Joining system for furniture parts

Abstract

A joining system (1) for furniture parts (10, 20), comprising a female coupling recess (30) formed in a first furniture part (10), a male coupling tongue (40) formed in a second furniture part (20), wherein said female coupling recess (30) being adapted to receive the male coupling tongue (40) and wherein said male coupling tongue (40) comprising a first locking element (50) protruding towards a first side (115) of the female coupling recess (30) and being configured for a snap joint interlocking engagement with a second locking element (60) in said female coupling recess (30) for locking the first furniture part (10) to the second furniture part (20) by a relative movement of the first and second furniture parts (10, 20) into a connected state, and wherein the joining system (1) is configured for elastic movement of the male coupling tongue (40) and / or the female coupling recess (30) in a direction being perpendicular to a longitudinal direction (L1) of the joining system (1) during connection and / or disconnection.

Description

[0001] JOINING SYSTEM FOR FURNITURE PARTS

[0002] Technical Field

[0003] The invention relates to assembly of furniture and to joining systems for connecting furniture parts, to methods for manufacturing joining systems and to furniture comprising such joining systems.

[0004] Although applicable in various settings, the invention finds particular utility in the assembly of furniture, cabinets, wall mounts, and other furnishings typically encountered in private, public, and commercial buildings.

[0005] Background

[0006] In the recent years the furniture industry is gradually replacing traditional fastening and joining methods using nails and screw and nut joining elements with various snap-locking joining systems. This trend vastly facilitates installation of furniture such as for example book shelves, wardrobes and cupboards. An example of such a joining system is described in US 9 714 672 (B2) where a set of panels includes a first panel having a first main plane and a second panel having a second main plane. The panels are provided with a mechanical locking device for locking a first edge of the first panel to a second edge of the second panel. The mechanical locking device includes an edge section groove at the first edge, wherein an edge section of the second edge is insertable into the edge section groove. A locking tongue is pre-fitted in an insertion groove provided in the edge section groove and cooperates with a tongue groove provided at the edge section of the second panel.

[0007] The complexity of the joining systems in the prior art is a problem that entails complicated and expensive manufacturing processes. A further problem with the prior art systems is lack of stability in certain load directions. Stability may be sufficient when subjected to a force in one direction, but not in another direction(s). If subjected to a force in another direction, normally the opposite direction, prior art joining systems may be weaker and eventually flex, deflect or bend in an undesired way. These uneven stability properties of the joints have to be taken into account when designing a piece of furniture, which potentially limits available design options in the design process.

[0008] Additionally, prior art joining systems may exhibit sufficient strength but lack in ease of connection and disconnection and vice versa. It is an objective to at least partly overcome one or more of the above-identified limitations of the prior art.

[0009] One such objective is to offer a user-friendly joining system that ensures a quick and sufficiently strong connection between two furniture parts.

[0010] Another objective is to provide a joining system and a furniture comprising such a joining system that facilitates disassembly.

[0011] One object is to provide a joining system that facilitates assembly by providing stability in the joining system to facilitate maintaining two connected furniture parts in a desired relative orientation.

[0012] One object is to provide a joining system reduces the requirements on the structural integrity of the material in the furniture parts in which the joining system is provided.

[0013] One object is to provide a joining system which can be manufactured in highspeed manufacturing processes.

[0014] One object is to provide a joining system where the male and female coupling is formed in one piece, i.e. integrally, with the respective furniture parts.

[0015] One or more of these objectives, as well as further objectives that may appear from the description below, are at least partly achieved by one or more of the aspects below. This includes joining systems, furniture parts, furniture and embodiments thereof being defined by the dependent claims.

[0016] In a first aspect is a joining system for furniture parts provided. The joining system comprising a female coupling recess formed in a first furniture part, the first furniture part comprising a base surface on two sides of the female coupling recess, a male coupling tongue projecting from a base surface of an adjoining second furniture part, wherein the base surface extends on two sides of the male coupling tongue, said female coupling recess being adapted to receive the male coupling tongue. The male coupling tongue comprising a first locking element protruding towards a first side of the female coupling recess and being configured for a snap joint interlocking engagement with a second locking element in said female coupling recess, a first guiding surface arranged on a second side of the female coupling recess on the first furniture part, located opposite to the first side thereof, said first guiding surface is configured to engage the male coupling tongue during insertion thereof into the female coupling recess. The guiding surface thus forces the first and second locking elements into engagement during insertion of male coupling tongue into the female coupling recess and maintains the snap joint interlocking engagement in a secure manner, facilitating a strong connection between the first and second furniture parts.

[0017] The female coupling recess is preferably integrally formed with the first furniture part. Similarly, the male coupling tongue is preferably integrally formed with second furniture part.

[0018] The first locking element and the second locking element may be mutually configured to provide an increasing vertical locking force during a movement of the male coupling tongue towards the first side of the female coupling recess. As such, the friction between the first and second furniture parts increases which facilitates keeping the desired alignment. Moreover, tolerances in the manufacturing of the first and second furniture parts can be better tolerated by the provision of a joining system according to the foregoing.

[0019] The first guiding surface may comprise a first guiding section configured to provide / impart an increasing lateral movement to the male coupling tongue towards the first side with increasing insertion depth into the female coupling recess. As such, the joining system facilitates connection of the first and second furniture parts in a guided movement where the first and second locking elements are secured with a mutual overlap, while reducing the risk of damaging the joining system.

[0020] The first guiding section may comprise a curved and / or inclined surface having a curvature and / or incline towards the first side of the female coupling recess with increasing depth in the female coupling recess.

[0021] The first guiding surface may comprise a female lower lateral locking surface configured to provide abutment against the male coupling tongue as the male coupling tongue is inserted into the female coupling recess. The female lower lateral locking surface may have an essentially vertical extension.

[0022] The joining system may comprise a plurality of lateral locking contact areas between the first furniture part and the second furniture part and wherein at least one lateral locking contact area is also a vertical locking contact area. As such, by providing a multidirectional locking contact area, the joining system is less vulnerable to large tolerances in the manufacturing of the first and second furniture parts. Additionally, the joining system facilitates assembly of the first and second furniture parts as a self- supporting unit.

[0023] The lateral locking contact area arranged furthest away in a vertical direction from the base surfaces of the first and second furniture parts may be arranged laterally intermediately of the first and third lateral contact areas, thus forming a triangular relationship of the lateral locking contact areas which improves the stability as provided by the joining system to the first and second furniture parts. Assembly of the furniture parts is thus facilitated.

[0024] The joining system may comprise a plurality of vertical locking contact areas and wherein at least one vertical locking contact area is also a lateral locking contact area. As such, by providing a multidirectional locking contact area in both a vertical and lateral direction, the joining system is less vulnerable to large tolerances in the manufacturing of the first and second furniture parts. Additionally, the joining system facilitates assembly of the first and second furniture parts as a self-supporting unit.

[0025] The vertical locking contact area arranged furthest away in a vertical direction from the base surfaces of the first and second furniture parts is arranged at least partially laterally intermediately of the first and third vertical contact areas. Thus is a triangular relationship of the vertical locking contact areas formed, which improves the stability as provided by the joining system to the first and second furniture parts. Assembly of the furniture parts is thus facilitated.

[0026] The male coupling tongue may comprise a recessed portion on a side thereof facing the second side in the female coupling recess and wherein a locking surface of male coupling tongue is arranged on the recessed portion and configured to abut against the first guiding surface during insertion of the male coupling tongue into the female coupling recess. As such, the vertical friction force between the male coupling tongue and the first guiding section of the first guiding surface can be reduced, facilitating connection of the joining system.

[0027] A locking surface of the male coupling tongue may be configured to abut against the female lower lateral locking surface as the male coupling tongue is inserted into the female coupling recess. Accordingly, secure lateral locking can be achieved as well as the desired overlap between the first and second locking elements. Moreover, the locking surface as well as the female lower lateral locking surface may be parallelly oriented whereby an increased contact therebetween can be achieved and thus a frictional force that improves the vertical locking strength of the joining system.

[0028] The second locking element of the female coupling recess may comprise an inclined surface for contact with the first locking element in a connected state of the joining system. The inclined contact surface may be arranged with an angle between 5° and 70°, preferably between 20° and 60°, even more preferred between 35° to 50°, in relation to a lateral direction. The inclined surface facilitates reducing the vulnerability of the joining system for tolerances in the manufacturing of the first and second furniture parts, while simultaneously providing vertical and lateral locking / alignment. The first locking element of the male coupling tongue may comprise an inclined contact surface for contact with the second locking element in a connected state of the joining system. The inclined contact surface being arranged with an angle between 5° and 70°, preferably between 20° and 60°, even more preferred between 30° to 50°, in relation to a lateral direction. The inclined contact surface facilitates reducing the vulnerability of the joining system for tolerances in the manufacturing of the first and second furniture parts, while simultaneously providing vertical and lateral locking / alignment.

[0029] The inclined contact surface and the inclined surface may be parallel with each other, increasing the contact area therebetween which reduces contact stress and increases the friction force for preventing movement therebetween.

[0030] The female coupling recess may be configured to be more resilient than the male coupling tongue such that the majority of the elastic movement takes place in the female coupling recess during insertion of the male coupling tongue into the female coupling recess. It may be desired that the majority of elastic movement takes place in the female coupling recess as the male coupling tongue, especially when formed in certain brittle or porous materials, can be more susceptible to being damaged due its protrusion and exposed shape. The female coupling recess can be formed to make use of the material in the first furniture part surrounding the female coupling recess, thus being better suited to elastically deform / move in comparison to the male coupling tongue.

[0031] A lateral spacing may be provided between the first locking element and the first side of the female coupling recess, reducing the vulnerability for varying tolerances in the manufacturing of the joining system and / or the first and second furniture parts. Preferably, the lateral spacing is provided below the combined lateral and vertical locking contact area.

[0032] A distance from a base surface of the second furniture part to a distal end of an inclined contact surface of the first locking element may be equal to or larger than a distance from a base surface of the first furniture part to a proximal end of an inclined surface of the second locking element. During insertion of the male coupling tongue into the female coupling recess, at least the female coupling recess is configured to elastically deform whereby the proximal end of the inclined contact surface moves laterally and to a certain extent vertically towards the base surface of the second furniture part, whereby during the opposite movement when snap joint engagement is achieved between the first and second locking elements, a pretension force will be applied to the joining system pulling the first and second furniture parts together in the vertical direction and facilitating lateral alignment.

[0033] The first side of the female coupling recess may be arranged closer to a side surface of the first furniture part than the second side.

[0034] The joining system may further comprise an elasticity groove provided in the base surface of the first furniture part and having an extension in a longitudinal direction of the joining system, wherein the elasticity groove is parallel with the female coupling recess. The elasticity groove allows control of the elasticity and rigidity of the material in the first furniture part, thus improving functionality of the joining system and adaptation thereof to use in furniture parts formed from materials with large variations in material properties.

[0035] The elasticity groove may be arranged on the side of the female coupling recess closest to the first side thereof, which is the side that is intended to elastically deform during insertion of the male coupling tongue.

[0036] The elasticity groove may be provided at a distance from the female coupling recess as measured along the base surface of between 2mm to 20mm, preferably between 4mm and 10mm.

[0037] The side surface of the first furniture part may comprise a reinforcing element attached thereto configured to improve the resilience of the material in the first furniture part between the female coupling recess and the side surface. The joining system can thus be used even in materials that lack inherent structural integrity and elasticity. Moreover, the joining system, particularly the female coupling recess thereof, can be arranged closer to the side surface without risk of damage to the female coupling recess during connection and disconnection of the joining system.

[0038] The female coupling recess may comprise a first longitudinal section and a second longitudinal section, and wherein the first guiding surface is provided in the first longitudinal section but not in the second longitudinal section. As such, better absorption and adaptation of the forces incurred during connection and disconnection of the joining system can be achieved. Additionally, the vertical locking force can be controlled by varying the accumulated lengths and relative lengths of the first longitudinal sections and second longitudinal sections respectively.

[0039] The female coupling recess may comprise a first longitudinal section and a second longitudinal section, and wherein the second locking element is provided in the second longitudinal section but not in the first longitudinal section. As such, better absorption and adaptation of the forces incurred during connection and disconnection of the joining system can be achieved. Additionally, the vertical locking force can be controlled by varying the accumulated lengths and relative lengths of the first longitudinal sections and second longitudinal sections respectively.

[0040] The second longitudinal section may be provided between two first longitudinal sections.

[0041] The joining system may further comprise a release tool configured at least partially release the snap joint interlocking engagement of the male coupling tongue in the female coupling recess. The release tool is configured to be inserted into an opening in the first furniture part thus engaging the male coupling tongue, the release tool comprises a first portion configured to be inserted into a spacing formed between a lower surface of the male coupling tongue and a bottom surface of the female coupling recess. The joining system can thus be disconnected from the connected state in a controlled manner by the release tool imparting a force which induces a pivoting relative movement between the first and second furniture part. When partially released, the joining system can thereafter be fully released either by a continued pivoting and / or vertical relative movement between the first and second furniture part. The release tool controls the disconnection of the joining system, also reducing the risk of incorrect disassembly which could incur damage to the joining system.

[0042] The first portion may have a cross-sectional shape that corresponds to the shape of the opening in the first furniture part, thus facilitating correct insertion of the release tool into the opening.

[0043] The first portion may have an X or L-shaped cross-sectional shape.

[0044] The first portion may be configured to be arranged between a bottom surface in the female coupling recess and an opposite facing chamfered surface on the male coupling tongue. The chamfered surface facilitates directing the force imparted by the release tool in a vertical and lateral direction simultaneously, effectively pushing the male coupling tongue towards the second side in the female coupling recess and vertically simultaneously which facilitates controlled disconnection from the connected state of the joining system.

[0045] The release tool may be configured to provide an increasing force at least partially in a vertical direction to the lower surface of the male coupling tongue with increased insertion of the first portion in a longitudinal direction thereof into the spacing. The increasing force allows a user to control disassembly and feedback from the insertion will be received by the user, which will effectively facilitate disassembly of the joining system.

[0046] The release tool may be configured to release the snap joint interlocking engagement by inducing elastic movement of the joining system by pushing on the male coupling tongue. More particularly, the inclined contact surface and / or the inclined surface of the first and second locking elements respectively may impart a force that acts on the female coupling recess such that the male coupling tongue and / or the female coupling recess elastically deforms to allow disconnection of the joining system.

[0047] A height of an engaging portion of the first portion may increases with increasing distance in a longitudinal direction from a distal end of the first portion.

[0048] The joining system may be configured to join the first furniture part to the second furniture part in an angular relative orientation or in a parallel relative orientation, the angular relative orientation may be a perpendicular relative orientation or any other acute or obtuse angular relationship.

[0049] The joining system may have extension along a longitudinal direction being essentially perpendicular to a vertical direction, and wherein the joining system is configured for elastic movement of the male coupling tongue and / or the female coupling recess in a direction being perpendicular to the longitudinal direction during connection and / or disconnection, and wherein the amount of elastic movement of the male coupling tongue and / or the female coupling recess during connection is configured to vary along the longitudinal direction. As such, the elastic movement can be distributed along the length of the male and / or female coupling tongue / recess which reduces local material stresses and facilitates providing the joining system herein in materials with different material properties, e.g. in brittle materials and / or in materials that are heterogenous and / or in materials with low structural integrity. Moreover, it allows a larger degree of freedom in forming the vertical and / or lateral locking elements.

