阅读说明：本技术 覆盖元件 (Covering element ) 是由 弗兰克·彼得森 于 2020-01-27 设计创作，主要内容包括：本发明涉及一种覆盖元件(1),该覆盖元件设置成用作地面、墙壁和/或天花板的覆盖元件,以用于将地面、墙壁和/或天花板覆盖,该覆盖元件具有至少一个承载板(2)和至少一个功能层(3),其中,承载板(2)具有面向可用侧部(4)的顶侧部(5)和与顶侧部(5)相反且面向底层(6)的底侧部(7)。根据本发明提供的是,功能层(3)设置在承载板(2)的下方,并且功能层(3)形成为使得：在安装状态下,该功能层在至少一个侧部(8)上突出超过侧部(8)的侧向边缘(10),特别地,该功能层在至少一个长侧部(9)上突出超过长侧部(9)的侧向边缘。(The invention relates to a covering element (1) which is provided as a covering element for floors, walls and/or ceilings for covering the floors, walls and/or ceilings and which has at least one carrier plate (2) and at least one functional layer (3), wherein the carrier plate (2) has a top side (5) facing an available side (4) and a bottom side (7) opposite the top side (5) and facing a bottom layer (6). According to the invention, the functional layer (3) is arranged below the carrier plate (2), and the functional layer (3) is formed such that: in the mounted state, the functional layer protrudes on at least one side (8) beyond the lateral edge (10) of the side (8), in particular on at least one long side (9) beyond the lateral edge of the long side (9).)

1. A surface element (1), which surface element (1) is used as a surface element of a floor, wall and/or ceiling for covering the floor, wall and/or ceiling, which surface element (1) has at least one carrier plate (2) and at least one functional layer (3), wherein the carrier plate (2) comprises a top side (5) facing an available side (4) and a bottom side (7) opposite to the top side (5) and facing the ground (6),

the surface element (1) is characterized in that,

the functional layer (3) is arranged below the carrier plate (2), and the functional layer (3) is designed such that: in the mounted state, the functional layer (3) protrudes on at least one side section (8) beyond a side edge (10) of the side section (8), in particular the functional layer (3) protrudes on at least one long side section (9) beyond a side edge (10) of the long side section (9).

2. Surface element as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that corresponding tongue and groove engagement geometries (11) are provided on the two opposite sides (8) of the carrier plate (2), in particular the tongue and groove engagement geometries (11) are designed for a snap connection, the tongue and groove engagement geometries (11) having a groove side (14) comprising a groove (13) and a tongue side (16) opposite the groove side (14) comprising a tongue (15), wherein the functional layer (3) in the mounted state protrudes beyond the side edge (10) of the groove side (14) and/or corresponding snap and/or bayonet connection geometries are provided on the two opposite sides (8) of the carrier plate (2).

3. Surface element according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that at least some of the areas (17) of the functional layer (3) that project in the mounted state comprise at least one contact area (18), which contact area (18) is designed to be electrically contacted and/or electrically conductive and/or inductively couplable, and/or that the functional layer (3) comprises a further contact area (19) on the side (8) opposite to the contact area (18), which further contact area (19) is designed to be electrically contacted and/or electrically conductive and/or inductively couplable.

4. An element as claimed in one of the foregoing claims, characterised in that said contact area (18) and said further contact area (19) are designed to correspond to each other such that: in the mounted state, the contact area (18) of the surface element (1) is conductively and/or inductively coupled with a further contact area (19) of a further surface element (8) connected to the surface element (1), and wherein preferably, in the mounted state, the contact area (18) is arranged at least in an area directly adjacent to the further contact area (19) of the further surface element (20).

5. Surface element according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that said functional layer (3) is arranged on a support layer (21), preferably said functional layer (3) is firmly connected to said support layer (21) and/or said functional layer (3) comprises said support layer (21).

6. An element as claimed in one of the foregoing claims, characterised in that the further contact area (19) is arranged on a bottom side (24) of the support layer (21) facing away from the carrier plate (2).

7. Surface element according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the support layer (21) is at least partially folded over and/or folded over on the tongue-shaped side, in particular wherein the further contact area (19) is provided on a folded over and/or folded area (22) of the support layer (21) facing away from the carrier plate (2).

8. Surface element according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the functional layer (3) is provided on one side of the support layer (21), preferably the functional layer (3) is provided on a top side (23) of the support layer (21) facing the carrier plate (2) and/or functional layers (3) are provided on both sides of the support layer (21), in particular wherein the functional layer (3) on the top side (23) of the support layer (21) is connected to the functional layer (3) on the bottom side (24) of the support layer (21) in an electrically conductive and/or inductive coupling by means of a connection means (25) when the functional layer (3) is arranged on both sides of the support layer (21).

9. An element as claimed in one of the foregoing claims, characterised in that said support layer (21) at least locally comprises an electrically conducting and/or electrically insulating material.

10. Surface element according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one measuring device (26) of the functional layer (3) is arranged on the support layer (21), in particular at least one measuring device (26) of the functional layer (3) is printed on the support layer (21), preferably at least one sensor of the functional layer (3) is arranged on the support layer (21), in particular at least one sensor of the functional layer (3) is printed on the support layer (21), in particular the sensor is a pressure sensor and/or a capacitance sensor, in particular wherein the measuring device (26) is firmly connected to the support layer (21), and/or wherein the measuring device (26) is designed to detect pressure changes and/or capacitance changes acting on the surface element (1), and/or the measuring device (26) is designed to determine the temperature and/or the humidity.

11. Surface element according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least two conductor paths (27) of the functional layer (3) are arranged on the support layer (21), in particular wherein the support layer (21) comprises conductor paths (27) on one side or on both sides.

12. An element as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterised in that said conductor paths (27) are at least partially electrically insulated, in particular said conductor paths (27) in at least one contact area (18) and/or in at least one further contact area (19) are at least partially electrically insulated, preferably said conductor paths (27) are at least partially electrically insulated by means of a lacquer.

13. An element as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterised in that said conductor paths (27) are arranged in at least one contact area (18) and/or at least one further contact area (19) in such a way that: in the mounted state of the surface element, the conductor path (27) is electrically insulated at least in certain areas, preferably the conductor path (27) is electrically insulated at least in certain areas by means of a lacquer; in the mounted state of the surface element (1), the conductor path (27) is conductively and/or inductively coupled with a corresponding conductor path (27) of a further surface element (20) connected to the surface element (1), in particular wherein the conductor path (27) of the surface element (1) is arranged to overlap with the conductor path (27) of the further surface element (20).

14. Surface element according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that a processing device (28) is associated with the functional layer (3) and/or the measuring device (26), in particular wherein the processing device (28) is designed to process information received from the measuring device (26).

15. An element as claimed in one of the foregoing claims, characterised in that said measuring device (26) and/or said processing device (28) are connected to at least one information transmission path (29), for transmitting information acquired by the measuring device (26), in particular information processed by the processing device (28), in particular, wherein at least one information transmission interface (30) is arranged in at least one contact area (31), at least one information transmission interface (30) is arranged, in particular in the contact region (18) and/or the further contact region (19), in particular such that the information can be transmitted to a further surface element (20) via the information transmission interface (30), and/or, wherein the information is wirelessly transmittable via the information transmission interface (30).

16. Surface element according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that an inverse movement (32) is arranged facing the bottom side (7) of the carrier plate (2), in particular that the inverse movement (32) is kraft paper, in particular wherein the functional layer (3) is arranged between the inverse movement (32) and the carrier plate (2), preferably that the functional layer (3) is arranged directly on the carrier plate (2) and/or below the inverse movement (32) and/or wherein the functional layer (3) forms the inverse movement (32).

17. A system (33) with a plurality of surface elements (1), wherein at least one surface element (1) is formed according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the surface element (1) is joined to a further surface element (20) to form a coating (35).

18. The system according to claim 17, characterized in that the functional layer (3) is associated with a power supply device (34), preferably the functional layer (3) is associated with an external power supply device (34), in particular wherein the power supply device (34) is capable of supplying power to the functional layer (3), in particular wherein the power supply device (34) is conductively connected to the functional layer (3) and/or inductively coupled to the functional layer (3).

19. A method for manufacturing a surface element (1) according to one of the claims 1 to 16, wherein the method comprises the steps of:

A) providing a tongue and groove engagement geometry (11) in the carrier plate (2), in particular the tongue and groove engagement geometry (11) for providing a snap connection;

B) applying a functional layer (3) on the underside of the carrier plate (2), wherein the functional layer (2) is arranged on the carrier plate (2) such that: in the mounted state of the surface element (1), the functional layer (2) protrudes on at least one side (8) beyond a side edge (10) of the side (8), in particular the functional layer (2) protrudes on at least one long side (9) beyond a side edge (10) of the long side (9);

wherein the processing step B) is performed after the processing step a).

Technical Field

The invention relates to surface elements, in particular floors, which are used as surface elements for floors, walls and/or ceilings to form a coating for floors, walls and/or ceilings. The surface element comprises at least one carrier plate and at least one functional layer. The carrying floor comprises a top side facing the usable side and a bottom side opposite the top side and facing the ground.

The applicator may be laid directly or indirectly in the ground.

Background

In the prior art, it is known to incorporate functional layers, in particular functional layers providing an electrical function, into the superstructure of surface elements. The functional layer may be used for producing different properties of the surface element and/or for measuring different physical core variables, such as temperature, humidity or pressure.

However, a disadvantage of the prior art is that the electrical functions are generally associated with high costs in production and subsequent installation. On the one hand, all surface elements have to be connected to each other via a cable connection. On the other hand, it is known to arrange functional layers above the carrier plate, in particular if the light-emitting layer is provided as a functional layer. A disadvantage of this arrangement is that it is difficult to ensure contact between the interconnected surface elements.

In addition, the electrical connection of the functional layer is actually exposed to contaminants, mechanical stresses due to mechanical action on the surface and/or material-related vibrational processes and/or moisture, so that the lifetime of the electrical function of the functional layer is reduced and/or the electrical contact between the mutually connected surface elements is disturbed or even interrupted.

Furthermore, the functional layers known from the prior art produce protruding structures and/or surface structures on the usable side of the surface element, which become visible after a certain period of use, for example after several months. Such a projecting structure is perceived by the user as a disturbance, wherein at the same time damage to the functional layer due to increased point stresses cannot be ruled out.

Finally, the manufacture of surface elements comprising one or more functional layers is associated with a number of difficulties and manufacturing challenges, in particular because it has to be ensured that the functional layers are not damaged when joining the individual layers of the surface element.

Disclosure of Invention

It is an object of the present invention to avoid or at least substantially reduce the known disadvantages from the prior art.

According to the invention, the above object is solved in a surface element of the above-mentioned type, wherein the functional layer is arranged below the carrier plate, and wherein the functional layer is designed such that: in the mounted state of the surface element, the functional layer projects on at least one side section beyond the side edge of the side section. Preferably, in the mounted state of the surface element, the functional layer projects on at least one long side beyond the side edge of the long side.

According to the invention, a side edge is understood to be the outermost edge of the bottom side of the carrier plate. In the mounted state of the surface element, the functional layer protrudes and/or extends beyond the side edge.

