WO2013124353A1

WO2013124353A1 - Connecting element and system of building panels and connecting elements

Info

Publication number: WO2013124353A1
Application number: PCT/EP2013/053451
Authority: WO
Inventors: Ole From ANDERSEN
Original assignee: Andersen Ole From
Priority date: 2012-02-21
Filing date: 2013-02-21
Publication date: 2013-08-29
Also published as: WO2013124353A8

Abstract

The present invention relates to connection element (2) for a system of building panels (1) and connection elements (2) said building panels (1) each comprising - two panel elements (53, 54) and - a panel spacer piece (55), the panel spacer piece (55) connecting the two panel elements (53, 54) such that a circumferential groove (11) having a width (Y) is formed between them, a first set of elongate groves (12, 13), formed parallel to each other in each of the inner surfaces (58) of the two panel elements (53, 54), and a second set of elongate grooves (12', 13') formed perpendicularly to the first set of grooves (12, 13), said elongate grooves (12, 13; 12', 13') having a depth (L), wherein said connection element (2) is plate-shaped and having has opposite surfaces (9, 10) and a thickness (B) defined between the two opposite surfaces (9, 10) and four edges (21, 22, 23, 24) said thickness (B) being substantially equal to the breadth (Y) of the circumferential groove (11) of the building element (1) to fit into a portion thereof, wherein said connection element (2) is provided with at least one elongate first slide guide (K1) formed as an elongate protrusion extending from at least one of said opposite surfaces (9, 10) of the connection element (2) and parallel to two of said edges (21, 23) and perpendicular to the other two edges (22, 24), said elongate first slide guide (K1) being adapted for mating with said grooves (12, 13; 12', 13'), and having a height (N) preventing said elongate first slide guide (K1) to move in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of an elongate grove (12, 13; 12', 13') with which the elongate first slide guide (K1) is mating, and wherein said connection element (2) is further provided with at least one set of snap guides (S1, S2, S3, S4) arranged in line along a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the elongate guide (K1), said snap guides (S1, S2, S3, S4) being formed as protrusions extending from at least one of said opposite surfaces (9, 10) of the connection element (2) with a height (U) above said surface (9, 10), and said snap guides (S1, S2, S3, S4) being adapted for mating with said grooves (12, 13; 12', 13'), such that said height (U) of the snap guides allows the snap guides (S1, S2, S3, S4) to disengage from a groove (12, 13; 12', 13') with which it mates, when the connection element (2) is moved in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of that groove.

Description

Connecting element and system of building panels and connecting elements

The present invention relates to a connecting element for an assembly system of building panels and connecting elements, where the building panels are of the type which has a circumferential groove.

The building panels are square or rectangular and the connecting elements are square or rectangular. A groove extends around a portion or preferably the entire periphery of the building panels, i.e. along all sides of the building panels. The building panels may be adjoined to each other by connection elements being adapted for cooperation with said grooves, such that a portion of the connection elements extends into the circumferential groove and another portion extends from the circumferential groove of one building block, such that it may cooperate with the circumferential groove of anther building panel to form a liaison between building panels. The connecting element thus functions as a tongue in a tongue and groove assembly system.

The invention also relates to an assembly system of building panels and connecting elements.

Background of the invention/Background art

In the prior art tongue and groove techniques e.g. with strips of wood applied as tongues on edges of wooden building panels or connecting elements, glue is applied to tongue or groove to permanently assemble building panels. This technique requires that the building panels are pressed together properly, to avoid open gaps remaining between building panels. It also requires that the corners of neighbouring building panels are precisely aligned adjacent to each other, and that the building panels are clamped together by means of clamps until the glue has dried. This is a disadvantage, and that for a non skilled person can make it difficult to assemble building panels correctly. Because the system requires the use of glue, the building panels cannot be separated/disassembled again. Also known in the art is the assembly systems disclosed in FR 2 543 260 and US 4 433 523.

Disclosure of the invention On this background, it is an object of the present invention to provide

In one aspect of the invention, this object is achieved by providing a connection element as defined in claim 1 . Thus the connection element according to the invention comprises snap guides and slide guides to secure fit into the grooves of the building panels in such a way that it keeps building panels together without having to use glue.

Because the building panels are not glued together, it may be disassembled again and re-assembled.

Further embodiment with further advantages are defined in the depending claims. In another aspect of the invention, the objects of the invention are achieved by providing an assembly system as defined in claim 6.

Further embodiment with further advantages are defined in the depending claims.

In yet another aspect, the invention relates to a building panel. Further objects, features, advantages and properties of the connection element and the assembly system according to the invention will become apparent from the detailed description.

Brief description of the drawings

In the following detailed portion of the present description, the invention will be explained in more detail with reference to the exemplary embodiments shown in the drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 , in a perspective view, shows two building panels and a connection element according to the present invention,

Fig. 2, in a top view, shows a cross-section in a plane parallel to a plane defined by the building panels, the cross section taken through connecter pieces of each of four building plates,

Fig. 3a, in a perspective view, shows connection elements according to an embodiment of the invention, the connection elements being connected to an assembly of edge elements and corner elements,

Fig. 3b, in a perspective view, shows the same assembly of edge elements and corner elements as in Fig. 3a, with building panels indicated in a "see-through" manner,

Fig. 3c, in a perspective view, shows connection elements according to yet another embodiment of the invention, the connection elements being connected to an assembly of edge elements and corner elements,

Fig. 4, in a side view, shows a building panel according to an embodiment of the invention,

Fig. 5, in a sectional top view, show a section taken along the plane of a building panel according to an embodiment of the invention, the section made through a panel spacer piece of the building panel, - Fig. 6, in a side view, shows a connection element according to an embodiment of the invention, and

- Fig. 7, in a top view, shows a connection element according to an embodiment of the invention.