[0050] The elastic movement of the male coupling tongue in a lateral direction may be configured to gradually increase with increased distance in at least one direction along the longitudinal direction from a central portion of the male coupling tongue. The elastic movement can thus be distributed along the length of the male coupling tongue which reduces local material stresses and facilitates providing the male coupling tongue in materials with different material properties, e.g. in brittle materials and / or in materials that are heterogenous and / or in materials with low structural integrity. Moreover, it allows a larger degree of freedom in forming the vertical and / or lateral locking elements.

[0051] The elastic movement of the female coupling recess, specifically of the second locking element thereof, may be configured to decrease in at least one direction along the longitudinal direction from a central portion thereof. The elastic movement can thus be distributed along the length of the female coupling recess which reduces local material stresses and facilitates providing the female coupling recess in materials with different material properties, e.g. in brittle materials and / or in materials that are heterogenous and / or in materials with low structural integrity. Moreover, it allows a larger degree of freedom in forming the vertical and / or lateral locking elements.

[0052] The first guiding surface may be provided only along a portion of the longitudinal length of the female coupling recess, thus allowing a reduction / control of the vertical friction force required for insertion and / or extraction of the male coupling tongue into / out of the female coupling recess.

[0053] A plurality of first guiding surfaces may be provided along the longitudinal length of the female coupling recess, thus allowing a reduction / control of the vertical friction force required for insertion and / or extraction of the male coupling tongue into / out of the female coupling recess. A plurality of first guiding surfaces is particularly beneficial for joining systems having a length above 50 cm.

[0054] The female coupling recess may comprise a first longitudinal section and a second longitudinal section, wherein the second longitudinal section is recessed in a lateral direction on the second side of the female coupling recess in relation to the first longitudinal section such that a lateral distance between the second locking element and the first guiding surface is larger in each second longitudinal section than in each first longitudinal section, thus allowing a reduction / control of the vertical friction force required for insertion and / or extraction of the male coupling tongue into / out of the female coupling recess.

[0055] The female coupling recess, specifically the second locking element thereof, may be configured to elastically move in the lateral direction away from the second side during connection and / or disconnection of the joining system. By allowing the elastic movement to be taking place in the second locking element in the female coupling recess, it can be controlled that this elastic movement provides the desired resistance and / or resilience by orienting / placing the female coupling recess in the first furniture part such that the second locking element attains the desired resilience. For instance, by orienting / placing the female coupling recess near an edge of the first furniture part.

[0056] The male coupling tongue may be configured to at least temporarily, along the longitudinal direction, assume an at least partially curved shape during connection and / or disconnection of the joining system. The elastic movement can thus be distributed along the length of the male coupling tongue which reduces local material stresses and facilitates providing the male coupling tongue in materials with different material properties, e.g. in brittle materials and / or in materials that are heterogenous and / or in materials with low structural integrity. Moreover, it allows a larger degree of freedom in forming the vertical and / or lateral locking elements.

[0057] The second locking element of the female coupling recess may be configured to at least temporarily, along the longitudinal direction, assume an at least partially curved shape during connection and / or disconnection of the joining system. The elastic movement can thus be distributed along the length of the female coupling recess which reduces local material stresses and facilitates providing the female coupling recess in materials with different material properties, e.g. in brittle materials and / or in materials that are heterogenous and / or in materials with low structural integrity. Moreover, it allows a larger degree of freedom in forming the vertical and / or lateral locking elements.

[0058] The joining system may further comprise a dowel being provided adjacent to a first longitudinal end of the female coupling recess, wherein the dowel is configured to provide a lateral biasing force acting to maintain the first locking element in engagement with the second locking element in the region of the first longitudinal end. The dowel provides improved vertical locking especially in an embodiment of the teachings herein in which contact between the second side of the female coupling recess and the male coupling tongue is not present in the longitudinal end of the joining system adjacent to which the dowel is arranged.

[0059] A back panel may further provided as a part of the joining system and / or of a furniture comprising the joining system and being provided connected to both the first and the second furniture part adjacent a second longitudinal end of the joining system, the second longitudinal end being opposite in relation to the dowel, and wherein the back panel is configured to provide a lateral biasing force acting to maintain the first locking element in engagement with the second locking element in the region of the second longitudinal end. As such, the back panel may effectively facilitate keeping the interlocking engagement of the first and second locking elements which is especially beneficial in an embodiment of the teachings herein in which contact between the second side of the female coupling recess and the male coupling tongue is not present in the longitudinal end of the joining system adjacent to which the back panel is arranged.

[0060] A plurality of first longitudinal sections and / or a plurality of second longitudinal sections may be provided in the female coupling recess, thus allowing a reduction / control of the vertical friction force required for insertion and / or extraction of the male coupling tongue into / out of the female coupling recess. A plurality of first longitudinal sections and / or a plurality of second longitudinal sections is particularly beneficial for joining systems having a length above 50 cm.

[0061] A first longitudinal section may be provided at a central portion of the female coupling recess and one second longitudinal section is provided at each longitudinal side of the first longitudinal section, facilitating distribution of the elastic movement in the joining system over the length thereof.

[0062] An angle defining the incline of an inclined surface of the second locking element may further be configured to allow forming of the inclined surface and an undercut region below the second locking element with a machining tool having a rotation axis being perpendicularly oriented in relation to the inclined surface. As such, manufacturing of the female coupling recess is facilitated e.g. such that it can be manufactured more rapidly, e.g. in a high-speed manufacturing process, while still achieving the desired locking functionality / strength.

[0063] The female coupling recess may further comprise a first chamfered edge being arranged between the base surface and the first guiding surface, the chamfered edge being arranged at an angle in relation to the lateral direction, wherein the angle is essentially equal to the angle of the inclined surface. As such, the chamfered edge may be formed by the same tool as the inclined surface, and it further allows the angle of the inclined surface to be brought closer to a lateral direction whereby vertical locking strength can be improved.

[0064] The male coupling tongue may comprise a locking surface for abutting against the first guiding surface during connection and in the connected state, the locking surface having essentially rectilinear extension from the base surface to a lower surface of the male coupling tongue. The contact between the first guiding surface and the locking surface can thus be provided with a longer vertical extension which facilitates providing stability in the joining system, for instance to provide a freestanding support of the first and / or second furniture part during assembly.

[0065] In a second aspect is a joining system for furniture parts provided, comprising a female coupling recess formed in a first furniture part, a male coupling tongue formed in a second furniture part, wherein said female coupling recess being adapted to receive the male coupling tongue and wherein said male coupling tongue comprising a first locking element protruding towards a first side of the female coupling recess and being configured for a snap joint interlocking engagement with a second locking element in said female coupling recess for locking the first furniture part to the second furniture part by a relative movement of the first and second furniture parts into a connected state, and wherein the joining system is configured for elastic movement of the male coupling tongue and / or the female coupling recess in a direction being perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the joining system during connection and / or disconnection, and wherein the amount of elastic movement of the male coupling tongue and / or the female coupling recess is configured to vary along the longitudinal direction. As such, the elastic movement can be distributed along the length of the male and / or female coupling tongue / recess which reduces local material stresses and facilitates providing the joining system herein in materials with different material properties, e.g. in brittle materials and / or in materials that are heterogenous and / or in materials with low structural integrity. Moreover, it allows a larger degree of freedom in forming the vertical and / or lateral locking elements.

[0066] The female coupling recess and / or the male coupling tongue may be provided with a non-uniform cross-sectional shape along the longitudinal direction, facilitating controlling the elastic movement, the vertical friction and / or the vertical locking strength of the joining system.

[0067] The female coupling recess may comprise a first guiding surface being arranged opposite of the second locking element and being configured to abut against the male coupling tongue to provide support in a lateral direction, the lateral direction being essentially perpendicular to the vertical direction and wherein the first guiding surface is only provided on a part of the length of the female coupling recess in the longitudinal direction.

[0068] The female coupling recess may comprise a first longitudinal section and a second longitudinal section, wherein the second longitudinal section is recessed in a lateral direction on a second side of the female coupling recess in relation to the first longitudinal section, the second side being opposite the first side, such that a lateral distance between the second locking element and a first guiding surface is larger in each second longitudinal section than in each first longitudinal section.

[0069] In a third aspect is a joining system for furniture parts provided, comprising a female coupling recess formed in a first furniture part, a male coupling tongue formed in a second furniture part, wherein said female coupling recess being adapted to receive the male coupling tongue and wherein said male coupling tongue comprising a first locking element protruding towards a first side of the female coupling recess and being configured for a snap joint interlocking engagement with a second locking element in said female coupling recess for locking the first furniture part to the second furniture part by a relative movement of the first and second furniture parts into a connected state, wherein the cross-section of the female coupling recess comprises a first void portion and a second void portion, wherein the second void portion forms an undercut region below the second locking element and wherein at least one of the first and second void portions is configured to be formed by a machining tool having a rotation axis not intersecting the female coupling recess. Each void portion is defined by the shape of the associated tool for forming said void portion, whereby manufacturing of the female coupling recess is facilitated. E.g., the female coupling recess may be manufactured using high-speed tools such as sawing operation and / or large diameter milling tools.

[0070] Both the first and the second void portion may be configured to be formed by a respective machining tool having a first and second tool rotation axis not intersecting the female coupling recess. As high-speed manufacturing tools generally are large diameter tools, it is beneficial to provide a joining system having a female coupling recess that allows forming by tools where the rotational axis thereof does not have to intersect the female coupling recess.

[0071] The first void portion may be configured to be formed by the first machining tool having a first rotation axis and the second void portion may be configured to formed by the second machining tool having a second rotation axis, the first and second rotation axis being arranged at an angle in relation to each other.

[0072] The first void portion may be configured to be formed by the first machining tool having a first rotation axis essentially parallel with a lateral direction and essentially perpendicular to the vertical direction and the second void portion is configured to formed by the second machining tool having a second rotation axis being arranged essentially perpendicularly to an inclined surface of the second locking element.

[0073] The second void portion may be configured to be formed by a second machining tool having an essentially rectangular shape when observed from a direction perpendicular to the second rotation axis.

[0074] The first void portion may be configured to be formed by a first machining tool having an essentially rectangular shape when observed from a direction perpendicular to the first rotation axis.

[0075] The cross-sectional shape of the female coupling recess may be configured to be formed completely by the first and second void portions, thus facilitating manufacturing of the female coupling recess.

[0076] In a fourth aspect is a joining system for furniture parts provided. The joining system comprising a female coupling recess formed in a first furniture part, a male coupling tongue formed in a second furniture part, wherein said female coupling recess being adapted to receive the male coupling tongue and wherein said male coupling tongue comprising a first locking element protruding towards a first side of the female coupling recess and being configured for a snap joint interlocking engagement with a second locking element in said female coupling recess for locking the first furniture part to the second furniture part by either of a first relative movement path, the first relative movement path being arranged at an angle in relation to a longitudinal direction, or by a combination of the first relative movement path and a subsequent longitudinal relative movement path, of the second furniture part in relation to the first furniture part into a connected state. As such, a joining system is provided that can allow more than one way of being brought into the connected state which allows a larger freedom of forming the furniture which is associated with the joining system. Connection of the joining system is thus facilitated.

[0077] The female coupling recess may comprise a first longitudinal section and a second longitudinal section, wherein no vertical locking is present in the second longitudinal section and wherein the longitudinal length of the male coupling tongue is less than the longitudinal length of the second longitudinal section. As such, the male coupling tongue can be brought into and out of the second longitudinal section more or less unrestricted, while vertical locking is present in the first longitudinal section.

[0078] More than one female coupling recess may be provided along the longitudinal direction of the first furniture part and an equal number of male coupling tongues may be provided along the longitudinal direction of the second furniture part. As such, the joining system 1 can be provided with the aforementioned functionality while distributing the vertical locking over the length of the first and second furniture parts.

[0079] The joining system may further comprise a dowel provided on the second furniture part for cooperation with a keyhole slot provided on the first furniture part or vice versa. The dowel and keyhole combination provides improved versatility to the joining system, as the first and second furniture parts

[0080] The second longitudinal section may comprise a lateral recess on the first side of the female coupling recess, effectively reducing the vertical locking in the second longitudinal section.

[0081] The female coupling recess may in the region of the second longitudinal section not be provided with a second locking element, thus removing the vertical locking in the second longitudinal section. In a fifth aspect is a method for forming a joining system for furniture parts provided, the joining system comprising a female coupling recess formed in a first furniture part, a male coupling tongue formed in a second furniture part, wherein said female coupling recess being adapted to receive the male coupling tongue and wherein said male coupling tongue comprising a first locking element protruding towards a first side of the female coupling recess and being configured for a snap joint interlocking engagement with a second locking element in said female coupling recess for locking the first furniture part to the second furniture part by a relative movement of the first and second furniture parts into a connected state, wherein the cross-section of the female coupling recess comprises a first void portion and a second void portion, wherein the second void portion forms an undercut region below the second locking element, the method comprising: providing a first furniture part into which the female coupling recess is to be formed, forming at least one of the first and second void portions by a machining tool having a rotation axis not intersecting the female coupling recess. Each void portion is defined by the shape of the associated tool for forming said void portion, whereby manufacturing of the female coupling recess is facilitated particularly in high-speed manufacturing processes. E.g., the female coupling recess may be manufactured using high-speed tools such as sawing operation and / or large diameter milling tools, without compromising with function and / or locking strength.

[0082] The method may further comprise forming the first void portion by a first machining tool having a first rotation axis not intersecting the female coupling recess.

[0083] The method may further comprise forming the second void portion by a second machining tool having a second rotation axis not intersecting the female coupling recess.

[0084] Forming the second void portion may comprise arranging the second rotation axis of the second machining tool essentially perpendicularly to an inclined surface of the second locking element.

[0085] Forming the first void portion may comprise forming by a first machining tool having a first rotation axis and forming the second void portion comprises forming by a second machining tool having a second rotation axis, wherein the first and second rotation axis being arranged at an angle in relation to each other.

[0086] In a sixth aspect is a furniture provided comprising a first furniture part and a second furniture part, the furniture further comprising a joining system according to any one of the first to fourth aspects optionally being manufactured by the method according to the fifth aspect.

[0087] The embodiments and features described herein are applicable across all aspects, offering corresponding benefits and advantages.

[0088] Still other objectives, embodiments, and aspects, as well as additional features and advantages will appear from the following detailed description as well as from the accompanying schematic drawings.

[0089] Drawings

[0090] Figure 1 discloses a side view of a first and a second furniture part comprising a joining system in a connected state.

[0091] Figure 2 discloses a side view of a second furniture part comprising a male coupling tongue.

[0092] Figure 3 discloses a side view of a first furniture part comprising a female coupling recess.

[0093] Figure 4 discloses a side view of a female coupling recess.

[0094] Figure 5 discloses a side view of a male coupling tongue.

[0095] Figures 6A to 6B disclose a second furniture part, a first furniture part and a furniture comprising a first and a second furniture part connected by a joining system.

[0096] Figure 7 discloses a perspective view of a first furniture part comprising a female coupling recess and an elasticity groove.

[0097] Figure 8 discloses a cross-section side view of a first longitudinal section of the female coupling recess.

[0098] Figure 9 discloses a cross-section side view of a second longitudinal section of the female coupling recess.

[0099] Figure 10 discloses a side view of a first and a second furniture part comprising a joining system in a connected state.

[0100] Figure 11 discloses a side view of a female coupling recess.

[0101] Figure 12 discloses a side view of a male coupling tongue.

[0102] Figure 13 discloses a perspective view first of a furniture part comprising a female coupling recess and an elasticity groove.

[0103] Figure 14 discloses a side view of a female coupling recess of a joining system as it is being formed by a first manufacturing tool.

[0104] Figure 15 discloses a side view of a female coupling recess of a joining system as it is being formed by a second manufacturing tool. Figures 16 and 17 disclose a furniture comprising a joining system and a release tool in a connected state and in a disconnected state where the first furniture part is pivoted in relation to the second furniture part.