The mounted state is thus understood to be the state of the surface element in which the surface element is joined to at least one further surface element.

According to the invention, it is understood that the functional layer in the mounted state also projects beyond the side edges of the surface element only in specific regions, preferably in contact regions. In particular, a plurality of regions forming protruding functional layers can thereby be provided.

It can thereby be provided that the functional layer is directly or indirectly, preferably firmly, connected to the carrier plate. Direct connection means that the functional layer is fastened directly on the underside of the carrier plate, while in the case of indirect connection at least one intermediate layer and/or coating element is provided.

In particular, the functional layer can be designed in one piece, i.e. as a single continuous layer, and/or in several pieces. Preferably, the functional layer comprises at least two interconnected layers or at least two electrically insulating regions and/or separating regions.

According to the invention, it is particularly intended that the functional layer projects before installation on a side edge on at least one of the long sides of the side. Thus, in the "detached" and/or "isolated" state of the surface element, the functional layer may protrude on the side edges.

By the solution according to the invention, a number of advantages can be achieved:

on the one hand, the integration of the functional layer, which in particular provides the electrical function, can be inexpensive and very simple.

On the other hand, the electrical and/or inductive contacting/coupling via the protruding areas of the functional layer according to the invention ensures that the coupling of the functional layers of the interconnected surface elements is protected from dust and/or moisture.

According to the invention, by arranging the functional layer on the bottom side, the functional layer can be protected from contamination and/or moisture. The stresses, in particular moisture, acting on the usable side can be kept at least substantially away from the functional layer.

In addition, the arrangement of the functional layer on the bottom side and the simplified contacting of the functional layers of adjacent and interconnected surface elements by means of the protruding regions means that, finally, the arrangement of the functional layers can be performed independently of the production of the surface elements and, in particular, the functional layers providing the preferably electrical function can be performed independently of the production of the surface elements. This leads to a reduction of production costs, wherein due to the functional layer may be applied, in particular laminated and/or glued to the already manufactured surface element. This results in a reduction of production and loading costs, in particular wherein no separate production line is required for the surface element comprising the functional layer.

According to the invention, it is alternatively or additionally possible that the functional layer can be arranged in the layer structure of the surface element during the production of the surface element. In this respect, it can be provided that further layers, for example a counter movement and/or an insulating layer, can be arranged below the functional layer facing away from the usable side and can in particular be firmly connected to the functional layer.

In this respect, it is essential for the invention that the functional layer is arranged below the carrier plate. The functional layer can be directly or indirectly adjacent to and/or connected to the carrier plate. In particular, the functional layer can also be printed, in particular to ensure individual specifications for the individual surface elements.

In addition, time consuming manual wiring of the individual surface elements to each other is avoided. The contact of the surface elements to be joined to one another, in particular the contact and/or coupling of the functional layers of the surface elements to be joined to one another, can be ensured by the overlapping/protruding regions of the functional layers, preferably without the functional layers having to be joined manually, for example without the functional layers being wired, during the laying-up, in a condition other than the joining surface unit.

After all, the functional layers are connected to one another by "pushing" and/or "pressing" the functional layers onto one another, wherein the pressure required for this purpose can be ensured by the carrier plates connected to one another. The laying of surface elements comprising functional layers can therefore also be carried out by amateur personnel, wherein the laying process is easy to implement. This enables the user to install the coated part with the functional layer in a cost-effective and simple manner, wherein no expert advice on installation is necessarily required.

According to the invention, protruding structures and/or surface structures, which are considered to be disturbing, caused by functional layers arranged on the top side of the carrier plate can be avoided. The structure of the functional layer is at least substantially invisible on the usable side of the surface element, since the carrier plate comprises sufficient stability, strength and/or hardness such that the structure and/or the height difference of the functional layer is not reflected in the top side of the carrier plate and thus also not on the usable side. Thus, the aesthetic impression and the visual perception of the surface element are not impaired by the use of the functional layer, so that the feel of the entire surface element is actually also improved.

Alternatively or additionally, it may be provided that the unevenness of the subsurface and/or of the carrier plate is compensated by means of a sub-floor and/or a compensation layer on the bottom side, in particular wherein a so-called floating installation of the surface elements on the bottom side is made possible.

In addition, by arranging the functional layer below the carrier plate, the stability, rigidity and/or strength of the surface element can be increased compared to surface elements known from the prior art. Finally, the functional layer, in particular in conjunction with and/or as an element moving in the opposite direction, can compensate for bending stresses and/or bending forces acting on the surface element, in particular on the carrier plate. As a result, deformation and/or bending of the surface element may be better avoided.

Furthermore, the surface of the coating element provided with a functional surface is not only easy to lay out, but can also be designed to be enlarged as required. Finally, it is also possible to ensure subsequently, i.e. after the laying of the surface elements, the arrangement of further surface elements comprising functional layers, so that a high degree of flexibility and independent adaptability can be ensured. In addition, since the disassembly (dismantling) of the interconnected surface elements may be performed in a manner known in the art, the surface elements may also be reused, e.g. during refurbishment. In particular, the ecological sustainability of the surface elements is significantly improved.

Furthermore, ecological compatibility can also be improved in terms of recycling of the surface elements. By arranging the functional layer on the bottom side of the carrier plate, the functional layer can be detached from the carrier plate particularly easily, for example by peeling or tearing off the functional layer. Thus, the remaining surface elements and/or surface elements that have been released from the functional layer may be recycled in a "conventional" manner — without having to pay attention to the electrical components of the functional layer. The simplest possible separation of the functional layers can thus improve the recycling.

Advantageously, an electrical component, which in particular comprises a high stack height, preferably more than 0.01mm, in particular between 0.1mm and 3mm, further preferably between 0.2mm and 1mm, can be very easily incorporated into the surface element on and/or in the functional layer. In this respect, it can be provided that a recess corresponding to the design of the electrical and/or electronic component is provided on the bottom side of the carrier plate, which recess is designed to accommodate the electrical and/or electronic component. The processor, the sensor and/or the energy supply device, for example a battery and/or a battery, can be provided as electrical and/or electronic components. As is known from the prior art, the realization of such an arrangement of an electrical component with a functional layer provided on the top side is difficult, if not impossible. After all, the height of the electrical component is opposite to the smooth available side of the surface element.

Preferably, the arrangement of the functional layer on the underside of the carrier plate increases the flexibility with respect to the size of the individual components of the functional layer. This allows for an increased flexibility in incorporating different electrical components in the surface element, wherein the selection of electrical and/or electronic components may be performed on the basis of individual customer requirements.

Alternatively or additionally, it is also possible to arrange electrical or electronic components within the carrier plate, wherein the electrical components can be connected to the functional layer by means of a power supply line for supplying electrical energy. Finally, the functional layer may ensure that energy, preferably electrical energy, is supplied to the surface element.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, corresponding tongue and groove engagement geometries are provided on opposite sides of the carrier plate. Tongue and groove engagement geometries are used in particular for designing and implementing snap connections. In the case of a snap connection, the sides corresponding to each other may be pivoted into each other and/or snapped into each other. The opposite side of the carrier plate comprises in particular a slot side with a slot and a tongue side opposite the slot side and comprising a tongue. The slot sides and tongue sides can be arranged in particular on the lateral sides of the carrier plate and on the long sides of the carrier plate. In particular, the tongue and groove geometries corresponding to one another are designed to be located on the side edges of the carrier plate, in particular wherein the opposite sides, i.e. the opposite transverse sides and the opposite long sides, are designed to correspond to one another. Thus, the carrier plate may comprise longitudinal sides or long sides formed as slot sides and longitudinal sides or long sides formed as tongue sides and lateral sides or short sides formed as slot sides and lateral sides or short sides formed as tongue sides.

In further embodiments, other tongue and groove engagement geometries may be provided in addition to the tongue and groove connection geometry. In particular, the button and/or bayonet connection geometries are provided on opposite sides of the carrier plate.

Thus, a longitudinal side and/or a transverse side comprising the push button and a longitudinal side and/or a transverse side comprising the coupling opening corresponding to the push button may be provided. In the case of a bayonet lock, the surface elements may be connected to each other via interaction of the at least one protrusion and the opening corresponding to the at least one protrusion, in particular wherein the surface elements may be removably connected to each other via "insertion" and relative displacement with respect to each other.

Alternatively or additionally, it can be provided that in the mounted state the functional layer projects over a side edge of the groove side, preferably a side edge of the long side. The arrangement of the protruding areas of the functional layer on the groove sides enables an improved joining of the functional layers of the surface elements to be joined to each other. The at least indirect arrangement of the groove and the functional layer on the groove can ensure the stability of the functional layer in the protruding region. Furthermore, it is advantageous that during installation the groove side rests on and/or under the ground and the tongue-shaped side of the further surfacing element corresponding to the groove side is pivoted into the groove side. This applies in any case when the groove/tongue connection of the separate surface element is designed as a snap connection.

Thus, the arrangement of the protruding areas of the functional layer on the groove side portions prevents the protruding areas of the functional layer from pivoting. In particular, mounting errors relating to the arrangement and connection of one or more functional layers can be at least substantially avoided.

Preferably, the functional layer can be adjacent to the lowermost, outermost side edge of the carrier plate and/or folded over and/or folded in this region. In particular, the functional layer does not protrude in the region of the tongue-shaped side portions.

Alternatively or additionally, it is provided in particular that the functional layer is arranged at least in certain regions on the region of the carrier plate opposite the groove sides, wherein preferably the arrangement and design corresponds to at least a partially protruding region of the functional layer on the groove sides. In the installed state, this can ultimately be such that, in particular for the protruding region of the functional layer, the at least one region of the functional layer is designed to be at least partially in contact with and/or inductively couplable to a further surface element, which is arranged on the underside of the carrier plate when the surface element is joined to the further surface element.

In a further, even more preferred embodiment of the inventive concept, it is provided that the functional layer comprises at least one contact region at least in some regions in the region of the functional layer protruding in the mounted state, said at least one contact region being designed to be electrically contacted and/or electrically conductive and/or inductively couplable. As mentioned above, the functional layer can also be projected only in specific areas.

Alternatively or additionally, it can be provided that the functional layer comprises a further contact region on the side opposite the contact region, which contact region is designed to be electrically contacted and/or electrically conductive and/or inductively couplable. In particular, "opposite side" is understood without limitation to mean the top and/or bottom side of the functional layer. Furthermore, the "opposite side" refers to a side which is arranged at least substantially in the longitudinal edge region of the functional layer, which side may be arranged on the top side and on the bottom side. Finally, the arrangement of the above-mentioned further contact regions provides that the surface elements to be joined to one another can be coupled on a protruding region of the functional layer, in which protruding region at least one contact region is provided. The further contact region can be designed to correspond to the contact region such that, in the mounted state, the contact region and the further contact region overlap at least in some of the at least one overlap region.

Preferably, the further contact area is provided in the aforementioned area below the carrier plate adjacent to the tongue-shaped side. The further contact region of the functional layer, in the mounted state, does not overlap the bottom side of the carrier plate, in particular the longitudinal edge of the long side of the tongue-shaped side.

