PANEL COMPRISING A TILE AND A METHOD TO PRODUCE SUCH PANEL

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a panel (1) comprising a carrier (20) having a first surface (21) and a second surface (22), and a tile (10) comprising, e.g., a ceramic layer or a stone layer, the tile being positioned on and adhered to the carrier (20) by an adhesive and having a first surface (11) and a second surface (12), wherein the first surface (11) of the tile (10) is arranged on the second surface (22) of the carrier (20), wherein the panel (1) is provided with a mechanical locking system (40; 50; 60) for joining the panel (1) to an adjacent panel (1) along at least one edge of the panel (1), further comprising a positioning system (30) configured to position the tile (10) on the carrier (20), the positioning system (30) being arranged on the first surface (11) of the tile (10) and on the second surface (22) of the carrier (20), the positioning system (30) comprising at least one positioning member (31) and at least one recess (32) configured to receive the at least one positioning member (31). The disclosure also relates to a method to produce such a panel.

Claims

1. A set of panels comprising at least a first panel and a second panel, wherein each panel comprises: a carrier having a first surface and a second surface, and a tile comprising a ceramic layer or a stone layer, the tile being positioned on and adhered to the carrier by an adhesive and having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface, wherein the first surface of the tile is arranged on the second surface of the carrier, a positioning system configured to position the tile on the carrier, the positioning system being arranged on the first surface of the tile and on the second surface of the carrier, the positioning system comprising at least one positioning member and at least one recess configured to receive the at least one positioning member; wherein each panel is provided with a mechanical locking system for joining the first panel to an adjacent, second panel along an edge of the first panel, and the set of panels being configured such that, when the first panel is joined to the second panel by the mechanical locking system, a gap is arranged between an edge surface of a tile of the first panel and an adjacent edge surface of a tile of the second panel along the edge of the first panel.

2. The set of panels according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the first surface of the tile and the second surface of the carrier are provided with the at least one recess.

3. The set of panels according to claim 1, wherein the second surface of the carrier comprises the at least one recess.

4. The set of panels according to claim 1, wherein the at least one positioning member comprises at least one protrusion configured to be received in the at least one recess, wherein the at least one protrusion is arranged on at least one of the first surface of the tile and the second surface of the carrier.

5. The set of panels according to claim 4, wherein the first surface of the tile comprises the at least one protrusion.

6. The set of panels according to claim 1, wherein the positioning member comprises a separate positioning part configured to be received in the at least on recess of the first surface of the tile and in at least one recess of the second surface of the carrier.

7. The set of panels according to claim 6, wherein the positioning member comprises a rod positioned in the at least one recess.

8. The set of panels according to claim 7, wherein the rod extends beyond at least one edge of the first panel and/or the second panel.

9. The set of panels according to claim 1, where said at least one recess has an extension in a plane parallel to a plane formed by the first surface of the tile or the second surface of the carrier.

10. The set of panels according to claim 9, wherein said at least one recess has an extension in a direction substantially parallel to an edge of the first panel and/or the second panel.

11. The set of panels according to claim 1, wherein the at least one recess and/or the at least one positioning member is formed in the ceramic layer or in the stone layer of the tile.

12. The set of panels according to claim 1, wherein the tile consists of the ceramic layer or the stone layer.

13. The set of panels according to claim 1, wherein the tile further comprises a support layer onto which the ceramic layer or the stone layer is arranged, and wherein the at least one recess and/or the at least one positioning member is formed in the support layer.

14. The set of panels according to any one of the preceding claim 1, wherein the gap between adjacent edges of the first and second panel has a substantially uniform width along the adjacent edges.

15. The set of panels according to claim 1, wherein the gap has a width, in a direction perpendicular to a plane formed by the edge surface of the first panel, of 1-10 mm.

16. Method to produce a panel comprising a carrier and a tile comprising a ceramic layer or a stone layer, the method comprising: forming a mechanical locking system along at least one edge of the panel, providing a positioning system comprising at least one positioning member and at least one recess configured to receive the at least one positioning member, wherein the at least one recess is formed in at least one of a first surface of the tile and a second surface of the carrier, trimming edges of the tile, wherein the positioning system formed in the first surface of the tile forms a reference point for trimming the edges the tile, arranging the tile on the second surface of the carrier, wherein the first surface of the tile is positioned on the second surface of the carrier, positioning the tile on the second surface of the carrier by arranging the at least one positioning member in the at least one recess, adhering the first surface of the tile to the second surface of the carrier by an adhesive.

17. The method according to claim 16, wherein providing the positioning system comprises: forming at least one recess in at least one of the first surface of the tile and the second surface of the carrier, and forming the positioning member by forming a protrusion in at least one of the first surface of the tile and the second surface of the carrier.

18. The method according to claim 16, wherein providing the positioning system comprises: forming the at least one recess in the first surface of the tile and in the second surface of the carrier, providing the positioning member in form of a separate positioning part, and arranging the separate positioning part in the at least one recess of the first surface of the tile and of the second surface of the carrier.

19. The method according to claim 16, wherein the at least one recess and/or the at least one positioning member is formed in the ceramic layer or the stone layer of the tile.

20. The method according to claim 16, further comprising, prior to the adhesive has completely cured and/or dried, arranging the panel in a stack formed of a plurality of panels.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0081] The present disclosure will by way of example be described in more detail with reference to the appended schematic drawings, which show examples of the present disclosure.

[0082] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an example of a panel.

[0083] FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of a set of panels wherein adjacent edges are joined to each other by a mechanical locking system.

[0084] FIG. 3A shows a cross-section of adjacent edges of two panels provided with a first example of a mechanical locking system.

[0085] FIG. 3B shows a cross-section of adjacent edges of two panels shown in FIG. 3A when joined to each other by the first example of the mechanical locking system.

[0086] FIG. 3C shows another example of a cross-section of adjacent edges of two panels when joined to each other by the first example of the mechanical locking system.

[0087] FIG. 3D shows a further example of a cross-section of adjacent edges of two panels when joined to each other by the first example of the mechanical locking system.

[0088] FIG. 4A shows a cross-section of adjacent edges of two panels provided with a second example of a mechanical locking system.

[0089] FIG. 4B shows a cross-section of adjacent edges of two panels shown in FIG. 4A when joined to each other by the second example of the mechanical locking system.

[0090] FIG. 4C shows another example of a cross-section of adjacent edges of two panels when joined to each other by the second example of the mechanical locking system.

[0091] FIG. 4D shows another example of a cross-section of adjacent edges of two panels when joined to each other by the second example of the mechanical locking system.

[0092] FIG. 4E shows a further example of a cross-section of adjacent edges of two panels when joined to each other by the second example of the mechanical locking system.

[0093] FIG. 5 shows a cross section of adjacent edges of two panels joined to each other by a third example of a mechanical locking system.

[0094] FIG. 6A shows a cross-section of a panel provided with a first example of a positioning system.

[0095] FIG. 6B shows a cross-section of a panel provided with a second example of a positioning system.

[0096] FIG. 7A shows a cross-section of a panel provided with a third example of a positioning system.

[0097] FIG. 7B shows a cross-section of a panel provided with a fourth example of a positioning system.

[0098] FIG. 8 shows a cross-section of a panel provided with a fifth example of a positioning system.

[0099] FIG. 9A shows a cross-section of a panel provided with a sixth example of a positioning system.

[0100] FIG. 9B shows a cross-section of a panel provided with a seventh example of a positioning system.

[0101] FIG. 10 shows a perspective view of a first example of a panel provided with a positioning system.

[0102] FIG. 11 shows a perspective view of a second example of a panel provided with a positioning system.

[0103] FIGS. 12A-12B shows an example of a protrusion and a recess of a positioning system.

[0104] FIGS. 13A-13B shows an example of a protrusion and a recess of a positioning system.

[0105] FIGS. 14A-14B shows an example of a protrusion and a recess of a positioning system.

[0106] FIGS. 15A-15B shows an example of a protrusion and a recess of a positioning system.

[0107] FIGS. 16A-16B shows an example of a protrusion and a recess of a positioning system.

[0108] FIG. 17 shows a top view of panels provided with an example of a positioning system.

[0109] FIG. 18 shows a top view of panels provided with an example of a positioning system.

[0110] FIG. 19 shows an alternative example of a panel.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0111] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an example of a panel 1 comprising a tile 10 and a carrier 20. The panel 1 may be a building panel, such as a floor panel, a wall panel, a furniture component, a building component, a worktop, etc. The panel 1 may have any shape. As shown in FIG. 1, the panel 1 may have quadrilateral shape such as a rectangular shape. The example of the panel 1 shown in FIG. 1 has four sides 2, 3, 4, 5 having equal length. In other examples, the panel 1 may have sides 2, 3, 4, 5 having a non-equal length. In other examples, the panel 1 may have shape of a pentagon, hexagon, or octagon. The panel 1 has a thickness in a thickness direction z. The panel may have a thickness being equal to or less than 25 mm, such as equal or less than as 20 mm, for example equal or less than 15 mm. The panel may have a thickness of 7-25 mm, such as 10-15 mm. The panel 1 has an extension in plane formed by the directions x-y shown in FIG. 1. The panel 1 may have a length and/or a width of 100-1200 mm, such as 150-900 mm, for example 200-600 mm.

