FR2808825A1 - Device, for assembling longitudinal edges of panels, laths or wainscoting comprises complementary male and female parts provided on longitudinal edges - Google Patents

Abstract

The assembly device consists of a male part (2) fitting the longitudinal edge of the panel (1) and a female part (3) provided on the other longitudinal edge. The longitudinal edges bearing the male and female parts extend along parallel oblique planes.

Description

DESCRIPTION The present invention relates to the field of the building, in particular floor coverings, walls or ceilings, especially in the form of panels, slats or paneling in different materials, such as wood, laminated materials, synthetic materials ..., and relates to a device for assembling the longitudinal edges of such panels, slats or paneling, distribution forces.

Currently the elements of floor coverings, walls or ceilings are generally in the form of panels, slats or paneling made of different materials, such as solid wood, compressed particles provided with a synthetic coating or solid wood or entirely synthetic materials having a textured surface face.

These different elements are generally assembled together by known means of the tongue and groove type, two adjacent sides of these elements being, for example, provided with a tongue intended to cooperate with grooves provided on two corresponding sides of corresponding elements. Thus, each element has two tabs on two adjacent sides, two other sides being provided with grooves.

These assembly means generally make it possible to correctly meet the requirements for connecting the elements to each other and for mutual leveling of these elements, but require, for the maintenance of the assembly and a perfect grouting, the implementation of adhesive or means for gripping the lower face and fixing it on cleats or the like.

However, a bracket fastener inevitably leads to the creation of a vacuum under the coating elements, which is often incompatible with the desired effect, namely for example for the laying of a flooring called floating floors. Indeed, in such a case, the covering elements must be arranged directly on a layer of screed or the like, possibly with the interposition of a sound insulation element and / or thermal. In such a case, it is necessarily necessary to bond the different elements together at their longitudinal and lateral junctions by groove and tongue. To overcome these drawbacks, it has been proposed to provide panels, slats or paneling, near their tongue groove assembly means fitted to their longitudinal edges, a mechanical device improving the quality of said assembly by creating a means anti-disengagement in the assembly position, that is to say when two successive elements are assembled with groove and tongue and are arranged flat. This mechanical device further allows, in the flat assembly position, a displacement along the longitudinal axis of the elements, in order to promote the interlocking of their end tabs in the corresponding end groove of the element. adjacent.

such mechanical devices are essentially of two types, namely using complementary mechanical locking parts, or provided with an integrated locking part and are known from A-0 877 130, EP-A-0 855 484, EP-A -0 969 164, EP-A-0 969 163, WO 99/66152, WO-A 99/66151, WO-A 98/24995, WO-A 98/24994 and WO 97/4783.

The complementary mechanical parts are either sections with a hook-shaped section, or hooks uniformly distributed throughout the length of the elements and cooperating with grooves of corresponding shape provided in the edges of said elements.

Such elements allow, of course, a correct connection between the panels, slats or paneling, but require specific laying maneuvers, namely a engagement of the connecting elements in a tilting position of the panels, slats or paneling a report to the others, then a horizontal position of the latter with a view to their lateral engagement, that is to say a prior arrangement of the hook-section section connecting sections, under the edge of one of the panels, slats or paneling and the engagement of the other end of the profiles under the corresponding edge of adjacent panels, slats or paneling, the lateral engagement being performed after this mechanical connection along the longitudinal edges.

These known complementary mechanical connection devices have, however, the disadvantage of being of a relatively complex constitution simultaneously implementing tongue groove assemblies and a mechanical holding means in the service position preventing slippage of a panel, batten or paneling relative to another perpendicular to their longitudinal edges. In addition, in the case of producing a mechanical connection between longitudinal edges through the single cooperation of complementary elements form integral part of the panels, slats or paneling and machined together with grooves and tongues assembly, on the one hand, there is a problem of machining of the mechanical connecting elements and, on the other hand, a problem of reliability over time of these mechanical connecting elements. Indeed, the means of connection and assembly known by the abovementioned documents are essentially intended to ensure perfect assembly of panels, slats or paneling with an assembly without play at their joints, equivalent to a traditional assembly by gluing the panels, slats or paneling them or nailing them on support cleats, while allowing complete disassembly for possible reassembly at another place of use.

The machining of the mechanical connecting elements directly near the longitudinal edges involves the use of relatively thin and extremely sharp tools, in order to enable the thin walls resulting necessarily from the machining of very thin panels, slats or paneling. . As a result, the tools used are of a high cost and that the machining itself causes checks at relatively short regular intervals to obviate the dimensional fluctuations resulting from a relatively fast wear of the cutting tools used. These machining problems have the logical consequence of a corresponding increase in the cost of panels, slats or paneling.

