Decorative panel and decorative floor covering material comprising said panel

Abstract

A decorative panel, particularly a floor panel, ceiling panel, or wall panel, comprising: a core layer having an upper portion and a lower portion; a decorative top layer connected to the upper portion of the core layer; a first panel side edge including a first connecting contour; and a second panel side edge including a second connecting contour, the second connecting contour designed to interconnect with the first connecting contour of a second identical panel in both horizontal and vertical directions; wherein the core layer comprises an aerated concrete layer, the aerated concrete layer consisting of a matrix of concrete material with air pockets present as gas bubbles.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a panel, in particular a decorative, floor, ceiling or wall panel, and also to a floor covering consisting of a number of interconnected panels. [Background technology]

[0002] In the field of decorative floor coverings, decorative panels are known that have a core layer made of MDF (medium density fiberboard) or HDF (high density fiberboard) on which a decorative substrate is applied to give the panel a desired appearance. The main disadvantage of these known panels is the moisture absorption of the core layer, which affects the life and durability of the panel. For this reason, traditional panels made of MDF / HDF are increasingly being replaced by polyvinyl chloride (PVC)-based panels, also provided with a decorative substrate thereon. These PVC-based panels have the advantage of being relatively more waterproof than panels made of MDF / HDF. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] However, a drawback of these PVC-based panels is that they have very low heat resistance, so that they generally deform (bend) easily when exposed to a heat source (e.g., a heat sink that produces heat, or even just a lamp). Another important drawback common to both MDF / HDF-based and PVC-based panels is the flammability of these panels. Flammable furniture is a concern because fires can easily start in the home due to negligence, for example, with cigarettes or candles.

[0004] Therefore, there is a general need in the field of decorative flooring to further develop decorative panels that address at least one of the above mentioned shortcomings, in particular to develop decorative panels that are relatively fire resistant, and there is a further need to develop decorative panels that have improved dimensional stability when exposed to temperature fluctuations during normal use.

[0005] Moreover, considering practical use, it is a general requirement that the panels have good, preferably excellent, properties in terms of thermal insulation, sound absorption, and compressive strength.

[0006] In the above context, the object of the present invention is to meet some or all of the above general needs and requirements. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The above object of the present invention is achieved by providing a decorative panel comprising: A decorative panel, in particular a floor, ceiling or wall panel, a core layer having an upper side and a lower side; a decorative top layer connected to an upper side of the core layer; a first panel side edge including a first connecting profile; a second panel side edge including a second interlocking contour, the second interlocking contour designed to interconnect with the first interlocking contour of a second identical panel in both the horizontal and vertical directions; The core layer includes an aerated concrete layer, the aerated concrete layer being made of a base material of a concrete material having air pockets as bubbles; Decorative panel.

[0008] The aerated concrete layer used as part of the core layer of the panel according to the invention brings several advantages to the panel, among others: -Reduction of thermal conductivity and therefore increased thermal isolation -Sufficient compressive strength -Relatively lightweight panels -Proper sound absorption -Excellent fire resistance -Sufficient dimensional stability of the panels against freeze / thaw cycles -Good workability when cutting and profiling side edges with wood tools

[0009] The advantages listed above are further enhanced by some of the preferred embodiments presented below.

[0010] Regarding the basic design of the panel of the present invention, the panel is preferably flat and has a rectangular outline including four side edges, and further, in the panel, the first and second panel side edges are preferably opposite side edges of the panel.

[0011] These types of panels are most practical in constructing floor, ceiling or wall coverings by interconnecting a number of panels.

[0012] Preferably, in the panel according to the present invention, - the air bubbles in the aerated concrete make up 60-85% by volume of the total volume of the aerated concrete, or - The density of aerated concrete is in the range of 400-800 kg / m3.

[0013] Such panels are effectively lightweight and have been demonstrated to provide good sound absorption and thermal isolation.

