SET OF BUILDING PANELS COMPRISING A LOCKING DEVICE

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims the benefit of Swedish application no. 2351379-9, filed on Dec. 1, 2023. The entire contents of Swedish application no. 2351379-9 are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The disclosure generally relates to a set of panels comprising a locking device. More specifically, the locking device comprises a separate tongue configured to cooperate with a tongue groove for vertical locking of edge portions of the panels. The panels may be building panels, floor panels, ceiling panels, furniture components or wall panels.

BACKGROUND

Recently, there have been various developments according to which panels are configured to be disassembled more easily, especially without using a separate tool.

The disclosure WO 2024/063687 A1, which is a further development of WO 2022/197234A1, discloses a set of panels and a locking device for locking a first edge portion of a first panel to a second edge portion of a second panel. The locking device comprises a vertical locking device comprising a separate tongue arranged in an insertion groove of the first edge portion and a tongue groove provided in the second edge portion. In a vertically locked state of the first and second edge portions, an abutment member provided at a longitudinal end portion of the separate tongue cooperates with a stop surface of the second edge portion, and a locking portion of the separate tongue cooperates with the tongue groove.

However, there may be scenarios in which a simpler design of certain components of the locking device may be desired. Also, there is a need to produce a locking device which is even more suitable for certain fragile panels, such as porous panels.

SUMMARY

It is a general object of at least embodiments of the present disclosure to provide a set of panels comprising a locking device that may be disassembled in an improved manner, such as without using a tool interacting with the locking device. For example, the disassembly may involve manual operations only.

Another general object of at least embodiments of the present disclosure is to provide an easier and/or faster disassembly or reassembly of a set of panels.

It is also an object of at least embodiments of the present disclosure to provide any of the general objects above, while using a simpler design of the separate tongue.

Yet another object of at least embodiments of the present disclosure is to provide a locking device which may give rise to more rigid panels, such as in an end section and/or a corner portion thereof.

These and other objects and advantages that will be apparent from the description have been achieved by the various aspects, embodiments and examples described below.

In accordance with the present disclosure, there is provided a set of panels, such as building panels, comprising a first panel and a second panel and a locking device for locking a first edge portion of the first panel to a second edge portion of the second panel, wherein the locking device comprises a horizontal locking device and a vertical locking device. The vertical locking device comprises a separate tongue arranged in an insertion groove of the first edge portion, wherein a longitudinal extension of the separate tongue extends along the first edge portion. The separate tongue comprises flexible members configured to face an inner portion of the insertion groove when the separate tongue is arranged in the insertion groove, wherein the flexible members are configured to displace the separate tongue outwards during locking or unlocking. The vertical locking device further comprises a tongue groove provided in, and extending along, the second edge portion. In a vertically locked state of the first and second edge portions, and in a preferred configuration of the locking device, an abutment member provided at a longitudinal end portion of the separate tongue cooperates with a stop surface of the second edge portion, and a locking portion of the separate tongue cooperates with the tongue groove. The stop surface is arranged closer than the locking portion to the inner portion of the insertion groove, preferably in the vertically locked state.

In accordance with the disclosure, in the vertically locked state a transverse extension of the separate tongue from the insertion groove may be larger at the locking portion than at the longitudinal end portion. The edge portions may thereby be locally essentially vertically unlocked at the longitudinal end portion and the, preferably flexible, separate tongue may be gradually inserted into the tongue groove along the edge portions at a distance from the longitudinal end portion for providing their vertical locking.

Moreover, in accordance with the disclosure, the first and second panels may be disassembled by vertically displacing the first and second edge portions in a direction away from each other, preferably by means of a scissor or folding displacement, starting proximate to a location of the abutment member. For example, the edge portions may be vertically unlocked by a relative vertical displacement of the first and second edge portions away from each other, preferably essentially manually, optionally using a raising element under the second panel. During unlocking by means of the folding displacement, the separate tongue, including the locking portion, may be gradually displaced into the insertion groove along the first edge portion. In view of the above, it may be easier and/or less time consuming to disassemble or reassemble the panels. Particularly, a separate tool interacting with the locking device may not be needed during the disassembly, even though this is not excluded. As will be outlined elsewhere herein, the edge portions may in some embodiments be unlocked by repeatedly vertically displacing them away and towards each other. A separate tool may be suitable for disassembling certain fragile panels, such as porous panels, which may risk becoming damaged during a manual disassembly.

The stop surface may prevent a displacement of the separate tongue outwards from the insertion groove, preferably at least in a horizontal direction. This embodiment may be preferred in the vertically locked state and/or in a configuration of the locking device.

The stop surface may include an area of the second edge portion which cooperates with the separate tongue in the locked state, optionally also including an area which cooperates with the separate tongue during locking and/or unlocking.

Generally herein, cooperating surfaces may cooperate by direct engagement or indirectly. Examples of such cooperating surfaces include the stop surface and a surface of the abutment member. In any embodiment described herein, there may be a sealing agent, such as a wax or an adhesive, provided between the cooperating surfaces, thereby providing examples of an indirect engagement.

The assembled state (or a disassembled state) of the first and second panels may include vertical and horizontal locking (or unlocking) of the first and second edge portions.

The separate tongue may be a separate entity which may be arranged in the insertion groove. Preferably, the separate tongue is flexible.

The stop surface may be arranged closer than an outermost section of the locking portion to the inner portion of the insertion groove, preferably in the vertically locked state.

A horizontal distance from the inner portion to the stop surface, such as from an innermost portion of the insertion groove to an outermost portion of the stop surface, may be smaller than a horizontal distance from the inner portion to the locking portion.

The stop surface may extend essentially vertically, preferably in the vertically locked state and/or in a configuration of the locking device. For example, the stop surface may form an angle of 0°-10°, such as 0°-5° or 0°-2°, with respect to a vertical direction. Thereby, the cooperation between the abutment member and the stop surface may provide little or even no vertical locking of the edge portions. Hence, a simpler assembly and/or disassembly of the panels may be provided.

The stop surface may be one of at least two stop surfaces, wherein a respective one of the at least two stop surfaces may be arranged on opposing sides, such as end sections, of the tongue groove. For example, two of the at least two stop surfaces may be arranged on opposing sides of the tongue groove.

The stop surface may be arranged adjacent, preferably longitudinally adjacent, to the tongue groove along the second edge portion. Thereby, an end section and/or a corner portion of the second edge portion may become more rigid.

The stop surface may be disposed at a same vertical level as a portion of the tongue groove. Thereby, an essentially straight separate tongue may be used for providing the vertical locking.

The stop surface may be provided in a separate material, preferably arranged in the tongue groove. Preferably, the separate material is distinct from other portions of the second edge portion. For example, the separate material may be a polymer-based material, a wood-based material, or a filler material. By means of this embodiment, the stop surface may be provided in the second panel, without forming the tongue groove with a jump action tool.