Detailed description of selected embodiments

In the following detailed description of the connection element and the assembly system according to the invention will be described by the preferred embodiments.

Fig. 1 shows two building panels 1 adjoined together by a connection element. Each of the building panels 1 comprises two panel elements 53, 54, a first panel element 53, which in the figure is shown on the top, and a second panel element 54, which in the figure is shown on the bottom. The panel elements 43, 54 are permanently joined to form a single building panel 1 , by a panel spacer piece 55, connecting the two. The building panel 1 is a flat plate shaped structure, the building panel having oppositely arranged top and bottom surfaces 51 , 52. A circumferential groove 1 1 extends on all side surfaces 57 of the building panel, the circumferential groove 1 1 being formed between the two panel elements 53, 54, the two panel elements 53, 54 being separated a distance Y from each other by the panel spacer piece 55. Thus the circumferential groove has a breadth, Y. A depth, Z, of the circumferential groove 1 1 is defined by the distance from the side surfaces 57 of the building panel 1 to the panel spacer piece 55, see also Fig. 4.

In the embodiments shown, the circumferential groove extends on all side surfaces 57 of the building panel 1 . However, in other embodiments (not shown), the circumferential groove may extend in only one, two or three side surfaces 57. In the embodiments shown, the building panel 1 is square. However, in other embodiments (not shown), building panels 1 may additionally or alternatively be rectangular.

In the embodiments shown, the top and bottom surfaces 51 , 52 are planar. However in other embodiments (not shown), the top and bottom surfaces 51 , 52 may be equipped with various structures, e.g. connectors or ornamental structures.

Each of the two panel elements 53, 54 elements has an inner surface 58, such that the inner surface 58 of the first panel element 53 faces the inner surface of the second panel element 54. The inner surfaces 58 are equipped with a first set of elongate grooves 12, 13 along a first set of side walls 57 and perpendicularly thereto a second set of grooves 12', 13' along a second set of side walls. Thereby, a system of grooves 12, 13, 12', 13' is provided on each of the inner surfaces 58 in two perpendicular directions parallel to the side walls 57. The sets of groove 12, 13, 12', 13' comprises outer grooves 12, 12' closest to the side walls 57 and inner grooves 13, 13' closes to the centre of the building panel 1 and the panel spacer piece 55.

In the embodiments shown, the building panel 1 has four grooves in each perpendicular direction, i.e. two outer grooves 12, 12' and two inner grooves 13, 13'. In other embodiments (not shown), the building panels 1 may comprise only one or more than two central 13, 13' grooves in each perpendicular direction, dependent on the size and form of the building panel 1 . Preferably, the parallel grooves 12, 13; 12', 13' are formed at regularly spaced apart intervals. Each of the grooves 12, 13; 12', 13' has a depth, L, below the inner surface 58. Thereby, the inner surface 58 of each of the two panel spacer pieces appears to be formed with a number of "islands" or portions raised from the floor or bottom of the grooves 12, 13; 12', 13'. Due to the regular spacing of the uniform width, W, of the grooves 12, 13; 12', 13', three types of such islands are formed, see Fig. 2; in the corners of the building panels 1 , a square type, p1 is formed. Along the edges a second type rectangular (with 1 :2 length sides) type, p2, is formed, and in the central part a square type, p3, having twice the side length of the p1 -type.

As can be appreciated from Fig. 1 the panel spacer piece 55 may be formed such that it has a portion that extends into the central parts of the inner grooves 13, 13' (and thereby extends to the floor of the grooves. In other embodiments (not shown) the panel spacer piece 55 may be connected only to the inner surfaces 58 of the two panel spacer pieces 53, 54, i.e. to the surfaces of the central "islands" p3, mentioned above. In yet other embodiments (not shown) the central "islands" p3 may be formed with a cut out in the square form, such that the entire end face of the panel spacer piece 55 is connected to a surface that is flush with the groove floors/bottoms.

The connection element 2 is a plate shaped structure having two opposite surfaces and four edges or sides 21 , 22, 23, 24; a thickness B defined between the two opposite surfaces.

The thickness B of the connection element is substantially equal to the breadth Y of the circumferential groove 1 1 to fit into a portion thereof, by sliding the connection element 2 into the groove 1 1 . The connection element 2 is provided with at least one elongate first slide guide K1 formed as an elongate protrusion extending from at least one of said opposite surfaces of the connection element 2, i.e. it has a height, N, over the surface of the connection element 2, and parallel to two of said edges 21 , 23, and perpendicular to the other two edges 22, 24.

