Tile panels, surface coverings for floors, ceilings or walls, consisting of a number of such tile panels

Abstract

The present invention relates to decorative tile panels for covering floors, ceilings or walls. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a surface covering for floors, ceilings or walls, which is constituted by a number of adjacent tile panels according to the present invention, said plurality of tile panels being preferably interconnected.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a decorative tile panel. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a surface covering for floors, ceilings or walls, which is constituted by a number of adjacent tile panels according to the invention. [Background technology]

[0002] For centuries, it has been common to apply a cement layer to a surface and then secure adjacent tiles in a surface-covering pattern by conventionally applying grout between adjacent side edges of adjacent tile panels to fill gaps between the adjacent side edges, commonly referred to as "grout lines." These grout lines are visible as slightly recessed joints of grout between the adjacent top surfaces of adjacent tiles.

[0003] As an alternative to the conventional method of applying tile coverings, the art has already proposed developing tile panels having upper surfaces made of synthetic materials, such as ceramic materials, that have similar properties to conventional tile materials. When such tile panels are placed adjacent to each other and attached to a surface, covering of adjacent tiles can be achieved in a different and practical way without the need for cement or grout. Typically, the adjacent side edges of the adjacent tile panels are installed in abutment with each other and may include interconnecting bonding profiles. In this way, applying grout in the form of grout lines can be omitted.

[0004] However, more recently, in order to mimic the overall appearance of conventional tile coverings, it has been proposed to provide an imitation grout line at the side edges of the tile panel by cutting a rectangular groove into the top surface of the tile panel, this recess extending along the side edges of the tile panel.

[0005] A drawback of the imitation grout line known from the prior art described above is that the appearance of the imitation grout line is detracted from in several respects. First, the recess has upwardly facing grooved surfaces comprised of flat surfaces in an angled configuration with respect to one another, resulting in a recess that gives the imitation grout line a more imitation look and feel compared to conventionally formed grout lines. Second, at the boundary of the joined adjacent side edges of adjacent tile panels, there is a visible seam that divides the imitation grout line into two halves, thus disrupting the overall appearance of the imitation grout line, which should ideally appear as one continuous body of grout filling the gap between two adjacent panels. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] The object of the present invention is to reduce or eliminate the drawbacks known from the prior art by developing a new tile panel with improved properties, particularly taking into account the imitation grout lines. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In a first aspect of the present invention, the above object is achieved by providing a decorative tile panel suitable for covering a floor, ceiling or wall, the tile panel comprising: At least one core layer; at least one decorative top portion attached directly or indirectly to or integral with the core layer, the top portion defining a top surface of the tile panel; a plurality of side edges at least partially defined by the core layer and / or by the top portion; the tile panel is provided with at least one imitation grout line along at least one side edge of the tile panel, the grout line being formed by a groove-like recess connecting to the top surface of the tile panel, the recess extending along the side edge of the tile panel; The recess has an upwardly facing recessed surface that is at least partially concavely curved across the width of the recess, the upwardly facing recessed surface preferably being at least partially formed by a separate grout coating layer.

[0008] Thus, the tile panel includes an imitation grout line having at least a partially, and preferably substantially completely, rounded (curved) concave surface that more accurately resembles the surface inherent in conventionally formed grout lines.

[0009] In this case, it should be noted that the upper portion defines the highest upper surface of the tile panel, which may be flat or textured (e.g., embossed, preferably embossed in accordance with the decorative layer-forming portion of the upper portion). This upper surface defined by the upper portion is connected to the at least one recess, and the upper surface and the upward-facing recessed surface together form the entire upper surface of the tile panel. Even if the upper surface of the upper portion is textured, such as embossed with recesses, the maximum depth of the recesses is typically greater than the maximum depth of the recesses.

[0010] The recesses are formed, for example, by designing, milling, cutting, printing, preferably digital printing, or any suitable grinding technique. Typically, the recesses are created by cutting or removing material during the manufacturing process. However, it is conceivable that the recesses are created by design during the manufacturing process without removing material.

[0011] Preferably, at least one recess has a deepest point at a certain distance from the respective side edge, the deepest point being disposed closer to the side edge than the top surface of the tile panel, and the width of the recess relative to the top surface of the tile panel is at least two times, preferably at least three times, the maximum depth of the recess. The deepest point may be a single deepest point as seen in a cross-sectional view of the recess. Alternatively, the deepest point may be a deepest zone typically defined by the lowest horizontal portion of the recess surface as seen in a cross-sectional view of the recess. It is conceivable that the recess has a plurality of deepest points spaced apart from one another as seen in a cross-sectional view. Preferably, the width of the recess relative to the top surface of the tile panel is at least three times, preferably at least five times, more preferably at least six times, the maximum depth of the recess. This typically results in a long, narrow, shallow recess, as seen across the width of the figure, which is attractive for the cleanability of the recess, and a relatively large, visible recess surface, which is aesthetically appealing. Locating the deepest point at a distance from the side edge has the advantage of pushing moisture away from the side edge and, therefore, away from the seam formed between two tile panels, which prevents moisture from seeping into the seam, which could stimulate microbial growth between the tile panels. Therefore, locating the deepest point at a distance from the side edge is preferable from a hygienic standpoint. Furthermore, this orientation of the deepest point is typically preferable from an aesthetic standpoint.

[0012] Preferably, the deepest point of the recess divides the recess into an inner recess portion connected to the top surface of the tile panel and an outer recess portion connected to the side edge of the tile panel, and the width of the inner recess portion is at least twice, preferably at least three times, the width of the outer recess portion. This results in the embodiment in which the deepest point is disposed closer to the side edge of the tile panel than to the top surface, allowing for a less abrupt (more gradual) transition from the top surface to the deepest point. Preferably, the maximum height of the inner recess portion relative to the deepest point is at least four times the maximum height of the outer recess portion relative to the deepest point. This results in the embodiment in which the height of the outer recess portion is limited, making the outer recess portion less susceptible to breakage.

[0013] Preferably, at least one concave portion of the recessed surface has a gradually increasing radius toward the side edge. Preferably, the recessed surface of the inner recessed portion has a gradually increasing radius toward the deepest point. This allows for the formation of a clear transition line between the recess and the upper surface of the tile panel and limits the depth of the recess. The thickness of the tile panel is preferably at least ten times the maximum depth of the recess relative to the upper surface of the tile panel.

[0014] When used, the separate grout covering layer does not form an integral part of the core layer or the upper portion and is typically applied as a separate layer during or after the manufacturing process. The separate grout layer is used to give the imitation grout line an appropriate appearance, such as a gray appearance to resemble mortar and / or a darker appearance than the upper portion to create a visual depth effect. Furthermore, the separate grout layer typically has a protective function for protecting the underlying vulnerable side edge portions of the tile panel. Here, the separate grout layer may, for example, have higher abrasion resistance (wear resistance) than the underlying layer and / or better water resistance properties than the underlying side edge portions. The separate grout layer may cover only a portion of the recess, specifically only a portion of the curved portion (surface) of the recess. However, typically, for the reasons described above, it is more preferred that the substantially complete curved concave surface be formed by the independent grout coating layer, and it is even more preferred that the substantially complete concave surface be formed by the independent grout coating layer. Optionally, the independent grout coating layer is omitted. In this latter case, the upwardly facing concave surface is typically formed by at least a portion of the upper portion and / or the core layer.

