CN110537030B

CN110537030B - Panel for a composite product

Info

Publication number: CN110537030B
Application number: CN201880026146.XA
Authority: CN
Inventors: P·德雷洛夫
Original assignee: Valinge Innovation AB
Current assignee: Valinge Innovation AB
Priority date: 2017-04-20
Filing date: 2018-04-19
Publication date: 2021-04-27
Anticipated expiration: 2038-04-19
Also published as: CN110537030A; EA038114B1; EA201992379A1; EP3612739A1; EP3612739A4; WO2018194509A1

Abstract

The present invention discloses a panel assembly for a composite product, comprising: a first panel (1 a); a second panel (1 b); and a third panel (2 a). The first panel (1a) and the second panel (1b) each comprise a first surface (7a), a second surface (7b) substantially parallel to the first surface (7a), an edge groove (4a) and an end face (4 b). The third panel (2a) comprises a first surface (8a) and a second surface (8b) substantially parallel to the first surface (8a), and an end face extending at least partially between the first surface (8a) and the second surface (8b) of the third panel (2 a). The end face of the third panel (2a) comprises a first tongue (9a) and a second tongue (9 b). The first panel (1a) and the second panel (1b) are configured to be arranged with their respective end faces (4b) facing each other and their respective edge grooves (4a) parallel. The first tongue (9a) of the third panel (2a) is configured to be arranged in the edge groove (4a) of the first panel (1a) to join the first panel (1a) and the third panel (2a), and the second tongue (9b) of the third panel (2a) is configured to be received in the edge groove (4a) of the second panel (2b) to join the second panel (1b) with the third panel (2a), wherein the first panel (1a), the second panel (1b) and the third panel (2a) are joined at least in the first direction.

Description

Panel for a composite product

Technical Field

The present invention relates to panels for modular products, such as panels for multi-module frames. More particularly, embodiments according to the present invention relate to a panel assembly for a composite product, such as a furniture component, a frame, a drawer, a partition wall, etc., for one or more modules, e.g., for a wardrobe, cabinet or shelf.

Background

Conventional furniture products are provided with a mechanical locking system as shown for example in WO 2012/154113. The furniture product comprises a first panel connected perpendicularly to a second panel by a mechanical locking system comprising a flexible tongue in an insertion groove.

The combination may comprise at least three elements arranged in three different planes, as shown in WO 2015/038059. The first element is perpendicularly connected to the second element, and the third element is perpendicularly connected to the second element.

As shown in WO2010070605, a composite element comprises at least two panel-like elements. The panel-type elements are connected to each other at an angle by means of a coupling device. The combined elements may form a plurality of modules as shown in fig. 40 of WO 2010070605. The figure shows that there are grooves at the same edge area of the panel-shaped elements, which allow the coupling of a plurality of panel-shaped elements in a T-connection or a transverse connection. The ends of each of the two horizontal panel elements are connected to opposite side surfaces of a third vertical panel. This connection is rather unstable. And the assembly is also cumbersome; each horizontal veneer element is attached to each vertical veneer element separately. In some embodiments, such as that shown in fig. 62, connectors are required to assemble multiple modules. The separate connectors also make the combined elements unstable and cumbersome to assemble. Additional component parts need to be manufactured which increases the complexity of production and logistics and increases the cost of the combined element.

The present invention meets the generally recognized need to provide a panel assembly for a composite product that is easy to assemble, and provides a stable composite product, reduced complexity, and/or reduced cost.

Disclosure of Invention

Accordingly, embodiments in accordance with the present invention preferably seek to mitigate, alleviate or eliminate one or more deficiencies, disadvantages or issues in the art, such as the above-identified deficiencies, disadvantages or issues, singly or in any combination by providing a panel assembly in accordance with the appended patent claims.

In some embodiments, a panel assembly for a composite product is provided. The panel assembly includes a first panel, a second panel, and a third panel. Each of the first and second panels includes a first surface, a second surface substantially parallel to the first surface, an edge groove, and an end face. The third panel includes a first surface and a second surface substantially parallel to the first surface, and an end face extending at least partially between the first surface and the second surface of the third panel. The end face of the third panel includes a first tongue and a second tongue. The first panel and the second panel are configured to be arranged with their respective end faces facing each other and their respective edge grooves parallel. The first tongue of the third panel is configured to be disposed in the edge groove of the first panel to join the first panel and the third panel, and the second tongue of the third panel is configured to be received in the edge groove of the second panel to join the second panel with the third panel. The first panel, the second panel, and the third panel may be joined at least in the first direction.

The first panel and the second panel may be configured to be arranged with their respective end faces in abutment.

Each of the first and second panels may further comprise an insertion groove for the flexible tongue. The insertion groove may be arranged between the end faces and the first surfaces of the respective first and second panels. The third panel can include a first tongue groove extending from a first surface thereof. The second tongue groove may extend from a second surface of the third panel. Each tongue groove may be arranged to receive a portion of a flexible tongue when the first, second and third panels are joined.

At least one of the first panel and the second panel may comprise a flexible tongue integrally formed with and of the same material as the at least one of the first panel and the second panel.

Each insertion groove may be inclined toward the respective first surfaces of the first and second panels. The respective first and second tongues of the third panel may be arranged to push each flexible tongue into the insertion groove when the third panel is engaged with the first and second panels.

Each of the first and second panels may include a tongue formed by an end face and an edge groove thereof. The third panel may comprise at least one end groove between its first and second tongues. The end groove may be formed at least in part by a side of the first tongue of the third panel and a side of the second tongue of the third panel and a surface extending between the sides. The third panel may comprise a single end groove between the first and second tongues of the third panel. The tongue of the first panel and the tongue of the second panel may be tongue portions of a multi-part tongue. When the first and second panels are arranged with their respective end faces abutting and their respective edge grooves arranged in parallel, a multi-part tongue may be formed. The multi-part tongue may be configured to be arranged in a single end groove of a third panel.

An end surface of the tongue of the first panel and an end surface of the tongue of the second panel may be configured to abut an end groove of the third panel. The end face of the first tongue of the third panel may be configured to be spaced apart from the bottom wall of the edge groove of the first panel. The end face of the second tongue of the third panel may be configured to be spaced from the bottom wall of the edge groove of the second panel when the panels are assembled.

