BE1022484B1 - COMPOSITIONED ELEMENT, DRAWER AND METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING SUCH DRAWER - Google Patents

Abstract

Composite element comprising at least two panel-shaped elements, these panel-shaped elements each having a coupling zone in which a profile is arranged extending in the longitudinal direction of the relevant coupling zone, which profiles allow these two panel-shaped elements to be joined together in a locking manner. coupled and for this purpose making use of a tongue and a groove, each of which is provided with locking parts, and wherein the profiles allow these two panel-shaped elements to be coupled and / or uncoupled at least by means of a snap movement, characterized in that the tongue contains a section that is free from a locking part.

Description

Composite element, drawer and method for manufacturing such a drawer.

This invention relates to a composite element, as well as to a drawer, as well as to a method for manufacturing such a drawer.

More specifically, the invention contemplates a composite element which comprises at least two panel-shaped elements, which are mutually coupled to each other and can be coupled to each other, respectively. The invention herein relates to any form of composite element which comprises at least two panel-shaped elements, irrespective of the field of application, and irrespective of whether the composite element consists essentially solely of the panel-shaped elements, or whether these panel-shaped elements only form part thereof.

Although the invention can be used in any application, it is primarily intended to be used in the furniture sector, both with loose furniture and with built-in furniture such as dressing furniture, room dividers, and the like, as well as with kitchen furniture, bathroom furniture , and so on.

More particularly, the invention contemplates connections between panel-shaped elements that can be easily realized and are suitable for use with furniture that is sold in disassembled condition and must be assembled by the buyer himself. This concerns in the first place so-called flat pack furniture.

In another important application, the invention described below will advantageously be used in drawers.

Even more particularly, the invention relates to a composite element of the type comprising at least two panel-shaped elements, wherein these panel-shaped elements each have a coupling zone in which a profiling is arranged which extends in the longitudinal direction of the coupling zone in question, which profiles allow that these panel-shaped elements can be coupled to each other in a locking manner, and preferably laterally, and use for this purpose a tooth and a groove which are each provided with at least one locking part, wherein these panel-shaped elements are connected to each other at an angle in the normal position of use , and more specifically at 90 °.

It is noted here that a "coupling zone" is to be understood to mean the part of a panel-shaped element in which the aforementioned profiling extends. This may be both an edge zone, i.e. a zone that is located at or in the immediate vicinity of an edge of the panel-shaped element, and a zone that is clearly removed from an edge of a panel-shaped element, for example when this zone is intended to be a T-coupling between panel-shaped elements.

It is also noted that "angled" is to be understood to mean that an angle is formed between the surfaces in which the panel-shaped elements extend. Although this angle is preferably equal to 90 °, it is however not excluded that an angle different from 90 ° is used.

Panel-shaped elements which can be coupled "laterally" are understood to mean panel-shaped elements which can be placed opposite to each other with their joining zones provided with profiles and can be coupled to each other from such position by means of an appropriate mutual movement, preferably by means of a rolling movement and / or snap movement.

Panel-shaped elements that can be coupled and / or disconnected at least by means of a "rotational movement" are understood to mean panel-shaped elements that can at least be coupled and / or disconnected by the panel-shaped elements inter alia to a mutual rotation with their faces towards each other or subject to each other, whether or not combined with yet another movement.

Panel-shaped elements that can be coupled and / or disconnected at least by means of a "snap movement" are understood to mean panel-shaped elements that can at least be coupled and / or disconnected by pressing such panel-shaped element with the tooth in its plane towards the groove, respectively from the groove.

The invention aims in the first place at an alternative assembled element of the above-mentioned type, wherein according to various preferred embodiments, which are described below as different aspects, an improvement is provided with respect to the assembled elements from the prior art.

The composite element which corresponds to the first aspect of the invention relates to panel-shaped elements which can be inserted into each other and / or apart at least by means of a snap movement. It is known that disadvantages occur both during coupling and uncoupling by means of such a snap movement. A drawback of such a composite element is that the profiles can be damaged during the execution of such a snap movement, and this as a result of the force exerted during such a movement, which force acts on the profiles, and more particularly the locking parts. Particularly in the case that the panel-shaped elements, after they have been mounted, have to be disassembled for whatever reason, by knocking them apart with a snap movement, there is a considerable risk that material portions on the edges of the profiles and in particular torn from the panel surface in the vicinity of their ends. According to a first aspect, the invention contemplates a composite element that is generally improved and, more specifically, that the latter risk is excluded, if not minimized.

To this end, the invention according to its first independent aspect relates to a composite element, which comprises at least two panel-shaped elements, wherein these panel-shaped elements each have a coupling zone in which a profiling is arranged which extends in the longitudinal direction of the coupling zone in question, which profiles allow these panel-shaped elements can be coupled to each other in a locking manner and for this purpose use a tooth and a groove which are each provided with at least one locking part, wherein these panel-shaped elements are connected to each other at an angle in the normal use condition, and more particularly at 90 ° and wherein the profiles allow these two panel-shaped elements to be coupled and / or disconnected at least by means of a snap movement, characterized in that said locking part of the tongue and / or groove, viewed in the longitudinal direction of the relevant coupling zone, about a section of the tongue and / or of the groove is absent or provides a degree of locking that is smaller than the degree of locking that such locking part provides in one or more other sections of the tongue or of the groove, respectively. This offers the advantage that, at the location of this section of the tongue and / or of the groove, the force acting on the profiles during the performing of the snap movement is less great. Consequently, the risk of damaging the profiles at the location of this section is also smaller.

According to a preferred embodiment, the composite element of the first aspect further has the feature that the tooth is split and therefore comprises at least two parts which are separated by a gap. By making use of such a gap, the flexibility of the tooth is increased, which has the advantage that the resulting force on the profiles, and more particularly the locking parts, is less large during the execution of such snap-weighting. In combination with the aforementioned characteristic, the use of such a split tooth is therefore particularly advantageous in view of minimizing the risk of damaging the profiles.

It is noted that the feature that said locking part of the tooth and / or of the groove, viewed in the longitudinal direction of the respective coupling zone, is absent over a section of the tooth and / or of the groove or provides a degree of locking which is smaller than the degree of locking that such locking part provides in one or more other sections of the tooth or groove in combination with the use of a split tooth, in itself, forms an independent inventive idea of the invention and that this idea can also be more general can be used than with such assembled elements whose panel-shaped elements can at least be coupled and / or disconnected by a snap movement. For example, this idea can also be applied advantageously to a composite element which comprises at least two panel-shaped elements, wherein these panel-shaped elements each have a coupling zone in which a profiling is arranged extending in the longitudinal direction of the coupling zone in question, which profiles allow that these panel-shaped elements can be coupled to each other in a locking manner and for this purpose use a tooth and a groove which are each provided with at least one locking part, wherein these panel-shaped elements are connected to each other at an angle in the normal position of use, and more particularly under 90 °, and wherein this tooth is split and therefore contains at least two parts separated by a gap. Such a composite element is known per se from WO 2010/070472, but the application of the aforementioned idea offers the advantage that new possibilities are offered for optimization of the coupling, and more particularly minimizing the risk of damaging the profiles. It is clear that such a composite element constitutes a second independent aspect of the invention, and can be defined as a composite element, which comprises at least two panel-shaped elements, these panel-shaped elements each having a coupling zone in which a profiling is arranged in the extends in the longitudinal direction of the coupling zone in question, which profiles allow these panel-shaped elements to be coupled to each other in a locking manner and for this purpose use a tooth and a groove which are each provided with at least one locking part, said panel-shaped elements being, in the normal position of use, are connected at an angle, and more particularly at 90 °, and wherein this tooth is split and therefore contains at least two parts separated by a gap; characterized in that said locking part of the tooth and / or of the groove, viewed in the longitudinal direction of the relevant coupling zone, is absent over a section of the tooth and / or of the groove or provides a degree of locking that is smaller than the degree of locking that such locking part provides in one or more other sections of the tongue or groove respectively.

