Wall or floor covering element

Abstract

The invention relates to a covering element (10, 30) for walls, floors, ceilings or the exterior, comprising a carrier plate (12) having a mineral material, which carries a polymer-containing decorative layer (20 - 24; 32) on its front side, which covering element has complementary recesses (16) and projections (14) extending along its side edges, wherein the recesses (16) and projections (14) are each formed on opposite side edges (17, 19) so that they interlock when covering elements are placed next to each other, which recesses (16) and projections are arranged in the carrier plate (12), wherein the carrier plate (12) contains mineral elements in the form of flour or particles, wherein the mineral elements contain gypsum and / or cement in form.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a covering element for ceilings, walls or floors for indoor use as well as for outdoor use.

[0002] Wall or floor covering elements, particularly for interior use, are known that consist of a wood-containing core board or plastic, especially HDF, onto which a top layer is applied. The side edges of the floor covering element have either projections or recesses on the opposite sides, which interlock when the covering elements are arranged side by side, thus facilitating easier installation of the covering elements to form a continuous covering. Such a connection is also often called a click connection because it allows even inexperienced persons to install a covering made of several elements without gaps.

[0003] The object of the present invention is to further develop a coating element in such a way that it is individually configurable and insensitive to moisture and temperature changes.

[0004] This problem is solved according to the invention by a coating element having the features of claim 1. The problem is further solved by a method for producing a coating element according to claim 14. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject of the associated dependent claims and the further description.

[0005] According to the invention, the substrate is designed as a mineral substrate, i.e., it contains at least one mineral which is pressed together to form a plate by means of, for example, a polymeric adhesive. The pressing can be carried out cold or possibly under thermal influence. Particles, in particular polymer fibers or natural fibers, can serve as the adhesive material and stabilizers, which then lead to good bonding (solidification) of the mineral particles, especially if they are fibrous, particularly under the influence of temperature and pressure.

[0006] According to a particularly preferred embodiment, the backing board is designed as a preferably flat, mineral backing board based on cement or with a cement content of between 25 and 85 percent by volume, preferably between 35 and 50 percent by volume. The backing board is preferably designed as a cement fiberboard. Such a backing board further comprises reinforcement made of fibers, for example, between 1 and 40 percent by volume of reinforcing fibers, preferably between 2 and 20 percent by volume. The reinforcing fibers are preferably glass fibers and / or plastic fibers, as well as polyvinyl or polyethylene-based fibers. The cement fiberboard may also contain fibers that are required for the production of the board and that provide no, or almost no, reinforcement of the board.The proportion of these so-called process fibers, for example, fibers from cellulose, jute, and / or recycled paper, is preferably between 1 and 40 percent by volume, more preferably between 2 and 20 percent by volume. Preferably, the boards of this preferred embodiment are manufactured using the so-called Hatschek process, for example, a process such as the one described in US 4,428,775.

[0007] The presence of fibers, reinforcing fibers, and / or process fibers in the mineral substrates used according to several preferred embodiments of the invention offers significant advantages. The reinforcing fibers provide the recesses and projections with suitable interlocking strength. The process fibers ensure adequate adhesion with any type of decorative layer applied at least partially in liquid form, thus reducing the risk of delamination between the decorative layer and the substrate.

[0008] The advantage of this coating element according to the invention is that it is both insensitive to thermal stresses and insensitive to moisture.

[0009] Preferably, the mineral carrier board has a thickness between 2 and 30 mm, in particular 2 to 20 mm, preferably 3 to 15 mm, depending on whether the covering element is used as a wall covering, ceiling covering or floor covering, or where the floor covering is arranged, e.g. a private household or in a factory hall, or whether it is self-supporting or fully supported.

[0010] Preferably, the substrate consists of mineral elements pressed together with plastic or natural fibers, with the plastic fibers preferably comprising a volume fraction of 1-40%. Such a substrate has proven to be highly water-resistant, thermally resistant, and, above all, mechanically stable. Furthermore, such a substrate can be readily coated with a decorative layer on its surface.