Alternatively, the end face of the tongue of the first panel and the end face of the tongue of the second panel may be configured to be spaced apart from the end groove of the third panel. An end face of the first tongue of the third panel may be configured to abut a bottom wall of the edge groove of the first panel. The end face of the second tongue of the third panel may be configured to abut the bottom wall of the edge groove of the second panel when the panels are assembled.

Each of the first and second panels may include at least one of a front edge and a rear edge extending between the first and second surfaces of the respective first and second panels. One adjacent end of the edge groove of the respective first and second panels may be spaced apart from the at least one of the front and rear edges.

In some embodiments, a panel assembly for forming a multi-module frame is provided. The panel assembly includes a plurality of first panel-type panels configured to be arranged in a first direction, a plurality of second panel-type panels configured to be arranged in a second direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction. The panel assembly may further include at least one corner element. The panels of the first panel type comprise locking elements extending along edge portions of opposite ends of each panel. The second panel type panel comprises a first locking element and a second locking element arranged at the same end of the second panel type panel. The first and second locking elements of the second panel type panel may be directly lockable to any of the locking elements of the first panel type panel. When the second panel-type panel is directly locked to a single panel of the first panel-type, the corner element (when provided) may be attached to at least one of the first and second locking elements at one end of the second panel-type panel.

The corner element may comprise at least one of the following elements: a support element configured to be supported by at least one of a first panel type panel and a second panel type panel; and a locking element configured to lock against the tongue groove of the second panel type panel.

The panel assembly may comprise at least two modular panels for forming a multi-module frame, comprising at least four panels of a first panel type, at least three panels of a second panel type. Optionally, at least one corner element is provided. Each end of a first panel of the second panel type may be locked to two panels of the first panel type, and each end of a second panel and a third panel of the second panel type may be locked to a single panel of the first panel type. When provided, the corner element may be attached to at least one end of a second panel and a third panel of the second panel type.

In the panel assembly, the first panel may be of a first panel type and the second panel may be of the first panel type; and the third panel may be of the second panel type. Each of the first panel and the second panel may include a first surface, a second surface substantially parallel to the first surface, an edge groove, and an end face. The third panel may include a first surface and a second surface substantially parallel to the first surface, and an end face extending at least partially between the first surface and the second surface of the third panel. The end face of the third panel can include a first tongue and a second tongue. The first panel and the second panel may be configured to be arranged with their respective end faces facing each other and their respective edge grooves parallel. The first tongue of the third panel can be configured to be disposed in an edge groove of the first panel to join the first panel and the third panel. The second tongue of the third panel can be configured to be received in an edge groove of the second panel to join the second panel with the third panel. The first panel, the second panel, and the third panel may be joined at least in the first direction.

In the panel assembly, the first panel and the second panel may be configured to be arranged with their respective end faces in abutment.

In the panel assembly, each of the first and second panels may further comprise an insertion groove for the flexible tongue. The insertion groove may be arranged between the end faces and the first surfaces of the respective first and second panels. The third panel can include a first tongue groove extending from a first surface thereof and a second tongue groove extending from a second surface thereof. Each tongue groove may be arranged to receive a portion of a flexible tongue when the first, second and third panels are joined.

In the panel assembly, at least one of the first panel and the second panel may comprise a flexible tongue integrally formed with and of the same material as at least one of the first panel and the second panel.

In the panel assembly, each insertion groove may be inclined toward the respective first surfaces of the first and second panels. The respective first and second tongues of the third panel may be arranged to push each flexible tongue into the insertion groove when the third panel is engaged with the first and second panels.

In the panel assembly, each of the first and second panels may include a tongue formed by an end face and an edge groove thereof. The third panel may comprise at least one end groove between its first and second tongues.

In the panel assembly, the end groove may be formed at least in part by a side of the first tongue of the third panel and a side of the second tongue of the third panel and a surface extending between the sides. The third panel may comprise a single end groove between the first and second tongues of the third panel. The tongue of the first panel and the tongue of the second panel may be tongue portions of a multi-part tongue. A multi-part tongue may be formed when the first and second panels are arranged with their respective end faces abutting and their respective edge grooves parallel. The multi-part tongue may be configured to be arranged in a single end groove of a third panel.

In the panel assembly, an end face of the tongue of the first panel and an end face of the tongue of the second panel may be configured to abut an end groove of the third panel. The end face of the first tongue of the third panel may be configured to be spaced apart from the bottom wall of the edge groove of the first panel. The end face of the second tongue of the third panel may be configured to be spaced from the bottom wall of the edge groove of the second panel when the panels are assembled. Alternatively, the end face of the tongue of the first panel and the end face of the tongue of the second panel may be configured to be spaced apart from the end groove of the third panel. An end face of the first tongue of the third panel may be configured to abut a bottom wall of the edge groove of the first panel. The end face of the second tongue of the third panel may be configured to abut the bottom wall of the edge groove of the second panel when the panels are assembled.

In the panel assembly, each of the first and second panels may include at least one of a front edge and a rear edge extending between the first and second surfaces of the respective first and second panels. One adjacent end of the edge groove of the respective first and second panels may be spaced apart from at least one of the front and rear edges.

Some embodiments according to the invention provide a combination product that is easy to assemble. In particular, the combination product may consist of only two types of panels, which may be locked relative to each other without using any separate fastening elements, such as bolts or screws. Also, the panels can be assembled without using any tools. Thus, the panels can also be assembled quickly. Furthermore, the design of the panels provides a stable combined product. Furthermore, only two types of panels and optional corner elements are required, which reduces complexity and thus complexity of manufacture and assembly. The reduced complexity and the smaller number of parts that need to be produced also reduces production and logistics costs.

When the term "comprises/comprising" is used in this specification to specify the presence of stated features, elements, steps or components, it does not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, elements, steps, components or groups thereof.