[0015] The separate grout coating layer typically comprises: a metal, such as aluminum, which may be applied as a metal layer and / or as metal particles; at least one thermoplastic material, such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyester or polyethylene (PE), and / or at least one thermosetting material, such as polyurethane; at least one at least partially cured resin, in particular an at least partially cured ink and / or an at least partially cured paint, and at least partially formed of at least one material selected from the group consisting of:

[0016] The separate grout layer could be a monolithic layer (single layer) or could be layered and comprised of multiple sub-layers.

[0017] Preferably, the separate grout coating is formed by a coating, which is typically applied in liquid form by roller or brush, and the coating is subsequently cured (dried), typically by air and / or radiation, such as infrared radiation.

[0018] It is also conceivable, and potentially preferred, that the grout layer be formed by a transfer technique using a transfer film. Preferably, this transfer film (transfer foil) is initially provided with a transferable digital print. This digital print is transferred to the recess during transfer printing and then forms at least part of the recess surface. Forming the separate grout layer by transfer printing can be realized in a somewhat economical way, even for small production runs.

[0019] It is also conceivable that the separate grout coating layer is formed by a printing layer, specifically a digitally printed layer. In this way, two-dimensional or even three-dimensional structures can be printed to form at least a portion of the recessed surface and, if necessary, to give the recess its shape, texture, and / or thickness. Raised (3D) structures, also known as positive embossing, can be created by digital printing. It is also conceivable that an etching liquid is printed on an already printed liquid-based layer, which creates depressions at selected locations, also known as negative embossing. It is also conceivable to combine this positive embossing process with a (preferably continuous) negative embossing process to form the periphery of the coating structure. Therefore, this printing process can be considered a printing process in which an embossed structure is created that ultimately forms the recess.

[0020] The separate grout coating preferably has a substantially constant thickness, but it is also conceivable that the separate grout coating has a thickness that varies across the width of the recess, in this latter case the grout coating is (mainly) involved in shaping the recess itself as well as the final shape of the upwardly facing recess surface.

[0021] Typically, the separate grout coating layer is connected to the top surface of the tile panel. Typically, the separate grout coating layer is connected to the side edges of the tile panel. The separate grout coating layer may have a smooth upper surface, which typically improves the cleanability of the grout. It is also possible for the separate grout coating layer to have a textured (fine or coarse) upper surface. This textured surface gives the imitation grout line a more realistic look and feel compared to conventional filled grout lines.

[0022] The separate grout coating layer is typically adhered and / or bonded to the underlying portion of the tile panel.

[0023] It is conceivable that at least a portion of the upper portion, for example, one layer, extends to the side edge where the groove-shaped recess is formed. This results in a situation where the separate grout coating layer is applied to the upper portion located within or below the recess. While the completed upper portion could extend to the side edge, it is often preferred that the upper portion terminates at a distance from the side edge, or that only a portion of the upper portion, having a reduced thickness compared to the thickness of the upper portion, extends to the side edge. In this latter embodiment, typically, one or two layers of the upper portion, such as a polymer layer (PVC) and, optionally, a decorative layer, extend to the side edge. The typical wear layer of the upper portion is maintained at a distance from the side edge. This provides a space that effectively creates the recess. If the entire upper portion terminates at a distance from the side edge, it is typically preferred that the separate grout coating layer is applied directly to the underlying core (connected to the side edge).

[0024] Preferably, the upwardly facing recessed surface is at least partially gradually concavely curved across the width of the recess. This means that the curvature is a continuous curvature. This prevents the presence of sharp ridges (discontinuities) in the surface recess, which improves the appearance of the curved recessed surface. Preferably, the upwardly facing recessed surface is substantially completely concavely curved across the width of the recess.

[0025] The deepest point of at least one recess, which defines the maximum depth of the recess (relative to the (highest) upper surface of the upper portion), could be located at the side edge or at a distance from the side edge. In this latter case, a generally parabolic recess surface is present. It is conceivable that at least one recess has its deepest point at a distance from the associated side edge, the deepest point being disposed closer to the side edge than to the top surface of the tile panel.

[0026] The curvature of at least one concave portion of the recessed surface may have a constant radius. However, it is also conceivable that the curvature of at least one concave portion of the recessed surface may have a radius that varies across the width. Preferably, the radius of at least one concave portion of the recessed surface increases in the direction toward the side edge. This results in the recessed surface having a maximum curvature adjacent to the upper surface of the upper portion and a lesser curvature in the direction toward the side edge. Here, for example, it is conceivable that the recessed surface portion connecting to the side edge has a low curvature or no curvature, which results in a substantially flat recessed surface portion at the side edge. Preferably, (at least a part of) at least one concave portion of the recessed surface has at least one radius of 3 to 7 mm, preferably 4 to 5 mm. Preferably, at least one concave portion of the recessed surface has a radius (in millimeters) that exceeds the width (in millimeters) of the recess. Preferably, the width of the recess is less than 4.5 mm. Preferably, the groove-like recesses have a substantially constant width (over their length) defined by the respective side edges of the tile panel, and it is conceivable that the width of the recesses may vary (slightly) along their length to give them a more natural appearance, which may be attractive, for example, when the decorative upper portion has the appearance of, for example, wood grain and / or stone patterns.

[0027] The recess has a chamfered edge (beveled edge) disposed between the upper surface of the upper portion and the concave curvature of the recess surface. This is also called a (micro) bevel. This chamfered edge is typically flat, i.e., not curved. The chamfered edge encloses an angle with respect to the plane defined by the tile panel, preferably between 5 and 50 degrees, and more preferably between 5 and 45 degrees. These (micro) bevels are typically applied to improve the appearance and feel of a tile panel covering made of multiple tile panels according to the present invention, to create a smooth transition between the upper surface and the curvature of the recess, and often to compensate for small differences in height between the panels, and to prevent the presence of undesirable sharp edges as much as possible. The width of this chamfered edge is typically 0.05 to 2 mm, and preferably about 1 mm.

[0028] It is possible for at least one side edge to be free of a groove-like recess. This non-recessed side edge may have a chamfered edge connecting to the top surface. When the recessed side edge of a first tile panel is located adjacent to the non-recessed side edge of a second tile panel, a (micro)beveled grout line is formed by an eccentrically placed joint that is less visible to the human eye and therefore aesthetically appealing. In this way, the imitation grout line appears to the human eye as a continuous body.

[0029] Preferably, the tile panel is provided with at least two imitation grout lines along at least two connecting side edges of the tile panel, each grout line being formed by a groove-like recess connecting to the top surface of the tile panel, the recess extending along the side edges of the tile panel and having a substantially constant width defined by the respective side edges of the tile panel, the recess having an upwardly facing concave surface at least partially formed by a separate grout coating layer, the concave surface being at least partially concavely curved across the width of the recess, and the shapes and / or dimensions of the connecting grout lines may be the same or may differ.