It is further preferred that the contact area and the further contact area are designed to correspond to each other such that: in the mounted state, the contact area of the surface element is conductively and/or inductively coupled with a further contact area of a further surface element connected to the surface element. Preferably, the contact area is directly adjacent to a further contact area of a further surface element at least in some areas in the mounted state, in particular wherein the arrangement of the contact area and the further contact area is designed to achieve the aforementioned features.

In particular, the contact area and the further contact area arrangement of the further surface element connected to the surface element having the further contact area in the mounted state are placed on top of each other and are finally also at least partially pushed onto each other and/or are held against each other in the mounted state by a tongue and groove joint geometry, in particular wherein the connection of the surface elements to each other via the tongue and groove joint geometry enables a direct and precise arrangement of the contact areas of the surface elements connected to each other.

Preferably, the functional layer is arranged on the support layer at least in certain regions. The functional layer may be firmly connected to the support layer. Alternatively or additionally, it can be provided that the support layer forms at least in places a functional layer and/or that the functional layer comprises a support layer. The arrangement of the functional layer on the support layer thus makes it very easy to provide the functional layer in the layer structure of the surface element. In particular, the functional layer may be laminated together with the support layer on the bottom side layer of the surface element, for example a carrier sheet.

In particular in a further embodiment, it can be provided that the functional layer protrudes at least in certain regions on the side edges of the surface element in the mounted state without a support layer. Preferably, the functional layer can be arranged on the support layer and, without the support layer, project beyond the side edges of the surface element in the mounted state at least in some areas.

Furthermore, the support layer can be formed by a layer arranged below the carrier plate and/or by the bottom side of the carrier plate itself, in particular wherein the functional layer can be printed onto the support layer. The support layer may be designed to correspond to the manufacturing process of the surface element and/or the connection provided between the functional layer and the support layer.

In particular, the supporting layer can be designed at least in some areas on at least one side as an adhesive layer and/or a supporting layer comprising an adhesive. The support layer can thus be arranged very simply on the surface element, in particular on the bottom side of the carrier plate.

In addition, it can be provided that the support layer is designed to be elastic and/or flexible. This makes it possible to store the support layer in a space-saving manner and also to simplify the arrangement of the support layer on the surface element provided with the functional layer.

According to the invention, it is possible for the support layer to comprise the functional layer and/or the functional layer on one side and/or on both sides at least in certain areas. In case the contact areas are printed on one side and on both sides, the arrangement of the contact areas may be provided on the top side of the support layer facing the carrier plate.

In a further preferred embodiment, it is provided that the further contact region is arranged on a side of the support layer facing away from the carrier plate, in particular on a bottom side of the support layer. In particular in the case of a bilateral arrangement of the functional layers on the support layer, such an arrangement of the further contact regions is provided. The arrangement of the functional layer on both sides of the support layer makes it possible in particular for the support layer to be arranged horizontally to the tongue-shaped side of the carrier plate and/or to be arranged at least substantially directly adjacent to the tongue-shaped side of the carrier part and to ensure a connection, which can thus be established between the contact areas of at least two mutually connected surface elements and the further contact area. Preferably, in any case, the supporting layer and thus also the functional layer do not protrude beyond the tongue-shaped sides of the carrier plate.

In a further embodiment, it is preferably provided that the support layer and/or the functional layer are at least partially folded over and/or folded over the tongue-shaped side, in particular in the region of the tongue-shaped side of the carrier board. Further contact areas can be provided on the fold-over and/or fold-over areas of the support layer and/or the functional layer facing away from the carrier plate. The advantage of the folding-over and/or folding-over regions of the support layer and/or the functional layer is that the functional layer does not need to be arranged on both sides of the support layer.

Thereby, the folding over and/or folding over of the support layer also enables that in the mounted state the folding over and/or folding over area can be arranged at least partially overlapping the protruding area of the functional layer or the support layer. Thus, a contact of the contact area with a further contact area may be possible even if the functional layer is arranged on the support layer on at least one side.

In addition, additional advantages result from the folding-over and/or folding-over regions of the supporting layer. For example, the folding or a corresponding folding may result in the generation of a restoring force in addition to gravity, which in the mounted state pushes the folds and/or the folding areas of the support layer, which comprise further contact areas at least in certain areas, which bear against protruding areas of the support layer, which areas comprise contact areas.

In this respect, it is advantageous if the folds in the "kinks" of the folds and/or fold regions are provided at an angle of less than 180 °, in particular at an angle of between 90 ° and 179 °, preferably from 100 ° to 170 °. The arrangement of the folds and/or the fold areas on the protruding areas on the slot sides of the support layer enables a better electrical contact and/or an improved inductive coupling, in particular due to the contact pressure that is available.

In a further preferred embodiment, it is provided that the functional layer, preferably on the tongue-shaped sides, is at least partially folded down and/or folded in, i.e. in particular away from the support layer, in particular such that a contact is provided between the functional layer of the surface element to a further functional layer of a further surface element below the surface element and the further surface element, in particular not between the connection geometries. Preferably, the functional layer of the surface element does not extend into the region of the connection geometry and/or is not arranged in this region. In particular, it can be provided that the functional layer is arranged below the connection geometry, i.e. facing away from the carrier layer.

As already mentioned, it is particularly preferred if the functional layer is arranged on the carrier layer on one side, preferably on the top side of the carrier layer facing the carrier plate, and/or on both sides. In particular, in the case of a bilaterally arranged functional layer on a support layer, it is provided that the functional layer on the top side of the support layer is connected to the functional layer on the bottom side of the support layer by means of at least one connecting device in an electrically conductive and/or inductively couplable manner. For example, rivets and/or staples, each of which is electrically conductive, may be provided as the connecting means. In particular, the connecting means are arranged at the points of the support layer where possible connection of the functional layer is possible. It should thus be understood that more than one connecting means may also be provided, in particular for a plurality of functional layers and/or for regions comprising functional layers.

The material of the support layer may be chosen to correspond to the functional layer, the material of the further layer of the surface element preferably being directly connected to the electrical function of the support layer and/or the functional layer. In particular, it can be provided that the support layer comprises an electrically conductive and/or electrically insulating material at least in some regions.

The electrically insulating material may be, in particular, with respect to a thin supporting layer, a plastic material, wood, paper, cardboard, cork and/or felt and/or glass. More preferably, the support layer comprises polypropylene (PP), Polyethylene (PE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and/or polyethylene terephthalate (PET) as material.

In particular, a metallic material and/or a material comprising at least one metal may be provided as the electrically conductive material for the support layer. More preferably, the support layer comprises aluminum, copper, silver and/or gold as material and/or the support layer consists of aluminum, copper, silver and/or gold. The aforementioned materials of the electrically conductive support layer may enable good electrical conductivity of the support layer at least in certain areas.

The electrically insulating material of the support layer is characterized by the following facts: the functional layer is virtually unaffected by the support layer and/or the functional layer can also be insulated at least in certain regions from further layers of the surface element. Another advantage of the electrically conductive support layer is that the support layer itself forms the functional layer at least in certain areas. This means that additional lamination and/or printing of the functional layer on the support layer can be avoided. This simplifies, in particular, the production of the functional layer and/or the support layer.

In a further, even more preferred embodiment, it is provided that the at least one measuring device of the functional layer is arranged on the support layer. Preferably, the measuring device is printed on the support layer. For example, at least one sensor, preferably a pressure sensor and/or a capacitance sensor, can be provided as a measuring device.

Preferably, the measuring device is firmly connected to the support layer. In addition, the measuring device may be designed to detect pressure changes and/or capacitance changes acting on the surface element. The determination of the pressure change, in particular the pressure acting on the available side of the surface element, is measured and/or detected by means of a measuring device which is arranged on the bottom side of the carrier plate.

During the development of the invention, it has surprisingly been shown that the arrangement of the functional layer on the bottom side essentially only changes significantly and/or influences the pressure measurement compared to an arrangement in which the measuring device is arranged above the carrier plate, so that a pressure change acting on the surface element can be determined, in particular a maximum deviation of this pressure change of +/-15%.

A capacitive sensor is understood to mean, in particular, a sensor which operates on the basis of a change in capacitance (for example, the capacitance of a single capacitor or a capacitor system). Finally, the capacitive sensor measures and/or detects changes in capacitance. The capacitance change may in particular be caused by a change (spatial change) of an object (e.g. a person) on the top side of the surface element in the room.

Alternatively or additionally, it may be provided that a capacitive pressure sensor is used as the sensor.

Furthermore, a distance sensor and/or a proximity switch may be used as a capacitive sensor.

In particular, the capacitive sensor may be designed such that, for example, the active sensor surface of the sensor detects the proximity of a person and/or an object.

A pressure sensor is understood to mean, in particular, a sensor which measures a pressure difference, a fixed pressure and/or a pressure fluctuation. Different designs of the pressure sensor are possible according to the invention.

Furthermore, the pressure sensor can be designed such that it detects a pressure acting on the surface element without a pressure change.

For example, when the surface element is used to form a floor covering, it is shown to be advantageous to detect pressure changes acting on the surface element. Thus, according to the invention, it is possible to detect whether a person enters an area of the application member equipped with the functional layer and/or whether a person falls.

The same principle (pressure measurement) can also be applied when the surface element is being stepped on, so that, for example, the area of the coating provided with the functional layer can be used in conjunction with an alarm system. Stepping on the floor may cause an alarm to be triggered when "focused" and/or activated, in particular stepping on the floor by a person.

However, it is also beneficial to record people who have fallen, especially if the health of sick and/or infirm people should be monitored. In this way, a fallen person can be helped quickly, in particular without having to trigger an alarm himself. By doing so, long-term health damage can be reduced in particular.

Preferably, the measuring device can alternatively or additionally be designed to determine the temperature and/or the humidity. In particular, the building material can be monitored in areas that are difficult to access, such as under floor coverings.

If the functional layer, in particular the measuring device, comprises at least one capacitive sensor, it can be provided that the capacitive sensor of the measuring device extends at least over substantially the entire surface of the support layer and/or over the functional layer. In particular, the contact area and/or the further contact area comprise a capacitive sensor at least over substantially the entire surface.

Preferably, the capacitive sensor extends over part of or all of the bottom side of the carrier plate, both indirectly and directly.

When a capacitive sensor is used to detect a change in capacitance, an electrical coupling of surface elements to be connected to each other is provided, among other things.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, at least two conductor paths of the functional layer are arranged on the support layer. In particular, the conductor paths are printed on the support layer. The support layer can comprise conductor paths in the region of and/or on the top side of the support layer facing the bottom side of the carrier plate, or additionally the support layer can comprise conductor paths on the bottom side of the support layer facing away from the carrier plate.

If the support layer comprises conductor paths at least in regions on both sides, it can be provided that the bottom side of the support layer provided with conductor paths forms and/or comprises further contact regions at least locally.

In particular, the one-sided arrangement of the conductor paths on the support layer can be implemented in combination with the folding-over and/or folding-over regions of the support layer. In this case, the region comprising the further contact region may be at least partially folded, in particular wherein the further contact region may at least partially comprise the conductor path. In particular, the conductor path facilitates the supply of electrical power to the measuring device, in particular to the pressure sensor, and/or is provided for supplying electrical energy to the measuring device, in particular to the pressure sensor. Electrical energy may be transferred between and/or in the interconnected surface elements via wire and/or conductor paths arranged in the contact area and the further contact area.