Moreover, the realization of the mechanical holding elements in the form of relatively thin walls and elements protruding from these walls causes a certain fragility of these mechanical elements which results in a fairly rapid destruction of said elements during repeated assembly operations. and disassembly of panels, slats or paneling thus equipped. Indeed, because of the interlocking of the mechanical elements between them and the maintenance with a slight tightening of the corresponding longitudinal edges of the panels, slats or paneling thus equipped, these mechanical elements are stressed by a tensile force perpendicular to the longitudinal edges, and only by bending forces, during each assembly or disassembly.

It has also been proposed, by WO-A-97/4783, to provide a means of assembly and retention in the form of a longitudinal element of arcuate cross-section, the female part of which equips a longitudinal edge of a panel, batten or panel and the male part, hook, team the opposite longitudinal edge. Theoretically, an assembly simultaneously allows a perfect maintenance at the joints in the service position. However, the stability of this assembly can not be ensured, because an inequality of the ground or support, in particular in the form of a hollow will result in a possibility of disengagement assembly, because a load recovery vertical is not planned. Such an effect is further accentuated if the blades are placed on a flexible sound and / or thermal insulation support. In addition, an embodiment of a machining assembly means is completely impossible, especially on edges of panels, slats or paneling thin.

Finally, all known assembly devices have the disadvantage of being relatively fragile at the joints, because the connecting tongue between the panels, slats or paneling is relatively thin and must fully resume efforts at the level said seals in particular the significant shear forces occurring in the case of a provision over a vacuum due to unevenness of the ground or otherwise.

The present invention aims to overcome the disadvantages of assembly and holding devices known to date by providing a device for assembling the longitudinal edges of such panels, slats or paneling, with force distribution, to ensure simultaneously , by cooperation of form, a perfect and automatic jointing of the adjacent longitudinal edges of the panels, laths or paneling and a self-tightening of said panels, laths or paneling against each other, along said longitudinal edges, in particular under load, and a distribution of forces applied along the joints.

For this purpose, the device for assembling the longitudinal edges of such panels, slats or paneling, which is constituted by at least one male part equipping a longitudinal edge of said panels, slats or paneling and by at least one female part of corresponding shape equipping the Another longitudinal edge of said panels, slats or paneling, is characterized in that it is force-distributed, in that the longitudinal edges carrying the male and female portions extend in parallel oblique planes, so that the grouting between two successive panels, slats or paneling is preferably carried out outside the vertical plane comprising the male and female parts, and in that said male and female parts are respectively in the form of an inclined longitudinal tongue, preferably at right angles, down and a corresponding shaped housing open upwards.

The invention will be better understood, thanks to the following description, which refers to preferred embodiments, given by way of non-limiting examples, and explained with reference to the appended diagrammatic drawings, in which FIGS. represent, in side elevation and in section, two embodiments of a device according to the invention; Figure 3 is a view similar to those of Figures 1 and 2 of a variant embodiment of the invention; Figure 4 is a view similar to those of Figures 1 and another embodiment of the invention; Figures 5 to 7 are views similar to those of Figures 1 to 4 of other embodiments of the invention; Figures 8 and 9 are views similar to those of Figures 1 to 7, on a larger scale, of two other embodiments of the invention and Figures 10 to 12 are views similar to that of Figure 9 of other alternative embodiments of the device according to FIG. 9.

FIGS. 1 and 2 of the appended drawing show an assembly of two panels, slats or paneling 1 by means of a device for assembling the longitudinal edges, which consists of at least one male part 2 equipping a longitudinal edge of said panels, slats or panel 1 and at least one female part 3 of corresponding shape equipping the other longitudinal edge of said panels, slats or paneling According to the invention, this device for assembling the longitudinal edges of such panels, slats or paneling 1 is at distribution of forces and the longitudinal edges carrying the male parts 2 and female 3 extend in parallel oblique planes, so that the jointing between two panels, laths or paneling 1 is preferably performed outside the vertical plane comprising the male parts 2 and female 3, these male 2 and female 3 respectively appearing in the form of a longitudinal inclined tongue e, preferably right angle, downwardly and a correspondingly shaped housing open upwards. Such an embodiment of the longitudinal edges allows a distribution forces applied to the right of the joints such that the assembly device itself, formed by the male 2 and female parts is subjected to very low stress, in particular with regard to the solicitations shearing.