[0011] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the carrier panel has an insulating layer on its back side, in particular an elastomer layer, preferably a foamed polymer, especially an elastomer, or a natural product based on cork or wood, in order to provide impact sound insulation and / or thermal insulation to the substrate or wall. Such covering elements could also be used for thermal insulation on exterior facades. Furthermore, this insulating layer also serves as a counter-tension to prevent the panel from deforming when coated on only one side.

[0012] Preferably, the covering element of the invention includes a barrier layer on the back of the carrier plate to prevent the penetration of moisture and / or vapors from below. Such a barrier layer can consist, for example, of a liquid-applied layer of material or of a prefabricated layer bonded to the back. The aforementioned insulating layer can simultaneously function as a barrier layer. Blocking moisture and / or vapors is advantageous to reduce or completely prevent any tendency of the covering element to warp. Such warping or tendency to warp leads to stresses in the covering, and particularly in the area of ​​the interlocking recesses and projections. These stresses can lead to defects.

[0013] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the decorative layer consists of a base layer containing color pigments applied to the substrate, on which at least a color pigment-containing digital print layer is arranged. On this base or digital print layer, at least one polymer-containing transparent top layer is arranged, which preferably has a structured surface. The base layer can also be transparent, i.e., free of color pigments, or comprise one or more transparent layers. A decorative layer based on a digital print offers a high degree of customization due to the digital printing process. For example, different materials such as wood, leather, or stone, or fantasy designs, can be imitated.The impression created by the digital printing is emphasized by the structured surface, so that any structures can be simulated very well with the covering element according to the invention, such as wood structures, stone structures and the like.

[0014] Preferably, the top layer contains polyurethane or acrylic, which is very well suited as an abrasion-resistant top layer and also possesses the necessary transparency to allow the base layer and / or the digital print layer to show through. Preferably, the top layer contains particles such as corundum (aluminum oxide) or silicon carbide. These particles provide increased abrasion resistance.

[0015] Preferably, the top layer contains an electron beam-curing polymer or a UV-curing polymer, for example, acrylic-based, wherein the top layer can be deformed after application to the digital print layer or base layer, e.g., by a structuring roller. The surface structure of the coating element can thus be replicated with a structure simulated by the digital print, thereby reproducing the virtual structure, such as a wood or stone surface, very realistically.

[0016] In an alternative embodiment, the top layer consists of a composite layer of a polymeric matrix material with binding properties and a filler material. This composite layer is preferably applied to the substrate in liquid or solid form, such as sheets or rolls. The liquid application allows the composite layer to bond very well with the mineral-containing substrate, and by selecting the appropriate filler material, such as leather particles, wood particles, or cork particles, the composite layer can also be used to create a desired texture. This embodiment therefore represents a cost-effective alternative to digital printing.

[0017] Preferably the surface of the mixture layer is structured, which can be achieved, for example, by treatment with an embossing roller, especially while the mixture layer has not yet hardened after application, particularly under elevated temperatures between 40 and 100 degrees Celsius.

[0018] According to another alternative embodiment, the decorative layer comprises a film, either printed or unprinted, or consists of such a film. The film can be paper-based or plastic-based, as well as PVC (polyvinyl chloride), PP (polypropylene), PET (polyethylene terephthalate), polyolefin, and the like. According to the present alternative embodiment, the film is preferably bonded to the substrate. For this purpose, a liquid adhesive is preferably applied to the substrate. Preferably, this adhesive application achieves at least partial penetration into the substrate.

[0019] The recesses and projections forming the tongue-and-groove joint in the substrate can be incorporated into the substrate before or after the decorative layer is applied. This is particularly possible because the recesses and projections are located solely in the substrate and not in the decorative layer.