[0030] Preferably, the grout covering layer comprises a wear sublayer and a decorative sublayer, the wear layer being connected to the top surface of the tile panel and comprising a substantially transparent material, such that the decorative sublayer is visible through the wear layer. The decorative (sub)layer may be formed by a digitally printed decorative layer. This decorative layer may be printed directly or indirectly on the core layer (e.g., by using an intermediate primer layer). The decorative layer may also be formed by a film or foil bearing a decorative pattern. The decorative print or pattern may have various properties and may be formed, for example, by artificial marble, artificial stone, imitation stone, artificial ceramic, or imitation material, or any other possible fantasy-based pattern or design. Typically, the top portion also comprises at least one intermediate layer, such as a polymer layer (e.g., a PVC layer), and / or a reinforcing layer, such as a glass fiber layer (woven or non-woven).

[0031] Preferably, the upper part comprises a wear layer and a decorative layer, the wear layer being made of a substantially transparent material so that the decorative layer is visible through the wear layer. It is also conceivable that the upper part consists of at least one tile or is entirely made of at least one tile. The tile may be made of sliceable natural stone, marble, concrete, limestone, granite, slate, glass, ceramic, wood or a composite material. Ceramic materials of the type selected from the group consisting of monocuttura ceramic, monoporosa ceramic, porcelain ceramic or multi-cast ceramic are particularly suitable.

[0032] In a preferred embodiment, the tile panel according to the present invention is substantially formed from one or more plastic composites, such as wood plastic composite and / or stone plastic composite, which have proven to be highly suitable and viable alternatives to traditional tile materials such as marble, stone, ceramic or wood.

[0033] Preferably, in the tile panel according to the present invention, the recessed surface has an upper texture similar to that of the original grout line, preferably having a rough upper texture. The texture of the recessed surface may be rough. This rough texture may be created, for example, by a roughening technique, such as mechanical brushing, performed after or during the formation of the recess itself. The rough upper texture of the recessed surface effectively ensures that the imitation grout line appears to the human eye as if it were an original grout line.

[0034] The separate grout coating layer can be formed from a material with abrasion resistance and / or water repellency, which further improves the durability of the imitation grout line. The coating layer is a thin film applied to the structure, for example, by transfer printing. The grout coating layer typically has a thickness of 0.010 mm to 0.10 mm, although deviations from this range are possible. By selecting an appropriate color for the coating layer, the imitation grout line appears to the human eye as if it were a real grout line.

[0035] The core layer may be rigid, flexible, or semi-rigid. It may be solid or at least partially foamed. The core comprises at least one virgin and / or recycled polymer selected from the group consisting of ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), polyurethane (PU), polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyisocyanurate (PIR), or mixtures thereof. The core layer may comprise at least one wood-based material. The core may comprise at least one composite material comprising at least one polymeric material and at least one non-polymeric material. The at least one non-polymeric material is preferably selected from the group consisting of talc, chalk, wood, calcium carbonate, and inorganic fillers. The core may comprise magnesium oxide and / or magnesium hydroxide. The upper side of the core is preferably substantially flat.

[0036] The tile panel according to the present invention has a preferred thickness ranging from 4.0 mm to 12.0 mm. When the tile panel comprises a core layer and a top portion, the top portion can have a thickness ranging from 0.30 mm to 1.20 mm, while the core layer can have a thickness ranging from 3.50 mm to 11.0 mm. When the top portion is formed by one or more tiles, the overall thickness of the top portion of the tile panel itself will typically be greater.

[0037] Preferably, the maximum depth of the recess is 0.2 to 1.5 mm, and more preferably, the maximum depth of the recess is 0.2 to 0.8 mm. To achieve a satisfactory visual effect of the imitation grout, the maximum vertical depth is selected from this range. Note that in a tile panel having both a top portion and a core layer, the concavely curved grout line may extend vertically into both the top portion and the core layer.

[0038] In the tile panel according to the present invention, the gradually curved portion of the concave surface preferably includes at least one tangent line that is less than 45 degrees relative to the normal vector of the tile panel, more preferably includes a tangent line that is 20 to 70 degrees relative to the normal vector, and most preferably includes a tangent line that is less than 90 degrees relative to the normal vector. The normal vector of the tile panel is defined herein as a vector perpendicular to the top surface of the tile panel. The gradually curved portion including the tangent line introduced above can be characterized as part of a crescent-shaped curved portion.

[0039] In the tile panel according to the present invention, the side edges preferably comprise at least one pair, and preferably two pairs, of opposing side edges, one of which has an imitation grout line while the other has no imitation grout line. More preferably, the side edges comprise at least one pair, and preferably two pairs, of opposing side edges, a first of which has an imitation grout line while the second of which does not. When a surface covering is formed from adjacent tile panels, the tile panels may be arranged in a pattern in which the first side edge of one tile panel abuts the second side edge of another tile panel. In this situation, when the imitation grout line between two abutting tile panels is formed by the first side edge containing the imitation grout line, the second edge merely defines the imitation grout line of the first side edge. If two sets of opposing side edges are provided, each tile panel can obtain a surface covering in which two sets of imitation grout lines are visually adjacent. It is particularly preferred that the tile panels according to the invention have a rectangular or hexagonal format, with the first and second sets of side edges being parallel to each other.

[0040] It is preferred that a pair of first and second side edges of the tile panel according to the present invention are provided with interacting joining profiles so that the first side edge of the first tile panel can be joined to the second side edge of the second panel by the first and second joining profiles.

[0041] In a preferred embodiment of the tile panel according to the present invention, at least one pair of opposing first and second side edges are provided with interacting bonding profiles so that the first side edge of a first tile panel can be bonded to the second side edge of a second tile panel, the first side edges are provided with imitation grout lines, the outer portions of the imitation grout lines define vertical planes, and at least a portion of the first bonding profile located on the first side edges extends relative to the vertical plane over a horizontal distance that is greater than the width of the imitation grout line and less than three times, preferably less than two times, the width of the imitation grout line. Preferably, a first tile panel edge comprises a first joining profile, and preferably a second tile panel edge opposite the first tile panel edge comprises a second joining profile designed to interlock and engage with the first joining profile of an adjacent panel in both horizontal and vertical directions, the first and second joining profiles preferably being configured to allow two such panels to be joined together by a downward (drop-down or vertically downward) action. Preferably, the first binding profile comprises: an upturned tongue; at least one upper flank at a distance from the upward tongue; an upward groove formed between the upward tongue and the upper flank, the upward groove adapted to receive at least a portion of a downward tongue of a second joining profile of an adjacent panel; at least one first locking element, preferably provided on a distal side of the upwardly facing tongue facing away from the upper flank, and the second binding profile comprises: a first downward tongue; at least one first lower flank at a distance from the downward tongue; a first downward groove formed between the downward tongue and the lower flank, the downward groove adapted to receive at least a portion of an upward tongue of a first joining profile of an adjacent panel; at least one second locking element adapted for cooperation with a first locking element of an adjacent panel, said second locking element preferably being provided on said lower flank;

[0042] Preferably, the tile panel comprises at least one third bonding profile and at least one fourth bonding profile disposed on a third tile panel edge and a fourth tile panel edge, respectively, the third bonding profile comprising: - lateral tongues extending in a direction substantially parallel to the upper side of the core layer; at least one second lower flank at a distance from the lateral tongue; a second downward groove formed between the lateral tongue and the second lower flank; and the fourth binding profile comprises: a third groove configured to receive at least a portion of the lateral tongue of the third joining profile of an adjacent panel, the third groove being defined by an upper lip and a lower lip, the lower lip being provided with an upwardly facing locking element; The third and fourth joining profiles are capable of joining two such panels together by a rotational movement, and in a joined state are configured such that at least a portion of the lateral tongue of a first panel is inserted into the third groove of an adjacent second panel and at least a portion of the upwardly facing locking element of the second panel is inserted into the second downwardly facing groove of the first panel.