According to a preferred embodiment, the composite element of the first or second aspect is further characterized in that the gap has a non-uniform depth such that the tooth comprises a section that is free of such a gap or where the depth of the gap is smaller than the gap. depth of the gap in one or more other sections of the tooth. This has the advantage that an additional parameter is created for the configuration of the tooth, and in particular the local strength of the tooth can be improved and / or the finish at the end of the tooth can be improved by, for example, removing the gap there to leave.

In particular, the assembled element has the feature that said locking part of the tooth, viewed in the longitudinal direction of the relevant coupling zone, as aforesaid is absent over a section of the tooth, or provides a degree of locking that is smaller than the degree of locking that such a locking member provides for one or more other sections of the tooth; and that the section of the tooth that is free from such a gap or where the depth of the gap is smaller than the depth of the gap in one or more other sections of the tooth along the longitudinal direction of the respective coupling zone at least partially overlaps with the section along which the relevant locking part of the tooth is absent or provides a degree of locking that is smaller than the degree of locking that such locking part provides in one or more other sections of the tooth.

In particular, the assembled element has the feature that said locking part of the groove, viewed in the longitudinal direction of the relevant coupling zone, as aforesaid is absent over a section of the groove or provides a degree of locking that is smaller than the degree of locking that such a locking member provides for one or more other sections of the groove; and that the section of the tooth that is free from such a gap or where the depth of the gap is smaller than the depth of the gap in one or more other sections of the tooth along the longitudinal direction of the respective coupling zone at least partially overlaps with the section along which the relevant locking part of the groove is absent or provides a degree of locking that is smaller than the degree of locking that such locking part provides in one or more other sections of the groove.

According to a special embodiment, the assembled element has the feature that the tooth extends up to an end face of the relevant panel-shaped element that extends transversely with respect to the relevant coupling zone; said section free from such a gap or where the depth of the gap is smaller than the depth of the gap in one or more other sections of the tooth is adjacent to this end face; and that the slit is designed such that it is not visible on this end side. This offers the advantage that the gap of the tooth is not visible and therefore not disturbing for the user of the assembled element.

In particular, the assembled element still has the feature that said locking part of the tooth, viewed in the longitudinal direction of the relevant coupling zone, as aforesaid is absent over a section of the tooth, or provides a degree of locking that is smaller than the degree of locking a lock which provides such a locked part in one or more other sections of the tooth; and that said section along which the respective locking part of the tooth is absent or provides a degree of locking that is smaller than the degree of locking that such locking part provides in one or more other sections of the tooth adjacent to said end face. This offers the advantage that the adverse effect of the limited degree of flexibility of the tooth on the risk of damaging the profiles is at least partially compensated, and thus without an increased risk of damage the gap can be designed such that it is not visible on the relevant end face.

In particular, the assembled element still has the feature that the groove extends as far as the end face of the relevant panel-shaped element which extends transversely with respect to the respective coupling zone and which, in the coupled state of the panel-shaped elements, borders on said end face up to where the tooth extends; that said locking part of the groove, viewed in the longitudinal direction of the relevant coupling zone, as aforesaid is absent over a section of the groove or provides a degree of locking that is smaller than the degree of locking that such locking part provides for one or more other sections of the groove; and that said section along which the respective locking part of the groove is absent or provides a degree of locking that is smaller than the degree of locking that such locking part provides in one or more other sections of the groove adjoins this end face. This offers the advantage that the adverse effect of the limited degree of flexibility of the tooth on the risk of damaging the profiles is at least partially compensated, and thus without an increased risk of damage the gap can be designed such that it is not visible on the relevant end face.

According to a preferred embodiment, the composite element of the first or second aspect furthermore has the feature that said locking part of the tooth, viewed in the longitudinal direction of the relevant coupling zone, as said above is absent over a section of the tooth or to a degree of locking provides that is less than the degree of locking that such locking member provides in one or more other sections of the tooth; and that the tooth itself is still mainly present at the section along which the relevant locking part of the tooth is absent or provides a degree of locking that is smaller than the degree of locking that such locking part provides in one or more other sections of the tooth tooth. This offers the advantage that the profiles are still supported by the material of the tooth itself.

It is also noted that "the tooth itself" is understood to mean the tooth separately from the provided locking part. The term "mainly" is understood to mean that at least 50% of the material of the tooth itself must still be present at the location of the aforementioned part.

According to yet another preferred embodiment, the composite element of the first or second aspect is further characterized in that said locking part of the groove, viewed in the longitudinal direction of the relevant coupling zone, as said above is absent over a section of the groove or to a degree of locking provides that is less than the degree of locking that such locking member provides in one or more remaining sections of the groove; and that the groove is still mainly present at the section along which the relevant locking part of the groove is absent or provides a degree of locking that is smaller than the degree of locking that such locking part provides in one or more other sections of the groove .

It is noted that the term "mainly" means that at least 50% of the depth of the groove must still be present at the location of the aforementioned part.

Preferably, the composite element of the first or second aspect further has the feature that said locking part of the tooth, viewed in the longitudinal direction of the relevant coupling zone, as said above is absent over a section of the tooth, or provides a degree of locking that is less than the degree of locking that such locking part provides in one or more other sections of the tooth; and that said section along which the respective locking part of the tooth is absent or provides a degree of locking that is smaller than the degree of locking that such locking part provides in one or more other sections of the tooth is realized by an additional amount of material which is removed at the location of said section relative to the amount of material that has been removed at the location of one or more other sections of the tooth.

Preferably, the composite element of the first or second aspect also has the feature that said locking part of the groove, viewed in the longitudinal direction of the relevant coupling zone, as said above is absent over a section of the groove or provides a degree of locking that is less than the degree of locking that such locking part provides in one or more other sections of the groove; and that said section along which the respective locking part of the groove is absent or provides a degree of locking that is smaller than the degree of locking that such locking part provides in one or more other sections of the groove is realized by an additional amount of material which is removed at the location of said section with respect to the amount of material removed at the location of one or more other sections of the groove.

In particular, the aforementioned additional amount of material has been removed on the basis of at least one cutting operation, more particularly on the basis of a milling operation. This offers the advantage that this extra amount of material can be removed with techniques similar to those that are used as standard for manufacturing the profiles, and that therefore no additional complex operations have to be carried out.

According to a preferred embodiment, the composite element of the first or second aspect is further characterized in that said locking part of the tooth, viewed in the longitudinal direction of the relevant coupling zone, as said above is absent over a section of the tooth or provides a degree of locking which is less than the degree of locking that such locking part provides in one or more other sections of the tooth; and that said section along which the relevant locking part of the tooth is absent or provides a degree of locking that is smaller than the degree of locking that such locking part provides in one or more other sections of the tooth is located at one end of the tooth, which end is one of the ends of the tooth in the longitudinal direction of the respective coupling zone. Given that the risk of damaging the profiles at these ends is significant, and because of the fact that at these ends the profiles are least surrounded by supporting material, it is particularly advantageous to have such a portion of the tooth at such an end. to provide.

