DECORATIVE PANEL AND DECORATIVE FLOOR COVERING CONSISTING OF SAID PANELS.

Abstract

The decorative panel, in particular a floor panel, a ceiling panel, or a wall panel, comprises a core layer having an upper side and a lower side, a decorative top layer connected to said upper side of the core layer, a first side edge of the panel comprising a first coupling profile, and a second side edge of the panel comprising a second coupling profile designed to interconnect with a first coupling profile of a second identical panel, both horizontally and vertically, wherein the core layer comprises a cellular concrete layer consisting of a matrix of concrete material in which cell-shaped air pockets are located.

Description

DECORATIVE PANEL AND DECORATIVE FLOOR COVERING CONSISTING OF SAID PANELS The invention relates to a panel, in particular a decorative panel, a floor panel, a ceiling panel, or a wall panel. The invention also relates to a floor covering consisting of a plurality of panels joined together. In the field of decorative flooring, decorative panels are known to have a core layer made of MDF (medium-density fiberboard) or HDF (high-density fiberboard) to which a decorative substrate is bonded to give the panels the desired appearance. A significant disadvantage of these panels is the hygroscopic nature of the core layer, which affects their lifespan and durability. For this reason, traditional MDF / HDF panels are increasingly being replaced by polyvinyl chloride (PVC) panels, also with a decorative substrate on top. These PVC panels have the advantage of being relatively waterproof compared to MDF / HDF panels. However, the drawback of these PVC-based panels is their very low temperature resistance. As a result, these panels typically warp easily if exposed to a heat source, such as a radiator or even a lamp. Furthermore, a significant additional disadvantage common to both MDF / HDF and PVC-based panels is their flammability. The flammability of furniture is a concern because, for example, accidents involving cigarettes or candles can easily trigger house fires. Therefore, there is a general need in the field of decorative flooring to develop more decorative panels to counteract at least one of the aforementioned drawbacks, and in particular, to develop a decorative panel that is relatively fire-resistant. There is also a need to develop a decorative panel with improved dimensional stability when subjected to temperature fluctuations during regular use. Furthermore, in view of their practical use, it is a general requirement that the panels have satisfactory, and preferably excellent, properties with respect to thermal insulation, sound absorption, and compressive strength. In the above context, it is an objective of the invention to satisfy the general needs and requirements discussed above, either in part or in full. ocfrcnn / zznz / E / YiAi The foregoing objective of the invention is satisfied by providing a decorative panel, in particular a floor panel, a ceiling panel or a wall panel, comprising: - a core layer that has a top side and a bottom side, - a decorative top layer connected to said top side of the core layer, - a first side edge of the panel comprising a first coupling profile, and a second side edge of the panel comprising a second coupling profile designed to interconnect with a first coupling profile of an identical second panel, both horizontally and vertically, - where the core layer comprises a cellular concrete layer consisting of a matrix of concrete material in which there are air pockets in the form of cells. When used as part of a core layer in a panel according to the invention, the cellular concrete layer imparts several advantages to the panel, in particular: - A reduction in thermal conductivity and, therefore, an increase in thermal insulation. - Sufficient compressive strength - A relatively lightweight panel - Suitable sound absorption properties. - Excellent fire resistance - Sufficient dimensional stability of the panel against freeze / thaw cycles - Good workability with respect to cutting and profiling the side edges with woodworking tools. The advantages listed above are further reinforced by some of the preferred modalities presented below. With regard to the basic design of the panel according to the invention, it is preferred that the panel be flat and have a rectangular outline, comprising four side edges. Furthermore, it is preferred that the first and second side edges of the panel be opposite side edges of the panel. These types of panels are most practical when creating a floor, ceiling, or wall covering by interconnecting a multitude of such panels. Preferably, on the panel according to the invention, - the cells of cellular concrete constitute 60 to 85% by volume of the total volume of cellular concrete, or - The density of cellular concrete is in the range of 400 to 800 kg / m3. QCfrcnn / zznz / E / YiAi This panel is indeed lightweight and has been shown to achieve satisfactory sound absorption and thermal insulation. In the panel according to the invention, it is preferred that the cells be mostly of a closed cell type, the majority being preferably at least 80%, with the maximum preference being at least 90% of the cells. This panel has sufficient dimensional stability against freeze / thaw cycles because the hydrated water that evaporates from the concrete matrix and condenses in a closed cell cannot accumulate with the water in other cells. Therefore, the water content in any of the individual cells of the