[0105] Figure 18 discloses a perspective view of a release tool.

[0106] Figure 19 discloses a side view of a joining system in a connected state with a release tool inserted between the male coupling tongue and a bottom surface of the female coupling recess.

[0107] Figure 20 discloses a side view of a first and a second furniture part comprising a joining system in a connected state.

[0108] Figure 21 discloses a side view of a first and a second furniture part comprising a joining system in a connected state.

[0109] Figure 22 discloses a perspective view of a second furniture part comprising a male coupling tongue.

[0110] Figure 23 discloses a vertical view of first furniture part comprising a female coupling recess.

[0111] Figure 24 discloses perspective view of a furniture comprising a first and second furniture part being connected by a joining system.

[0112] Embodiments will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all, embodiments are shown. Indeed, the subject of the present disclosure may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure may satisfy applicable legal requirements.

[0113] Where possible, any of the advantages, features, functions, devices, and / or operational aspects of any of the embodiments described and / or contemplated herein may be included in any of the other embodiments described and / or contemplated herein, and / or vice versa. In addition, where possible, any terms expressed in the singular form herein are meant to also include the plural form and / or vice versa, unless explicitly stated otherwise. Accordingly, the terms "a" and / or "an" shall mean "at least one" or "one or more", even though the phrase "one or more" or "at least one" is also used herein. The terms "multiple", "plural" and "plurality" are intended to imply provision of two or more elements. The term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed elements. Although the terms first, second, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another. For example, a first element could be termed a second element, and, similarly, a second element could be termed a first element, without departing the scope of the present disclosure.

[0114] Well-known functions or constructions may not be described in detail for brevity and / or clarity. Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs.

[0115] Like reference signs refer to like elements throughout.

[0116] Figure 1 discloses a side view of a joining system 1 in its connected state. A vertical direction and a lateral direction L are also shown. It is to be understood that that vertical direction as well as the lateral direction L are merely for illustrative purposes, the joining system 1 could be arranged in any direction in practice whereby the lateral and vertical directions L, are bound to change accordingly.

[0117] Figure 2 shows a side detail view of a second furniture part 20 and Figure 3 shows a side detail view of a first furniture part 10.

[0118] In the following will the joining system 1 be described with reference to Figs. 1 to 3. Unless stated otherwise, the following description of features is equally applicable to all embodiments disclosed herein. The features described in the following can be freely combined between embodiments.

[0119] The joining system 1 disclosed herein is applicable to furniture parts 10, 20 formed from a wide variety of materials, such as for example solid wood, laminated wood, particleboard, different types of fiberboard materials like MDF or HDF materials, OSB, plastic or composite polymer materials like PVC, SPC etc. The joining system 1 is particularly well suited for use in furniture parts formed from particleboard, which is a complex material out of which to form integrated / one-piece joining systems 1 due to its inherent lack of structural integrity and porous properties.

[0120] The joining system 1 comprises a female coupling recess 30 formed in a first furniture part 10 and a male coupling tongue 40 formed in a second furniture part 20. The female coupling recess 30 and the male coupling tongue 40 is preferably integrally formed in the respective furniture part 10, 20. The female coupling recess 30 and the male coupling tongue 40 could be formed by means of milling, molding, extruding etc. Preferably, the female coupling recess 30 is formed by a method according to the fifth aspect disclosed herein.

[0121] The first and second furniture parts 10, 20 may be a first and a second furniture panel 10, 20 intended to be assembled to form at least a part of a furniture 200 (shown in Fig. 14). The first and second furniture parts 10, 20 may be configured to be arranged at an angular relative relationship, e.g. perpendicular. It is further considered that the first and second furniture parts 10, 20 may be arranged at a parallel relative relationship, i.e. for forming a larger planar furniture part or in another angular relationship such as in an obtuse or acute angular relationship.

[0122] The first furniture part 10 comprises a base surface 11 on two sides of the female coupling recess 30. The second furniture part 20 similarly comprises a base surface 21 arranged on two sides of the male coupling tongue 40. The base surfaces 11 , 21 of the first and second furniture parts 10, 20 may be configured to be arranged abutting against each other when the first furniture part 10 is connected to the second furniture part 20. As such, the base surface 11 , 21 may form a vertical support between the first and second furniture parts 10, 20 and limit for the insertion depth of the male coupling tongue 40 into the female coupling recess 30.

[0123] Moreover, the female coupling recess 30 being formed as a groove with a base surface 11 on either side thereof in the first furniture part 10 with allow it to be concealed by the second part 20 with the male coupling tongue 40, which is also provided with a base surface 21 on either side thereof.

[0124] It has proven beneficial to keep the vertical and lateral locking elements of the female coupling recess 30 all being arranged the interior of the groove forming the female coupling recess 30, as this effectively reduces the risk of damage occurring to the elements of the female coupling recess 30 e.g. during transportation and handling.

[0125] Moreover, the male coupling tongue 40 may be provided protruding from the sides / edges of the second part 20, i.e. in parallel with the plane defined by the overall extension thereof. This has proven beneficial as it facilitates manufacturing and reduces the amount of waste generated, as very little material needs to be removed to create the male coupling tongue 40.

[0126] The female coupling recess 30 is adapted to receive the male coupling tongue 40. The male coupling tongue 40 comprising a first locking element 50 protruding laterally therefrom and being configured to be arranged protruding towards a first side 115 of the female coupling recess 30 for a snap joint interlocking engagement with a second locking element 60 in the female coupling recess 30. The first locking element 50 may be provided distally on the male coupling tongue 40, in relation to the base surface 21 thereof.

[0127] The second locking element 60, provided on the first side 115 of the female coupling recess 30, may be formed by an undercut region 137 below the second locking element 60 in the female coupling recess 30 into which the first locking element 50 is configured be arranged. The undercut region 137 may comprise a laterally recessed surface 123 in the first side 115 of the female coupling recess 30. The laterally recessed surface 123 being arranged laterally offset and recessed in relation to the second locking element 60.

[0128] The female coupling recess 30 may further comprise a first chamfered surface 117 and / or a second chamfered surface 118 being oppositely arranged on a respective side of the female coupling recess 30. The first chamfered surface 117 and the second chamfered surface 118 forms an opening into the female coupling recess 30 that tapers in the vertical direction with increasing depth. The first chamfered surface 117 is arranged between a first guiding surface 130 of the female coupling recess 30 and the base surface 11 , thus on a second side 116 of the female coupling recess 30. The second chamfered surface 118 is arranged between the base surface 11 and the second locking element 60, thus on the first side 115 of the female coupling recess 30.

[0129] The female coupling recess 30 may be configured to be more flexible than the male coupling tongue 40, as will be further elaborated on below.

[0130] A first guiding surface 130 is as mentioned provided, the first guiding surface 130 being arranged on the second side 116 of the female coupling recess 30 on the first furniture part 10, the second side 116 being located opposite to the first side 115. The first guiding surface 130 is configured to engage the male coupling tongue 40 during insertion thereof into the female coupling recess 30, thus forcing the first locking element 50 into engagement with / below the second locking element 60 and securing the first furniture part 10 to the second furniture part 20.

[0131] The male coupling tongue 40 is thus configured to push against the first side 115 of the female coupling recess 30 in a lateral direction L during insertion as induced by the contact with the first guiding surface 130 and / or the second chamfered surface 117 and / or by the first and second locking elements 50, 60 during insertion of the male coupling tongue 40 into the female coupling recess 30. The male coupling tongue 40 may thus cause the female coupling recess 30 to elastically deform / move by the second locking element 60 moving away from the second side 116, thus allowing the first locking element 50 on the male coupling tongue 40 to pass below the second locking element 60 in the female coupling recess 30 into a snap joint interlocking engagement therewith. The female coupling recess 30 may further or alternatively cause the male coupling tongue 40 to elastically deform / move during insertion, to allow the first locking element 50 on the male coupling tongue 40 to pass below the second locking element 60 in the female coupling recess 30 into a snap joint interlocking engagement therewith. The elastic return movement of the male coupling tongue 40 and / or of the female coupling recess 30 preferably generates a vertical force pulling the first and second furniture parts 10, 20 together. This is achieved e.g. by the arrangement of the contact area P3, and the arrangement of the first locking element 50 and second locking element 60 according to the teachings herein.

[0132] In the connected state, it is desired that the male and / or the female coupling part is not entirely in their respective relaxed states. This generates a force pulling / holding the first and second furniture parts 10, 20 together. In other words, the joining system 1 provides a certain pretension pulling the first furniture part 10 and second furniture part 20 together. This also generates the desired effect of reducing play and / or gaps forming in the joint between the first and second furniture parts 10, 20.

[0133] Preferably, in the embodiments disclosed in Figures 1 to 9, the majority of the elastic deformation during insertion of the male coupling tongue 40 into the female coupling recess 30 takes place in the female coupling recess 30.

[0134] The first guiding surface 130 may as is illustrated e.g. in Fig. 1 and Fig. 3 comprise a first guiding section 131 configured to provide an increasing lateral movement to the male coupling tongue 40 towards the first side 115 with increasing insertion depth into the female coupling recess 30. The first guiding section 131 may as shown be arranged closer to the base surface 11 than a second guiding section 132 of the first guiding surface 130. The first guiding section 131 preferably comprises a curved and / or inclined surface 131 having a curvature and / or incline towards the first side 115 of the female coupling recess 30 with increasing depth in the female coupling recess 30. The depth being defined as measured from the base surface 11 in the vertical direction V.

[0135] The second guiding section 132 of the first guiding surface 130 comprises a female lower lateral locking surface 132 configured to provide abutment against the male coupling tongue 40 as the male coupling tongue 40 is inserted into the female coupling recess 30. The female lower lateral locking surface 132 may be arranged approximately perpendicularly to the lateral direction L.

[0136] As illustrated in Figure 2, the male coupling tongue 40 may comprise a recessed portion 124 on a side thereof facing the second side 116 in the female coupling recess 30.

[0137] A locking surface 125 of the male coupling tongue 40, which may be provided in the recessed portion 124 as illustrated in Figure 1 and 2, may be configured to abut against the first guiding surface 130, e.g. against the first guiding section 131 thereof, during insertion of the male coupling tongue 40 into the female coupling recess 30. In the embodiment where a first guiding section 131 is provided as described in the foregoing, the first guiding section 131 causes a simultaneous lateral movement during the vertical movement of the second furniture part 20, specifically the male coupling tongue 40, in relation to the first furniture part 10 with the lateral movement being towards the first side 115 of the female coupling recess 30 when the vertical movement is towards the connected state. As such, the first relative movement path may be defined by the first guiding surface 130 and / or by the locking surface 125.

[0138] The locking surface 125 when being provided in the recessed portion 124 may be configured to abut against a female lower lateral locking surface 132 as the male coupling tongue 40 is inserted into the female coupling recess 30, i.e. in the connected state.

[0139] The recessed portion 124 may comprise transition surface 119 extending between a male upper lateral locking surface 128 and the locking surface 125. The transition surface 119 may have a curved shape which transitions distally away from the base surface 21 into a vertically oriented surface formed by the locking surface 125.

[0140] The locking surface 125, as is illustrated in Figure 4, may be recessed with a lateral distance D4 from the male upper lateral locking surface 128 towards the first locking element 50, i.e. towards the first side 115 of the female coupling recess 30. In other embodiments disclosed herein e.g. as illustrated in Figures 10 and 12, the locking surface 125 may extend essentially vertically between the base surface 21 and a lower surface 121 of the male coupling tongue 40. The lower surface 121 being the surface of the male coupling tongue 40 facing towards a bottom surface 122 in the female coupling recess 30.

[0141] The curvature of the transition surface 119 may be curved in the opposite direction of the curvature of the first guiding section 131 of the female coupling recess 30, which is arranged opposite the transition surface 119 when the first and second furniture parts 10, 20 are in the connected state. As such, the contact area between the locking surface 125 and the first guiding section 131 is reduced which facilitates inserting the male coupling tongue 40 into the female coupling recess 30 due to reduced friction being generated.

[0142] The transition surface 119 may be provided with a concave shape.

[0143] The first guiding section 131 may be provided with a concave shape.

[0144] As the first guiding section 131 is facing opposite the recessed portion 124 and both having a concave shape, this effectively creates a spacing 136 therebetween in the connected state of the joining system 1 . The concave shape may be formed by a continuous curvature or from a stepped shape with stepped / incremental changes in orientation between flat sections thereof.

[0145] Naturally, it is also possible that the transition surface 119 has a linear inclined extension between the male upper lateral locking surface 128 and the locking surface 125.

[0146] Similarly, the first guiding section 131 which may extend between a female upper lateral locking surface 114 and the female lower lateral locking surface 132, may be provided with either a continuously curved, incrementally curved or linear extension between the female upper lateral locking surface 114 and the female lower lateral locking surface 132.

[0147] Further illustrated in Figure 1 is that the joining system 1 of the embodiment disclosed in Figures 1 to 9 may comprise a first, a second and a third lateral locking contact area P1 , P2, P3. As illustrated in Figure 10, it is also conceivable that only two lateral contact areas P6, P3 are provided. Each lateral locking contact area P1 , P2, P3, P6 is thus a contact area between the first and second furniture part 10, 20 intended to form a lateral locking / alignment between the first and second furniture part 10, 20. At least one lateral locking contact area P3 may also be a vertical locking contact area P3.

[0148] The first lateral contact area P1 , shown in Figure 1 , is formed between the male upper lateral locking surface 128 on the male coupling tongue 40, which preferably extends from the base surface 21 thereof to the transition surface 119, and the second side 115 of the female coupling recess 30. More specifically, the male upper lateral locking surface 128 is configured to be in contact with the female upper lateral locking surface 114 (shown in e.g. Fig. 3). The female upper lateral locking surface 114 is arranged on the second side 116 of the female coupling recess 30 and preferably adjacent to and / or above the first guiding surface 130. Both surfaces 114, 128 forming the lateral contact area P1 may be parallel with each other and / or parallel with the vertical direction and / or parallel with the longitudinal direction L1 (shown in Fig. 7).

[0149] The second lateral contact area P2 is formed between the locking surface 125 of the male coupling tongue 40 and the first guiding surface 130, in the embodiment of Figures 1 to 9, specifically the female lower lateral locking surface 132 which is arranged on the second side 116 of the female coupling recess 30. In the embodiment disclosed in Figure 10, a lateral contact surface P6 is formed between the locking surface 125 and the first guiding surface 130, i.e. for preventing / limiting movement of the male coupling tongue 40 towards the second side 116 in the female coupling recess 30. The locking surface 125 may be arranged in the recessed portion 124 of the male coupling tongue 40. The recessed portion 124 being recessed in the lateral direction L in relation to the male upper lateral locking surface 128. The female lower lateral locking surface 132 is arranged on the second side 116 of the female coupling recess 30 and may thus form a distal part of the first guiding surface 130 relative to the base surface 11 of the first furniture part 10. Both surfaces 125, 132 forming the second lateral contact area P2 may be parallel with each other and / or parallel with the vertical direction and / or parallel with the longitudinal direction L1 (shown in Fig. 7).

[0150] The third lateral contact area P3 is formed between the first locking element 50 and the second locking element 60 and is configured to prevent / limit lateral movement of the male coupling tongue 40 towards the first side 115 in the female coupling recess 30. Specifically, the lateral contact area P3 may be formed between an inclined contact surface 112 on first locking element 50 and the second locking element 60. The inclined contact surface 112 provides locking in both a vertical direction and a lateral direction L between the first and second furniture parts 10, 20. The inclined contact surface 112 being inclined with an angle A2 in relation to a lateral direction L, as will be further elaborated on in relation to Fig. 5 below.