[0043] Preferably, the first tile panel edge and the fourth tile panel edge are provided with imitation grout lines, while the second tile panel edge and the third tile panel edge are not provided with imitation grout lines.

[0044] In a preferred embodiment of the tile panel according to the invention, the fourth side edge is provided with an imitation grout line, the outer portion of which defines a vertical plane, and at least a portion of the fourth bonding profile located on the first side edge extends relative to the vertical plane over a horizontal distance greater than the width of the imitation grout line and less than three times, preferably less than two times, the width of the imitation grout line.

[0045] Preferably, the outer portions of the recesses connecting to the side edges of the panel are configured to abut the outer portions of the recesses of similar tile panels and define a joining surface extending in the vertical plane, meaning that the top portions of adjacent tile panels do not intersect this joining surface and that the tile panels do not have any overlapping edges near the top surfaces of the tile panels.

[0046] Preferably, the concave surface does not have any convexly curved portions. Preferably, the concave surface is entirely concavely curved.

[0047] In a more preferred embodiment, a first panel edge comprises a first connecting profile and a second connecting profile, preferably opposite the first panel edge, designed to interlock with the first connecting profile of an adjacent surface covering element in both horizontal and vertical directions, the first and second connecting profiles preferably being configured to allow two such surface covering elements to be joined together by a folding down action. If the surface covering element is rectangular, the first and second panel edges are typically located on opposite short edges of the surface covering element. The surface covering element also preferably includes at least one third bonding profile and at least one fourth bonding profile disposed on the third panel edge and the fourth panel edge, respectively, the third bonding profile including a lateral tongue extending in a direction substantially parallel to the upper side of the core, at least one second lower flank at a distance from the lateral tongue, and a second downward groove formed between the lateral tongue and the second lower flank, and the fourth bonding profile configured to receive at least a portion of the lateral tongue of the third bonding profile of an adjacent surface covering element. a third groove defined by an upper lip and a lower lip, the lower lip being provided with an upward-facing locking element, the third coupling profile and the fourth coupling profile being configured to allow two such surface covering elements to be coupled to one another by a rotating (angling down) action, such that in a coupled state at least a portion of the lateral tongue of a first surface covering element is inserted into the third groove of an adjacent second surface covering element, and at least a portion of the upward-facing locking element of the second surface covering element is inserted into the second downward-facing groove of the first surface covering element. Preferably, the complementary coupling profiles are configured to lock the coupled tile panels together in a direction parallel to a plane defined by the tile panels and / or in a direction perpendicular to the plane defined by the tile panels.

[0048] The top portion and the core layer of the tile panel may be integral with one another, resulting in a monolithic (single layer) tile panel, with one or more separate grout coating layers being applied as additional layers to complete the tile panel.

[0049] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a surface covering, such as a floor covering, wall covering or ceiling covering, consisting of a multitude of, preferably interconnected, adjacent tile panels according to one of the preceding claims. Such a surface covering made of tile panels achieves a visually pleasing result, and the surface covering appears to the human eye as a tile covering laid in a conventional manner.

[0050] Preferred embodiments of the tile panel according to the present invention are presented in the non-limiting set of clauses presented below.

[0051] 1. A decorative tile panel suitable for covering floors, ceilings or walls, the tile panel comprising: At least one core layer; at least one decorative top portion attached directly or indirectly to the core layer, the top portion defining a top surface of the tile panel; a plurality of side edges defined at least in part by the core layer and / or by the top portion; the tile panel is provided with at least one imitation grout line along at least one side edge of the tile panel, the grout line being formed by a groove-like recess connecting to the top surface of the tile panel, the recess extending along the side edge of the tile panel and preferably having a substantially constant width bounded by the respective side edge of the tile panel; The recess has an upwardly facing recessed surface at least partially defined by a separate grout coating layer, the recessed surface being at least partially concavely curved across the width of the recess.

[0052] 2. The tile panel of clause 1, wherein the substantially complete recessed surface is formed by the independent grout coating layer.

[0053] 3. A tile panel according to clause 1 or 2, wherein the independent grout covering layer is formed by coating.

[0054] 4. A tile panel according to one of the preceding clauses, wherein the independent grout coating layer is formed by a transfer layer produced by a transfer foil or transfer film using transfer printing.

[0055] 5. A tile panel according to one of the preceding clauses, wherein the independent grout coating layer is formed by a printing layer.

[0056] 6. A tile panel according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the separate grout coating layer has a substantially constant thickness.

[0057] 7. A tile panel according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the separate grout covering layer has a thickness that varies across the width of the recess.

[0058] 8. A tile panel according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the independent grout covering layer is connected to the top surface of the tile panel.

[0059] 9. A tile panel according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the separate grout covering layers are connected to the respective side edges of the tile panel.

[0060] 10. A tile panel according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the independent grout covering layer and the top surface of the tile panel have different appearances.

[0061] 11. A tile panel according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the separate grout coating layer is darker in colour than the top surface of the tile panel.

[0062] 12. A tile panel according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the separate grout covering layer has a smooth upper surface.

[0063] 13. A tile panel according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the separate grout covering layer has a textured upper surface.

[0064] 14. A tile panel according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the separate grout covering layer is adhered and / or bonded to an underlying portion of the tile panel.

[0065] 15. A tile panel according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein at least a portion of the upper portion extends to a side edge in which a groove-like recess is formed.

[0066] 16. A tile panel according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the upwardly facing recessed surface is at least partially gradually concavely curved across the width of the recess.

[0067] 17. A tile panel according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the upwardly facing recessed surface is substantially completely concavely curved across the width of the recessed portion.

[0068] 18. A tile panel according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein at least one recess has its deepest point at a certain distance from the respective side edge.

[0069] 19. A tile panel described in one of the above clauses, wherein at least one recess has a deepest point at a certain distance from the respective side edge, and the deepest point is located closer to the side edge than the top surface of the tile panel.

[0070] 20. A tile panel according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein at least one recess in the recessed surface has a gradually increasing radius towards the respective side edge.

[0071] 21. A tile panel according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein at least one recess in the recessed surface has a constant radius.

[0072] 22. A tile panel according to one of the preceding clauses, wherein at least one recess of the recessed surface has at least one radius of 3 to 7 millimeters, preferably 4 to 5 millimeters.

[0073] 23. A tile panel according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein at least one recess in the recess surface has a radius that exceeds the width of the recess.

[0074] 24. A tile panel according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the width of the recess is less than 4.5 millimeters.