cellular concrete remains low, minimizing the risk of structural damage during freeze / thaw cycles. Furthermore, in the panel according to the invention, most of the cells of the cellular concrete are small enough to absorb water by capillary action. It was found that this panel, which has a layer of cellular concrete with relatively small cells, has good workability and compressive strength. Cellular concrete may also be called aerated concrete, autoclaved cellular concrete (ACC), autoclaved aerated concrete (AAC) and / or autoclaved lightweight concrete (ALC). In general, it is preferred that the cellular concrete in the panel according to the invention be obtained by autoclaving a concrete material at high temperature and pressure. This autoclave sterilization process of the concrete material proved to result in the provision of a cellular concrete material that is very suitable for use in a core layer of a panel. With regard to the concrete material that forms a matrix in the cellular concrete layer of the panel according to the invention, it is preferred that the concrete material comprise a mixture of particulate material and cement as a binder. With regard to the aforementioned concrete material, it is particularly preferred that: • Cement is calcium-based, i.e., a mineral compound comprising calcium oxide and / or calcium hydroxide, and / or calcium silicate-based, i.e., a mineral compound comprising calcium oxide and / or calcium hydroxide with silicates, in addition. QCfrcnn / zznz / E / YiAi • cement is a hydrated calcium silicate mineral, such as tobermorite, i.e. Ca5SI6Oi6(OH)2-4H2O or Ca5Si6(O,OH)18-5H2O. • The particulate material comprises sand, pulverized fuel ash, fly ash, lime and / or aluminum powder (oxide). • The particulate material comprises cellulose-based particles, preferably lignocellulose-based particles such as wood particles. During the production of cellular concrete, the unfoamed concrete is mixed and molded. Several chemical reactions take place, giving cellular concrete its light weight (typically 20% of the weight of the concrete) and its thermal properties. Aluminum powder reacts with calcium hydroxide and water to form hydrogen. The hydrogen gas foams and doubles the volume of the raw mix, creating gas bubbles up to 3 millimeters in diameter. At the end of the foaming process, the hydrogen escapes into the atmosphere and is replaced by air. It is also preferred that at least a portion of the above cellulose-based particles included in the particulate material be made up of fibers. The additional or alternative particulate material that can be included in concrete material are the so-called cementitious materials, which include ground granulated high-homo slag, silica fume, natural pozzolans, metakaolin, and calcined shale or clay. Cellulose-based particles in the form of wood particles can be wood dust, wood shavings, wood wool, and / or wood chips. Instead of wood, another source of natural fibers, such as hemp, can be used. In a preferred embodiment, the core comprises at least one reinforcing layer, such as a textile layer, a cellulose layer (particularly a paper layer), a carbon fiber layer, and / or a fiberglass layer. The reinforcing layer may be woven or non-woven. In a more preferred embodiment, the core comprises at least two layers of cellular concrete, wherein at least one reinforcing layer is situated between the two cellular concrete layers. It is conceivable that at least one reinforcing layer is embedded within one or more cellular concrete layers and / or may subdivide a cellular concrete layer into two (virtual) (sub)layers of cellular concrete. It is conceivable that the cellular concrete partially or completely permeates the voids formed in the reinforcing layer. Preferably, in the panel according to the invention, a reinforcing layer is included in the core layer. The reinforcing layer further strengthens the panel's stability against bending or sudden impact on a small surface area. The at least one reinforcing layer is preferably a 4-layer material. QCfrcnn / zznz / E / YiAi non-woven layer or a woven layer, in particular a fabric, for example, made of fiberglass, and may have a thickness of 0.2 - 0.4 mm. The reinforcing layer may comprise natural fibers, such as jute, or alternatively the reinforcing layer comprises synthetic fibers, in particular polymer fibers, such as nylon fibers. The reinforcement layer is preferably a planar structure that has an orientation plane substantially parallel to the core layer. It is further preferred that the core layer of the panel according to the invention comprise at least 50% by weight, preferably between 50% and 90% by weight, of cellular concrete. In addition, it is preferred that the core layer comprise between 1% and 10% by weight of the reinforcement layer. Advantageously, the panel according to the invention comprises a waterproof layer that is situated between the core layer and the top layer, preferably in the form of a waterproof adhesive that bonds the top layer to the core layer. In this way, the core layer of the panel is better protected from moisture present in the ambient air and which may enter through the top layer. The waterproof layer can be a polymer or a synthetic or natural resin. The waterproof adhesive can be, for example, a two-component glue or a hot melt adhesive. Preferably, in the panel according to the invention, the top layer comprises at least one decorative layer and at least one transparent wear layer that covers said decorative