[0112] The tile 10 comprises, e.g., a ceramic layer or a stone layer. The ceramic can be any type of fired inorganic material, such as earthenware, porcelain, and brick.

[0113] The stone may be natural stone. Examples of stone materials may be marble, granite, soapstone, quartzite, and limestone.

[0114] Other natural and synthetic materials for a tile are within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0115] In one example, the tile 10 comprises a layer of a mineral board comprising at least 85% wt, such as at least 90% wt, of an inorganic material, such as stone powder, sand, CaCO.sub.3, clay, chalk, and a polymer material in an amount of maximum 4 wt %, such as maximum 3 wt %. In some examples, no polymer material is present.

[0116] The ceramic layer be a hybrid layer comprising an inorganic, fired material.

[0117] In one example, as shown in FIG. 1, the tile 10 consists of the ceramic layer or the stone layer. In other examples, for example as in FIG. 19, the tile 10 may comprise a ceramic layer or a stone layer, forming a surface layer, and a support layer.

[0118] The tile 10 may have a thickness of 2-15 mm, such as 2-11 mm, for example 3-8 mm, such as 4-7 mm. The tile 10 may be reinforced, for example by organic and/or inorganic fibres. Examples of fibres may be a glass-fibres and/or carbon fibres.

[0119] The carrier 20 may comprise a wood-based material, a polymer based material, a biobased material, or an inorganic material. The wood-based material may be HDF, MDF, plywood, OSB, or particle board. The polymer-based material may be a thermoplastic material such as PVC, PP, PE, such as MDPE and DHPE, PET, PETG, rPET, PS, and/or TPU. The polymer-based material may be a thermosetting material such as PU. The polymer-based material may at least partly be biobased such as at least partly based on a biobased raw material such as thermolignin, PLA or biobased PVC, PP, PU. A bio-based material can be a material based being non-fossil based and/or made from natural resources. The carrier 20 may comprise at least one filler such as an inorganic and/or organic filler. For example, the inorganic filler may be a mineral material, for example CaCO.sub.3, talc, fly ash, or a stone material, such as stone powder. Examples of CaCO.sub.3 may be marble, limestone or chalk. The organic filler may be a wood material, a bamboo material, cork husks, or rice husks. For example, the wood material may be wood fibres, wood flour and/or wood dust, and the bamboo material may be bamboo dust. The carrier 20 may be fibre reinforced, such as glass fibre reinforced.

[0120] In one example, the thermosetting material comprises an amino resin.

[0121] The carrier 20 may comprise a mineral-based material, such as MgO, MgSO.sub.4, MgCl.sub.2, SiO.sub.2, or cementitious material.

[0122] A thickness of a wood-based carrier 20 may be 3-15 mm, such as 3-12 mm, for example 4-8 mm. A thickness of a polymer-based carrier 20 may be 2-15 mm, such as 3-10 mm, for example 4-6 mm.

[0123] The carrier 20 has a first surface 21 and a second surface 22, opposite the first surface 21. The first surface 21 of the carrier 20 is intended to face a sub-structure when the panel 1 is installed. The tile 10 has a first surface 11 and a second surface 12 opposite the first surface 11. A second surface 12 of the tile 10 is intended to form a surface of the panel 1 when the panel 1 is installed, for example facing the interior of a room.

[0124] The tile 10 is adhered to the carrier 20 by an adhesive. The first surface 11 of the tile 10 is arranged on and adhered to the second surface 22 of the carrier.

[0125] The adhesive may be a slow-setting adhesive. The slow-setting adhesive may have an opening time from 1 minute, for example, from 5 minutes or from 15 minutes, to several hours.

[0126] In one example, an extension of the first surface 11 of the tile 10 is substantially equal to the extension of the second surface 22 of the carrier 20 in a horizontal direction, for example represented by the plane x-y. The edges of the tile 10 may be aligned by the edges of the carrier 20. In one example, the edges of the tile 10 are not aligned with the edges of the carrier 20 such that the carrier 20 protrudes from the edge of the tile 10 along at least one edge in the horizontal direction H. In one example, as shown in FIG. 1, the extension of the second surface 22 of the carrier 20 exceeds the extension of the first surface 11 of the tile 10, in a horizontal direction, for example represented by the plane x-y. A protruding portion of the carrier 20 may thereby be formed along at least one edge. Consequently, when adjoining panels 1 are joined to each other, a gap such as a grout is formed between adjacent edges.

[0127] An underlay material (not shown) can be adhered to the first surface 21 of the carrier 20. The underlay material may be or comprise cork, rubber, or a foamed layer. The foamed layer may comprise PE, such as IXPE and EPE, EVA, PET, including rPET, PP, such as XPP and IXPP, PS, such as XPS, EPS, PO, such as XPO, PU, PUR, TPU, PVC.

[0128] The panel 1 is provided with a positioning system 30 configured to position the tile 10 on the carrier 20. The positioning system 30 will be described in more details with reference to FIGS. 6A-18.

[0129] The panel 1 may further be provided with a mechanical locking system 40, 50, 60 for joining an edge of the panel 1 to an edge of an adjacent panel, as shown in FIG. 2. Examples of such mechanical locking systems will be described below with reference to FIGS. 3A-5.

[0130] FIG. 2 shows a set of panels 100, comprising a first panel 1a, a second panel 1b, a third panel 1c, and the second panel 1d. Each of the panels 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d may be of the type described above with reference to the panel 1. The panels 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d may be joined to each other by any of the mechanical locking systems 40, 50, 60 described with reference to FIGS. 3A-3D, 4A-4E, and 5. All edges may be provided with the same type of mechanical locking system 40, 50, 60, or edges may be provided with mechanical locking systems of different types 40, 50, 60. In one example, the panels are provided with the mechanical locking system shown 50 shown in FIGS. 4A-4B along all edges, or with the mechanical locking system shown 60 shown in FIG. 5 along all edges. In one example, a first pair of opposing edges are with the mechanical locking system shown 40 shown in FIGS. 3A-3B, a second pair of opposing edges are with the mechanical locking system shown 50 shown in FIGS. 4A-4B.

[0131] A visible in FIG. 2, a gap is provided between adjacent edges. Such a gap may be grouted. The gap may be 0-10 mm, such as 1-10 mm, for example 2-6 mm, such as 2-4 mm. The gap may be equal to or less than 3 mm, such as equal or less than 1 mm, for example 0.5 mm. The gap may also be referred to as a grout.

[0132] The gap may be measured in a direction parallel to the horizontal direction H in FIG. 2.

[0133] The gap width may be uniform, or at least substantially uniform, along adjacent edges. By substantially uniform is intended within a tolerance being less than 20%, such as less than 10%, of the gap width.

[0134] The gap may be provided along two or more edges of each panel 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d.

[0135] The panels 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d of the set of panels 100 are provided with the positioning system 30, which will be described with references to FIGS. 6A-17.

[0136] FIGS. 3A-3D, 4A-4E, and 5 show examples of the mechanical locking system 40, 50, 60. The cross-sections of FIGS. 3A-3D, 4A-4E, and 5 may be along line A-A or B-B in FIG. 1. The same type of mechanical locking system may be used along all four edges 2, 3, 4, 5 of the panel 1, or a first type of mechanical locking system may be provided on a first pair of opposing edges 2, 4 of the panel 1, and a second type of mechanical locking system may be provided on a second pair of opposing edges 3, 5 of the panel 1. In one example, the mechanical locking system referred to as mechanical locking system 40 may be provided on a first pair of opposing edges 2, 4 of the panel 1, and the mechanical locking system referred to as mechanical locking system 50 may be provided on a second pair of opposing edges 3, 5 of the panel 1.

[0137] In the description below, reference will be made to a first, second, third and fourth edge 2, 3, 4, 5. However, the edge may be any edge of the panel 1. FIGS. 3A-3D, 4A-4E, 5, 6A-6B, 7A-7B, 8, and 9A-9B show a cross-section along line A-A or B-B in FIG. 1. The cross-section of the panels 1, 1 may be uniform along the edge of the panel 1, 1. FIGS. 3A-3D show a first example of a mechanical locking system 40 configured for joining an edge 2 of the panel 1 to an adjacent edge 4 of an adjacent panel 1. In the following, reference will be made to a first panel 1 and a second panel 1, forming a set of panels comprising the first panel 1 and the second panel 1. Each of the first panel 1 and/or the second panel 1 are of the type described above, described as the panel 1.

[0138] The first panel 1 and the second panel 1 are provided with the positioning system 30 will be described in more details with reference to FIGS. 6A-18.