Electrical contact can be made between the surface elements to be connected via the contact areas, the further contact areas and the conductor paths provided in the respective contact areas. For this purpose, it is particularly intended that, in the mounted state of the interconnected surface elements, the conductor paths of the contact regions overlap and/or intersect, at least in some regions, corresponding conductor paths of further contact regions.

When using a capacitive sensor arranged on at least substantially the entire surface of the support layer, the use of conductor paths can be avoided.

Furthermore, the conductor paths can also be used for supplying further electrical components of the functional layer.

Preferably, the conductor path is electrically insulated at least in some regions. In particular, the conductor path in at least one contact region and/or in at least one further contact region is electrically insulated at least in some regions. The insulation can be provided in particular by an insulating protective coating which can be applied to the area of the conductor path to be insulated and, if required, also in an additional area to the support layer. By using an electrically insulating material on the conductor paths, short circuits can be avoided in particular when the contact regions, which are each provided with a conductor path, overlap with further contact regions. This may occur if the conductor path intersects and/or contacts at least two conductor paths of the corresponding contact area and/or further contact areas.

In particular, the electrically insulating coating and/or the electrically insulating material may be applied to those regions of the conductor paths and/or of one or more functional layers which, even in the case of a displacement of the surface elements relative to each other (at least in certain regions), will allow electrical contact of conductor paths which do not correspond to each other. It can be provided that the two conductor paths of the contact region and the further contact region are connected to one another in each case.

In a further particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the conductor paths are arranged in at least one contact area and/or in at least one further contact area such that in the mounted state of the surface element said conductor paths are conductively and/or inductively coupled with the respective conductor paths of the further surface element connected to the surface element. The conductor path of the surface element may be arranged to overlap with the conductor path of a further surface element. In the case of a superposed arrangement of conductor paths, at least one electrically insulated conductor path is provided, in particular at least in certain regions.

Furthermore, in particular at least one conductor path, preferably at least two conductor paths, comprise an angled arrangement and/or design in the contact region and/or in the further contact region and/or the conductor paths have been guided at an angle into the contact region and/or the further contact region. The conductor paths may comprise an at least substantially rectilinear cross section in the region of the contact region and/or the further contact region, in particular wherein at least two conductor paths of the contact region and/or the further contact region may be arranged at least substantially parallel to one another. According to the invention, further and/or other geometrical arrangements of the conductor paths can also be provided in the region of the contact region and/or the further contact region. In particular, the design of the conductor paths of the further contact areas is corresponding, symmetrical and/or mirror-inverted with respect to the geometric design of the conductor paths of the contact areas in the mounted state.

In an even more preferred embodiment, it is provided that at least two conductor paths of at least two pairs are each arranged in at least one contact region and/or in a further contact region. These pairs of conductor paths can be arranged in contact regions which extend in particular at least over the entire longitudinal groove side of the carrier plate. In addition, in particular, a pair of conductor paths can each also be arranged in the contact region. Correspondingly, the arrangement of the pairs of conductor paths may be provided in the region of the further contact regions.

In this connection, it can be provided that the conductor path extends in an at least substantially straight, rectilinear and/or at least substantially linear course of the conductor path for approximately 3% to 50%, preferably from 5% to 25%, even more preferably 7% to 15%, of the length of the long side of the carrier plate in the region of the protruding area of the support layer or functional layer. This makes it possible in particular for the further surface element to be displaced as required along the longitudinal sides of the carrier plate or the groove of the surface element without the contact being interrupted by the displacement. The area on the trough side of the carrier plate and/or the surface element that can be displaced longitudinally can be assigned to the user by the layout specification.

Furthermore, in a further embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that at least one conductor path in the region of the contact region and/or the further contact region comprises a greater width than the corresponding conductor path of the further contact region. Finally, it can be provided according to the invention that the conductor paths of the contact regions and/or the further contact regions differ in terms of the width of the contact regions and/or the further contact regions. The conductor path of the contact area may comprise a width which is 10% to 500%, preferably between 20% and 100%, even more preferably between 20% and 70%, greater than the corresponding conductor path of the further contact area, or the corresponding conductor path of the further contact area may comprise a width which is 10% to 500%, preferably between 20% and 100%, even more preferably between 20% and 70%, greater than the conductor path of the contact area.

According to the invention, it is particularly possible that only individual regions or sections of the conductor path comprise a larger width. In this connection, it should be understood that both the conductor paths of the further contact areas and the conductor paths of the contact areas can be designed as "wider" conductor paths.

In this respect, the different widths of the conductor paths are advantageous, since a certain "freedom of movement" is created during the laying when the further surface element is arranged against the surface element. It is always possible to create a sufficient electrical contact between the conductor path of the surface element and the conductor path of the further surface element, in particular even in case of a gap between the tongue-shaped side of the further surface element and the groove-shaped side of the surface element.

The wider conductor paths furthermore have the advantage that they ensure contact by being superposed in the installed state, at least even in the case of a movement of the surface element and in particular of a functional layer of the surface element which is also connected to the wider conductor paths, in particular, for example due to shrinkage or if deviations occur during production.

Thus, the different widths of the conductor paths can compensate for stack-up tolerances associated with the layout.

The width and/or the design of the conductor paths can be designed as a function of the electrical voltage present and/or to be transmitted in the installed state.

Alternatively or additionally, the distance between the conductor paths of a conductor path pair may be varied, in particular increased, for different widths of the conductor paths to improve the ease of installation.

The processing device is more preferably associated with the functional layer and/or the measuring device. In particular, the treatment device is provided in and/or designed as part of the functional layer, wherein the treatment device can be arranged on the support layer. The processing device may be designed to process the information recorded by the measuring device. In principle, the treatment device may also not be arranged directly on the support layer according to the invention. The treatment device may for example be arranged externally to the surface element.

In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the measuring device and/or the processing device is connected to at least one information transmission path for transmitting information recorded by the measuring device, in particular information processed by the processing device. The information transmission path can be provided and/or designed as a conductor path and/or as a component of a functional layer.

In particular, an information transmission interface can be arranged in the at least one contact area, wherein the information transmission interface is connected to the at least one information transmission path. The contact area may be a contact area of the functional layer and/or a further contact area.

In principle, the information transmission can also take place via an electrical conductor path, in particular an information transmission interface is not absolutely necessary for the information transmission.

The information may be transferred via the information transfer interface to a further surface element, in particular to an information transfer interface of a further surface element corresponding to the information transfer interface. The information transmission interface can be arranged particularly preferably in the region of the contact region and/or the further contact region.

Alternatively or additionally, it is provided that the information transmission interface is designed for wireless information transmission, in particular by radio, preferably via an antenna.

In the installed state, it is advantageously provided that the respective information transmission interfaces of the surface elements which are at least partially connected to one another are arranged in a superposed manner.

Preferably, the measuring device, the information transmission path and/or the processing device can be connected to at least one transmission device. In particular, the transmission device may be designed as an antenna, so that information can be transmitted by radio.

Alternatively or additionally, the transmission device can be designed for transmitting the information, preferably wirelessly, to a preferably external evaluation device. The evaluation device can evaluate, in particular, the measured information, which preferably has already been processed by the processing device. The evaluation device may identify whether the signal is used for alarm and/or signaling or the like. In any case, the signal may be triggered if the surface element may be subjected to a pressure for a longer time, for example a pressure caused by a person standing and/or lying on the surface element.

Furthermore, the at least one pressure sensor of the measuring device can be electrically connected to at least two conductor paths, in particular wherein the electrical connection (conductor path) is designed with a plurality of poles and/or different poles.

In particular, it is provided that the functional layer comprises and/or consists of a printed circuit.

Preferably, the functional layer can be printed directly onto the support layer. In the case of manufacturing by a printing process, one of the advantages is that the functional layer can be firmly connected directly to the support layer during the manufacturing of the functional layer. In addition, the functional layers can also be adapted at least substantially individually or exclusively to the respective surface element. In addition, printing the functional layer and/or printing the functional layer at least partially (in specific areas) provides a simple way of making the connection and manufacturing the functional layer. The functional layer may be designed to be printable by means of digital printing, screen printing and/or web printing. Furthermore, the functional layer can be printed by means of an electrically conductive material, in particular for printing applications. For example, an ink including silver pigment may be provided. The material of the functional layer is selected according to the function of the electrical functionality of the functional layer, the occurring stresses and/or according to the function of the printing process.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the support layer is designed with its top side facing the carrier plate as a further layer for connection to the surface element, in particular as a separate layer of the carrier plate. Preferably, the functional layer is also arranged on the top side of the support layer facing the carrier plate. Thus, the support layer need not be designed for connection over the entire surface. In particular, only a partial region of the supporting layer can be used for the connection. In particular, the top side of the support layer and/or the bottom side of the support layer may be designed as an adhesive film at least in some areas. The design as an adhesive film leads to a simplified arrangement of the support layer with the further layers of the surface element, in particular with the carrier plate.

In the design of the surface element, it is preferably provided that at least one layer, preferably a multilayered layer, is arranged on the top side of the carrier plate. The layered structure may be securely attached to the carrier plate. Thereby, the layered structure may also be designed to protect the carrier plate, wherein the top side of the layered structure may form a usable side of the surface element. Thus, the superstructure is exposed to the stresses of the surface element. In this respect, it is advantageous if the layered structure comprises at least one wear layer which at least substantially faces the usable side and which, in addition, also comprises wear-resistant particles, in particular corundum, and/or which comprises and/or consists of a plastic material, in particular Polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and/or polyethylene terephthalate (PET).

In an even more preferred embodiment, it is provided that the layered structure comprises at least one decorative layer, in particular a decorative film. In this respect, it may be provided that the surface element may ultimately be used as a laminate. It may also be provided that the surface element is used as parquet. In this embodiment, the layered structure may comprise at least one top layer of solid wood.

In addition, the layered structure may also comprise a cover layer, which particularly comprises a wear resistant layer. An overlay, in particular a cover, can be used to seal the decorative layer. Alternatively or additionally, it may be provided that the solid wood top layer may be protected by a protective layer and/or a sealant which can be applied to the top side of the solid wood top layer. The multi-layer and/or the layers of the multi-layer can in particular be laminated to the carrier plate. Alternatively or additionally, it may be provided that the layer structure is pressed to the carrier plate.

In a further even more preferred embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the counter movement is arranged facing the underside of the carrier plate. In particular, the counter-movement element may be used to absorb and/or compensate bending stresses of the surface element, in particular of the carrier plate. Kraft paper may be provided as the reverse movement member. Alternatively or additionally, the functional layer may be arranged between the counter-motion element and the carrier plate, preferably directly adjacent to the carrier plate and/or below the counter-motion element. Furthermore, it may be provided that the support layer and/or the functional layer are formed by a reverse-running component. Essentially, this means that the supporting layer then performs the dual function, i.e. on the one hand for the counter-movement and on the other hand for the base of the functional layer.