[0014] In a panel according to the invention, the cells are predominantly of the closed cell type, said predominant portion preferably being at least 80% of the cells, most preferably at least 90% of the cells.

[0015] Such panels have sufficient dimensional stability to freeze / thaw cycles because, even though the water of hydration evaporates from the concrete matrix and condenses as water into the closed cells, it does not accumulate with the water in the other cells. Therefore, the water content in any of the individual cells of the cellular concrete remains low, and as a result, the risk of structural damage during freeze / thaw cycles is kept to a minimum.

[0016] Moreover, in the panel according to the invention, the majority of the air bubbles in the cellular concrete are small enough in size to absorb water by capillary action.

[0017] Such panels having a layer of aerated concrete with relatively small air bubbles have been found to have good workability and compressive strength.

[0018] Aerated concrete is also known as foam concrete, autoclaved cellular concrete (ACC), autoclaved aerated concrete (AAC), and / or autoclaved lightweight concrete (ALC).

[0019] It is generally preferred that said cellular concrete of the panel according to the invention is obtained by autoclaving a concrete material at high temperature and pressure.

[0020] The process of autoclaving the concrete material has been demonstrated to result in a cellular concrete material that is highly suitable for use in the core layer of the panels.

[0021] The concrete material constituting the substrate of the aerated concrete layer of the panel according to the invention preferably comprises a mixture of granular material and cement as binding agent.

[0022] As the concrete material, the following is particularly preferred: The cements are calcium-based, i.e. mineral compounds containing calcium oxide and / or calcium hydroxide, and / or calcium silicate-based, i.e. mineral compounds containing calcium oxide and / or calcium hydroxide with the addition of silicic acid. The cement is tobermorite, i.e., Ca5Si6O 16 (OH)2·4H2O or Ca5Si6(O,OH) 18 · 5H2O, etc. is a calcium silicate hydrate mineral. The particulate material comprises sand, pulverized fuel ash, fly ash, lime, and / or aluminium (oxide) powder. said particulate material comprises cellulosic particles, preferably lignocellulosic particles, such as wood particles.

[0023] During the production of cellular concrete, the concrete (which does not yet contain air bubbles) is mixed, poured into molds and cast, and several chemical reactions take place that make the cellular concrete lightweight (typically 20% of the concrete's weight) and give it thermal properties.

[0024] The aluminum powder reacts with calcium hydroxide and water to produce hydrogen. The hydrogen gas foams and doubles the volume of the raw mixture, producing bubbles up to 3 millimeters in diameter. At the end of the bubble formation process, the hydrogen escapes into the atmosphere and is replaced by air.

[0025] It is further preferred that at least a portion of said cellulosic particles contained in the particulate material are formed by fibres.

[0026] Additional or alternative particulate materials which may be included in the concrete composition include so-called cementitious materials such as ground granulated blast furnace slag, silica fume, natural pozzolans, metakaolin, and calcined shale or clay.

[0027] The cellulosic particles as wood particles may be wood flour, wood shavings, wood wool, and / or wood chips. Instead of wood, other natural fiber sources such as hemp may be used.

[0028] In a preferred embodiment, the core layer comprises at least one reinforcing layer, such as a textile fiber layer, a cellulose layer (especially a paper layer), a carbon fiber layer and / or a glass fiber layer. The reinforcing layer may be a woven or non-woven layer. In a more preferred embodiment, the core layer comprises at least two aerated concrete layers, with at least one reinforcing layer being located between the two aerated concrete layers. The at least one reinforcing layer may be integrated into one or more aerated concrete layers and / or may subdivide the aerated concrete layer into two (substantial) aerated concrete (sub)layers. The aerated concrete may be considered to partially or totally permeate the holes formed in the reinforcing layer.

[0029] Preferably, in the panel according to the present invention, a reinforcing layer is included in the core layer.