Drawings

These and other aspects, features and advantages which can be achieved by embodiments of the present invention will become apparent from and elucidated with reference to the following description of embodiments of the invention, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1A is a side view of the back side of one embodiment of a combination product;

FIG. 1B is an enlarged side view of the back of a corner of the assembled product of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 1C is an enlarged side view of the back side of the combination of FIG. 1A, with a first panel disposed in abutting relation with a second panel and a third panel including a locking element joining the panels together;

FIG. 1D is an enlarged side view of the back of an alternative to the embodiment of the assembled product of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 2A is a side view of the front side of an embodiment of the assembled product of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 2B is an enlarged side view of the front face of the panel shown in FIG. 1C;

FIG. 2C is an enlarged side view of the front of the corner shown in FIG. 1B;

FIG. 2D is a side view of the side of the assembled product of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 3A is an exploded view of an embodiment of a first panel type panel, a second panel type panel and a corner element;

FIG. 3B is an enlarged view of the exploded view of FIG. 3A;

FIG. 4A is a side view of an embodiment of a second panel type panel;

FIG. 4B is a side view of an embodiment of a first panel-type panel;

FIG. 5 is an exploded view of one embodiment of a panel assembly for a composite product including a first panel-type panel and a second panel-type panel;

FIG. 6A is a side view of the front of one embodiment of a combination product;

FIG. 6B is a side view of the side of the assembled product of FIG. 6A;

FIG. 6C is an enlarged side view of the back of the combination of FIG. 6A with the first panel disposed in abutting relation with the second panel, and a third panel including a locking element joining the panels together;

FIG. 6D is an enlarged side view of the front of a corner of the assembled product of FIG. 6A;

FIG. 7A is a side view of the back of the embodiment of the assembled product of FIG. 6A;

FIG. 7B is an enlarged side view of the back of the corner shown in FIG. 6D;

FIG. 7C is an enlarged side view of the back of the panel shown in FIG. 6C;

fig. 8A is an exploded view showing the assembly of a first panel type panel with a second panel type panel;

FIG. 8B shows an enlarged view of a panel of a first panel type joined with a panel of a second panel type using a locking element;

FIGS. 9A-9J are top and side views of an embodiment of a locking element;

10A-10B are exploded views of panels of a first, second and third panel types;

11A-11B are side views of the front and back, respectively, of one embodiment of a corner element assembled with a panel;

11C-11D are perspective views illustrating opposite ends of the corner element of FIGS. 11A-11C;

FIG. 12A is an enlarged side view of an end face of the second panel type;

FIG. 12B is an enlarged side view of the back of an alternative to the embodiment of the assembled product of FIG. 1A; and

FIG. 12C is an enlarged side view of the back of an alternative to the embodiment of the assembled product of FIG. 1A.

Detailed Description

Specific embodiments according to the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. The terminology used in the detailed description of the embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings is not intended to be limiting of the invention. In the drawings, like numbering represents like elements.

The present invention relates to a panel assembly for a composite product such as that shown in figure 1A. The panel assembly comprises a first panel 1a, a second panel 1b and a third panel 2 a. The first, second and

third panels

1a, 1b, 3a may be joined, for example as shown in fig. 1C. In particular, the first, second and

third panels

1a, 1b, 3a may be locked to each other in at least one direction. Thus, three panels may form a joint of the assembled product.

In some embodiments, the panel assembly may be used to form a multi-module frame, such as shown in the embodiments of fig. 1A and 2A, fig. 5, and fig. 6A and 7A. Fig. 1A and 7A show the back of an embodiment of a multi-module frame. Fig. 2A shows a front side of the multi-module frame of fig. 1A, and fig. 6A shows a front side of the multi-module frame of fig. 7A.

The entire multi-module frame may be assembled using only a plurality of panels of the first panel type and a plurality of panels of the second panel type. Fig. 4B shows an embodiment of a panel 1 of the first panel type. Fig. 4A shows an embodiment of a panel 2 of the second panel type.

The first and

second panels

1a, 1b may be of a first panel type. The third panels 2a may be of the second panel type. To form a single joint, it is only necessary to have a first panel 1a, a second panel 1b and a third panel 2 a.

As shown in fig. 1A and 2A, 5, 6A and 7A, a first panel type of panel, such as panels 1A-1e, is configured to be arranged, for example, horizontally in a first direction. The second panel type of panels, such as panels 2a-2d, are configured to be arranged, for example, vertically in a second direction. The second direction may be substantially perpendicular to the first direction.

In some embodiments, such as shown in the embodiment of FIG. 1A, the panel assembly may include at least one corner element 3a-3 c.

The corner elements 3a-3c may be attached to at least one of the first and second

panel type panels

1, 2. As shown in fig. 1B, the corner elements 3a-3c may be attached to a second panel type panel 2. The panels 1 of the first panel type may be attached at the same corners of the panels 2 of the second panel type to which the corner elements 3a-3c are attached, as shown in fig. 1B. The corner elements 3a-3c may extend along the length of one edge of the second panel type panel 2, for example the upper/lower edge of a rectangular panel. Thus, the corner elements 3a-3c may be used to conceal or cover any visually less visible structure of the

panels

1, 2 of the first and/or second panel type. Thus, the corner elements 3a-3c may be used at any corner that is visible when the product assembled from the panels 1a-1e, 2a-2b is positioned in the end-use position. Thus, in some cases, for example when the assembled product is positioned with a side surface (e.g. a surface perpendicular to the front or back) against a wall, only two corner elements 3a-3c may be required. In other cases, however, four corner elements 3a-3c are used, i.e. one at each outer corner of the assembled product. It is also possible to envisage only a single corner element or three corner elements 3a-3 c.

For example, as shown in figure 1C, when the panels are assembled, the end face of the tongue of the first panel 1a and the end face of the tongue of the second panel 1b are configured to abut the end groove of the third panel 2a, the end face of the first tongue 9a of the third panel 2a is configured to be spaced apart from the bottom wall of the edge groove 4a of the first panel, and the end face of the second tongue 9b of the third panel 2a is configured to be spaced apart from the bottom wall of the edge groove 4a of the second panel 1 b.

Alternatively, as shown for example in fig. 1D, when the panels are assembled, the end face of the tongue of the first panel 1a and the end face of the tongue of the second panel 1b are configured to be spaced apart from the end groove of the third panel 2a, the end face of the first tongue 9a of the third panel 2a is configured to abut the bottom wall of the edge groove 4a of the first panel 1a, and the end face of the second tongue 9b of the third panel 2a is configured to abut the bottom wall of the edge groove 4a of the second panel 1 b.

