Fastening system for fastening panels to an elongated supporting member with a coupling element, such a coupling element, such an elongated supporting member, a composite panel, and method for fastening such a composite panel

Abstract

The invention relates to a fastening system for fastening panels to a structure. The fastening system comprises an elongated supporting member and a coupling element for coupling a panel to the supporting member. The supporting member having first positioning elements arranged at a pitch distance, for positioning the coupling element, or each first positioning element being provided in the elongated supporting member by a second positioning means having been driven into the elongated supporting member. The coupling element having a coupling body, a first clamping element for clamping the coupling element in a groove of a panel, a second positioning element for positioning the coupling element with respect to the supporting member with a first positioning element, a central axis, and second clamping elements protruding from the coupling body on either side of the central axis for clamping the coupling element to the supporting member on either side of the central longitudinal axis on the supporting member. The plurality of first positioning elements is provided at a fixed mutual pitch distance of 2 to 35 mm from each other.

Description

[0001] Short indication: Fastening system for fastening panels to an elongated supporting member with a coupling element, such a coupling element, such an elongated supporting member, a composite panel, and method for fastening such a composite panel

[0002] Description

[0003] According to a first aspect, the present invention relates to a fastening system for fastening a plurality of panels, such as boards, to an elongated supporting member in parallel to each other. Such a system is suitable for manufacturing a composite panel made up of parallel panels, for example a vertical partition wall, a fagade or a floor. More specifically, the invention relates to a fastening system according to the preamble of claim 1

[0004] European patent application EP 3 119 960 A1 describes a system for blind and removable fastening slats to a flat floor or beam structure. The system consists of fastening means that can be clamped to a mounting rail. The fastening means are manufactured of a flexible elastic material and comprise fixation parts that can be clamped in a slot in the non-visible backside of the slat, and wings that can be clamped to a profile. The wings are provided with studs that can be clicked into cross-guides in the profile. The fastening means further comprise pins that extend from the underside of the fastening means. In a fastened state of the fastening means, the pins engage in through holes in the mounting rail that have been made at predetermined distances for this purpose. This allows for precise positioning of the fastening means on the mounting rail.

[0005] However, a disadvantage of the known fastening system is that the system is inflexible, because the fastening means and the profiles for achieving this accuracy are not matched to the dimensions of the slats in order to realize a correct mutual distance of the slats, so that the mutual distance between the panels can be adjusted with relatively large steps.

[0006] According to the first aspect, the present invention is therefore intended to provide a fastening system in accordance with the introduction, which is more flexible, i.e. can be used for panels of different sizes, and which still allows precise positioning.

[0007] The object aimed at with the first aspect is achieved by the present invention according to the first variant of the invention, because the elongated supporting member comprises a plurality of first positioning elements, wherein the first positioning elements are provided parallel to the longitudinal axis of the elongated supporting member and at a fixed mutual pitch distance of 2 to 35 mm from each other in the elongated supporting member. This allows, depending on the actual pitch distance, coupling elements to be positioned with a center-to-center distance that is a multiple of a value between 2 mm and 35 mm. This has the advantage that the fastening system can be used independent of the width of the panels. The mutual distance between two adjacent panels does not have to be greater than the respective pitch distance, but if desired, the mutual distance can of course be increased by an integer value of the pitch distance. The mutual distance does not have to be a problem, because possible expansion of the material of the panels and, of the material of the elongated supporting members, or the difference therein between, must be taken into account. Furthermore, a mutual distance between adjacent panels can be experienced as decorative. If the width of the panels to be fastened is the same, the mutual distance between adjacent panels will be constant. A further advantage is that the fastening system according to the invention can also be used to fasten boards of different widths. Thus the object of the first aspect according to the invention is achieved. It will be clear to a reader that although the fastening system is suitable for fastening panels to a fixed structure, it can also be used if the panels are not attached to a fixed structure, for example for a floor that is loose on a surface.

[0008] The object aimed at with the first aspect is achieved by the present invention according to the second variant of the invention, because the elongated supporting member comprises a plurality of first positioning elements, wherein each first positioning means is provided in the elongated supporting member by a corresponding second positioning means of a coupling body being driven, under the exertion of pressure, into an elongated supporting member that was originally free of first positioning means. This allows positioning the coupling elements in exactly the desired position, because the first positioning means can be positioned exactly as desired in the elongated supporting member, as the elongated supporting member does not comprise any preformed first positioning means. This has the advantage that the fastening system can be used regardless of the width of the panels. The mutual distance between two adjacent panels can be determined in advance, after which the mutual positions of the coupling elements can be determined depending on the width of the panels. By pressing the coupling elements with the second positioning means into the respective determined positions in the elongated supporting member, the panels are later also placed accordingly with respect to each other, furthermore, a distance between adjacent panels can be experienced as decorative. If the width of the panels to be fastened is the same, the distance between adjacent panels can be constant, but it can also vary if desired. A further advantage is that the fastening system according to the invention can also be used to fasten boards of different mutual widths, so that even the pattern of successive panels does not have to have a fixed pattern. The free spaces between two adjacent panels can also be freely varied. Thus the object of the invention according to the first aspect is achieved. The coupling elements can be applied in a mould for batch application, after which the coupling elements are pressed into an elongated supporting member using the mould. Alternatively, the coupling elements can be pressed individually into an elongated supporting member one by one via a machine, such as a programmed robot. It will be clear to a reader that although the fastening system is suitable for attaching panels to a fixed structure, it can also be used if the panels are not attached to a fixed structure, for example for a floor that is loose on a surface.