[0139] FIG. 3A shows the first edge 2 of the first panel 1 and the third edge 4 of the second panel 1 provided with a mechanical locking system 40, and FIG. 3B-3D show the first edge 2 of the first panel 1 and the third edge 4 of the second panel 1 when being joined by the mechanical locking system 40.

[0140] The mechanical locking system 40 is formed, or at least substantially formed, in the carrier 20 of the panel 1. In the example of FIG. 3A-3D showing the set of panels 1, 1, the mechanical locking system 40 is formed in the carrier 20 of the first panel 1 and in the carrier 20 of the second panel 1.

[0141] The mechanical locking system 40 comprises a locking strip 41 of the first panel 1 configured to be received in a locking groove 42 of the second panel 1 for joining the first panel 1 to the second panel 1 in horizontal direction. The locking strip 41 is provided with a locking surface 41a configured to cooperate with a locking surface 42a of the locking groove 42 for locking the first panel 1 to the second panel 1 in a horizontal direction.

[0142] The mechanical locking system 40 further comprises a tongue 43 of the second panel 1 configured to be received in a tongue groove 44 of the first panel 1. The tongue 43 is provided with a locking surface 43a configured to cooperate with a locking surface 44a of the tongue groove 44a for locking the first panel 1 to the second panel 1 in a vertical direction.

[0143] The tongue groove 44 may be defined between an upper lip and a lower lip of the first panel 1. In one example, the upper lip comprises essentially material of the tile 10. The upper lip may be formed, or at least partially formed, in the tile 10.

[0144] When being joined to each other, as shown in FIGS. 3B, 3C and 3D, a joint surface 45 of the first panel 1 is configured to be in contact with a joint surface 46 of the second panel 1. When being joined, a vertical joint plane VP is formed by the joint surface 46 of the second panel 1, configured to cooperating with the joint surface 45 of the first panel 1.

[0145] The tile 10 of the first panel 1 has an edge surface 13 extending along the first edge 2 of the first panel 1. The tile 10 of the second panel 1 has an edge surface 14 extending along the third edge 4 of the second panel 1. As seen in cross-section as illustrated in FIGS. 3B-3D, the edge surface 13 of the tile 10 of the first panel 1 may be parallel to the edge surface 14 of the tile 10 of the second panel 1. The edge surface 13 of the tile 10 of the first panel 1 and/or the edge surface 14 of the tile 10 of the second panel 1 may extend in a direction substantially perpendicular to the second surface 12 of the tiles 10.

[0146] In the example illustrated in FIG. 3B, the edge surface 14 of the tile 10 of the second panel 1 is aligned with the joint surface 46, and thereby aligned with the vertical joint plane VP. The edge surface 13 of the tile 10 of the first panel 1 is arranged at a distance from the joint surface 45, and thereby a distance from the vertical joint plane VP, in the horizontal direction. A gap is thereby formed between the tile 10 of the first panel 1 and the tile 10 of the second panel 1 in the horizontal direction. The gap may be 0-10 mm, such as 1-10 mm, for example 2-6 mm, such as 2-4 mm. The gap may be equal to or less than 3 mm, such as equal or less than 1 mm, for example 0.5 mm. The gap may also be referred to as a grout.

[0147] The gap may be formed between the edge surface 13 of the tile 10 of the first panel 1 and the edge surface 14 of the tile 10 of the second, adjacent panel 1.

[0148] The gap, and consequently a gap width, may be measured from the edge surface 13 of the tile 10 of the first panel 1 to the edge surface 14 of the tile 10 of the second, adjacent panel 1 in a direction parallel to the horizontal direction H in FIG. 3B.

[0149] The gap width may be uniform, or at least substantially uniform, along adjacent edges. By substantially uniform is intended within a tolerance being less than 20%, such as less than 10%, of the gap width.

[0150] When not being filled, the carrier 20 may be visible in the gap.

[0151] In another example shown in FIG. 3C, the edge surface 13 of the tile 10 of the first panel 1 is aligned with the joint surface 46, and thereby aligned with the vertical joint plane VP. The edge surface 14 of the tile 10 of the second panel 1 is arranged at a distance from the joint surface 45, and thereby a distance from the vertical joint plane VP, in the horizontal direction. A gap is thereby formed between the tile 10 of the first panel 1 and the tile 10 of the second panel 1 in the horizontal direction. The gap may be 0-10 mm, such as 1-10 mm, for example 2-6 mm, such as 2-4 mm. The gap may be equal to or less than 3 mm, such as equal or less than 1 mm, for example 0.5 mm. The gap may also be referred to as a grout.

[0152] The gap may be formed between the edge surface 13 of the tile 10 of the first panel 1 and the edge surface 14 of the tile 10 of the second, adjacent panel 1.

[0153] The gap, and consequently a gap width, may be measured from the edge surface 13 of the tile 10 of the first panel 1 to the edge surface 14 of the tile 10 of the second, adjacent panel 1 in a direction parallel to the horizontal direction H in FIG. 3C.

[0154] The gap width may be uniform, or at least substantially uniform, along adjacent edges. By substantially uniform is intended within a tolerance being less than 20%, such as less than 10%, of the gap width.

[0155] When not being filled, the carrier 20 may be visible in the gap.

[0156] In all other aspects, the mechanical locking system 40, the first panel 1 and the second panel 1 correspond to the example described with reference to FIG. 3A-3B.

[0157] FIG. 3D shows an example wherein both the edge surface 13 of the tile 10 of the first panel 1 and the edge surface 14 of the tile 10 of the second panel 1 are arranged a distance from the joint surface 45, and thereby a distance from the vertical joint plane VP, in the horizontal direction. A gap is thereby formed between the tile 10 of the first panel 1 and the tile 10 of the second panel 1 in the horizontal direction. The gap may be 0-10 mm, such as 1-10 mm, for example 2-6 mm, such as 2-4 mm. The gap may be equal to or less than 3 mm, such as equal or less than 1 mm, for example 0.5 mm. The gap may also be referred to as a grout.

[0158] The gap may be formed between the edge surface 13 of the tile 10 of the first panel 1 and the edge surface 14 of the tile 10 of the second, adjacent panel 1.

[0159] The gap, and consequently a gap width, may be measured from the edge surface 13 of the tile 10 of the first panel 1 to the edge surface 14 of the tile 10 of the second, adjacent panel 1 in a direction parallel to the horizontal direction H in FIG. 3D.

[0160] The gap width may be uniform, or at least substantially uniform, along adjacent edges. By substantially uniform is intended within a tolerance being less than 20%, such as less than 10%, of the gap width.

[0161] When not being filled, the carrier 20 may be visible in the gap.

[0162] In all other aspects, the mechanical locking system 40, the first panel 1 and the second panel 1 correspond to the example described with reference to FIGS. 3A-3C.

[0163] The second panel 1 may be joined to the first panel 1 by angling. The mechanical locking system 40 shown in FIGS. 3A-3D may therefore be referred to as an angling locking system.

[0164] The positioning system 30 allows for correct positioning of the tile 10 in respect of the carrier 20 being provided with the mechanical locking system 40. If the gap is to narrow, it will not be possible to angle the second panel 1 for joining to the first panel 1. The edge 14 of the second panel 1 will be brought into contact with the edge 13 of the first panel 1 such that angling of the second panel 1 will be restricted. Further, the positioning system 30 provides that the tile 10 will be correctly positioned on the carrier 20 and in respect of the mechanical locking system 40 such that the distance between the tiles 10 is substantially equal along the edges of the panels 1, 1.

[0165] FIGS. 4A-4E shows a second example of a mechanical locking system 50 configured for joining a second edge 3 of the panel 1 to an adjacent, fourth edge 5 of an adjacent panel 1. In the following, reference will be made to a first panel 1 and a second panel 1, forming a set of panels comprising the first panel 1 and the second panel 1. Each of first panel 1 and/or the second panel 1 are of the type described above, referred to as the panel 1.

[0166] The first panel 1 and the second panel 1 are provided with the positioning system 30 will be described in more details with reference to FIGS. 6A-18.

[0167] FIG. 4A shows the second edge 3 of the first panel 1 and the fourth edge 5 of the second panel 1 provided with a mechanical locking system 40, and FIGS. 4B-4E shows the second edge 3 of the first panel 1 and the fourth edge 5 of the second panel 1 when being joined by the mechanical locking system 50.

[0168] The mechanical locking system 50 is formed, or at least substantially formed, in the carrier 20 of the panel 1. In the example of FIGS. 4A-4E showing the set of panels 1, 1, the mechanical locking system 50 is formed in the carrier 20 of the first panel 1 and in the carrier 20 of the second panel 1.

[0169] The mechanical locking system 50 comprises a locking strip 51 of the first panel 1 configured to be received in a locking groove 52 of the second panel 1 for joining the first panel 1 to the second panel 1 in horizontal direction. The locking strip 51 is provided with a locking surface 51a configured to cooperate with a locking surface 52a of the locking groove 52 for locking the first panel 1 to the second panel 1 in a horizontal direction H.