As shown in the embodiment of fig. 1C and 7C and also visible in fig. 3B, 4A, 8A, 10B and 11C, the first panel-type panel 1 comprises a locking element 4 extending at least partially along the edge portion 5. In some embodiments, a locking element 4 extends along each

edge portion

5a, 5b of the opposite ends of the panel 1, as shown for the panel 1 in fig. 4 b. As shown in fig. 4B, the first panel type panel 1 may have a locking element 4 at each of the opposite ends of the panel 1. Thus, the locking elements 4 may be arranged symmetrically at each end of the first panel type panel 1. Thus, the panels 1 may at each end be symmetrical, for example with respect to a centre line S1, the centre line S1 being orthogonal to the first and

second surfaces

7a, 7b of the first panel type panel 1. The centre line S1 may extend centrally between the two ends of the first panel-type panel 1. Thus, the first panel type panel 1 may be symmetrical with respect to the centre line S1. Thus, the panels 1 of the first panel type may be connected at each end to the panels 2 of the second panel type, as shown in fig. 1A.

Similarly and as can be seen in fig. 4A, the second panel type panels 2, e.g. panels 2a-2d, comprise a first locking element 6a and a second locking element 6b, which are arranged at the same end of the second panel type panels 2. The second panel type panel 2 may have a first locking element 6a and a second locking element 6b at each of the opposite ends of the panel 2, as shown in fig. 4 a. Thus, these locking elements may be arranged at each end of the second panel type panel 2, e.g. symmetrically with respect to a centre line S1, the centre line S1 being orthogonal to the first and

second surfaces

8a, 8b of the second panel type panel 2. The centre line S1 may extend centrally between the two ends of the second panel type panel 2. Thus, the second panel type panels 2 may be symmetrical about the centre line S1. Also, the first locking member 6a and the second locking member 6b may be symmetrically arranged along the edge of each end. Thus, the

locking elements

6a, 6b may be symmetrical at each end about the second centre line S2. The second centre line S2 may extend parallel to the first and

second surfaces

8a, 8b of the second panel-type panel 2, e.g. in the centre between the first locking element 6a and the second element 6b and/or in the centre between the first and

second surfaces

8a, 8b of the second panel-type panel 2. Thus, the entire panel 2 may be symmetrical. Thus, each panel 2 of the second panel type may be connected with four panels 1 of the first panel type, e.g. these panels 1 together form the bottom and top surfaces, respectively, of the multi-module frame.

Each of the first and

second locking elements

6a, 6b of the second panel-type panels 2 may be directly locked to any of the locking elements 4 of the first panel-type panels 1.

The corner elements 3a-3c may be attached to at least one of the first and

second locking elements

6a, 6b at one end of the second panel type panel 2. As shown in fig. 1B, when a panel 2d of the second panel type is locked directly to a single panel 1 of the first panel type, e.g. to the panel of the outermost module of a multi-module frame, one of the locking elements 6a, 6B of the outermost panel of the outermost module is exposed, i.e. not connected to the panel 1 of the first panel type. The corner elements 3a-3c may be attached to any such

exposed locking element

6a, 6 b.

As shown in fig. 4B, the first panel type panel 1, for example each of the first and second panels 1a, 1B, comprises a first surface 7a and a second surface 7B. The second surface 7b may be substantially parallel to the first surface 7a and offset from the first surface 7a such that the panel has a predetermined thickness. Also, the first panel type panel 1 may comprise at least one end surface 4b and at least one edge groove 4a, e.g. at each end of the panel 1. The at least one edge groove 4a and the at least one end face 4b may extend at least partly along an edge of the first panel type panel 1.

As shown in fig. 4A, a second panel type panel 2, such as a third panel 2a, may include a first surface 8a and a second surface 8 b. The second surface 8b may be substantially parallel to the first surface 8a and offset from the first surface 8a such that the panel 2 has a predetermined thickness. The end surface 9 may extend at least partially between the first surface 8a and the second surface 8b of the second panel type panel 2. Each end of the second panel type panel 2 may comprise such an end surface 9. The end face 9 of the second panel type panel 2, for example the third panel 2a, may comprise a first tongue 9 a. The second panel type panel 2 may also comprise a second tongue 9 b. The first tongue 9a and/or the second tongue 9b may extend at least partially along the end surface 9.

As shown in fig. 1C and 7C, the first panel type panels, for example, the first panel 1a and the second panel 1b, may be configured to be arranged with their respective end faces 4b facing each other and their respective edge grooves 4a parallel. The first tongue 9a of the first panel type panel 2, e.g., the third panel 2a, may be configured to be disposed in the edge groove 4a of the first panel 2a to join the first panel 1a and the third panel 2 a. The second tongue 9b of a second panel type panel 2, such as a third panel 2a, may be configured to be received in the edge groove 4a of the second panel 1 b. Thus, the third panel 2a may join the second panel 2b to the third panel 2b, whereby the first, second and

third panels

1a, 2b, 2a are joined at least in a first direction, e.g. in the direction of extension of the first and

second surfaces

7a, 7b of the first and

second panels

1a, 1b, respectively.

As shown in fig. 1C and 7C, in some embodiments, the first panel type panels 1, e.g., the first panel 1a and the second panel 1b, are configured to be arranged with their respective end surfaces 4b abutting when assembled. This provides a stable joint, wherein the end faces can be pushed together when inserting the

tongues

9a, 9b into the respective edge grooves 4a of the first and

second panels

1a, 1 b.

In some embodiments, the

side

9c, 9d of each

tongue

9a, 9b facing the centre of the second panel type panel 2 may be configured to abut the first side wall 4c of the edge groove 4a of the first panel type panel 1. Thus, the side faces 9a, 9b and the first side wall 4c of the edge groove 4a may extend parallel to the direction of extension of the first and

second surfaces

8a, 8b of the second panel type panel 2. Thus, the side faces 9c, 9d and the first side wall 4c of the edge groove 4a may extend perpendicular to the extension direction of the first and

second surfaces

7a, 7b of the first panel type panel 1.