[0151] The lateral contact area P3 may also be formed between the first locking element 50 and an inclined surface 111. The inclined surface 111 provides locking in both a vertical direction and a lateral direction L between the first and second furniture parts 10, 20. The inclined surface 111 being inclined with an angle A1 in relation to a lateral direction L, as will be further elaborated on in relation to Fig. 4 below.

[0152] Both surfaces 111 , 112 forming the third lateral contact area P3 may be parallel with each other and / or the angle A1 of the female inclined surface 111 may be equal to the angle A2 of the male inclined locking surface 112.

[0153] The third lateral contact area P3 thus preferably forms a vertical contact area P3 as well, i.e. provides both lateral and vertical locking / alignment. As such, lateral movement of the second furniture part 20 in relation to the first furniture part 10 towards the first side 115 can thus be prevented by the third vertical / lateral contact area P3 between the first locking element 50 and the second locking element 60. I.e., the first locking element 50 and the second locking element 60 are mutually configured to provide a vertical locking function in the vertical direction as well as a lateral locking function in the lateral direction L. This effect can be improved by the aforementioned provision of inclined surfaces 111 , 112 on the respective locking elements 50, 60, as lateral movement of the second furniture part 20 in relation to the first furniture part 10 towards the first side 115 will generate an increasing vertical force between the first and second furniture parts 10, 20, effectively increasing the friction in the vertical contact areas P4, P5 and P3 and increasing the lateral locking effect. The vertical contact areas P4 and P5 which are formed between the respective base surfaces 11 , 21 of the first and second furniture parts 10, 20 will accordingly also generate a lateral friction induced locking effect as described in the foregoing.

[0154] Additionally, the second lateral locking contact area P2 may, as shown in Figure 1 , be arranged furthest away in the vertical direction from the base surfaces 11 , 21 of the first and second furniture parts 10, 20 and / or be arranged laterally intermediately of the first and third lateral contact areas P1 , P3. As such, the first and second furniture parts 10, 20 are stabilized to some extent by the joining system 1 in the connected state, which for instance facilitates assembly until the furniture is self-supporting after assembly of all furniture parts. The first, second and third lateral contact areas P1 , P2, P3 will thus in the embodiment of Figure 1 form a triangle where each contact area P1 , P2, P3 is a corner of the triangle.

[0155] Further shown in Fig. 1 , and equally applicable to the embodiment shown in Figure 10, is how the joining system 1 may comprise a first, a second and a third vertical locking contact area P4, P3, P5.

[0156] Each vertical locking contact area P4, P3, P5 is thus a contact area between the first and second furniture part 10, 20 intended to form a vertical locking and / or alignment between the first and second furniture part 10, 20. At least one vertical locking contact area P3 may also be a lateral locking contact area P3, as mentioned in the foregoing. The first vertical contact area P4 is formed between the respective base surfaces 11 , 21 on one lateral side of the joining system 1 , i.e. on one lateral side of the male coupling tongue 40 and the female coupling recess 30. The third vertical contact area P5 is formed between the respective base surfaces 11 , 21 on the opposite lateral side of the joining system 1 relative the first vertical contact area P4 (i.e. on the opposite lateral side of the male coupling tongue 40 and the female coupling recess in relation to the first vertical contact area P4). The base surfaces 11 , 21 forming the first and third vertical contact areas P4, P5 are preferably parallel with each other and / or parallel with the lateral direction L.

[0157] Additionally, the second vertical locking contact area P3, which also forms the third lateral locking contact area P3, may be arranged furthest away out of the vertical contact areas P4, P3, P5 in a vertical direction from the base surfaces 11 , 21 of the first and second furniture parts 10, 20 and arranged laterally intermediately of the first and third vertical contact areas P4, P5. As such, the first and second furniture parts 10, 20 are stabilized to some extent in the connected state, which for instance facilitates assembly until the furniture is self-supporting. The first, second and third vertical contact areas P4, P3, P5 thus form a triangle where each contact area P4, P3, P5 is a corner of the triangle.

[0158] In the following will reference also be made to Figures 4, 5, 10 and 11 .

[0159] The first locking element 50 and the second locking element 60 may as mentioned be mutually configured to provide an increasing vertical locking force during a movement, in the lateral direction L, of the male coupling tongue 40 towards the first side 115 of the female coupling recess 30. E.g., the first locking element 50 may be provided with an inclined contact surface 112, which generates an increasing downwardly vertical movement and resultant vertical force on the first locking element 50 by its engagement with the second locking element 60 if the male coupling tongue 40 is forced laterally in relation to the female coupling recess 30 towards the first side 115 thereof. Additionally, or alternatively, the second locking element 60 may be provided with an inclined surface 111 , which generates an increasing downwardly vertical movement and resultant vertical force on the first locking element 50 by its engagement with the inclined surface 111 if the male coupling tongue 40 is forced laterally in relation to the female coupling recess 30 towards the first side 115 thereof.

[0160] Preferably, both the first and second locking elements 50, 60 are provided with an inclined contact surface 112 and an inclined surface 111 respectively. The inclined contact surfaces 111 , 112 further facilitate handling larger manufacturing tolerances in the joining system 1 , as could be required e.g. when forming the joining system 1 out of particleboard.

[0161] It is further conceivable that the first or the second locking element 50, 60 may be provided with curved contact surface.

[0162] The inclined contact surface 112 of the male coupling tongue 40 may be arranged facing in an upwardly angled direction, i.e. at an angle in relation to the lateral direction L and towards the base surface 21 of the second furniture part 20. The angle A2 between the inclined contact surface 112 and the lateral direction L may be between 5° and 70°, preferably between 10° and 60°, even more preferred between 30° to 50° in relation to the lateral direction L. The aforementioned ranges have proven to provide a satisfactory balance between vertical and lateral locking as well as a function of the elasticity in the material of the male coupling tongue 40 and / or the female coupling recess 30 causing a vertical force pulling the joining system 1 into the connected state when the first locking element 50 is brought below the second locking element 60 in the female coupling recess 30. Further, when a pulling force is applied on the second furniture part 20 in the vertical direction and away from the first furniture part 10, the inclined contact surface 112 will effectively cause the male coupling tongue 40 to be pushed towards the second side 116 of the female coupling recess 30 and thus be pressed against the first guiding surface 130. The force being applied to pull the furniture parts 10, 20 apart in the vertical direction is thus absorbed in a shared manner between the third vertical / lateral contact area P3, provided between the first locking element 50 and the second locking element 60, and indirectly by the second lateral contact area P2, P6 (shown in Figure 10) between the male coupling tongue 40 and the first guiding surface 130 in the female coupling recess 30. The inclined contact surface 112 forcing the male coupling tongue 40 towards the second side 116 of the female coupling recess 30 effectively increases the friction therebetween, which also allows a vertical locking effect to be achieved between the male coupling tongue 40 and the second side 116 of the female coupling recess 30. Specifically, a friction induced vertical locking force is achieved between the locking surface 125 of the male coupling tongue 40 and the first guiding surface 130 in contact areas P1 , P2, P6 therebetween.

[0163] To some extent, the first lateral contact area P1 may also provide some lateral support in response to the aforementioned vertical pulling force and the thereby generated lateral force / movement from the third vertical / lateral contact area P3. Such an arrangement reduces the strain on both the first locking element 50 and the second locking element 60, reducing the risk of damage occurring thereto when the joining system 1 is subjected to a force pulling the two furniture parts 10, 20 apart in the vertical direction V. Additionally, the friction induced by the lateral force generated by the inclined contact surface 112 will in the first lateral contact area P1 provide additional friction induced vertical locking to the joining system 1.

[0164] The inclined contact surface 112 of the first locking element 50 may form an obtuse angle with an adjacent recess surface 129 that extends from the base surface 21 of the second furniture part 20 to the first locking element 50. The obtuse angle therebetween increases the ability for the first locking element 50 to withstand forces in the vertical direction without breaking, as compared to a perpendicular angle between the inclined contact surface 112 and the recess surface 129. Furthermore, a transition region between the male coupling recess surface 129 and the inclined contact surface 112 may have a curved shape. This reduces the formation of high material stresses in the transition region.

[0165] All transitions, edges, corners disclosed herein may be rounded or chamfered. The female coupling recess 30 may as mentioned comprise an inclined surface 111 for contact with the first locking element 50, wherein the inclined contact surface is arranged with an angle A1 between 5° and 70°, preferably between 20° and 60°, even more preferred between 30° to 50°, in relation to the lateral direction L. In the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 5, the angle A1 is approximately 20°. In the embodiment shown in Figure 10 to 15, the angle A1 is approximately 45°.

[0166] The aforementioned ranges have proven to provide a satisfactory balance between vertical and lateral locking as well as a function of the elasticity in the material of the male coupling tongue 40 and / or the female coupling recess 30 causing a vertical force pulling the joining system 1 into the connected state when the first locking element 50 is brought below the second locking element 60 in the female coupling recess 30.

[0167] As such, when a pulling force is applied on the second furniture part 20 in the vertical direction and away from the first furniture part 10 (or vice versa), the inclined surface 111 will effectively cause the male coupling tongue 40 to be pushed towards the second side 116 of the female coupling recess 30 and thus being pressed against the first guiding surface 130. The force being applied to pull the furniture parts 10, 20 apart in the vertical direction are thus absorbed in a shared manner between the third vertical / lateral contact area P3, provided between the first locking element 50 and the second locking element 60, and the contact area P6 (in the embodiment of Fig. 10) or the second lateral contact area P2 and the first lateral contact area P1 between the male coupling tongue 40 and the first guiding surface 130 in the female coupling recess 30. The inclined surface 111 forcing the male coupling tongue 40 towards the second side 116 of the female coupling recess 30 effectively increases the friction therebetween, which also allows a vertical locking effect to be achieved between the male coupling tongue 40 and the second side 116 of the female coupling recess 30.

[0168] As mentioned above, the inclined contact surface 112 of the male coupling tongue 40 and the inclined surface 111 of the female coupling recess 30 may be parallel to each other. As such, the contact area in the third vertical / lateral contact area P3 is increased which reduces material stresses forming in the third vertical / lateral contact area P3.

[0169] Further illustrated in Fig. 4 is how the second guiding section 132, comprising the female lower lateral locking surface 132, may be arranged at a lateral distance D5 from the female upper lateral locking surface 114.

[0170] The distance D4, defined as the distance in the lateral direction L between the male upper lateral locking surface 128 and the locking surface 125, is preferably essentially equal to the lateral distance D5. Accordingly, contact between the male coupling tongue 40 and the female coupling recess 30 can be achieved in both lateral locking surfaces 114, 132 for dual lateral locking against movement of the male coupling tongue 40 towards the second side 116 of the female coupling recess 30.

[0171] The distance D5 may further be larger than the distance D4, whereby lateral locking for movement of the male coupling tongue 40 towards the second side 116 of the female coupling recess 30 is only performed by the female lower lateral locking surface 132. It is also conceivable that the distance D4 may be larger than the distance D5, whereby the lateral locking for movement towards the second side 116 in female coupling recess 30 by the male coupling tongue 40 is performed by the female upper lateral locking surface 128. In such an embodiment, contact between the locking surface 125 and the female lower locking surface 132 is only achieved if a sufficiently large elastic deformation takes place of the male coupling tongue 40, e.g. when the second furniture part 20 is displaced vertically in relation to the first furniture part 10 out the connected state of the joining system 1 and / or during connection / disconnection of the joining system 1.

[0172] Further illustrated in Figure 4 is how a distance D2 of the female coupling tongue 30 between the base surface 11 and the second guiding section 132, i.e. the female lower lateral locking surface 132, is larger than a distance D1 between the base surface 11 and the inclined surface 111 of the second locking element 60 in the female coupling recess 30. Accordingly, the insertion of the male coupling tongue 40 into the female coupling recess 30 as well as the snap locking engagement therebetween is facilitated.

[0173] As illustrated in Figures 4-5 & 11-12, a distance D10 between the first guiding surface 130 and the second locking element 60 may be smaller than a distance D11 corresponding to the lateral width of the male coupling tongue 40 between the locking surface 125 and the first locking element 50. The distance D10 may be between 60% to 95% of the length of the distance D11 . The distance D10 may be approximately 85% of the length of the distance D11 .

[0174] As such, the first locking element 50 is kept in engagement below the second locking element 60 when the joining system 1 is in the connected state.

[0175] The aforementioned relationship between D10 and D11 preferably dictates a lateral overlap of the first locking element 50 beneath the second locking element 60, i.e. of the inclined contact surface 112 and the inclined surface 111. The aforementioned relationship facilitates achieving a sufficient overlap for the desired vertical locking functionality without requiring to large elastic deformation of the female coupling recess 30 and / or of the male coupling tongue 40 during insertion / connection of the joining system 1 , in order to reduce the risk of damage occurring to the material of the first and second furniture parts 10, 20. It is envisioned that different relationships between the distances D10 and D11 can be used for different materials of the joining system, where a more flexible material could allow a larger overlap and a less flexible and more brittle material could necessitate a smaller overlap, even outside of the aforementioned ranges.

[0176] The distance D10 may be between 60% to 90% of the length of a distance D14, the distance D14 being the lateral distance between the first guiding surface 130 and the recessed surface 123.

[0177] The distance D11 is larger than the distance D10 and smaller than the distance D14. The distance D11 may be between 60% to 98% of the length of the distance D14, preferably between 85% to 95% of the length of the distance D14.

[0178] Preferably, a lateral spacing 135 (shown e.g. in Fig. 1) is provided between the first locking element 50 and the first side 115 of the female coupling recess 30.

[0179] Moreover, a distance D13 as measured laterally between the female upper lateral locking surface 114 and the second locking element 60 may be larger than the distance D10.

[0180] Preferably, the distance D13 is larger than the distance D11 , whereby the female coupling recess 30 transitions in the vertical direction as seen from the base surface 11 from having a width D13 which is larger than a width D11 of the male coupling tongue 40 to a width D10 which is smaller than the width D11 of the male coupling tongue 40.

[0181] The lateral distance D14 between the first guiding surface 130 and the opposing laterally recessed surface 123 is further larger than the distance D10.

[0182] Further illustrated in Figures 4, 5, 11 and 12 is how the distance D1 , which is the vertical distance between the base surface 11 of the first furniture part 10 and the proximal end of the inclined surface 111 of the second locking element 60 in the female coupling recess 30, may be equal to or smaller than a distance D3 being a vertical distance between the base surface 21 of the second furniture part 20 and a distal end of the inclined contact surface 112 of the first locking element 50 of the male coupling tongue 40. As the material of the joining system 1 may have an inherent resilience and compressibility, the aforementioned relationship between the distance D1 and the distance D3 provides a pretension to the joining system 1. Specifically, a distance D1 which is equal to or merely slightly shorter / less than the distance D3 will provide a pretension force in the joining system 1 as the first locking element 50 is forced under the second locking element 60 during insertion of the male coupling tongue 40 into the female coupling recess 30, by the male coupling tongue 40 contact with the first guiding surface 130 in the female coupling recess 30. The distance D1 may be between 50% to 100% of the distance D3, preferably between 70% to 90%.

[0183] Further illustrated in Figures 4, 5, 11 and 12 is how the distance D3 preferably is smaller than a distance D12, the distance D12 being a vertical distance from the base surface 11 of the first furniture part 10 to a distal end the inclined surface 111 of the second locking element 60 in the female coupling recess 30.