[0170] The mechanical locking system 50 further comprises a displaceable tongue 53 configured to be received in an insertion groove 54 of the first panel 1. The displaceable tongue 53 is displaceable to be received into in a tongue groove 55 of the second panel 1. During joining of the panels 1, 1 to each other by a vertical movement, the displaceable tongue 53 is displaced into the insertion groove 54 and thereafter springs back into its extended position into the tongue groove 55. Thereby, a locking surface 53a of the displaceable tongue 53 is cooperating with a locking surface 55a of the tongue groove 55 for joining the panels 1, 1 to each other in the vertical direction V.

[0171] The insertion groove 54 may be defined between an upper lip and a lower lip of the first panel 1. In one example, the upper lip comprises essentially material of the tile 10. The upper lip may be formed, or may be partially formed, in the tile 10.

[0172] When being joined to each other, as shown in FIGS. 4B-4E, a joint surface 56 of the first panel 1 is configured to be in contact with a joint surface 57 of the second panel 1. When being joined, a vertical joint plane VP is formed by the joint surface 57 of the second panel 1, configured to cooperating with the joint surface 56 of the first panel 1.

[0173] The tile 10 of the first panel 1 has an edge surface 15 extending along the second edge 3 of the first panel 1. The tile 10 of the second panel 1 has an edge surface 16 extending along the fourth edge 5 of the second panel 1.

[0174] As seen in cross-section as illustrated in FIGS. 4B-4D, the edge surface 15 of the tile 10 of the first panel 1 may be parallel to the edge surface 16 of the tile 10 of the second panel 1. The edge surface 15 of the tile 10 of the first panel 1 and/or the edge surface 16 of the tile 10 of the second panel 1 may extend in a direction substantially perpendicular to the second surface 12 of the tiles 10.

[0175] As illustrated in FIG. 4B, the edge surface 16 of the tile 10 of the second panel 1 is aligned with the joint surface 57, and thereby aligned with the vertical joint plane VP. The edge surface 15 of the tile 10 of the first panel 1 is arranged at a distance from the joint surface 56, and thereby a distance from the vertical joint plane VP, in the horizontal direction. A gap is thereby formed between the tile 10 of the first panel 1 and the tile 10 of the second panel 1 in the horizontal direction. The gap may be 0-10 mm, such as 1-10 mm, for example 2-6 mm, such as 2-4 mm. The gap may be equal to or less than 3 mm, such as equal or less than 1 mm, for example 0.5 mm. The gap may also be referred to as a grout.

[0176] The gap may be formed between the edge surface 15 of the tile 10 of the first panel 1 and the edge surface 16 of the tile 10 of the second, adjacent panel 1.

[0177] The gap, and consequently a gap width, may be measured from the edge surface 15 of the tile 10 of the first panel 1 to the edge surface 16 of the tile 10 of the second, adjacent panel 1 in a direction parallel to the horizontal direction H in FIG. 4B.

[0178] The gap width may be uniform, or at least substantially uniform, along adjacent edges. By substantially uniform is intended within a tolerance being less than 20%, such as less than 10%, of the gap width.

[0179] When not being filled, the carrier 20 may be visible in the gap.

[0180] In another example shown in FIG. 4C, the edge surface 15 of the tile 10 of the first panel 1 is aligned with the joint surface 46, and thereby aligned with the vertical joint plane VP. The edge surface 16 of the tile 10 of the second panel 1 is arranged at a distance from the joint surface 45, and thereby a distance from the vertical joint plane VP, in the horizontal direction. A gap is thereby formed between the tile 10 of the first panel 1 and the tile 10 of the second panel 1 in the horizontal direction. The gap may be 0-10 mm, such as 1-10 mm, for example 2-6 mm, such as 2-4 mm. The gap may be equal to or less than 3 mm, such as equal or less than 1 mm, for example 0.5 mm. The gap may also be referred to as a grout.

[0181] The gap may be formed between the edge surface 15 of the tile 10 of the first panel 1 and the edge surface 16 of the tile 10 of the second, adjacent panel 1.

[0182] The gap, and consequently a gap width, may be measured from the edge surface 15 of the tile 10 of the first panel 1 to the edge surface 16 of the tile 10 of the second, adjacent panel 1 in a direction parallel to the horizontal direction H in FIG. 4C.

[0183] The gap width may be uniform, or at least substantially uniform, along adjacent edges. By substantially uniform is intended within a tolerance being less than 20%, such as less than 10%, of the gap width.

[0184] In all other aspects, the mechanical locking system 40, the first panel 1 and the second panel 1 correspond to the example described with reference to FIGS. 4A-4B.

[0185] The gap may be formed between the edge surface 15 of the tile 10 of the first panel 1 and the edge surface 16 of the tile 10 of the second, adjacent panel 1.

[0186] When not being filled, the carrier 20 may be visible in the gap.

[0187] FIG. 4D shows an example wherein both the edge surface 15 of the tile 10 of the first panel and the edge surface 16 of the tile 10 of the second panel 1 are arranged a distance from the joint surface 45, and thereby a distance from the vertical joint plane VP, in the horizontal direction. A gap is thereby formed between the tile 10 of the first panel 1 and the tile 10 of the second panel 1 in the horizontal direction. The gap may be 0-10 mm, such as 1-10 mm, for example 2-6 mm, such as 2-4 mm. The gap may be equal to or less than 3 mm, such as equal or less than 1 mm, for example 0.5 mm. The gap may also be referred to as a grout. In all other aspects, the mechanical locking system 40, the first panel 1 and the second panel 1 correspond to the example described with reference to FIGS. 4A-4C.

[0188] The gap may be formed between the edge surface 15 of the tile 10 of the first panel 1 and the edge surface 16 of the tile 10 of the second, adjacent panel 1.

[0189] The gap, and consequently a gap width, may be measured from the edge surface 15 of the tile 10 of the first panel 1 to the edge surface 16 of the tile 10 of the second, adjacent panel 1 in a direction parallel to the horizontal direction H in FIG. 4D.

[0190] The gap width may be uniform, or at least substantially uniform, along adjacent edges. By substantially uniform is intended within a tolerance being less than 20%, such as less than 10%, of the gap width.

[0191] When not being filled, the carrier 20 may be visible in the gap.

[0192] In all other aspects, the mechanical locking system 40, the first panel 1 and the second panel 1 correspond to the example described with reference to FIGS. 4A-4B.

[0193] FIG. 4E shows an example wherein both the edge surface 15 of the tile 10 of the first panel 1 and the edge surface 16 of the tile 10 of the second panel 1 are substantially aligned with the joint surface 46, and thereby substantially aligned with the vertical joint plane VP. Thereby, no gap, or substantially no gap, is formed by thereby formed between the tile 10 of the first panel 1 and the tile 10 of the second panel 1 in the horizontal direction. A distance between the edge surface 15 of the tile 10 of the first panel 1 and the edge surface 16 of the tile 10 of the second panel 1 may be less than less than 1 mm, such as less than 0.5 mm.

[0194] The gap may be formed between the edge surface 15 of the tile 10 of the first panel 1 and the edge surface 16 of the tile 10 of the second, adjacent panel 1.

[0195] When not being filled, the carrier 20 may be visible in the gap.

[0196] In all other aspects, the mechanical locking system 40, the first panel 1 and the second panel 1 correspond to the example described with reference to FIGS. 4A-4B.

[0197] The second panel 1 may be joined to the first panel 1 by vertical, folding movement. The mechanical locking system 50 shown in FIGS. 4A-4E may therefore be referred to as a fold-down locking system.

[0198] The positioning system 30 allows for correct positioning of the tile 10 in respect of the carrier 20 being provided with the mechanical locking system 50. The positioning system 30 provides that the tile 10 will be correctly positioned on the carrier 20 and in respect of the mechanical locking system 50 such that the distance between the panels 1, 1 is substantially equal along the edges of the panels 1, 1.

[0199] FIG. 5 shows a third example of a mechanical locking system 60 configured for joining an edge 2 of the panel 1 to an adjacent edge 4 of an adjacent panel 1. In the following, reference will be made to a first panel 1 and a second panel 1. Each of the first panel 1 and the second panel 1 are of the type described above with reference to the panel 1.

[0200] The mechanical locking system 60 may be of the type described in WO2019240656A1. The mechanical locking system 60 comprises a connecting device 61 comprising a first connecting element 62 and a second connecting element 63. The first connecting element 62 is configured to cooperate with the first panel 1 and the second panel 1 for horizontally connecting the first panel 1 and the second panel 1. The second connecting element 63 is configured to cooperate with the first connecting element 62 for vertically connecting the first panel 1 and the second panel 1.

[0201] The first connecting element 62 is configured to be received in a groove 64 of the first panel 1 and in a groove 65 of the second panel 1. The first connecting element 62 is provided with a first locking surface 62a, configured to cooperate with a locking surface 64a of the groove 64 of the first panel 1, and a second locking surface 62b, configured to cooperate with a locking surface 65a of the groove 65 of the second panel 1, for joining the panels 1, 1 to each other in the horizontal direction. The groove 64 and the groove 65 may extend into the carrier 20 from the first surface 21 of the carrier 20.