[0030] The reinforcing layer further improves the stability of the panel against bending or sudden impacts on a small surface area of ​​the panel. The at least one reinforcing layer is preferably a non-woven or woven layer, in particular a fabric, for example made of glass fibers, and may have a thickness of 0.2-0.4 mm. The reinforcing layer may comprise natural fibers, such as jute, alternatively the reinforcing layer comprises synthetic fibers, in particular polymeric fibers, such as nylon fibers.

[0031] The reinforcing layer is preferably a planar structure having an orientation plane generally parallel to the core layer.

[0032] It is further preferred that the core layer of the panel according to the invention comprises at least 50% by weight, preferably 50-90% by weight, of cellular concrete, and further preferably comprises 1% to 10% by weight of a reinforcing layer.

[0033] Advantageously, in a panel according to the invention, a waterproof layer is located between the core layer and the top layer, preferably in the form of a waterproof adhesive which adheres the top layer to the core layer.

[0034] This provides additional protection to the core layer of the panel from moisture that may be present in the ambient air and penetrate through the top layer. The waterproof layer may be a polymer, synthetic or natural resin. The waterproof adhesive may be, for example, a two-component adhesive or a hot melt adhesive.

[0035] Preferably, in a panel according to the invention, the top layer comprises at least one decorative layer and at least one transparent wear layer covering the decorative layer.

[0036] A suitable wear layer in this context has a melting temperature above 100° C. and preferably consists of polyurethane.

[0037] The decorative layer is used to be visible and to give the panel an attractive appearance, for this purpose it may have a design pattern, for example a wood grain design, a mineral grain design resembling the grain of natural stones such as marble or granite, or a color pattern, a mixture of colors, or a single color, to name a few possible designs.

[0038] The decorative top layer is preferably a printed decorative top layer. That is, the printed decorative image of the top layer is realized by painting and / or (inkjet) printing, in particular digital printing. The decorative image may be printed directly on the core layer. However, it is typically more preferred that the printed decorative layer comprises a base layer or base film, in particular a thermoplastic base layer or thermoplastic film, on which the decorative image is printed. Before the printing step or following the printing step, the base layer is attached directly or indirectly to the core layer, for example by fusing or gluing.

[0039] Preferably, said decorative top layer covers at least a portion of the upper side of the core layer only. The side walls and rear surface of the core layer are preferably substantially free of the decorative top layer.

[0040] The panels of the present invention preferably include a support layer attached to the underside of the core layer, the support layer having a protective and conforming function for the underside of the core layer, particularly when the panel is placed in contact with an underlying surface to form a floor, ceiling, or wall covering.

[0041] The support layer is preferably made of a flexible material such as an elastomer. The thickness of the support layer is typically about 0.1 to 2.5 mm. Suitable materials for the support layer include polyethylene, cork, polyurethane, and ethylene vinyl acetate.

[0042] Moreover, the panels according to the invention have a thickness of 3 to 10 mm, preferably between 4 mm and 8 mm, which is most suitable for the intended application.

[0043] The core layer of the panel according to the invention preferably has a thickness of at least 3mm, preferably at least 4mm, more preferably at least 5mm.

[0044] The following is preferable for the connection shape of the panels according to the present invention. The first connection shape is an upwardly facing tongue; at least one upward flank spaced apart from the upward tongue; an upward groove formed between the upward tongue and the upward flank, the upward groove being adapted to receive at least a part of the downward tongue of a second connecting profile of an otherwise identical panel; - preferably at least one first locking element, preferably provided on a distal side of the upward tongue facing away from the upward flank, The second connection shape is a first downward tongue; at least one first downward flank spaced apart from the downward tongue; a first downward groove formed between the downward tongue and the downward flank, the downward groove being adapted to receive at least a part of the upward tongue of a first connecting profile of a second identical panel; - preferably at least one second locking element, adapted for cooperation with the first locking element of said second identical panel, preferably provided on a downward flank.