The elongate first slide guide K1 is adapted for mating with said grooves 12, 13; 12', 13' in the building panel 1 , in such a way that the first slide guide K1 can slide along the length (longitudinal extension) of the grooves. The height N of the slide guide K1 is adapted such that movement of the elongate slide guide K1 a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of an elongate grove 12, 13; 12', 13' when the elongate first slide guide K1 is mating with the groove is prevented. The connection element 2 is further provided with at least one set of snap guides, S3, S4, arranged in line along a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the elongate first slide guide K1 . The snap guides, S3, S4, are formed as protrusions extending from at least one of said opposite surfaces of the connection element 2, i.e. with a height, U, above said surface.

Said snap guides, S3, S4, are adapted further adapted for mating with another of said grooves 12, 13; 12', 13' than the above mentioned first slide guide K1 . This means that the locations of the snap guides are adapted to the spacing of the grooves in a building panel 1 .

The snap guides, S3, S4,are formed such that said height, U, of the snap guides allows the snap guides, S3, to disengage from a groove 12, 13; 12', 13' with which it mates, when the connection element 2 is moved in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of that groove. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 1 , the connection element 2 is further provided with two second elongate slide guides, K2, extending from at least one of said opposite surfaces of the connection element 2, i.e. it has a height, N, (the same as slide guide K1 ) over the surface of the connection element 2, and parallel to two of said edges 22, 24, and perpendicular to the other two edges 21 , 23, i.e. the second elongate slide guides are formed in a direction perpendicular to the direction of the first slide guide K1 .

The two elongate second slide guides, K2, are formed as elongate protrusions extending from at least one of said opposite surfaces of the connection element 2, i.e. it has a height, N, over the surface of the connection element 2, and are parallel to two of said edges 21 , 23, and perpendicular to the other two edges 22, 24. Again the two elongate second slide guides, K2, are adapted for mating with said grooves 12, 13; 12', 13' in the building panel 1 , in such a way that the second slide guides K2 can slide along the length (longitudinal extension) of the grooves. The height N of the second slide guides K2 are adapted such that movement of the elongate second slide guides K2 a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of an elongate grove 12, 13; 12', 13' when the elongate second slide guide K2 are mating with the grooves is prevented.

The second slide guides K2 preferably stretches/extends a over a maximum of half the width, A, of a connection element 2, and preferably only from the edge 21 , 22, 23, 24 to the middle of the connection element 2.

A connection element 2 thus equipped with at least one first slide guide k1 and perpendicularly thereto one or more second slide guides K2 allows the connection element 2 to slide into grooves 12, 13, of one building panel 1 and into grooves 12', 13' of another building panel 1 , such that the two building panels 1 must be moved in directions perpendicular to each other thereby forming a locking of the two plates relative to each other as a result of movement of the panels in the same direction. As shown in Figs. 1 and 7 the first slide guide K1 preferably extends substantially from edge to edge (side to side) 22, 24 of a connection element 1 . Thereby, the same first slide guide K1 may be inserted into two different building panels 1 by sliding the building elements 1 towards each other. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 1 , the connection element 2 is further provided with one further set of snap guides, S1 , S2, arranged in line along a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction of the elongate first slide guide K1 , and perpendicular to the second slide guides K2. The snap guides, S1 , S2, are formed as protrusions extending from at least one of said opposite surfaces of the connection element 2, i.e. with a height, U, above said surface.

Said second set of snap guides, S1 , S2, are adapted further adapted for mating with another of said grooves 12, 13; 12', 13' than the above mentioned first slide guide K1 , and another one of said grooves 12, 13; 12', 13' than the seconds slide guides K2. This means that the locations of the snap guides S1 , S2 are adapted to the spacing of the grooves in a building panel 1 . The second snap guides, S1 , S2, are also formed such that said height, U, of the snap guides allows the snap guides, to disengage from a groove 12, 13; 12', 13' with which it mates, when the connection element 2 is moved in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of that groove. Thereby, when assembling a building panel 1 and a connection element 2, they can be forced to slide along a first or second slide guide K1 , K2 against the resistance provided by the snap guides S1 , S2, S3 or S4. When a building panel 1 and a connection element 2 is thus assembled correctly, they may be locked against relative motion also by the resistance provided by the snap guides S1 , S2, S3 or S4. The height and in some further embodiments also the shape may be adapted, such that the resistance against relative motion is adapted such that during normal use the building panel 1 and a connection element 2 cannot be separated, and during assembly or disassembly the building panel 1 and the connection element 2 may be put together or pulled apart.

In the description above, the connection element 2 has been described as having first slide guides K1 , second slide guides and first and second snap guides S1 , S2, S3, S4 on one of the two opposite surfaces. However, in a preferred embodiment, first slide guides K1 , second slide guides and first and second snap guides S1 , S2, S3, S4, are formed on both surfaces of the connection element 2, mirrored about a plane defined by the plate shaped structure of the connection element 2.

In the embodiments described above the first slide guide K1 extends extend substantially to the sides 21 , 22, 23, 24 of the connecting element 2. In other embodiments (not shown), the first slide guide K1 does not extend all the way to the sides, however it extends across the middle of the distance between two opposing sides 21 , 23; 22, 24, and preferably the fist slide guides extends at least to halfway between the middle of the distance between two opposing sides 21 , 23; 22, 24, and the sides.