layer. A suitable wear layer in this context has a melting temperature above 100 degrees Celsius and is preferably made of polyurethane. The decorative layer will be visible and used to give the panel an attractive appearance. To this end, the decorative layer can have a design pattern, such as a wood grain pattern, a mineral grain pattern resembling marble, granite, or any other natural stone grain, or a color pattern, a blend of colors, or a single color, to name just a few design possibilities. The decorative top layer is preferably a printed decorative top layer. This means that a printed decorative image is applied to the top layer by painting and / or printing (inkjet), particularly digital printing. The decorative image can be printed directly onto the top of the core. However, it is typically preferable for the printed decorative layer to comprise a base layer or film, particularly a thermoplastic base layer or thermoplastic film, onto which a decorative image is printed. Before or QCfrcnn / zznz / E / YiAi Subsequent to the printing stage, the base layer is joined, directly or indirectly, to the core, for example, by melting or gluing. Preferably, the decorative top layer only covers at least a portion of the top side of the core layer; the side walls and the back surface of the core are preferably substantially free of said decorative top layer. The panel according to the invention preferably comprises a backing layer bonded to the underside of the core layer. The backing layer has a protective and adaptive function on the underside of the core layer, especially when the panel is placed in contact with an underlying surface to form a floor, ceiling, or wall cladding. The backing layer is preferably made of a flexible material, such as an elastomer. The thickness of the backing layer typically ranges from approximately 0.1 to 2.5 mm. Suitable materials for the backing layer include polyethylene, cork, polyurethane, and ethylene-vinyl acetate. Furthermore, the panel according to the invention has a thickness between 3 and 10 mm, preferably between 4 and 8 mm, which makes it more suitable for its intended use. The core layer of the panel according to the invention preferably has a thickness of at least 3 mm, preferably at least 4 mm and even more preferably at least 5 mm. With regard to the panel coupling profiles according to the invention, it is preferred that the first coupling profile comprise: • an upward-facing tab, • at least one upward-facing flank located at a distance from the upward-facing tab, • an upward-facing groove formed between the upward-facing tab and the upward-facing flank wherein the upward-facing groove is adapted to receive at least a portion of a downward-facing tab of a second mating profile of an identical panel, and • preferably at least a first locking element, preferably provided on a side distant from the upward-facing tab opposite the upward-facing flank, the second mating profile comprising: • a first downward-facing tab, • at least one first downward-facing flank located at a distance from the downward-facing tab, • a first downward-facing groove formed between the downward-facing tab and the downward-facing flank, wherein the downward-facing groove is adapted to receive at least a portion of an upward-facing tab of a first mating profile of a second identical panel, and ocfrcnn / zznz / E / YiAi • preferably at least one second locking element adapted to act in conjunction with a first locking element of a second identical panel, said second locking element being preferably provided on the downward-facing flank. Preferably, the first locking element comprises a protrusion and / or a cavity, and the second locking element comprises a protrusion and / or a cavity. The protrusion is commonly adapted to be received, at least partially, in the cavity of an adjacent mating panel in order to achieve a locked coupling, preferably a vertically locked coupling. It is also conceivable that the first locking element and the second locking element are not formed by a protrusion-cavity combination, but by another combination of profiled surfaces acting together and / or high-friction contact surfaces.In this last modality, the at least one locking element of the first locking element and the second locking element can be formed by a contact surface (flat or otherwise) composed of a plastic material, optionally separated, configured to generate friction with the other locking element of another panel in a hooked (coupled) condition. It is further within the scope of the invention that the first coupling profile and the second coupling profile are configured such that in the coupled condition there is a pretension, which forces the coupled panels at their respective edges towards each other, wherein this is preferably achieved by applying the overlapping contours of the first coupling profile and the second coupling profile, in particular the overlapping contours of the downward-facing tongue and the upward-facing groove and / or the overlapping contours of the upward-facing tongue and the downward-facing groove, and wherein the first coupling profile and the second coupling profile are configured such that the two of said panels can be coupled to each other by means of a folding movement and / or a vertical movement, so that, in the coupled condition,At least a portion of the downward-facing tab of the second part of the coupling is inserted into the upward-facing groove of the first part of the coupling, such that the downward-facing tab