Each stop surface disclosed herein may be configured to face a corresponding abutment member in the vertically locked state. The abutment member may be one of at least two abutment members, and opposing longitudinal end portions of the separate tongue may each comprise a respective one of the at least two abutment members. Thereby, in conjunction with the two at least two stop surfaces mentioned above, the separate tongue may assume a curved, preferably essentially symmetrical, shape in the vertically locked state. Moreover, an unlocking of the edge portions may be initiated from either side thereof. Additionally, it may be suitable for use when several types of panels are included in the set for locking them to each other in a pattern, such as a herringbone pattern, e.g., including so-called A- and B-panels. Here, the separate tongue may include an abutment member facing a preferred part or side of the edge portion, such as a specific corner portion, regardless of the type of panel it is inserted into.

The abutment member may be pretensioned against the stop surface in the vertically locked state. For example, the pretensioning may be caused by the flexible members of the separate tongue. A pretensioning of the separate tongue may cause it to be biased outwards, such as by a spring force. By means of the abutment members, the separate tongue may assume a longitudinally curved or bent form such that its longitudinal end portion(s) cooperate(s) with the stop surface(s) of the second edge portion, and its locking portion cooperates with the tongue groove.

A longitudinal length of the separate tongue may exceed a longitudinal length of the tongue groove. Thereby, the locking portion and the longitudinal end portion may be arranged inside and outside of the tongue groove, respectively, along the second edge portion in the vertically locked state. The longitudinal length of the separate tongue may be determined in an unlocked state of the edge portions. Preferably, these relations between the longitudinal lengths may also be valid in the locked state.

A longitudinal length of the second edge portion may exceed a longitudinal length of the tongue groove.

The tongue groove may be bounded by longitudinal edge surfaces. One or both longitudinal edge surfaces may be curved or slanted along the longitudinal direction of the tongue groove.

The locking portion may protrude from the insertion groove along at least 50%, preferably at least 70%, of a longitudinal length of the separate tongue in the vertically locked state. For example, the locking portion may protrude from the insertion groove along 50-98%, such as 70-95% or 90-95%, of the longitudinal length.

The first edge portion of the first panel and the second edge portion of the second panel may be short edge portions which are shorter than long edge portions of the first and second panels. In some embodiments, however, the first and second edge portions may be long edge portions.

The separate tongue, preferably the locking portion of the separate tongue, may be longitudinally bent in the vertically locked state.

During locking, the second edge portion may cooperate, preferably directly, with the locking portion for displacing the separate tongue into the insertion groove. For example, the second edge portion may comprise a, preferably inclined, lower cooperating surface configured to cooperate with the separate tongue during locking for displacing it into the insertion groove.

The flexible members may each extend from a respective base portion of the separate tongue. Each flexible member may extend from and may be bendable around the respective base portion. In some embodiments, a flexible member extending from a base portion arranged at the longitudinal end portion may extend from and may be bendable around a longitudinal inner side of the base portion. Thereby, a smaller force may be needed for displacing the separate tongue at the longitudinal end portion, and hence an easier unlocking may be obtained.

During locking, the locking portion may be configured to be gradually inserted into the insertion groove along the first edge portion in a first stage, and in a second subsequent stage the locking portion may be configured to be gradually inserted into the tongue groove along the second edge portion.

The horizontal locking device may comprise a locking element arranged on a strip extending horizontally outwards from a lower portion of the first edge portion and a locking groove provided in the second edge portion. The locking element and the locking groove may be configured to cooperate to provide a horizontally locked state of the first and the second edge portions.

The first and second edge portions may be configured to be vertically unlocked by a, preferably forced, relative vertical displacement of the first and second edge portions away from each other and/or by a repeated, preferably forced, relative vertical displacement of the first and second edge portions away and towards each other. For example, the unlocking may involve manual operations. The repeated relative vertical displacement may comprise a jerking displacement of the edge portions up and down. By means of the repeated displacement, preferably by means of a folding displacement, the unlocking of the edge portions may in some embodiments become more controlled. Indeed, a portion of the separate tongue may become jammed after a first relative vertical displacement of the edge portions away from each other, thereby obtaining partially unlocked edge portions, and a second relative vertical displacement of the edge portions towards each other may at least partially release the separate tongue from the jamming; thereafter, a third relative vertical displacement of the edge portions away from each other may follow, whereby the edge portions may become further unlocked. As a further advantage, by means of the relative vertical displacement a risk of damaging the edge portions, such as at their decorative layers, and/or the locking device may become reduced. Indeed, a too excessive force from a relative vertical displacement directed in a single direction only might damage the edge portions or the locking device, especially for fragile panels.

The first and second panels may comprise a core comprising a polymer material, such as a thermoplastic material. The thermoplastic material may comprise polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyester, polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), polystyrene (PS), thermoplastic polyurethane (PU), TPU, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyacrylate, methacrylate, polycarbonate (PC), polyvinyl butyral (PVB), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the core may comprise at least two layers.

The first and second panels may comprise a decorative layer, such as a decorative foil comprising a thermoplastic material. The thermoplastic material of the decorative layer may be or comprise PVC, polyester, PP, PE, PS, TPU, PET, polyacrylate, methacrylate, PC, PVB, PBT, or a combination thereof. The decorative foil preferably is printed, for example by direct printing, rotogravure, or digital printing.

The first and second panels may comprise a wear layer, such as a film or foil. The wear layer may comprise a thermoplastic material. The thermoplastic material may be PVC, polyester, PP, PE, PS, TPU, PET, polyacrylate, methacrylate, PC, PVB, PBT, or a combination thereof.

The first and second panels may comprise a wood-based core, such as a high-density fibreboard, HDF, a medium-density fibreboard, MDF, a particle board, an oriented strand board, OSB, or a plywood board.

Generally, all terms used herein, such as in the claims, are to be interpreted according to their ordinary meaning in the technical field, unless explicitly defined otherwise. All references to “a/an/the [element, device, component, means, step, etc.]” are to be interpreted openly as referring to at least one instance of said element, device, component, means, step, etc., unless explicitly stated otherwise. Reference to one or a plurality of “at least one element”, etc., may shortly be referred to as “the element(s)”.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The disclosure will in the following be described in connection to exemplary embodiments and in greater detail with reference to the appended exemplary drawings, wherein:

FIGS. 1a-1e illustrate in top views exemplary embodiments of a first or a second panel (FIGS. 1a-1b) and schematic exemplary embodiments of assembled panels (FIGS. 1c-1d), and in a perspective view an exemplary embodiment of panels during assembly or disassembly (FIG. 1e).

FIGS. 2a-2f illustrate in a perspective view (FIG. 2a), a front view (FIG. 2b), and in cross-sectional side views (FIGS. 2c-2e) along the sections C1-C1, C2-C2 and C3-C3 in FIG. 1c, 1d, or 4a an exemplary embodiment of a second edge portion of a second panel, and in a side view (FIG. 2f) an exemplary embodiment of a first and a second edge portion of a first and a second panel along the section C1-C1 (or C2-C2 including the dashed line) in a disassembled state.