Furthermore, a damping layer can be arranged in the layer structure of the surface element, which damping layer is used in particular for separating the impact sound. The damping layer may face the bottom side of the carrier plate. In particular, the damping layer may be directly adjacent to the counter-moving element. The damping layer may be a film layer comprising plastic and/or a layer comprising foam, in particular wherein the damping layer is formed as a support layer and/or the support layer is formed as a damping layer, and/or wherein the functional layer and/or the support layer is firmly, preferably directly, connected to the damping layer. The damping layer may also be arranged to compensate for unevenness of the subsurface. Finally, the damping layer enables the surface element to improve the arrangement of the surface element with the subsurface and/or the adaptation of the surface element to the subsurface.

Preferably, the carrier board can be an HDF board (high density fiberboard), a solid wood layer and/or an MDF board (medium density fiberboard). The aforementioned carrier plate is characterized by a high rigidity in connection with a high stability, which high rigidity provided by the aforementioned carrier plate can be used for the entire surface element.

Furthermore, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), cork and/or mineral materials can be provided as material for the carrier plate.

In a further particularly preferred embodiment, the functional layer is associated with a negative mask layer for compensating for a projecting contour. The negative mask layer may in particular be used to protect the functional layer from stresses, in particular from different heights of the functional layer, in particular also when the surface element is loaded.

According to a further particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the functional layer is formed at least in some regions, preferably completely, from positively or negatively charged regions, in particular also in the case of a measuring device comprising a capacitive sensor.

Alternatively or additionally, it can be provided that the functional layer, in particular the functional layer designed as a capacitive sensor, is designed in a plurality of parts, in particular wherein parts (regions and/or layers) of the functional layer are electrically separated and/or insulated from one another. In particular, at least one positively charged region and at least one negatively charged region of the functional layer can be provided.

Preferably, the positively charged area and the negatively charged area of the functional layer are arranged at least indirectly on the bottom side of the support plate, so that when a person steps on the surface element, it can be ensured that the two positively charged areas and the negatively charged area of the functional layer are in contact at least in some areas. This is particularly advantageous for capacitive sensors.

In this connection, it can be provided that the functional layer is arranged at least approximately, at least indirectly, over the entire surface on the bottom side of the carrier plate and is formed by at least one positively charged region and one negatively charged region. The positively charged region and the negatively charged region may each adjoin the longitudinal edge and are preferably electrically separated from one another by at least substantially linear, corrugated, zigzag-shaped and/or curved separating regions and/or insulating regions.

In a further preferred embodiment, the aforementioned insulation region can also be designed at least partially, preferably completely, to be at least approximately rectangular.

Furthermore, the invention relates to a system having a plurality of surface elements, wherein at least one surface element is designed according to one or more of the aforementioned embodiments. The surface element is joined to another surface element to form a coated article. According to the invention, it can be provided that the further surface element is also at least partially designed according to at least one of the above-described embodiments.

It is understood that, in relation to the system, reference may be made to all the advantages and/or particular embodiments of the surface element according to the invention described above, which also apply in the same way to the system according to the invention. To avoid unnecessary repetition, reference is therefore made in this respect to the preceding embodiments.

Furthermore, according to the invention, the further surface element may be used as a "conductor floor" -i.e. the further surface element may comprise a functional layer but not a measuring device. Finally, the surface element may comprise the measurement device, wherein the measurement result recorded by the surface element may be transmitted via the further surface element due to the direct connection with the further surface element, and/or the surface element may be energized by the further surface element.

According to the invention, the system is provided with a coating element which comprises an electrical function at least in certain areas. In this respect, the further surface elements do not necessarily have to comprise a functional layer.

In particular, associated with the functional layer is a preferably external power supply device. For example, the entire coating and/or at least a region of the coating can be supplied with electrical power by means of an electrical power supply device connected (e.g. via a cable) to at least one functional layer of at least one surface element. Preferably, the power supply device is conductively connected to the functional layer and/or inductively coupled to the functional layer.

The power supply device may also provide the energy required by the measuring device. Alternatively or additionally to the capacitive sensor, the power supply device may provide the required electric field and/or transmit the current required by the pressure sensor.

An advantage of the aforementioned power supply device is that the power supply device does not have to be associated with each individual surface element. The surface element and/or the further surface element may be jointly supplied by at least one power supply device by means of an electrical connection and/or an inductive coupling of said surface element and/or the further surface element to each other. This simplifies the arrangement of the coating member and/or the system according to the invention.

In the aforementioned arrangement of the surface element and the further surface element, explicit reference may be made in this respect to the superposition of the electrical conductor paths. It is particularly advantageous in the case of a stacked arrangement of mutually correlated conductor paths that the conductor paths are provided with different thicknesses and/or widths and/or lengths. Electrical insulation for preventing short circuits is also advantageous in connection with the joining of surface elements to further surface elements.

Furthermore, in a further embodiment of the invention, in addition to the snap-connection of at least one surface element to at least one further surface element, a matrix-bound connection, preferably an adhesive connection, may be provided. In particular, the functional layer and/or the support layer of the surface element may be joined to each other in a matrix-bonded, in particular bonded, manner. It may thereby be provided that the protruding areas of the surface elements are bonded by the matrix to further contact areas of further surface elements, at least in some areas.

In an even more preferred embodiment, the protruding area of the surface element can be designed at least in some areas as an adhesive strip, preferably covered by a lining.

For the aforementioned adhesive bonding, electrically conductive and/or electrically non-conductive materials, in particular adhesives, can be provided. In addition, in further embodiments, the matrix-bound connection can also be designed to be detachable and/or permanently fixed.

Preferably, at least one operating device for controlling the functional layer, preferably an external operating device, is associated with the functional layer. In particular, the operating device can "activate" a functional layer and/or supply electrical energy to the functional layer, in particular for activation. Finally, the measuring device of the functional layer can be controlled and/or regulated, in particular activated, via the operating device. In addition, individual regions of the coating element and/or individual surface elements can also be activated.

With regard to the design of the capacitive sensor as a measuring device, it may be provided that two different types of surface elements may be used within the coating member.

A surface element can be used as a "joint floor" which is connected to an electrical power supply device, in particular an external electrical energy device, for supplying electrical charge and/or electrical energy to the functional layer. Furthermore, the surface element of the first type may also be coupleable to a processing device, in particular for determining a capacitance change. Preferably, at least two separate electrically conductive surfaces of the functional layer are provided, which can be supplied with a positive and/or negative charge by the power supply device, so that the resulting joined floor comprises a positively charged surface and a negatively charged surface.

The two separate conductive surfaces of the joint floor provide a corresponding charge to other types of surface elements, in particular "conductor floors". The conductor floorings can be used for transferring electrical charge and/or electrical energy via electrical contact with a "connecting floorboard", so that the conductor floorings can in principle comprise a functional layer which can consist of and/or comprise a completely electrically conductive supporting layer. The sensor area is increased by the conductor floor and in particular by transferring charge and/or energy to the further surface element.

According to the present invention, it is not necessary to use a sensor with a coil or a capacitive pressure sensor to detect the capacitive change.

Furthermore, preferably an external control device can be associated with the functional layer, the measuring device and/or the processing device. In particular, the functional layer, the measuring device and/or the processing device can be designed to be controllable and/or adjustable by the control device. Preferably, the functional layer of the at least one surface element, the measuring device and/or the processing device is wirelessly connected to a control device, which may transmit a signal, in particular to the transmitting device of the surface element and/or to the receiver device of the surface element.

In the system according to the invention, the surface elements associated with the power supply device may be referred to as "junction floors".

The further surface elements cannot be connected in particular to the power supply device, so that the further surface elements are then designed as "conductor floors" for the transmission of electrical energy, electrical charge and/or information.

In the case that the coating member is formed by a surface element and a further surface element, it may be provided that at least one surface element is connected to the power supply device. Especially according to the invention it is not necessary to connect all surface elements directly to one power supply device each or to a common power supply device.

In an even more preferred embodiment, it may be provided that at least one surface element, in particular at least one surface element and/or a further surface element, is designed as a "joint floor". The connecting floor can be designed for connection and/or for contacting, in particular for electrically connecting, to external devices, for example electrical power supply devices. An external device is to be understood in particular as an element and/or device which does not substantially constitute a surface element according to the invention. The connection between the connecting floor and the external device may also be detachable, conditionally detachable and/or permanently fixed. Possible connections between the connecting floor and the external device can be frictional, force-locking and/or matrix-bonded, and/or can be designed as contact connections, screw connections, hook-and-loop connections, plug connections, rivet connections, welded connections, crimped connections and/or adhesive connections.

The connection between the connection floor and the external device can preferably be designed to be multipolar, in particular bipolar.

In addition, the aforementioned connection between the connecting floor and the external device may enable the supply of electrical energy to the applicator and/or the system according to the invention. Furthermore, the connection can alternatively or additionally be used for information transfer, in particular via wires. Furthermore, the joint flooring and/or the functional layer of the joint flooring may comprise, at least in some areas, a contact surface for joining and/or contacting another functional layer of another surface element.

In the case of a capacitive sensor being provided as the measuring device and/or the measuring device comprising a capacitive sensor, it is particularly advantageous if the "connection floor" and/or the surface element comprises at least one positively charged region and at least one negatively charged region of the functional layer, in particular wherein the positively charged region and the negatively charged region are electrically separated from each other and/or are arranged together at least approximately, at least indirectly, over the entire surface on the underside of the carrier plate.

In this respect, it is further preferred if the "conductor floor" on the bottom side of the carrier plate comprises a positively or negatively charged functional layer at least substantially over the entire surface, the measuring device of which is designed as a capacitive sensor, in particular such that the entire functional layer actually forms the capacitive sensor.

In principle, it can be provided according to the invention that the functional layer can comprise an electrically neutral surface if the measuring device comprises a capacitive sensor.

Alternatively or additionally, only one charged region (positive or negative) can be provided, which can cooperate with further charged regions and/or regions of the evaluation device for detecting a change in capacitance. In this respect, it may be provided that within the system the surface element comprising the capacitive sensor ("joint floor") comprises only one positively or negatively charged functional layer and/or sensor area.

Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for manufacturing a surface element according to one of the aforementioned embodiments, wherein the method comprises the steps of:

A) providing a tongue and groove engagement geometry in the carrier plate, which is used, in particular, for the purpose of designing a snap connection;

B) applying a functional layer on the bottom side of the carrier plate, wherein the functional layer is arranged on the carrier plate such that: in the mounted state of the surface element, the functional layer protrudes on at least one side portion beyond the side edges of the side portion, in particular the functional layer protrudes on at least one long side portion beyond the side edges of the long side portions;

wherein the processing step B) is performed after the processing step a).

It should be understood that the foregoing description of the advantages and preferred embodiments of the surface element according to the invention also applies in the same way to the method according to the invention. To avoid unnecessary repetition, reference is therefore explicitly made to the preceding description.

In a further preferred embodiment of the method, it can be provided that the arrangement of at least one layer, preferably a multi-layer, on the top side of the carrier plate is carried out before method step a) or after method step a), in particular before method step B. The layered structure may be securely attached to the carrier plate. The layered structure may thus comprise a wear layer, a decorative layer, in particular a decorative film, and/or an overlay, in particular a covering.

