperating part (104) in the secured position, and the first securing surface (31) cooperates with the second securing surface (32) in the cooperating part (104) for securing in the first direction (12). 2. The panel assembly as described in modality 1, wherein the cooperation part (104) is closer to a strip surface (36) of the securing strip (19) than to an outer surface (7) of the securing element (5). 3. The panel assembly as described in modality 1 or 2, wherein there is a space 115 between the first securing surface (31) and the second securing surface (32) in the secured position, wherein the space is located between the cooperating part (104) and an outer surface (7) of the securing element (5). 4. The panel assembly as described in any of the modes 1 to 3, wherein the difference (103) between the first angle (101) and the second angle (102) is on the scale ηπζΓηη / ζζηζ / E / γίΛΐ of approximately 2° to approximately 15°, or on the scale of approximately 5° to approximately 10°, or on the scale of approximately 5° to approximately 7°, or approximately 7. 5. The panel assembly as described in any of modes 1 to 4, wherein the cooperation part (104) is positioned at a first distance (113) from a strip surface (36) of the securing strip (19), wherein an outer surface (7) of the securing element (5) is positioned at a second distance (114) from a strip surface (36) of the securing strip (19), and wherein the ratio between the first distance (113) and the second distance (114) is on the scale of approximately 0.03 to approximately 0.3, or on the scale of approximately 0.1 to approximately 0.2, 03, or approximately 0.15. 6. The panel assembly as described in any of embodiments 1 to 5, wherein one of the first edge (17) or the second edge (18) comprises a tab (3) that is configured to cooperate with a tab groove (6) on the other of the first edge (17) or the second edge (18) to secure in a second direction (11) that is perpendicular to the first direction (12). 7. The panel assembly as described in modality 6, wherein the tab (3) is a flexible tab located in an insertion groove on one of the first edge (17) or the second edge (18). 8. The panel assembly as described in modality 6 or 7, wherein the first angle (101) is on the scale of approximately 90° to approximately 145°, or on the scale of approximately 100° to approximately 135°, or on the scale of approximately 110° to approximately 125°, or approximately 120° and wherein the second angle (102) is on the scale of approximately 80° to approximately 135°, or on the scale of approximately 100° to approximately 115°, or approximately 110°. 9. The panel assembly as described in any of the modes 1 to 8, wherein the first securing surface (31) and the second securing surface (32) are configured to be secured in a second direction (11) that is perpendicular to the first direction (12). 10. The panel assembly as described in modality 9, wherein the first angle (101) is on the scale of approximately 70° to approximately 90°, or on the scale of approximately 80° to approximately 89°, or on the scale of approximately 85° to approximately 89°, and wherein the second angle (102) is on the scale of approximately 75° to approximately 85°, or on the scale of approximately 80° to approximately 85°. ηπζΓηη / ζζηζ / Ε / γίΛΐ 11. The assembly of panels as described in any of the modalities 1 to 10, wherein the panels comprise a polymer material or a wood-based material. 12. The panel assembly as described in any of the modes 1 to 11, wherein a distance between the first panel surface (15) and the second panel surface (16) is on the scale of approximately 3 mm to approximately 15 mm, or on the scale of approximately 5 mm to approximately 8 mm. 13. The panel assembly as described in any of the modes 1 to 12, wherein a distance between the third panel surface (13) and the fourth panel surface (14) is on the scale of approximately 3 mm to approximately 15 mm, or on the scale of approximately 5 mm to approximately 8 mm. 14. The panel assembly as described in any of the forms 1 to 13, wherein the first panel surface (15) and the third panel surface (13) comprise a decorative surface. 15. The assembly of panels as described in any of the modalities 1 to 14, wherein the first and second panels are construction panels, such as floor panels, wall panels or roof panels. 16. The panel assembly as described in any of embodiments 1 to 15, wherein the securing element (5) comprises a first guide surface (20) on an outer surface and the securing groove (4) comprises a second guide surface (22) in an opening of the securing groove (4), wherein the first guide surface (20) is configured to cooperate with the second guide surface (22) during assembly to guide the securing element (5) into the securing groove (4). 17. The panel assembly as described in modality 16, wherein the size of the first guide surface (20) is larger than the size of the second guide surface (22). 18. The panel assembly as described in modality 16 or 17, wherein the first guide surface (20) comprises an essentially flat surface. 19. The panel assembly as described in any of the modalities 16 to 18, wherein the second guide surface (22) has a rounded shape. 20. The panel assembly as described in modality 16 or 17, wherein the first guide surface (20) comprises an essentially flat surface and the second guide surface (22) has a rounded shape, wherein a ratio between a length (21) of the flat surface and a radius (Rl) of the rounded shape of the second guide surface is on the scale of approximately 1 to approximately 5, or approximately 2 to approximately 4, or approximately 3.