FIGS. 3a-3c illustrate in side views exemplary embodiments of a first and a second panel in an assembled state.

FIGS. 4a-4g illustrate in a top view (FIG. 4a) and in cross-sectional side views two exemplary embodiments of a first and a second panel in an assembled state along the sections C1-C1 (FIG. 4b or 4e), C2-C2 (FIGS. 4c or 4f), and C3-C3 (FIG. 4d or 4g) in FIG. 4a.

FIGS. 5a-5d illustrate in top views and side views an exemplary embodiment of a separate tongue in an unlocked state (FIGS. 5a and 5c) and in a locked state (FIGS. 5b and 5d) of the edge portions.

FIGS. 5e-5h illustrate in top views and side views an exemplary embodiment of a separate tongue in an unlocked state (FIGS. 5e and 5g) and in a locked state (FIGS. 5f and 5h) of the edge portions.

FIGS. 6a-6c illustrate in a perspective view an exemplary embodiment of a second edge portion of a second panel (FIG. 6a) and in cross-sectional side views an exemplary embodiment of a first and a second panel in an assembled state along the section C1-C1 and/or C3-C3 (FIG. 6b) and the section C2-C2 (FIG. 6c) in, for example, FIG. 1c, 1d or 4a.

FIGS. 7a-7b illustrate in side views an exemplary embodiment of a first and a second edge portion during locking along the section C1-C1 and/or C3-C3 (FIG. 7a) and the section C2-C2 (FIG. 7b) in, for example, FIG. 1c, 1d or 4a.

FIGS. 7c-7f illustrate in side views an exemplary embodiment of a first and a second edge portion during unlocking using a separate tool, e.g., of panels of the type in FIGS. 4e-4g, along the sections C1-C1 and/or C3-C3 (FIGS. 7c) and C2-C2 (FIG. 7d) in, for example, FIG. 1c, 1d or 4a, and in perspective views an exemplary embodiment of such a separate tool (FIG. 7e) and its use (FIG. 7f).

FIG. 7g illustrates an exemplary embodiment of assembled wall panels.

FIGS. 8a-8c illustrate in perspective views an exemplary embodiment of a set of panels during disassembly (FIGS. 8a-8b) and an exemplary embodiment of a raising element (FIG. 8c).

FIG. 8d illustrates in a side view an exemplary embodiment of interlocked third and fourth edge portions, such as those in, or obtainable from, FIG. 1e.

FIGS. 9a-9b illustrate in a front view an exemplary embodiment of a second edge portion (FIG. 9a) and an exemplary embodiment of a set of panels in a cross-sectional side view (FIG. 9b), for example along the section C2-C2 in FIG. 1c, 1d or 4a.

FIGS. 9c-9d illustrate in top views and cross-sectional side views exemplary embodiments of a separate tongue in an unlocked state and its configuration in an insertion groove during locking and unlocking.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following, various embodiments of the disclosure will be described with reference to the embodiments in, e.g., FIGS. 1a-1e, 2a-2f, 3a-3c, 4a-4g, 5a-5h, 6a-6c, 7a-7g, 8a-8d and 9a-9d.

The disclosure relates to a set of panels, such as building panels, comprising a first 1 and a second 2 panel comprising a first 1a and a second 2b edge portion, respectively. Preferably, the panels herein are essentially identical. For example, the panels may be floor panels, but wall panels, as illustrated in, e.g., FIG. 7g, or ceiling panels or furniture components are equally conceivable. The panels 1, 2 each comprise a front side 1e, 2e and a rear side 1f, 2f, preferably extending along a first X and a second Y perpendicular horizontal direction. For example, the first 1a and second 2b edge portions may extend along the first horizontal direction X. A normal N of a main plane M1, M2 extending along the front side 1e, 2e and/or the rear side 1f, 2f defines a vertical direction Z extending away from the front sides of the first 1 and second 2 panels.

The set of panels further comprises a locking device for locking the first 1a and second 2b edge portions to each other and obtaining a locked state. The locking device herein may be a mechanical locking device. Thereby, the first 1 and second 2 panels may be assembled to each other. The locking device comprises a horizontal locking device and a vertical locking device configured to define a horizontally and vertically locked state of the first 1a and second 2b edge portions, respectively.

The panels 1, 2 herein may be rectangular, but may in some embodiments also be square. Preferably, the first 1a and second 2b edge portions where the locking device is provided are short edge portions. It is clear that the panels 1, 2 may comprise opposing short edge portions 1b, 2a as shown in, e.g., FIG. 1a. The panels 1, 2 may further comprise third 1c, 2c and fourth 1d, 2d opposing edge portions, which preferably are long edge portions. For example, the third and fourth edge portions may extend along the second horizontal direction Y. However, embodiments in which the opposing edge portions 1a, 1b, 2a, 2b are long edge portions and the opposing edge portions 1c, 1d, 2c, 2d are short edge portions are included herein mutatis mutandis.

The set may comprise additional panels, such as a plurality of panels. For example, and as illustrated in, e.g., FIGS. 1e, 8a and 8d, the set may comprise a third panel 1′ to which the panels 1, 2 may be assembled, such as along a third edge portion 1c′, a fourth 1d′ edge portion, and/or a first edge portion 1a′.

The panels 1, 2, such as floor panels, building panels, ceiling panels, furniture components or wall panels, may be configured to be arranged on, or connected to, a substructure, such as a subfloor 20. In some embodiments, the panels 1, 2 are floor panels which may be arranged on and along a subfloor 20, preferably in a floating manner. The horizontal directions X, Y may extend in parallel with the substructure, such as the subfloor, and the vertical direction Z may extend perpendicularly thereto, cf. FIG. 1e. Consequently, and as shown in, e.g., FIG. 7g, in the case of wall panels the horizontal directions X, Y may extend along a visible wall surface 21, typically provided perpendicularly to a subfloor 20 in an environment in which the wall panels are assembled, and the vertical direction Z may extend along the subfloor.

In some embodiments, the first 1 and second 2 panels may comprise a wood-based core 25, such as HDF, MDF, a particle board, OSB, or a plywood board.

A core 25 of the first 1 and second 2 panels, preferably of all panels in the set, may comprise a polymer-based material.

In some embodiments, the core 25 of the panels 1, 2 may comprise a thermosetting resin, such as a melamine-formaldehyde resin or urea-formaldehyde resin.

In some embodiments, the core 25 may comprise a thermoplastic material, such as PVC, polyester, PP, PE, PS, TPU, PET, polyacrylate, methacrylate, PC, PVB, PBT, or a combination thereof, and a filler, preferably an inorganic filler. For example, the core may comprise 20-40 wt % of a thermoplastic material, such as PVC, and 50-80 wt % of an inorganic filler, such as calcium carbonate, CaCO₃, limestone, talc, fly ash, barium sulphate, BaSO₄, magnesium oxide, MgO, or a stone material, such as stone powder. Other types of fillers are also conceivable herein, such as an organic filler, e.g., a wood material, such as wood fibres or dust, a bamboo material or rice husks.