[0020] Preferably, the projections and recesses are manufactured as described in EP 0843763. In other words, the plate is preferably provided with coupling elements at least on the edges of two opposite sides, wherein the plate has one or a combination of two or more of the following features: The coupling parts are formed integrally with the carrier plate and interact with one another, the coupling parts being primarily in the form of a spring and a groove. It is evident that the groove is an example of a recess according to the invention and the spring is an example of a projection according to the invention; the feature of the preceding section, wherein said groove is bounded at least by an upper lip terminating at a vertical plane and a lower lip, and wherein said spring has a spring region extending inwards from the spring tip to said vertical plane when said plates are joined; the feature of the preceding section, wherein the lower lip is elastically deformable and extends beyond the upper lip, the distance by which the lower lip extends beyond the upper lip being less than once the total thickness of the carrier plate;The coupling parts are provided with integrated mechanical locking means which are formed in one piece with the carrier plate, the locking means preventing the sliding apart of two lining elements in a direction perpendicular to the relevant edge and parallel to the underside of the joined lining elements;the feature of the previous section, wherein said integrated mechanical locking means comprise, on the one hand, a projection located on the underside of said spring, wherein said projection extends inward at least partially beyond said vertical plane and wherein said projection has a contact surface, and, on the other hand, a recess in the lower lip for receiving said projection, wherein said recess has a contact surface which interacts with said contact surface of said projection in such a way that a tangent defined by said contact surfaces when in contact with each other is inclined with respect to the surface of the lining elements; the feature of the previous section, wherein said contact surface of the lower lip is located at least partially in the region of the lower lip which extends beyond the upper lip;the feature of the previous section, wherein said projection, said recess and said elastically bendable lower lip are arranged such that they permit said lining elements to be joined or interlocked by sliding them laterally towards one another in a predominantly planar manner and / or that they permit said lining elements to be joined by rotation; the coupling parts ensure backlash-free interlocking in all directions in the plane perpendicular to the edges of the lining elements.

[0021] The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing a wall or floor covering element, in which a mineral carrier board, i.e., comprising at least one mineral material, is coated with a decorative layer, wherein, before or after the application of the decorative layer, recesses and projections are created on opposite side edges of the carrier board by milling, forming a tongue and groove connection that interlocks positively when covering elements are placed side by side. Preferably, the tongue and / or groove is created by a milling process with at least two successive milling passes using milling cutters positioned at different angles relative to the covering element in question. For example, during each of the aforementioned milling passes, the final shape of one flank, either of the tongue or the groove, can be primarily realized.

[0022] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the substrate is coated with a base layer or primer, which preferably contains a polymer material containing color pigments. After drying, at least one color pigment-containing digital print layer is applied to the base layer using a digital printing process. After drying or curing, at least one polymer-containing transparent top layer, e.g., polyurethane or acrylic, is applied to this top layer. The application process takes place at a temperature elevated above room temperature, particularly in a temperature range of 40–100°C, and especially in a temperature range of 60–100°C. The term "color pigment" is used to refer to pigments of color, as well as white and black pigments.

[0023] A surface texture is applied to the top layer, preferably at elevated temperature, particularly at 40-100°C, preferably by embossing with at least one structured embossing roller. In this way, the coating element very effectively creates a desired surface impression, e.g., the impression of a wood or stone surface.

[0024] In an alternative process, a decorative layer, usually in liquid form, is applied to the substrate. This layer consists of a mixture of a curable polymer and a filler material. The filler material can be aggregate, sand, rock flour, wood fibers, wood flour, or leather fibers or leather flour. Thus, even with this method, which is considerably simpler than digital printing, a desired surface effect can be achieved within certain limits. After application, the mixture is cured, for example, chemically, thermally, or optically (UV). Linoleum and / or plastic fibers and / or stone particles can also be incorporated into the mixture.

[0025] Preferably, the mixed layer is structured on its surface at elevated temperature, particularly at 40-100°C, especially by means of an embossing roller, so that the optical impression created by the mixed layer can be emphasized by the surface structure.