The multi-layer and/or the layers of the multi-layer can in particular be laminated to the carrier plate. Alternatively or additionally, it may be provided that the solid wood top layer is protected by a protective layer and/or a sealant applied to the top side of the solid wood top layer.

Alternatively or additionally, it can also be provided that the layer structure is pressed to the carrier plate.

In particular, step B) is performed after lamination and/or pressing of the layered structure and the carrier plate.

Preferably, the tongue and groove joint geometry is milled, embossed and/or cut into the side of the surfacing element, in particular the side of the carrier plate.

Furthermore, in an even more preferred embodiment of the inventive concept, after the treatment step B), the functional layer can be folded and/or folded down at least partially on at least one side edge, in particular on the tongue-shaped side, i.e. away from the carrier board.

Furthermore, before performing the treatment step B) or after the treatment step B), at least one recess, in particular a milled recess, can be provided in the bottom side of the carrier plate. The recess may be cut, milled and/or embossed into the carrier plate. In addition, a recess can be provided for accommodating an electronic component, which can be accommodated in particular in the recess.

Further, it should be understood that any intervening intervals and individual values are included in the above described interval and range limitations, and are considered essential to the invention, even if such intervening intervals and individual values are not specifically provided.

Drawings

Further features, advantages and possible applications of the invention will become apparent from the following description of an example of embodiment on the basis of the drawings and the drawings themselves. As such, all features described and/or shown, individually or in any combination, form the subject matter of the present invention irrespective of the general description of all features described and/or shown in the claims or the relevance of all features described and/or shown.

The figures show:

figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of a surface element according to the invention,

figure 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a surface element according to the invention shown in figure 1,

figure 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a further embodiment of a surface element according to the invention,

fig. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a further embodiment of a surface element according to the invention, which is joined to other surface elements,

figure 5 is a schematic diagram of a system according to the invention,

figure 6 is a schematic top view of a coated article according to the invention,

figure 7 is a schematic perspective view of a surface element according to the invention according to a further embodiment,

figure 8 is a schematic perspective view of a surface element according to the invention according to a further embodiment,

figure 9 is a schematic perspective view of a surface element according to the invention according to a further embodiment,

figure 10 is a schematic perspective view of a surface element according to the invention according to a further embodiment,

figure 11 is a schematic perspective view of a surface element according to the invention according to a further embodiment,

figure 12 is a schematic perspective view of a surface element according to the invention according to a further embodiment,

fig. 13 is a schematic top view of a bottom side of a further embodiment of a surface element according to the invention, joined to a further surface element,

fig. 14 is a schematic top view of a bottom side of a further embodiment of a surface element according to the invention, joined to a further surface element,

fig. 15 is a schematic top view of a bottom side of a further embodiment of a surface element according to the invention, joined to a further surface element,

figure 16 is a schematic perspective view of a layer structure of a further embodiment of a surface element according to the invention,

figure 17 is a schematic perspective view of a layer structure of a further embodiment of a surface element according to the invention,

figure 18 is a schematic perspective view of a further embodiment of a surface element according to the invention,

figure 19 is a schematic perspective view of a support layer according to the invention,

figure 20 is a schematic perspective view of a further embodiment of a support layer according to the invention,

fig. 21 is a schematic view of a further embodiment of a surface element according to the invention, joined to a further surface element,

figure 22 is a schematic view of a further embodiment of a system according to the invention,

figure 23 is a schematic view of detail a of figure 22,

figure 24 is a schematic view of a surface element according to a further embodiment of the invention,

figure 25 is a schematic view of a surface element according to a further embodiment of the invention,

figure 26 is a schematic view of a further embodiment of a system according to the invention,

FIG. 27 is a schematic illustration of a surface element according to further embodiments of the present invention, an

Fig. 28 is a schematic view of a surface element according to a further embodiment of the present invention.

Detailed Description

Fig. 1 shows a surface element 1 and/or a floor for use as a surface element for floors, walls and ceilings for coating the floors, walls and/or ceilings. The use of a surface element 1 in a coating element 35 is shown, for example, in fig. 18.

The surface element 1 comprises at least one carrier plate 2 and at least one functional layer 3.

The carrying floor 2 comprises a top side 5 facing the usable side 4 and a bottom side 7 opposite the top side 5 and facing the ground 6. In fig. 18, it is schematically shown that the subsurface 6 is arranged below the surface element 1.

The surface element 1 shown in fig. 1 comprises a functional layer 3 located below a carrier plate 2. The functional layer 3 thus faces the bottom side 7 of the carrier plate 2.

It is also provided that the functional layer 3 is designed such that: when the surface element 1 is mounted, the functional layer 3 protrudes beyond the side edges 10 of the side portions 8, at least in certain areas on at least one of the side portions 8. In fig. 1, the side edges 10 are understood to be the outermost edges of the surface element 1. Fig. 1 also shows that the functional layer 3 in the mounted state only projects beyond the side edge 10 on one long side 9. In particular, it is provided that, according to fig. 1, the functional layer 3 does not protrude on at least one lateral side 12. Not shown is that the functional layer 3 does not protrude on any lateral side 12 of the surface element 1.

The functional layer 3 can be designed as a continuous layer, in particular as a single layer, and/or as a multipart layer, in particular as at least two layers which are electrically connected to one another. The functional layer 3 may also comprise a plurality of protruding areas spaced apart.

In fig. 1, it is shown that the functional layer 3 is arranged directly against the carrier plate 2.

Not shown, at least one further layer can be arranged between the bottom side 7 of the carrier plate 2 and the functional layer 3.

Furthermore, it is evident from fig. 1 that corresponding tongue-and-groove engagement geometries 11 are provided on the opposite sides 8 of the carrier plate 2, in particular on the long sides 9 and on the lateral sides 12. In the embodiment shown, the tongue-and-groove engagement geometry 11 is designed for a snap connection. Via this snap connection, the surface element 1 can be connected to a further surface element 20.

Not shown is that on the opposite side 8 of the carrier plate 2 a corresponding button or bayonet locking connection geometry is provided.

Figures 1 and 2 show that the carrier plate 2 comprises a slot side 14 with a slot 13 and a tongue side 16 opposite the slot side 14 and comprising a tongue 15. Thereby, the groove side 14 and/or the groove 13 are designed to correspond to the tongue side 16 and/or the tongue 15, such that a snap connection is created when the groove side 14 is connected to the tongue side 16, as can be seen in fig. 4, for example.

Furthermore, it can be seen from fig. 2 that in the mounted state the functional layer 3 projects beyond the side edges 10 of the groove sides 14. Fig. 2 also shows that the functional layer 3 may end at the side edge 10 of the tongue-shaped side portion 16 and in particular not protrude beyond the side edge 10 of the tongue-shaped side portion 16.

Fig. 2 shows that the functional layer 3 projects with its projecting region 17 on the groove side 14 of the long side 9 in the mounted state. The protruding areas 17 comprise at least one contact area 18 at least in some areas. The contact area 18 is designed to be electrically contactable and/or electrically conductive and/or inductively couplable, depending on the function of the design of the surface element 1.

Fig. 2 furthermore shows that, on the side 8 opposite the contact region 18, at least in some regions, the functional layer 3 is provided with further contact regions 19. The further contact regions 19 can also be designed to be electrically contactable and/or electrically conductive and/or inductively couplable.

The contact region 18 can be arranged on a bottom side of the functional layer 3 facing away from the bottom side 7 of the carrier plate 2. In particular, the contact region 18 can be arranged on the top side of the functional layer 3 facing the bottom side 7 of the carrier plate 2. Finally, further contact regions 19 are arranged in the region of the opposite longitudinal edge regions of the functional layer 3.

Furthermore, fig. 4 shows that the contact area 18 and the further contact area 19 are designed to correspond to each other such that: in the mounted state of the surface element 1, in which the surface element 1 is joined to at least one further surface element 20, the contact area 18 of the surface element 1 is conductively and/or inductively coupled with the further contact area 19 of the further surface element 20 joined to the surface element 1. In particular, as shown in fig. 20, in the mounted state, the contact area 18 may be arranged directly on the further contact area 19 of the further surface element 20, at least in some areas.

The design of the functional layer 3 of the surface element 1 and the further surface element 20 is schematically shown in fig. 4 and subsequent fig. 7 to 15. In particular in fig. 4 and 7 to 15, the support layer 21 and/or the functional layer 3 are schematically shown in an enlarged manner in order to better explain the invention in practice.

In the installed state, it can be provided that the protruding region 17, which comprises the contact region 18 at least in some regions, is arranged below the further contact region 19 facing the ground 6, wherein in the connected state the further contact region 19 of the further surface element 20 can be arranged above the protruding region 17. Basically, the further surface element 20 can be pivoted via the tongue side 16 of the further surface element into the groove side 14 of the surface element 1, whereby the further contact area 19 is arranged on the contact area 18 and/or above the contact area 18.

Fig. 4 shows that, in the mounted state, the contact region 18 is arranged at least in a region directly adjacent to a further contact region 19 of a further surface element 20. Via the arrangement of the contact area 18 and the further contact area 19 the surface element 1 and the further surface element 20 connected thereto are connected in an electrically conductive and/or inductive coupling.

It is also evident from fig. 4 that the contact areas 18 are arranged on the slot sides 4 of the long sides 9. The contact area 18 and the further contact area 19 of the further surface element 20 are arranged in an up-down manner and/or in an up-down-stacked manner, wherein the joining of the surface element 1 with the further surface element 20 also causes the contact area 18 and the further contact area 19 and/or the functional layer 3 of the further surface element 20 and the protruding area 17 of the functional layer 3 of the surface element 1 to "press" onto each other.

As shown in fig. 1, the support layer 21 may be arranged at least indirectly over the entire surface on the bottom side 7 of the carrier plate 2. In further embodiments, such as shown in fig. 7, the supporting layer 21 can also be arranged at least partially on the bottom side 7 of the carrier plate 2.

Fig. 7 shows that the functional layer 3 is arranged on the support layer 21. The functional layer 3 may be firmly bonded to the support layer 21. Fig. 3 also shows that the support layer 21 is formed by the functional layer 3 and/or comprises the functional layer 3.

In addition, fig. 20 schematically shows that further contact areas 19 are arranged on the side of the support layer 21 facing away from the carrier plate 2, i.e. on the bottom side 24.

Fig. 19 shows that the support layer 21 is provided with the functional layer 3 on one side, i.e. on the top side 23.

Fig. 7 shows that the support layer 21 is at least partially folded over and/or folded over the tongue-shaped side portion. In the case of the folding-over and/or folding area 22 of the support layer 21, an electrically conductive connection is created when the surface element 1 is arranged against a further surface element 20, as can be seen from fig. 4.

Further contact regions 19 can be provided on the fold-over and/or fold-over regions 22 of the carrier plate 21 facing away from the carrier plate 2, as shown in fig. 4 and 7.

Depending on the function of the folding line and/or the folding at the transition region and/or the bend of the fold-in region 22, it is possible to provide a restoring force of the fold-in region 22 caused in the mounted state, which restoring force, in addition to the gravitational force, allows a better contact pressure and, in particular, an improved electrical contact between the surface element 1 and the further surface element 20.