According to yet another preferred embodiment, the composite element of the first or second aspect furthermore has the feature that said locking part of the groove, viewed in the longitudinal direction of the relevant coupling zone, as said above is absent over a section of the groove or to an extent of provides locking that is less than the degree of locking that such locking part provides in one or more other sections of the groove; and that said section along which the relevant locking part of the groove is absent or provides a degree of locking that is smaller than the degree of locking that such locking part provides in one or more other sections of the groove is at one end of the groove, which end is one of the ends of the groove in the longitudinal direction of the respective coupling zone. Given that the risk of damaging the profiles at these ends is significant, and because of the fact that at these ends the profiles are least surrounded by supporting material, it is particularly advantageous to have such a portion of the tooth at such an end. to provide.

It is noted that providing the tooth with a gap of non-uniform depth per se constitutes an independent inventive idea of the invention. Applying the aforementioned idea offers the advantage that new possibilities are offered for optimization of the coupling. Such a composite element constitutes a third independent aspect of the invention, and can be defined as a composite element, which comprises at least two panel-shaped elements, these panel-shaped elements each having a coupling zone in which a profiling is arranged in the longitudinal direction of the the coupling zone in question, which profiles allow these panel-shaped elements to be coupled to each other in a locking manner and to that end use a tooth and a groove which are each provided with at least one locking part, and wherein these panel-shaped elements in the normal use condition at an angle with are interconnected, and more particularly at 90 °, and wherein the tooth is split and therefore contains at least two portions separated by a gap, characterized in that the gap has a non-uniform depth such that the tooth contains a section that is free from such a gap or where the d The depth of the gap is smaller than the depth of the gap in one or more other sections of the tooth.

According to a preferred embodiment, the composite element of the third aspect is further characterized in that the tooth extends up to an end face of the relevant panel-shaped element which extends transversely with respect to the relevant coupling zone; that said section of the tooth that is free from such a gap or where the depth of the gap is smaller than the depth of the gap in one or more other sections of the tooth is adjacent to this end face; and that the slit is designed such that it is not visible on this end side. This offers the advantage that the gap of the tooth is not visible and therefore not disturbing to the user of the assembled element, while in the remaining part of the tooth the flexibility offered by the gap can be maintained.

For the same purpose as in the previous aspects, according to an independent fourth aspect thereof, the present invention further relates to a composite element, which comprises at least two panel-shaped elements, said panel-shaped elements each having a coupling zone in which a profiling is arranged which extend in the longitudinal direction of extends the respective coupling zone, which profiles allow these panel-shaped elements to be coupled to each other in a locking manner and for this purpose use a tooth and a groove which are each provided with at least one locking part, and wherein these panel-shaped elements in the normal use condition at an angle are connected to each other, and more particularly at 90 °, characterized in that the tooth is split and therefore comprises at least two parts which are separated by a gap of which only one part is provided with said locking part and the other part is free from such locking part O f contains such a locking part which, although it provides for a less pronounced locking; that the tooth comprises a side which belongs to the part that is free from such a locking part or contains such a locking part which, although it does provide a less pronounced locking; and that this side is maximally at a distance of 3 mm, and preferably maximally at a distance of 2 mm, and even more preferably maximally at a distance of 1 mm, from one of the large surfaces of the relevant panel-shaped element or the extension of it. Such a composite element has the additional advantage that it can be manufactured in an economically advantageous and efficient manner.

It is noted here that "less pronounced locking" is to be understood to mean a locking that contributes less to the total locking of the panel-shaped elements.

Preferably, the composite element of the fourth aspect also has the feature that said side has one or more of the following characteristics: - the side does not limit said gap; - the side substantially coincides with one of the large surfaces of the relevant panel-shaped element or its extension; - the side coincides with one of the large surfaces of the relevant panel-shaped element. - the side is substantially parallel to one of the large surfaces of the relevant panel-shaped element; - the side is almost straight; and / or - the side is straight.

According to a preferred embodiment, the composite element of the fourth aspect further has the feature that said gap has one or more of the following characteristics: the gap is continuous and therefore free of interruptions; - the gap has a uniform depth; - the gap is oriented obliquely; and / or - the gap is visible in the coupled state of the two panel-shaped elements.

The composite element of the fourth aspect further has the feature that the minimum thickness of the tooth is at least 60%, and preferably at least 65%, of the total thickness of the relevant panel-shaped element. This offers the advantage that the tooth is extremely robust, while the necessary flexibility is retained because the tooth is split.

An independent fifth aspect of the invention relates to a composite element, which comprises at least two panel-shaped elements, wherein these panel-shaped elements each have a coupling zone in which a profiling is arranged which extends in the longitudinal direction of the coupling zone concerned, which profiles allow that these panel-shaped elements can be coupled to each other in a locking manner and for this purpose use a tooth and a groove which are each provided with at least one locking part, wherein these panel-shaped elements are connected to each other at an angle in the normal position of use, and more particularly under 90 °, characterized in that the composite element comprises aids which contribute to the locking of the panel-shaped elements and which are formed by at least one plug-shaped element that can interact with corresponding recesses; and that the plug-shaped element extends with the tooth in the direction of the core of the panel-shaped element beyond the base surface where the panel-shaped elements abut each other. This offers the advantage that a particularly strong lock is provided.

A plug-shaped element which contributes to the locking of the panel-shaped elements is understood to mean a plug-shaped element which is locked both in the panel-shaped element of the tooth and the panel-shaped element of the groove, and this by means of friction or a tensioning force or a combination of both.

According to a preferred embodiment, the composite element of the fifth aspect also has the feature that one recess extends transversely through the panel-shaped element with the groove and the other recess is located in the panel-shaped element with the tooth.

According to a preferred embodiment, the composite element of the fifth aspect also has the feature that at least one recess is provided in the tooth in the form of a borehole through the profile of the tooth.

According to a preferred embodiment, the composite element of the fifth aspect still has the feature that at least one recess is provided in the tooth in the form of a borehole at the location of a local interruption in the profiling of the tooth.

According to a preferred embodiment, the composite element of the fifth aspect still has the feature that the plug-shaped element is tensioned in the recesses in that this plug-shaped element is provided with tensioning means along its circumference.

According to a preferred embodiment, the composite element of the fifth aspect also has the feature that the plug-shaped element is configured such that it ensures an expansion of the tooth in the groove.

According to all its previous aspects, the invention preferably further has the feature that the panel-shaped elements have one or more of the following characteristics: the tooth fits into the groove by means of a snap connection, this through the relevant panel-shaped element with the tooth in its plane pressing toward the groove; - the tooth fits into the groove by means of a turning movement; - the tooth and the groove are configured such that they can be joined to each other via a turning movement and by a snap movement via a translation; - the locking part on the tooth is located on the side of the tooth that faces the inner corner; - the tooth is split and in particular has two parts separated by a gap; - the tooth is split and consequently has two parts, only one of which is provided with a locking part; the tooth is split and consequently has two parts, only one of which is provided with a locking part that is elastically compressible and / or bendable; the tooth is split and the gap extends deeper than the base surface where the panel-shaped elements abut each other; the tooth can be snapped into the groove by means of a mutual translation movement, the tooth being split and consequently having two parts, only one part of which is provided with a locking part, the part containing the locking part being elastically bendable towards the gap and wherein the gap has a width equal to or greater than the maximum lateral displacement that the locking part performs with respect to the panel-shaped element to which it belongs during snapping into each other; - the depth of the groove is a value that is between 1/3 and 2/3 of the thickness of the panel-shaped element in which the groove is arranged; and / or the tooth is located at a distal end of the relevant panel-shaped element, while the groove is located in the side wall of the other panel-shaped element, in other words in one of its large planes.