[0026] In a further advantageous development of this process, the composite layer is cured to an elastic modulus of 0.05–0.5 GPa. The cured composite layer thus exhibits elasticity in the rubber range, allowing for the effective imitation of, for example, leather or rubber surfaces. The curing of the composite layer can be achieved thermally using UV light or chemically.

[0027] In the digital printing process, the top layer is preferably applied as a hot coating using a hot embossing roller. The transparent top layer can be a single layer or can consist of several superimposed layers. In particular, this top layer is formed by at least one layer of a UV-curing varnish.

[0028] Preferably, the transparent topcoat contains abrasion-resistant particles as well as corundum (aluminum oxide). These hard particles can be incorporated into the topcoat by scattering or can be mixed into the topcoat material itself and applied together with it. It is possible for the topcoat to be applied in several layers, with only some of these layers containing the aforementioned particles.

[0029] The advantage of the covering element according to the invention is that it is waterproof, absolutely dimensionally stable, and non-combustible, and produces very little smoke / fume. It thus solves all the problems that occurred with conventional wood fiberboards, namely sensitivity to moisture and easy flammability, as well as the problems that arise with plastic boards, namely lack of dimensional stability under temperature fluctuations and flammability, or heavy smoke / fume production. The mineral substrate is also easily milled, so that the required recesses and projections for the tongue-and-groove joints can be easily milled.

[0030] The covering element is suitable as a floor covering, wall covering, ceiling covering, or as a facade panel for exterior use. The mineral carrier board preferably contains at least one mineral material known per se, such as ceramic, glass, stone, gypsum, or cement, particularly in the form of powder, particles, or fibers. The mineral particles or fibers are bonded together by a binder, in particular by an adhesive matrix material, especially natural or synthetic fibers, preferably after thermal pressing or cold pressing.

[0031] A covering element according to the invention is generally rectangular or square, wherein the recesses and projections on all four side edges are designed such that the recesses, or for example grooves, are preferably arranged on two adjacent side edges and the projections, or for example springs, are arranged on the other two adjacent side edges.

[0032] The mineral substrate can, of course, be multilayered. This is particularly true when the mineral substrate is a cement fiberboard. As mentioned above, such a substrate can be manufactured using the Hatschek process. In the Hatschek process, a substrate is built up from several sheets of cement fiber material laminated together, for example, with the composition described above for cement fiberboards. A single sheet has a thickness between 0.3 and 1.5 millimeters, preferably between 0.5 and 1 millimeter. To obtain a substrate with a thickness of approximately 6 millimeters, 4 to 20 such sheets must be laminated together, for example, ten layers of approximately 0.6 millimeters each. Naturally, multilayer cement fiberboards or other mineral substrates can also be manufactured using other methods.

[0033] As mentioned above, the mineral substrate can be multilayered and preferably comprises 4 to 20 layers. The present invention is particularly applicable to flooring elements based on such substrates. Such substrates can have the disadvantage that the bond strength between the different layers is significantly lower than the bond strength within each layer. This disadvantage leads to the mineral substrate splitting more easily between the individual layers, for example, when machining the side edges. Such machining can occur, for example, when creating recesses and projections with milling tools. A risk of splitting also exists when recesses and projections interlock. Preferably, at least a portion of the decorative layer of these flooring elements is applied in liquid form.Applying a liquid coating allows for a certain degree of penetration and reinforcement of the top layer(s) of the substrate. Penetration and reinforcement of the top layer is advantageous at the side edge containing the recess. The recess disrupts the equilibrium of the layers, and the layers bordering the recess may deform or warp upwards. Similarly, interlocking recesses and projections can exert forces on these layers, producing a comparable effect. At least partial penetration of the liquid decorative layer material can counteract this effect.Preferably, the liquid material penetrates the substrate to such a depth that it at least partially penetrates the top layer and also at least partially penetrates the adjacent layer below. According to this embodiment, improved lamination thickness between the two top layers is also achieved. In this case, the risk of tearing or splitting between the top layers is reduced, for example, when forming recesses and projections with milling tools or other cutting tools, or when recesses and projections interlock.