[0009] In a preferred embodiment of the first variant, the pitch distance is less than 20 mm or 10 mm, more preferably less than 7 mm. The smaller the pitch spacing, the more precisely the mutual distance between adjacent panels can be set.

[0010] If the pitch distance in the first variant is greater than 3 mm, preferably 4 mm, sufficient material can be provided between the first positioning elements so that the elongated supporting member can be made sufficiently strong.

[0011] A simple embodiment of the elongated supporting member is obtained if the elongated supporting member comprises a rail having a plurality of serrations or indentations as first positioning elements. Serrations or indentations are relatively easy to apply in the elongated supporting member by means of rollers having a toothed wheel. The second positioning element can then be arranged as a pin, which engages in a recess or indentation defined by two adjacent teeth of the rail. Compared to the well-known supporting member with through-holes, a rail with serrations is stronger, in particular if the second positioning means (through-holes versus recesses between two teeth) are located close to each other. When the pitch distance is relatively small, as in the invention, a line with perforations can be experienced as a weakening line. This is not the case with serrations.

[0012] Preferably, in the second variant the first positioning elements are formed as recesses or indentations that are pressed into the elongated supporting member via corresponding second positioning elements of coupling bodies.

[0013] A positioning can easily be achieved in the first variant if the plurality of first positioning elements comprise a plurality of recesses and the at least one second positioning element is a protrusion that is at least partially incorporated when positioned by such a recess or indentation. A recess or indentation can be formed as a through, respectively blind hole in the elongated supporting member, by a space between two adjacent teeth of a rail, or otherwise.

[0014] A reliable positioning is possible if the at least one second positioning element in the first variant comprises a pair of two at a distance of an integer plurality of the pitch distances and, at least in the state of use, adjacent second positioning elements.

[0015] A reliable positioning is also possible in the first variant if the plurality of first positioning elements includes two rows of serrations or indentations on either side of the longitudinal axis of the elongated supporting member, and the coupling element comprises two or two pairs of correspondingly oriented second positioning elements.

[0016] If the coupling element comprises a plurality of the first clamping elements aligned with respect to each other, a more reliable fastening of a panel to an elongated supporting member can be realized. The coupling element is preferably arranged in such a way that the second positioning element must engage in a first positioning element before the second clamping elements can be clamped around the elongated supporting member. For example, because a pin protrudes far enough from the coupling element as a second positioning means.

[0017] Preferably, the fastening system is provided having a cutting element extending from the coupling body having a sharp edge parallel to the first clamping elements, wherein a cutting element is preferably located between two adjacent first clamping elements. Preferably, it extends over a distance of 1-4, or 1.5-3 mm. Alternatively, other forms of protrusions may be provided at the front of the coupling body, possibly also at other positions at the frontside, which when the coupling element is clamped in the groove in an elongated panel to increase the resistance to displacement. It is also known to apply a separate element, such as a metal clip grip, which engages in an elongated panel when applied and is only, or at least substantially intended to prevent shifting along the groove of an elongated panel with respect to the coupling member.

[0018] A resistance to slipping out of a groove of a first clamping element is provided if a first clamping element has a rear surface facing the coupling element which encloses an acute angle with the longitudinal axis of the clamping element in order to provide a barb against unintentional removal of the first clamping element from a groove of a panel.

[0019] Alternatively, the or each first clamping element, from the coupling body in the direction towards one end of the clamping element facing away from the coupling body when applied, has a diverging part, or a part oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the clamping element, especially when the groove has a corresponding shape.

[0020] A good guidance for the insertion of a first clamping element into a groove is provided if the or each first clamping element, from the coupling body in the direction to one end of the clamping element facing away from the coupling body, has a converging part. In particular, if the converging part is provided at the end of the first clamping element facing away from the coupling body, and for example tapers into a point.

[0021] Another disadvantage of the known fastening system is that the load-bearing capacity of the coupling elements is limited.

[0022] The present invention therefore aims to provide a coupling element that has a greater load-bearing capacity than the coupling element of the known fastening system. This second objective is achieved by the present invention in the first place, because the first clamping element, at least on an outer surface thereof which contacts a groove of a panel when applied, is provided with a relief to increase or optimize friction between the panel and the coupling element. The relief enables greater friction, which increases the load-bearing capacity of the first clamping element.