In Fig. 1 two building panels 1 are arranged such that the circumferential grooves 1 1 of the two panels 1 faces each other. The figure also shows "inlets" of outer grooves 12 and inner grooves 13. The distance, R, between two grooves 12, 13 corresponds to the distance between two second slide guides K2. All of the snap guides S1 , S2, S3, S4 are, in preferred embodiments perfectly rounded on two of their four sides, which helps to force the snap guides across an edge of a groove 12, 13 and possibly proceed to a next groove 12, 13, and snap into place at the desired location. The rounding of the snap guides S1 , S2, S3, S4 will also enable pulling the connecting element 2 out of the groove 12, 13 again. The first slide guides K1 and/or the second slide guides K2, which are higher than snap guides S1 , S2, S3, S4 are, in some embodiments only slightly rounded at the elongate sides of the guides. This aids if you want to pull a connecting element free which is stuck in an unfortunate way or if you want to force the parts (building panels 1 and connecting elements 2) apart if they have been assembled in an inappropriate way.

The first slide guides K1 are preferably formed in a similar ways as the second guide rails K2, and is oriented perpendicularly in relation to the second guide rails K2

Fig. 2, in a top view, shows as section taken along the plane parallel to the surfaces 51 , 52 of the building panels, the section being made through the panel spacer element 55 mentioned above. Thus, in Fig. 2 the inner surfaces 58 of the panel element 53, 54 can be seem seen. The figure shows the inner surfaces 58 of four building panels 1 ', 1 ", 1 "', 1 "", which are assembled by two square connecting elements 2', 2", and two rectangular connecting elements 2"', 2"", the rectangular connecting element 2", 2"" having a three to one side length ratio. In other embodiments (not shown) the connecting elements 2 may have other rectangular shapes and sizes.

In the centre of each of the building panels 1 in Fig. 2, a section through the panel spacer element 55 is shown. The panel spacer element 55 permanently joins the two panel elements 53, 54 together. The panel spacer element 55 may be a single element extending all the way from one the two panel elements 53, 54, or the panel spacer element 55 may be formed in two parts being assembled, e.g. by gluing. In Fig 2, the shaded area 56 shows a portion of a two part panel spacer element 55 which is bonded to another part of the panel spacer element 55. The shaded area 56 is smaller than the entire base of the panel spacer element 55. Thereby, flexibility between the two panel elements 53, 54 may be increased, allowing the above mentioned snap guides to move in and out of the grooves 12, 13. In other embodiments where the panel spacer element 55 is a single unit or element a similar effect may be provided by making circumferential cuts around the perimeter of the panel spacer element 55 in one or more planes parallel to the surfaces 51 , 52. In yet other embodiments a flexibility between the two panel elements 53, 54 may be achieved alternatively or additionally choosing the material of the two panel elements 53, 54 and/or the spacer element 55 to have material properties allowing a slight flexing of the two panel elements 53, 54 relative to each other.

Because of the connection element 2 second slide guides K2 is perpendicularly oriented relative to the first slide guide K1 , it is possible to shoot or slide a building panel 1 in between two already positioned building panels 1 , by for example, sliding the connecting element 2 with the second slide guides K2 into the inner grooves 13, 13' of a building panel 1 and then sliding a building plate 1 without a connecting element 2 in between them, as shown in Fig. 2.

Now turning to Fig. 3a-c, showing an alternative use of the same principles described above. Fig. 3a shows a corner element A1 and an edge element

B1 , which both have permanently connected connecting elements 2 placed at angle in which to mount the building panels 1 . In Fig. 3b, the same corner element A1 and an edge element B1 as in Fig 3a is shown with building panels mounted thereon. An edge element B1 is formed as an elongated bar shaped edge element, with a rectangular or square cross section. A connection element 2 extends from two longitudinal sides of the edge element B1 . In other embodiments (not shown), edge elements having a connection on only one longitudinal side or on three or all four longitudinal side could also be conceived. Further, other angles between the connection elements 2 could be conceived e.g. by adapting the cross sectional shape of the edge element B1 . Fig. 3a also shows a corner element A1 . A corner element A1 may as shown be formed as three bar-shaped components as described in relation to the edge element B1 above, where the three components are joined at end portions thereof to constitute a corner. The connection elements 2 are - as shown - each connected to a pair of bars 60.

In Figs. 3a and 3b the connecting elements 2 of corner element A1 shows first slide guides K1 and snap guides S3 extending in line in a direction perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction of the first slide guides K1 . Thereby, building panels 1 may be mounted on the corner element A1 as shown in Fig. 3b.

In Figs. 3a and 3b the connecting elements 2 of the edge element B1 shows first slide guides K1 and snap guides S3 extending in line in a direction perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction of the first slide guides K1 . The first slide guides K1 are oriented in a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction of the bar 60. Thereby, building panels 1 may be mounted on the edge element B1 as shown in Fig. 3b. In an alternative embodiment, and as shown in Fig. 3c the first slide guides K1 are oriented in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the bar 60. Thereby, building panels 1 may be mounted on the edge element B1 in by sliding them towards the edge element B1 rather than along the edge element B1 as shown in Fig. 3b. In alternative embodiments (not show) the orientation of the sliding element K1 may vary from side to side of the bar 60. With the help of corner element A1 and edge element B1 box-shaped objects may be build, in further embodiments (not shown) where the angles between the bars 60 of the corner element other structures may be build. Above it has been described that the connection element 2 of the edge and corner elements B1 , A1 may be permanently joined. However, in other embodiments (not shown), connection elements may be releasable joined to the bars 60 in a manner similar to the principle described above, i.e. by having grooves formed in the bars 60 the grooves being adapted for cooperating with snap guides and/or first slide guides K1 and/or second slide guides K2.