is held by the first part of the coupling and / or the upward-facing tab is held by the second part of the coupling. Preferably, the upward-facing side of the tongue oriented towards the upward flank is the inside of the upward tongue and the upward-facing side of the tongue opposite the upward flank is the outside of the upward tongue, and wherein the downward-facing side of the tongue oriented towards the downward flank is the inside of the downward tongue and the opposite downward-facing side of the tongue QCfrcnn / zznz / E / YiAi The down-flank is the exterior of the down-flank, where at least a portion of the interior of the up-flank slopes toward or away from the up-flank, and where at least a portion of the interior of the down-flank slopes toward or away from the down-flank. In this way, a closed-groove or open-groove mating can be achieved between the panels, depending on the slope direction of the interiors of the up-flank and down-flank. Furthermore, with respect to the panel coupling profiles according to the invention, it is preferred that the panel comprise at least a third coupling profile and at least a fourth coupling profile located respectively on a third edge of the panel and a fourth edge of the panel, wherein the third coupling profile comprises: • a side tongue extending in a direction substantially parallel to the upper side of the core, • at least a second downward flank located at a distance from the side tongue, and • a second downward groove formed between the side tongue and the second downward flank, wherein the fourth mating profile comprises: • a third slot configured to accommodate at least a portion of the side tab of the third coupling profile of a second identical panel, said third slot being defined by an upper flange and a lower flange, wherein said lower flange is provided with an upward locking element, wherein the third coupling profile and the fourth coupling profile are configured such that the third and fourth coupling profiles of the two identical panels can be coupled together by means of a twisting motion, involving at least a portion of the side tab of a first panel being inserted into the third slot of the other identical panel, and wherein at least a portion of the upward locking element of the other panel is inserted into the downward second slot of the first panel. Preferably, at least a portion of each coupling profile is integrally formed with the core. It is conceivable that the coupling profiles are formed entirely by profiling the edges of the core. The invention also relates to a decorative covering, in particular a decorative floor covering, a decorative ceiling covering, or a decorative wall covering, comprising a plurality of decorative panels coupled to one another according to the invention. The covering may also be suitable for installation on vertical corners, such as inside corners of intersecting walls, furniture pieces, and outside corners, such as entrances. Other embodiments of the invention are presented in the following set of non-limiting clauses: 1. The decorative panel, in particular a floor panel, a ceiling panel or a wall panel, comprising: - a core layer that has a top side and a bottom side, - a decorative top layer connected to said top side of the core layer, - a first side edge of the panel comprising a first coupling profile, and a second side edge of the panel comprising a second coupling profile designed to interconnect with a first coupling profile of an identical second panel, both horizontally and vertically, - where the core layer comprises a cellular concrete layer consisting of a matrix of concrete material in which there are air pockets in the form of cells. 2. The panel in accordance with clause 1, which is flat and has a rectangular outline, comprising four side edges. 3. The panel in accordance with clause 1 or 2, wherein the first and second side edges of the panel are opposite side edges of the panel. 4. The panel in accordance with one of the above clauses, where - the cells of cellular concrete constitute 60 to 85% by volume of the total volume of cellular concrete, or - The density of cellular concrete is in the range of 400 to 800 kg / mm3. 5. The panel in accordance with clause 4, wherein the cells are mostly of a closed cell type, the majority being preferably at least 80%, with the maximum preference being at least 90% of the cells. 6. The panel in accordance with one of the above clauses, where most of the cells of the cellular concrete are of a sufficiently small size to absorb water by capillary action. 7. The panel in accordance with one of the above clauses, wherein the cellular concrete has been obtained by autoclave sterilization of a concrete material at high temperature and pressure. 8. The panel in accordance with one of the preceding clauses, wherein the concrete material comprises a mixture of particulate material and cement as a binder, wherein the cement is preferably: ocfrcnn / zznz / E / YiAi - calcium-based, i.e., a mineral compound comprising calcium oxide and / or calcium hydroxide, and / or - based on calcium silicate, i.e., a mineral compound comprising calcium oxide and / or calcium hydroxide with silicates, in addition. 9. The panel in accordance with clause 8, wherein the cement is a hydrated calcium silicate mineral, such as tobermorite, i.e., Ca5Si6Oi6(OH)2-4H2O and / or Ca5Si6(O,OH)18-5H2O. 10. The panel in accordance with clause 8 or 9, wherein the particulate material comprises sand, pulverized fuel ash, fly ash, lime and / or aluminum oxide powder. 