[0023] It should be clear that this second objective can also be achieved independently of a fastening system according to the first or second variant of the first aspect, namely by means of a fastening system according to the preamble of claim 1 , wherein, however, the second clamping element protruding from the backside of the coupling body are not necessarily on either side of the central axis, but on either side of the at least one second positioning element arranged for clamping the coupling element to the elongated supporting member on either side of the central longitudinal axis of the elongated supporting member, wherein the first clamping element, at least on an outer surface thereof that contacts a groove of a panel when applied, is provided with a relief for optimizing friction between the panel and the coupling element.

[0024] Preferably, the relief is formed by ribs, wherein a rib at the upper edge thereof preferably having a shape of an angle, preferably an acute angle. The (sharp) ribs thus formed can engage the material, for example wood, of a panel.

[0025] If the or each first clamping element has a longitudinal axis and the ribs extend parallel to the longitudinal axis, the ribs can be inserted into the groove parallel to the longitudinal direction of the ribs. If the ribs extend along the entire length of the first clamping element, the ribs of a trunk are incorporated in the clamping position into the incisions cut into the groove by the front, wider part of the first clamping element. The forces that bind the coupling element, at least when used for fastening to a vertical fixed structure, are then advantageously directed perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the ribs.

[0026] An advantageous relief is realized if a base and an upper edge of a rib have a mutual distance that is in the range of 0.1 mm to 3 mm, preferably in the range of 0.2 mm - 2 mm, more preferably from 0.25 mm - 1.0 mm.

[0027] The second objective is achieved by the present invention in the second place because one or each first clamping element has a longitudinal axis and the first clamping element comprises two clamping members extending parallel to the longitudinal axis, at mutual distance of 1 mm to 10 mm, preferably 2 mm to 7 mm, arranged for contact by clamping with a groove of a panel on sides facing away from each other, can move both clamping members towards each other when inserted into a groove and then move away from each other again to apply a clamping force to material that defines the groove. Preferably, the space between the clamping members is oriented parallel to the extension direction of the groove.

[0028] It should be clear that the second objective can also be attained independently of a fastening system according to the first or second variant of the first aspect or of the relief on an outer surface of the clamping element according to the second aspect, namely according to a third aspect having a fastening system according to the preamble of claim 1 , wherein, however, the second clamping element protruding from the backside of the coupling body are not necessarily on either side of the central axis, but on either side of the at least one second positioning element arranged for clamping the coupling element to the elongated supporting member on either side of the central longitudinal axis of the elongated supporting member, wherein the or each first clamping member has a longitudinal axis and the first clamping element comprises two clamping elements parallel to the longitudinal axis, at a mutual distance of 1 mm - 10 mm, are arranged for contact by clamping with a groove of a panel on sides facing away from each other.

[0029] Preferably, the coupling element is made of a flexible material or memory material, preferably plastic, preferably polyamide, e.g. polyamide-6, or polycarbonate. In a preferred embodiment, the plastic is a fibre-reinforced, preferably fibre glass- reinforced plastic. This allows a first clamping element to be pressed when inserting into a groove of a panel, and once in the groove it returns to its original shape to apply pressure to the panel. The material can be pressed in, or the clamping elements can be moved towards each other and spring back again.

[0030] In a preferred embodiment, the elongated supporting member comprises a first guiding element and the coupling element comprises a second guiding element, the guiding elements being arranged for mutual guiding engagement. A panel can then be placed by guiding against the elongated supporting member and then guided to the correct position in order to allow the positioning elements of the elongated supporting member and the coupling element to engage with each other.

[0031] Preferably, the elongated supporting member comprises connecting elements arranged for connecting the elongated supporting member to a fixed structure. The connecting element can be arranged as a through (screw) hole.

[0032] According to a fourth aspect, the present invention relates to a coupling element defined as part of a fastening system according to one of the first three aspects of the present invention, for example in claim 1 , arranged for application with an elongated supporting member as part of a fastening system according to one of the first three aspects of the present invention, for example, in claim 1. Such a coupling element is defined in claim 10.

[0033] According to a fifth aspect, the present invention relates to an elongated supporting member defined as part of a fastening system according to one of the first three aspects of the present invention, for example in claim 1 , arranged for application with a coupling element according to the fourth aspect of the present invention. Such an elongated supporting member is defined in claim 11.

[0034] According to a sixth aspect, the present invention relates to a composite panel comprising a plurality of panels having a longitudinal axis, wherein the panels are provided with at least one groove extending parallel to the longitudinal axis thereof, in which at least one groove the or each first clamping element of at least two coupling elements according to the fourth aspect of the present invention is or are incorporated, and wherein each coupling element engages with the first clamping elements in a groove of an elongated supporting member according to the fifth aspect of the present invention, wherein at least two elongated supporting members extend parallel to and at a distance from each other, and wherein the second positioning elements of the coupling elements are each incorporated into a first positioning element of one of the at least two elongated supporting members and the second clamping elements engage in a clamping manner on one of the elongated supporting members.

[0035] Finally, according to a seventh aspect, the present invention relates to a method for assembling a composite panel, according to claim 13. Preferably, the steps do not have to be carried out in the order presented in claim 13. In the second variant, it is preferable that the elongated supporting members are manufactured at a workplace and the composite panels are further assembled at a location at a distance from the workplace, preferably a location where the product is then fastened to a fixed structure

[0036] According to an eighth aspect, the present invention relates to a method for manufacturing an elongated supporting member according to claim 14.