According to all its previous aspects, the invention preferably further has the feature that the panel-shaped elements consist mainly of chipboard, MDF plate or HDF plate, wherein the aforementioned profiles are mainly made of this material.

According to all its previous aspects, the invention preferably still has the feature that the tooth extends to an end face; and that this end face is provided with a decorative layer that extends over the tooth, and more particularly in that this decorative layer is applied to this end face before the relevant profiling is applied. This offers the advantage that possible openings are as inconvenient as possible for the user.

In particular, this decorative layer is formed by laminate, lacquer, melamine, PVC foil or veneer.

According to all its previous aspects, the invention is further characterized in that the profiles are configured in such a way that the panel-shaped elements can be inserted and / or apart from one another by means of a lateral movement, more particularly by means of a turning movement and / or snap movement.

It is further noted that any feature or any combination of features of one aspect can be combined with any feature or any combination of features of one or more other aspects, to the extent that these features are not contradictory.

The invention furthermore also relates to a drawer which has walls and a bottom, wherein said walls comprise at least one front wall, a rear wall and side walls, characterized in that at least a first and a second of said walls have a composite element according to one or a form a combination of two or more of the foregoing aspects. It has been found that the characteristics of the previous aspects are particularly advantageous when applied to drawers.

In particular, the walls each comprise a slot such that a bottom can be inserted.

The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing such a drawer, characterized in that two or more walls are manufactured from one plate; that the profiles of the respective walls are formed by means of an operation, whether or not consisting of several sub-operations, performed on the aforementioned plate; and that said plate is only divided into two or more walls after at least parts of said profiles are formed. This method allows a particularly economically advantageous and efficient manufacture of such drawers.

In the case of embodiments where sections are used in which material parts are removed from the locking parts, it is preferred here that this be done with a partial operation which is also carried out before the aforementioned plate is divided into two or more walls.

Also preferably at least one part of the profiles is formed after the plate is divided into two or more walls, more particularly the gap of the tooth is applied with or without a non-uniform depth after the plate is placed in two or more walls divided.

Further techniques, devices and methods can be found in documents WO 2013/001442 and WO 2013/121320. These techniques, devices, and methods are to be considered as incorporated by reference and may be used in conjunction with the subject matter described herein if they are not contradictory.

It is to be noted that the term "panel-shaped element" is to be interpreted broadly, and that it includes small walls such as side walls in a drawer, as well as small connecting slats and the like.

It is also noted that the term "section" is to be understood to mean a section or portion of the tongue or groove that extends in the longitudinal direction of the respective coupling zone.

Although the invention is intended in the first place to provide a coupling between two such panel-shaped elements, the invention according to an alternative embodiment also relates to embodiments in which a panel-shaped element is connected via a locking coupling to another piece, more especially furniture component. wherein one or more of the aforementioned aspects are applied in this connection. Such a piece may, for example, consist of a connecting piece, more particularly a corner connecting piece, such as a frame to which two panel-shaped elements connect.

The invention also relates to connections which are made in absentia, wherein the tongue and the groove are arranged obliquely or not.

It is further noted that, according to a different variant, the plug-shaped element does not extend beyond the base surface where the panel-shaped elements abut each other in the direction of the core of the panel-shaped element with the tooth.

It is also noted that the removal of the locking part in a section of the tongue and / or the groove according to the invention can take place according to two possibilities. According to a first possibility the locking part is taken away in itself in this section, while according to a second possibility the profiling in this section is designed such that the locking part comes to lie in a position in which it no longer has a locking function, which means that in the coupled condition of the panel-shaped elements, this locking part of the tooth and / or the groove can hardly co-operate with the locking part of the groove or the tooth, respectively.

With the insight to better demonstrate the features of the invention, a few preferred embodiments are described below as an example without any limiting character, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: figure 1 shows a composite element according to the invention, albeit in disassembled status; Figures 2 and 3 respectively show cross-sections along the lines II-II and III-II in Figure 1; figure 4 represents the assembled element from figure 1, albeit in mounted condition; Figures 5 and 6 show cross-sections according to the lines II-II and III-II in Figure 4; Figure 7 represents an alternative embodiment of a composite element according to the invention; Figures 8 and 9 respectively show a cross-section of an assembled element of the fourth aspect of the invention in disassembled and assembled condition; Figure 10 shows an alternative embodiment of a composite element of the fourth aspect of the invention; Figure 11 shows a composite element of the fifth aspect of the invention; figure 12 represents a section along the line IV-IV in figure 11; Figure 13 represents an alternative embodiment of the fifth aspect of the invention; figure 14 represents a section along the line IV-IV in figure 13; figures 15 and 16 represent still preferred embodiments of a composite element according to the invention according to cross-sections such as those of figures 2 and 3; figures 17 and 18 show how the panel-shaped elements of the composite element of figures 15 and 16 can be coupled; figure 19 represents a drawer according to the invention in perspective; Figures 20 and 21 are cross-sectional views on a larger scale along lines 11-11 and 111-11 in Figure 19; Figure 22 shows another drawer according to the invention.

Figure 1 shows a composite element 1 according to the invention, albeit in a disassembled state. The assembled element 1 here comprises two panel-shaped elements 2-3.

These panel-shaped elements 2-3 each have a coupling zone 4-5 in which a profiling 6-7 is arranged which extends in the longitudinal direction of the coupling zone 4-5 concerned. These profiles 6-7 allow these two panel-shaped elements 2-3 to be coupled to each other laterally and in a locking manner. To this end they use a tooth 8 and a groove 9 which are each provided with one locking part 10-11.

These profiles 6-7 allow these two panel-shaped elements 2-3 to be coupled by means of a snap movement S. These two panel-shaped elements 2-3 can also be disconnected by carrying out such a snap movement, albeit in a direction opposite to that of the snap movement S.

These panel-shaped elements 2-3 are connected to each other at an angle in the normal position of use. The assembled element 1 from Fig. 1 is shown in assembled state in Fig. 4, in which the panel-shaped elements 2-3 are connected to each other in particular at 90 °.

The locking part 10 of the panel-shaped element 2 is, viewed in the longitudinal direction of the coupling zone 4, absent from a section 12 of the tooth 8. This section 12 extends in the longitudinal direction of the relevant coupling zone 4. Thus, this composite element 1 is designed according to the first aspect of the invention. For the sake of clarity, the locking part 10 is explicitly indicated by a hatching.

Such a locking part 10 is realized by removing an additional amount of material along this section 12 relative to the amount of material that is removed along the rest of the tooth 8. This is preferably done on the basis of at least one cutting operation, more particularly on the hand of a milling operation. According to a variant, this can also be done on the basis of a sanding operation.