FIG. 4 and 5 show further details and measure of the building panel 1 . The building panel 1 has two opposite identical square closed surfaces 3 and 4, and appears essentially as a block or plate. In the building panel 1 a first circumferential groove 1 1 is provided which is a long-running groove on each of the long sides 5, 6, 7, 8 of the building panel 1 . The groove 1 1 has breadth Y which is equal to half the width M of the longitudinal arranged groove 12 and the thickness X of the panel elements 53, 54 is equal to the breadth Y of the circumferential groove 1 1 . The depth Z of the groove 1 1 is equal to the width of the groove 12 multiplied by three and one-half of the depth Z of the circumferential groove 1 1 is equal to the thickness Q of the building paneH . Alongside the circumferential groove 1 1 extending in the long side 5 there is provided a longitudinal groove 12. Said groove 12 has the width M which is equal to twice the width or breadth Y of the longitudinal groove 1 1 , and the width P of the "island" p1 is equal to the double of the width X of the panel elements 53, 54. The depth L of the groove 12 is equal to half the width of the circumferential groove 1 1 . Outer grooves 12 are provided along aach of the long sides 5, 6, 7, 8. Furthermore, four inner grooves 13 are provided in the central portion of the building panel 1 , two in one direction and two other in a perpendicular direction. Said inner grooves 13 has a width W which is equal to the width M of the outer grooves 12, and has a depth D equal to half the breadth/width Y of the circumferential groove 1 1 . Said inner grooves 13 are also provided in

The centre distances R between the inner and outer grooves 12, 13 are each equal to the depth Z of the circumferential groove 1 1 . The above mentioned "islands" forming elevations from the floors bottoms of grooves 12, 13 are located between the inner and outer grooves 12 and 13.

Figs. 6 and 7 show an embodiment of the connecting element 2 which essentially appears as a block or plate with two square main surfaces 9 and 10, and four sides or edges 21 , 22, 23, 24. In some embodiments the connecting element 2 has with rounded edges along the four sides 21 , 22, 23, 24, thereby easing the insertion of a connecting element into a circumferential groove 1 1 of a building panel 1 . Said main surfaces 9 and 10, have a side length A, along sides 21 , 22, 23, 24, which is equal to half the length of the long sides 5, 6, 7, 8 on the building panel 1 . The connecting elements 2 has the width B, corresponding to 1/3 of the width/thickness Q of the building panel 1 . Further, it is clear that the width B is substantially equal to the breadth Y of the circumferential groove 1 1 of the building panel 1 .

The connecting element 2 is on both of its two square surfaces 9, 10 provided with three main types of projections, first slide guides K1 , second slide guides K2, and snap guides S1 , S2, S3, S4.

First, there is provided a first slide guide K1 , which is substantially shaped like a rectangular block or plate which extends along the whole of the connecting element 2 along (in parallel to) the side or edge 23, and a small distance H from the outer edge 23 of the connecting element 2. Said distance H from the side 23 to the first slide guide K1 is equal to twice the thickness/width B of the connecting element 2. The width C of the first slide guide K1 is equal to twice the thickness/width B of the connecting element 2. The length of the first slide guide K1 is equal to the length A of a side of the connection element. The first slide guide K1 has a height N corresponding to half the thickness B of the connecting element 2.

The connecting element 2 is furthermore provided with two second slide guides K2, each having a length D equal to half the length A of the first slide guide K1 (and the length of the side 21 , 22, 23, 24 of the connection element). The second slide guides K2 other measures correspond to the measures of the first slide guide K1 . The two second slide guides K2 are perpendicularly oriented relative to the first slide guide K1 . The second slide guides K2 are each provided at a distance H from the outer edges 22, 24 of the connecting element 2. The width C of the second slide guides K2 is equal to the width C of the first slide guide K1 , and also has the height N, which is is equal to the width C and height N of the first slide guide K1 . Furthermore, there are provided seven snap guides S1 , S2, S3, S4 in the form of small flat plate shaped structures or thin blocks, each with two rounded edges. Of said snap guides S1 , S2, S3, S4 three S1 and S2 + S2 are provided in line and parallel with the first slide guide K1 , and at a distance H from the side or edge 21 of the connecting element 2. The three snap guides S1 and S2 + S2 extends in continuation (in line) of each other with a distance between them. Snap guide S1 is located in the middle between the two snap guides S2. The snap guides S2 are positioned midway between the length of the D of the second slide guide K2, and in the middle of the distance H between the second slide guide K2 and the sides 22, 24. Four further snap guides S3, S4 are provided on the connection element 2. Each of the two snap guides S3 forms extensions of the second slide guides K2, and are located in between the second slide guides K2 and the first slide guide K1 . The snap guides S4 are located directly opposite the snap guides S3 on the opposite side of the first slide guide K1 , and in between the first slide guide K1 , and the outer edge 23 of the connecting element 2.