[0037] The mutual distance between two adjacent elongated supporting members, which extend parallel and side by side, is preferably in the range of 40 cm to 60 cm.

[0038] The present invention will now be explained in more detail below with reference to the attached drawing, in which:

[0039] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of an elongated supporting member according to the first variant of the present invention;

[0040] Figure 2a shows a perspective front view of a coupling element according to the present invention;

[0041] Figure 2b shows a perspective rear view of the coupling element of figure 2a;

[0042] Figure 3 shows a perspective view of the elongated supporting member of fig.

[0043] 1 and the coupling element of fig. 2 in the non-coupled state; Figure 4 shows a perspective view of the elongated supporting member of fig. 1 and the coupling element of fig. 2 in the coupled state;

[0044] Figure 5 shows a horizontal cross-sectional view of a panel according to the present invention;

[0045] Figure 6 shows a perspective view of the panel of figure 5, which is coupled to the coupling element and the elongated supporting member of fig.4;

[0046] Figure 7 shows a perspective view of a part of a composite panel according to the present invention;

[0047] Figure 8 shows a horizontal cross-sectional view of the panel according to the present invention having an alternative groove and of a coupling member having an alternative first clamping element;

[0048] Figure 9 shows a perspective view of the panel and the coupling element of figure 8;

[0049] Figure 10 shows a perspective view of an elongated supporting member for application in the second variant of the present invention;

[0050] Figure 11 shows a side view of an elongated mould and coupling elements for application in the second variant of the present invention;

[0051] Figure 12 shows a perspective side view of the elongated mould in which the coupling elements are incorporated, having an elongated supporting member above it according to the second variant of the present invention; and

[0052] Figure 13 shows a side view of the elongated supporting member at the moment it is pressed on the coupling elements.

[0053] Now looking at fig. 1 is shown a perspective view of a part of a rail 1 made of aluminium as an elongated supporting member according to the present invention. In cross-section, the rail 1 has two adjacent flat omega profiles 2 as a base. In the rail 1 there is a through hole 3, with which the rail 1 can be fastened to a fixed construction, not shown in the figures, for example by means of a screw or a bolt and a nut. A rail 1 according to the present invention extends over a distance of a composite panel to be manufactured and is provided having a plurality of through holes 2. The rail may be composed of two or more rails 1 extending into each other. At the top of each of the omega profiles 2 extends a T-profile 4. In line with the stem of the T of the T-profile 4, on the side facing away from the respective omega profile 2, a guide groove 5 is provided. On the faces facing each other of the T-profiles 4 is a serrated edge 6, of which the recesses 7 between the teeth 8 form first positioning elements according to the invention. On the sides of the T-profiles 4 facing away from each other, the T- profiles 4 provide a clamping edge 9.

[0054] Fig. 2a and 2b show a perspective front and rear view respectively of a coupling element 21 according to the present invention, made of fibre glass reinforced polycarbonate. In the centre of the coupling element 21 is a coupling body 22 that is composed of interconnected body parts 22a, b, c,... At the frontside (fig. 2a) of the coupling body 22, three mushroom-shaped clamps 23 protrude from the coupling body 22 as the first clamping elements according to the present invention. The clamps 23 are each arranged as an assembly of two clamping members 24a, 24b that protrude parallel to each other perpendicular to the frontside of the coupling body 22 (as if a slice had been cut from the middle of the mushroom shape) and between which there is a free space of, in this example, 5 mm. At the outer sides thereof, the clamping members 24a, 24b are provided with a relief of horizontal ribs 25 in the orientation of fig. 2a.

[0055] At the backside (fig. 2b) of the coupling body 22 there are four pairs of lugs 26 as second clamping elements, which are integrally provided with guide surfaces 27 corresponding to the guide groove 5 of rail 1 which act as second guiding elements according to the present invention, which lugs 26 are arranged around the rail 1 behind the T-profile 4, beyond the guide grooves 5.

[0056] In fig. 2b, two protrusions 28 are visible as second positioning means according to the present invention. The protrusions 28 are located at the backside of the coupling element 21 in positions that correspond to the serrated edge 6 of rail 1. The projections 28 are formed so as to converge to a point at their mutually facing ends, where the shape also corresponds to the shape of a recess 7 of the rails 1 .

[0057] Fig. 3 shows a perspective view of the orientation of the coupling element 21 with respect to the rail 1 prior to the mutual coupling thereof. Preferably, the coupling element 21 is moved to the rail 1 during coupling until the guide surfaces 27 of the coupling element 21 engage in the guide grooves 5 of the rail 1. The interaction between guide surfaces 26 and guide grooves 5 is particularly advantageous if the coupling element is planned in advance in a panel (not shown in fig. 3), wherein the panel can be relatively heavy. The coupling element 21 is then moved to a desired position via the guide, at which position the protrusions 28 are pressed into recesses 7 of the rail 1 in order to position the coupling element 21 correctly in relation to the rail and to keep in position. If more pressure is then applied to the coupling element 21 towards the rail 1 , the lugs 26 slide over the T-profile 4 until the lugs 26 on the backside of the T-profiles 4 engage the clamping edge and clamp the coupling element 21 to the rail 1.