[0045] Preferably, the first locking element comprises a bulge and / or a recess, and the second locking element comprises a bulge and / or a recess. The bulge is generally adapted to be at least partially received in a recess of the adjacent connected panel, thereby achieving a locked connection, preferably a vertically locked connection. It is also conceivable that the first and second locking elements are not formed by a combination of bulges and recesses, but by other combinations such as surfaces with co-acting profiles and / or high friction contact surfaces. In the latter embodiment, at least one of the first and second locking elements may be formed by an optionally separate contact surface (flat or of other shape) of plastic material, configured to create friction with the other locking element of the other panel in the engaged (connected) state.

[0046] The following configurations are also within the scope of the present invention. The first and second interlocking contours are configured to be pre-tensioned in the interlocked state, which urges the interlocked panels towards each other at their respective edges, preferably by overlapping contours of the first and second interlocking contours, in particular by overlapping contours of the downward tongue and upward groove and / or by overlapping contours of the upward tongue and downward groove. The first and second connecting contours are configured to allow two of the panels to be connected to each other by folding movement and / or vertical movement, and in the connected state, at least a portion of the downward tongue of the second connecting part is inserted into the upward groove of the first connecting part, and the downward tongue is clamped by the first connecting part and / or the upward tongue is clamped by the second connecting part.

[0047] Preferably, the side of the upward tongue facing the upward flank is the inner side of the upward tongue, and the side of the upward tongue facing away from the upward flank is the outer side of the upward tongue; the side of the downward tongue facing the downward flank is the inner side of the downward tongue, and the side of the downward tongue facing away from the downward flank is the outer side of the downward tongue; At least a portion of an inner side of the upward tongue is inclined toward or away from the upward flank; At least a portion of the inner side of the downward tongue is angled toward or away from the downward flank. In this way, depending on the inclination direction of the inner parts of the upward and downward tongues, a "closed groove" connection or an "open groove" connection can be realized between the panels.

[0048] In addition, the following is preferable for the connection outer shape of the panels according to the present invention. the panel includes at least one third connecting contour and at least one fourth connecting contour located on a third panel edge and a fourth panel edge, respectively; The third connection shape is as follows: - a lateral tongue extending in a direction generally parallel to the upper side of the core layer; at least one second downward flank spaced from the lateral tongue; a second downward groove formed between the lateral tongue and the second downward flank, The fourth connection shape is a third groove configured to receive at least a portion of a lateral tongue of a third connecting profile of the second identical panel, the third groove being defined by an upper lip and a lower lip, the lower lip being provided with an upward locking element; The third and fourth interlocking profiles are configured such that the third and fourth interlocking profiles of two identical panels can be interlocked with each other by a rotational movement in which at least a portion of the lateral tongue of a first panel is inserted into the third groove of the other identical panel and at least a portion of the upward locking element of the other panel is inserted into the second downward groove of the first panel.

[0049] Preferably, at least a portion of each interlocking profile is integrally formed with the core layer. It is contemplated that each interlocking profile may be formed, as a whole, by profiling an edge of the core layer.

[0050] The present invention also relates to a decorative covering, in particular a decorative floor covering, decorative ceiling covering or decorative wall covering, comprising a plurality of interconnected decorative panels according to the present invention, which may be suitable for installation at vertical corners such as interior corners of intersecting walls or furniture, and exterior corners such as entryways.

[0051] Further embodiments of the present invention are presented in the following non-limiting set of clauses.

[0052] 1. Decorative panels, in particular floor, ceiling or wall panels, a core layer having an upper side and a lower side; a decorative top layer connected to an upper side of the core layer; a first panel side edge including a first connecting profile; a second panel side edge including a second interlocking contour, the second interlocking contour designed to interconnect with the first interlocking contour of a second identical panel in both the horizontal and vertical directions; A decorative panel, wherein the core layer includes an aerated concrete layer, the aerated concrete layer being made of a substrate of concrete material having air pockets in the form of bubbles.

[0053] 2. A panel as described in paragraph 1, which is flat and has a rectangular outline including four side edges.

[0054] 3. The panel of claim 1 or 2, wherein the first and second panel side edges are opposing side edges of the panel.