[0034] It is evident that the coating element of the invention preferably features at least one surface penetration of the decorative layer material into the substrate. It is also evident that this penetration relates to the material of the lower layer(s) of the decorative layer. Such penetration is advantageous for both multi-layered panels, as mentioned above, and single-layered panels. In both cases, improved adhesion of the decorative layer to the substrate is achieved. Furthermore, a potentially brittle decorative layer, for example in the case of digital printing, is strengthened by this anchoring in the substrate. For substrates that partially contain fibers, such as process fibers, made of cellulose or another, preferably absorbent, material, the adhesion is further improved.To further improve penetration, the carrier plate preferably has a porosity of more than 10 volume percent, preferably between 15 and 40 volume percent.

[0035] Furthermore, it is clear that at least partial penetration of the decorative layer material can be achieved in digital printing, in mixed layers, and in cases where the decorative layer comprises a foil glued to the substrate.

[0036] In digital printing, the material of one or more base layers can penetrate the substrate. Preferably, the liquid material of the base layer penetrates to a depth of at least 0.1 millimeters, preferably over the entire surface or at least 50 percent of the surface. The penetration depth achieved is preferably greater than 15 percent of the thickness of a layer of the substrate in cases where a multi-layered substrate is used. To achieve this while still ensuring excellent adhesion with the subsequent layers of the decorative layer, the base layer is preferably applied in two or more individual liquid layers. A preferred layer structure prior to digital printing on the mineral substrate of the invention is as follows: At least two, preferably at least three, layers of a base layer, wherein this base layer is based on an adhesion promoter, each layer preferably having a wet weight of 5 to 50 g / m². This base layer may be colored, but is preferably transparent. The layers of adhesion promoter achieve a penetration of at least 0.1 millimeters into the substrate and form a closed layer on the surface of the substrate to be printed. Optionally, and preferably in cases where the adhesion promoter was not colored, at least one pigment-containing layer of a base color in accordance with the desired decor. This layer provides a uniform base color on the surface to be printed; one or more pigment-containing digital printing layers to create a decor, for example, a wood or stone imitation decor; one or more transparent topcoats, preferably polymer-containing topcoats, as well as topcoats made of polyurethane or acrylic.

[0037] In a mixed layer, the polymer matrix material can penetrate the substrate. Preferably, a penetration depth of at least 0.1 millimeters is achieved, preferably across the entire surface or at least 50 percent of the surface. The penetration depth achieved is preferably greater than 15 percent of the thickness of a layer of the substrate in cases where a multilayer substrate is used. To achieve excellent adhesion, one or more layers of matrix material can first be applied to the substrate in liquid form. These layers preferably contain less or no filler material compared to subsequent layers of the decorative layer. Preferably, layers of the pure matrix material are applied first until a continuous layer is formed on the surface of the substrate to be decorated.Subsequently, one or more mixed layers can be applied, and / or the filler material can be applied separately, for example by scattering.

[0038] In the decorative layer, which comprises a foil bonded to the substrate, the adhesive is preferably applied in liquid form, allowing it to penetrate at least partially into the substrate. Preferably, a penetration depth of at least 0.1 millimeters is achieved, ideally across the entire surface or at least 50 percent of the surface. The achieved penetration depth is preferably greater than 15 percent of the thickness of a layer of the substrate in cases where a multi-layered substrate is used. Preferably, the adhesive application forms a continuous layer on the surface of the substrate to be decorated.

[0039] The following terms are used synonymously: base layer - primer; mineral substrate - a substrate containing at least one mineral material; covering element - covering panel.

[0040] The invention also relates to a covering composed of several covering elements interlocking with each other by means of recesses and projections formed on the side edges.