A degree of plasticizer in the core 25 may be less than 5 wt %, preferably less than 3 wt % or less than 1 wt %, and may be in the range of 0.1-5 wt %, 0.5-5 wt %, or 0.5-3 wt %, for example comprising no plasticizer. Thereby, a rigid core may be provided. Alternatively, however, the core may be resilient. In any embodiment herein, the core 25 and/or the panel 1, 2 per se, may have an E module, of 1-12 GPa, such as 4-9 GPa or 3-7 GPa, preferably determined in accordance with ISO 178:2010/A1:2013. In some embodiments, the core 25 is dense, thereby not being foamed, preferably comprising PVC and a mineral filler. In some embodiments, the core 25 is foamed, e.g., by means of a foaming agent, preferably comprising PVC and a filler.

Any panel 1, 2 herein may comprise a top structure, such as a print layer and/or a wear layer, applied, such as bonded, to the core 25. For example, the panels 1, 2 may comprise a core 25 comprising a thermoplastic material, a decorative layer, such as a decorative foil comprising a thermoplastic material, and a wear layer comprising a thermoplastic material.

As shown in, e.g., FIGS. 1a-1e, 2a-2f, 3a-3c, 4a-4g, 5a-5h, 6a-6c, and 7a-7d and 9a-9d, the vertical locking device comprises a separate tongue 3 arranged in an insertion groove 4 of the first edge portion 1a and a tongue groove 5 provided in the second edge portion 2b. The insertion groove 4, the separate tongue 3, and the tongue groove 5 may each have an elongated shape and may have a transverse extension and a preferably larger longitudinal extension. The longitudinal extensions of the insertion groove 4 and the separate tongue 3 may extend along the first edge portion 1a and the longitudinal extension of the tongue groove 5 may extend along the second edge portion 2b. A cross-section of the insertion groove 4 may be essentially constant along the first edge portion 1a, except possibly in corner portions 8a, 8b of the first panel 1.

The separate tongue 3 comprises a longitudinal end portion 3a and a locking portion 6. The locking portion 6 may be a longitudinal inner portion of the separate tongue 3, preferably being provided between a pair of longitudinal end portions 3a. For example, the locking portion 6 may be a longitudinal central portion of the separate tongue. The separate tongue 3 comprises an abutment member 13 provided at one or both longitudinal end portions 3a. Preferably, the abutment member 13 is provided in an outer portion of the separate tongue 3, such as in a lower portion (see, e.g., FIGS. 3a, 3c, 4b-4d, 5c-5d, 7a-7band 9b-9d) or upper portion (see, e.g., FIGS. 3b, 4e-4g, 5g-5h, 6b-6c and 7c-7d) thereof. As shown in, e.g., FIG. 1d, the locking portion 6 may in some embodiments extend to an opposing longitudinal end portion 3a, preferably without an inclusion of an abutment member 13.

Moreover, the second edge portion 2b comprises a stop surface 12. The tongue groove 5 may be longitudinally adjacent to the stop surface 12. In the vertically locked state, the abutment member 13 cooperates, such as engages, with the stop surface 12 and the locking portion 6 cooperates, such as engages, with the tongue groove 5. For example, a tip portion 3i of the separate tongue 3 may cooperate with the tongue groove 5 at a locking surface 5b. The locking surface 5b may form an angle ε with respect to the main plane M2 (which for clarity is parallel transported downwards in FIG. 2d). Preferably 10°≤ε≤50°, more preferably 25°≤ε≤40°. Moreover, in the vertically locked state a, preferably outermost, underside 3j of the tip portion 3i may form an angle σ with respect to the main plane(s) M1 and/or M2. Preferably 0°≤σ≤25°, more preferably 0°≤σ≤10°, such as 3°≤σ≤7°. The second edge portion 2b may have an essentially constant cross-section, except in an end section 11 and/or a corner portion 8c, 8d of the second panel 2 where the stop surface 12 is arranged.

One or both longitudinal edge surfaces 5a of the tongue groove 5 may be curved or slanted along the longitudinal direction of the tongue groove 5, such as comprising a radius, see, e.g., FIGS. 2a-2b and 9a.

In the vertically locked state, the stop surface 12 is arranged closer than the locking portion 6 to an inner portion 4a, such as an innermost portion, of the insertion groove 4. The stop surface 12 may be arranged closer than an outermost section 6a of the locking portion 6 to the inner portion 4a of the insertion groove. For example, the outermost section 6a may at least be arranged in the longitudinal central portion of the separate tongue, see, e.g., FIGS. 1c, 4a, 4c, 4f, 5b and 5f. The outermost section 6a may be a horizontally outermost section, such as being measured along the main plane(s) M1 and/or M2, preferably along the second horizontal direction Y.

A horizontal distance D2 from the inner portion 4a to the stop surface 12 may be smaller than a horizontal distance D1 from the inner portion 4a to the locking portion 6. For example, the distances D1, D2 may be determined from the innermost portion of the insertion groove 4 to the outermost portion of the stop surface 12 (with respect to the second panel 2) and from said innermost portion to the locking surface 5b with which the separate tongue 3, for example the outermost section of the tip portion 3i, cooperates. The distances D1 and D2 may be measured along the main plane(s) M1 and/or M2, preferably along the second horizontal direction Y. In non-limiting examples, the difference D1-D2 may be 0.1-3.0 mm, preferably 0.3-0.9 mm.

The cooperation between the stop surface 12 and the abutment member 13 may prevent the separate tongue from being displaced into the tongue groove 5 at the longitudinal end portion 3a. Preferably, the abutment member 13 is pretensioned against the stop surface 12 in the vertically locked state. Moreover, the stop surface 12 may prevent a displacement of the separate tongue 3 outwards from the insertion groove 4, preferably at least in a horizontal direction (e.g., the second horizontal direction Y).

As illustrated in FIGS. 1a, 2b, 4a, 5a, 6a and 9a, but which is conceivable in any embodiment herein, a longitudinal length L1 of the separate tongue 3 may exceed a longitudinal length L2 of the tongue groove 5. Moreover, a longitudinal length L3 of the second edge portion 2b may exceed the longitudinal length L2 of the tongue groove 5. The locking portion 6 and the longitudinal end portion 3a may thereby be arranged inside and outside of the tongue groove 5, respectively, along the second edge portion 2b in the vertically locked state. In preferred embodiments herein, such as when there is a single separate tongue 3 arranged in the insertion groove 4, the locking portion 6 may protrude from the insertion groove 4 along at least 50%, preferably at least 70%, of the longitudinal length L1 in the vertically locked state. For example, the locking portion 6 may protrude from the insertion groove 4 along 50-98%, such as 70-95% or even 90-95%, of the longitudinal length L1. Generally herein, the protruding locking portion 6 may be a horizontal extension H, such as along the second horizontal direction Y, from a vertical plane VP extending along joining upper portions 1g, 2g (defined below), cf. FIGS. 4a and 6c.