Claims

1. A panel assembly comprising a first panel (1) and a second panel (2), wherein the first panel (1) comprises a first edge (17), a first panel surface (15), and an opposing second panel surface (16), and the second panel (2) comprises a second edge (18), a third panel surface (13), and an opposing fourth panel surface (14), wherein the first edge (17) comprises a securing strip (19) with a securing element (5) configured to cooperate with a securing groove (4) in the second edge (18) of the second panel (2), to secure the first edge (17) to the second edge (18) in a first direction (12) that is parallel to the first panel surface (15), wherein the first edge (17) is configured to be assembled to the second edge by offsetting the second edge (18) relative to the first edge (17) in an assembly direction (10) that is perpendicular to the first panel surface (15).for obtaining a secured position of the first edge (17) and the second edge (18), wherein the securing element (5) comprises a first securing surface (31) at a first angle (101) from a plane parallel to the first panel surface (15) and the securing groove (4) comprises a second securing surface (32) at a second angle (102) from a plane parallel to the third panel surface (13), characterized in that the first angle (101) is different from the second angle (102), such that the first securing surface (31) converges towards the second securing surface (32) in a cooperating part (104) in the secured position, the first securing surface (31) cooperates with the second securing surface (32) in the cooperating part (104) for securing in the first direction (12),and the difference (103) between the first angle (101) and the second angle (102) is on the scale of approximately 5° to approximately 15°, or on the scale of approximately 5° to approximately 10°, or approximately 7.

2. The panel assembly according to claim 1, further characterized in that the cooperation part (104) is closer to a strip surface (36) of the securing strip (19) than to an outer surface (7) of the securing element (5).

3. The assembly of panels according to claim 1 or 2, further characterized in that it also comprises a space (115) between the first securing surface (31) and the second securing surface (32) in the secured position, wherein the space is located between the cooperating part (104) and an outer surface (7) of the securing element (5).

4. The panel assembly according to any of claims 1 to 3, nbzrnn / zznz / E / YiAi further characterized in that the securing element (5) comprises a first guide surface (20) on an outer surface and the securing groove (4) comprises a second guide surface (22) in an opening of the securing groove (4), wherein the first guide surface (20) is configured to cooperate with the second guide surface (22) during assembly to guide the securing element (5) into the securing groove (4).

5. The assembly of panels according to any of claims 1 to 4, further characterized in that the cooperating part (104) is positioned at a first distance (114) from a strip surface (36) of the securing strip (8), wherein an outer surface (7) of the securing element (5) is positioned at a second distance (115) from a strip surface (36) of the securing strip (19), and wherein a ratio between the first distance (114) and the second distance (115) is on the scale of approximately 0.03 to approximately 0.3, or on the scale of approximately 0.1 to approximately 0.2, 03, or approximately 0.

15.

6. The panel assembly according to any of claims 1 to 5, further characterized in that one of the first edge (17) or the second edge (18) comprises a tab (3) configured to cooperate with a tab groove (6) on the other of the first edge (17) or the second edge (18) for securing in a second direction (11) that is perpendicular to the first direction (12).

7. The panel assembly according to claim 6, further characterized in that the tab (3) is a flexible tab located in an insertion groove (8) on one of the first edge (17) or the second edge (18).

8. The panel assembly according to claim 6 or 7, further characterized in that the first angle (101) is on the scale of approximately 90° to approximately 145°, or on the scale of approximately 100° to approximately 135°, or on the scale of approximately 110° to approximately 125°, or approximately 120° and wherein the second angle (102) is on the scale of approximately 80° to approximately 135°, or on the scale of approximately 100° to approximately 115°, or approximately 110°.

9. The assembly of panels according to any of claims 1 to 8, further characterized in that the first securing surface (31) and the second securing surface (32) are configured to be secured in a second direction (11) that is perpendicular to the first direction (12).

10. The panel assembly according to claim 9, further characterized in that the first angle (101) is on the scale of approximately 70° to approximately 90°, or on the scale of approximately 80° to approximately 89°, or on the scale of approximately 85° to approximately 89°, and wherein the second angle (102) is on the scale of approximately 75° to approximately 85°, or on the scale of approximately 80° to approximately 85°.

11. The assembly of panels according to any of claims 1 to 10, further characterized in that the panels comprise a polymer material or a wood-based material.

12. The assembly of panels according to any of claims 1 to 11, further characterized in that a distance between the first panel surface (15) and the second panel surface (16) is on the scale of approximately 3 mm to approximately 15 mm, or on the scale of approximately 5 mm to approximately 8 mm.

13. The assembly of panels according to any of claims 1 to 12, further characterized in that a distance between the third panel surface (13) and the fourth panel surface (14) is on the scale of approximately 3 mm to approximately 15 mm, or on the scale of approximately 5 mm to approximately 8 mm.

14. The assembly of panels according to any of claims 1 to 13, further characterized in that the first panel surface (15) and the third panel surface (13) comprise a decorative surface.

15. The assembly of panels according to any of claims 1 to 14, further characterized in that the first and second panels are construction panels, which include at least one of: a floor panel, a wall panel or a ceiling panel.

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