[0184] A distance D6, being a vertical distance between the base surface 21 of the second furniture part and the lower surface 121 , 113 of the male coupling tongue 40, is preferably less than a distance D7, being a vertical distance between the base surface 11 and a bottom surface 122, 126 of the female coupling recess 30 of the first furniture part, such that a spacing 127 is formed between the lower surface 121 , 113 of the male coupling tongue 40 and the bottom surface 122, 126 of the female coupling recess 30. The distance D6 may be between 60% and 95% of the distance D7, preferably between 70% and 85%. The spacing 127 may for instance be beneficial in terms of allowing insertion of a release tool 300 for disconnecting the joining system 1 from the connected state, as will be further described in relation to Figures 16 to 19. Such a release tool 300 can thus push against the male coupling tongue 40 by wedging in the spacing 127 between the male coupling tongue 40 and the bottom surface 122, 126.

[0185] Illustrated in Figures 5 and 12 is further that a lateral distance D8 between the male coupling tongue 40 and a second surface 23 of the second furniture part 20 may be larger than a lateral distance D9 between the male coupling tongue 40 and a first surface 22 of the second furniture part 20, wherein the first locking element 50 protrudes in a lateral direction towards the first surface 22. The distance D8 may be between 20% to 95%, preferably between 30% and 50% of the distance D9. As it is in certain applications desired to arrange the second furniture part 20 with the first surface 22 in alignment with a side surface 12 (shown in Fig. 3) of the first furniture part 10, the aforementioned relationship allows the female coupling recess 30 to be arranged at a sufficient distance from the side surface 12 to maintain structural rigidity and flexibility of the female coupling recess 30 to allow the snap locking engagement of the joining system 1 as well as a sufficient the vertical locking force. This further facilitates providing the joining system 1 to the first and second furniture parts 10, 20 in the shape of panels with a relatively small thickness of less than 20 mm, e.g. between 10mm and 19mm. Moreover, the aforementioned relationship facilitates a self-supporting relationship to be maintained by the joining system 1 during assembly of the first and second furniture parts 10, 20 e.g. into a larger furniture 200, even during the aforementioned conditions. For instance, the joining system 1 can keep the second furniture part 20 in a perpendicular and vertical orientation in relation the first furniture part 10 when arranged in the connected state.

[0186] Further, the lateral distance D8 between the male coupling tongue 40 and the second surface 23 of the second furniture part 20 may be chosen such that the base surface 21 of the second furniture part 20 conceals the first chamfered edge 117 of the female coupling recess 30 in the connected state of the joining system 1.

[0187] Figures 6A to 6C disclose a second furniture part 20, a first furniture part 10 and a furniture 200 comprising a first and second furniture part 10, 20 respectively. The first and second furniture parts 10, 20 are provided with a joining system 1 as disclosed herein. The joining system 1 disclosed herein is as shown in Fig. 6C configured for connection of the first and second furniture parts 10, 20 in a linear movement, as indicated by the arrow in Fig. 6C.

[0188] As is further elaborated on below, the joining system 1 disclosed herein may be configured to be released by a pivoting / turning movement around a longitudinal end of the joining system 1 and / or by movement in the opposite direction as into the connected state as shown in Fig. 6C. For instance, the joining system 1 may be disconnected by movement along the first relative movement path and optionally the second relative movement path out of the connected state as well as into the connected state. The first relative movement path is preferably defined by the first guiding surface 130 and / or the locking surface 125, while the second relative movement path is the longitudinal direction L1.

[0189] The side surface 12 of the first furniture part 10, i.e. the side surface 12 that is the closest to the first side 115 of the female coupling recess 30 in the lateral direction L, may comprise a reinforcing element 13 attached thereto configured to improve the resilience of the material in the first furniture part 10 between the female coupling recess 30 and the side surface 12. The reinforcing element 13 is configured to absorb at least a part of the forces that the female coupling recess 30 is subjected to during connection and / or disconnection of the joining system 1. The reinforcing element 13 is particularly beneficial if the female coupling recess 30 is arranged close to the side surface 12, e.g. closer than 20 mm as measured in the lateral direction L from the first side 115. Additionally, or alternatively, the reinforcing element 13 facilitates using a more brittle / porous material in the first furniture part 10 than what would be possible while achieving the desired functionality of the joining system 1 without a reinforcing element 13.

[0190] The reinforcing element 13 may extend also to an adjoining side surface 14 of the first furniture part 10, the adjoining side surface 14 extending at an angle in relation to the side surface 12.

[0191] The reinforcing element 13 may be attached to the first furniture part 10 by means of an adhesive and / or by means of a heat induced bonding technology such as melt laminating etc. The reinforcing element 13 may be formed out of a polymeric material and may be provided with an aesthetic exterior appearance. The reinforcing element 13 may further comprise reinforcing fibers, such as glass fiber or another fiber or strand material to improve the strength of the reinforcing element 13. The fibers provided to the reinforcing element 13 may be oriented in the longitudinal direction of the reinforcing element 13.

[0192] Figs. 7 and 13 show a perspective view of a first furniture part 10. As illustrated, the joining system 1 according to the teachings herein may on the first furniture part 10 be provided with an elasticity groove 70 provided in the base surface 11 of the first furniture part 10 and having an extension in a longitudinal direction L1 of the joining system 1. The elasticity groove 70 being applicable to all embodiments disclosed herein. Specifically, the elasticity groove 70 facilitates achieving the desired resilience in the female coupling recess 30, especially in embodiments herein in which elastic deformation / movement thereof is desired during connection and / or release of the joining system 1 . This is particularly beneficial in applications where the female coupling recess 30 is arranged at a distance larger than 10mm-20mm in the lateral direction L from the nearest side surface 12. Additionally, for especially strong materials such as HDF or even MDF or composite materials, the elasticity groove 70 may be provided regardless of the distance to the side surface 12. The elasticity groove 70 is provided to facilitate controlling the amount of resilience and the force required for the male coupling tongue 40 to elastically deform the female coupling recess 30, specifically the second locking element 60 thereof, during connection / disconnection of the joining system 1. The elasticity slot 70 also provides a way of controlling the resilience of the second locking element 60 and thus the force that is exerted onto the male coupling tongue 40 during connection / disconnection, thereby also controlling the elastic deformation of the male coupling tongue 40.

[0193] As such, the elasticity groove 70 functions as a controlled weaking of the material in the first furniture part 10 adjacent to the female coupling recess 30, to allow the female coupling recess 10 to flex during connection and / or disconnection of the joining system 1 and / or for controlling the force that the second locking element 60 places laterally onto the male coupling tongue 40 during connection and / or disconnection.

[0194] The elasticity groove 70 is configured and arranged with extension in parallel with the female coupling recess 30, i.e. in the longitudinal direction L1.

[0195] The longitudinal direction L1 is perpendicular to the vertical direction and to the lateral direction L.

[0196] The elasticity groove 70 may have a depth in the vertical direction from the base surface 11 that is essentially equal to the distance D7 of the female coupling recess 30, i.e. the depth thereof in the vertical direction V. The elasticity groove 70 may have a depth in the vertical direction as measured from the base surface 11 which his larger than the distance D1 , optionally larger than the distance D12 and less than the distance D7. The elasticity groove 70 may be formed e.g. by sawing, milling or by another equivalent machining operation.

[0197] The elasticity groove 70 is to be arranged on the side, in the lateral direction L, of the female coupling recess 30 closest to the first side 115 thereof, as the first side 115 is provided with second locking element 60 and is thus the side of the female coupling recess 30 that is intended to elastically deform during connection / disconnection of the joining system 1.

[0198] It has been demonstrated in testing that providing the elasticity groove 70 at a distance from the female coupling recess 30 as measured along the base surface 11 in the lateral direction L of between 2mm to 20mm, preferably between 4mm and 10mm yields the desired resilience of the female coupling recess 30. Applying the aforementioned relationship, the female coupling recess 30 provides the desired vertical locking strength to the joining system 1 while ensuring that an appropriate amount of force in the vertical direction need to be applied during connection and also that disconnection can be achieved if required. Depending on the material properties such as brittleness, elasticity, young’s module etc, the distance between the female coupling recess 30 and the elasticity groove 70 may be adapted. E.g., the distance may be decreased for a first furniture part 10 material with high young’s module in comparison to a material with low young’s module.

[0199] The elasticity groove 70 may further comprise a resilient insert. For instance, if the material of the first furniture part 10 is brittle and / or inherently lacking structural integrity, an insert may allow controlling of the elastic deformation of the female coupling recess 30 while reducing the risk of fracturing and / or damage to the material. Further, by providing a resilient insert in the elasticity groove 70, the elasticity groove 70 can be arranged nearer the female coupling recess 30 for instance for enabling it to be hidden between the first furniture part 10 and the second furniture part 20.

[0200] The insert may be formed by filling the elasticity groove 70 with a fluid material which hardens in place or by forming the insert separately and inserting it into the elasticity groove 70.

[0201] The insert may be formed by a polymeric material such as rubber, thermoplastic polyurethane, ethylene vinyl acetate or from another polymeric material. Preferably, the insert has a shore hardness between 30A to 95A.

[0202] Further illustrated in Figure 7 is how the female coupling recess 30 of the joining system 1 disclosed in the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 9 may comprise a first longitudinal section 31 and a second longitudinal section 32. The first longitudinal section 31 is provided with the first guiding surface 130 while the second longitudinal section 32 is not provided with the first guiding surface 130. The length of the first longitudinal section(s) 31 may be between 10% and 70% of the total length of the female coupling recess 30.

[0203] As such, less vertical resistance is generated between the female coupling recess 30 and the male coupling tongue 40 during connection and / or disconnection of the joining system 1. By providing different longitudinal sections 31 , 32, the strength of the joining system 1 can be varied and adapted. For instance, if the joining system 1 is provided with a long extension in the longitudinal direction L1 , depending on the material properties of the first furniture part 10, it may be necessary to reduce the vertical locking strength in order to facilitate connection and / or disconnection of the joining system 1 . A cross-sectioned side view of the female coupling recess 30 in a first longitudinal section 31 is shown in Figure 8 while a cross-sectioned side view of the female coupling recess 30 in a second longitudinal section 32 is shown in Figure 9.

[0204] It is to be realized that the distances described in relation to Figures 4, 5, 11 and 12 are equally applicable to the embodiment shown in Figures 8 and 9. Each distance may be measured from the respective features when the outline of the features is projected onto a plane being parallel with the vertical and lateral directions V, L. For example, the distance D13 is to be interpreted in the context of Figures 8 and 9 as the lateral distance between the female upper lateral locking surface 114 and the second locking element 60, when these two features are projected onto a plane that is parallel with the vertical direction and the lateral direction L as well as perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L1.

[0205] Further illustrated in Fig. 7 is that two or more first longitudinal sections 31 may be provided intermittently arranged along the length of the female coupling recess 30. Accordingly, one or more second longitudinal sections 32 may also be provided intermittently along the length of the female coupling recess 30. Two first longitudinal sections 31 may be distally arranged at either side of an intermediately arranged first longitudinal section 31 . As such, the vertical and lateral force for connection and disconnection of the joining system 1 is distributed over the length thereof.

[0206] Alternatively or in combination and as is illustrated in Figures 7 and 9, the second locking element 60 of the female coupling recess 30 may be provided in the second longitudinal section 32 but not in the first longitudinal section 31. Thereby can even further control of the vertical locking force of the joining system 1 be achieved.

[0207] Figure 10 discloses a side view of an embodiment of the joining system 1 in its connected state. Figure 11 shows a detail side view of a second furniture part 20 and Figure 12 shows a side detail view of a first furniture part 10 comprising the joining system 1 shown in Figure 10.

[0208] In the following will the joining system 1 be described with reference to Figs. 10 to 12.

[0209] The features and embodiments described in the following can be freely combined with the other embodiments disclosed herein, and vice versa, unless specifically stated otherwise.

[0210] The joining system 1 has extension along a longitudinal direction L1 being essentially perpendicular to the vertical direction V.

[0211] The joining system 1 illustrated in Figures 10 to may be configured for elastic movement of the male coupling tongue 40 and / or the female coupling recess 30 in a direction being perpendicular to a longitudinal direction L1 of the joining system 1 during connection and / or disconnection, the longitudinal direction L1 being essentially perpendicular to the vertical direction V, such that the amount of elastic movement of the male coupling tongue 40 and / or the female coupling recess 30 is configured to vary along the longitudinal direction L1.

[0212] As illustrated in the embodiment disclosed in Figures 10 to 12, the male coupling tongue 40 of the joining system 1 may comprises a locking surface 125 having essentially rectilinear extension from the base surface 21 to a lower surface 121 of the male coupling tongue 40. The lower surface 121 , as described earlier, is configured to face a bottom surface 122 of the female coupling recess 30. It is also to be realized that the corners / transitions between the locking surface 125 and the adjacent surfaces may be rounded or chamfered.

[0213] Similarly, the female coupling recess 30 may comprise a rectilinear first guiding surface 130 against which the locking surface 125 is configured to abut. As such, a lateral contact area P6 can be provided therebetween. The lateral contact area P6 provides improved stability in the sense that the joining system 1 facilitates maintaining the relative orientation between the first and second parts 10, 20 in the connected state, which facilitates assembly while guiding the male coupling tongue 40 during connection and providing a limit / stop for lateral movement of the male coupling tongue 40 towards the second side 116 of the female coupling recess 30 in the connected state of the joining system 1.

[0214] The locking surface 125 and the first guiding surface 130 are preferably parallel, thus extending the contact surface P6 vertically and providing stability to the joining system 1 .

[0215] The joining system 1 may be configured for elastic movement of the male coupling tongue 40 and / or the female coupling recess 30 in a direction being perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L1 during connection and / or disconnection such that the amount of elastic movement of the male coupling tongue 40 and / or the female coupling recess 30 during connection is configured to vary along the longitudinal direction L1.

[0216] According to the teachings herein, elastic movement may comprise elastic deformation / movement / compression of the male coupling tongue 40 and / or of the female coupling recess 30 or of a part thereof.

[0217] In the embodiment disclosed in Figure 11 , the female coupling recess 30 is formed to facilitate manufacturing thereof in a high-speed manufacturing process as will be further elaborated on below. In this context, the female coupling recess 30 is formed to allow manufacturing with as few steps as possible and for forming with tools that are suited for high-speed manufacturing. Such tools include, but are not limited to, saw blades and large diameter milling tools / blades. Large diameter is to be interpreted a diameter that is larger than the lateral width of the female coupling recess 30. However, naturally, the joining system 1 disclosed herein may also be manufactured with small diameter machining tools.

[0218] The female coupling recess 30 disclosed in Figure 11 comprises an undercut region 137 forming the second locking element 60. The undercut region 137 may as is illustrated be formed as a recess in the lateral direction in the first side 115 of the female coupling recess 30 having an essentially triangular shape.

[0219] The undercut region 137 comprising the inclined surface 111 on the second locking element 60 being arranged at an angle A1 between 5° and 70°, preferably between 20° and 60°, even more preferred between 30° to 50°, in relation to a lateral direction. In the embodiment shown in Figures 10 to 15, the angle A1 is approximately 45°.

[0220] The first guiding surface 130, arranged on the second side 116 of the female coupling recess 30 and thus opposite the second locking element 60.

[0221] Figure 12 further shows a side view of the male coupling tongue 40 according to the teachings herein. As mentioned, the male coupling tongue 40 may comprise a locking surface 125 having extension essentially rectilinearly between the lower surface 121 of the male coupling tongue 40 and the base surface 21 of the second furniture part.

[0222] The locking surface 125 may extend essentially in the vertical direction or be inclined in relation to the vertical direction V. Preferably, the locking surface 125 is parallel with the first guiding surface 130 of the female coupling recess 3O.The male coupling tongue 40 further comprises an inclined contact surface 112 being arranged at an angle A2 between 5° and 70°, preferably between 20° and 60°, even more preferred between 30° to 50°, in relation to a lateral direction L. In the embodiment shown in Figure 12, the inclined contact surface 112 is approximately 45° in relation to the lateral direction L.