It is noted that according to an alternative embodiment (not shown), the locking part 11, viewed in the longitudinal direction of the coupling zone 5, may also be absent over a section of the groove 9 or may provide a degree of locking that is smaller than the degree of locking locking that provides such a locking part in one or more other sections of the groove 9. Such locking part 11 can be designed in an analogous manner to the locking part 10.

However, it is preferable to provide such a section along the tooth 8 because the profiling 6 of the panel-shaped element 2 is more stable / sturdy than the profiling 7 of the panel-shaped element 3. After all, from the panel-shaped element 2 with the tooth 8 it is possible to produce the profiling 6 removed less material than from the panel-shaped element 3 with the groove 9.

The tooth 8 itself is still mainly present along the section 12.

In addition to the features of the first aspect, the composite element of Figure 1 also exhibits the features of the second aspect. After all, the tooth is split and therefore contains at least two parts 13-14 which are separated by a gap 15. Preferably, such a gap 15 is obtained on the basis of a saw cut.

This slit 15 has a non-uniform depth such that the tooth 8 contains a section 16 that is free of such a slit 15. The non-uniform depth of the slit 15 is preferably obtained by moving a cutting tool relative to the respective one. linking zone 4.

The sections 12 and 16 of the tooth 8 coincide along the longitudinal direction of the coupling zone 4.

Furthermore, the tooth 8 extends as far as the end face 17, which extends transversely with respect to the respective coupling zone 4. The section 16 of the tooth 8 borders on this end face 17. Moreover, the gap 15 is designed such that it is not visible is on according to a view of this end face 17.

As sections 12 and 16 coincide, section 12 also borders on this end face 17.

The groove also borders on the front side 18. This front side 18 extends transversely with respect to the coupling zone 5 and, in the coupled state of the panel-shaped elements 2-3, borders on the front side 17 as shown in Fig. 4.

Furthermore, the section 12 is located at one of both ends 19-20 of the tooth 8 in the longitudinal direction of the coupling zone 4, in particular at the end 19. However, it is noted that the invention is not limited to embodiments where this section 12 is located. at one end of the tooth 8. This section 12 can also be advantageously applied to other positions along the tooth 8, with a view to facilitating the assembly or disassembly of the assembled element 1.

For the sake of clarity, Figures 2 and 3 show cross-sections according to the lines 11-11 and 11-11 in Figure 1, and this to make it clear that in a cross-section along the line 11-11 the locking part 10 of the tooth 8 as well as the there is no gap 15, while in a section along the line III-III the locking part 10 of the tooth 8 as well as the gap 15 are present.

Furthermore, as already mentioned before, in Fig. 4 the composite element of Fig. 1 is represented, albeit in its mounted state. It is clear that, according to a view of the end faces 17-18, the slit 15 is not visible, which results in a more aesthetically pleasing finish. In view of this beautiful aesthetic finish, the front side 17 of the tooth 8 is provided with a decorative layer 21 which extends over the tooth 8, and more particularly in that it is applied before the relevant profiling 6 has been applied. The end face 18 of the groove 9 can also be provided with a decorative layer. The invention is particularly advantageously applied to panel-shaped elements 2-3 which are completely or for the most part wrapped around such a decorative layer before the profiles 6-7 are applied. These decorative layers are formed by laminate, lacquer, melamine, PVC foil or veneer or the like.

It should be noted, however, that an opening 22 is visible on these end faces 17-18, in particular the opening 20 created by removing the locking part 10 of the tooth 8 over the section 12. This opening 20 is minimized in that the tooth 8 itself is still present on this end side 17, and only the locking part 10 has been removed. Because this locking part 10 has been removed, the advantage has been obtained that at the location of this section 12 no resistance is offered by such locking part 10 when the panel-shaped elements 2-3 are disconnected, with the result that the risk of damage or breakage is excluded. or at least minimized.

For the sake of clarity, Figs. 5 and 6 show cross-sections according to the lines 11-11 and 11-11 in Fig. 4, and this to make it clear that in a cross-section along the line 11-11 the locking part 10 of the tooth 8 as well as the there is no gap 15, while in a section along the line III-III the locking part 10 of the tooth 8 as well as the gap 15 are present.

An alternative embodiment of a composite element 1, which also meets the characteristics of the first and second aspect of the invention, is shown in Figure 7. In this embodiment, the locking part 10 over the section 12 of the tooth 8 provides a degree of locking that is smaller than the degree of locking that this locking part 10 provides along the rest of the tooth 8. This smaller amount of locking is obtained here because the locking part 10 in this section 12 is of a smaller design than along the rest of the tooth 8.

The previously described embodiments also meet the features of the third aspect of the invention.

The previously described embodiments also meet the features of the fourth aspect of the invention. As previously stated, the tooth 8 is split and therefore contains two portions 13-14. Only one part 13 thereof is provided with the locking part 10, while the other part 14 is free from such a locking part 10. Furthermore, this last part 14 comprises a side 23 which is maximally at a distance D of 3 mm, preferably maximally at a distance of 2 mm, and more preferably at a maximum distance of 1 mm, from the large surface 24 of the relevant panel-shaped element 2. In the previously described embodiments, this side 23 in particular coincides with the large surface 24. Also they have the feature that the minimum thickness T1 of the tooth 8 is at least 60%, and preferably at least 65%, of the total thickness T of the panel-shaped element 2.

Figures 8 and 9 show a preferred embodiment of a composite element 1 of the fourth aspect in the disassembled and assembled condition respectively. Herein, the side 23 is located at a distance D from the large surface 24, which distance D is different from zero.

Figure 10 shows an alternative embodiment of a composite element 1 of the fourth aspect of the invention, wherein the gap 15 is oriented obliquely. It is noted that this feature can also be applied advantageously in the embodiments described above.

Figure 11 shows a composite element that satisfies the fifth aspect of the invention, and in particular also the previous four aspects of the invention. This composite element 1 comprises aids 25-26-27 which contribute to the locking of the panel-shaped elements 2-3 and which are formed by one plug-shaped element 25 which can cooperate with corresponding recesses 26-27, in particular a recess 26 in the panel-shaped element 2 with the tooth 8 and a recess 27 in the panel-shaped element 3 with the groove 9. Moreover, the plug-shaped element 25 extends in the direction of the core of the panel-shaped element 2 with the tooth 8 beyond the base surface 28 where the panel-shaped elements 2-3 connect to each other. Because the plug-shaped element 25 extends so deep into the panel-shaped element 2 with the tooth 8, a particularly strong locking is provided.

The plug-shaped element 25 is clamped in the recesses 26-27 in that this plug-shaped element 25 is provided with tensioning means 29 along its circumference. These tensioning means 29 may, for example, consist of hook-in elements that hook into the material with which the recesses are surrounded. Dowels can be used as an example with a ribbed, more special barb-shaped surface.

The recess 26 provided in the panel-shaped element 2 with the tooth 8 is formed by a borehole through the profiling 6 of the tooth 8.

The recess TJ provided in the panel-shaped element 3 with the groove 9 extends transversely through this panel-shaped element 3. For the sake of clarity, this is shown in Figure 12, which shows a section along the lines IV-IV in Figure 11.

Figure 13 shows yet another alternative embodiment of a composite element 1 according to the fifth aspect of the invention. Here, the recess 26 which is arranged in the panel-shaped element 2 is formed by a borehole at the location of a local interruption in the profiling 6 of the tooth 8, which is indicated in Fig. 13 by L.