The snap guides S1 , S2, S3, S4 all have a uniform height U which corresponds to 1/8 of the thickness/width B of the connecting element 2. The surface of the snap guides S1 is square and has a side length S, which is equal to twice the thickness/width B of the connecting element 2. The snap guides S2, S3 and S4 each has a rectangular surface, with one side length F being half of the snap guide S1 , and another side length E corresponding to the thickness/width B of the connecting element 2.

The above described building panels 1 with circumferential grooves 1 1 and the associated connecting elements 2 for assembling building panels 1 in angular constructional relationships, may for example, be used as toys, or larger structures that you want to disassemble and re-assemble. The building panels 1 and or connecting element may e.g. be formed in plastic or other suitable material, depending on the use. They may be formed in a material which can be moulded or cut into shape and which has some flexibility. The building panels 1 can be used to build foundations, walls and ceilings in houses or cars or similar box-shaped objects. In the construction industry it can be used as assembly system of plates, for example, floors, walls and ceilings. Further, the building panels 1 and the associated connecting elements 2, according to the invention may be used to construct furniture, e.g. such as book shelves, or shelve systems in other connections.

The assembly of the building panels 1 is achieved by the second slide guides K2 on the connection element 2 are inserted into the side of a building panel

1 , in which it is unable to move in the direction transversely to the longitudinal direction of the grooves 12, 13, when it engages in the grooves 12, 13, because of the small snap guides S1 , S2, S3, S4 which are not so high. And because of the first slide guide K1 formed on another portion of the connection element 2, which is perpendicularly oriented relative to the second slide guides K2, the connection element 2 can be slid along the long side of a second building panel 1 , which at this engages in the grooves 12, 13 due to the connection element also on this portion is provided with snap guides S1 , S2, S3, S4 in addition to the first slide guide. In this portion, the connection element 2 is pushed in along with the long side of the building panel 1 , but not pulled out transverse to the same long side. The connecting element 2 may be either inserted into the sides of the building panels 1 or pushed into the outer grooves 12 extending longitudinally along the long sides of the building panels 1 . When laying two building panels against each other, the assembly thereof forms a measure which fits to the connecting element 2, which when inserted keeps them together. You can either insert a connecting element 2 into the side of a building panel 1 , and subsequently slide a second plate over the portion of the connecting element 2 extending from the first building panel 1 along a direction perpendicular to the direction you inserted the connecting element 2 in the first building element. Or one can slide the connecting element 2 from the side, along the length of the building plate 1 , and then connect the building plate of the connecting element 2 protruding into the second building panel 1 , for example by sliding a building panel 1 in between the other two building panels 1 in which one of the connection element 2 is mounted.

The connection element 2 may be designed such that the snap guides S1 , S2, S3, S4 may have two curved edges which extend all the way along the two longitudinal sides and are rounded down to the bottom of the base of said snap guides S1 , S2, S3, S4, and rounded such that it allows that the snap guides S1 , S2, S3, S4 can be forced past the edges of the inner and outer grooves 12, 13, but only rounded so that said snap guides S1 , S2, S3, S4 can be kept fixed in the the inner and outer grooves 12, 13 if no deliberate attempt to force them out is made. This is achieved with the round ing-off the connecting element 2 can be pressed in so that if it gets stuck, it can also be pulled out again.

The connecting element 2 may further be designed such that the first slide guides K1 and the second slide guides K2 have rounded edges which are less rounded and do not allow the slide guides K1 , K2 to pass across the edges of the inner and outer grooves 12, 13, under normal force, but they nevertheless are rounded enough to permit the that the slide guides K1 , K2 can be forced past the edges of the inner and outer grooves 12, 13. With the rounding-off combined with a very heavy pressure/force it is achieved that building panels may be separated, in case they have been assembled in an inappropriate way.

The connecting element 2 according to the invention can also be configured not to be square as described above. In embodiments a connecting element being formed as two or more square connecting element 2 placed one after the other in a straight line (but formed as a single unit) may be applied. With such an elongate connecting element 2 it may be faster and easier to assemble large numbers of building panels 1 .

According to further embodiments of the invention, semi assembled building panels 1 and connecting elements 2 may be provided, e.g. by moulding in one or two or more connecting elements 2 into building panels 1 , or as a building panel 1 with one or more connection elements 2. It is thus achieved that it will be possible to construct with larger building panels 1 , and it will be possible to combine building panels 1 which have permanent connection elements 2 with building panels 1 which have loose connecting elements 2. During manufacturing, the thickness of the building plate is refined to a point, where there is the best balance between material thickness and elasticity. Thus it is achieved that the walls of the building panel surrounding the circumferential groove 1 1 returns to its original shape after the snap guides S1 , S2, S3, S4 of the connecting element 2 has pressured first and second panel elements 53, 54 forming the circumferential groove 12 from each other.