11. The panel in accordance with one of the above clauses 8-10, wherein the particulate material comprises cellulose-based particles, preferably lignocellulose-based particles such as wood particles. 12. The panel in accordance with clause 11, wherein at least a part of the cellulose-based particles is made up of fibers. 13. The panel in accordance with one of the above clauses, where a reinforcement layer is included in the core layer. 14. The panel in accordance with one of the above clauses, wherein the core layer comprises at least 50% by weight, preferably between 50 and 90% by weight, of cellular concrete. 15. The panel in accordance with one of the preceding clauses, wherein a waterproof layer is situated between the core layer and the top layer, preferably in the form of a waterproof adhesive that bonds the top layer to the core layer. 16. The panel in accordance with one of the preceding clauses, wherein the top layer comprises at least one decorative layer and at least one transparent wear layer covering said decorative layer. 17. The panel in accordance with clause 16, wherein the wear layer has a melting temperature above 100 degrees Celsius, and the wear layer is preferably made of polyurethane. 18. The panel in accordance with one of the preceding clauses, wherein the panel comprises a backing layer attached to a lower side of the core layer. 19. The panel in accordance with one of the above clauses, where the thickness of the panel is between 3 and 10 mm. 20. The panel in accordance with one of the preceding clauses, wherein the first coupling profile comprises: • a tab pointing upwards, QCfrcnn / zznz / E / YiAi • at least one upward flank located at a distance from the upward tongue, • an upward groove formed between the upward tongue and the upward flank wherein the upward groove is adapted to receive at least a portion of a downward tongue of a second mating profile of another identical panel, and • at least one first locking element, preferably provided on a side of the upward tongue opposite the upward flank, and wherein the second mating profile comprises: • a first downward-facing tab, • at least one first downward-facing flank located at a distance from the downward-facing tab, • a first downward-facing groove formed between the downward-facing tab and the downward-facing flank, wherein the downward-facing groove is adapted to receive at least a portion of an upward-facing tab of a first coupling profile of another identical panel, and • at least one second locking element adapted to act in conjunction with a first locking element of another identical panel, said second locking element being preferably provided on the downward-facing flank. 21. The panel in accordance with any of the preceding clauses, wherein the panel comprises at least a third coupling profile and at least a fourth coupling profile located respectively on a third edge of the panel and a fourth edge of the panel, wherein the third coupling profile comprises: • a side tab extending in a direction substantially parallel to the upper side of the panel, • at least a second downward flank located at a distance from the side tab, and • a second downward groove formed between the side tab and the second downward flank, wherein the fourth mating profile comprises: • a third slot configured to accommodate at least a portion of the side tab of the third coupling profile of a second identical panel, said third slot being defined by an upper flange and a lower flange, wherein said lower flange is provided with an upward locking element, wherein the third coupling profile and the fourth coupling profile are configured such that the third and fourth coupling profiles of the two identical panels can be coupled together by means of a twisting motion, involving at least a portion of the side tab of a first panel being inserted into the third slot of the other identical panel, and wherein at least one QCfrcnn / zznz / E / YiAi Part of the locking element upwards of the other panel is inserted into the second slot downwards of the first panel. 22. The panel in accordance with one of the preceding clauses, wherein the core comprises at least one reinforcing layer, such as a textile layer, a cellulose layer, a carbon fiber layer and / or a fiberglass layer. 23. The panel in accordance with clause 22, wherein the core comprises at least two layers of cellular concrete, wherein at least one reinforcement layer is situated between the two layers of cellular concrete. 24. The panel in accordance with one of the above clauses, wherein at least a part of each coupling profile is integrally formed with the core. 25. The panel, in accordance with one of the preceding clauses, has a decorative top layer covering at least a portion of the top side of the core layer, 26. The panel in accordance with one of the preceding clauses, wherein the upward-facing side of the tongue oriented toward the upward flank is the inside of the upward tongue and the upward-facing side of the tongue opposite the upward flank is the outside of the upward tongue, and wherein the downward-facing side of the tongue oriented toward the downward flank is the inside of the downward tongue and the downward-facing side of the tongue opposite the downward flank is the outside of the downward tongue, wherein at least a portion of the inside of the upward tongue slopes toward or away from the upward flank, and wherein at least a portion of the inside of the downward tongue slopes toward or away from the downward flank. 