In other embodiments, the first panel type panels 1, e.g. the first panel 1a and the second panel 1b, are configured to: when assembled with a second panel type panel 2, are arranged with their respective end faces 4b spaced apart. A gap may be provided between the end faces 4 b. The gap may be unfilled. This saves material during production. Conversely, the

second side

9e, 9f of each

tongue

9a, 9b facing away from the centre of the second panel type panel 2 may be configured to abut the second side wall 4d of the edge groove 4a of the first panel type panel 1. Thus, the

second side surfaces

9e, 9f and the second side wall 4d of the edge groove 4a may extend parallel to the direction of extension of the first and

second surfaces

8a, 8b of the second panel type panel 2. Thus, the side faces 9c, 9d and the second side wall 4d of the edge groove 4a may extend perpendicular to the direction of extension of the first and

second surfaces

7a, 7b of the first panel type panel 1.

As shown in fig. 1C and 7C, the edge groove 4a of the first panel type panel may comprise a first wall 4C and a second wall 4d, the first wall 4C and the second wall 4d being configured to abut a first side surface 9C, 9d and a

second side surface

9e, 9f, respectively, of each

tongue

9a, 9b of the second panel type panel 2. This provides a stable joint. Furthermore, this enables an easy assembly as the first and

second panels

1a, 1b are not pushed apart when the

tongues

9a, 9b are inserted into the edge groove 4 a. In addition, in some embodiments, the end surfaces 4b are also in an abutting condition, which further facilitates assembly and stabilizes the joint. The edge grooves 4a may be arranged in parallel and at a predetermined distance when the end faces 4b are already in abutment before the insertion of the

tongues

9a, 9 b. This makes it easier to insert the

tongues

9a, 9b of the second panel type panel 2. This ease is further enhanced when the

tongues

9a, 9b are symmetrical at the same end of the second panel type panel 2 and the edge grooves 4a are symmetrical at opposite ends of the first panel type panel 1.

As shown in fig. 1C and 7C and fig. 9A-9J, a first panel type panel 1, e.g. each of the first 1a and second 1b panels, may for example comprise an insertion groove 20 for a flexible tongue 30 at each end thereof. Each insertion groove 20 may be arranged between the end surface 4b and the first surface 7a of the first panel type panel 1, e.g. the first panel 1a and the second panel 1 b. The second panel type panel 2, e.g., the third panel 2a, may include a first tongue groove 21a extending from the first surface 8a thereof. In some embodiments, the second panel type panel 2 further comprises a second tongue groove 21b extending from the second surface 8b thereof. Each

tongue groove

21a, 21b may be arranged to receive a part of the flexible tongue 30 when the first, second and

third panels

1a, 1b, 2a are joined. Thus, the first, second and

third panels

1a, 1b, 2a may be joined and/or locked in a second direction, which may be perpendicular to the first direction in which the panels are joined and/or locked. Furthermore, the arrangement of the flexible tongue 30 and the

tongue grooves

21a, 21b may form a tight joint. Since the tongue 30 is flexible, the tongue 30 can be displaced in the tongue insertion groove 20 by the first tongue 9a or the second tongue 9b of the third panel 2a when the third panel 2a is positioned in its seated position relative to the first panel 1a and the second panel 2 b. During assembly, the flexible tongues 30 of the first and

second panels

1a, 2b may be arranged symmetrically around the third panel 2a such that they are displaced simultaneously. Thus, easy and simultaneous assembly of the third panel with the first and second panels is facilitated.

Figure 8B shows an embodiment where a locking element with a flexible tongue 30 is positioned in an insertion groove 20 in a panel 2 of a second panel type. The

tongue grooves

21a, 21b are arranged in the first panel type panel 1. The function of the locking element of fig. 8B corresponds to the function of the locking element discussed above and below.

An embodiment of a flexible tongue 30 that is displaceable in an insertion groove 20 is shown in figures 9A-9D. Figures 9A-9B show the flexible tongue 30 in a locked position and figures 9C-9D show the flexible tongue 30 during assembly of the third panel 2a and the first and/or second panel 1a, 1B. Figure 9B shows a cross-sectional view of the flexible tongue 30 in figure 9A and figure 9A shows a top view. Figure 9D shows a cross-sectional view and figure 9C shows a top view of the flexible tongue 30 in figure 9C. The flexible tongue 30 comprises a bendable protrusion 24. A space 23 is provided between the flexible tongue 30 and the bottom wall of the insertion groove 20. Figure 9C shows that during assembly of the third panel 2a with the first panel 1a and/or the second panel 1b, the flexible tongue 30 is pushed into the insertion groove 20 and towards the bottom wall of the insertion groove 20. When the third panel 2a has reached a locked position with respect to the first panel 1a and/or the second panel 1b, the flexible tongue 30 springs back towards its original position. Preferably, a recess 25 is arranged at each bendable protrusion.

The flexible tongue 30 may have a first displacement surface 26 and an opposite second displacement surface 27 configured to be displaced along a third displacement surface 28 and a fourth displacement surface 29, respectively, of the insertion groove 20.

In fig. 9E-9F is shown another embodiment of a flexible tongue 30 without protruding bendable portions 24. Figure 9F shows a cross-sectional view and figure 9E shows a top view of the flexible tongue 30 shown in figure 9E. This alternative embodiment may be bent along the length of the flexible tongue 30 in order to achieve a similar function as the embodiment shown in figures 9A-9D.

Another embodiment of a flexible tongue 30 is shown in a top view in fig. 9G. The tongue 30 comprises an inner portion 38 and an outer portion 39. Inner portion 38 and outer portion 39 are preferably made of two different materials, with inner portion 38 being more flexible than outer portion 39. The inner part 38 is configured to be inserted into the insertion groove 20 and the outer part 39 is configured to extend into the

tongue grooves

21a, 21 b.