When the snap guides S1 , S2, S3, S4 of the connecting element 2 pushes the sides of the circumferential groove 1 1 from each other, a space between the first and second panel elements 53, 54 emerges, and a gap between the first and second panel elements 53, 54 and the panel spacer element 55 emerges, which gap extends all the to where the first and second panel elements 53, 54 and the panel spacer element 55 is concatenated. And by limiting the area in which the first and second panel elements 53, 54, and the middle block is joined, it is achieved that the first and second panel elements 53, 54 have a larger surface area to move away from each other, resulting in a more smooth and effortless movement when the snap guides S1 , S2, S3, S4 of the connecting element is forced past the edges and ridges in between the inner and outer grooves 12, 13 in the building panel 1 .

According to another aspect of the invention, the connection element 2 may be provided in the following way: A connection element for an assembly system of building panels 1 and connection elements 2 said building panels 1 each comprising

- two panel elements 53, 54 and

- a panel spacer piece 55,

the panel spacer piece 55 connecting the two panel elements 53, 54 such that a circumferential groove 1 1 having a width Y is formed between them, a first set of elongate groves 12, 13, formed parallel to each other in each of the inner surfaces 58 of the two panel elements 53, 54, and a second set of elongate grooves 12', 13' fornned perpendicularly to the first set of grooves 12, 13, said elongate grooves 12, 13; 12', 13' having a depth L,

wherein said connection element 2 is plate-shaped and having has opposite surfaces 9, 10 and a thickness B defined between the two opposite surfaces 9, 10 and four edges 21 , 22, 23, 24, said thickness B being substantially equal to the width Y of the circumferential groove 1 1 of the building element 1 to fit into a portion thereof, wherein

said connection element 2 is provided with at least one elongate first slide guide K1 formed as an elongate protrusion extending from at least one of said opposite surfaces 9, 10 of the connection element 2 and parallel to two of said edges 21 , 23 and perpendicular to the other two edges 22, 24, said elongate first slide guide K1 being adapted for mating with said grooves 12, 13; 12', 13', and having a height N, such that the first slide guide K1 can slide in the grooves 12, 13; 12', 13' and such that said height N of the snap guides allows the first slide guide K1 to disengage from a groove 12, 13; 12', 13' with which it mates, when the connection element 2 is moved in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of that groove, and wherein said connection element 2 is further provided with at least one set of snap guides S1 , S2, S3, S4 arranged in line along a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the first slide guide K1 , said snap guides S1 , S2, S3, S4 being formed as protrusions extending from at least one of said opposite surfaces 9, 10 of the connection element 2 with a height N above said surface 9, 10, and said snap guides S1 , S2, S3, S4 being adapted for mating with said grooves 12, 13; 12', 13', such that said height N of the snap guides allows the snap guides S1 , S2, S3, S4 to disengage from a groove 12, 13;

12', 13' with which it mates, when the connection element 2 is moved in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of that groove.

By thus making the first slide guide K1 and the snap guides S1 , S2, S3, S4 in the same height and releasable in a direction sideways to the grooves 12, 13;

12', 13' a particularly flexible building panel system is achieved that may be used in situations where the possibility of easy disassembly is more important than the locking of the building panels to each other.

This aspect of the invention may further include all the features of embodiments described in connection with the above aspects of the invention, and as defined in any of the claims 2-5 below, with the exception that the first slide guide K1 , the second slide guide K1 and the snap guides S1 , S2, S3, S4 are all made in the same height N. Further this aspect may also be utilized in an assembly system as in connection with the above aspects of the invention, and such an assembly system may further include all the features of embodiments of the assembly system described in connection with the above aspects of the invention, and as defined in any of the claims 7-14 below, with the exception that the first slide guide K1 , the second slide guide K1 and the snap guides S1 , S2, S3, S4 are all made in the same height N.

Although the teaching of this application has been described in detail for purpose of illustration, it is understood that such detail is solely for that purpose, and variations can be made therein by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the teaching of this application.

The term "comprising" as used in the claims does not exclude other elements or steps. The term "a" or "an" as used in the claims does not exclude a plurality. The single processor or other unit may fulfill the functions of several means recited in the claims.

Claims

1 . A connection element (2) for an assembly system of building panels (1 ) and connection elements (2) said building panels (1 ) each comprising

- two panel elements (53, 54) and

- a panel spacer piece (55) ,

the panel spacer piece (55) connecting the two panel elements (53, 54) such that a circumferential groove (1 1 ) having a width (Y) is formed between them, a first set of elongate groves (12, 13), formed parallel to each other in each of the inner surfaces (58) of the two panel elements (53, 54), and a second set of elongate grooves (12', 13') formed perpendicularly to the first set of grooves (12, 13), said elongate grooves (12, 13; 12', 13') having a depth (L), wherein said connection element (2) is plate-shaped and having has opposite surfaces (9, 10) and a thickness (B) defined between the two opposite surfaces (9, 10) and four edges (21 , 22, 23, 24) said thickness (B) being substantially equal to the width (Y) of the circumferential groove (1 1 ) of the building element (1 ) to fit into a portion thereof,

characterized in that said connection element (2) is provided with at least one elongate first slide guide (K1 ) formed as an elongate protrusion extending from at least one of said opposite surfaces (9, 10) of the connection element (2) and parallel to two of said edges (21 , 23) and perpendicular to the other two edges (22, 24), said elongate first slide guide (K1 ) being adapted for mating with said grooves (12, 13; 12', 13'), and having a height (N) preventing said elongate first slide guide (K1 ) to move in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of an elongate grove (12,