27. The panel in accordance with one of the preceding clauses, wherein the printed decorative layer comprises a base layer or film, on which a decorative image is printed. 28. The decorative covering, in particular a decorative floor covering, a decorative ceiling covering, or a decorative wall covering, comprising a plurality of interconnected decorative panels in accordance with any of clauses 1-27. The invention shall be further explained with reference to the accompanying Figures, wherein: Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a panel according to the invention; Figure 2 shows a cross-section of a panel according to the invention; Figures 3 and 4 show in cross section two modes of panel coupling profiles that are interconnected according to the invention; Figure 5 shows a longitudinal cross-section of a panel according to the invention; Figure 6 shows a longitudinal cross-section modality of panel coupling profiles that interconnect according to the invention. Figure 1 shows a decorative panel 1 whose top side 2 is provided with a decorative top layer 12. The panel has a rectangular shape with a length extending longitudinally along line BB and a width extending transversely along line AA. At lateral edges 9 or 10, a first coupling profile 7 or a second coupling profile 8 is provided. At lateral edges 3 or 4, a third coupling profile 5 or a fourth coupling profile 6 is provided. Figure 2 shows a cross-section of a panel 1 shown in Figure 1, along line AA. The panel 1 has a core layer 10 made from a layer of cellular concrete containing small, closed-cell air bubbles 11. A decorative top layer 12 is adhered to the upper side of the cellular concrete layer 10, preferably by means of a thin, waterproof adhesive layer. A backing layer is adhered to the underside of the cellular concrete layer 10. The side edges 3 or 4 are provided with a third coupling profile 5, or a fourth coupling profile 6. Figure 3 shows the third and fourth coupling profiles 5 and 6, as depicted in Figure 2, in detail when two panels 1 and 1' are connected to each other. The third coupling profile 5 of panel 1' comprises a side tab 51 extending in a direction substantially parallel to the top side of the panel, a second downward flank 53 located at a distance from the side tab 51, and a second downward groove 54 formed between the side tab 51 and the second downward flank 53. The fourth coupling profile 6 of panel 1 comprises a third groove 61 configured to accommodate at least a portion of the side tab 51 of the third coupling profile 5 of a second identical panel 1', said third groove 61 being defined by an upper flange 62 and a lower flange 63, wherein said lower flange is provided with an upward locking element 64. In the situation shown in Figure 3, the third coupling profile and the fourth coupling profile 6 are configured so that the respective panels 1 and 1' can be coupled together by means of a twisting motion as indicated by arrow T, which implies that the side tab of panel 1' is inserted into the third slot of the other identical panel 1, where the upward locking element 64 of panel 1 is inserted into the second downward slot 54 of panel 1'. QCfrcnn / zznz / E / YiAi Figure 4 shows, analogously to Figure 3, a different design of the coupling profiles 5 and 6, which have rounded features on the tongue 51 and the third groove 61. The pivoting movement for the coupling can also be called a hinge movement in this alternative to Figure 3. All other functional features and their numbers are the same as those already defined for Figure 3. Figure 5 shows a longitudinal cross-section of panel 1 shown in Figure 1, along line BB. Panel 1 has a core layer 10 made from a layer of cellular concrete containing small, closed-cell air bubbles. A decorative top layer 12 is bonded to the top side of the cellular concrete layer 10. At the lateral edges 9 or 10, a first coupling profile 7 or a second coupling profile 8 is provided. The first coupling profile 7 comprises an upward-facing tongue 71, an upward-facing flank 72 located at a distance from the upward-facing tongue 71, an upward-facing groove 73 formed between the upward-facing tongue 71 and the upward-facing flank 72 wherein the upward-facing groove 73 is adapted to receive at least a portion of a downward-facing tongue 81 of a second coupling profile 8 of another identical panel, and at least a first locking element 75, preferably provided on a side distant from the upward-facing tongue 71 opposite the upward-facing flank 72. The second coupling profile 8 comprises a first downward-facing tab 81, a first downward-facing flank 82 located at a distance from the downward-facing tab 81, a first downward-facing groove 83 formed between the downward-facing tab 81 and the downward-facing flank 82, wherein the downward-facing groove 83 is adapted to receive at least a portion of an upward-facing tab 71 of a first coupling profile 7 of another identical panel, and a second locking element 85 adapted to act in conjunction with a first locking element 75 of the other identical panel, which is provided on the downward-facing flank 82. Figure 6 shows how the first and second coupling profiles 7 and 8 of a panel can interact when the respective profiles 7 and 8 of panel 1 are connected, as shown on the far left. Panel 1' moves vertically downwards by this means, where profiles 7 and 8 couple together by receiving the upward-facing tab 71 in the downward-facing groove 83 and receiving the downward-facing tab 81 in the upward-facing groove 73.