[0202] The first connecting element 62 is connected to, such as being removably connected, to the second connecting element 63. The locking may be a snap-fit connection. The second connecting element 63 may be provided with two protrusion 69 configured to receive a locking portion 68 of the first connecting element 62. The second connecting element 63 is arranged between adjacent edges of the first panel 1 and the second panel 1. The first panel 1 is provided with a recess 66 in the carrier 20 and the second panel 1 is provided with a recess 67 in the carrier 20. The locking portion 68 of the second connecting element 63 is configured to be received in the recess 66 of the first panel 1 and in the recess 67 of the second panel 1.

[0203] The second connecting element 63 is positioned in the gap between an edge surface of the tile of the first panel 1 and an edge surface of the tile of the second panel 1.

[0204] The positioning system 30 allows for correct positioning of the tile 10 in respect of the carrier 20 being provided with the mechanical locking system 60. The positioning system 30 provides that the tile 10 will be correctly positioned on the carrier 20 and in respect of the mechanical locking system 50 such that the distance between the panels 1, 1 is substantially equal along the edges of the panels 1, 1. Thereby, it can be more accurately ensured that the first connecting element 62 and the second connecting element 63 can be correctly positioned in the grooves 64, 65 and in the recesses 66, 67 of the first panel 1 and the second panel 1. As a result, a gap formed between the tiles 10 of adjacent panels can be more uniform and consistent. Moreover, the risk of varied distance between the panels, and/or interference between adjacent panels, can be reduced.

[0205] In the description above, reference has been made to a first, second, third and fourth edge. However, the edge may be any edge of the panel 1.

[0206] FIGS. 6A-6B, 7A-7B, 8, and 9A-9B which now will be described show a cross-section of the panel 1 along line A-A or B-B in FIG. 1.

[0207] FIGS. 6A-6B shows examples of a positioning system 30 comprising at least one recess 32 and at least one positioning member 31 in form of protrusion 33 configured to be received in the at least one recess 32. In the examples of FIGS. 6A-6B, the at least one recess 32 is formed in the first surface 11 of the tile, and the at least one protrusion 33 is formed in the second surface 22 of the carrier 20. The at least one protrusion 33 is protruding from the second surface 22 of the carrier 20. The at least one recess 32 extends into the tile 20 from the first surface 11 of the tile 10.

[0208] In the example of FIG. 6A, the positioning system 30 comprises a first recess 32 configured to receive a first protrusion 33 and a second recess 32 configured to receive a second protrusion 33.

[0209] In the example shown in FIG. 6B, the positioning system 30 comprises the recess 32 and the protrusion 33 configured to be received in the recess 32. The positioning system 30 may consist of the recess 32 and the protrusion 33 configured to be received in the recess 32.

[0210] The at least one recess 32 and the at least one protrusion 33 may have an extension in a first direction, such as in a length direction. The at least one recess 32 and the at least one protrusion 33 may have an extension in a direction parallel to a plane formed by the second surface 12 of the tile 10. The extension in the first direction may be substantially parallel to an edge of the panel 1. The at least one recess 32 and the at least one protrusion 33 may extend from a first end of the panel 1 to a second end of the panel, opposed the first end. The at least one recess 32 and the at least one protrusion 33 may extend to the edge of the panel 1, or may be arranged at a distance from the edge of the panel 1.

[0211] In one example, the at least one recess 32 and the at least one protrusion 33 have a limited extension in a length direction.

[0212] The protrusion 33 may have a shape of semi-sphere extending from the second surface 22 of the carrier 20. The recess 32 may have corresponding shape of a semi-sphere extending into the first surface 11 of the tile 11.

[0213] Other complementary geometrical shapes for the recess 32 and the protrusion 33 are within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0214] The at least one recess 32 may be formed by machining the first surface 11 of the tile 10 such that the at least one recess 32 is formed.

[0215] The at least one positioning member 31, such as the at least one protrusion 33, may be formed by machining the second surface 22 of the carrier 20 such that the at least one protrusion 33 is formed. The at least one positioning member 31, such as the at least one protrusion 33, may be formed by adhering a separate member to the second surface 22 of the carrier 20, which will form the at least one positioning member 31.

[0216] FIGS. 7A-7B show further examples of the positioning system 30 comprising at least one recess 32 and the at least one positioning member in form of at least one protrusion 33 configured to be received in the at least one recess 32. In the examples of FIGS. 7A-7B, the at least one protrusion 33 is formed in the first surface 11 of the tile, and the at recess 32 is formed in the second surface 22 of the carrier 20. The at least one protrusion 33 is protruding from the first surface 11 of the tile 10. The at least one recess 32 extends into the carrier 20 from the second surface 22 of the carrier 20.

[0217] In the example of FIG. 7A, the positioning system 30 comprises a first recess 32 configured to receive a first protrusion 33 and a second recess 32 configured to receive a second protrusion 33.

[0218] In the example shown in FIG. 7B, the positioning system 30 comprises the recess 32 and the protrusion 33 configured to be received in the recess 32. The positioning system 30 may consist of the recess 32 and the protrusion 33 configured to be received in the recess 32.

[0219] The at least one recess 32 and the at least one protrusion 33 may have an extension in a first direction, such as in a length direction. The at least one recess 32 and the at least one protrusion 33 may have an extension in a direction parallel to a plane formed by the second surface 22 of the tile 10. The extension in the first direction may be substantially parallel to an edge of the panel 1. The at least one recess 32 and the at least one protrusion 33 may extend from a first end of the panel 1 to a second end of the panel, opposed the first end. The at least one recess 32 and the at least one protrusion 33 may extend to the edge of the panel 1, or may be arranged at a distance from the edge of the panel 1.

[0220] In one example, the at least one recess 32 and the at least one protrusion 33 have a limited extension in a length direction. The protrusion 33 may have a shape of semi-sphere extending from the first surface 11 of the carrier 10. The recess 32 may have corresponding shape of a semi-sphere extending into the second surface 22 of the tile 10.

[0221] The at least one recess 32 may be formed by machining the first surface 11 of the tile 10 such that the at least one recess 32 is formed.

[0222] The at least one positioning member 31, such as the at least one protrusion 33, may be formed by machining the second surface 22 of the carrier 20 such that the at least one protrusion 33 is formed. The at least one positioning member 31, such as the at least one protrusion 33, may be formed by adhering a separate member to the second surface 22 of the carrier 20, which will form the at least one positioning member 31.

[0223] In one example shown in FIG. 8, the positioning system 30 comprises a first recess 32 provided in the first surface 11 of the tile 10, configured to receive a first protrusion 33 protruding from the second surface 22 of the carrier 20, and a second recess 32 provided in the second surface 22 of the carrier 20, configured to receive a second protrusion 33 protruding from the first surface 11 of the tile 10.

[0224] FIGS. 9A-9B show further examples of the positioning system 30. The positioning system 30 comprises at least one recess 32 provided in the first surface 11 of the tile 10 and at least one recess 34 provided in the second surface 22 of the carrier 20. The at least one recesses 32, 34 are extending into the carrier 20 from the second surface 22 of the carrier 20, and into the tile 10 form the first surface 11 of the tile 10, respectively. The recesses 32, 34 are configured to receive the positioning member 31 in form of a separate positioning part 35. The separate positioning part 35 may be in form of a ball or a rod. The ball may have a spherical shape. The rod may have a circular cross-section.

[0225] The recesses 32 may together define a hole configured to receive the positioning member 31 in form of the ball or rod.

[0226] Other complementary geometrical shapes for the recesses 32, 34 and the positioning member 31 are within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0227] In the example of FIG. 9A the positioning system 30 comprises a first recess 32 and a second recess 32 provided in the first surface 11 of the tile 10. The positioning system 30 further comprises a third recess 32 and a fourth recess 32 provided in the second surface 22 of the carrier 20. The first recess 32 and the third recess 32 are configured to receive a first separate positioning part 35. The second recess 32 and the fourth recess 34 are configured to receive a second separate positioning part 35.

[0228] In the example shown in FIG. 9B, the positioning system 30 comprises the recesses 32 configured to receive the positioning member 31 in form of the separate positioning part 35. The positioning system 30 may consist of the recesses 32 and the positioning member 31 in form of the separate positioning part 35. The recesses 32 are formed in the first surface 11 of the tile 10 and the second surface 22 of the carrier 20.

[0229] For the examples shown in FIGS. 6A-6B, 7A-7B, 8, 9A-9B, the at least one recess 32 may have an extension in a first direction, such as in a length direction. The at least one recess 32 and the at least one protrusion 33 may have an extension in a direction parallel to a plane formed by the second surface 12 of the tile 10.