Furthermore, the recess 27 provided in the panel-shaped element 3 with the groove 9 does not extend transversely through this panel-shaped element 3. For the sake of clarity, this is shown in Figure 14, which shows a section along the lines IV-IV in Figure 13.

It is further noted that all the aforementioned plug-shaped elements 25 may consist of any material, such as wood, plastic, and so on. Since they must provide a locking effect, plastic is preferably used for the sake of firmness and elasticity.

Figures 15 and 16 show another preferred embodiment of a composite element 1 according to the first, second and third aspect of the invention. This embodiment is represented in these figures respectively according to cross-sections such as those from figures 2 and 3.

The tooth 8 and the groove 9 of this assembled element 1 are configured such that they can be inserted into each other via a turning movement W and by a snap movement S via a translation. Figures 17 and 18 show how the assembled element 1 from figures 13 and 14 can be mounted, being respectively via a turning movement W and a snap movement S.

This assembled element 1 further has the following characteristics: the locking part 10 on the tooth 8 is located on the side 30 of the tooth 8 which faces the inner corner; the tooth is split and consequently has two parts 13-14 of which only one part 13 is provided with a locking part which is elastically compressible and bendable; the slit 15 extends deeper than the base surface 28 where the panel-shaped elements 2-3 connect to each other; the tooth 8 can be snapped into the groove 9 by means of a mutual translation movement, wherein the part 13 containing the locking part 10 is elastically bendable towards the gap 15 and wherein the gap 15 has a width equal to or greater than the maximum lateral displacement which the locking part 10 performs with respect to the panel-shaped element 2 to which it belongs during snapping in; and - the depth of the groove 9 is a value that is between 1/3 and 2/3 of the thickness of the panel-shaped element 3 in which the groove is arranged.

All of the features listed above are combined in the shown tongue and groove profile. It is clear, however, that all of these features are optional, and according to variants not shown, such tongue and groove profile can exhibit only one or a limited number of the aforementioned features, according to any combination.

Figures 19 to 21 show a drawer 31 according to the invention. The drawer 31 herein comprises at least a front wall 32, a rear wall 33 and two side walls 34-35, as well as a bottom 36.

The rear wall 33 is connected to the side walls 34-35 by means of cooperating locking profiles 6-7 which at least have the characteristics of one or a combination of two or more of the above-described aspects of the invention, while the front wall 32 has the side walls 3435 are connected by means of connecting means 37 other than locking profiles.

In the example shown, the connecting means 37 between the front wall 32 and the side walls 34-35 consist of separate connecting elements 38 which cooperate with openings 39-40, more specifically bores, which respectively in the rear side 41 of the front wall 32 and the end ends 42 of the side walls 34-35 are arranged. In the example, these connecting elements 38 are formed by dowels, more specifically mechanically locking dowels. In Figure 20 dowels with a ribbed, more specifically barb-shaped ribbed surface 43 are used for this purpose. Other connecting means can also be used.

Furthermore, the walls 32-33-34-35 each have a slot 44 such that the bottom 36 can be retracted.

The following characteristics are also visible in figures 19 to 21: - the front wall consists of only one wall part, which then also forms the front part of the drawer; - the front wall is designed as a front panel with the rear facing the front ends of the side walls; - the eight wall is located between the side walls; the side walls are provided with openings and / or recesses 45 for attachment of fittings, more particularly for attaching thereto parts of a fitting mechanism for extendably supporting a drawer.

Figure 22 shows another drawer 31 according to the invention. As shown, the drawer has a front wall 32, a rear wall 33 and two side walls 34-35, as well as a bottom 36. Furthermore, the side walls 34-35 are connected to both the front wall 32 and rear wall 36 by means of profiles that lock into each other and which for this purpose use a tooth 8 and groove 9 with locking parts 10-11, wherein these profiles can be inserted laterally into each other. The front wall 32 is mounted directly on the side walls 34-35 and the connection between the front wall 32 and the side walls 34-35 is effected in that the respective teeth 8 are disposed distally at the front ends of the side walls 34-35, these teeth 8 being arranged as full tooth profiles and thus non-split are embodied, wherein the grooves 9 concerned are located at the rear of the front wall 32, and wherein the teeth 8 fit into the respective grooves 9 via a turning movement of the side walls 34-35. It is clear that in this way a rigid locking between the front wall 32 and the side walls 34-35 can be realized, as a result of which the front is stably attached to the rest of the drawer 31.

The rear wall 36 is connected to the side walls 34-35 by means of cooperating locking profiles 6-7 which at least have the characteristics of one or a combination of two or more of the aspects of the invention described above.

The present invention is by no means limited to the embodiments described above, but such assembled elements, drawers and methods can be realized according to different variants without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Claims (37)