The locking portion 6 of the separate tongue 3 may be flexible. Indeed, it may be longitudinally bent in the vertically locked state, such as an outermost surface 3m thereof being convex, as may be seen most clearly by the curve Q in FIGS. 1c, 1d, 4a, 5b and 5f. For example, the outermost surface 3m may be specified in a top view of the first panel 1. By being longitudinally bent, the locking portion 6 may extend transversely with respect to at least one end portion 3a, such as both end portions, in a transverse direction T of the separate tongue by a transverse length TL. For example, the end portion(s) 3a may extend along a, preferably straight, line S in the vertically unlocked state and the locking portion 6 may extend transversely therefrom to the outermost surface 3m (see curve W) by the transverse length TL. For example, the transverse length TL may correspond to D1-D2. Alternatively, or preferably additionally, by being longitudinally bent the separate tongue 3 may be curved around the normal N of the main plane M1 and/or around an axis AP extending perpendicularly to a groove plane GP arranged along a side wall 4c of the insertion groove 4. The longitudinal bending and/or the distances D1, D2 may be measured by a CT scanner, preferably in a central plane parallel to the main plane(s) M1 and/or M2.

The abutment member 13 may be arranged in the tip portion 3i at the longitudinal end portion 3a.

A tongue body portion 3c may comprise a continuous longitudinal outer section 3q, preferably extending along substantially the entire longitudinal length L1 of the separate tongue 3.

In some embodiments, and as shown most clearly in, e.g., FIGS. 3b, 4e-4g, 5g-5h, 6b-6c and 7c-7d, a, preferably transversely, outer portion of the separate tongue 3 may comprise a longitudinally extending cavity 3d. The cavity 3d may face downwards when the separate tongue 3 is arranged in the insertion groove 4. By means of the cavity, a thickness, such as an outer thickness, TS of the separate tongue and hence a thickness TG of the tongue groove 5 may be reduced. Also, a weight and/or cost of the separate tongue may potentially be reduced. Preferably, the locking portion 6 comprises a cavity 3d. The cavity 3d may extend along essentially the entire longitudinal length L1 of the separate tongue 3, such as to the longitudinal end portions 3a or longitudinal distal ends thereof. In some embodiments, and as shown most clearly in, e.g., FIGS. 3a, 3c, 4b-4d, 5c-5d and 7a-7b, the separate tongue 3 may be absent of a cavity 3d or may possibly comprise a small cavity 3d.

The thickness TS, such as of the tongue body portion 3c, in any of the embodiments above may be substantially constant along essentially the entire longitudinal length L1. Preferably, a maximal thickness TS of the separate tongue 3 is located at the tongue body portion 3c, cf. FIG. 5c.

In some embodiments, opposing longitudinal end portions 3a of the separate tongue 3 both comprise an abutment member 13, see, e.g., FIGS. 1a-1c, 4a-4g, 5a-5h and 9c-9d. The edge portions 1a, 2b may thereby become unlocked from either side, such as from either end section 11. In some embodiments, however, only a single longitudinal end portion 3a of the separate tongue 3 comprises an abutment member 13, see, e.g., FIGS. 1b and 1d. For example, similar separate tongues 3 as shown in, e.g., FIGS. 5a-5h or 9c-9d may be used. The longitudinal end portion 3a may function as the locking portion 6. The edge portions 1a, 2b may thereby become unlocked from a preferred side. It is understood that any of these abutment member configurations are equally conceivable herein.

A longitudinal length LA of the abutment member 13, such as along the longitudinal extension L of the separate tongue 3 (see, e.g., FIGS. 5b and 5f), may be determined by a longitudinal length LS of the stop surface 12. By way of example, the longitudinal length LA of the abutment member 13 and/or the longitudinal length LS of the stop surface 12, may be 1-20 mm, preferably 5-10 mm or 1-6 mm, more preferably 3-6 mm. Preferably, LS may be a longitudinal length at any or both end sections 11. It is noted that a larger longitudinal length LA, LS may imply a reduced vertical locking strength, but a simpler unlocking, and vice versa. Generally herein, the vertical locking strength must be sufficiently high for obtaining a functioning locking device along the edge portions; at the same time, the vertical locking strength has to be at least locally configured such that the edge portions may be unlocked.

The stop surface 12 may be arranged adjacent, preferably longitudinally adjacent, to the tongue groove 5 along the second edge portion 2b. Preferably, the stop surface 12 is disposed at the same vertical level as a portion of the tongue groove 5. Moreover, the stop surface 12 may extend essentially vertically. At least a portion of, such as the entire, stop surface 12 may be planar, preferably extending essentially vertically. By extending essentially vertically, the stop surface 12 may form an angle τ of 0°-10°, such as 0°-5° or 0°-2°, with respect to the vertical direction Z (or normal N). This is schematically illustrated in FIG. 2f, where the extension of the stop surface has been indicated as well as parallel transported to the main plane M1.

In preferred embodiments, the stop surface 12 is one of at least two stop surfaces 12, and a respective one of the at least two stop surfaces 12 is arranged on opposing sides, such as end sections 11, of the tongue groove 5. As a consequence, the abutment member 13 thereby is one of at least two abutment members 13, and opposing longitudinal end portions 3a both comprise a respective one of the at least two abutment members 13. For example, there may be two stop surfaces 12 and two abutment members 13. The sections C1-C1 and C3-C3 herein, e.g., in any of FIGS. 1c-1d, 2a-2f, 4a-4g, 6b-6c, 7a and 7c may be embodied essentially identically. Clearly, however, they may be related to each other by mirror symmetry, for example with respect to the longitudinal central portion of the separate tongue.

A pair of oppositely arranged displacement surfaces 3g, 3h of the separate tongue 3 may vertically position the separate tongue in the insertion groove 4, preferably by cooperating with its side walls 4c, 4d. Moreover, the displacement surfaces 3g, 3h may be configured to be displaced against the side walls 4c, 4d during locking or unlocking, the displacement preferably being directed along the transverse extension T of the separate tongue and/or along the groove plane GP. The separate tongue may be linearly displaceable along a displacement direction 26, which may extend along the groove plane GP.

The separate tongue 3 may comprise flexible members 3b, such as flexible legs, configured to face the inner portion 4a of the insertion groove 4 when arranged therein. The flexible members 3b, such as at least their innermost portions, may be bendable (see arrow BE) between an inner 3k and an outer 3l position, preferably along a tongue insertion direction and/or the displacement direction 26 of the insertion groove, which may be parallel with the transverse extension T of the separate tongue, so as to provide a biasing force.

Thereby, the separate tongue 3 may be displaceable between an inner and an outer position of the insertion groove during locking or unlocking. An inwardly directed pressure applied on the separate tongue 3 may displace it inwards toward the inner position during locking (see arrows B1) or unlocking (see arrows B2) and the flexible members 3b may be configured to displace it outwards during locking (see arrows B1′) or unlocking (see arrows B2′) toward its outer position, e.g., by virtue of the biasing force of the flexible members 3b. For example, the separate tongue may be compressed. The separate tongue 3 preferably comprises support members 3s arranged longitudinally outwards from the flexible members 3b. The support members 3s may cooperate with the inner portion 4a during locking.