By folding the support layer 21, a one-sided arrangement of the functional layer 3 on the support layer 21 can be provided, as shown in fig. 19.

The functional layer 3 may be arranged on one side and/or on both sides on the support layer 21. In the one-sided arrangement of the functional layer 3 shown in fig. 7 and 8, it can be provided that the functional layer 3 is arranged on a bottom side 23 of the support layer 21 facing the bottom side 7 of the carrier plate 2. In fig. 7 to 12, the support layer 21 of the surface element 2 provided with the functional layer 3 is designed differently from the support layer of the further surface element 20, in particular with regard to the arrangement and design of the electrical conductor paths 27.

In a further embodiment, which is not shown, it can be provided that the support layer 21 of the surface element 1 provided with the functional layer 3 and the support layer 21 of the further surface element 20 connected to the surface element 1 in the mounted state are designed at least substantially structurally identical.

Fig. 20 schematically shows that the functional layer 3 of the top side 23 of the support layer 21 is connected to the functional layer 3 of the bottom side 24 of the support layer 21 in an electrically conductive and/or inductive coupling by means of a connecting means 25. In further embodiments, not shown, rivets, staples and/or other connecting means may be provided as connecting means. Finally, the connecting means 25 enable electrical contact to be made between two functional layers 3, each of which is arranged on one support layer 21 and/or on the same support layer 21.

Not shown, the support layer 21 comprises an electrically conducting and/or electrically insulating material at least in some areas. Plastic materials and/or materials comprising and/or consisting of wood, paper, cardboard, cork, felt and/or glass can be provided as the non-conductive material of the support layer 21. A metal-containing material, such as aluminum, copper, silver and/or gold, may be provided as the conductive material for the support layer. It will be appreciated that alloys of the above metals are also readily possible. The support layer 21 may form the functional layer 3 and/or the components of the functional layer 3 at least in regions as long as the support layer 21 comprises an electrically conductive material at least in these regions.

Fig. 8 shows a schematic view of the functional layer 3 comprising at least one measuring device 26, which is arranged in particular on the top side 24 of the support layer 21 facing the bottom side 7 of the carrier plate 2. Thereby, the measuring device 26 can be connected to the conductor path 27 of the functional layer 3.

The measuring device 26 shown schematically in fig. 8 can be designed as a pressure sensor. Alternatively or additionally, the measuring device 26 may comprise and/or be formed by a capacitive sensor. In the embodiment shown in fig. 1, it is provided that the capacitive sensor of the measuring device 26 extends over the entire surface of the functional layer 3, wherein the support layer 21 is formed by the functional layer 3. In the case of a capacitive sensor, the entire surface of the functional layer 3 can ultimately be used to measure the change in capacitance. In the embodiment shown in fig. 8, it is provided that the measuring device 26 comprises a pressure sensor which is connected to the conductor path 27 of the functional layer 3, in particular for the supply of electrical power. When the functional layer 3 is designed as a capacitive sensor, it can be provided that the contact region 18 extends over the entire protruding region 17 of the functional layer 3.

In the case of the measuring device 26, it can be provided that the measuring device is designed to detect a pressure change or a capacitance change (capacitive sensor) acting on the surface element 1. In a further embodiment, which is not shown, it can be provided that the measuring device 26 is designed to determine a temperature and/or a humidity. In particular, the measuring device 26 may be firmly connected to the support layer 21.

Furthermore, in the embodiment of the capacitive sensor shown in fig. 1, it is provided that the capacitive sensor extends at least substantially over the entire surface of the support layer 21.

Fig. 18 shows a coating element 35 comprising at least one surface element 1 designed to detect pressure changes acting on the surface element 1. For example, the surface element 1 may detect whether a person, in particular a weak and/or sick person, is lying on the ground (coating element 35) for a longer time, for example more than one minute. This may cause an alarm and/or signal to be issued, if necessary, as seen schematically in fig. 18.

Fig. 7 shows that at least two conductor paths 27 of the functional layer 3 are arranged on the support layer 21. Fig. 7 also shows that two pairs of conductor paths 27 of the functional layer 3 are arranged on the support layer 21, respectively. In fig. 13 to 15, it is shown that one pair of conductor paths 27 of the surface element 1 in each case corresponds to another pair of conductor paths 27 of the surface element 20 in each case.

In fig. 15, it is shown that the conductor paths 27 in at least one contact area 18 and/or in at least one further contact area 19 are electrically insulated at least in some areas, so that an electrically insulated area 36 can be obtained.

Not shown is that the electrical insulation may be caused by lacquer. In particular, the electrically insulating regions 36 are provided in one or more regions at locations where short circuits will occur, in the case of overlapping further electrically conductive paths 27.

In the case of contact with the conductor paths 27 shown in fig. 9, 10, 13 and 14, it is not necessary to provide electrically insulating regions 36, since no undesired superposition of conductor paths 27 and/or undesired superposition of conductor paths 27 is obtainable. Finally, when the surface element 1 is joined to a further surface element 20, it is provided that the respective conductor path 27 is electrically connected to the corresponding conductor path 27.

In the case of a structurally identical design of the surface element 1, not shown, and of the further surface element 20, it is provided in particular that the electrically insulating region 36 is arranged on the functional layer 3 and/or at the functional layer 3. The electrically insulating region 36 prevents short-circuiting during electrical connection of the surface element 1 with a further surface element 20.

Fig. 9 shows that the conductor paths 27 are arranged in at least one contact area 18 and/or in a further contact area 19, such that in the mounted state of the surface element 1 the conductor paths 27 are electrically conductively connected and/or inductively coupled with the respective conductor paths 27 of the further surface element 20 connected to the surface element 1. Fig. 9 also shows that the conductor paths 27 of the surface element 1 are arranged to overlap with the conductor paths 27 of the further surface element 20.

Fig. 10 shows that the processing device 28 is associated with the functional layer 3 and/or the measuring device 26. In the design example shown, it is schematically shown that the processing device 28 is designed as part of the functional layer 3 and is arranged in particular directly adjacent to the support layer 21. The processing device 28 is designed to process the information recorded by the measuring device 26.

Fig. 21 schematically shows that the processing device 28 can transmit the information received and processed by the measuring device to a transmission device 41, which in turn can transmit the information, in particular wirelessly, to an evaluation device 42. The evaluation device 42 may be associated with the surface element 1. It may however be provided that the evaluation device 42 is not arranged within the layer structure of the surface element 1, i.e. outside the layer structure of the surface element 1.

Fig. 10 and 21 furthermore show that the processing device 28 is designed with at least one information transmission path 29 for transmitting information acquired by the measuring device 26, in particular information processed by the processing device 28. Thereby, the information transmission path 29 may be connected to the measurement device 26 and/or the processing device 28. In the embodiment example shown, the information transmission path 29 is connected to the processing device 28.

The information recorded by the measuring device 26 can be transmitted via an information transmission path 29. At least one contact area 31 and information transfer interface 30 may be provided for transferring or transferring information from the surface element 1 to a further surface element 20. Thereby, the information transfer interface 30 may be arranged at the surface element 1 and at the further surface element 20. It may furthermore be provided that the information transfer interface 30 is part of both the surface element 1 and the further surface element 20, such that the information transfer interface 30 forms the contact area 31. Information may be transferred from the surface element 1 to the further surface element 20 via the information transfer interface 30 or information may also be transferred from the further surface element 20 to the surface element 1 via the information transfer interface 30.

Not shown, the information may also be transmitted wirelessly via the information transmission interface 30, in particular the information may be transmitted by radio, preferably via an antenna.

In the embodiment shown in fig. 10, a pressure sensor is provided as the measuring device 26, which measuring device 26 is connected in an electrically conductive manner to at least two conductor paths 27, and in the embodiment shown, the measuring device 26 is connected in an electrically conductive manner to four conductor paths 27. It may furthermore be provided that the insulation region 36 is also arranged on the information transmission path 29, in particular in a region of the information transmission path which overlaps the conductor path 27 and/or the further information transmission path 29.

Furthermore, the conductor path 27 can be designed with a plurality of poles and/or different poles. The width of the conductor paths 27 may also vary, in particular the width of the conductor paths 27 in the contact region 18, in the contact region 31 and/or in the further contact region 19. For example, fig. 15 shows that the electrical conductor path 27 comprises a thickness in the region of the contact region 18 which is greater than the thickness of the conductor path 27 in the region of the further contact region 19, in particular an increased and/or enlarged thickness or width of between 10% and 200%. This advantageously makes it possible to have a certain play in the layout tolerance during the layout, with which the electrical contact can still be sufficiently ensured.

Not shown, the functional layer 3 comprises and/or is formed by a printed circuit.

Furthermore, not shown, the functional layer 3 is printed directly on the support layer 21. For example, digital printing, screen printing and/or web printing may be provided as printing. In particular, the material for the functional layer 3 may be a conductive material that can be applied by printing, in particular an ink material comprising silver pigments.

Furthermore, it is not shown that the support layer 21 is designed with the top side 23 of the support layer 21 facing the carrier plate 2 as a separate layer for joining to further layers of the surface element 1, in particular the carrier plate 2. It may thereby be provided that the top side 23 and/or the bottom side 24 of the support layer 21 are designed as an adhesive film at least in certain areas. In particular, the support layer 21 can be designed as an adhesive layer and/or adhesive film.

Fig. 16 and 17 show that at least one layer structure is arranged on the top side 5 of the carrier plate 2. In the embodiment example shown, a multi-layer 37 is provided. The multi-layered layer structure 37 can be firmly connected to the carrier plate 2.

In the embodiment example shown in fig. 16, the design of the surface element 1 is arranged as a parquet surface element. In the embodiment example shown in fig. 17, the design of the surface element 1 is arranged as a laminated surface element.

Figure 16 shows that the multi-layer 37 comprises at least one top layer 38 of solid wood. Fig. 17, in turn, provides that the multi-layer 37 comprises a decorative layer 43, in particular a decorative foil.

In addition, the multilayered layer 37 may comprise a protective layer 39, wherein the protective layer 39 may be designed as a covering 39, and in particular as a wear layer comprising corundum particles. The wear layer 39 may be designed to protect the solid wood top layer 38 and/or the decorative layer 43.

An inverse movement 32 can be arranged below the carrier plate 2. The counter movement element 32 faces the bottom side 7 of the carrier plate 2. In the embodiment example shown in fig. 17, kraft paper is provided as the reverse movement piece 32. As shown in fig. 17, the functional layer 3 can be arranged between the counter movement element 32 and the carrier plate 2, preferably the functional layer 3 is directly adjacent to the carrier plate 2.

Not shown, the functional layer 3 may also be arranged below the counter-movement element 32 and/or the support layer 21 and/or the functional layer 3 may form the counter-movement element 32.

Further not shown is that the layered structure of the surface element 1 comprises a damping layer. The damping layer may face the bottom side 7 of the carrier plate 2. Preferably, a damping layer may be disposed on the counter movement element 32. The damping layer may comprise a film layer comprising plastic and/or a layer comprising foam. Furthermore, alternatively or additionally, the damping layer may be designed as a support layer 21 and/or the functional layer 3 and/or the support layer 21 may be firmly connected, preferably directly connected, to the damping layer.