[0058] Fig. 4 shows the rail 1 and the coupling element 21 in the coupled state in relation to a wooden board 31 having a mushroom-shaped groove 32 as a panel oriented according to the present invention. In fig. 4 you can see that the cross-section of the groove 32 corresponds to the shape of clamps 23.

[0059] In fig. 5 a cross-section of the board 31 is shown. The groove 32 has, when seen from the position of a clamp 23 to be inserted, two short converging short guide surfaces 33 that help to guide the front of a clamp 23 to groove 32 facing the board 31. Subsequently, the groove 32 has two parallel pointing resistance surfaces 34, along which a clamp 23 inserted into the groove can move in the groove 32 and which, if in an operational clamping position, together with the stem of the mushroom shape of the respective clamping members 24a, 24b, form a mutually frictional connection. Perpendicular to the distance planes 34 follow two perpendicular barb surfaces 35 that provide or increase the friction to a clamp 23 preventing the clamp 23 from simply or unintentionally moving out of groove 32. Barbed surfaces 35 are adjacent to a composite contact surface 36 with sub-surfaces 36a, b, c, d, e which, in operational state, are engaged by clamping by clamping members 24a, 24b of a clamp 23.

[0060] Now looking again at fig. 4, the board 31 is moved towards the coupling element 21 , and in practice towards a plurality of coupling elements 21 provided above each other, in such a way that the clamp 23 contact the short guide surfaces 33 of the board 31. Then the board 31 is pushed through until the clamps 23 are completely incorporated into the groove 32. During this displacement, the clamping members 24a, 24b are moved towards each other when passing through the resistance surfaces 34. After the relatively wide part of the respective clamps 23 and the resistance surfaces 36 have completely passed, the clamping members 24a, 24b diverge from each other and clamp against the inside of the groove 32. This means that the clamping connection between the board 31 and the coupling element has been realized. This state is shown, at least for one end of the board 31 , in fig. 6. Of course, the board 31 can be provided with coupling elements 21 in a similar way at both ends and possibly also between both ends.

[0061] In fig. 6 it is also visible that a bolt 37 has been inserted through the through hole (not visible in fig. 6) on which a nut 38 has been tightened to fasten the rail 1 to a fixed structure not visible in fig. 6.

[0062] Fig. 7 shows a composite panel 41 of boards 31 which, according to the present invention, are coupled to two rails 1 positioned at an angle to each other by means of coupling elements 21 , and which composite panel 41 can be fastened to a fixed structure not shown in fig.7.

[0063] Fig. 8 shows a horizontal cross-sectional view of the board 61 having an alternative clamping element 51. The groove 62 in the board 61 has, seen from the position of clamping elements 54a, 54b, two short converging short guide surfaces 63 which help to guide the front of the clamping elements 54a, 54b towards the board 61 to the groove 62. Subsequently, the groove 62 has two parallel pointing resistance surfaces 64, along which the clamping members 54a, 54b inserted into the groove can move in the groove 62 and which, if in an operational clamping position, together with the stem of the mushroom shape of the respective clamping members 54a, 54b form a mutually resistive connection. Two barb surfaces 65 that provide or increase the resistance to clamping members 54a, 54b prevent the clamping members 54a, 54b from easily or unintentionally moving out of groove 62. The barb surfaces 55 are adjacent to a composite contact surface 56 with sub-surfaces 56a, b, c, which in operational state are clamped by clamping members 54a, 54b.

[0064] Clamping element 51 is further provided with cutting elements 59 which, in the embodiment, are located on the outer sides of the clamping element, and thus limit the group of clamping elements 54a, 54b of the clamping element 51. When applied, the cutting elements 51 cut perpendicular to groove 62 in a board 61 and thus prevent the board 61 from shifting in the longitudinal direction of the groove 62.

[0065] Fig. 9 shows a perspective view of the board 61 and the coupling element 51 from Fig. 8, but with the coupling element 51 incorporated into the groove 62 of the board 61. The same reference numbers are used in fig. 9 and in fig. 8.

[0066] Fig. 10 shows a perspective view of a rail 81 as an elongated supporting member according to and for application in the second variant of the present invention. The rail 81 is formed as rail 1 , but in rail 81 the recesses 8 from rail 1 are missing. In shades of grey, the positions v are drawn and indicated by 87 where protrusions (128, see figures 12 and 13) as the second positioning elements of the coupling elements 121 when applied, i.e. when the coupling elements 121 are pressed into the rail 81 , and make recesses in the rail 81 in which the protrusions 128 are then directly incorporated to prevent the displacement of a coupling member 121. In order to prevent further unnecessary introduction of parts of rail 81 , parts of rail 81 corresponding to rail 1 are provided having a reference number that is 80 higher than that of the relevant parts of rail 1. Rail 81 may also be provided with a through hole not shown in fig. 10, similar to hole 3 of rail 1.