[0041] The invention is described below, for example, with reference to the schematic drawing. This drawing shows: Fig. 1 a section through a first covering element, which has a decorative layer created using digital printing, and Fig. 2 a cross-section according to Fig. 2 a second covering element, which has a mineral carrier plate with a mixed layer applied in liquid or solid form.

[0042] Fig. 1 Figure 1 shows a slab-shaped covering element 10, which can be combined with other covering elements 10 to form a floor covering, ceiling covering, and / or wall covering, also for outdoor use. The covering element 10 contains a mineral-based carrier board 12, which has either projections 14 or recesses 16 on its opposite side edges 17, 19. These projections form interlocking tongue-and-groove joints when the covering elements are placed side by side. Thus, when covering elements 10 are placed side by side, the projections 14 of one covering element 10 engage in the recess 16 of the adjacent covering element 10. On the back side, or rather,

[0043] An insulating layer 18 for impact sound insulation and / or thermal insulation can optionally be arranged on the underside of the carrier plate 12. This layer is preferably applied directly to the carrier plate 12 or bonded to it.

[0044] On the front or top surface of the substrate 12, there is first a base layer 20 containing color pigments to give the front or top surface of the substrate 12 a desired base color. This base layer is preferably optional, because, in principle, with a suitable choice of substrate material, the color of the substrate 12 can serve as a base for a subsequent digital printing process. A digital printing layer 22 is applied to the base layer 20 using a digital printing process. This digital printing layer 22 is not applied to the entire surface, but only to the areas to be printed. At least one top layer 24, which consists in particular of a UV-curing polyurethane or acrylic, is applied to the digital printing layer or base layer 20.A structure 26 is applied to this top layer 24 by means of an embossing roller, in particular in a hot-coating process, which preferably reinforces the impression produced by the digital printing layer 22. In this way, a surface panel is produced that very accurately reflects the impression of a desired material, e.g., a wood layer, a leather layer, a stone layer, or a cork layer.

[0045] The top layer 24 can also be formed by several layers of a polymer, particularly one that is UV-curable. The application and profiling of the top layer 24 are preferably carried out using a hot roller in a hot-coating process. The hot-coating process itself is known.

[0046] Fig. 2 shows an alternative embodiment of a covering element, wherein identical or functionally equivalent parts are used. Fig. 1 are marked with the same reference symbols. The floor covering element 30 made of Fig. 2 The device also has a carrier plate 12, which contains minerals and has projections 14 and recesses 16 on opposite side edges 17, 19. The projections and recesses of this tongue-and-groove system are shown only schematically. In practice, the projections 14 and recesses 16 are manufactured as described in EP 0843763, which is hereby incorporated into this application. In this context, it should be clarified that a covering element according to the invention is generally rectangular, in particular square, and that the recesses and projections are formed on four sides, with the recesses 16 preferably being arranged on two adjacent sides and the projections 14 on the other two adjacent sides.

[0047] On its back or underside, the mineral carrier board 12 optionally has an insulating layer 18, as already mentioned. Fig. 1This insulating layer is optional and only required if impact sound insulation and / or thermal insulation are desired. Furthermore, this insulating layer can also be used as a leveling counter-layer if needed. On its upper surface, the carrier panel 12 carries a composite layer 32 consisting of a polymer and a filler. Suitable fillers include, for example, leather, cork, wood, stone, mineral powders, and sand, which can be provided either as particles or as fibers within the polymer matrix of the composite layer. The composite layer is preferably an elastomer layer that cures to a modulus of elasticity of 0.05–0.5 GPa, giving it a rubber-like elasticity. In this way, for example, a cork, wood, or leather impression can be very effectively emphasized. Such a covering element is very well suited as a wall covering element.