Claims 1 Composite element (1) comprising at least two panel-shaped elements (2-3), these panel-shaped elements (2-3) each having a coupling zone (4-5) in which a profiling (6-7) is arranged which is arranged extends in the longitudinal direction of the respective coupling zone (4-5), which profiles (6-7) allow these panel-shaped elements (2-3) to be coupled to each other in a locking manner and to that end use a tooth (8) and a groove (9) each provided with at least one locking part (10-11), wherein these panel-shaped elements (2-3) are connected to each other at an angle in the normal position of use, and more particularly at 90 °, and wherein the profiles (6-7) allow these two panel-shaped elements (2-3) to be coupled and / or disconnected at least by means of a snap movement (S), characterized in that said locking part (10-11) of the tooth (8) and / or of the groove (9), viewed in the longitudinal direction of the respective coupling zone (4-5), over a section (12) of the tooth (8) and / or of the groove (9) is absent or provides a degree of locking that is smaller than the degree of locking that such locking part ( 10-11) provides one or more other sections of the tooth (8) or of the groove (9). Composite element according to claim 1, characterized in that the tooth (8) is split and therefore contains at least two parts (13-14) that are separated by a gap (15). 3. Composite element comprising at least two panel-shaped elements (2-3), these panel-shaped elements (2-3) each having a coupling zone (4-5) in which a profiling (6-7) is arranged which extends in the longitudinal direction of the respective coupling zone (4-5), which profiles (6-7) allow these panel-shaped elements (2-3) to be coupled to each other in a locking manner and to this end use a tooth (8) and a groove (9) which is each provided with at least one locking part (10-11), wherein these panel-shaped elements (2-3) are connected to each other at an angle in the normal position of use, and more particularly at 90 °, and wherein this tooth ( 8) is split and therefore contains at least two portions (13-14) separated by a slit (15); characterized in that said locking part (10-11) of the tooth (8) and / or of the groove (9), viewed in the longitudinal direction of the respective coupling zone (4-5), over a section (12) of the tooth ( 8) and / or the groove (9) is absent or provides a degree of locking that is less than the degree of locking that such locking part (10-11) provides in one or more other sections of the tooth (8) respectively of the groove (9). Composite element according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the gap (15) has a non-uniform depth such that the tooth (8) contains a section (16) that is free of such a gap (15) or where the depth of the gap (15) is smaller than the depth of the gap (15) in one or more other sections of the tooth (8). Composite element according to claim 4, characterized in that said locking part (10) of the tooth (8), viewed in the longitudinal direction of the respective coupling zone (4), as said over a section (12) of the tooth (8) is absent or provides a degree of locking that is less than the degree of locking that such locking part (10) provides in one or more other sections of the tooth (8); and that the section (16) of the tooth (8) that is free from such a gap (15) or where the depth of the gap (15) is smaller than the depth of the gap (15) in one or more other sections of the tooth (8) along the longitudinal direction of the respective coupling zone (4) at least partially overlaps with the section (12) along which the relevant locking part (10) of the tooth (8) is absent or provides a degree of locking that is smaller than the degree of locking that such locking part (10) provides in one or more other sections of the tooth (8). Composite element according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that said locking part (11) of the groove (9), viewed in the longitudinal direction of the respective coupling zone (5), as mentioned above over a section of the groove (9), is absent is or provides a degree of locking that is less than the degree of locking that such locking part (11) provides in one or more other sections of the groove (9); and that the section (16) of the tooth (8) that is free from such a gap (15) or where the depth of the gap (15) is smaller than the depth of the gap (15) in one or more other sections of the tooth (8) along the longitudinal direction of the respective coupling zone (5) at least partially overlaps with the section along which the relevant locking part (11) of the groove (9) is absent or provides a degree of locking that is smaller than the degree of lock providing such lock part (11) in one or more other sections of the groove (9). Assembled element according to one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that the tooth (8) extends up to an end face (17) of the relevant panel-shaped element (2) which extends transversely to the respective coupling zone (4); said section (16) that is free from such a gap (15) or where the depth of the gap (15) is smaller than the depth of the gap (15) in one or more other sections of the tooth (8) borders on this front side (17); and that the slit (15) is designed such that it is not visible on this end face (17). Composite element according to claim 7, characterized in that said locking part (10) of the tooth (8), viewed in the longitudinal direction of the relevant coupling zone (4), as said over a section (12) of the tooth (8) is absent or provides a degree of locking that is less than the degree of locking that such locking part (10) provides in one or more other sections of the tooth (8); and that said section (12) along which the respective locking part (10) of the tooth (8) is absent or provides a degree of locking that is smaller than the degree of locking that such locking part (10) provides in one or more other sections of the tooth (8) adjoins said end face (17). Composite element according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the groove (9) extends as far as the end face (18) of the relevant panel-shaped element (3) which extends transversely with respect to the respective coupling zone (5) and which in the coupled state of the panel-shaped elements (2-3) borders on said end face (17) to which the tooth (8) extends; that said locking part (11) of the groove (9), viewed in the longitudinal direction of the relevant coupling zone (5), as aforesaid, is absent over a section of the groove (9) or provides a degree of locking that is smaller than the degree of locking that such locking part (11) provides in one or more other sections of the groove (9); and that said section along which the respective locking part (11) of the groove (9) is absent or provides a degree of locking that is smaller than the degree of locking that such locking part (11) provides in one or more other sections of the groove (9) borders on this end face (18). Compound element according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said locking part (10) of the tooth (8), viewed in the longitudinal direction of the relevant coupling zone (4), as mentioned above over a section (12) of the tooth (8) is absent or provides a degree of locking that is less than the degree of locking that such locking part (10) provides in one or more other sections of the tooth (8); and that the tooth (8) itself is still mainly present at the section (12) along which the relevant locking part (10) of the tooth (8) is absent or provides a degree of locking that is smaller than the degree of locking said locking part (10) providing one or more other sections of the tooth (8). Compound element according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said locking part (11) of the groove (9), viewed in the longitudinal direction of the relevant coupling zone (5), as mentioned above over a section of the groove (9) is absent or provides a degree of locking that is less than the degree of locking that such locking part (11) provides in one or more other sections of the groove (9); and that the groove (9) is still mainly present at the section along which the relevant locking part (11) of the groove (9) is absent or provides a degree of locking that is smaller than the degree of locking that such locking part ( 11) provides one or more other sections of the groove (9). A composite element according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said locking part (11) of the tooth (8), viewed in the longitudinal direction of the relevant coupling zone (4), as said over a section (12) of the tooth (8) is absent or provides a degree of locking that is less than the degree of locking that such locking part (10) provides in one or more other sections of the tooth (8); and that said section (12) along which the respective locking part (10) of the tooth (8) is absent or provides a degree of locking that is smaller than the degree of locking that such locking part (10) provides in one or more other sections of the tooth (8) is realized by an additional amount of material that has been removed at the location of said section (12) relative to the amount of material that has been removed at the location of one or more other sections of the tooth (8). Compound element according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said locking part (11) of the groove (9), viewed in the longitudinal direction of the respective coupling zone (5), as mentioned above over a section of the groove (9) is absent or provides a degree of locking that is less than the degree of locking that such locking part (11) provides in one or more other sections of the groove (9); and that said section along which the respective locking part (11) of the groove (9) is absent or provides a degree of locking that is smaller than the degree of locking that such locking part (11) provides in one or more other sections of the groove (9) is realized by an additional amount of material that has been removed at the location of said section relative to the amount of material that has been removed at the location of one or more other sections of the groove (9). Composite element as claimed in claim 12 or 13, characterized in that said extra amount of material is removed on the basis of at least one cutting operation, more particularly a milling operation. Compound element according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said locking part (10) of the tooth (8), viewed in the longitudinal direction of the relevant coupling zone (4), as mentioned above over a section (12) of the tooth (8) is absent or provides a degree of locking that is less than the degree of locking that such locking part (10) provides in one or more other sections of the tooth (8); and in that said section (12) along which the relevant locking part (10) of the tooth (8) is absent or provides a degree of locking that is smaller than the degree of locking that such locking part (10) provides in one or more other sections of the tooth (8) is located at an end (19) of the tooth, which end (19) is one of the ends (19-20) of the tooth (8) in the longitudinal direction of the respective coupling zone (4). Compound element according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said locking part (11) of the groove (9), viewed in the longitudinal direction of the respective coupling zone (5), as mentioned above over a section of the groove (9) is absent or provides a degree of locking that is less than the degree of locking that such locking part (11) provides in one or more other sections of the groove (9); and that said section along which the relevant locking part of the groove (9) is absent or provides a degree of locking that is smaller than the degree of locking that such locking part (11) provides in one or more other sections of the groove (9) is located at one end of the groove (9), which end is one of the ends of the groove (9) in the longitudinal direction of the respective coupling zone (5). 