[0067] Fig. 11 shows a side view of an elongated mould 101 and coupling elements 121 for use in the second variant of the present invention. The coupling element 121 is arranged as coupling element 21 , however, as can be seen in fig. 12, in coupling element 121 the protrusions 128 are arranged differently, so that they are suitable for penetrating the material of the rail 81. In this example, the elongated mould has a length that corresponds to the length of rail 81 not shown in fig. 11. In this embodiment at fixed intervals, which are determined on the basis of the desired positions for the panels for a composite panel to be manufactured, receiving spaces 102 are provided, in which one coupling element 121 can be included at a time. Corresponding coupling elements 121 are shown in fig. 11 above the rail 81.

[0068] Fig. 12 shows a perspective side view of the elongated mould 101 in which the coupling elements 121 are incorporated, having a rail 81 above it. In order to avoid unnecessary introduction of parts of the coupling element 121 , the corresponding parts of coupling element 121 have been provided having a reference number that is 100 higher than that of the relevant parts of coupling element 21. Rail 81 is positioned in relation to mould 101 and coupling elements 121 provided therein in such a way that elements of coupling elements 121 on the one hand and rail 81 that have to cooperate for attaching coupling elements 121 to rail 81 are aligned with each other. That is, the lugs 126 of the coupling elements 121 are aligned with respect to the clamping edge 89 of the rail 81 , the guide surfaces 127 of the coupling elements are aligned 121 with respect to the guide grooves 85 of the rail 81 , and edges of protrusions 128 as second guiding elements of coupling element 121 are aligned with the continuous, that is, free of recesses or serrations, edge 86 of the rail 81. Fig. 13 shows a side view of the rail 81 at the moment it is pressed on the coupling elements 121. Although this is not clearly visible in fig. 13, it can be deduced in combination with fig. 12 that the guide surfaces 127 of the coupling elements 121 in cooperation with the guiding groove 85 of the rail 81 may help with the alignment of the coupling elements 121 and the rail 81. When the rail 81 is pushed further towards the mould 101 , the lugs 126 of the coupling elements 121 grip behind the clamping edge 89 of the rail 81 and the protrusions 128 of the coupling elements 121 are pressed into the continuous edge 86 of the rail 81 , where, in this embodiment, these create recesses in the edge 86. The recesses prevent the coupling elements 121 clamped on the rail 81 from shifting in the longitudinal direction of the rail 81. The continuous edge 86 is now no longer continuous, because it is interrupted by the recesses created by the protrusions 128. Grooved panels can now be clamped to the track 81 with the attached coupling elements 121 , as described above.

[0069] The present invention is shown and described in the attached figure and in the text with reference to the preferred embodiments. However, it should be clear that many variants, whether or not obvious to the skilled person, are conceivable within the scope of protection of the present invention, which is defined in the attached claims.

[0070] In this embodiment, the rail is made of aluminium, but could also be made of another material, for example plastic or composite. A panel is described in the design example as a wooden board, but can also be made of another material such as plastic. The desired pitch distance can depend on the properties of the material, and can be smaller than the width of a panel, for example. In this case, a panel has two or more parallel grooves for accommodating coupling elements. The panels do not have to have a rectangular cross-section and can be arranged as (wide) longitudinal profiles. The composite wall in the embodiment is a vertical wall, but depending on the application, it can also be arranged as a horizontal or even sloping wall. In fig. 2, the clamping element is provided with three clamps, but that can also be a different number. In the figures in which the coupling element is inserted into a groove, one and a half clamps are still visible, suggesting that a groove accommodates half a coupling element. However, if a coupling element is not completely attached to the extreme end of a board, but at some distance thereof, the coupling element and possibly also the rail can be concealed behind the boards of a composite panel. List of reference numbers