[0055] 4. A panel according to one of the preceding claims, - the air bubbles in the aerated concrete make up 60-85% by volume of the total volume of the aerated concrete, or - The density of aerated concrete is 400-800kg / mm 3 Within the scope of the panel.

[0056] 5. The panel according to item 4, wherein the majority of the cells are closed-cell type, the majority being preferably at least 80% of the cells, and most preferably at least 90% of the cells.

[0057] 6. A panel according to one of the preceding claims, in which the majority of the air bubbles in the cellular concrete are sufficiently small in size to absorb water by capillary action.

[0058] 7. A panel according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the aerated concrete is obtained by autoclaving a concrete material at high temperature and pressure.

[0059] 8. A panel according to one of the preceding claims, The concrete material comprises a mixture of particulate material and cement as a binder; The cement is preferably calcium-based, i.e. mineral compounds containing calcium oxide and / or calcium hydroxide, and / or Panels based on calcium silicate, i.e. mineral compounds containing calcium oxide and / or calcium hydroxide, plus silicic acid.

[0060] 9. The panel according to paragraph 8, wherein the cement is tobermorite, i.e., Ca5Si6O 16 (OH)2·4H2O and / or Ca5Si6(O,OH) 18 · 5H2O, etc., which is a calcium silicate hydrate mineral, panel.

[0061] 10. The panel of paragraph 8 or 9, wherein the particulate material comprises sand, pulverized fuel ash, fly ash, lime, and / or aluminium oxide powder.

[0062] 11. The panel according to one of the preceding paragraphs 8 to 10, wherein the particulate material comprises cellulosic particles, preferably lignocellulosic particles, such as wood particles.

[0063] 12. The panel according to item 11, wherein at least a portion of the cellulose-based particles are formed from fibers.

[0064] 13. A panel according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the reinforcing layer is included in the core layer.

[0065] 14. The panel according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the core layer comprises at least 50% by weight, preferably 50-90% by weight, of cellular concrete.

[0066] 15. A panel according to one of the preceding claims, A panel in which a waterproof layer is located between the core layer and the top layer, preferably in the form of a waterproof adhesive which adheres the top layer to the core layer.

[0067] 16. A panel according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the top layer comprises at least one decorative layer and at least one transparent wear layer covering the decorative layer.

[0068] 17. The panel according to item 16, The panel, wherein the wear layer has a melting temperature above 100° C. and is preferably made of polyurethane.

[0069] 18. A panel according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a support layer attached to the underside of the core layer.

[0070] 19. A panel according to any one of the preceding claims, having a thickness of 3 to 10 mm.

[0071] 20. A panel according to one of the above paragraphs, The first connection shape is an upwardly facing tongue; at least one upward flank spaced apart from the upward tongue; an upward groove formed between the upward tongue and the upward flank, the upward groove being adapted to receive at least a part of the downward tongue of a second connecting profile of an otherwise identical panel; at least one first locking element, preferably provided on a distal side of the upward tongue facing away from the upward flank, The second connection shape is a first downward tongue; at least one first downward flank spaced apart from the downward tongue; a first downward groove formed between the downward tongue and the downward flank, the downward groove being adapted to receive at least a part of the upward tongue of a first connecting profile of an otherwise identical panel; at least one second locking element adapted for cooperation with the first locking element of said other identical panel, preferably provided on a downward flank.

[0072] 21. A panel according to any of the above paragraphs, the panel includes at least one third connecting contour and at least one fourth connecting contour located on a third panel edge and a fourth panel edge, respectively; The third connection shape is as follows: - a lateral tongue extending in a direction generally parallel to the upper side of said panel; at least one second downward flank spaced from the lateral tongue; a second downward groove formed between the lateral tongue and the second downward flank, The fourth connection shape is a third groove configured to receive at least a portion of a lateral tongue of a third connecting profile of the second identical panel, the third groove being defined by an upper lip and a lower lip, the lower lip being provided with an upward locking element; the third and fourth interlocking profiles are configured such that the third and fourth interlocking profiles of two identical panels can be interlocked with one another by a rotational movement in which at least a portion of the lateral tongue of a first panel is inserted into the third groove of the other identical panel and at least a portion of the upward locking element of the other panel is inserted into the second downward groove of the first panel.