According to a characteristic of the invention, the male and female parts 3 can be made in the form of a simple tongue and groove of square or rectangular section projecting perpendicularly with respect to the longitudinal oblique edges of said panels, slats or paneling 1. Thus, after assembly edges, panels, laths or paneling 1 are interconnected without the possibility of mutual displacement perpendicular to their longitudinal edges.

According to a characteristic of the invention, the assembly device is further equipped with means for self-locking, self-grouting and holding in the service position.

self-locking means, self-grouting and maintenance in the service position is advantageously in the form of at least one longitudinal shoulder 4 connecting at least the lower edge of the tongue 2, forming the male part of the device, to longitudinal edge corresponding and cooperating with another shoulder 5 provided on the corresponding edge delimiting the female portion 3 of the connecting device (Figures 1 and Thus, at the end of the assembly operation, the shoulder 4, which is connected , preferably perpendicular to the oblique edge of the panel, batten or panel and which forms with the latter, preferably a right angle, fits on the corresponding angle formed by the shoulder 5 and the corresponding edge of the panel, latte The interlocking thus formed prevents the dismantling of two consecutive panels, laths or panels by displacement parallel to the support. Alisée it possible to obtain a self-tightening of the assembly under load, the cooperating parts being clamped against each other when a load is applied at the joints.

According to one characteristic of the invention, the male part 2 in the form of a longitudinal tongue advantageously has, on the opposite side 4 'to that forming the shoulder 4, a portion 6 laterally projecting from this side 4' and forming an angle acute relative to the oblique surface carrying the male portion 2, the laterally projecting portion 6 cooperating with a recess 7 of the housing forming the female part 3 (Figures 1 2). The provision of such a protruding portion 6 allows complementary locking of the assembly and avoids any possibility of lifting the panel, lath or panel 1 on the side having the tongue 2 or part ma to promote the penetration of the part 6 laterally in protruding from the male part 2 in the housing forming the female part 3, said laterally projecting part is in the form of a longitudinal appendage having a cross-section narrowing from the longitudinal edge of the panel, batten or panel 1 towards the l free end of said longitudinal appendix. The surface 2 'of the male part 2 connecting the sides 4 and or the side 4 and the outer edge of the laterally projecting part 6 of the male part 2 is preferably in the form of a flat surface.

during the insertion of the male part 2 in the female part 3, the laterally protruding part 6 enters the corresponding recess 7 of the female part 3 and is finally locked in this position, when the application of the shoulder 4 of the male part 2 against the shoulder of the female part 3.

According to a characteristic of the invention, the laterally protruding part 6 of the male part 2 is connected to the longitudinal edge carrying said male part 2 by a side 4 ', preferably perpendicular to this longitudinal edge (Figure 1).

According to an alternative embodiment of the invention, shown in FIG. 2 of the appended drawing, the laterally protruding part 6 of the male part 2 can also be connected to the longitudinal edge carrying said male part 2 directly by its opposite face 6 'to the 2 'surface of the male part at an acute angle.

is also possible, according to alternative embodiments of the invention shown in Figures 3 and 5 to 7 of the accompanying drawings, to double the male parts 2 and female 3 equipping the oblique longitudinal edges of said panels, slats or paneling 1 and dispose on each longitudinal edge, adjacent, a male part 2 and a female part 3 cooperating with a female part 3 and a male part 2 of the opposite edge, these male 2 and female parts 3 of two opposite edges being arranged in staggered rows and producing a double tongue and groove assembly. Such embodiments make it possible to obtain a locking in position of the panels, slats or paneling 1 between them. As shown more particularly in Figure 7 of the accompanying drawings, the tongue and groove forming the male 2 and female parts 3 can be made by male and female curvilinear elements interlocking each other and ensuring a locking in position of the panels, slats or paneling 1 between them.

To obtain a perfect surface finish panels, slats or paneling 1 at the joints, particularly to avoid a risk of deterioration of the decorative surface, the parallel oblique planes forming the longitudinal edges carrying the male and female parts 3 are advantageously connected to the upper and lower surfaces of said panels, laths or paneling 1 by means of flanges 1 'thereof, which extend perpendicular to said upper and lower surfaces (Figures 3 to 7).