[0075] 25. A tile panel according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the maximum depth of the recess is 0.2 to 1.5 mm, preferably 0.2 to 0.8 mm.

[0076] 26. A tile panel according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the recess is provided with a chamfered edge disposed between the upper surface of the tile panel and the concavely curved portion of the recess surface.

[0077] 27. A tile panel according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein at least one edge is free of a groove-like recess and has a chamfered edge connected to the upper surface.

[0078] 28. A tile panel as described in any one of the above clauses, wherein the tile panel is provided with at least two imitation grout lines along at least two connecting side edges of the tile panel, each grout line being formed by a groove-like recess connecting to the top surface of the tile panel, the recess extending along the side edges of the tile panel and having a substantially constant width defined by the respective side edges of the tile panel, the recess having an upwardly facing concave surface formed at least in part by a separate grout coating layer, the concave surface being at least partially concavely curved across the width of the recess.

[0079] 29. A tile panel described in one of the above clauses, wherein the grout covering layer comprises a wear sublayer and a decorative sublayer, the wear layer being connected to the top surface of the tile panel and having a substantially transparent material, such that the decorative sublayer is visible through the wear layer.

[0080] 30. A tile panel according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the upper portion comprises a wear layer and a decorative layer, the wear layer conforming to the upper surface of the tile panel and having a substantially transparent material, such that the decorative layer is visible through the wear layer.

[0081] 31. A tile panel according to one of the preceding clauses, wherein the core layer of the tile panel is at least partially formed from one or more plastic composites, such as wood plastic composite and / or stone plastic composite and / or mineral plastic composite.

[0082] 32. A tile panel according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the tile panel has a thickness ranging from 4.0 mm to 12.0 mm.

[0083] 33. A tile panel described in one of the above clauses, wherein the gradual curved portion of the concave surface includes at least one tangent line that is less than 45 degrees to the normal vector of the tile panel, and preferably also includes a tangent line that is between 20 degrees and less than 70 degrees to the normal vector, and most preferably also includes a tangent line that is less than 90 degrees to the normal vector.

[0084] 34. A tile panel according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the side edges comprise at least one pair, preferably two pairs, of opposing side edges, the first of which is provided with an imitation grout line, while the second of which is not provided with an imitation grout line.

[0085] 35. A tile panel according to clause 34, wherein the first and second side edges of a pair are parallel to each other, and preferably the tile panel has a rectangular or hexagonal format.

[0086] 36. Tile panels according to clause 34 or 35, wherein the first and / or second side edges of a pair are provided with interacting joining profiles so that the first side edge of a first tile panel can be joined to the second side edge of a second tile panel.

[0087] 37. Tile panels according to clause 36, wherein the joining profile is configured to lock joined tile panels together in a direction parallel to a plane defined by the tile panels and / or in a direction perpendicular to the plane defined by the tile panels.

[0088] 38. A tile panel described in one of the above clauses, wherein the recesses have their deepest points at a certain distance from the respective side edges, the deepest points being disposed closer to the side edges than the top surface of the tile panel, and the width of the recesses, relative to the top surface of the tile panel, is at least three times the maximum depth of the recesses.

[0089] 39. A tile panel according to clause 38, wherein the width of the recess, relative to the top surface of the tile panel, is at least six times the maximum depth of the recess.

[0090] 40. A tile panel according to clause 38 or 39, wherein the deepest point of the recess divides the recess into an inner recess portion connected to the top surface of the tile panel and an outer recess portion connected to the side edge of the tile panel, and the width of the inner recess portion is at least twice the width of the outer recess portion.

[0091] 41. A tile panel according to clause 40, wherein the width of the inner recessed portion is at least three times the width of the outer recessed portion.

[0092] 42. A tile panel according to clause 40 or clause 41, wherein the maximum height of the inner recessed portion relative to the deepest point is at least four times the maximum height of the outer recessed portion relative to the deepest point.

[0093] 42. A tile panel according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein at least one recess of the recessed surface has a gradually increasing radius towards the side edge.

[0094] 43. The tile panel of any one of clauses 40 to 42, wherein the recessed surface of the inner recessed portion has an increasing radius towards the deepest point.

[0095] 44. A tile panel according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the thickness of the tile panel is at least ten times the maximum depth of the recess relative to the upper surface of the tile panel.

[0096] 45. A tile panel according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the side edges comprise at least one pair, preferably two pairs, of opposing side edges, one of which is provided with an imitation grout line, while the other of which is not provided with an imitation grout line.

[0097] 46. ​​A tile panel according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein at least one pair of opposing first and second side edges are provided with interacting bonding profiles so that the first side edge of a first tile panel can be bonded to the second side edge of a second tile panel, the first side edges are provided with imitation grout lines, outer portions of the imitation grout lines define vertical planes, and at least a portion of the first bonding profile located on the first side edges extends relative to the vertical plane over a horizontal distance that is greater than the width of the imitation grout lines and less than three times, preferably less than two times, the width of the imitation grout lines.

[0098] 47. A tile panel according to one of the above clauses, wherein a first tile panel edge is provided with a first joining profile, and preferably a second tile panel edge opposite the first tile panel edge is provided with a second joining profile designed for interlocking engagement with the first joining profile of an adjacent panel in both horizontal and vertical directions, the first joining profile and the second joining profile preferably being configured to allow two such panels to be joined together by a downward movement.

[0099] 48. The first binding profile comprises: an upturned tongue; at least one upper flank at a distance from the upward tongue; an upward groove formed between the upward tongue and the upper flank, the upward groove adapted to receive at least a portion of a downward tongue of a second joining profile of an adjacent panel; at least one first locking element, preferably provided on a distal side of the upwardly facing tongue facing away from the upper flank, and the second binding profile is a first downward tongue; at least one first lower flank at a distance from the downward tongue; a first downward groove formed between the downward tongue and the lower flank, the downward groove adapted to receive at least a portion of an upward tongue of a first joining profile of an adjacent panel; at least one second locking element adapted for cooperation with a first locking element of an adjacent panel, said second locking element preferably being provided on the lower flank; 48. A tile panel according to clause 47, comprising:

[0100] 49. The tile panel includes at least one third bonding profile and at least one fourth bonding profile disposed on a third tile panel edge and a fourth tile panel edge, respectively, and the third bonding profile is lateral tongues extending in a direction substantially parallel to the upper side of the core; at least one second lower flank at a distance from the lateral tongue; a second downward groove formed between the lateral tongue and the second lower flank; and the fourth binding profile comprises: a third groove configured to receive at least a portion of the lateral tongue of the third joining profile of an adjacent panel, the third groove being defined by an upper lip and a lower lip, the lower lip being provided with an upwardly directed locking element; A tile panel described in one of the above clauses, wherein the third connecting profile and the fourth connecting profile are capable of connecting such two panels to each other by a rotational movement, and in a connected state, at least a portion of the lateral tongue of the first panel is inserted into the third groove of the adjacent second panel, and at least a portion of the upward locking element of the second panel is inserted into the second downward groove of the first panel.

[0101] 50. The tile panel of clauses 48 and 49, wherein the first tile panel edge and the fourth tile panel edge are provided with imitation grout lines, while the second tile panel edge and the third tile panel edge are not provided with imitation grout lines.