[0073] 22. A panel according to one of the preceding claims, The panel wherein the core layer includes at least one reinforcing layer, such as a textile layer, a cellulose layer, a carbon fiber layer, and / or a glass fiber layer.

[0074] 23. The panel according to item 22, A panel, wherein the core layer comprises at least two aerated concrete layers and at least one reinforcing layer is located between the two aerated concrete layers.

[0075] 24. A panel according to one of the preceding claims, At least a portion of each interlocking profile is integrally formed with the core layer.

[0076] 25. A panel according to one of the preceding claims, A panel, wherein the decorative top layer covers only at least a portion of the upper side of the core layer.

[0077] 26. A panel according to one of the preceding claims, the side of the upward tongue facing the upward flank is the inner side of the upward tongue, and the side of the upward tongue facing away from the upward flank is the outer side of the upward tongue; the side of the downward tongue facing the downward flank is the inner side of the downward tongue, and the side of the downward tongue facing away from the downward flank is the outer side of the downward tongue; At least a portion of an inner side of the upward tongue is inclined toward or away from the upward flank; A panel, wherein at least a portion of an inner side of the downward tongue is inclined toward or away from the downward flank.

[0078] 27. A panel according to one of the preceding claims, in which the printed decorative layer comprises a base layer or base film on which a decorative image is printed.

[0079] 28. Decorative coverings, in particular decorative floor coverings, decorative ceiling coverings or decorative wall coverings, 28. A decorative covering material comprising a plurality of interconnected decorative panels according to any one of claims 1 to 27. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0080] The invention will be further described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a panel according to the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 shows a lateral cross section of a panel according to the invention. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the interlocking profile of interconnected panels according to the present invention; [Figure 4] FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the interlocking profile of interconnected panels according to the present invention; [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 shows a longitudinal cross section of a panel according to the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 shows a longitudinal cross-section of one embodiment of the connection profile of panels according to the present invention that are interconnected. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0081] Figure 1 shows a decorative panel 1. An upper side 2 of the decorative panel 1 is provided with a decorative top layer 12. The panel is rectangular, having a length in the longitudinal direction along line BB and a width in the transverse direction along line AA.

[0082] At the side edges 9 and 10, a first connecting contour 7 and a second connecting contour 8 are provided, respectively. At the side edges 3 and 4, a third connecting contour 5 and a fourth connecting contour 6 are provided, respectively.

[0083] Figure 2 shows a transverse cross section of the panel 1 shown in Figure 1 along line AA. The panel 1 has a core layer 10, which consists of a layer of aerated concrete and contains small closed-cell air bubbles 11. A decorative top layer 12 is attached to the upper side of the aerated concrete layer 10, preferably via a thin waterproof adhesive layer. A support layer is attached to the lower side of the aerated concrete layer 10. The side edges 3 and 4 are provided with a third connecting profile 5 and a fourth connecting profile 6, respectively.

[0084] FIG. 3 shows in detail the third and fourth connection profiles 5 and 6 depicted in FIG. 2 when connecting the two panels 1 and 1' to each other.

[0085] The third connecting contour 5 of the panel 1' includes a lateral tongue 51 extending in a direction generally parallel to the upper side of the panel, a second downward flank 53 spaced apart from the lateral tongue 51, and a second downward groove 54 formed between the lateral tongue 51 and the second downward flank 53.

[0086] The fourth connecting contour 6 of the panel 1 includes a third groove 61 configured to receive at least a portion of the lateral tongue 51 of the third connecting contour 5 of the second identical panel 1′. The third groove 61 is defined by an upper lip 62 and a lower lip 63, the lower lip being provided with an upward locking element 64.