Claims

1. The decorative panel, in particular a floor panel, ceiling panel, or wall panel, comprising: a core layer having an upper and a lower side, a printed decorative top layer connected, directly or indirectly, to said upper side of the core layer, a first side edge of the panel comprising a first coupling profile, and a second side edge of the panel comprising a second coupling profile designed to interconnect with a first coupling profile of a second identical panel, both horizontally and vertically, wherein the first coupling profile comprises: • an upward-facing tongue, • at least one upward-facing flank located a distance from the upward-facing tongue, • an upward-facing groove formed between the upward-facing tongue and the upward-facing flank, wherein the upward-facing groove is adapted to receive at leasta portion of a downward-facing tab of a second mating profile of another identical panel, and • preferably, at least a first locking element, preferably provided on a side distant from the upward-facing tab opposite the upward-facing flank, and wherein the second mating profile comprises: • a first downward-facing tab, • at least a first downward-facing flank located at a distance from the downward-facing tab, • a first downward-facing groove formed between the downward-facing tab and the downward-facing flank, wherein the downward-facing groove is adapted to receive at least a portion of an upward-facing tab of a first mating profile of another identical panel, and • preferably, at least a second locking element adapted to act in conjunction with a first locking element of another identical panel, said second locking element being preferably provided on the downward-facing flank,a third side edge of the panel comprising a third coupling profile, and a fourth side edge of the panel comprising a fourth coupling profile designed to interconnect with a third coupling profile of another identical panel, both horizontally and vertically, wherein the third coupling profile comprises: • a side tab extending in a direction substantially parallel to the top side of the panel, • at least a second downward flank located a distance from the side tab, and • a second downward groove formed between the side tab and the second downward flank, wherein the fourth coupling profile comprises: • a third groove configured to accommodate at least a portion of the side tab of the third coupling profile of a second identical panel, said third groove being defined by an upper flange and a lower flange,wherein said lower flange is provided with an upward locking element, wherein the third and fourth coupling profiles are configured such that the third and fourth coupling profiles of the two identical panels can be coupled together by means of a twisting motion, involving at least a portion of the side tab of a first panel being inserted into the third groove of the other identical panel, and wherein at least a portion of the upward locking element of the other panel is inserted into the second downward groove of the first panel, wherein the core layer comprises at least one layer of cellular concrete consisting of a matrix of concrete material in which cell-shaped air pockets are located.