[0071] 1 , rail

[0072] 2 omega profile

[0073] 3 through hole

[0074] 4 T-profile

[0075] 5 guiding groove

[0076] 6 serrated edge

[0077] 7 recess

[0078] 8 tooth

[0079] 9 clamping edge

[0080] 21 coupling element

[0081] 22 coupling body

[0082] 23 clamp

[0083] 24a, b clamping member

[0084] 25 rib

[0085] 26 lug

[0086] 27 guiding surface

[0087] 28 protrusion

[0088] 31 board

[0089] 32 groove

[0090] 33 short guiding surface

[0091] 34 resistance surface

[0092] 35 barb surface

[0093] 36 contact surface

[0094] 37 bolt

[0095] 38 nut

[0096] 41 composite panel

[0097] 51 coupling element

[0098] 52 coupling body

[0099] 54a, b coupling member

[0100] 55 rib

[0101] 56 lug 57 guiding surface

[0102] 59 cutting element

[0103] 61 board

[0104] 62 groove

[0105] 63 short guiding surface

[0106] 64 resistance surface

[0107] 65 barb surface

[0108] 66 contact surface

[0109] 81 rail

[0110] 82 omega profile

[0111] 84 T-profile

[0112] 85 guiding groove

[0113] 86 continuous edge

[0114] 89 clamping edge

[0115] 101 mould

[0116] 102 receiving space

[0117] 121 coupling element

[0118] 126 lug

[0119] 127 guiding surface

[0120] 128 protrusion

Claims

CLAIMS1 . Fastening system for fastening panels to a fixed structure, the fastening system comprising an elongated supporting member having a central longitudinal axis, the elongated supporting member being fastened, or at least being fastenable, to a fixed structure, and a coupling element arranged for coupling a panel to the elongated supporting member, wherein the elongated supporting member is provided with a plurality of first positioning elements located in the elongated supporting member, arranged for positioning the coupling element with respect to the elongated supporting member, wherein the coupling element is provided with a coupling body having a frontside and a backside, a first clamping element protruding from the frontside of the coupling body arranged for fastening the coupling element in a clamping manner in a groove of a panel corresponding to the first clamping element, at least one second positioning element protruding from the backside of the coupling body arranged for positioning the coupling element in cooperation with a first positioning element provided in the elongated supporting member with respect to the elongated supporting member, a central axis, which in the thus positioned state with respect to the elongated supporting member extends parallel to the central longitudinal axis of the elongated supporting member, and second clamping elements protruding from the backside of the coupling body on either side of the central axis, that are arranged for clamping the coupling element to the elongated supporting member, on either side of the central longitudinal axis of the elongated supporting member, wherein: in a first variant, the elongated supporting member comprises a plurality of first positioning elements, the first positioning elements being provided parallel to the longitudinal axis of the elongated supporting member and at a fixed mutual pitch distance of 2 to 35 mm from each other in the elongated supporting member; orin a second variant, the elongated supporting member comprises a plurality of first positioning elements, wherein each first positioning means is provided in the elongated supporting member by a corresponding second positioning means of the coupling body being driven, under the exertion of pressure, into an elongated supporting member that was originally free of first positioning means.

2. Fastening system according to claim 1 , wherein in the first variant the pitch distance is in the range of 3 mm to 20 mm, and most preferably in the range of 4 mm to 10 mm or mm, and / or wherein the elongated supporting member comprises a rail having a plurality of indentations or recesses configured as serrations serving as first positioning elements.

3. Fastening system according to claim 1 , wherein in the second variant the first positioning elements are formed as recesses or indentations or which are pressed into the elongated supporting member by means of corresponding second positioning elements of coupling bodies.

4. Fastening system according to one or more of the foregoing claims, wherein a second clamping element and a second positioning element form a single integral element, and / or wherein the second clamping elements protruding from the backside of the coupling body are provided on either side of the at least one second positioning body.

5. Fastening system according to one or more of the foregoing claims, wherein the plurality of first positioning elements comprises a plurality of indentations or recesses and wherein the at least one second positioning element is a protrusion that is at least partially incorporated when positioning through such indentation or recess.

6. Fastening system according to one or more of the foregoing claims, wherein in the first variant the at least one second positioning element comprises a pair of two second positioning elements arranged at a distance corresponding to an integer plurality of the pitch distances and adjacent to each other, and / or wherein in the first or second variant the plurality of first positioning elements comprises two rows of indentations or recesses provided on either side of the longitudinal axis of the elongated supporting member, and wherein the coupling element comprises two or two pairs of correspondingly oriented second positioning elements.

7. Fastening system according to one or more of the foregoing claims, wherein a coupling member comprises a plurality of first clamping elements aligned in relation toeach other, wherein the fastening system preferably is provided with a cutting element extending from the coupling body having a sharp edge parallel to the first clamping elements, wherein the cutting element is preferably located between two adjacent first clamping elements.

8. Fastening system according to one or more of the foregoing claims, wherein the first clamping element, at least on an outer surface thereof that contacts a groove of a panel when applied, is provided with a relief for optimizing a friction between the panel and the coupling element, the relief preferably being formed by ribs, wherein a rib at an upper edge thereof preferentially having a shape of an angle, preferably an acute angle, wherein the or each first clamping element preferably has a longitudinal axis and the ribs extend parallel to the longitudinal axis, wherein furthermore a base and an upper edge of an edge preferably have a mutual distance in the range of 0,1 mm to 3 mm, preferably in the range of 0.2 mm - 2 mm, further preferably of 0.25 mm - 1.0 mm.

9. Fastening system according to one or more of the foregoing claims, wherein the elongated supporting member comprises a first guiding element and the coupling element comprises a second guiding element, the guiding elements arranged for mutual guiding engagement.

10. Coupling element arranged for application with an elongated supporting member provided in a first variant, or in a second variant when applying to an elongated supporting member, of a plurality of first positioning elements, arranged for positioning of the coupling element with respect to the elongated member, the coupling element comprising a coupling body having a frontside and a backside, a first clamping element protruding from the frontside of the coupling body arranged for fastening the coupling element in a clamping manner in a groove of a panel, at least one second positioning element protruding from the backside of the coupling body arranged for positioning the coupling element with respect to the elongated body, a central axis, which in the thus positioned state with respect to the elongated supporting member extends parallel to the central longitudinal axis of the elongated supporting member, andsecond clamping elements protruding from the backside of the coupling body on either side of the central axis, that are arranged for clamping to the elongated supporting member, on either side of the central longitudinal axis of the elongated supporting member.