Furthermore, not shown, the carrier plate 2 can be designed as an HDF plate, a solid wood layer and/or an MDF plate.

Fig. 5 shows a system 33 comprising a plurality of surface elements 1. At least one surface element 1 is designed according to at least one of the embodiments described above. The surface element 1 may be joined to further surface elements 20 to form a coating 35. The coating member 35 formed in this way is schematically shown in fig. 6, for example.

The further surface element 20 may comprise a measuring device 26 and/or be arranged for transmitting information collected by the measuring device 26 of the surface element 1 and/or for transmitting energy.

In addition, fig. 5 shows that the power supply device 34 is associated with the functional layer 3 of the surface element 1, preferably the supply device 34 is located outside. Thereby, the power supply device 34 does not have to be part of the surface element 1. The power supply device 34 may supply power to the functional layer 3 and/or the surface element 1, wherein the power supply device 34 may be conductively and/or inductively coupled to the functional layer 3.

Finally, it may be provided in the system 33 that the power supply device 34 is associated with the surface element 1. The further surface elements 20 need not be connected to the power supply device 34 and/or comprise the power supply device 34. In case the coating element 35 is formed by the surface element 1 and the further surface element 20, it is especially sufficient if only one surface element 1 is connected to the power supply device 34 and/or the power supply device 34 is associated with the surface element 1.

The surface element 1 associated with the power supply device 34 may be referred to as a "joint floor". A "conductor floor" may be formed by further surface elements 20, which conductor floor may be formed for transferring electrical energy and/or electrical charge and/or information.

Insofar as the surface element 1 comprises a pressure sensor of the measuring device 26, it is provided, as explained above, that the conductor paths 27 are arranged on the support layer 21. Thus, in the system 33, a connection is provided between the conductor path 27 of the surface element 1 and the conductor path 27 of the further surface element 20, as schematically shown in fig. 7 to 15.

Not shown is that at least one operating device, in particular located externally, for controlling the functional layer 3 and/or for controlling the measuring device 26 is associated with the functional layer 3.

Furthermore, it is not shown that a control device, in particular an external control device, is associated with the functional layer 3, the measuring device 26 and/or the processing device 28. The functional layer 3, the measuring device 26 and/or the processing device 28 can be designed to be controllable and/or adjustable by means of a control device.

Furthermore, not shown, a negative mask layer is associated with the functional layer 3 to compensate for the protruding profile.

Fig. 18 also shows a system 33 in which at least one surface element 1 is connected to a control device 40. A signal, in particular an acoustic signal and/or a visual signal, can be emitted via the control device 40. The signal may for example be emitted when a person falls onto the usable side 4 of the applicator 35 and/or when a person steps on the surface element 1 comprising the measuring device 26.

Fig. 22 shows a system 33 comprising a surface element 1 ("joint floor") and a further surface element 20 ("conductor floor"). Schematically indicated is the part of the surface element 1 that serves as a floor covering 35. The surface element 1 and/or the functional layer 3 of the surface element 1 comprise a capacitive sensor of the measuring device 26. In the embodiment example shown, the functional layer 3 of the surface element 2 comprises at least two electrically charged regions, indicated by corresponding hatching, which together at least indirectly cover at least substantially the entire underside 7 of the carrier plate 2.

The positively charged regions 44 of the functional layer 3 are electrically separated from the negatively charged regions 45 of the functional layer by insulating separation regions 46.

The further surface elements 20 comprise either positively charged areas 44 or negatively charged areas 45 as the functional layer 3, depending on which area of the functional layer 3 the further surface elements 20 are arranged on the surface element 1. In the embodiment example shown, it is provided that the positively charged region 44 and the negatively charged region 45 are adjacent to in each case one long side 9.

Fig. 23 shows detail a from fig. 22. A power supply device 34, in particular a power supply unit, is arranged on the surface element 1, and in particular on the functional layer 3 of the surface element 1, which power supply device supplies a positive or negative charge to the surface element 1. This charge can then be transferred to a further surface element 20 ("conductor floor").

Fig. 24 and 25 relate to an embodiment in which the measuring device 26 of the functional layer 3 comprises a capacitive sensor. Basically, in the embodiment shown, the sensor surface of the capacitive sensor extends at least over substantially the entire surface of the functional layer 3. In fig. 24, at least two electrically insulating separation regions 46 are provided. In the embodiment example shown, the separating region 46 is designed at least approximately rectangular.

The surface element 1 shown in fig. 24 may in particular be used as a further surface element 20 in a system 33, wherein no power supply device 34 needs to be arranged on the further surface element 20. Finally, the surface element 1 shown in fig. 24 represents a "conductor floor", which may be used as further surface element 20 in the system 33.

Fig. 25 shows a variant of the surface element 1 shown in fig. 24, in which the two electrically insulating separating zones 46 have been joined to form an electrically insulating separating zone 46. In the embodiment shown, a narrow width portion is provided that connects the separation areas 46. The surface element 1 shown in fig. 25 can be used in a system 33 as a surface element 1 that can actually form a "joint floor". The separation zone 46 of the surface element 1 shown in fig. 25 is designed such that the two differently charged regions of the functional layer 3 can be electrically separated from each other. The electrically insulating "webs" can be provided in the functional layer 3, for example by means of a knife, in particular a cutter knife, in particular wherein at least a part of the functional layer 3 is removed. These embodiments are particularly advantageous, since a "joint floor" (surface element 1) and a "conductor floor" (further surface element 20) are used in the system 33, and can thus be produced and stored uniformly.

Fig. 26 shows the surface element 1 in the system 33 shown in fig. 24 and 25, where the surface element 1 shown in fig. 24 is used as a further surface element 20 ("conductor floor") and the surface element 1 shown in fig. 25 is used as a surface element 1 ("joint floor"). The surface element 1 comprises a positively charged area 44 of the functional layer 3 and a negatively charged area 45 of the functional layer 3. The surface element 1 is connected to a not shown power supply device 34.

The positively charged area 44 and the negatively charged area 45 of the further surface element 20 are arranged on the positively charged area 44 and the negatively charged area 45, respectively. The further surface element 20 comprises only one positively charged area 44, 45 or one negatively charged area 44, 45. Finally, the charged areas 44, 45 are designed as sensor surfaces of a capacitive sensor of the measuring device 26 over the entire surface of the charged areas.

Fig. 27 schematically shows a surface element 1 comprising a functional layer 3, which functional layer 3 is arranged at least indirectly on at least substantially the entire surface on the bottom side 7 of the carrier plate 2. The functional layer 3 comprises a measuring device 26, which in the example shown in turn comprises a capacitive sensor. The sensor region of the capacitive sensor extends at least substantially over the entire functional layer 3. The sensor area is formed by a positively charged area 44 and a negatively charged area 45, which ultimately form the measuring device 26 of the functional layer 3. The charged regions 44, 45 are electrically separated from each other by electrically insulating separation regions 46. The figure schematically shows a human entry surface element 1.

Fig. 28 schematically shows a further embodiment of a capacitive sensor of the measuring device 26 of the functional layer 3. The functional layer 3 comprises positively charged regions 44 and negatively charged regions 45, which are electrically separated from each other by at least substantially linear and wavy and/or stepped separation regions 46. This allows the foot of a person to encounter the positively charged area 44 and the negatively charged area 45 when the person steps on the surface element 1. The occurring change in capacitance can thus be detected by the measuring device 26.

Schematically, in fig. 24-27, the groove side 14 and the tongue side 16 are shown by an "offset" of the top and bottom sides of the surfacing element 1.

Not shown, if the measuring device 26 comprises a capacitive sensor, the functional layer 3 may comprise an electrically neutral surface. Alternatively or additionally, only one (positive or negative) electrically charged region may be provided, which may cooperate with another electrically charged region or a region of the evaluation device 42 to detect a change in capacitance. In this respect it may be provided that within the system 33 the surface element 1 comprising the capacitive sensor comprises only one positively or negatively charged functional layer 3 or sensor area.

Not shown is a method for manufacturing a surface element 1 according to one of the previously described embodiments. The method comprises the following steps:

A) in the carrier plate 2, a tongue-and-groove engagement geometry 11 is provided, which tongue-and-groove engagement geometry 11 is intended in particular to be designed as a snap connection;

B) the functional layer 3 is applied to the underside of the carrier plate 2, wherein the functional layer 3 is arranged on the carrier plate 2 in such a way that, in the installed state of the surface element 1, the functional layer 3 projects on at least one side 8, in particular on at least one long side 9, beyond a side edge 10 of the side 8, in particular beyond a side edge 10 of the long side 9.

Wherein method step B) is performed after method step a).

In a method not shown, it can be provided that the arrangement of at least one layer 37, in particular a multi-layer 37, on the top side of the carrier plate 2 is carried out before method step a) or after method step a), in particular before method step B. The layered structure 37 can be firmly connected to the carrier plate 2. The layered structure 37 may thus comprise a wear layer, a decorative layer 43 and/or an overlay layer.

The multi-layer 37 and/or the layers of the multi-layer 37 can in particular be laminated to the carrier plate 2. Alternatively or additionally, it may be provided that the solid wood top layer 38 is protected by a protective layer and/or a sealant applied to the top side of the solid wood top layer 38.

Alternatively or additionally, it can also be provided that the layer structure 37 is pressed onto the carrier plate 2.

In particular, the treatment step B) is performed after lamination and/or pressing of the layered structure 37 and the carrier plate 2.

In a further embodiment of the method, which is not shown, the tongue and groove joint geometry 11 is milled, embossed and/or cut into the side 8 of the surfacing element 1, in particular into the side 8 of the carrier plate 2.

In a further embodiment of the method, which is not shown, the functional layer 3 can be folded and/or folded at least partially over at least one side edge 10, in particular over the tongue-shaped side 16, downward, i.e. away from the carrier plate 2, after method step B).

Furthermore, it is not shown that at least one recess, in particular a milled recess, is provided in the bottom side of the carrier plate 2 before or after the processing step B) is carried out. The recess can be cut, milled and/or embossed into the carrier plate 2. In addition, the recess may be configured to receive an electronic component.

List of reference numerals

1 surface element

2 bearing plate

3 functional layer

4 usable side part

5 top side part

6 underground

7 bottom side

8 side part

9 Long side part

10 side edge

11 tongue and groove joint geometry

12 lateral side part

13 groove

14 groove side part

15 tongue part

16 tongue-shaped side part

17 projected area

18 contact area

19 additional contact area

20 additional surface elements

21 support layer

22 fold-over and/or fold-over area

2321 top side

2321 bottom side

25 connecting device

26 measuring device

27 conductor path

28 treatment apparatus

29 information transmission path

30 information transmission interface

31 contact area

32 reverse motion member

33 system

34 power supply device

35 coating element

36 insulating region

37 multilayer layer

38 solid wood top layer

39 protective layer

40 control device

41 transfer device

42 evaluation device

43 decorative layer

443 positively charged region

453 negatively charged region

46 separating the regions.