2. The panel according to claim 1, which is flat and has a rectangular outline, comprising four side edges.

3. The panel according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first and second side edges of the panel are opposite side edges of the panel.

4. The panel according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the cellular concrete cells constitute 60 to 85% by volume of the total volume of the cellular concrete, or the density of the cellular concrete is in the range of 400 to 800 kg / m³. QCfrcnn / zznz / E / YiAi 5. The panel according to claim 4, wherein the cells are mostly of a closed cell type, the majority being preferably at least 80%, with the highest preference being at least 90% of the cells.

6. The panel according to one of the preceding claims, wherein most of the cells of the cellular concrete are of a sufficiently small size to absorb water by capillary action.

7. The panel according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the cellular concrete has been obtained by autoclaving a concrete material at high temperature and pressure.

8. The panel according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the concrete material comprises a mixture of particulate material and a cement as a binder, wherein the cement is preferably: - calcium-based, i.e., a mineral compound comprising calcium oxide and / or calcium hydroxide, and / or - calcium silicate-based, i.e., a mineral compound comprising calcium oxide and / or calcium hydroxide with silicates, furthermore.

9. The panel according to claim 8, wherein the cement is a hydrated calcium silicate mineral, such as tobermorite, i.e., Ca5SI6Oi6(OH)2-4H2O and / or Ca5SI6(O,OH)18-5H2O.

10. The panel according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the particulate material comprises sand, pulverized fuel ash, fly ash, lime and / or aluminum oxide powder.

11. The panel according to any one of claims 8-10 above, wherein the particulate material comprises cellulose-based particles, preferably lignocellulose-based particles such as wood particles. QCfrcnn / zznz / E / YiAi 12. The panel according to claim 11, wherein at least a portion of the cellulose-based particles is formed from fibers.

13. The panel according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a reinforcing layer is included in the core layer.

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

15. The panel according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a waterproof layer is situated between the core layer and the top layer, preferably in the form of a waterproof adhesive that bonds the top layer to the core layer.

16. The 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 said decorative layer.

17. The panel according to claim 16, wherein the wear layer has a melting temperature above 100 degrees Celsius, and the wear layer is preferably made of polyurethane.

18. The panel according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the panel comprises a backing layer bonded to a lower side of the core layer.

19. The panel according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the thickness of the panel is between 3 and 10 mm.

20. The panel according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the core comprises at least one reinforcing layer, such as a textile layer, a cellulose layer, a carbon fiber layer, and / or a fiberglass layer. QCfrcnn / zznz / E / YiAi 21. The panel according to claim 20, wherein the core comprises at least two layers of cellular concrete, wherein at least one reinforcement layer is located between the two layers of cellular concrete.

22. The panel according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least a portion of each coupling profile is integrally formed with the core.

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

24. The panel according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the upward-facing side of the tab oriented towards the upward flank is the inside of the upward tab and the upward-facing side of the tab opposite the upward flank is the outside of the upward tab, and wherein the downward-facing side of the tab oriented towards the downward flank is the inside of the downward tab and the downward-facing side of the tab opposite the downward flank is the outside of the downward tab, wherein at least a portion of the inside of the upward tab slopes towards or away from the upward flank, and wherein at least a portion of the inside of the downward tab slopes towards or away from the downward flank.

25. The panel according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the printed decorative layer comprises a base layer or film, on which a decorative image is printed.

26. The decorative covering, in particular a decorative floor covering, a decorative ceiling covering or a decorative wall covering, comprising a plurality of interconnected decorative panels according to any of claims 1-25.