[0230] The extension in the first direction may be substantially parallel to an edge of the panel 1. The at least one recess 32, 34 may extend from a first end of the panel 1 to a second end of the panel, opposed the first end. The at least one recess 32, 34 may extend to the edge of the panel 1, or may be arranged at a distance from the edge of the panel 1. The corresponding separate positioning part 35 may be a rod. The rod may have a length corresponding to extension of the at least one recess 32, 34 in the first direction, or have a length being less than or exceeding the extension the at least one recess 32, 34 in the first direction.

[0231] In one example, the at least one recess 32, 34 has a limited extension in a length direction. The at least one recess 32, 34 may have a shape of semi-sphere extending into the first surface 11 of the carrier 10 and into the second surface 20 of the carrier 20. The separate positioning part 35 may be a ball configured to be received in the at least one recess 32, 34. The ball may have a diameter corresponding to a diameter of the semi-spherical shape.

[0232] FIG. 10 shows an example of the panel 1 provided with an example of the positioning system 30 wherein the at least one recess 32 and the at least one positioning member 31 in form of the at least one protrusion has an extension from one edge of the panel to an opposing edge of the panel 1. The at least one recess 32 each has/have an extension in a direction being substantially parallel to an edge of the panel 1.

[0233] In the example shown in FIG. 10 the positioning system 30 comprises a first and second recess 32, each extending from the first edge 2 to the third edge 4, opposing the first edge 2. The first and the second recesses 32 may be extending in directions parallel, or substantially parallel. The first and the second recesses may be extending in directions being parallel, or substantially parallel, to the second edge 3 and/or the fourth edge 5. A third and a fourth recess 32 are provided, each extending from the second edge 3 to the fourth edge 5, opposing the second edge. The third and the fourth recesses 32 may be extending in directions parallel, or substantially parallel. The third and the fourth recesses 32 may be extending in directions being parallel, or substantially parallel, to the first edge 2 and/or the third edge 4.

[0234] Corresponding positioning members 31 in form of the projections 33 configured to be received in the recesses 32. A first and a second projection 33 are extending from the first edge 2 to the third edge 4, opposing the first edge 2. A third and a fourth projections 33 are extending from the second edge 3 to the fourth edge 5, opposing the second edge 3.

[0235] In the example shown in FIG. 10, the recesses 32 are extending into the first surface 11 of the tile 10 from the first surface 11 of the tile 10. The protrusions 33 are formed in the second surface 22 of the carrier 20 and protruding from in the second surface 22 of the carrier 20.

[0236] In the example shown in FIG. 10, the carrier 20 has an extension exceeding an extension of the tile 10 along at least one edge 2 of the panel 1. In the example shown in FIG. 10, the protrusions 33 are aligned with the edges of the tile 10. In another example (not shown), at least one of the protrusions 33 extends from an edge surface of the tile 10. In such example, the protruding part of the protrusion 33 may be configured to position an adjacent panel 1, such that the protruding part of the protrusion is received in a recess of the adjacent panel 1.

[0237] The panel 1 shown in FIG. 10 has a corresponding cross-section as shown in FIG. 6A. In an alternative to the panel 1 shown FIG. 10, the panel 1 may as well have a cross-section as shown in FIG. 7A, i.e., that the tile 10 is provided with the positioning members 31 in form of the protrusions 33 and the carrier 20 is provided with the recesses 32, as described above with reference to FIG. 7A. In an alternative, the panel 1 may as well have a cross-section as shown in FIG. 8.

[0238] In a further alternative to the example shown in FIG. 10, the panel 1 may as well have a cross-section as shown in FIG. 9A, i.e., that both the tile 10 and the carrier 20 are provided with the recesses 32 and the positioning members 31 are provided in form of the rods 35.

[0239] FIG. 11 shows an example of the panel 1 wherein the positioning system 30 comprises the positioning member 31 in form of a first and a second ball 35 received in a hole formed by the recesses 32 provided in the tile 10 and the carrier 20, corresponding to the example of FIG. 9B. In another example, a single positioning member 31 in form of a single ball 35 received in the recesses 32 is provided.

[0240] The recess 32 and the corresponding positioning member 31 may have different shapes, wherein some exemplary shapes will be described below with reference to FIGS. 12A-12B, 13A-13B, 14A-14B, 15A-15B, and 16A-16B.

[0241] However, other complementary geometrical shapes are within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0242] The cross-section of the positioning member 31 and the corresponding recess 32 may have a uniform shape along its length extension, as shown in among other FIGS. 10 and 11. In other examples, the cross-section the positioning member 31 and the corresponding recess 32 may have non-uniform along its length extension, such as a varying cross-section. For example, a width of the positioning member 31 and the corresponding recess 32 may be reduced adjacent to the edges of the panel 1. In case of semi-circular shape of the recess 32, a radius of the semi-circular shape may be reduced with the distance from a centre of the panel, closer to the edges of the panel 1.

[0243] The positioning member 31 and the corresponding recess 32 may extend to the edge 2, 3, 4, 5 of the panel 1, as shown in FIG. 10. In other examples, the positioning member 31 and the corresponding recess 32 may have an extension in a length direction being less than a distance between opposing edges 2, 3, 4, 5.

[0244] FIGS. 12A-12B shows a semi-circular cross-section of the positioning member 31 in form of the projection 33 and the corresponding recess 32. In FIG. 12A, the projection 33 is provided on the tile 10 and the recess 32 is formed in the carrier 20. In FIG. 12B, the projection 33 is provided on the carrier 20 and the recess 32 is formed in the tile 10.

[0245] FIGS. 13A-13B shows a triangular cross-section of the positioning member 31 in form of the projection 33 and the corresponding recess 32. In FIG. 13A, the projection 33 is provided on the tile 10 and the recess 32 is formed in the carrier 20. In FIG. 13B, the projection 33 is provided on the carrier 20 and the recess 32 is formed in the tile 10.

[0246] FIGS. 14A-14B shows a concave/convex cross-section of the positioning member 31 in form of the projection 33 and the corresponding recess 32. In FIG. 14A, the projection 33 is provided on the tile 10 and the recess 32 is formed in the carrier 20. The projection 33 has concave surfaces and the recess 32 has convex surfaces. In FIG. 14B, the projection 33 is provided on the carrier 20 and the recess 32 is formed in the tile 10. The projection 33 has concave surfaces and the recess 32 has convex surfaces.

[0247] FIGS. 15A-15B shows a rectangular cross-section of the positioning member 31 in form of the projection 33 and the corresponding recess 32. In FIG. 15A, the projection 33 is provided on the tile 10 and the recess 32 is formed in the carrier 20. In FIG. 15B, the projection 33 is provided on the carrier 20 and the recess 32 is formed in the tile 10.

[0248] FIGS. 16A-16B shows a chamfered, rectangular cross-section of the positioning member 31 in form of the projection 33 and the corresponding recess 32. Edges of the rectangular shape is provided with chamfers. In FIG. 16A, the projection 33 is provided on the tile 10 and the recess 32 is formed in the carrier 20. In FIG. 16B, the projection 33 is provided on the carrier 20 and the recess 32 is formed in the tile 10.

[0249] FIGS. 17-18 shows a set of panels 100 provided with that edge members 38. The edge members 38 may be positioned in the recesses 32 to position adjacent panels 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d to each other. The panels 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d shown in FIGS. 17-18 are provided with the recesses 32 having a length being substantially equal to the length of the edge, thereby extending to one edge of the panel to the opposing edges. Further, the carrier 20 has an area exceeding an area of the tile 10, such as the carrier 20 protrudes from the edge of the tile 10. The recess 32 is provided at least in the protruding part of the carrier 20. The edge member 38 is configured to be received at least in the part of the recess 32 formed in the protruding part of the carrier 20. In one example, the edge member 38 is in form of the positioning member 31 in form of the separate positioning part 35, such as the ball or the rod, descried above with reference to FIGS. 9A-9B.

[0250] Each of the panels 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d may be of the type above described with reference the panel 1, for example with reference to FIG. 1.

[0251] The edge member 38 extends between adjacent panels 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, such as the adjacent panels 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d are correctly positioned in relation to each other. The edge member 38 is configured to be received in the recess 32 of one of the panels and to be received in the recess 32 of the adjacent panel.

[0252] The edge members 38 may be used to form a four-way intersection as shown in FIG. 17. In the example shown in FIG. 18, the edge members 38 are used to form an offset pattern. An offset pattern is shown in FIG. 18, wherein the offset is half the width or length of the panel. In other examples the pattern may a one-third offset pattern, a 14 offset pattern, or other ratios of the edge length. The edge member 38 and corresponding recess 32 may be positioned at any position along the edge of the panel.

[0253] FIG. 19 shows an example of the panel 1 wherein the tile 10 is positioned in a support layer 70. The tile 10 may be positioned on a second surface 72 of the support layer 70. The support layer 70 may encapsulate the tile 10 along edges of tile 10, as shown in the cross-section of FIG. 18. The support layer 70 may form a tray for the tile 10. The support layer 70 is positioned on the second surface 22 of the carrier 20. The positioning system 30 is positioned between the support layer 70 and the carrier 20, such as between the first surface 71 of the support layer 70 and the second surface 22 of the carrier 20. In this example, the positioning system 30 may be of the type described above, with the only difference that the parts of the positioning system 30 previously formed in the first surface 11 of the tile 10 instead is formed in the first surface 71 of the support layer 70.