[0087] 3, the third and fourth connection profiles 5, 6 are configured such that the respective panels 1, 1' can be connected to one another by a rotational movement as indicated by the arrow T. With this rotational movement, the lateral tongues 51 of the panel 1' are inserted into the third grooves 61 of another identical panel 1, and the upward locking elements 64 of the panel 1 are inserted into the second downward grooves 54 of the panel 1'.

[0088] Figure 4 shows another design of the interlocking profiles 5 and 6, similar to Figure 3, with rounded tongue 51 and third groove 61. The rotational movement for interlocking can also be called hinge movement in this embodiment as an alternative to Figure 3. All other functional features and their reference numbers are the same as those already defined in Figure 3.

[0089] Figure 5 shows a longitudinal section of the panel 1 shown in Figure 1 along line BB. The panel 1 has a core layer 10. The core layer 10 is made of a layer of aerated concrete containing small closed-cell air bubbles. A decorative top layer 12 is attached to the upper side of the aerated concrete layer 10.

[0090] The side edges 9 and 10 are provided with a first connecting contour 7 and a second connecting contour 8, respectively.

[0091] The first connecting profile 7 comprises an upward tongue 71, an upward flank 72 spaced apart from the upward tongue 71, and an upward groove 73 formed between the upward tongue 71 and the upward flank 72. The upward groove 73 is adapted to receive at least a part of a downward tongue 81 of a second connecting profile 8 of an otherwise identical panel, and preferably at least one first locking element 75 is provided on a distal side of the upward tongue 71 facing away from the upward flank 72.

[0092] The second connecting profile 8 includes a first downward tongue 81, a first downward flank 82 spaced apart from the downward tongue 81, and a first downward groove 83 formed between the downward tongue 81 and the downward flank 82. The downward groove 83 is adapted to receive at least a part of the upward tongue 71 of the first connecting profile 7 of an other identical panel, and a second locking element 85 is provided in the downward flank 82, adapted for co-action with the first locking element 75 of the other identical panel.

[0093] 6 shows how panel profiles 7 and 8, depicted at the far left, can interact when connecting a first connecting profile 7 of panel 1 with a second connecting profile 8 of panel 1'. Here, profiles 7 and 8 engage with each other by moving panel 1' vertically downwards, receiving upward tongue 71 in downward groove 83 and downward tongue 81 in upward groove 73.

Claims

1. A decorative panel comprising: a core layer having an upper side and a lower side; a printed decorative top layer connected directly or indirectly to an upper side of the core layer; a first panel side edge including a first connecting profile; a second panel side edge including a second interlocking contour, the second interlocking contour designed to interconnect with the first interlocking contour of a second identical panel in both horizontal and vertical directions; The first connecting shape is - an upward tongue; at least one upward flank provided at a distance from the upward tongue; an upward groove formed between the upward tongue and the upward flank, adapted to receive at least a part of the downward tongue of said second connecting profile of an otherwise identical panel, The second connection shape is a first downward tongue, at least one first downward flank spaced apart from the downward tongue; a first downward groove formed between the downward tongue and the downward flank, the first downward groove being adapted to receive at least a part of the upward tongue of said first connecting profile of another identical panel, The decorative panel comprises: a third panel side edge including a third connecting profile; a fourth panel side edge including a fourth interlocking contour, the fourth interlocking contour designed to interconnect with the third interlocking contour of another identical panel in both horizontal and vertical directions; The third connection shape is - a lateral tongue extending in a direction substantially parallel to the upper side of the decorative panel; at least one second downward flank spaced apart from said lateral tongue; a second downward groove formed between said lateral tongue and said second downward flank, The fourth connection shape is a third groove adapted to receive at least a portion of a lateral tongue of said third connecting profile of a second identical panel, said third groove being defined by an upper lip and a lower lip, said lower lip being provided with an upward locking element; the third and fourth interlocking profiles are configured such that the third and fourth interlocking profiles of two identical panels can be interlocked with each other by a rotational movement in which at least a portion of a lateral tongue of a first panel is inserted into a third groove of the other identical panel and at least a portion of the upward locking element of the other panel is inserted into the second downward groove of the first panel; A decorative panel, wherein the core layer comprises at least one aerated concrete layer, the aerated concrete layer consisting of a matrix of concrete material in which air pockets in the form of gas bubbles are present.