11. Elongated supporting member: in a first variant comprising a plurality of first positioning elements being provided at a fixed mutual distance with respect to the longitudinal axis, arranged for positioning the coupling element with respect to the elongated member, wherein the plurality of first positioning elements are provided at a fixed mutual pitch distance of 2 to 35 mm from each other; or in a second variant, which is free of first positioning elements prior to fastening coupling bodies thereon, wherein the elongated supporting member is arranged for the provision of indentations or recesses, under the exertion of pressure, in the elongated supporting member during the positioning of coupling bodies.

12. Composite panel comprising a plurality of panels having a longitudinal axis, wherein the panels are provided with at least one groove extending parallel to the longitudinal axis thereof, in which at least one groove or each first clamping element of at least two coupling elements according to claim 10 is or are incorporated, and wherein each coupling element engages with the first clamping elements in a groove of an elongated supporting member according to claim 11 , wherein at least two elongated supporting members extend parallel to and at a distance from each other, and wherein the second positioning elements of the coupling elements are each incorporated into a first positioning element of one of the at least two elongated supporting members and the second clamping elements engage in a clamping manner on one of the elongated supporting members.

13. Method of assembling a composite panel, according to a first variant comprising the steps of:- providing two or more elongated supporting members according to the first variant of claim 11 ;- providing a plurality of coupling elements according to claim 20;- providing a plurality of elongated panels, having a longitudinal axis and provided with at least one groove extending parallel to the longitudinal axis having agroove profile, wherein a cross-section of the grooves corresponds to the shape of a first clamping element of the coupling elements;- parallel and spaced-apart positioning of at least two elongated supporting members;- positioning a second positioning element of a coupling element with respect to each other perpendicular in a direction of extension of the at least two elongated supporting members, always aligned in a first positioning element of each of the at least two elongated supporting members;- clamping the respective second clamping elements to the respective elongated supporting members,- pressing the groove of an elongated panel over the first clamping elements of coupling elements aligned to each other; and- providing a next elongated panel and repeating the steps mentioned above required for applying a next elongated panel; or according to a second variant comprising the steps of: providing two or more elongated supporting members according to the second variant of claim 11 ;- providing an elongated mould corresponding to the elongated supporting members, arranged for the incorporation secured against sliding of coupling elements according to claim 10 in the elongated mould;- providing a plurality of coupling elements according to claim 10;- positioning the plurality of coupling elements in positions corresponding to a pattern of panels of a composite panel to be assembled in the elongated mould, having at least one second positioning element of each coupling element protruding perpendicular from the elongated mould;- positioning one of the elongated supporting member on the elongated mould in such a way, that the second positioning means of the coupling elements in the elongated mould are aligned with positions on which second positioning means are to be positioned on the respective elongated supporting member for assembling the composite panel;- pressing the second positioning elements into the respective elongated supporting member and clamping the coupling elements to the respective elongated supporting member at the same time as the second clamping elements;- repeating the above steps until each of the two or more elongated supporting members is provided with coupling elements;- parallel with respect to each other and spaced-apart positioning of the two or more elongated supporting members, wherein the coupling elements are aligned to each other perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the elongated supporting members,- providing a plurality of elongated panels, having a longitudinal axis and provided with at least one groove extending parallel to the longitudinal axis having a groove profile, wherein a cross-section of the grooves corresponds to the shape of a first clamping element of the coupling elements;- repeatedly pressing the groove of an elongated panel over the first clamping elements of aligned coupling elements until the composite panel is assembled,14. Method for manufacturing an elongated supporting member according to the second variant of claims 1 and 11 , the method comprising the steps of:- providing an elongated supporting member according to the second variant of claim 11 ;- providing an elongated mould corresponding to the elongated supporting members, arranged for incorporation secured against sliding of coupling elements according to claim 10 in the elongated mould;- providing a plurality of coupling elements according to claim 10;- positioning the plurality of coupling elements in positions corresponding to a pattern of panels of a composite panel to be assembled in the elongated mould, having at least one second positioning element of each coupling element protruding perpendicular from the elongated mould;- positioning one of the elongated supporting members on the elongated mould in such a way that the second positioning means of the coupling elements in the elongated mould are aligned with positions on which second positioning means are to be positioned on the elongated supporting member for assembling of a fastening system.- pressing the second positioning elements into the respective elongated supporting member and clamping the coupling elements to the respective elongated supporting member at the same time as the second clamping elements.

15. Method according to claim 13, wherein in the second variant the elongated supporting member according to claim 14 is manufactured at a workplace and the composite panels are further assembled at a location at a distance from the workplace, preferably a location where the composite panel is then fastened to a fixed structure.

Images