FIG. 6 of the attached drawings shows an alternative embodiment of the invention, in which the flanges 1 of the lower upper surfaces of the panels, slats or paneling 1 are directly connected to the male 2 and female 3 parts, whose bases and faces in contact with each other extend in parallel oblique planes. Thus it is possible to make a connection with self-grouting, self-tightening and self-locking, while ensuring the achievement of a decorative surface continuity at the joint. Furthermore, in this embodiment the flanges of the upper and lower surfaces of the panels, panel slats 1, which are directly connected to the male 2 and female 3 parts, determine with the latter complementary female and male parts, so that each panel edge, batten or panel 1 present, made, two tabs and two grooves.

According to another embodiment of the invention and as shown in Figures 3 and 5 of the accompanying drawings, at least one of the male parts 2 can be provided, at its penetrating end in the corresponding female part 3, a interlocking locking element 8 engages in a corresponding housing 9 of said female part 3. This locking element 8 can be constituted either in the form of a resilient tongue provided with a detent rib (FIG. 3 ) cooperating with the housing of the female part 3, or in the form of an elastic strip produced by forming a longitudinal parallel notch 8 'in the male part 2, this strip being provided with the ratchet rib cooperating with the housing 9 of the female part 3 (Figure 5). Such a locking element makes it possible to complete the engagement of the assembly device between the panels, laths or paneling 1 during the final assembly operation while avoiding aging destruction following repeated assembly and disassembly maneuvers, makes the elasticity of element 8.

According to another characteristic of the invention, represented in FIG. 5, at least one edge 2 "of a male part 2 and the corresponding angle 3" of the cooperating female part 3 are advantageously cut by a flat surface. extending parallel to the upper and lower surfaces of the panels, slats or paneling 1. The provision of such horizontal bearing surfaces, for example in relation to the running surface of a floor, allows the absorption of shear forces due to vertical loads. In addition, these surfaces ensure a perfect outcropping of the upper surface of the panels, laths or paneling 1 at the joints of assembly.

FIG. 4 of the appended drawings represents another variant embodiment of the invention, in which the assembly device is completed with a third set of male 2 and female 3 parts simultaneously forming a means of self-locking, self-grouting. and maintaining service position.

According to one characteristic of the invention, not shown in the accompanying drawings, at least one of the sets of male 2 and female 3 parts has rounded shapes. Thus, for example, the assembly simultaneously forming the means of self-locking, self-grouting and holding the service position can be in the form, on the one hand, of a substantially semi-cylindrical appendix and, on the other hand, of a corresponding section of course.

The male parts 2 and female 3 equipping the longitudinal edges of the panels, laths or paneling 1 have, preferably, side walls inclined in the direction of a narrowing of the section from the base to the top of the male parts and a flare of the base towards the opening of the female parts. Thus, during assembly or disassembly of the panels, laths or paneling 1, the insertion of the male parts 2 in the female parts 3 is facilitated, this insertion being effected by presentation of the panel, lath or panel 1 to put in place next a tilting more or less important compared to the horizontal and the panel, lath or paneling 1 already in place. Furthermore, in order to further promote the insertion of the male parts 2 in the corresponding female parts 3, the connecting edges of the corners delimiting said male portions 2, as well as the housing defining angles forming the female portions 3, are advantageously slightly rounded or chamfered.

Thus, the beginning of the penetration of a male part 2 in the female part 3 is facilitated, while the subsequent assembly of the edges is carried out by intimate contact of the corresponding surfaces, so that the assembly is carried out in such a way that self-locking, self-sealing self-sealing.

Figures 8 and 9 of the accompanying drawings show, on a larger scale, other embodiments of the invention, in which the flanges connecting the parallel oblique planes forming the longitudinal edges, bearing the male 2 and female 3 parts to the upper surface of the panels, slats or panel 1 and extending perpendicular to said upper surface, are each advantageously provided with a longitudinal housing partially open along said upper surface each delimiting with the housing 10 of the longitudinal edge of the panel, batten or panel 1 adjacent a groove 11 for receiving a seal member 12 in the form of a putty, a rod or the like.