17. - Composite element comprising at least two panel-shaped elements (2-3), these panel-shaped elements (2-3) each having a coupling zone (4-5) in which a profiling (6-7) is arranged which extends in the longitudinal direction of the respective coupling zone (4-5), which profiles (6-7) allow these panel-shaped elements (2-3) to be coupled to each other in a locking manner and to this end use a tooth (8) and a groove (9) which is each provided with at least one locking part (10-11), and wherein these panel-shaped elements (2-3) are connected to each other at an angle in the normal position of use, and more particularly at 90 °, and wherein the tooth (8) is split and therefore contains at least two portions (13-14) separated by a gap (15), characterized in that the gap (15) has a non-uniform depth such that the tooth (8) has a section ( 16) which is free from such a gap (15) or where the depth of the spl eat (15) is smaller than the depth of the slit (15) in one or more other sections of the tooth (8). 18. Composite element according to claim 17, characterized in that the tooth (8) extends up to an end face (17) of the relevant panel-shaped element (2) which extends transversely to the respective coupling zone (4); that said section (16) of the tooth (8) which is free from such a gap (15) or where the depth of the gap (15) is smaller than the depth of the gap (15) in one or more other sections of the tooth (8) is adjacent to this end face (17); and that the slit (15) is designed such that it is not visible on this end face (17). 19. - Composite element comprising at least two panel-shaped elements (2-3), these panel-shaped elements (2-3) each having a coupling zone (4-5) in which a profiling (6-7) is arranged which extends in the longitudinal direction of the respective coupling zone (4-5), which profiles (6-7) allow these panel-shaped elements (2-3) to be coupled to each other in a locking manner and to this end use a tooth (8) and a groove (9) which are each provided with at least one locking part (10-11), and wherein these panel-shaped elements (2-3) are connected to each other at an angle in the normal position of use, and more particularly at 90 °, characterized in that the tooth (8) is split and therefore contains at least two parts (13-14) separated by a gap (15) of which only one part 13) is provided with said locking part (10) and the other part (14) is free from such a locking part (10) or the like includes part (10) which, while providing a less pronounced lock; that the tooth (8) has a side (23) that belongs to the portion (14) that is free of such a locking part (10) or contains such a locking part (10) which, while providing a less pronounced locking; and that this side (23) is maximally at a distance (D) of 3 mm, and preferably maximally at a distance of 2 mm, and even more preferably maximally at a distance of 1 mm, from one of the large planes (24) of the relevant panel-shaped element (2) or its extension. Composite element according to claim 19, characterized in that said side (23) has one or more of the following characteristics: - the side (23) does not border said gap (15); - the side (23) substantially coincides with one of the large surfaces (24) of the relevant panel-shaped element (2) or its extension; - the side (23) coincides with one of the large surfaces (24) of the relevant panel-shaped element (2). - the side (23) is substantially parallel to one of the large planes (24) of the relevant panel-shaped element (2); - the side (23) is substantially straight; and / or - the side (23) is straight. Composite element according to claim 19 or 20, characterized in that said slit (15) has one or more of the following characteristics: - the slit (15) is continuous and therefore free of interruptions; - the slit (15) has a uniform depth; - the slit (15) is oriented obliquely; and / or - the gap (15) is visible in the coupled state of the two panel-shaped elements (2-3). Composite element according to one of claims 19 to 21, characterized in that the minimum thickness (T1) of the tooth (8) is at least 60%, and preferably at least 65%, of the total thickness (T) of the respective panel-shaped element (2). 23. - Composite element, comprising at least two panel-shaped elements (2-3), these panel-shaped elements (2-3) each having a coupling zone (4-5) in which a profiling (6-7) is arranged which extends in the longitudinal direction of the respective coupling zone (4-5), which profiles (6-7) allow these panel-shaped elements (2-3) to be coupled to each other in a locking manner and to this end use a tooth (8) and a groove (9) which are each provided with at least one locking part (10-11), wherein these panel-shaped elements (2-3) are connected to each other at an angle in the normal position of use, and more particularly at 90 °, characterized in that the composite element (1) contains aids (25-26-27) which contribute to the locking of the panel-shaped elements (2-3) and which are formed by at least one plug-shaped element (25) which can cooperate with corresponding recesses (26-27) ; and that the plug-shaped element (25) extends in the direction of the core of the panel-shaped element (2) with the tooth (8) beyond the base surface (28) where the panel-shaped elements (2-3) abut each other. Composite element according to claim 23, characterized in that one recess (27) extends transversely through the panel-shaped element (3) with the groove (9) and the other recess (26) extends in the panel-shaped element (2) with the tooth (8). Composite element according to claim 23 or 24, characterized in that at least one recess (26) is provided in the tooth (8) in the form of a borehole through the profile of the tooth (8). A composite element according to claim 23 or 24, characterized in that at least one recess (26) is provided in the tooth (8) in the form of a borehole at the location of a local interruption (L) in the profiling of the tooth (8). 27. Composite element according to one of claims 23 to 26, characterized in that the plug-shaped element (25) is clamped in the recesses (26-27) in that this plug-shaped element (25) is provided with tensioning means (29) along its circumference . The composite element according to any of claims 23 to 27, characterized in that the plug-shaped element (25) is configured such that it provides for an expansion of the tooth (8) in the groove (9). 29. Composite element according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the panel-shaped elements (2-3) have one or more of the following characteristics: - the tooth (8) fits into the groove (9) by means of a snap connection, this by pressing the relevant panel-shaped element with the tooth (8) in its plane towards the groove (9); - the tooth (8) fits into the groove (9) by means of a turning movement; - the tooth (8) and the groove (9) are configured such that they can be joined to each other via a turning movement and by a snap movement via a translation; - the locking part (10) on the tooth (8) is on the side (30) of the tooth (8) which faces the inner corner; - the tooth (8) is split and in particular has two parts (13-14) separated by a gap (15); - the tooth (8) is split and therefore has two parts (13-14) of which only one part (13) is provided with a locking part (10); - the tooth is split and therefore has two parts (13-14) of which only one part (13) is provided with a locking part (10) which is elastically compressible and / or bendable; - the tooth (8) is split and the slit (15) extends deeper than the base surface (28) where the panel-shaped elements (2-3) connect to each other; - the tooth (8) can be snapped into the groove (9) by means of a mutual translation movement, the tooth (8) being split and consequently having two parts (1314) of which only one part (13) is provided with a locking part (10), wherein the portion (13) containing the locking member (10) is elastically bendable toward the slit (15) and wherein the slit (15) has a width equal to or greater than the maximum lateral displacement that the locking member (10) performs with respect to the panel-shaped element (2) to which it belongs during snapping into each other; - the depth of the groove (9) is a value that is between 1/3 and 2/3 of the thickness of the panel-shaped element (3) in which the groove (9) is arranged; and / or - the tooth (8) is located at a distal end of the relevant panel-shaped element (2), while the groove (9) is located in the side wall of the other panel-shaped element (3), in other words in one of its major planes. Composite element according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the panel-shaped elements (2-3) mainly consist of chipboard, MDF plate or HDF plate, the aforementioned profiles (6-7) being mainly made of this material. A composite element according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the tooth (8) extends up to an end face (17), more particularly the end face (17) of claims 7, 8 and 18; and that this end face (17) is provided with a decorative layer (21) which extends over the tooth (8), and more particularly in that this decorative layer (21) is provided on this end face (17) before the relevant profiling ( 6). The composite element according to claim 31, characterized in that the decorative layer (21) is formed by laminate, lacquer, melamine, PVC foil or veneer. A composite element according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the profiles (6-7) are configured such that the panel-shaped elements (2-3) are made by means of a lateral movement, more particularly by means of a turning movement and / or snap motion, can be inserted in and / or apart. A composite element, characterized in that it combines the features of two or more of the preceding claims, in that these features are not contradictory. 35, - Drawer, which has walls (32-33-34-35) and a bottom (36), said walls (32-33-34-35) having at least one front wall (32), a rear wall (33) and side walls (34-35), characterized in that at least a first and a second of said walls (32-33-34-35) form a composite element (1) according to one of the preceding claims. Drawer according to claim 35, characterized in that the walls (32-33-34-35) each have a slot (44) such that a bottom (36) can be pushed in. Method for manufacturing a drawer according to claim 35 or 36, characterized in that two or more walls are made from one plate; that the profiles of the respective walls are formed by means of an operation, whether or not consisting of several sub-operations, performed on the aforementioned plate; and that said plate is only divided into two or more walls after at least parts of said profiles are formed.