[0048] The invention also relates to the following list of numbered paragraphs: Paragraph 1. A covering element comprising a carrier plate (12) made of a mineral material, which carries a polymer-containing decorative layer (20-24; 32) on its front side, the covering element having complementary recesses (16) and projections (14) extending along its side edges, the recesses (16) and projections (14) being formed on opposite side edges (17, 19) so that they interlock when covering elements are placed side by side, the recesses (16) and projections (14) being arranged in the carrier plate (12). Paragraph 2.- A covering element according to paragraph 1, characterized in that the decorative layer (20-24) comprises at least one base layer (20) applied to the carrier board (12), preferably containing color pigments, on which at least one color pigment-containing digital print layer (22) is arranged, on which digital print layer at least one polymer-containing transparent top layer (24) is arranged, which preferably has a structured surface. Paragraph 3. - A covering element according to paragraph 2, characterized in that the top layer (24) preferably contains PUR or acrylic. Paragraph 4. - A covering element according to one of paragraphs 2 to 3, characterized in that the top layer (24) contains a UV-curing polymer, the surface (26) of which is deformed by a structuring roller after application. Paragraph 5.- A covering element according to paragraph 1, characterized in that the decorative layer (32) consists of a mixture of a polymeric binder and a filler material, which is applied to the substrate in liquid form. Paragraph 6. - A covering element according to paragraph 5, characterized in that the filler material contains cork or leather particles. Paragraph 7. - A covering element according to paragraph 5 or 6, characterized in that the surface (34) of the mixture (32) is structured. Paragraph 8. - A covering element according to any of the preceding paragraphs, characterized in that the material of the decorative layer (20-24) has penetrated at least partially into the substrate. Paragraph 9. - A covering element according to any of the preceding paragraphs, characterized in that the substrate (12) consists of mineral elements pressed with plastic or natural fibers, wherein the plastic fibers preferably have a volume fraction of 1 to 40%. Paragraph 10.- A covering element according to one of the preceding paragraphs, characterized in that the carrier plate (12) is a cement fiberboard, preferably a multi-layered cement fiberboard, preferably produced according to the Hatschek process. Paragraph 11. - A covering element according to one of the preceding paragraphs, wherein the carrier plate (12) has a thickness between 2 and 20 mm. Paragraph 12. - A covering element according to one of the preceding paragraphs, characterized in that the carrier plate (12) has an insulating layer (18), in particular an elastomer layer, on its back side. Paragraph 13.- Method for producing a covering element in which a carrier board (12) comprising a mineral material is coated with a decorative layer (20-24; 32), wherein, before or after the application of the decorative layer (20-24; 32), opposite side edges (17, 19) of the carrier board (12) are produced, preferably by milling, recesses (16) and projections (14) for a tongue and groove connection. Paragraph 14. - Method according to paragraph 13, characterized in that the carrier board (12) is coated with at least one base layer (20) containing a polymer material, preferably containing color pigments, onto which base layer, after drying, at least one color pigment-containing digital print layer (24) is applied at least partially by digital printing, onto which, after drying or...At least one polymer-containing transparent top layer (24), preferably applied at a temperature elevated above room temperature, is cured, and a surface structure (26) is further applied to this top layer, preferably at an elevated temperature, by embossing with at least one structured embossing roller. Paragraph 15. - Method according to paragraph 14, characterized in that the top layer (24) is applied at a temperature of 40 to 100 degrees Celsius, and the treatment of its surface (26) with a structuring roller is carried out at a temperature of 40 to 100 degrees Celsius. Paragraph 16. - Method according to paragraph 13, characterized in that a curing decorative layer (32) is applied in liquid form to the carrier plate (12) and cured, the decorative layer being a mixture layer (32) of a curable polymer, in particular an elastomer, and at least one filler material. Paragraph 17.- Method according to paragraph 16, characterized in that the mixed layer is cured to a modulus of elasticity of 0.03 to 0.5 GPa. Paragraph 18. - Method according to any one of paragraphs 13 to 16, characterized in that at least a part of the decorative layer is applied in liquid form. Paragraph 19. - Method according to paragraph 17, characterized in that the liquid-applied material of the decorative layer penetrates the substrate to a depth greater than 0.1 millimeters.