Generally herein, the flexible members 3b may each extend from a respective base portion 3r of the separate tongue 3. Each flexible member may extend from and may be bendable around the respective base portion 3r. As shown in FIGS. 9c-9d, a flexible member 3b extending from a base portion 3r arranged at the longitudinal end portion 3a may extend from and may be bendable around a longitudinal inner side 3u of said base portion 3r. The inner side 3u may be a region of the base portion 3r facing away from a nearest longitudinally outermost edge 3v of the separate tongue. In other words, an end segment 3t of the flexible member 3b may be directed towards the longitudinal central portion of the separate tongue 3. Hence, an unlocking starting at this longitudinal end portion 3a is preferred.

As shown in FIG. 9c, all of the flexible members 3b may in some embodiments be oriented in the same direction, e.g., such that they all extend from the same longitudinal side, such as inner side 3u or outer side 3w, of the base portion 3r. FIG. 9d illustrates that in some embodiments a flexible member 3b extending from a base portion 3r arranged at a respective longitudinal end portion 3a may extend from and may be bendable around a longitudinal inner side 3u of the base portion 3r. Hence, an unlocking from either longitudinal end portion 3a may be equally preferred. As shown in FIG. 9d, the flexible members 3b may be grouped into two sets S1, S2 that are oppositely oriented, e.g., such that they extend from opposite longitudinal sides of the base portions 3r of the respective set S1, S2, such as the inner sides 3u. For example, a distance DF from the longitudinally outermost edge(s) to the flexible member 3b, such as to the end segment 3t, may be 5-30 mm, such as 10-20 mm.

The separate tongue 3 may comprise a polymer-based material, such as a thermoplastic material, e.g., PP, and optionally a reinforcing element, such as glass fibres. For example, the separate tongue may be formed by injection moulding. Optionally, it may comprise at least one friction element 3f for preventing it from being displaced out from the insertion groove 4. The friction element 3f may be shaped as a local protrusion which is arranged on one or several flexible members 3b, preferably extending perpendicularly outwards from any or both of the displacement surfaces 3g, 3h.

In some embodiments, and as illustrated in FIGS. 1b and 1d, at least two separate tongues 3, such as a plurality of separate tongues, may be arranged in the insertion groove 4. The separate tongues 3 may be arranged side-by-side along the first edge portion 1a, 2a, such as along the first horizontal direction X, and/or, as shown in FIG. 1b, along the third edge portion 1c, 2c. For example, the first edge portion 1a, 2a may be a short edge portion, but a long edge portion is equally conceivable. It is noted that the locking device on the third 1c, 2c and fourth 1d, 2d edge portions, e.g., in FIG. 1b, may be embodied similarly to the locking device on the first 1a, 2a and second 1b, 2b edge portions, such as in FIGS. 4a-4g.

In some embodiments, the second panel 2 may comprise at least two tongue grooves 5 arranged along the second edge portion 2b, see, e.g., FIG. 9a. The second edge portion 2b may comprise a stop surface 12 between adjacent pairs of tongue grooves 5, and at least one stop surface 12 at an end section 11 of the second edge portion 2b. Any embodiment herein, such as in any of FIGS. 1a-1b, 3a-3c, 4a-4g, 6b-6c, 7a-7g, 8a-8b and 9b, may comprise at least two tongue grooves 5 and at least two separate tongues 3. For example, each separate tongue 3 may be inserted in a respective insertion groove 4 and may cooperate with a corresponding tongue groove 5. The longitudinal length L1 of each separate tongue 3 may exceed the longitudinal length L2 of the corresponding tongue groove 5.

Generally herein, a stop surface 12 may be arranged in the end section 11 of the second edge portion 2b, which optionally may be provided adjacent to the third edge portions 1c, 2c in the locked state, cf., FIGS. 1e and 8a-8b. The end section 11 may be configured to be locked during a final stage of the locking (see arrows A1) of the edge portions 1a, 2a and/or unlocked during an initial stage of the unlocking (see arrows A2) of the edge portions 1a, 2a, preferably by means of a folding displacement.

A first 27 and/or a second 28 side section arranged above and/or below the tongue groove 5 may be continuously connected with the stop surface 12. The stop surface 12 and the first 27 and/or the second 28 side section may extend essentially vertically. The locking portion 6 may be longitudinally spaced from the stop surface 12 in the vertically locked state, see, e.g., FIGS. 1c-1d, 4a-4g, and 6a-6c.

In FIG. 1b, the separate tongues 3 in the short 1a, 2a and long 1c, 2c edge portions may comprise an abutment member 13 on one longitudinal end portion 3a. Moreover, end sections 11 of the opposite short 1b, 2b and long 1d, 2d edge portions may comprise a stop surface 12. Preferably, the abutment member 13 of the separate tongue in the long edge portion is adjacent to a corner portion 8a where strips 8, 18 of the long and short edge portions meet (see below). Thereby, a risk of an involuntary unlocking of the long edge portions, e.g., in a middle section thereof, may become reduced. Moreover, the abutment member of the separate tongue in the short edge portion preferably is adjacent to the corner portion 8a. Optionally, the separate tongue 3 in the short edge portion 1a, 2a may also comprise an abutment member 13 on the opposing longitudinal end portion 3a (see leftmost reference number 13 in FIG. 1b).

In any of the embodiments herein, such as in FIGS. 1a-1e, 2a-2f, 3a-3c, 4a-4g, 6a-6c, 7a-7g, 8a-8d and 9a-9b, the first edge portion 1a may comprise a strip 8 extending horizontally outwards from a lower portion thereof, such as along the second horizontal direction Y.

The horizontal locking device may comprise a locking element 7 arranged on the strip 8, preferably extending upwards, and a locking groove 9 provided in the second edge portion 2b. The locking element 7 may be configured to cooperate, such as engage, with the locking groove 9 to provide a horizontally locked state of the first 1a and second 2b edge portions. For example, an inner portion 7a of the locking element 7 and an outer portion 9a of the locking groove 9 together with joining upper portions 1g, 2g of the edge portions 1a, 2b may lock the edge portions 1a, 2b in two opposite horizontal directions, such as along the second horizontal direction Y. In the horizontally locked state, a vertical plane VP may extend along the joining upper portions 1g, 2g, for example along horizontally outermost surfaces of the upper portions 1g, 2g with respect to the respective panel 1, 2. In some embodiments, the side walls 4c, 4d of the insertion groove 4 may extend essentially horizontally, such as being essentially parallel with the main plane M1, cf. FIG. 2f. This may be preferred for thicker panels, such as floor panels, for example having a thickness TP of at least 10 mm, preferably 10-25 mm, more preferably 12-16 mm. In addition, a disassembly of the panels 1, 2 may become easier with the essentially horizontally extending insertion groove 4.