2. 10. The decorative panel of claim 1 which is flat and has a rectangular outline including four side edges.

3. 3. The decorative panel of claim 1 or 2, wherein the first and second panel side edges are opposing side edges of the panel.

4. the air bubbles in the aerated concrete make up 60-85% by volume of the total volume of said aerated concrete, or The density of the aerated concrete is between 400 and 800 kg / m ３ The decorative panel according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the thickness of the decorative panel is within the range of 100 mm or less.

5. 5. The decorative panel according to claim 4, wherein the majority of the cells are closed cells.

6. 6. Decorative panel according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the majority of the air bubbles in the cellular concrete are sufficiently small in size to absorb water by capillary action.

7. 7. The decorative panel according to claim 1, wherein the cellular concrete is obtained by autoclaving the concrete material at high temperature and pressure.

8. A decorative panel according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the concrete material comprises a mixture of particulate material and cement as a binder.

9. The cement is tobermorite, i.e., Ca ５ S ６ O １６ (OH) ２ ・4H ２ O and / or Ca ５ S ６ (O, OH) １８ ・5H ２ 9. The decorative panel of claim 8, wherein the mineral is a calcium silicate hydrate such as .O.

10. 10. A decorative panel according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the particulate material comprises sand, pulverised fuel ash, fly ash, lime and / or aluminium oxide powder.

11. A decorative panel according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the particulate material comprises cellulosic particles.

12. 12. The decorative panel of claim 11, wherein at least a portion of said cellulosic particles are formed by fibers.

13. The decorative panel according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein a reinforcing layer is included in the core layer.

14. The decorative panel according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the core layer comprises at least 50% by weight of the aerated concrete.

15. Decorative panel according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a waterproof layer is located between the core layer and the top layer.

16. Decorative panel according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the top layer comprises at least one decorative layer and at least one transparent wear layer covering the decorative layer.

17. 17. The decorative panel of claim 16, wherein the wear layer has a melting temperature greater than 100°C.

18. 18. The decorative panel of any one of claims 1 to 17, including a support layer attached to the underside of the core layer.

19. The decorative panel according to any one of claims 1 to 18, having a thickness of 3 to 10 mm.

20. 20. Decorative panel according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the core layer comprises at least one reinforcing layer, such as a textile fibre layer, a cellulose layer, a carbon fibre layer and / or a glass fibre layer.

21. 21. Decorative panel according to claim 20, wherein said core layer comprises at least two of said aerated concrete layers, at least one reinforcing layer being located between two of said aerated concrete layers.

22. 22. The decorative panel according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least a portion of each connecting contour is integrally formed with the core layer.

23. 23. Decorative panel according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the decorative top layer covers only at least a portion of the upper side of the core layer.

24. the side of the upward tongue facing the upward flank is the inner side of the upward tongue, and the side of the upward tongue facing away from the upward flank is the outer side of the upward tongue; the side of the downward tongue facing the downward flank is the inner side of the downward tongue, and the side of the downward tongue facing away from the downward flank is the outer side of the downward tongue; At least a portion of an inner side of the upward tongue is inclined toward or away from the upward flank; 24. A decorative panel according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least a portion of the inner side of the downward tongue is inclined towards or away from the downward flank.

25. Decorative panel according to any one of claims 1 to 24, wherein the printed decorative layer comprises a base layer or base film on which a decorative image is printed.

26. A decorative covering material comprising: A decorative covering material comprising a plurality of interconnected decorative panels according to any one of claims 1 to 25.

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