[0223] The inclined contact surface 112 may be configured to be parallel with the contact surface 111 on the female coupling recess 30. The aforementioned ranges of the angle A2 facilitates maintaining a strong vertical locking effect of the joining system 1 and has proven to be a good balance between the structural integrity of the first locking element 50 and the vertical locking strength. The angle A1 defining the incline of the inclined surface 111 of the second locking element 60 may, as will be further elaborated on below, be configured to allow forming of the inclined surface 111 and the undercut region 137 below the second locking element 60 with a machining tool 402 (shown in Figure 15) having a rotation axis being perpendicularly oriented in relation to the inclined surface 111.

[0224] Illustrated in Figure 12 is how the male coupling tongue 40 may comprise an inclined lower surface 113 extending between the lower surface 121 and a tip surface 51 of the first locking element 50. The inclined lower surface 113 is thus arranged vertically opposite the inclined contact surface 112 on the first locking element 50. The inclined lower surface 51 is configured to abut against the second chamfered surface 118, which may form an inclined surface on the upper side of the second locking element 60, during insertion of the male coupling tongue 40 into the female coupling recess 30. The inclined lower surface 113 may be arranged at an angle A6 between 20° and 70°, preferably between 20° and 60°, even more preferred between 30° to 50°, in relation to the vertical direction V. In the embodiment shown in Figure 12, the angle A6 is approximately 45°. The aforementioned ranges of the angle A6 are beneficial since the first locking element 50 is thus less susceptible to being damaged during connection and especially during disconnection of the joining system 1 , when the male coupling tongue 40 is extracted from the female coupling recess 30.

[0225] Figure 13 discloses a perspective view of a second furniture part 20 comprising the female coupling recess 30 according to the teachings herein. In the embodiment shown in Figure 13, the female coupling recess 30 is configured to induce varying amount of elastic movement of the female coupling recess 30 and / or of the male coupling tongue 40 along the length of the joining system 1.

[0226] Specifically, as illustrated in Figure 13, this may be achieved by providing the first guiding surface 130 only along a portion of the longitudinal length of the female coupling recess 30. As such, the distance D10 as shown in Figures 4 and 11 is increased intermittently along the length of the female coupling recess 30, thus creating one or more portions where the first guiding surface 130 is effectively not present.

[0227] A plurality of first guiding surfaces 130 may thus be provided along the longitudinal length of the female coupling recess 30.

[0228] While the foregoing has proven to be beneficial in terms of facilitating manufacturing of the joining system 1 , it is also or alternatively conceivable that the male coupling tongue 40 locking surface 125 may only be provided along a portion of the length of the joining system 1.

[0229] As such, the lateral contact area P6 will not be continuous along the length of the of the joining system 1. This is not only beneficial in terms of distributing the elastic movement of the male coupling tongue 40 and / or the female coupling recess 30 over the length of the joining system 1 , but also to reduce the friction generated vertical resistance that occurs between the first guiding surface 130 and the locking surface 125 during connection / insertion of the male coupling tongue 40 into the female coupling recess 30.

[0230] The female coupling recess 30 may thus comprise a first longitudinal section 34 and a second longitudinal section 35, wherein lateral contact area P6 between the locking surface 125 and the first guiding surface 130 is only provided in the first longitudinal section 34.

[0231] The length of the first longitudinal section(s) 34 is preferably less than the length of the second longitudinal section(s) 35, as measured in the longitudinal direction L1. It is however conceivable that the opposite relationship is applied where the length of the first longitudinal section(s) 34 is longer than the length of the second longitudinal section(s) 35. The length of the first longitudinal section(s) 34 may be between 10% and 70% of the total length of the female coupling recess 30.

[0232] As mentioned in the foregoing, this may be achieved by either providing the first guiding surface 130 and / or the locking surface 125 accordingly.

[0233] As illustrated in Figure 13, a first longitudinal section 34 may be provided at a central portion 36 of the female coupling recess 30 and / or the male coupling tongue 40 and one second longitudinal section 35 may be provided at each longitudinal side of the first longitudinal section 34.

[0234] The male coupling tongue 40 and / or the second locking element 60 of the female coupling recess 30 may thus be configured to temporarily, along the longitudinal direction L1 , assume an at least partially curved shape during connection and / or disconnection of the joining system 1. The distribution of the elastic movement over the length of the joining system 1 reduces local material stresses in the first and second furniture parts 10, 20. This reduces the requirements on the material in which the joining system 1 disclosed herein may be formed.

[0235] The joining system 1 according to the teachings herein may further comprise a dowel 80 being provided adjacent to a first longitudinal end 37 of the female coupling recess 30. The dowel 80 may be arranged in a corresponding dowel recess 81 provided adjacent the first longitudinal end 37. The first longitudinal end 37 may be opposite of a second longitudinal end 38. The dowel 80 is configured to provide a lateral biasing / aligning force acting to maintain the first locking element 50 in engagement with the second locking element 60 in the region of the first longitudinal end 37. This is especially beneficial in an embodiment where the female coupling recess 30 and / or the male coupling tongue 40 is not provided with a lateral contact area P6 near the first longitudinal end 37.

[0236] Figures 14 and 15 discloses a side view of the female coupling recess 30 during manufacturing thereof and of a method 1000 for forming the joining system 1 disclosed herein.

[0237] As is illustrated in Figures 14 and 15, the female coupling recess 30 of the joining system 1 may be provided with a cross-section comprising a first void portion 30a and a second void portion 30b, wherein the second void portion 30a forms the undercut region 137 below the second locking element 60 and wherein at least one of the first and second void portions 30a, 30b is configured to be formed by a machining tool 401 , 402 having a rotation axis A4, A5 not intersecting the female coupling recess 30.

[0238] A void portion 30a, 30b according to the teachings herein may be interpreted as a continuous space formed by a subtractive manufacturing process such as machining, e.g. milling or sawing. The aforementioned forming of the female coupling recess 30 facilitates high-speed manufacturing thereof, without compromising on the locking functionality.

[0239] Both the first and the second void portion 30a, 30b may be configured to be formed by a respective machining tool 401 , 402 having a first and second tool rotation axis A4, A5 not intersecting the female coupling recess 30.

[0240] The first void portion 30a may constitute the main body of the female coupling recess 30, while the second void portion 30b may constitute the undercut region 137.

[0241] As illustrated in Figure 14, the first void portion 30a may be formed by the first machining tool 401 having a first rotation axis A4 and the second void portion 30b may be formed by the second machining tool 402 having a second rotation axis A5. The first and second rotation axis A4, A5 being arranged at an angle in relation to each other.

[0242] The first rotation axis A4 may be essentially parallel with the lateral direction L and essentially perpendicular to the vertical direction and the second rotation axis A5 may be arranged essentially perpendicularly to the inclined surface 111 of the second locking element 60.

[0243] The method 1000 for forming a joining system 1 for furniture parts 10, 20 may thus comprise providing 1001 a first furniture part 10 into which the female coupling recess 30 is to be formed and forming 1001 , 1002 at least one of the first and second void portions 30a, 30b by a machining tool 401 , 402 having a rotation axis A4, A5 not intersecting the female coupling recess 30.

[0244] The method 1000 further comprise forming 1001 , 1002 at least one of the first and second void portions 30a, 30b by a machining tool 401 , 402 having a rotation axis A4, A5 not intersecting the female coupling recess 30.

[0245] As shown in Figure 14, forming 1001 of the first void portion 30a may be performed by a first machining tool 401 having a first rotation axis A4 not intersecting the female coupling recess 30 and further shown in Figure 15 is how forming 1002 the second void portion 30b may be performed by a second machining tool 402 having a second rotation axis A5 not intersecting the female coupling recess 30. Forming 1001 the second void 30b may comprise arranging the second rotation axis A5 of the second machining tool 402 essentially perpendicularly to an inclined surface 111 of the second locking element 60, whereby the undercut region 137 may be formed e.g. in a highspeed manufacturing process.

[0246] Preferably the first and second rotation axis A4, A5 are arranged at an angle in relation to each other.

[0247] Figures 16 and 17 shows a perspective view of a furniture 200 provided with a joining system 1 according to the teachings herein. In Figure 6, the furniture 200 and the joining system 1 further comprises a release tool 300 configured to at least partially release the snap joint interlocking engagement of the male coupling tongue 40 in the female coupling recess 30. The release tool 300 is configured to be inserted into an opening 301 in the first furniture part 10, thus engaging the male coupling tongue 40.

[0248] The joining system 1 may thus comprise an opening 301 being formed in the first furniture part 10, the opening 301 having extension along the longitudinal direction L1 such that it intersects a longitudinal end 38 of the female coupling recess 30. The female coupling recess 30 as disclosed herein preferably does not extend longitudinally along the entire length of the first furniture part 10, as such the opening 301 facilitates access for a release tool 300 to release the joining system 300.

[0249] The release tool 300 comprises a first portion 302, illustrated in Figures 12 and 13. The first portion 302 configured to be inserted into the spacing 127, illustrated e.g. in Fig. 19, formed between a lower surface 121 , 113 of the male coupling tongue 40 and a bottom surface 122, 126 of the female coupling recess 30. The first portion 302 thus imparts a force on the male coupling tongue 40, whereby it is at least partially released from the female coupling recess 30.

[0250] The joining system 1 disclosed herein may thus be configured for disconnection by a pivoting movement, as illustrated in Figure 17, which thus can be induced by the insertion of the release tool 300 only into one longitudinal end 38 of the joining system 1 . Thereafter, when the joining system 1 is partially disconnected, the first furniture part 10 can be pivoted and / or lifted mainly vertically out of engagement by the joining system 1 by hand and be pivoted around the opposite end 37 of the joining system. Facilitating a pivoting movement for disconnection and disassembly of the first and second furniture parts 10, 20

[0251] The release tool 300 may be made from a polymeric material, e.g. a plastic material. It is further envisioned that the release tool 300 may be made from a woodbased material or a wood-polymer composite material.

[0252] The first portion 302 may as shown have a cross-sectional shape that corresponds to the shape of the opening 301 in the first furniture part 10. As such, the release tool 300 is guided and correctly oriented during insertion such that the first portion 302 thereof is arranged as intended in the spacing 127.

[0253] The opening 301 in the first furniture part 10 is preferably aligned with the joining system 1 and arranged with extension essentially in the longitudinal direction L1 thereof. The male coupling tongue 40 may, as is illustrated in Figure 6A, comprise an inclined side surface 41 at the longitudinal end 43, 44 thereof that faces the opening 301. An inclined side surface 41 may be arranged at each longitudinal end of the male coupling tongue 40. The inclined side surface 41 is inclined such that a height as measured from the base surface 21 of the male coupling tongue 40 gradually increases along the inclined side surface 41 from the longitudinal end in the direction of the opposite longitudinal end of the male coupling tongue 40. As such, the release tool 300 is guided along the inclined side surface 41 such that correct positioning in the spacing 127 is facilitated.

[0254] The first portion 302 may have an L-shaped cross-sectional shape or X-shaped cross-sectional shape, although other cross-sectional shapes are also envisioned. E.g. rectangular, triangular, circular, oval, etc.

[0255] The release tool 300 is configured to provide an increasing force at least partially in the vertical direction to the lower surface 121 , 113 of the male coupling tongue 40 with increased insertion of the first portion 302 in a longitudinal direction D15 thereof into the spacing 127. This may be achieved by the aforementioned inclined side surface 41 and / or by means of a height D17 of the engaging portion 304 of the first portion 302 increasing with increasing distance in a longitudinal direction D15 from a distal end 305 of the first portion 302. The distal end 305 of the release tool 300 is the end thereof that is intended to be inserted into the opening 301 in the first furniture part 10.

[0256] The release tool 300 may be configured to impart a force against the male coupling tongue 40 in a direction that is at an angle in relation to the vertical direction V. Preferably, the force imparted during insertion of the release tool 300 is directed at an angle in relation to the vertical direction and towards the second side 116 of the female coupling recess 30. As such, the force applied on the male coupling tongue 40 imparts a movement out of engagement between the first and second locking elements 50, 60 as it induces a movement in both the vertical and lateral directions V, L of the male coupling tongue 40.

[0257] The first portion 302 may be configured to be arranged between the bottom surface 122, 126 in the female coupling recess 30 and the inclined lower surface 113 on the male coupling tongue 40. As such, when pushing against the inclined lower surface 113, the release tool 300 will generate a force that is at least partially inclined in relation to the vertical direction V. Moreover, the release tool 300 may be configured to be arranged in the corner between the bottom surface 122 and the first side 115 of the female coupling recess 30, whereby support is provided to release tool 300 to avoid bending and / or sliding when pushing against the inclined lower surface 113 of the male coupling tongue 40.

[0258] Figure 20 further illustrates that the joining system 1 disclosed herein may comprise a female coupling recess 30 being formed in the first furniture part comprising a first portion 10a and a second portion 10b, wherein at least the second locking element 60 of the female coupling recess 30 is formed in the second portion 10b.

[0259] The second portion 10b constitutes an area of increased structural integrity in relation to the first portion 10a in the first furniture part 10. The increased structural integrity of the second portion 10b may be achieved by mechanically altering the structure of the second portion 10b in relation to the first portion 10a, e.g. by forming the female coupling 30 and subsequently compressing the material of the second portion 10b to achieve a higher density than in the first portion 10a. Alternatively, or in combination, the increased structural integrity of the second portion 10b may be formed by providing a certain material composition that differs from that in the first portion 10a. For instance, if the first furniture part is formed by a wood composite material, where wood fibers / dust is mixed with a polymeric binder, the amount of binder can be larger in the second portion 10b than in the first portion 10a. Additionally, or alternatively, the first portion 10a may be formed from e.g. particleboard while the second portion 10b is formed from a material having higher structural integrity, such as MDF, HDF, OSB, SPC, WPC etc. Accordingly, the functionality of the joining system 1 disclosed herein may be improved even further.

[0260] The joining system 1 disclosed herein may further comprise a male coupling tongue 40 being formed in the second furniture part comprising a first portion 20a and a second portion 20b, wherein at least the first locking element 50 of the male coupling tongue 40 is formed in the second portion 20b. The second portion 10b, 20b, of the first and second furniture parts 10, 20 may be formed e.g. by laminating a separate material to the first portion 10a, 20a and / or integrally forming the material of the second portion 10b, 20b with the first portion 10a, 20a with differing properties as defined herein. The second portion 20b constitutes an area of increased structural integrity in relation to the first portion 20a in the second furniture part 20. The increased structural integrity of the second portion 20b may be formed by mechanically altering the structure of the second portion 20b, e.g. by forming the male coupling tongue 40 and subsequently compressing the material of the second portion to achieve a higher density. Alternatively, or in combination, the increased structural integrity of the second portion 20b may be formed by providing a certain material composition that differs from the first portion 20a. For instance, if the second furniture part is formed by a wood composite material, where wood fibers / dust is mixed with a polymeric binder, the amount of binder can be larger in the second portion 20b than in the first portion 20a. Additionally, or alternatively, the first portion 20a may be formed from e.g. particleboard while the second portion 20b is formed from a material having higher structural integrity, such as MDF, HDF, OSB, SPC, WPC etc.

[0261] Figure 21 illustrates that the joining system 1 disclosed herein may comprise a female coupling recess 30 being formed in the first furniture part comprising the first portion 10a and the second portion 10b, wherein the female coupling recess 30 is formed in the second portion 10b. Further still, the joining system 1 disclosed herein may further comprise a male coupling tongue 40 being formed in the second furniture part 20 comprising the first portion 20a and the second portion 20b, wherein the male coupling tongue 40 is formed in the second portion 20b.