13; 12', 13') with which the elongate first slide guide (K1 ) is mating, and in that said connection element (2) is further provided with at least one set of snap guides (S1 , S2, S3, S4) arranged in line along a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the first slide guide (K1 ), said snap guides (S1 , S2, S3, S4) being formed as protrusions extending from at least one of said opposite surfaces (9, 10) of the connection element (2) with a height (U) above said surface (9, 10), and said snap guides (S1 , S2, S3, S4) being adapted for mating with said grooves (12, 13; 12', 13'), such that said height (U) of the snap guides allows the snap guides (S1 , S2, S3, S4) to disengage from a groove (12, 13; 12', 13') with which it mates, when the connection element (2) is moved in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of that groove.

2. A connection element (2) according to claim 1 , wherein at least one elongate second slide guide (K2), is formed on at least one surface (9, 10) of the connection element (2) and extending in a direction perpendicular said first slide guide (K1 ).

3. A connection element (2) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein at least additional set of snap guides (S1 , S2, S3, S4) are arranged in line along a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction of the first slide guide (K1 ), said snap guides (S1 , S2, S3, S4) being adapted for mating with said grooves (12, 13; 12', 13'), such that a height (U) of the snap guides allows the snap guides (S1 , S2, S3, S4) to disengage from a groove (12, 13; 12', 13') with which it mates, when the connection element (2) is forces in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of that groove.

4. A connection element (2) according to claim 4, wherein first slide guides (K1 ) and/or snap guides (S1 , S2, S3, S4) and/or second slide guide (K2), are formed on both surface (9, 10) of the connection element (2).

5. A connection element (2) according to any one of claims 1 -4, wherein said snap guides (S1 , S2, S3, S4) has a rounded shape.

6. An assembly system of connection of building panels (1 ) and connection elements (2), wherein the building panels (1 ) each comprises

- two panel elements (53, 54) and - a panel spacer piece (55) ,

the panel spacer piece (55) connecting the two panel elements (53, 54) such that a circumferential groove (1 1 ) having a width (Y) is formed between them, a first set of elongate groves (12, 13), formed parallel to each other in each of the inner surfaces (58) of the two panel elements (53, 54), and a second set of elongate grooves (12', 13') formed perpendicularly to the first set of grooves (12, 13), said elongate grooves (12, 13; 12', 13') having a depth (L), and where said connection element (2) is plate-shaped and having has opposite surfaces (9, 10) and a thickness (B) defined between the two opposite surfaces (9, 10) and four edges (21 , 22, 23, 24) said thickness (B) being substantially equal to the breadth (Y) of the circumferential groove (1 1 ) of the building element (1 ) to fit into a portion thereof,

characterized in that said connection element (2) is provided with at least one elongate first slide guide (K1 ) formed as an elongate protrusion extending from at least one of said opposite surfaces (9, 10) of the connection element (2) and parallel to two of said edges (21 , 23) and perpendicular to the other two edges (22, 24), said elongate first slide guide (K1 ) being adapted for mating with said grooves (12, 13; 12', 13'), and having a height (N) preventing said elongate first slide guide (K1 ) to move in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of an elongate grove (12, 13; 12', 13') with which the elongate first slide guide (K1 ) is mating, and in that said connection element (2) is further provided with at least one set of snap guides (S1 , S2, S3, S4) arranged in line along a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the first slide guide (K1 ), said snap guides (S1 , S2, S3, S4) being formed as protrusions extending from at least one of said opposite surfaces (9, 10) of the connection element (2) with a height (U) above said surface (9, 10), and said snap guides (S1 , S2, S3, S4) being adapted for mating with said grooves (12, 13; 12', 13'), such that said height (U) of the snap guides allows the snap guides (S1 , S2, S3, S4) to disengage from a groove (12, 13; 12', 13') with which it mates, when the connection element (2) is moved in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of that groove.

7. An assembly system according to claim 1 , wherein two first elongate slide guides (K1 ) are formed in parallel to each other on the connection element

(2) , the two first slide guides (K1 ) both having the height (N) over the surface of the connection element (2).

8. An assembly system according to claim 6 or 7, wherein a connection element (2), is fixedly connected to and extending from one side of an elongate bar shaped edge element (60).

9. An assembly system according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the system further comprises an elongate bar shaped edge element (60) and where a connection element (2), is releasably connected to one side of the elongate bar shaped edge element (60).

10. An assembly system according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the connection element (2), extends from one side of a first elongate bar shaped edge element (60), and also from one side of a second bar shaped element (60) formed at an angle to said first bar shaped element (60).

1 1 . An assembly system according to claim 10, wherein the angle is 90°.

12. An assembly system according to any one of claims 6-1 1 , wherein the first slide guide (K1 ) and/or snap the guides (S1 , S2, S3, S4) are formed on both surface (9, 10) of the connection element (2).

13. An assembly system according to claim 6, wherein the assembly system further comprises any of the features of claims 2-5.

14. An assembly system according to any one of claims 6-13, wherein the only a limited area (56) of a cross-section of the panel spacer piece (55) forms a connection between the first and second panel elements (53, 54).