[0102] 51. A tile panel according to one of the preceding clauses, wherein the outer portion of the recess connected to the side edge of the panel is configured to abut against the outer portion of the recess of a similar tile panel and defines a joining surface extending in the vertical plane.

[0103] 52. A tile panel according to one of the preceding clauses, wherein the concave surface does not have any convexly curved portions, and the concave surface is preferably entirely concavely curved.

[0104] 53. A surface covering, in particular for floors, ceilings or walls, consisting of a number of adjacent tile panels according to one of the preceding clauses.

[0105] 54. A surface covering according to clause 53, which is made up of a number of adjacent interconnected tile panels according to one of the preceding clauses. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0106] The invention will now be further explained by means of some examples and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [Figure 1] 1 is a plan view of a tile panel according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the tile panel of FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of another preferred embodiment of the tile panel according to the present invention. [Figure 4] 1 is a cross-sectional view of a detail of the side edge of two adjacent panels that are connected to each other by a joining profile of a suitable type. [Figure 5]FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of two adjacent panels connected to each other by another suitable type of joining profile. [Figure 6] 1 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a tile panel according to the present invention; [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the tile according to FIG. [Figure 8] 7 is a detailed partial view of the longitudinal section according to FIG. 6. FIG. [Figure 9] 8 is a detailed partial view of the cross section according to FIG. 7. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0107] Figure 1 shows a tile panel 1 in a substantially flat format having a top surface 3, a bottom surface (not visible) and a number of side edges 7a-7d.

[0108] The tile panel 1 has two imitation grout lines 9, 9' formed by recesses in the upper surface 3 along the two side edges 7b, 7c, and the tile panel has a substantially constant width bounded by the respective side edges 7b and 7c.

[0109] The dotted line A-A' indicates the cross section of the panel shown in FIG.

[0110] Figure 2 shows a cross section of the same tile panel 1 as Figure 1 taken along line A-A' in Figure 1. Identical elements in both figures have the same reference numerals as in Figure 1.

[0111] The tile panel has a bottom surface 5 and is composed of a substantially flat core layer 20 made of a resilient material and a substantially flat top layer 22 connected to the top side of the core layer 20. The top layer 22 has properties that resemble natural materials such as marble, stone, ceramic, or wood, and is formed from a wood-plastic composite and / or a stone-plastic composite. The core layer 20 is formed from a thermoplastic material, such as PVC.

[0112] The imitation grout line 9 is formed by a recess having an upwardly facing recess surface 11 which has a gradual concave curve across the width of the recess 9 .

[0113] FIG. 3 shows two abutting side edges 7a and 7b of two adjacent tile panels 1 and 1′, which are connected by a joining profile consisting of a tongue 30 and a groove 32 provided on each of the side edges 7a and 7b.

[0114] The imitation grout line 9 is formed by a crescent-shaped depression with a grout coating layer 10, the upper side of which forms the upward-facing depression surface. The grout coating layer 10 has a rough upper texture and is preferably gray in color. The depression 9 has a maximum vertical depth as indicated by arrow dm. A vertical vector V is oriented perpendicular to the upper surface of the tile panel 1 and indicates the vertical direction of the tile panel.

[0115] The gradual curvature of the recessed surface is characterized by tangents T1, T2, and T3, where T1 has an angle of 15 degrees with respect to the normal vector V, T2 has an angle of 40 degrees with respect to the normal vector V, and T3 has an angle of 80 degrees with respect to the normal vector V.

[0116] 4 shows two side edges of two adjacent tile panels 1 and 1′ connected by joining profiles 5 and 6 that include tongue 51 and groove 61. The joining profiles 5 and 6 are configured such that an angling or rotational movement (indicated by arrow T) allows the two profiles to join together, which results in an interlocking connection in the horizontal plane.

[0117] 5 shows two side edges of two adjacent tile panels 1 and 1′ connected by joining profiles 7 and 8 including respective tongues 71 and grooves 73 and respective tongues 81 and grooves 83. The joining profiles 7 and 8 are configured such that drop-down movement of panel 1′ (indicated by the arrow) allows the two profiles to join together, which results in an interlocking connection in the horizontal plane.

[0118] 6 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a tile panel 100 according to the present invention. The tile panel 100 comprises a first tile panel edge 101 having a first joining profile 101a and a second joining profile 102a, preferably a second tile panel edge 102 opposite the first tile panel edge 101, designed for mating engagement with the first joining profile 101a of an adjacent panel in both the horizontal and vertical directions, the first joining profile 101a and the second joining profile 102a preferably being configured to allow two such panels to be joined together by a downward movement. The first joining profile 101a comprises an upward tongue 103, at least one upper flank 104 at a distance from the upward tongue 103, an upward groove 105 formed between the upward tongue 103 and the upper flank 104, the upward groove 105 being adapted to receive at least a part of a downward tongue 106 of the second joining profile 102a of an adjacent panel, and at least one locking element 107 preferably provided on a distal side of the upward tongue 103 facing away from the upper flank 104, and the second joining profile 102a comprises a first downward tongue 106 and at least one first downward flank 108 at a distance from the downward tongue 106, a first downward groove 109 formed between the downward tongue 106 and the lower flank 108, the downward groove 109 adapted to receive at least a part of the upward tongue 103 of the first joining profile 101 a of an adjacent panel, and at least one second locking element 110 adapted to cooperate with the first locking element 107 of the adjacent panel, the second locking element 110 preferably being provided on the lower flank 108. The proximal sides of the tongues 103, 106 are inclined, as seen downwards, towards the opposing flanks 104, 108, which leads to an additional vertical locking effect in the joined state of the two tile panels 100.The first edge is provided with a concavely curved groove-like recess 111 which forms an imitation grout line and is shown in more detail in FIG.

[0119] The recess 111 has a deepest point D at a distance from the respective side edge 101, the deepest point being disposed closer to the side edge 101 than the top surface of the tile panel 100a. In this embodiment, the width Wr of the recess 111, relative to the top surface of the tile panel, is at least eight times the maximum depth Dr of the recess. As can be seen in more detail in FIG. 8 , the deepest point D of the recess divides the recess into an inner recess portion IRP connected to the top surface of the tile panel and an outer recess portion ORP connected to the side edge 101 of the tile panel, the width of the inner recess portion IRP being at least three times the width of the outer recess portion ORP. The maximum height of the inner recess portion IRP relative to the deepest point is at least five times the maximum height of the outer recess portion ORP relative to the deepest point. This leads to an embodiment in which the height of the outer recess portion is limited, making the outer recess portion more resistant to breakage. As shown, the recessed surface of the inner recessed portion IRP has a gradually increasing radius toward the deepest point. This allows for a clear transition line between the recess and the upper surface of the tile panel and limits the depth of the recess. In this embodiment, the thickness of the tile panel is at least ten times the maximum depth of the recess relative to the upper surface of the tile panel.