[0262] Figures 22 and 23 disclose another embodiment of the joining system 1 disclosed herein. In the embodiment of Figures 22 and 23, the joining system 1 is configured to be brought to the connected state by a first relative movement path, the first relative movement path being arranged at an angle in relation to a longitudinal direction, or by a combination of the first relative movement path and a subsequent longitudinal relative movement path, of the second furniture part 20 in relation to the first furniture part 10. Moreover, the joining system 1 in the embodiment disclosed in Figures 22 and 23 is configured to be released from the connected state by means of a pivoting movement as described in in the foregoing or by a combination of a movement along the longitudinal relative movement path and subsequent movement along the first relative movement path of the second furniture part 20 in relation to the first furniture part 10.

[0263] The joining system 1 in Figure 22 comprises a male coupling tongue 40 and a female coupling recess 30, which may be formed respectively according to any of the embodiments disclosed herein. The female coupling recess 30 comprise a first longitudinal section 34, as described in the foregoing. The female coupling recess 30 further comprise a second longitudinal section 39 in which no vertical locking is present, such that the male coupling tongue 40 can be inserted into the female coupling tongue 40. The female coupling recess 30 may thus in the region of the second longitudinal section 39 comprise a lateral recess 138 in the second locking element 60, effectively removing the vertical locking in the female coupling recess 30 in this region. The second longitudinal section 39 is provided with a length in the longitudinal direction L1 that is longer than the length of the male coupling tongue 40 in the longitudinal direction L1.

[0264] More than one female coupling recess 30 may further be provided along the longitudinal length of the first furniture part 10, for cooperation with an equal number of male coupling tongues 40 provided along the longitudinal length of the second furniture part 20.

[0265] Further, the joining system 1 may further comprise a dowel 80 provided on the second furniture part 20 for cooperation with a keyhole slot 82 provided on the first furniture part 10 or vice versa. The keyhole slot 82 comprises a wide section 85 and a narrow section 84, such that the dowel 80 can be inserted into the wide section 85 mainly vertically and be shifted longitudinally into the narrow section 84 whereby it is vertically locked. The dowel 80 thus comprises a head having a width being smaller than the width of the wide section 85 but larger than the width of the narrow section 84. Combining a female coupling recess 30 and male coupling tongue 40 as described above with a dowel 80 and keyhole slot 82 may be beneficial as the dowel 80 is less sensitive for the exact orientation of the first and second furniture parts 10, 20 for allowing vertical insertion into the keyhole slot 82, in comparison to the male coupling tongue 40 and female coupling recess 30. As such, the dowel 80 be inserted at least partially into the wide section 85, and a subsequent pivoting movement can be performed around the dowel 80 between the first and second furniture parts 10, 20 until the male coupling tongue 40 lines up with the female coupling recess 30, specifically with the second section 39 thereof. As such, connection of the joining system 1 is facilitated. Naturally, the opposite sequence is possible during disconnection / release of the joining system 1 , which is also facilitated.

[0266] Figure 24 discloses a perspective view of a furniture (200) comprising a first furniture part 10 and a second furniture part 20. The furniture 200 further comprising a joining system 1 as disclosed herein. More specifically, the furniture 200, which is exemplified by an open cabinet, comprises two first furniture parts 10 forming a top and bottom of the furniture 200. Further, the furniture 200 comprises two second furniture parts 20 taking the shape of side walls with extension between the top and bottom of the furniture 200. It is however to be realized that first furniture part 10 could take the shape of e.g. a shelf in a cabinet, a brace / support, etc. It is also considered that the furniture 200 could be rotated 90° such that the first furniture parts 10 form bottom and top and the second furniture parts 20 form the side walls. Further, the furniture 200 is provided with one joining system 1 in each joint between each first and each second furniture part 10, 20.

[0267] The furniture further comprising a back panel 90 being provided connected to both the first and the second furniture part 10, 20 adjacent the second longitudinal end 38 of the respective joining system 1. The second longitudinal end 38 is opposite in relation to the first longitudinal end where a dowel 80 may be provided, as mentioned in the foregoing. The back panel 90 may thus provide a lateral biasing force acting to maintain the first locking element 50 in engagement with the second locking element 60 in the region of the second longitudinal end 38 by its engagement in a groove in the first and second furniture part 10, 20 respectively.

[0268] Items

[0269] In the following, different configurations and / or different aspects are represented in itemized structure in addition to the subject matter of claim 1 and the dependent claims and in addition to the explanations and configurations given in the introductory portion of this specification. It is to be noted that the below specific feature combinations are not intended to limit the disclosure to such specific feature combinations. By contrast, the below feature combinations merely provide different examples having improved capabilities. Features and embodiments as defined in the itemized configurations may be combined with other features and embodiments of other itemized configurations, as well as with one or more of the features of configurations described in the summary section and the detailed description section.

[0270] 1. A joining system (1) for furniture parts (10, 20), comprising a female coupling recess (30) formed in a first furniture part (10), the first furniture part (10) comprising a base surface (11) on two sides of the female coupling recess, a male coupling tongue (40) projecting from a base surface (21) of an adjoining second furniture part (20), wherein the base surface (21) extends on two sides of the male coupling tongue, said female coupling recess (30) being adapted to receive the male coupling tongue (40), said male coupling tongue (40) comprising a first locking element (50) protruding towards a first side (115) of the female coupling recess (30) and being configured for a snap joint interlocking engagement with a second locking element (60) in said female coupling recess (30), a first guiding surface (130) arranged on a second side (116) of the female coupling recess (30) on the first furniture part (10), located opposite to the first side (115) thereof, said first guiding surface (130) is configured to engage the male coupling tongue (40) during insertion thereof into the female coupling recess (30). 2. The joining system (1) according to item 1 , wherein the first locking element (50) and the second locking element (60) are in a connected state mutually configured to provide an increasing vertical locking force during a movement of the male coupling tongue (40) towards the first side (115) of the female coupling recess (30).

[0271] 3. The joining system (1) according to item 1 or 2, wherein the first guiding surface (130) comprises a first guiding section (131) configured to provide an increasing lateral movement to the male coupling tongue (40) towards the first side (115) with increasing insertion depth into the female coupling recess (30).

[0272] 4. The joining system (1) according to item 3, wherein the first guiding section (131) comprises a curved and / or inclined surface (131) having a curvature and / or incline towards the first side (115) of the female coupling recess (30) with increasing depth in the female coupling recess (30).

[0273] 5. The joining system (1) according to any of the preceding items, wherein the first guiding surface (130) comprises a female lower lateral locking surface (132) configured to provide abutment against the male coupling tongue (40) as the male coupling tongue (40) is inserted into the female coupling recess (30).

[0274] 6. The joining system (1) according to any of the preceding items, wherein the joining system (1) comprises a plurality of lateral locking contact areas (P1 , P2, P3, P6) between the first furniture part (10) and the second furniture part (20), and wherein at least one lateral locking contact area (P3) is also a vertical locking contact area (P3).

[0275] 7. The joining system (1) according to item 6, wherein a lateral locking contact area (P2) arranged furthest away in a vertical direction (V) from the base surfaces (11 , 21) of the first and second furniture parts (10, 20) is arranged laterally intermediately of the first and third lateral contact areas (P1 , P3).

[0276] 8. The joining system (1) according to any one of the preceding items, wherein the joining system (1) comprises a plurality of vertical locking contact areas (P4, P3, P5) and wherein at least one vertical locking contact area (P3) is also a lateral locking contact area (P3).

[0277] 9. The joining system (1) according to item 8, wherein the vertical locking contact area (P3) arranged furthest away in a vertical direction (V) from the base surfaces (11 , 21) of the first and second furniture parts (10, 20) is arranged at least partially laterally intermediately of the first and third vertical contact areas (P4, P5).

[0278] 10. The joining system (1) according any one of the preceding items, wherein the male coupling tongue (40) comprises a recessed portion (124) on a side thereof facing the second side (116) in the female coupling recess (30) and wherein a locking surface (125) of the recessed portion (124) is configured to abut against the first guiding surface (130) during insertion of the male coupling tongue (40) into the female coupling recess (30).

[0279] 11. The joining system (1) according to item 10 when dependent on item 5, wherein a locking surface (125) of the recessed portion (124) is configured to abut against the female lower lateral locking surface (132) as the male coupling tongue (40) is inserted into the female coupling recess (30).

[0280] 12. The joining system (1) according to any one of the preceding items, wherein the second locking element (60) of the female coupling recess (30) comprises an inclined surface (111) for contact with the first locking element (50) in a connected state of the joining system (1), wherein the inclined contact surface is arranged with an angle (A1) between 5° and 70°, preferably between 20° and 60°, even more preferred between 30° to 50°, in relation to a lateral direction (L).

[0281] 13. The joining system (1) according to any one of the preceding items, wherein the first locking element (50) of the male coupling tongue (40) comprises an inclined contact surface (112) for contact with the second locking element (60) in a connected state of the joining system (1), wherein the inclined contact surface (112) is arranged with an angle (A2) between 5° and 70°, preferably between 20° and 50°, even more preferred between 35° to 50°, in relation to a lateral direction (L).

[0282] 14. The joining system (1) according to any one of the preceding items, wherein the female coupling recess (30) is configured to be more resilient than the male coupling tongue (40) such that the majority of the elastic deformation takes place in the female coupling recess (30) during insertion of the male coupling tongue (40) into the female coupling recess (30).

[0283] 15. The joining system (1) according to any one of the preceding items, wherein a lateral spacing (135) is provided between the first locking element (50) and the first side (115) of the female coupling recess (30).

[0284] 16. The joining system (1) according to any one of the preceding items, wherein a distance (D3) from a base surface (21) of the second furniture part (20) to a distal end of an inclined contact surface (112) of the first locking element (50) is equal to or larger than a distance (D1) from a base surface (11) of the first furniture part (10) to a proximal end of an inclined surface (111) of the second locking element (60).

[0285] 17. The joining system (1) according to any one of the preceding items, wherein the first side (115) of the female coupling recess (30) is arranged closer to a side surface (12) of the first furniture part (10) than the second side (116).

[0286] 18. The joining system (1) according to any one of the preceding items, further comprising an elasticity groove (70) provided in the base surface (11) of the first furniture part (10) and having an extension in a longitudinal direction (L1) of the joining system (1), wherein the elasticity groove (70) is parallel with the female coupling recess (30).

[0287] 19. The joining system (1) according to item 18, wherein the elasticity groove (70) is arranged on the side of the female coupling recess (30) closest to the first side (115) thereof.

[0288] 20. The joining system (1) according to item 18 or 19, wherein the elasticity groove (70) is provided at a distance from the female coupling recess (30) as measured along the base surface (11) of between 2mm to 20mm, preferably between 4mm and 10mm.

[0289] 21. The joining system (1) according to item 17, wherein the side surface (12) of the first furniture part (10) comprises a reinforcing element (13) attached thereto being configured to improve the resilience of the material in the first furniture part (10) between the female coupling recess (30) and the side surface (12).

[0290] 21. The joining system (1) according to any one of the preceding items, wherein the female coupling recess (30) comprises a first longitudinal section (31 , 33, 34) and a second longitudinal section (32, 35), and wherein the first guiding surface (130) is provided in the first longitudinal section (31 , 33, 34) but not in the second longitudinal section (32, 35).

[0291] 22. The joining system (1) according to any one of the preceding items, wherein the female coupling recess (30) comprises a first longitudinal section (31 , 33) and a second longitudinal section (32), and wherein the second locking element (60) is provided in the second longitudinal section (32) but not in the first longitudinal section (31 , 33).

[0292] 23. The joining system (1) according to item 22 when dependent on item 21 , wherein the second longitudinal section (32) is provided between two first longitudinal sections (31 , 33).

[0293] 24. The joining system (1) according to any one of the preceding items, further comprising a release tool (300) configured at least partially release the snap joint interlocking engagement of the male coupling tongue (40) in the female coupling recess (30), wherein the release tool (300) is configured to be inserted into an opening (301) in the first furniture part (10) thus engaging the male coupling tongue (40), the release tool (300) comprises a first portion (302) configured to be inserted into a spacing (127) formed between an lower surface (121 , 113) of the male coupling tongue (40) and a bottom surface (122, 126) of the female coupling recess (30). 25. The joining system (1) according to item 24, wherein the first portion (302) has a cross-sectional shape that corresponds to the shape of the opening (301) in the first furniture part (10).

[0294] 26. The joining system (1) according to item 25, wherein the first portion (302) has an X- or L-shaped cross-sectional shape.

[0295] 27. The joining system (1) according to any of items 24 to 26, wherein the first portion (302) is configured to be arranged between a between a bottom surface (122) in female coupling recess (30) and an opposite facing chamfered surface (113) on the male coupling tongue (40).

[0296] 28. The joining system (1) according to any one of items 24 to 27, wherein the release tool (300) is configured to provide an increasing force at least partially in a vertical direction (V) to the lower surface (121 , 113) of the male coupling tongue (40) with increased insertion of the first portion (302) in a longitudinal direction (D15) thereof into the spacing (127).

[0297] 29. The joining system (1) according to any one of items 24 to 28, wherein the release tool (300) is configured to release the snap joint interlocking engagement by inducing elastic movement of the joining system (1) by pushing on the male coupling tongue (40).

[0298] 30. The joining system (1) according to item 26, wherein the height (D17) of an engaging portion (304) of the first portion (302) increases with increasing distance in a longitudinal direction (D15) from a distal end (305) of the first portion (302).

[0299] 31. The joining system (1) according to any one of the preceding items, wherein the joining system (1) is configured to join the first furniture part (10) to the second furniture part (20) in an angular relative orientation or in a parallel relative orientation.

[0300] 32. The joining system (1) according to item (1), wherein the joining system (1) has extension along a longitudinal direction (L1) being essentially perpendicular to a vertical direction (V), and wherein the joining system (1) is configured for elastic movement of the male coupling tongue (40) and / or the female coupling recess (30) in a direction being perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (L1) during connection and / or disconnection, and wherein the amount of elastic movement of the male coupling tongue (40) and / or the female coupling recess (30) during connection is configured to vary along the longitudinal direction (L1).

[0301] 33. The joining system (1) according to item 32, wherein the elastic movement of the male coupling tongue (40) in a lateral direction (L) gradually increases with increased distance in at least one direction along the longitudinal direction (L1) from a central portion (42) of the male coupling tongue (40). 34. The joining system (1) according to item 32 or 33, wherein the elastic movement of the female coupling recess (30), specifically of the second locking element (60) thereof, decreases in at least one direction along the longitudinal direction (L1) from a central portion (36) thereof.

[0302] 35. The joining system (1) according to any one of items 32 to 34, wherein the first guiding surface (130) is provided only along a portion of the longitudinal length of the female coupling recess (30).

[0303] 36. The joining system (1) according to item 35, wherein a plurality of first guiding surfaces (130) are provided along the longitudinal length of the female coupling recess (30).

[0304] 37. The joining system (1) according to any one of items 32 to 36, wherein the female coupling recess (30) comprises a first longitudinal section (34) and a second longitudinal section (35), wherein the second longitudinal section (35) is recessed in a lateral direction (L) on the second side (116) of the female coupling recess (30) in relation to the first longitudinal section (34) such that a lateral distance (D11) between the second locking element (60) and the first guiding surface (130) is larger in each second longitudinal section (35) than in each first longitudinal section (34).

[0305] 38. The joining system (1) according to any one of items 32 to 37, wherein the female coupling recess (30), specifically the second locking element (60) thereof, is configured to elastically move in the lateral direction (L) away from the second side (116) during connection and / or disconnection of the joining system (1).