Preferably, the housing 10 of the longitudinal edges of the panels, laths or paneling 1 have an inwardly flared shape of said panels, slats or paneling 1 to obtain grooves 11 flaring inward of the assembly of panels, slats or paneling 1 assembled. such embodiment allows to arrange between the panels, slats or paneling 1, during their assembly, the seal elements 12 serving as decorative elements or grouting. In addition, a flare of the housing 11 allows insertion by clipping of elastically deformable grouting elements and their holding in the service position. Thus, it is possible to produce an assembly of panels having an appearance of ceramic tiles or others, the joints between said tiles being formed by the elements 12. This embodiment of the longitudinal housing 10 is possible due to the prediction of the oblique planes, allow obtaining material thicknesses sufficient to undergo the corresponding machining, which is not possible in the presence of joint planes perpendicular to the upper and lower surfaces. According to another characteristic of the invention and as shown in FIG. 8, at least one male part 2 of one of the parallel oblique planes forming the longitudinal edges of the panels, slats or paneling 1 is provided with a locking means 13 in the form of a longitudinal groove, which cooperates with a means of cooperating shape 14 of the corresponding female part 3, constituted by a longitudinal rib, the assembly of the assembly being carried out by plastic deformation of the means 13 and 14. such mode embodiment allows complementary locking in position, by clipping, resulting in an improvement of self-tightening and self-grouting already conferred by the assembly with multiple tongue and groove.

In addition, minus one pair of housing 3 - male part 2 of the assembly can be completed by at least one additional locking means 15 in the form of a longitudinal projection and a corresponding housing.

In addition, Figure 8 shows another characteristic of the invention, wherein the ends of the male parts 2 and the bottom of the housing forming the female portions 3 have a face parallel to that of the upper and lower faces of the panels, slats or paneling 1 , the housing forming female portions 3 having a depth slightly greater than the height of the male parts 2. Thus, there remains in the assembly position an operating clearance for absorbing the loads at the joint and to ensure the self grouting and self-tightening at three different points, namely at the male portions 2 and at the locking device 15.

FIG. 9 of the attached drawings shows an alternative embodiment of the invention, in which the male 2 and female 3 parts of one of the parallel oblique planes forming the longitudinal edges of the panels, laths or paneling 1 are entirely projecting relative to each other. at this plane, while the male 2 and female 3 parts of the other parallel oblique plane are recessed with respect to this plane, these male 2 and female 3 parts having curvilinear contours and determining at their edges, respectively female parts 3 and 2 males to obtain a double groove and tongue assembly. As a result, the housing forming the female part 3 of the left panel, batten or panel 1 in FIG. 9 is delimited by a male portion 2 in the form of a rounded edge connecting the longitudinal edge with said housing, while the The other side of this housing 3 is connected to said longitudinal edge by means of a longitudinal element, of curvilinear section, projecting from this side and forming a second male part 2. This results in obtaining a double groove and tongue assembly.

According to another characteristic of the invention, the male parts 2 of the same oblique plane extend in opposite directions. This embodiment allows an assembly of the new panel, batten or paneling with that in place by a simple rotational engagement movement. FIGS. 10 to 12 show other alternative embodiments of the invention according to FIG. 9, in which the edges input housing forming the female portion or portions 3 of at least one of the parallel oblique planes forming the longitudinal edges of the panels, panel slats 1, and the corresponding edges of the male part or the other oblique plane are advantageously each provided with a longitudinal inclined ramp 31, 21 respectively forming a funnel enlargement at the inlet of the female part or parts 3 and a flare extending from the top of the male part or parts 2, these longitudinal inclined ramps 31 and 21 being provided on the edges of the female portions 3 and corresponding male 2 furthest from the point of pivoting assembly A between two panels, latt or paneling 1.

The prediction of these ramps 31 and 21 makes it possible to promote an easier penetration of the male parts 2 in the female parts 3, with the exercise of a minimal assembly effort and therefore of a very low stress the walls of the housings or female parts 3 , so that the edges of said female portions 3 undergo a reduced deformation, or even zero avoids the risk of breakage which would result in a scrap.

As shown more particularly in Figures 11 and 12 appended drawings, the ends of the ramp or ramps 21 provided on male parts 2 have, relative to the point of pivoting assembly between two panels, slats or paneling 1 a distance or a radius growing from the top of said male portions 2 towards their foot binding to the corresponding longitudinal edge. Simultaneously, the ends 1a or ramps 31 provided at the inlet of the female portion or portions 3 have, relative to the pivot point of assembly A between two panels, slats or paneling 1 a distance or a decreasing radius from input of said female parts 3 to the bottom thereof. Such an embodiment allows a facilitated insertion of the male part 2 in the female part 3, while ensuring the maintenance and locking in the mounting position of the panels, slats or paneling 1. In addition, this forecast of the ramps 21 and 31 also avoids significant deformation of the edges of the housing forming the female parts 3 and therefore their destruction.