Figures 9G-J show an embodiment of the tongue 30 comprising an inner part 91 and a pivoting outer part 92 in cross-sectional views. The inner part 91 is configured to be inserted into the insertion groove 20 and the outer part 92 is configured to extend into the

tongue groove

21a, 21b and to pivot during assembly of the third panel 2a with the first panel 1a and/or the second panel 1 b. The embodiment of fig. 9H-9I is preferably made of a material such as a polymer by an extrusion process. The embodiment in fig. 9J is preferably manufactured by a co-extrusion process and comprises at least two different polymeric materials. This embodiment includes a hinge portion 93 connecting the inner portion 91 and the outer portion 92. The material of the hinge portion 93 is preferably more flexible than the inner portion 91 and the outer portion 93.

In some embodiments, at least one of the first panel type panels 1, such as the first and

second panels

1a, 1b, and the second panel type panels 2, such as the second panels 2a, comprises a flexible tongue integrally formed with and from the same material as at least one of the first and second

panel type panels

1, 2.

Furthermore, the tongue groove may be integrally formed with and of the same material as the panel in which it is formed. Such a flexible tongue and tongue groove integrally formed of the same material as the panel may for example be constructed as the tongue disclosed in the embodiments of WO2010070605, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety, such as split tongue (split tongue).

As shown in fig. 1B-1C, 7B-7C and 8B, each insertion groove 20 may be inclined towards the respective first surface 7a, 7B of the first panel type panel 1. When the insertion groove 20 is provided in the first panel type panels 1, e.g. the first panel 1a and the second panel 1b, the respective first tongue 9a and second tongue 9b of the second panel type panels 2, e.g. the third panel 2a, are arranged to push each flexible tongue 30 into the insertion groove 20 when the third panel 2a is engaged with the first panel type panels 1. The first tongue 9a and the second tongue 9b may have a chamfer between their respective end faces and the second side faces 9e, 9 f. This makes the flexible tongue easier to displace, wherein it is easier to assemble the panels.

The flexible tongue 30 may be arranged between the first surface 7a and the edge groove 4a of the first panel type panels 1, e.g. the first panel 1a and the second panel 1 b.

In some embodiments, a second panel type panel 2, such as a third panel 2a, may include at least one end groove formed between the first tongue 9a and the second tongue 9 a. The end groove may be formed by first side surfaces 9a, 9B and a bottom surface 9g extending therebetween, as shown in fig. 1C, 7C and 8B. Thus, the end groove is at least partly formed by the sides of the first tongue 9a and the second tongue 9b of the second panel type panel 2 and the surfaces extending between these sides.

The second panel type panel 2, for example the third panel 2a, may comprise a single end groove between its first tongue 21a and second tongue 21 b. One tongue of the first panel type panel 1 may be formed by the end face 4a and the first side wall 4 c. Such a tongue of the first and

second panels

1a, 1b may form a tongue part of a multi-part tongue. A multi-part tongue may be formed when the first and second panels are arranged with their respective end faces 4b abutting and their respective edge grooves 4a arranged in parallel. The multi-part tongue may be configured to be arranged in a single end groove of a second panel type panel 2, e.g. a third panel 2 a.

Figures 11A-11D show an embodiment of the

corner element

3, 3 b. The corner element 3 may comprise a support element 40, which support element 40 is configured to be supported by at least one of the first panel type panel 1 and the second panel type panel 2. In some embodiments, such as shown in fig. 11B, the support elements 40 are supported by the first panel type panel 1 and the second panel type panel 2 when fully in place. The first support portion 40a may be configured to abut an end face 4a of the first panel-type panel 1. The second support portion 40b may be configured to abut the bottom surface 9g of the end channel of the second panel-type panel 2. The third support part 40c may be configured to be supported by the first side wall 9d of the first tongue 9a or the second side wall 9d of the second tongue 9b of the second panel type panel 2. The support element may comprise one, two or all of the first support portion 40a, the second support portion 40b and the third support portion 40 c. The support element and its corresponding part may extend at least partially along the length of the corner element 3.

As can be seen from fig. 11B, the corner element 3 may comprise a locking element 41, which locking element 41 is configured to lock against the first tongue groove 21a or the second tongue groove 21B of the second panel type panel 2. The locking element 41 may extend from an inner side wall of the corner element 3. The locking element 41 may extend at least partially along the length of the corner element 3. For example, the locking element may be bent away from the support element 40.

The corner element 3 may be configured to be assembled by: the locking element 41 is positioned in the tongue groove 21, 21B of the second panel type panel and then the corner element 3 is tilted towards the end groove of the second panel type panel (as indicated by the curved arrow in fig. 11B) until the support element 40 is received in the end groove to be fully seated as described above. Alternatively or additionally, the corner element 3 may be configured to be assembled by inserting the corner element 3 diagonally towards the second panel type panel, as indicated by the straight arrow in fig. 11B. The corner elements are locked or held in place by locking elements 41 and support elements 40. For example, the

tongues

9a, 9b may be received between the locking element 41 and the support element 40, e.g. snugly received therebetween.

As shown in fig. 11A and 11C-11D, the corner element 3 may comprise an end face 42, e.g. an end plate. When the first panel type panel 1 is attached to the second panel type panel 2 to form a side of the frame, one of the first tongue 9a and the second tongue 9b may be visible and not covered by the first panel type panel, such as shown in fig. 11C. When the corner element 3 is attached to the second panel type panel 2, the end face 42 may cover any exposed part of the locking element, e.g. the first tongue 9a or the second tongue 9 b. For example, the end face 42 may have a width/height substantially corresponding to the thickness of the first panel type panel 1 and the thickness of the second panel type panel 2, as shown in fig. 11A. As shown in fig. 11D, the corner element 3 has only a single end face 42 or end plate at one end thereof. However, in other embodiments, the corner elements have end faces 42 or end plates at each end thereof. The support element 40 and/or the locking element 41 may extend along the entire length of the corner element 3 from the inside of the end plate to the other end of the corner element, or to the inside of the end plate at the other end of the corner element 3.

As shown in fig. 2A-2C, 6A-6C and 8A, the first panel type panels 1, such as the first and second panels 1a and 2A, include at least one of a front edge and a rear edge extending between the first and

second surfaces

7a and 7b thereof. The edge groove 4a and/or the adjacent end 44 of the insertion groove 20 of the first panel type panel 1 may be spaced from the front edge. Thus, the locking element comprising the edge groove 4a and/or the insertion groove 20 is covered by the front edge. In some embodiments, the edge groove 4a and/or the insertion groove 20 of the first panel type panel 1 are additionally or alternatively spaced from a rear edge extending between the first and

second surfaces

7a, 7b thereof.