[0120] In the cross-sectional view shown in Figure 7, it can be seen that the tile panel 100 has at least one third joining profile 120a and at least one fourth joining profile 121a arranged on the third tile panel edge 120 and the fourth tile panel edge 121, respectively, and the third joining profile 120a has a lateral tongue 122 extending in a direction substantially parallel to the upper side 100a of the tile panel 100, at least one second lower flank 123 at a certain distance from the lateral tongue 122, and a second downward groove 124 formed between the lateral tongue 122 and the second lower flank 123. The fourth joining profile has a third groove 125 configured to accommodate at least a portion of the lateral tongue 122 of the third joining profile 120a of an adjacent tile panel, the third groove 125 being defined by an upper lip 126 and a lower lip 127, the lower lip 127 being provided with an upward locking element 128, the third joining profile 120a and the fourth joining profile 121a being capable of joining two such panels to each other by a rotational (angling) motion, and in a joined state, at least a portion of the lateral tongue 122 of a first tile panel 100 is inserted into the third groove 125 of an adjacent second panel 100, and at least a portion of the upward locking element 128 of the second tile panel is inserted into the second downward groove 124 of the first tile panel 100. The fourth edge is provided with a concavely curved groove-like recess 130, which forms an imitation grout line and has exactly the same shape, configuration and dimensions as the recess 111 shown in Figures 6 and 8, as shown in more detail in Figure 9. Thus, the first and fourth tile panel edges are provided with imitation grout lines 111, 130, while the second and third tile panel edges are devoid of any imitation grout lines.

[0121] Although the layers of the tile panel 100 are not explicitly shown in Figures 6-9, such a tile panel typically includes at least one core layer and at least one decorative upper portion attached directly or indirectly to the core layer, the upper portion defining the upper surface of the tile panel. The groove recesses 111, 130 are preferably provided with a decorative covering layer. The groove recesses 111, 130 are entirely located in the decorative upper portion, i.e., on the core layer. However, it is also conceivable, and often preferred, for each of the groove recesses 111, 130 to be partially located in the upper portion and partially located in the core layer. If necessary, other layers, such as a backing layer, may be applied to cover the rear side of the core layer.

[0122] The inventive concepts described above are illustrated by several exemplary embodiments. It is assumed that each inventive concept can be applied without applying other details of the described examples. Those skilled in the art will understand that many inventive concepts can be combined to achieve a particular application, so it is not necessary to detail examples of all possible combinations of the inventive concepts described above.

[0123] It will be apparent that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments shown and described herein, but that many modifications, which will be obvious to those skilled in the art, are possible within the scope of the appended claims.

[0124] The verb "comprise" and its conjugations as used in this patent publication should be understood to mean not only "comprise" but also "contain," "consist essentially of," "formed by," and conjugations thereof.

Claims

1. A decorative tile panel (1) suitable for covering a floor, ceiling or wall, said decorative tile panel comprising: At least one core layer (20); at least one decorative top portion (22) attached directly or indirectly to said core layer (20), said decorative top portion defining an upper surface of said decorative tile panel; a plurality of side edges (7) defined at least in part by said core layer (20) and / or by said decorative upper portion (22), The decorative tile panel is provided with at least one imitation grout line (9) along at least one side edge of the decorative tile panel, the grout line being formed by a groove-like recess (111, 130) connected to the top surface of the decorative tile panel, the groove-like recess extending along the side edge of the decorative tile panel and having a substantially constant width (Wr) bounded by each of the side edges of the decorative tile panel; At least one of the groove-shaped recesses (111, 130) has an upwardly facing recessed surface (11) at least partially formed by an independent grout coating layer (10), the recessed surface being at least partially concavely curved across the width of the groove-shaped recess, the groove-shaped recesses having deepest points (D) at a certain distance from each of the side edges, the deepest points being disposed closer to the side edges than the top surface of the decorative tile panel, and the width of the groove-shaped recess with respect to the top surface of the decorative tile panel is at least three times the maximum depth (Dr) of the groove-shaped recess, A decorative tile panel, characterized in that said grout covering layer (10) does not form an integral part of said decorative upper portion (22).

2. A decorative tile panel (1) suitable for covering a floor, ceiling or wall, the decorative tile panel comprising: At least one core layer (20); at least one decorative top portion (22) attached directly or indirectly to said core layer (20), said decorative top portion defining an upper surface of said decorative tile panel; a plurality of side edges (7) defined at least in part by said core layer (20) and / or by said decorative upper portion (22), The decorative tile panel is provided with at least one imitation grout line (9) along at least one side edge of the decorative tile panel, the grout line being formed by a groove-like recess (111, 130) connected to the top surface of the decorative tile panel, the groove-like recess extending along the side edge of the decorative tile panel and having a substantially constant width (Wr) bounded by each of the side edges of the decorative tile panel; At least one of the groove-shaped recesses (111, 130) has an upwardly facing recessed surface (11) at least partially formed by an independent grout coating layer (10), the recessed surface being at least partially concavely curved across the width of the groove-shaped recess, the groove-shaped recesses having deepest points (D) at a certain distance from each of the side edges, the deepest points being disposed closer to the side edges than the top surface of the decorative tile panel, and the width of the groove-shaped recess with respect to the top surface of the decorative tile panel is at least three times the maximum depth (Dr) of the groove-shaped recess, A decorative tile panel characterized in that the deepest point (D) of the groove-shaped recess (111, 130) divides the groove-shaped recess into an inner recess portion connected to the top surface of the decorative tile panel and an outer recess portion connected to the side edge of the decorative tile panel, and the width of the inner recess portion is at least twice the width of the outer recess portion.

3. A decorative tile panel (1) suitable for covering a floor, ceiling or wall, the decorative tile panel comprising: At least one core layer (20); at least one decorative top portion (22) attached directly or indirectly to said core layer (20), said decorative top portion defining an upper surface of said decorative tile panel; a plurality of side edges (7) defined at least in part by said core layer (20) and / or by said decorative upper portion (22), The decorative tile panel is provided with at least one imitation grout line (9) along at least one side edge of the decorative tile panel, the grout line being formed by a groove-like recess (111, 130) connected to the top surface of the decorative tile panel, the groove-like recess extending along the side edge of the decorative tile panel and having a substantially constant width (Wr) bounded by each of the side edges of the decorative tile panel; At least one of the groove-shaped recesses (111, 130) has an upwardly facing recessed surface (11) at least partially formed by an independent grout coating layer (10), the recessed surface being at least partially concavely curved across the width of the groove-shaped recess, the groove-shaped recesses having deepest points (D) at a certain distance from each of the side edges, the deepest points being disposed closer to the side edges than the top surface of the decorative tile panel, and the width of the groove-shaped recess with respect to the top surface of the decorative tile panel is at least three times the maximum depth (Dr) of the groove-shaped recess, A decorative tile panel, wherein the thickness of the decorative tile panel is at least ten times the maximum depth of the groove-like recess relative to the upper surface of the decorative tile panel.