FIG. 12 of the attached drawings shows another variant embodiment of the invention, in which the oblique planes forming the longitudinal edges of the panels, slats or paneling 1 are subdivided into at least two parallel plane plane portions, each connected to an edge of connection of a male part 2 or a female part 3. Thus, it is possible to increase the engagement sections of the male and female parts 2 so that their resistance to tearing is significantly improved. Finally, according to another characteristic of the invention, and as shown in Figures 1, 2 and 9 to 12 of the accompanying drawings, the edges constituting the edges of the opening of the housing 3 form tongues cooperating with the edges of the tongues laison 2 corresponding to the longitudinal edges of the panels, laths or paneling 1 corresponding, determine, with said oblique planes, corresponding housing 3. Thus, it is also obtained a double groove and tongue assembly.

In the assembly positions obtained in accordance with the present invention and represented in FIGS. 1 to 12, it clearly appears that the cooperation of the different elements equipping the adjacent lateral edges of panels, slats or paneling 1 to be assembled make it possible, on the one hand, to perfect positioning of a panel, batten or paneling with the next and the previous and, on the other hand, a clamping and locking in position of such panels, slats or paneling them.

In addition, because of the oblique positioning of the assembly faces and the assembly device, any application of force level of a seal has the effect of transmitting most of the force applied directly to the oblique faces, whereas the assembly device is substantially not loaded directly and, in particular, is subjected to a very low shear force.

The assembly of the corresponding edges of the panels, slats or paneling can be easily performed by matching the inlet opening of the female part or parts 3 with the free edge of or tongues forming the male part or parts 2 , this with a slight inclination of the previous panel, batten or paneling to be connected, this inclination approaching more and more of the horizontal as and when the cooperation of the male parts 2 and female panels, slats or paneling 1 to assemble.

In addition, the shape of the interlockings, in particular according to FIGS. 1 and 8 to 12, makes it possible to compensate for any distortions of the longitudinal warping type, which can occur in the case of panels having a small thickness relative to their surface.

Thanks to the invention, it is possible to produce panels, slats or paneling, the assembly of the longitudinal edges allows self-tightening and self-grouting of said edges, as well as self-locking of said panels, slats or paneling in mounted position, while allowing a longitudinal movement of said panels, slats or paneling 1 for their assembly by groove and tongue along their side edges.

In addition, the invention allows a recovery and optimal distribution of the loads, such that the resulting forces mainly apply to the longitudinal edges of the panels, slats or paneling and that the assembly means itself is practically subject to no effort likely to lead to its destruction by fatigue.

Furthermore, because of the realization of the side edges of the panels, slats or paneling 1 in the form of oblique planes, it is possible, for a predetermined thickness of said panels, slats or paneling, to dimension the assembly device more importantly only in the vertical embodiment of said longitudinal edges. This results in the sections of the elements of the assembly device are larger and therefore more resistant.

In addition, in the embodiment according to FIGS. 3 and 5 to 8, the assembly of the corresponding edges of the panels, laths or paneling 1 can easily be carried out by matching the male parts 2 and female 3 from above in one oblique displacement movement parallel to the angle formed by the axes of said parts 2 and 3 with respect to lateral edges of panels, slats or paneling 1.

The panels, laths or paneling thus produced can be machined in a particularly simple manner with standard tools and with a need for intermediate adjustment of the relatively small tooling. As a result, panels, slats or paneling thus produced are of a lower cost than those currently known, while providing increased resistance level joints.

Of course, the invention is not limited to the embodiments described and shown in the accompanying drawings. Modifications are possible, particularly from the point of view of the constitution of the various elements or by substitution of technical equivalents, without departing from the scope of protection of the invention.

Claims (26)