[0254] A method to produce panels provided with the positioning system 30 will now be described.

[0255] The positioning system 30 may be any of the above described positioning systems 30.

[0256] The panel 1 may be of the type described above.

[0257] The positioning system 30 may be formed during, or in close proximity to, when forming of the tile 10 and/or the carrier 20. For example, the positioning system 30 may be formed prior or after machining the mechanical locking system 40, 50, 60.

[0258] The positioning system 30 may be formed when forming the tile 10. For example, the at least one recess 32 may be formed during the manufacturing process of the tile 10.

[0259] The positioning member 31 may be provided as a separate part which may be adhered to the tile 10 and/or the carrier 20.

[0260] The part of the positioning system 30 provided on the tile 10 may be used as a positioning system when trimming edges of the tile 10 prior to adhering the tile 10 to the carrier 20. The tile 10 may be positioned in the cutting device by arranging the positioning member 31 and/or the recess 32 in a corresponding member of the cutting device. When trimming the edges of the tile 10, the size of the tile 10 is calibrated to the desired shape and size, for example by laser cutting.

[0261] The positioning system 30 may form a reference point for trimming the edges the tile 10.

[0262] Thereby, a correct distance is obtained from the reference point, in form of the positioning system 30, to the edge of the tile 10. By trimming the edges with the positioning system 30 as the reference point, it can be more accurately ensured that the dimension of the tile is correct and that the tile is correctly positioned and aligned on the carrier.

[0263] The at least one projection 33 and/or the at least one recess 32 of the carrier 20 may be formed in the carrier 20 when the mechanical locking system 40, 50, 60 is machined in the carrier 20.

[0264] An adhesive may be applied on the first surface 11 of the tile 10 and/or the second surface 22 of the carrier 20.

[0265] The tile 10 is thereafter positioned on the carrier 20 by the positioning system 30, positioning the tile 10 on the carrier 20 such that the positioning member 31 is arranged in the at least one recess 32.

[0266] Since the tile 10 is positioned on the carrier 20 by the positioning system 30, the panel 1 thereby formed can be moved with risking, or at least with reduced risk of, displacement of the tile 10 on the carrier 20. Therefore, the panel 1 can be moved before the adhesive has completely cured and/or dried.

[0267] Thereby, a slow-setting adhesive may be used. The adhesive may be a slow-setting adhesive. The slow-setting adhesive may have an opening time from 1 minute, for example, from 5 minutes or from 15 minutes, to several hours.

[0268] The method may include the following steps: [0269] providing the tile 10; [0270] providing the carrier 20; [0271] providing the positioning system 30 in the tile 10 and in the carrier 20; [0272] optionally, trimming edges of the tile 10 by using the positioning system 30 as a reference when trimming the edges of the tile 10; [0273] optionally, forming a mechanical locking system 40, 50, 60 along at least one edge of the panel 1, for example along at least one edge of the carrier 20; [0274] applying an adhesive on the first surface 11 of the tile 10 and/or the second surface 22 of the carrier 20; [0275] arranging the tile 10 on the second surface 22 of the carrier 20, wherein the first surface 11 of the tile 10 is positioned on the second surface 22 of the carrier 20; [0276] positioning the tile 10 on the second surface 22 of the carrier 20 by arranging the at least one positioning member 31 in the at least one recess 32 of the positioning system 30; [0277] adhering the first surface 11 of the tile 10 to the second surface 22 of the carrier 20 by the adhesive; [0278] optionally, arranging the panel 1 in a stack of panels 1.
Item section:

[0279] 1. A panel (1) comprising: [0280] a carrier (20) having a first surface (21) and a second surface (22), and [0281] a tile (10) comprising a ceramic layer or a stone layer, the tile being positioned on and adhered to the carrier (20) by an adhesive and having a first surface (11) and a second surface (12), wherein the first surface (11) of the tile (10) is arranged on the second surface (22) of the carrier (20), [0282] wherein the panel (1) is provided with a mechanical locking system (40; 50; 60) for joining the panel (1) to an adjacent panel (1) along at least one edge of the panel (1), [0283] further comprising a positioning system (30) configured to position the tile (10) on the carrier (20), the positioning system (30) being arranged on the first surface (11) of the tile (10) and on the second surface (22) of the carrier (20), the positioning system (30) comprising at least one positioning member (31) and at least one recess (32) configured to receive the at least one positioning member (31).

[0284] 2. The panel according to item 1, wherein at least one of the first surface (11) of the tile (10) and the second surface (22) of the carrier (20) is provided with the at least one recess (32).

[0285] 3. The panel according to item 1 or 2, wherein the second surface (22) of the carrier (20) comprises the at least one recess (32).

[0286] 4. The panel according to item 1 or 2, wherein the at least one positioning member (31) comprises at least one protrusion (33) configured to be received in the at least one recess (32), wherein the at least one protrusion (33) is arranged on at least one of the first surface (11) of the tile (10) and the second surface (22) of the carrier (20).

[0287] 5. The panel according to item 4, wherein the first surface (11) of the tile (10) comprises the at least one protrusion (33).

[0288] 6. The panel according to any one of items 1-3, wherein the positioning member (31) comprises a separate positioning part (35) configured to be received in the at least on recess (32).

[0289] 7. The panel according to item 6, wherein the positioning member (31) comprises a rod positioned in the at least one recess (32).

[0290] 8. The panel according to item 7, wherein the rod extends beyond at least one edge of the panel (1).

[0291] 9. The panel according to any one of the preceding items, where said at least one recess (32) has an extension in a plane parallel to a plane formed by the first surface (11) of the tile (10) or the second surface (22) of the carrier (20).

[0292] 10. The panel according to item 9, wherein said at least one recess (32) has an extension in a direction substantially parallel to an edge of the panel (1).

[0293] 11. The panel according to any one of the preceding items, wherein the tile (20) is positioned within a planar extension of the carrier (20).

[0294] 12. The panel according to any one of the preceding items, wherein the at least one recess (32) and/or the at least one positioning member (31) is formed in the ceramic layer or in the stone layer of the tile (10).

[0295] 13. The panel according to any one of the preceding items, wherein the tile (10) consists of the ceramic layer or the stone layer.

[0296] 14. The panel according to any one of items 1-11, wherein the tile (10) further comprising a support layer (70) onto which the ceramic layer or the stone layer is arranged, and wherein the at least one recess (32) and/or the at least one positioning member (31) is formed in the support layer (70).

[0297] 15. The panel according to any one of the preceding items, wherein the carrier (20) comprises a wood-based material, a polymer based material, or an inorganic material.

[0298] 16. The panel according to any one of the preceding items, wherein the mechanical locking system (40; 50; 60) is configured to join the panel (1) to an adjacent panel (1) along at least one edge by vertical displacement.

[0299] 17. The panel according to any one of the preceding items, wherein the mechanical locking system (40; 50; 60) is configured to join the panel (1) to an adjacent panel (1) along at least one edge by angling.

[0300] 18. The panel according to any one of the preceding items, wherein the mechanical locking system (40; 50; 60) comprises a locking strip (41; 51) arranged in a locking groove (42; 52) of the carrier (20) along at least one edge of the carrier (20).

[0301] 19. Method to produce a panel (1) comprising a carrier (20), a tile (10) comprising a ceramic layer or a stone layer, the method comprising: [0302] forming a mechanical locking system (40; 50; 60) along at least one edge of the panel (1), [0303] providing a positioning system (30) comprising at least one positioning member (31) and at least one recess (32) configured to receive the at least one positioning member (31), wherein the at least one recess (31) is formed in at least one of a first surface (11) of the tile (10) and a second surface (22) of the carrier (20), [0304] arranging the tile (10) on the second surface (22) of the carrier (20), wherein the first surface (11) of the tile (10) is positioned on the second surface (22) of the carrier (20), [0305] positioning the tile (10) on the second surface (22) of the carrier (20) by arranging the at least one positioning member (31) in the at least one recess (32), [0306] adhering the first surface (11) of the tile (10) to the second surface (22) of the carrier (20) by an adhesive.

[0307] 20. The method according to item 19, further comprising, prior to arranging the tile (10) on the carrier (20), [0308] trimming edges of the tile (10), wherein the positioning system (30) formed in the first surface (11) of the tile (11) forming a reference point for trimming the edges the tile (10).

[0309] 21. The method according to item 19 or 20, wherein providing the positioning system (30) comprising [0310] forming at least one recess (32) in at least one of the first surface (11) of the tile (10) and the second surface (22) of the carrier (20), and [0311] forming the positioning member (31) by forming a protrusion (33) in at least one of the first surface (11) of the tile (10) and the second surface (22) of the carrier.