[0306] 39. The joining system (1) according to any one of items 32 to 38, wherein the male coupling tongue (40) is configured to at least temporarily, along the longitudinal direction (L1), assume an at least partially curved shape during connection and / or disconnection of the joining system (1).

[0307] 40. The joining system (1) according to any one of items 32 to 39, wherein the second locking element (60) of the female coupling recess (30) is configured to at least temporarily, along the longitudinal direction (L1), assume an at least partially curved shape during connection and / or disconnection of the joining system (1).

[0308] 41. The joining system (1) according to any of items 32 to 40, further comprising a dowel (80) being provided adjacent to a first longitudinal end (37) of the female coupling recess (30), wherein the dowel (80) is configured to provide a lateral biasing force acting to maintain the first locking element (50) in engagement with the second locking element (60) in the region of the first longitudinal end (37).

[0309] 42. The joining system (1) according to item 40, further comprising a back panel (90) being provided connected to both the first and the second furniture part (10, 20) adjacent a second longitudinal end (38) of the joining system (1), the second longitudinal end (38) being opposite in relation to the dowel (80), and wherein the back panel (90) is configured to provide a lateral biasing force acting to maintain the first locking element (50) in engagement with the second locking element (60) in the region of the second longitudinal end (38).

[0310] 43. The joining system (1) according to item 37, wherein a plurality of first longitudinal sections (34) and / or a plurality of second longitudinal sections (35) are provided in the female coupling recess (30).

[0311] 44. The joining system (1) according to item 43, wherein a first longitudinal section (34) is provided at a central portion (36) of the female coupling recess (30) and one second longitudinal section (35) is provided at each longitudinal side of the first longitudinal section (34).

[0312] 45. The joining system (1) according to any one of items 32 to 44, wherein an angle (A1) defining the incline of an inclined surface (111) of the second locking element (60) is configured allow forming of the inclined surface (111) and an undercut region (137) below the second locking element (60) with a machining tool (402) having a rotation axis (A5) being perpendicularly oriented in relation to the inclined surface (111).

[0313] 46. The joining system (1) according to item 45, wherein the female coupling recess (30) further comprises a first chamfered edge (118) being arranged between the base surface (11) and the first guiding surface (130), the chamfered edge (118) being arranged at an angle (A3) in relation to the lateral direction (L), wherein the angle (A3) is essentially equal to the angle (A1) of the inclined surface (111).

[0314] 47. The joining system (1) according to any one of items 32 to 46, wherein the male coupling tongue (40) comprises a locking surface (125) for abutting against the first guiding surface (130) during connection and in the connected state, the locking surface (125) having essentially rectilinear extension from the base surface (21) to a lower surface (121) of the male coupling tongue (40).

[0315] 48. A joining system (1) for furniture parts (10, 20), comprising a female coupling recess (30) formed in a first furniture part (10), a male coupling tongue (40) formed in a second furniture part (20), wherein said female coupling recess (30) being adapted to receive the male coupling tongue (40) and wherein said male coupling tongue (40) comprising a first locking element (50) protruding towards a first side (115) of the female coupling recess (30) and being configured for a snap joint interlocking engagement with a second locking element (60) in said female coupling recess (30) for locking the first furniture part (10) to the second furniture part (20) by a relative movement of the first and second furniture parts (10, 20) into a connected state, and wherein the joining system (1) is configured for elastic movement of the male coupling tongue (40) and / or the female coupling recess (30) in a direction being perpendicular to a longitudinal direction (L1) of the joining system (1) during connection and / or disconnection, and wherein the amount of elastic movement of the male coupling tongue (40) and / or the female coupling recess (30) is configured to vary along the longitudinal direction (L1).

[0316] 49. The joining system (1) according to item 48, wherein the female coupling recess (30) is provided a non-uniform cross-sectional shape along the longitudinal direction (L1).

[0317] 50. The joining system (1) according to item 48 or 49, wherein the male coupling tongue (40) is provided with a non-uniform cross-sectional shape along the longitudinal direction (L1).

[0318] 51. The joining system (1) according to item 49, wherein the female coupling recess (30) comprises a first guiding surface (130) being arranged opposite of the second locking element (60) and being configured to abut against the male coupling tongue (40) to provide support in a lateral direction (L), the lateral direction (L) being essentially perpendicular to the vertical direction (V) and wherein the first guiding surface (130) is only provided on a part of the length of the female coupling recess (30) in the longitudinal direction (L1).

[0319] 52. The joining system (1) according to item 48, wherein the female coupling recess (30) comprises a first longitudinal section (34) and a second longitudinal section (35), wherein the second longitudinal section (35) is recessed in a lateral direction (L) on a second side (116) of the female coupling recess (30) in relation to the first longitudinal section (34), the second side (116) being opposite the first side (115), such that a lateral distance (D11) between the second locking element (60) and a first guiding surface (130) is larger in each second longitudinal section (35) than in each first longitudinal section (34).

[0320] 53. A joining system (1) for furniture parts (10, 20), comprising a female coupling recess (30) formed in a first furniture part (10), a male coupling tongue (40) formed in a second furniture part (20), wherein said female coupling recess (30) being adapted to receive the male coupling tongue (40) and wherein said male coupling tongue (40) comprising a first locking element (50) protruding towards a first side (115) of the female coupling recess (30) and being configured for a snap joint interlocking engagement with a second locking element (60) in said female coupling recess (30) for locking the first furniture part (10) to the second furniture part (20) by a relative movement of the first and second furniture parts (10, 20) into a connected state, wherein the cross-section of the female coupling recess (30) comprises a first void portion (30a) and a second void portion (30b), wherein the second void portion (30a) forms an undercut region (137) below the second locking element (60) and wherein at least one of the first and second void portions (30a, 30b) is configured to be formed by a machining tool (401 , 402) having a rotation axis (A4, A5) not intersecting the female coupling recess (30).

[0321] 54. The joining system (1) according to item 53, wherein both the first and the second void portion (30a, 30b) are configured to be formed by a respective machining tool (401 , 402) having a first and second tool rotation axis (A4, A5) not intersecting the female coupling recess (30).

[0322] 55. The joining system (1) according to item 54, wherein the first void portion (30a) is configured to be formed by the first machining tool (401) having a first rotation axis (A4) and the second void portion (30b) is configured to formed by the second machining tool (402) having a second rotation axis (A5), the first and second rotation axis (A4, A5) being arranged at an angle in relation to each other.

[0323] 56. The joining system (1) according to item 55, wherein first void portion (30a) is configured to be formed by the first machining tool (401) having a first rotation axis (A4) essentially parallel with a lateral direction (L) and essentially perpendicular to the vertical direction (V) and the second void portion (30b) is configured to formed by the second machining tool (402) having a second rotation axis (A5) being arranged essentially perpendicularly to an inclined surface (111) of the second locking element (60).

[0324] 57. The joining system (1) according to any of item 53 to 56, wherein the second void portion (30b) is configured to be formed by a second machining tool (402) having an essentially rectangular shape when observed from a direction perpendicular to the second rotation axis (A5).

[0325] 58. The joining system (1) according to any of item 53 to 57, wherein the first void portion (30a) is configured to be formed by a first machining tool (401) having an essentially rectangular shape when observed from a direction perpendicular to the first rotation axis (A1).

[0326] 59. The joining system (1) according to any one of items 53 to 58, wherein the cross-sectional shape of the female coupling recess (30) is configured to be formed completely by the first and second void portions (30a, 30b).

[0327] 60. A joining system (1) for furniture parts (10, 20), comprising a female coupling recess (30) formed in a first furniture part (10), a male coupling tongue (40) formed in a second furniture part (20), wherein said female coupling recess (30) being adapted to receive the male coupling tongue (40) and wherein said male coupling tongue (40) comprising a first locking element (50) protruding towards a first side (115) of the female coupling recess (30) and being configured for a snap joint interlocking engagement with a second locking element (60) in said female coupling recess (30) for locking the first furniture part (10) to the second furniture part (20) by either of a first relative movement path, the first relative movement path being arranged at an angle in relation to a longitudinal direction, or by a combination of the first relative movement path and a subsequent longitudinal relative movement path, of the second furniture part (20) in relation to the first furniture part (10).

[0328] 61. The joining system (1) according to item 60, wherein the female coupling recess (30) comprises a first longitudinal section (34) and a second longitudinal section (39), wherein no vertical locking is present in the second longitudinal section (39) and wherein the longitudinal length of the male coupling tongue (40) is less than the longitudinal length of the second longitudinal section (39).

[0329] 62. The joining system (1) according to item 60 or 61 , wherein more than one female coupling recess (30) is provided along the longitudinal direction (L1) of the first furniture part (10) and an equal number of male coupling tongues (40) are provided along the longitudinal direction (L1) of the second furniture part (20).

[0330] 63. The joining system (1) according to any one of items 60 to 62, further comprising a dowel (80) provided on the second furniture part (20) for cooperation with a keyhole slot (82) provided on the first furniture part (10) or vice versa.

[0331] 64. The joining system (1) according to item 61 , wherein the second longitudinal section (39) comprises a lateral recess (138) on the first side (115) of the female coupling recess (30).

[0332] 65. The joining system (1) according to item 61 , wherein the female coupling recess (30) in the region of the second longitudinal section (39) is not provided with a second locking element (60).

[0333] 66. A method (1000) for forming a joining system (1) for furniture parts (10, 20), comprising a female coupling recess (30) formed in a first furniture part (10), a male coupling tongue (40) formed in a second furniture part (20), wherein said female coupling recess (30) being adapted to receive the male coupling tongue (40) and wherein said male coupling tongue (40) comprising a first locking element (50) protruding towards a first side (115) of the female coupling recess (30) and being configured for a snap joint interlocking engagement with a second locking element (60) in said female coupling recess (30) for locking the first furniture part (10) to the second furniture part (20) by a relative movement of the first and second furniture parts (10, 20) into a connected state, wherein the cross-section of the female coupling recess (30) comprises a first void portion (30a) and a second void portion (30b), wherein the second void portion (30a) forms an undercut region (137) below the second locking element (60), the method (1000) comprising: providing (1001) a first furniture part (10) into which the female coupling recess (30) is to be formed, forming (1001 , 1002) at least one of the first and second void portions (30a, 30b) by a machining tool (401 , 402) having a rotation axis (A4, A5) not intersecting the female coupling recess (30).

[0334] 67. The method (1000) according to item 66, further comprising forming (1001) the first void portion (30a) by a first machining tool (401 , 402) having a first rotation axis (A4) not intersecting the female coupling recess (30).

[0335] 68. The method (1000) according to item 66 or 67, further comprising forming (1002) the second void portion (30b) by a second machining tool (402) having a second rotation axis (A5) not intersecting the female coupling recess (30).

[0336] 69. The method (1000) according to item 68, wherein forming the second void (30b) comprises arranging the second rotation axis (A5) of the second machining tool (402) essentially perpendicularly to an inclined surface (111) of the second locking element (60).

[0337] 70. The method (1000) according to any one of items 66 to 69, wherein forming (1001) the first void portion (30a) comprises forming by a first machining tool (401) having a first rotation axis (A4) and forming (1002) the second void portion (30b) comprises forming by a second machining tool (402) having a second rotation axis (A5), wherein the first and second rotation axis (A4, A5) being arranged at an angle in relation to each other.

[0338] 71. A furniture (200) comprising a first furniture part (10) and a second furniture part (20), the furniture further comprising a joining system (1) according to any of the preceding items 1 to 65.

[0339] From the description above follows that, although various embodiments of the invention have been described and shown, the invention is not restricted thereto, but may also be embodied in other ways within the scope of the subject-matter defined in the following claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A joining system (1) for furniture parts (10, 20), comprising a female coupling recess (30) formed in a first furniture part (10), a male coupling tongue (40) formed in a second furniture part (20), wherein said female coupling recess (30) being adapted to receive the male coupling tongue (40) and wherein said male coupling tongue (40) comprising a first locking element (50) protruding towards a first side (115) of the female coupling recess (30) and being configured for a snap joint interlocking engagement with a second locking element (60) in said female coupling recess (30) for locking the first furniture part (10) to the second furniture part (20) by a relative movement of the first and second furniture parts (10, 20) into a connected state, and wherein the joining system (1) is configured for elastic movement of the male coupling tongue (40) and / or the female coupling recess (30) in a direction being perpendicular to a longitudinal direction (L1) of the joining system (1) during connection and / or disconnection, and wherein the amount of elastic movement of the male coupling tongue (40) and / or the female coupling recess (30) is configured to vary along the longitudinal direction (L1).

2. The joining system (1) according to claim 1 , wherein the female coupling recess (30) is provided a non-uniform cross-sectional shape along the longitudinal direction (L1).

3. The joining system (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the male coupling tongue (40) is provided with a non-uniform cross-sectional shape along the longitudinal direction (L1).

4. The joining system (1) according to claim 1 , wherein the female coupling recess (30) comprises a first guiding surface (130) being arranged opposite of the second locking element (60) and being configured to abut against the male coupling tongue (40) to provide support in a lateral direction (L), the lateral direction (L) being essentially perpendicular to the vertical direction (V) and wherein the first guiding surface (130) is only provided on a part of the length of the female coupling recess (30) in the longitudinal direction (L1).

5. The joining system (1) according to claim 1 , wherein the female coupling recess (30) comprises a first longitudinal section (34) and a second longitudinal section (35), wherein the second longitudinal section (35) is recessed in a lateral direction (L) on a second side (116) of the female coupling recess (30) in relation to the first longitudinal section (34), the second side (116) being opposite the first side (115), such that a lateral distance (D11) between the second locking element (60) and a firstguiding surface (130) is larger in each second longitudinal section (35) than in each first longitudinal section (34).

6. The joining system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second locking element (60) of the female coupling recess (30) comprises an inclined surface (111) for contact with the first locking element (50) in a connected state of the joining system (1), wherein the inclined contact surface is arranged with an angle (A1) between 5° and 70°, preferably between 20° and 60°, even more preferred between 30° to 50°, in relation to a lateral direction (L).

7. The joining system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first locking element (50) of the male coupling tongue (40) comprises an inclined contact surface (112) for contact with the second locking element (60) in a connected state of the joining system (1), wherein the inclined contact surface (112) is arranged with an angle (A2) between 5° and 70°, preferably between 20° and 60°, even more preferred between 35° to 50°, in relation to a lateral direction (L).

8. The joining system (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the joining system (1) comprises a plurality of lateral locking contact areas (P3, P6) between the first furniture part (10) and the second furniture part (20), and wherein at least one lateral locking contact area (P3) is also a vertical locking contact area (P3).

9. The joining system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the joining system (1) comprises a plurality of vertical locking contact areas (P4, P3, P5) and wherein at least one vertical locking contact area (P3) is also a lateral locking contact area (P3).

10. The joining system (1) according to claim 1 , wherein the elastic movement of the male coupling tongue (40) in a lateral direction (L) gradually increases with increased distance in at least one direction along the longitudinal direction (L1) from a central portion (42) of the male coupling tongue (40).

11. The joining system (1) according to claim 1 , wherein the elastic movement of the female coupling recess (30), specifically of the second locking element (60) thereof, decreases in at least one direction along the longitudinal direction (L1) from a central portion (36) thereof.

12. The joining system (1) according to claim 5, wherein a plurality of first longitudinal sections (34) and / or a plurality of second longitudinal sections (35) are provided in the female coupling recess (30).

13. The joining system (1) according claim 12, wherein a first longitudinal section (34) is provided at a central portion (36) of the female coupling recess (30) andone second longitudinal section (35) is provided at each longitudinal side of the first longitudinal section (34).

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