[0049] The invention is not limited to the illustrated embodiments, but can be varied arbitrarily within the scope of protection of the accompanying claims. Reference symbol list

[0050] 10 Wall, ceiling or floor covering element (first embodiment) 12 Mineral carrier board 14 Projection - tongue of the tongue / groove joint 16 Recess - groove of the tongue / groove joint 17 First side edge 18 Insulation layer 19 Second side edge 20 Base layer - primer - adhesion promoter 22 Digital print layer 24 Transparent top layer 30 Wall, ceiling or floor covering element (second embodiment) 32 Mixed layer, in particular applied in liquid form 34 Optionally structured surface, in particular by embossing roller

Claims

1. A covering element comprising a carrier plate (12) having a mineral material, which carries on its front a polymer-containing decorative layer (20-24; 32), the covering element having complementary recesses (16) and projections (14) extending along its side edges, wherein the recesses (16) and projections (14) are each formed on opposite side edges (17, 19) so that they interlock when covering elements are placed side by side, the recesses (16) and projections (14) being arranged in the carrier plate (12), the carrier plate (12) containing mineral elements in the form of flour or particles, wherein the mineral elements contain gypsum and / or cement.

2. Paving element according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the carrier plate (12) contains glass fibers.

3. Paving element according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the mineral elements are pressed together with natural fibers.

4. Paving element according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the decorative layer (20 - 24) contains at least one base layer (20) applied to the carrier plate (12), preferably containing color pigments, on which at least partially at least one color pigment-containing digital printing layer (22) is arranged, on which digital printing layer at least one polymer-containing transparent top layer (24) is arranged, which preferably has a structured surface.

5. Paving element according to claim 4, characterized by the fact that the base layer is transparent.

6. Paving element according to one of claims 4 to 5, characterized by the fact that the top layer (24) contains PUR or acrylic.

7. Paving element according to one of claims 4 to 6, characterized by the fact that the top layer (24) contains a UV-curing polymer.

8. Paving element according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by the fact that The decorative layer (20 - 24) comprises a foil, either printed or unprinted.

9. Covering element according to claim 8, characterized by the fact that the film is based on paper or plastic as well as on PVC (polyvinyl chloride), PP (polypropylene), PET (polyethylene terephthalate), polyolefin.

10. Paving element according to one of claims 8 to 9, characterized by the fact that the foil is glued to the carrier plate (12), wherein the glue preferably penetrates at least partially into the carrier plate (12).

11. Paving element according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the recesses and projections are arranged only in the carrier plate (12) and not in the decorative layer (20 - 24).

12. Paving element according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the carrier plate (12) has a damping layer (18), in particular an elastomer layer, on its back side.

13. Paving element according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the carrier plate (12) is single-layered or multi-layered.

14. Method for producing a covering element in which a carrier board (12) comprising a mineral material is coated with a decorative layer (20-24; 32), wherein, before or after the application of the decorative layer (20-24; 32), opposite side edges (17, 19) of the carrier board (12) are produced, preferably by milling, recesses (16) and projections (14) for a tongue and groove connection, wherein the carrier board (12) contains mineral elements in the form of powder or particles, wherein the mineral elements include gypsum and / or cement.

15. Method according to claim 14, characterized by the fact thatthe carrier plate (12) is coated with at least one base layer (20) containing a polymer material, preferably containing color pigments, onto which base layer, after drying, at least one color pigment-containing digital printing layer (24) is applied at least partially by digital printing, onto which, after drying or curing, at least one polymer-containing transparent top layer (24), preferably at a temperature higher than room temperature, is applied, and which top layer is further given a surface structure (26), preferably at an elevated temperature, by embossing with at least one structured embossing roller.

Images