4. A decorative tile panel (1) suitable for covering a floor, ceiling or wall, the decorative tile panel comprising: At least one core layer (20); at least one decorative top portion (22) attached directly or indirectly to said core layer (20), said decorative top portion defining an upper surface of said decorative tile panel; a plurality of side edges (7) defined at least in part by said core layer (20) and / or by said decorative upper portion (22), The decorative tile panel is provided with at least one imitation grout line (9) along at least one side edge of the decorative tile panel, the grout line being formed by a groove-like recess (111, 130) connected to the top surface of the decorative tile panel, the groove-like recess extending along the side edge of the decorative tile panel and having a substantially constant width (Wr) bounded by each of the side edges of the decorative tile panel; At least one of the groove-shaped recesses (111, 130) has an upwardly facing recessed surface (11) at least partially formed by an independent grout coating layer (10), the recessed surface being at least partially concavely curved across the width of the groove-shaped recess, the groove-shaped recesses having deepest points (D) at a certain distance from each of the side edges, the deepest points being disposed closer to the side edges than the top surface of the decorative tile panel, and the width of the groove-shaped recess with respect to the top surface of the decorative tile panel is at least three times the maximum depth (Dr) of the groove-shaped recess, 1. A decorative tile panel comprising: at least one pair of opposing first and second side edges provided with interacting bonding profiles (30, 32) such that the first side edge of a first decorative tile panel can be bonded to the second side edge of a second decorative tile panel; the first side edges provided with imitation grout lines (9), outer portions of the imitation grout lines defining vertical planes; and at least a portion of the first bonding profiles (101 a) located on the first side edges extending relative to the vertical plane over a horizontal distance that is greater than a width of the imitation grout lines and less than three times the width of the imitation grout lines.

5. A decorative tile panel (1) suitable for covering a floor, ceiling or wall, the decorative tile panel comprising: At least one core layer (20); at least one decorative top portion (22) attached directly or indirectly to said core layer (20), said decorative top portion defining an upper surface of said decorative tile panel; a plurality of side edges (7) defined at least in part by said core layer (20) and / or by said decorative upper portion (22), The decorative tile panel is provided with at least one imitation grout line (9) along at least one side edge of the decorative tile panel, the grout line being formed by a groove-like recess (111, 130) connected to the top surface of the decorative tile panel, the groove-like recess extending along the side edge of the decorative tile panel and having a substantially constant width (Wr) bounded by each of the side edges of the decorative tile panel; At least one of the groove-shaped recesses (111, 130) has an upwardly facing recessed surface (11) at least partially formed by an independent grout coating layer (10), the recessed surface being at least partially concavely curved across the width of the groove-shaped recess, the groove-shaped recesses having deepest points (D) at a certain distance from each of the side edges, the deepest points being disposed closer to the side edges than the top surface of the decorative tile panel, and the width of the groove-shaped recess with respect to the top surface of the decorative tile panel is at least three times the maximum depth (Dr) of the groove-shaped recess, A decorative tile panel, characterized in that the gradual curved portion of the concave surface includes at least one tangent (T1, T2, T3, T4) that is less than 45 degrees to a normal vector of the decorative tile panel.

6. The decorative tile panel (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the width of the groove-like recess relative to the upper surface of the decorative tile panel is at least six times the maximum depth of the groove-like recess.

7. The decorative tile panel (1) according to any one of claims 1, 3 to 5, wherein the deepest point (D) of the groove-like recess (111, 130) divides the groove-like recess into an inner recess portion connected to the top surface of the decorative tile panel and an outer recess portion connected to the side edge of the decorative tile panel, and the width of the inner recess portion is at least twice the width of the outer recess portion.

8. 8. Decorative tile panel (1) according to claim 2 or 7, wherein the width of the inner recessed portion is at least three times the width of the outer recessed portion.

9. 9. A decorative tile panel (1) according to any one of claims 2, 7 and 8, wherein the maximum height of the inner recessed portion relative to the deepest point is at least four times the maximum height of the outer recessed portion relative to the deepest point.

10. 10. Decorative tile panel (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein at least one concave shape of said concave surface (11) has a gradually increasing radius towards said side edge.

11. The decorative tile panel (1) according to any one of claims 2, 7 to 9, or claim 10 when directly or indirectly relying on claim 2 or 7, wherein the recessed surface (11) of the inner recessed portion has a gradually increasing radius towards the deepest point.

12. 6. The decorative tile panel (1) according to any one of claims 1, 2, 4 and 5, wherein the thickness of the decorative tile panel is at least ten times the maximum depth of the groove-like recess relative to the top surface of the decorative tile panel.

13. The decorative tile panel (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the side edges comprise at least one pair of opposing side edges, one of the pair of opposing side edges being provided with an imitation grout line (9), and the other of the pair of opposing side edges not being provided with an imitation grout line.

14. 6. The decorative tile panel (1) according to claim 1, wherein at least one pair of opposing first and second side edges are provided with interacting bonding profiles (30, 32) so that the first side edge of a first decorative tile panel can be bonded to the second side edge of a second decorative tile panel, the first side edges are provided with imitation grout lines (9), outer portions of the imitation grout lines define vertical planes, and at least a portion of the first bonding profiles (101 a) arranged on the first side edges extend with respect to the vertical plane over a horizontal distance that is greater than the width of the imitation grout lines and less than three times the width of the imitation grout lines.

15. 15. A decorative tile panel (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein a first decorative tile panel edge comprises a first joining profile (101a) and a second decorative tile panel edge opposite the first decorative tile panel edge comprises a second joining profile (102a) designed for interlocking engagement with the first joining profile of an adjacent panel in both the horizontal and vertical directions, the first and second joining profiles being configured such that two such panels can be joined together by a downward movement.

16. The decorative tile panel comprises at least one third bonding profile (120a) and at least one fourth bonding profile (121a) disposed on a third decorative tile panel edge portion and a fourth decorative tile panel edge portion, respectively, the third bonding profile comprising: - lateral tongues (122) extending in a direction substantially parallel to the upper side of the core layer; at least one second lower flank (123) at a distance from said lateral tongue; a second downward groove (124) formed between said lateral tongue and said second lower flank; The fourth binding profile (121a) comprises: a third groove (125) configured to receive at least a portion of the lateral tongue of the third joining profile of an adjacent panel, the third groove being defined by an upper lip (126) and a lower lip (127), the lower lip being provided with an upwardly directed locking element (128); 16. The decorative tile panel (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the third and fourth connecting profiles are configured to connect two such panels to one another by a rotational movement, and in a connected state, at least a portion of the lateral tongue of a first panel is inserted into the third groove of an adjacent second panel, and at least a portion of the upward locking element of the second panel is inserted into the second downward groove of the first panel.

17. At least one pair of opposing first and second side edges are provided with interacting joining profiles (30, 32) so that the first side edge of a first decorative tile panel can be joined to the second side edge of a second decorative tile panel, the first side edges are provided with imitation grout lines (9), the outer portions of the imitation grout lines defining vertical planes; A decorative tile panel (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein an outer portion of the groove-shaped recess connected to a side edge of the decorative tile panel is configured to abut an outer portion of a groove-shaped recess of a similar decorative tile panel and defines a joining surface extending in the vertical plane.

18. The decorative tile panel (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the gradual curve of the concave surface includes at least one tangent (T1, T2, T3, T4) that is less than 45 degrees to a normal vector of the decorative tile panel.

19. A surface covering, in particular for floors, ceilings or walls, constituted by a multitude of adjacent decorative tile panels (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 18.

Images