In some embodiments, and as shown in, e.g., FIG. 9b, the insertion groove 4 may be inclined by an angle γ. The angle γ may be defined as an inclination of the groove plane GP with respect to the main plane M1 (which for clarity is parallel transported downwards in FIG. 9b). For example, the angle γ, may be less than 20°, preferably 5-15°, such as 10°. This may be preferred for thinner panels, such as laminate floor panels, for example having a thickness not exceeding 10 mm, such as 8-10 mm.

A skilled artisan will appreciate that the above embodiments are exemplary and that any of the embodiments of the insertion grooves in the previous two paragraphs with angles γ≈0 and γ>0, respectively, may be interchanged.

In some embodiments, the joining upper portions 1g, 2g may horizontally overlap. As shown in FIG. 9b and FIGS. 6a-6c, the second edge portion 2b may extend above the first edge portion 1a. For example, the first 1a and 2b edge portions may comprise a ledge portion 1i and a lap portion 2i, respectively, which cooperate, such as engage, with each other in the locked state, preferably along essentially the entire edge portions 1a, 2b. The joining upper portions 1g, 2g of the edge portions 1a, 2b along which the vertical plane VP may extend may be disposed along a horizontally outermost surface of the upper portion 1g, such as of the ledge portion 1i.

The stop surface 12 described herein may be integrally formed with the second edge portion 2b, such as with the core 25. Preferably, the tongue groove 5 and the stop surface 12 may be formed by a, preferably rotating and cutting, jump action tool, which may vary its distance to the second edge portion 2b during the forming there along. In some embodiments, however, and as illustrated in FIGS. 3c and 6a-6c, the stop surface 12 may be provided in a separate material 24 that may be distinct from other portions of the second edge portion 2b, such as a polymer-based material, a wood-based material, or a filler material, preferably arranged in the tongue groove 5. For example, the filler material may be a curable compound, such as an UV-curable compound or an adhesive. In such embodiments, the tongue groove 5 preferably extends along the entire second edge portion 2b, see, e.g., FIG. 6a. The separate material 24, such as the polymer-based material or the filler material, may in some embodiments constitute a sealing agent. For example, the sealing agent may provide a seal at the end section 11 and/or the corner portion 8a, 8b. Preferably, the separate material 24 does not extend from the second panel 2 beyond the vertical plane VP.

The first 1a and second 2b edge portions may be configured to be vertically locked to each other by a relative vertical displacement A1 of the first and second edge portions towards each other, such as displacing the second edge portion against the first edge portion. The relative vertical displacement A1 preferably comprises a folding displacement, or equivalently, scissor displacement (e.g., so-called fold down), whereby the second edge portion is gradually vertically displaced towards the first edge portion, see, e.g., FIGS. 1e and 7a-7b (see arrows A1). By means of the folding displacement, the separate tongue 3, such as the locking portion 6, may in a first stage be gradually inserted into the insertion groove 4 along the first edge portion 1a, and in a second subsequent stage gradually inserted into the tongue groove 5 along the second edge portion 2b. Clearly, also the edge portions 1a, 2b may be locked horizontally, such as by means of the cooperating locking element 7 and locking groove 9 as a result of the relative vertical displacement A1.

During locking, the second edge portion 2b, preferably a lower cooperating surface 2j, may cooperate, preferably directly, with an outer cooperating surface 3e of the separate tongue 3 for displacing it into the insertion groove 4, see, e.g., FIGS. 7a-7b (see arrows A1). For example, during locking, the second edge portion 2b, preferably the lower cooperating surface 2j, may cooperate, preferably directly, with the locking portion 6 for displacing separate tongue 3 into the insertion groove 4. The abutment member 13 and the locking portion 6 may be operatively coupled such that, during locking, the second edge portion 2b displacing the locking portion 6 in a direction toward the inner portion 4a causes the abutment member to move together with the locking portion in the direction toward the inner portion 4a.

The lower 2j and outer 3e cooperating surfaces may be inclined, preferably with essentially corresponding inclinations. For example, the outer cooperating surface 3e may be arranged in the longitudinal outer section 3q. Moreover, the outer cooperating surface 3e preferably extends substantially along the entire longitudinal extension L, at least in the unlocked state. Optionally, the outer cooperating surface 3e may be chamfered at the longitudinal end portion(s) 3a by a chamfer 3p. Preferably, such a chamfer 3p may cooperate with the second edge portion 2b during locking for gradually inserting the separate tongue 3 into the insertion groove. The longitudinal end portion(s) 3a may comprise a longitudinally curved section 3x as seen from a top and/or bottom view of the separate tongue 3. The chamfer 3p may be arranged in the curved section 3x.

During locking, preferably during and/or between said first and second stages, the stop surface 12 and/or the lower cooperating surface 2j may cooperate with the separate tongue 3, such as with the tip portion 3i and/or the abutment member 13.

The panels 1, 2 in FIGS. 7a-7b may be assembled to each other (see arrows A1) to obtain the configuration in FIGS. 4b-4d.

In any embodiment herein, the abutment member 13 may comprise an essentially straight portion extending in parallel with the longitudinal extension L, optionally being entirely straight, see, e.g., FIGS. 5a-5h and 9c-9d. Preferably, the straight portion is arranged longitudinally inside of the curved section 3x and/or chamfer 3p.

During the relative vertical displacement A1, preferably folding displacement, a pair of third 1c, 1c′, 2c and fourth 1d, 2d edge portions may be configured to be locked to each other by a relative angling displacement of the third and fourth edge portions against each other, such as by angling the third edge portion against the fourth edge portion, cf., FIG. 1e. The edge portions 1c, 1c′, 2c, 1d, 2d may be vertically and horizontally locked to each other, for example by a locking device integrally formed with the core 25 of the panels 1, 1′, 2. For example, the edge portions may be interlocked by means of a cooperating tongue 14 and tongue groove 15 as well as a locking element 17 provided on a strip 18 cooperating with a locking groove 19, see, e.g., FIG. 8d. Alternatively, the edge portions may be interlocked analogously to the embodiments on the first 1a, 2a and second 1b, 2b edge portions described herein, such as in FIGS. 2a-2f, 3a-3c, 4a-4g, 5a-5h, 6a-6c, 7a-7b or 9a-9d, whereby reference is made thereto. For example, a locking device on the third 1c, 2c and fourth 1d, 2d edge portions comprising one or several separate tongues 3, e.g., as in FIG. 1b, may be used. For other embodiments of the edge portions 1c, 1c′, 2c, 1d, 2d, we refer to, e.g., page 2, lines 13-22 and FIGS. 1a-1e and 2a-2e in WO 2021/206611 A1 whose contents hereby are explicitly incorporated by reference.