Similarly, the first and

second tongues

9a, 9b of the second panel type panel 2 may be spaced apart from at least one of the front and rear edges extending between the first and

second surfaces

8a, 8b thereof. The adjacent ends 44 of the first and

second tongues

9a, 9b of the second panel type panel 2 may be spaced from the front edge. Thus, the locking element comprising the first tongue 9a and the second tongue 9b is covered by the front edge. In some embodiments, the first and

second tongues

9a, 9b of the second panel type panel 2 are additionally or alternatively spaced from a rear edge extending between the first and

second surfaces

8a, 8b thereof. Thus, no separate parts for hiding the locking element are required, wherein fewer parts are required to provide a visually acceptable frame, thereby simplifying production, logistics and assembly.

Fig. 5 shows an embodiment of a panel comprising at least two modules for forming a multi-module frame. The panel assembly comprises four panels 1a-1b, 1d-1e of a first panel type and three panels 2a-2c of a second panel type. Optionally, the panel assembly may also include any number of corner elements, such as two or four. The two ends of the first panel 2a of the second panel type are locked to the two panels 1a-1b, 1d-1e of the first panel type. The first panel 2a may form a central wall or a central partition of the multi-module frame. The second 2b and third 2c panels of the second panel type are locked at both ends to the single panels 1a-1b, 1d-1e of the first panel type. When provided, one corner element may be attached to each end of the second and third panels 2B, 2c of the second panel type, for example to the first and/or second tongue 9a, 9B of the respective second and third panels 2B, 2c of the second panel type, as shown in figures 3A-3B. Thus, the first and

second panels

1a, 1b of the first panel type may form a bottom section of the multi-module frame, and the third and

fourth panels

1d, 1e of the first panel type may form a top section of the multi-module frame. The second panel 2b and the third panel 2c of the second panel type may form side sections of a multi-module frame.

The multi-module framework can be extended to any number of modules. Each additional module only requires two panels of the first panel type and one panel of the second panel type.

Fig. 10A-10B show a frame assembled from panels 1 of a first panel type and panels 2 of a second panel type and comprising panels or elements 50 of a third panel type. The third panel type panel 50 may form the back of the frame. Although a multi-module frame is shown, a third panel type of panel 50 may be used for a single module. The second panel type panel 2 is preferably connected to the first panel type panel 1 before the third panel type panel 50 is connected to other panels. The third panel-type panel 50 may be displaced in a diagonal direction such that the first edge 51 and the second edge 52 of the third panel-type panel 50 are connected to both the edge 53 of the first panel-type panel 1 and the edge 54 of the second panel-type panel 2. An alternative is to displace the third panel type panel 50 in a first direction perpendicular to the first panel type panel 1 and subsequently displace the third panel type panel 50 in a second direction perpendicular to the second panel type panel 2. In the present embodiment, the first edges 51 of the panels 50 of the third panel type are displaceably connected at the first edges 51. Another alternative is to displace the third panel type panels 50 in a second direction perpendicular to the second panel type panels 2 and subsequently displace the third panel type panels 50 in a first direction perpendicular to the first panel type panels 1. In the present embodiment, the second edges 52 of the third panel type panels 50 are displaceably connected at the second edges 52. Furthermore, the connected first, second and

further panels

1, 2, 1 of the first panel type may be diagonally displaced together in a direction opposite to the direction 55, such that the second edge 52 of the first panel type panel 1 and the second edge of the second panel type panel 2 are simultaneously connected to the first edge 51 and the second edge 52 of the third panel type panel 50. The first and second

panel type panels

1, 2 may have edge grooves along the edges that will form the back of the frame configured to mate with the tongues of the third panel type panels, as shown in fig. 10A-10B. Further detailed solutions of the tongue and edge groove at the back of the third panel type panel 50 are described in WO2015/038059, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes.

The multi-module frame may be assembled by first placing two panels 1 of the first panel type with their end faces 4b parallel and optionally abutting. One of the panels 1 of the first panel type may be placed with its side, i.e. the side opposite to the side facing the other panel, resting against a stop surface, such as a wall. Then, a weight can be placed on the other panel. Preferably, the person assembling the panels may simply stand on another panel so that the two panels 1 of the first panel type do not separate or shift during assembly with the first panel 2 of the second panel type. Once the panels 1 of the first panel type are positioned, the panels 2 of the second panel type are connected to the positioned panels 1 of the first panel type. Preferably, as mentioned above, one second panel type panel 2 is connected to join two first panel type panels 1 and the second panel type panel 2. If desired, the rear panels may be attached before two panels 2 of the second panel type are attached, i.e. as described above the panels 50 of the third panel type, one rear panel being attached to each panel 1 of the first panel type. Finally, two panels 1 of the first panel type are attached on top of the panels of the second panel type, so as to form a top section of the multi-module frame.

Fig. 6A-6D show an embodiment of a frame, such as a multi-module frame, which is composed of three types of panels, and may optionally further include a third panel type as described above. The fourth

panel type panels

60, 60a, 60b may be used as side elements of the frame. Instead of the second panel type panels 2, fourth

panel type panels

60, 60a, 60b may be used as side panels of the frame to avoid the use of corner elements. The fourth

panel type panels

60, 60a, 60b are configured to be joined at each end thereof with a single first panel type panel 1. Thus, at each end of the fourth

panel type panel

60, 60a, 60b, only one of the

tongues

9a, 9b described in the above embodiments is provided. If the configuration of the fourth

panel type panels

60, 60a, 60b is symmetrical along the edges where the locking elements are provided, the panels can be rotated so that a single panel can be mounted as a side section on either side of the frame. Further, the corner portion 61 may be integrally formed with the

panels

60, 60a, 60b in the same material. As shown in fig. 7B, one end of the corner portion 61 may be configured to be substantially flush with the second side surface 7B of the first panel-type panel 1. As mentioned above, at the front edge of the fourth panel type panel 60, the

tongues

9a, 9b may be spaced from the front edge such that the

tongues

9a, 9b are not visible from the front of the frame. In case the fourth panel type panel 60 is to be combined with the third panel type panel 50, separate panels for the left and right sides of the frame may be provided such that the groove for the third panel type panel 50 is located towards the back side of the frame.