[0312] 22. The method according to item 19 or 20, wherein providing the positioning system (30) comprising forming the at least one recess (32) in the first surface (11) of the tile (10) and in the second surface (22) of the carrier (20), [0313] providing the positioning member (31) in form of a separate positioning part (35), and [0314] arranging the separate positioning part (35) in the at least one recess (32) of the first surface (11) of the tile (10) and of the second surface (22) of the carrier (20).

[0315] 23. The method according to any one of items 19-22, wherein the at least one recess (32) and/or the positioning member (31) is formed in the second surface (22) of the carrier (20) when forming the mechanical locking system (40; 50; 60).

[0316] 24. The method according to any one of items 19-23, wherein the positioning member (31) is formed in the first surface (11) of the tile (10) when the tile (10) is produced.

[0317] 25. The method according to any one of items 19-24, wherein the at least one recess (32) and/or the at least one positioning member (31) is formed in the ceramic layer or the stone layer of the tile (10).

[0318] 26. The method according to any one of items 19-24, further comprising arranging the ceramic layer or the stone layer on a support layer (70) of the tile (10), wherein the at least one recess (32) and/or the at least one positioning member (31) is formed in the support layer (70).

[0319] 27. The method according to any one of items 19-26, further comprising, prior to the adhesive has completely cured and/or dried, arranging the panel (1) in a stack formed of a plurality of panels (1).

[0320] 28. A set of panels (100) comprising at least a first panel (1) and a second panel (1), wherein each panel (1, 1) comprises: [0321] a carrier (20) having a first surface (21) and a second surface (22), and [0322] a tile (10) comprising, e.g., a ceramic layer or a stone layer, the tile being positioned on and adhered to the carrier (20) by an adhesive and having a first surface (11) and a second surface (12) opposite the first surface (11), wherein the first surface (11) of the tile (10) is arranged on the second surface (22) of the carrier (20), [0323] a positioning system (30) configured to position the tile (10) on the carrier (20), the positioning system (30) being arranged on the first surface (11) of the tile (10) and on the second surface (22) of the carrier (20), the positioning system (30) comprising at least one positioning member (31) and at least one recess (32) configured to receive the at least one positioning member (31); [0324] wherein each panel (1, 1) is provided with a mechanical locking system (40; 50; 60) for joining the first panel (1) to an adjacent, second panel (1) along an edge (3) of the first panel (1), and [0325] the set of panels being configured such that, when the first panel (1) is joined to the second panel (1) by the mechanical locking system (40; 50; 60), a gap is arranged between an edge surface (13; 15) of a tile (10) of the first panel (1) and an adjacent edge surface (14; 16) of a tile (10) of the second panel (1) along the edge (2) of the first panel (1).

[0326] 29. The set of panels according to item 28, wherein at least one of the first surface (11) of the tile (10) and the second surface (22) of the carrier (20) are provided with the at least one recess (32).

[0327] 30. The set of panels according to item 28 or 29, wherein the second surface (22) of the carrier (20) comprises the at least one recess (32).

[0328] 31. The set of panels according to item 28 or 29, wherein the at least one positioning member (31) comprises at least one protrusion (33) configured to be received in the at least one recess (32), wherein the at least one protrusion (33) is arranged on at least one of the first surface (11) of the tile (10) and the second surface (22) of the carrier (20).

[0329] 32. The set of panels according to item 31, wherein the first surface (11) of the tile (10) comprises the at least one protrusion (33).

[0330] 33. The set of panels according to any one of items 28-30, wherein the positioning member (31) comprises a separate positioning part (35) configured to be received in the at least on recess (32) of the first surface (11) of the tile (10) and in at least one recess (32) of the second surface (22) of the carrier (20).

[0331] 34. The set of panels according to item 33, wherein the positioning member (31) comprises a rod positioned in the at least one recess (32).

[0332] 35. The set of panels according to item 34, wherein the rod extends beyond at least one edge of first panel (1) and/or the second panel (1).

[0333] 36. The set of panels according to any one of items 28-35, where said at least one recess (32) has an extension in a plane parallel to a plane formed by the first surface (11) of the tile (10) or the second surface (22) of the carrier (20).

[0334] 37. The set of panels according to item 36, wherein said at least one recess (32) has an extension in a direction substantially parallel to an edge of the first panel (1) and/or the second panel (1).

[0335] 38. The set of panels according to any one of items 28-37, wherein the tile (20) is positioned within a planar extension of the carrier (20).

[0336] 39. The set of panels according to any one of items 28-38, wherein the at least one recess (32) and/or the at least one positioning member (31) is formed in the ceramic layer or in the stone layer of the tile (10).

[0337] 40. The set of panels according to any one of the items 28-39, wherein the tile (10) consists of the ceramic layer or the stone layer.

[0338] 41. The set of panels according to any one of items 28-38, wherein the tile (10) further comprises a support layer (70) onto which the ceramic layer or the stone layer is arranged, and wherein the at least one recess (32) and/or the at least one positioning member (31) is formed in the support layer (70).

[0339] 42. The set of panels according to any one of items 28-41, wherein the carrier (20) comprises a wood-based material, a polymer based material, or an inorganic material.

[0340] 43. The set of panels according to any one of items 28-42, wherein the mechanical locking system (40; 50; 60) is configured to join the first panel (1) to the adjacent, second panel (1) along at least one edge by vertical displacement.

[0341] 44. The set of panels according to any one of items 28-43, wherein the mechanical locking system (40; 50; 60) is configured to join the first panel (1) to the adjacent, second panel (1) along at least one edge by angling.

[0342] 45. The set of panels according to any one of items 28-44, wherein the mechanical locking system (40; 50; 60) comprises a locking strip (41; 51) arranged in a locking groove (42; 52) of the carrier (20) along at least one edge of the carrier (20).

[0343] 46. The set of panels according to any one of items 28-45, wherein the gap between adjacent edges of the first and second panel (1, 1) has a substantially uniform width along the adjacent edges.

[0344] 47. The set of panels according to any one of items 28-46, wherein the gap has a width, in a direction perpendicular to the extension of the edge, of 1-10 mm, such as 2-6 mm, or such as 2-4 mm.

[0345] 48. Method to produce a panel (1) comprising a carrier (20) and a tile (10), e.g., comprising a ceramic layer or a stone layer, the method comprising: [0346] forming a mechanical locking system (40; 50;60) along at least one edge of the panel (1), [0347] providing a positioning system (30) comprising at least one positioning member (31) and at least one recess (32) configured to receive the at least one positioning member (31), wherein the at least one recess (31) is formed in at least one of a first surface (11) of the tile (10) and a second surface (22) of the carrier (20), [0348] trimming edges of the tile (10), wherein the positioning system (30) formed in the first surface (11) of the tile (11) forms a reference point for trimming the edges the tile (10), [0349] arranging the tile (10) on the second surface (22) of the carrier (20), wherein the first surface (11) of the tile (10) is positioned on the second surface (22) of the carrier (20), [0350] positioning the tile (10) on the second surface (22) of the carrier (20) by arranging the at least one positioning member (31) in the at least one recess (32), [0351] adhering the first surface (11) of the tile (10) to the second surface (22) of the carrier (20) by an adhesive.

[0352] 49. The method according to item 47, wherein the edges of the tile (10) are trimmed prior to arranging the tile (10) on the carrier (20).

[0353] 50. The method according to item 48 or 49, wherein providing the positioning system (30) comprises: [0354] forming at least one recess (32) in at least one of the first surface (11) of the tile (10) and the second surface (22) of the carrier (20), and [0355] forming the positioning member (31) by forming a protrusion (33) in at least one of the first surface (11) of the tile (10) and the second surface (22) of the carrier.

[0356] 51. The method according to item 48 or 49, wherein providing the positioning system (30) comprises: [0357] forming the at least one recess (32) in the first surface (11) of the tile (10) and in the second surface (22) of the carrier (20), [0358] providing the positioning member (31) in form of a separate positioning part (35), and [0359] arranging the separate positioning part (35) in the at least one recess (32) of the first surface (11) of the tile (10) and of the second surface (22) of the carrier (20).

[0360] 52. The method according to any one of items 48-51, wherein the at least one recess (32) and/or the positioning member (31) is formed in the second surface (22) of the carrier (20) when forming the mechanical locking system (40; 50; 60).

[0361] 53. The method according to any one of items 48-52, wherein the positioning member (31) is formed in the first surface (11) of the tile (10) when the tile (10) is produced.

[0362] 54. The method according to any one of items 48-53, wherein the at least one recess (32) and/or the at least one positioning member (31) is formed in the ceramic layer or the stone layer of the tile (10).

[0363] 55. The method according to any one of items 48-53, further comprising arranging the ceramic layer or the stone layer on a support layer (70) of the tile (10), wherein the at least one recess (32) and/or the at least one positioning member (31) is formed in the support layer (70).

[0364] 56. The method according to any one of items 48-55, further comprising, prior to the adhesive has completely cured and/or dried, arranging the panel (1) in a stack formed of a plurality of panels (1).

[0365] 57. A panel produced according to any one of items 48-56.