REV NDICATIONS 1. Device for assembling the longitudinal edges of panels, slats or paneling (constituted by at least one male part (2) equipping a longitudinal edge of said panels, laths or paneling (1) and by at least one female part of corresponding shape equipping the other longitudinal edge of said panels, slats or paneling (1), characterized in that it has a force distribution, that the longitudinal edges carrying the male (2) and female parts extend in parallel oblique planes, so that the grouting between two successive panels, slats or paneling (1) is preferably carried out outside the vertical plane comprising the parts ma (2) and female (3) and in that said male (2) and female (3) parts ) are respectively in the form of an inclined longitudinal tongue, preferably at a right angle downwards, and a housing of corresponding shape open upwards. 2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the male parts (2) and female (3) are formed as simple tongue and groove of square or rectangular section protruding, preferably perpendicularly, with respect to the longitudinal edges oblique panels, slats paneling (1). 3. Device according to any one of claims 1 and 2 characterized in that it is equipped with a self-locking means, self-grouting and maintaining service position. 4. Device according to claim 3, characterized in that the self-locking means, self-grouting and holding in the service position is in the form of at least one longitudinal shoulder (4) connecting at least 1 lower edge of the tongue (2), forming the male part of the device, the corresponding longitudinal edge and cooperating with another shoulder (5) provided the corresponding edge delimiting the female part (3) of the assembly device. 5. Device according to any one of claims 1 and 4, characterized in that the male portion (2) in the form of longitudinal tongue has, on the side (4 ') opposite to that forming the shoulder (4), a part (6) laterally projecting from this side (4 ') and forming an acute angle with respect to the oblique surface carrying the male part (2), this laterally projecting part cooperating with a recess (7) of the housing forming the female part (3). 6. Device according to claim 5, characterized in that the laterally projecting portion of the male portion (2) is in the form of a longitudinal appendix having a cross section tapering from the longitudinal edge of the panel, batten or paneling (towards the free end of said longitudinal appendage. 7. Device according to any one of claims 2 and 4 to 6, characterized in that the surface (2 ') of the male part connecting the sides (4 and 4') or the side (4) and the edge external part of the portion (6) laterally projecting from the male part (2) is preferably in the form of a flat surface. 8. Device according to any one of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that the portion (6) laterally projecting from the male part (2) is connected to the longitudinal edge carrying said male part (2) by one side ( 4 '), preferably perpendicular to this longitudinal edge. 9. Device according to any one of claims 5 to 8, characterized in that the portion (6) laterally projecting from the male part (2) is connected to the longitudinal edge bearing said male part (2) directly by its face ( 6 ') opposite the surface (2') of the male part (2) at an acute angle. 10. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the male (2) and female (3) parts are doubled and, on each longitudinal edge are arranged, adjacent, a male part (2) and a female part ( 3) cooperating with a female part (3) and a male part (2) of the opposite edge, these male parts (2) and female (3) of two edges being arranged in staggered rows and performing a double tongue and groove assembly. 11. Device according to any one of claims 1, 2 and 4 to 10, characterized in that the tongue and groove forming the male parts (2) and female (3) are formed by curvilinear elements male and female s' mutually recessed and ensuring a locking in position of panels, slats or paneling (1) between them. 12. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the parallel oblique planes forming the longitudinal edges carrying the male parts (2) and female (3) are connected to the upper and lower surfaces of the panels, slats or paneling (1) by the intermediate flanges (1) thereof, which extend perpendicular to said upper and lower surfaces. 13. Device according to claim 12, characterized in that the flanges (1 ') of the upper and lower surfaces of the panels, laths or paneling (1) are directly connected to the male (2) and female (3) parts, including bases and the end faces in mutual contact extend in parallel oblique planes. 14. Device according to claim 13, characterized in that flanges (1 ') of the upper and lower surfaces of the panels, slats or paneling (1), which are directly connected to the male (2) and female (3) parts, determine with the latter complementary male female parts, so that each board edge, batten or panel (1) has, in fact, two tabs and two grooves. 15. Device according to any one of claims 1, 2 4 to 14, characterized in that at least one of the male parts (2) is provided at its penetrating end in the corresponding female part (3), a locking element (8) cooperating in form interlocking in a corresponding housing (9) of said female part (3). 16. Device according to claim 15, characterized in that the locking element (8) is formed in the form of a resilient tongue provided with a ratchet rib cooperating with the housing of the female part (3). 17. Device according to claim 15, characterized in that the locking element (8) is constituted in the form of a resilient lamella formed by forming a longitudinal parallel notch (8 ') in the male part (2), this strip being provided with the ratchet rib cooperating with the housing (9) of the female part 18. Device according to any one of claims 1, 2 and 4 to 13, characterized in that at least one edge (2 ") of a part ^ 1e (2) and the corresponding angle (3") the cooperating female part (3) is cut off from a flat surface extending parallel to the upper and lower surfaces of the panels, slats or paneling (1). 19. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that it is completed by a third set of male parts (2) and female (3) simultaneously forming a self-locking means, auto grouting and maintaining in service position. 20. Device according to claim <B> 119, </ B> characterized in that at least one of the sets of male parts (2) and female has rounded shapes. 21. Device according to any one of claims 1, 2, 5 to 10, 12 to 15 and 19, characterized in that the female male parts (3) fitted to the longitudinal edges of the panels, slats or paneling (1) have side walls inclined in the direction of a narrowing of the section from the base to the top of the male parts and a flare of the base towards the opening of the female parts. 22. Device according to any one of claims 1, 2, 5 to 10, 12 to 15 and 19, characterized in that the acute angles connecting edges delimiting the male part (2), as well as acute angles delimiting the housing forming the female part (3), are slightly rounded or chamfered. 23. Device according to any one of claims 12 13, characterized in that the flanges (1 ') connecting the parallel oblique planes forming the longitudinal edges, carrying the male (2) and female (3) to the upper surface panels, slats or paneling (1) extending perpendicularly to said upper surface, are each provided with a longitudinal recess (10) partially open along said upper surface and each delimiting with the housing (10) the longitudinal edge of the panel, batten or panel (1) adjacent a groove (11) for receiving a seal member (12) in the form of a putty, a similar rod. 24. Device according to claim 23, characterized in that the housings (10) of the longitudinal edges of the panels, laths or paneling (1) have a flared inward shape of said panels, slats or paneling (1) allowing the obtaining grooves (11) flaring towards the inside of the assembly of panels, laths or paneling (1) assembled. 25. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, 10 and 11, characterized in that at least one male portion (2) of one of the parallel oblique planes forming the longitudinal edges of the panels, slats or paneling (1) is provided with a locking means (13) in the form of a longitudinal groove, which cooperates with a cooperating form means (14) of the corresponding female part (3), constituted by a longitudinal rib, the assembly of the assembly being carried out by plastic deformation of the locking means (13 and 14). 26. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, 10, 11 and characterized in that at least one pair of housing (3) - male part (2) of the assembly is completed by at least one means complementary locking device (15) in the form of a longitudinal projection and corresponding housing. Device according to any one of Claims 1, 2, 10, 18, 19, 21 and 22, characterized in that the ends of the male parts (2) and the bottom of the housings forming the female parts (3) have a parallel face. that of the upper and lower faces of the panels, laths or paneling (1), the housings forming the female portions (3) having a depth slightly greater than the height of the male parts (2). 28. Device according to any one of claims 1, 2, 10 to 13, 18 22, 25 and 27, characterized in that the male parts (2) and female (3) of one of the parallel oblique planes forming the longitudinal edges of the panels, laths or paneling (1) are entirely projecting with respect to this plane, while the male (2) and female (3) parts of the other parallel oblique plane are set back from this plane , these male parts (2) and female (3) having curvilinear contours and determining at their edges, respectively female (3) and male (2) for obtaining a double tongue and groove assembly. 29. Device according to claim 28, characterized in that the male parts (2) of the same oblique plane extend in opposite directions. 30. Device according to claim 22, characterized in that the entrance edges of the housing forming the female portion or portions (3) of at least one of the parallel oblique planes forming the longitudinal edges of the panels, slats or paneling. (1), and the corresponding edges of the male part (s) (2) of the other oblique plane are each provided with a longitudinal inclined ramp (31, 21) respectively forming a funnel enlargement at the inlet of the or female portions (3) and a flare extending from the top of the male portion (s) (2), these longitudinal inclined ramps (31 and 21) being provided on the edges of the corresponding female (3) and male (2) parts. further away from an assembly pivot point (A) between two panels, slats or paneling (1). 31. Device according to claim 30, characterized in that the ends of the or ramps (21) provided on the male parts (2) have, relative to the pivot point assembly (A) between two panels, slats or paneling (1) a distance or radius increasing from the top of said male portions (2) to their connecting foot at the corresponding longitudinal edge. 32. Device according to claim 30, characterized in that the ends of the ramp or ramps (31) provided at the inlet of or female portions (3) have, relative to the pivot point of assembly (A) between two panels, slats or paneling (1) a distance or a decreasing radius from the entrance of said female parts towards the bottom thereof. 33. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the oblique planes forming the longitudinal edges of the panels, laths or paneling (1) are subdivided into at least two parallel plane portions offset each connected to a connecting edge of a part ma (2) or a female part (3). 34. Device according to any one of claims 1, 2, 4, 5, 10, 11, 14, 20, 28, 30 and 33, characterized in that the edges constituting the edges of the opening of the housing (3 ) form tabs cooperating with the edges of laison tongues (2) corresponding longitudinal edges of panels, laths or paneling (1) corresponding, which determine, with said oblique planes, housing (3) corresponding.