Fig. 12A shows an enlarged side view of an embodiment of the end surface 9 of the second panel type 2A. This embodiment comprises

tongues

9a, 9b offset from the first surface 8a and the second surface 8b of the second panel 2 a.

Figure 12B shows an embodiment wherein a locking element with a flexible tongue 30 is positioned in an insertion groove 20, which insertion groove 20 extends substantially perpendicular to the first surface 8a and the second surface 8B, respectively, of the second panel 2 a. The function of the locking element of fig. 12B corresponds to the function of the locking element discussed above and below.

Figure 12C shows an embodiment where a locking element with a flexible tongue 30 is positioned in an insertion groove 20 in a panel 2 of a second panel type. The

tongue grooves

21a, 21b are arranged in the first panel type panel 1. The insertion groove 20 extends substantially perpendicular to the first surface 8a and the second surface 8b of the second panel 2a, respectively. The function of the locking element of fig. 12C corresponds to the function of the locking element discussed above.

It should also be understood that the features disclosed in the foregoing description and/or in the foregoing drawings and/or in the following claims, individually and in any combination thereof, are material for realizing the invention in diverse forms thereof. The terms "comprising," including, "" having, "and combinations thereof, as used in the following claims, mean" including, but not limited to.

The invention has been described above with reference to specific embodiments. However, other embodiments than the above described are equally possible within the scope of the invention. Different method steps than those described above may be provided within the scope of the invention. The different features and steps of the invention may be combined in different combinations than those described. The scope of the invention is limited only by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A panel assembly for a composite product, comprising:

a first panel (1 a);

a second panel (1 b); and

a third panel (2 a); wherein

Each of the first panel (1a) and the second panel (1b) comprising a first surface (7a), a second surface (7b) substantially parallel to the first surface (7a), an edge groove (4a) and an end face (4 b);

the third panel (2a) comprises a first surface (8a), a second surface (8b) substantially parallel to the first surface (8a), and an end face extending at least partially between the first surface (8a) and the second surface (8a) of the third panel (2 a); and is

The end face of the third panel (2a) comprises a first tongue (9a) and a second tongue (9 b);

the method is characterized in that:

the first panel (1a) and the second panel (1b) are configured to be arranged with their respective end faces (4b) facing each other and their respective edge grooves (4a) parallel;

a first tongue (9a) of the third panel (2a) is configured to be arranged in the edge groove (4a) of the first panel (1a) to join the first panel (1a) and the third panel (2a), and a second tongue (9b) of the third panel (2a) is configured to be received in the edge groove (4a) of the second panel (1b) to join the second panel (1b) and the third panel (2a), whereby the first panel (1a), the second panel (1b) and the third panel (2a) are joined at least in a first direction, and

each of the first panel (1a) and the second panel (1b) further comprises an insertion groove (20) for a flexible tongue (30), the insertion groove (20) being arranged between the end face (4b) and the first surface (7a) of the respective first (1a) and second (1b) panel, and the third panel (2a) comprises a first tongue groove (21a) extending from a first surface (8a) thereof and a second tongue groove (21b) extending from a second surface (8b) thereof, wherein each tongue groove (21a, 21b) is arranged to receive a portion of the flexible tongue (30) when the first (1a), second (1b) and third (2a) panels are joined.

2. The panel assembly according to claim 1, wherein the first panel (1a) and the second panel (1b) are configured to be arranged with their respective end faces (4b) abutting.

3. A panel assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein each insertion groove (20) is inclined towards the respective first surface (7a) of the first and second panels (1a, 1b), and wherein the respective first and second tongues (9a, 9b) of the third panel (2a) are arranged to push each flexible tongue (30) into the insertion groove (20) when the third panel (2a) is engaged with the first and second panels (1a, 1 b).

4. A panel assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of the first (1a) and second (1b) panels comprises a tongue formed by an end face (4b) and an edge groove (4a) thereof, and wherein the third panel (2a) comprises at least one end groove between a first tongue (9a) and a second tongue (9b) thereof.

5. A panel assembly as claimed in claim 4, wherein the end groove is at least partly formed by a side (9c) of the first tongue (9a) of the third panel (2a), a side (9d) of the second tongue (9b) of the third panel (2a) and a surface (9g) extending between the sides (9c, 9 d).

6. The panel assembly according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the third panel (2a) comprises a single end groove between the first and second tongues (9a, 9b) of the third panel (2a), and wherein the tongues of the first and second panels (1a, 1b) are tongue parts of a multipart tongue formed when the first and second panels (1a, 1b) are arranged with their respective end faces (4b) abutting and their respective edge grooves (4a) arranged in parallel, and the multipart tongue is configured to be arranged in the single end groove of the third panel (2 a).

7. The panel assembly according to claim 4 or 5, wherein:

the end face of the tongue of the first panel (1a) and the end face of the tongue of the second panel (1b) are configured to abut an end groove of the third panel (2a), the end face of the first tongue (9a) of the third panel (2a) is configured to be spaced apart from a bottom wall of the edge groove (4a) of the first panel (1a), and the end face of the second tongue (9b) of the third panel (2a) is configured to be spaced apart from a bottom wall of the edge groove (4a) of the second panel (1b) when the panels are assembled; or

The end face of the tongue of the first panel (1a) and the end face of the tongue of the second panel (1b) are configured to be spaced apart from the end groove of the third panel (2a), the end face of the first tongue (9a) of the third panel (2a) is configured to abut the bottom wall of the edge groove (4a) of the first panel (1a), and the end face of the second tongue of the third panel (2a) is configured to abut the bottom wall of the edge groove (4a) of the second panel (1b) when the panels are assembled.

8. The panel assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein each of the first and second panels (1a, 1b) comprises at least one of a front edge and a rear edge extending between the first and second surfaces (7a, 7b) of the respective first and second panels (1a, 1b), and wherein one adjacent end of the edge groove (4a) of the respective first and second panels (1a, 1b) is spaced apart from the at least one of the front and rear edges.