The first 1a and second 2b edge portions may be configured to be vertically unlocked by a, preferably forced, relative vertical displacement A2 of the first and second edge portions away from each other, preferably by means of a folding displacement, see, e.g., FIGS. 1e, 7a-7e and 8a-8b. Alternatively, or additionally, the first 1a and second 2b edge portions may be configured to be vertically unlocked by a repeated, preferably forced, relative vertical displacement A2′ of the first and second edge portions away and towards each other. By means of the folding displacement, the separate tongue 3, such as the locking portion 6, may be gradually displaced out from the tongue groove 5 along the second edge portion 2b and inserted into the insertion groove 4 along the first edge portion 1a. Thereby, the edge portions 1a, 2b may be gradually unlocked from each other. Analogously with the discussion above, the relative vertical displacement A2, A2′ may also unlock the edge portions 1a, 2b horizontally, such as by disengaging the locking element 7 from the locking groove 9. By unlocking the edge portions 1a, 2b, the first 1 and second 2 panels may be disassembled from each other.

During unlocking, the second edge portion 2b may cooperate with the separate tongue 3, such as the locking portion 6, for displacing it into the insertion groove 4, see, e.g., FIGS. 7a-7b and 8a-8b (see arrows A2). For example, at least one selected from the group of the lower cooperating surface 2j, the stop surface 12, engagement portion 3y (see below) and the locking surface 5b may cooperate with the separate tongue, such as with the tip portion 3i and/or the abutment member 13.

The panels 1, 2 in FIGS. 4b-4d may be disassembled from each other by means of the operations in FIGS. 7a-7b (see arrows A2 or A2′).

In some embodiments, and as shown in FIGS. 8a-8c, the unlocking may be accomplished by means of a raising element 16. The raising element 16 may comprise a wedge portion 16a and a, preferably inclined, support portion 16b, see FIG. 8c. This type of unlocking may be especially suitable when the panels 1, 2 are arranged on a subfloor 20, which preferably is substantially levelled or even. For example, the assembled first 1 and second 2 panels may be raised or angled together along the third edge portions 1c, 2c, e.g., by inserting the raising element 16 between the rear side 2f of the second panel 2 and the subfloor 20. For example, the raising element 16 may be gradually displaced under the rear side 2f and the assembled panels 1, 2 may be gradually raised vertically by means of the wedge portion 16a. When inserted, the rear side 2f may thereby rest on the support portion 16b. Thereafter, a force F may be applied to the front side 1e of the first panel 1, whereby the first 1a and second 2b edge portions may be relatively displaced vertically A2 away from each other and hence may become vertically unlocked, cf. FIG. 8b. By applying a larger force F, the unlocking may become more rapid.

When unlocking by a repeated relative vertical displacement A2′ utilizing a raising element 16, a force F may be repeatedly applied to the front side 1e of the first panel 1, such that each application of a force F causes the first and second edge portions to be relatively displaced vertically away from each other and, when the force is released from the front side 1e and/or when a force F′ is applied on the front side 2e of the second panel 2, the first and second edge portions are essentially relatively vertically fixed with respect to each other or they become relatively displaced vertically towards each other, preferably at least partially by means of an intrinsic spring force obtained by the application of the force F.

In some embodiments, and as shown in FIGS. 7c-7f, a separate tool 22, such as an elongated rod, may be used for unlocking the edge portions 1a, 2b, and hence disassembling the panels 1, 2. Preferably, the separate tool 22 comprises a cylindrical end portion 23, for example having a cylindrical cross-section along its entire length direction, but other geometries are also possible. In non-limiting embodiments, a thickness TT of the separate tool may be 0.5-2.0 mm, preferably 0.8-1.5 mm, such as 1.1 mm. The separate tool 22 may be inserted between a lower and outer portion 3n of the separate tongue 3 and an engagement portion 3y of the second edge portion 2b arranged below the tongue groove 5 (see arrow AW) such that the separate tongue 3, such as the locking portion 6, may be gradually displaced out from the tongue groove 5 along the second edge portion 2b and inserted into the insertion groove 4 along the first edge portion 1a. Preferably, the lower and outer portion 3n comprises a cavity 3d in which the separate tool 22 may be inserted. The engagement portion 3y may be arranged vertically below the stop surface 12, see FIG. 7c. Thereby, the edge portions 1a, 2b may be gradually unlocked from each other.

Other ways of unlocking are equally conceivable, especially those described on page 18,line 22 to page 21, line 10 and FIGS. 13, 14a-14d, 15a-15b and 16a-16b in WO 2022/197234 A1, whose contents hereby are explicitly incorporated by reference.

During locking and/or unlocking, the separate tongue 3 may be at least partially, such as essentially entirely, straightened along its longitudinal extension, cf. FIGS. 5a and 5e. For example, when it is displaced into the insertion groove 4, the outermost surface 3m of the separate tongue, preferably at least at the locking portion 6, may be straightened. Preferably, it is straightened from a convex shape (cf. curve Q) to a less convex shape, such as being essentially straight, e.g., any local portion of the outermost surface 3m forming a maximal angle of 0°-10°, preferably 0°-5°, more preferably 0°-2°, with respect to the inner portion 4a, or being completely straight (i.e.,) 0° (see curve S). For example, the outermost surface 3m may be specified in a top view of the separate tongue 3 and/or first panel 1.

When at least one separate tongue 3 is provided along the short edge portion 1a, 2a, such as in FIG. 1a, the short edge portions may be locked or unlocked by folding and the long edge portions comprising an integrally formed locking device may be locked or unlocked by angling. When at least one separate tongue 3 is provided along the short edge portion 1a, 2a and at least one separate tongue 3 is provided along long 1c, 2c edge portion, such as in FIG. 1b, the short or long edge portions may be locked or unlocked by angling and/or folding.

Aspects of the disclosure have mainly been described above with reference to a few embodiments. However, as is readily appreciated by a person skilled in the art, other embodiments than the ones disclosed above are equally possible within the scope of the disclosure. For instance, it is clear that any of the embodiments in FIGS. 2a-2f, 3a-3c, 4a-4g, 5a-5h, 6a-6c, 7a-7g, 8a-8d and 9a-9d may be embodied as in FIG. 1c or 1d in the locked state, with proper modifications depending on whether the second edge portion 2b comprises a single stop surface 12 or two of them at two opposing end sections 11 thereof. Moreover, it is emphasized that the raising element 16 described herein is optional when disassembling the panels 1, 2, by the forced A2, optionally repeated A2′, relative vertical displacement. For example, the panels may be disassembled manually by the forced A2, optionally repeated A2′, relative vertical displacement. Furthermore, it is emphasized that any of the panels 1, 2, 1′ herein may comprise any of the core materials and/or any of the layers, or combinations thereof, as specified at the end of the summary herein, whereby reference is made thereto. Finally, it is clear that any folding displacement described herein, such as of the edge portions 1a, 2b, may be accomplished by angling of an adjacent edge portion, such as of a third edge portion 2c, cf. FIGS. 1e and 8a-8b.

SET OF BUILDING PANELS COMPRISING A LOCKING DEVICE

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