DE102013110578A1 - Flooring with latent heat storage - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a floor element (1) for the elementary construction of a floor covering, wherein the floor element (1) is plate-shaped and has a carrier matrix (3), and at least one end face (10) has a connecting area (12) for connection to at least one further floor element (1), wherein in the carrier matrix (3) phase change material (2) is arranged.

Description

Technical area

The present invention relates to floor coverings, in particular floor coverings with latent heat storage for influencing a room temperature.

State of the art

Depending on the time of the year and the day, there are significant changes in the temperature of buildings. The fluctuations can be partially reduced by the building exterior shell. This is achieved in particular via the thermal mass of the building, which has a sensitive heat storage capacity for storing heat and cold.

Modern building materials and in particular the increased use of thermal insulation have led to a reduction in heat loss in recent decades. Accordingly, a decrease in the area-specific heating energy demand could be recorded.

Design and aesthetics of today's architecture demand buildings with relatively large windows. As a result, the interiors of the buildings are exposed to a relatively large amount of sunshine, which results in a greater heating of the rooms and thus an increase in the room temperature.

This effect is reinforced by the use of modern lightweight materials. By obstructing these materials, the building has a lower thermal mass, resulting in a reduced sensible heat storage capacity.

Especially in the hot summer months, this effect can lead to a very warm indoor climate, which is well above the comfort range. This effect is then counteracted usually with the use of air conditioning. This in turn leads to increased operating costs and contradicts the pursuit of energy-efficient buildings.

To counteract this effect, one tries to increase the thermal mass of the buildings in other ways. For example, ceilings, interior walls and floors of a building are equipped with latent heat accumulators.

The latent heat of fusion represents a large amount of energy that must be absorbed or released as a material changes phase from solid to liquid or vice versa. The amount of energy involved can be determined by comparing the sensible heat storage capacity of concrete (1.0 kJ / kg K) with the latent heat of a phase change material (PCM) such as calcium chloride hexahydrate CaCl ₂ 6H ₂ O (up to 193 kJ / kg K ) be clarified. This has the advantage that an energy storage system containing phase change materials, in comparison to sensitive heat storage with a much smaller volume. Another advantage of phase change materials is that the heat storage or the heat dissipation usually takes place in a very narrow temperature range.

For buildings usually phase change materials are used, which undergo their phase change in the range of room temperature. Ideally, when the room temperature is exceeded, the phase change material begins to melt. The phase change material absorbs heat without causing a further increase in room temperature. On the other hand, if the room temperature drops below the phase change material solidifies and gives off heat, so that a further decrease in the room temperature can be counteracted. Visually speaking, during the day excess heat is stored in the phase change material and released at night.

In addition to the ceilings and wall areas, the use of phase change material is particularly suitable in the floor area. Sunlight falling through the windows on the floor can heat it up a lot. The heated floor then causes an increase in the room temperature. By integrating phase change material into the floor, this phenomenon can be decisively counteracted. A floor covering with integrated phase change material is for example from WO 2012/028239 A1 known. The publication shows a floor covering, which comprises a layer formed as a wear layer and a further layer, wherein the further layer comprises a latent heat storage.

However, the manufacture and use of such prior art floor coverings entails certain difficulties. First of all, the handling and processing of such floor coverings is complex, especially if they are constructed directly in situ in layers. Thus, it requires not only a considerable expenditure on equipment to line a floor throughout with a layer of latent heat storage, but in particular also special measures in order to apply a wear layer on it, without damaging the layer of latent heat storage. In addition, it may be difficult to adapt floor coverings of the prior art to the geometry of the room. Problematic in this regard, the interpretation of floors with floor coverings of the prior art, when the function of the latent heat storage is needed or desired only in certain areas of the soil.

Another disadvantage of the prior art is that in case of damage to the floor covering, which leads to leakage (bleeding) of the phase change material, not only sustainably carries the risk that users come into contact with the phase change material or the liquid phase change material Damage to the floor covering or other parts, but also has the consequence that at the point of damage due to the bled phase change material sustainably no latent heat storage function can be provided. Overall, therefore, the application, processing and design options of the known phase change material having floor coverings are limited.

Presentation of the invention

Based on the known prior art, it is an object of the present invention to provide a floor covering with latent heat storage, which overcomes or mitigates these disadvantages.

This object is achieved by means of a bottom element with the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments emerge from the subclaims.

According to the invention, a floor element is specified for the elementary construction of a floor covering, wherein the floor element is plate-shaped and has a carrier matrix, and comprises at least one end face a connection area for connection to at least one further floor element. In this case, a phase change material is arranged in the carrier matrix of the bottom element.

Due to the phase change material, the floor elements are able to take over a temperature-compensating function in the rooms in which they are installed. Thus, for example, daytime temperature fluctuations, which are caused on the one hand by the outside temperature acting on the rooms and on the other hand by the use of the premises, can be compensated. In addition, floor elements are often exposed to direct sunlight especially in the window area, which is accompanied by a strong warming up of the corresponding floor elements. This phenomenon can be counteracted by the phase change material contained in the bottom elements.

In this case, a floor covering composed of individual floor elements and containing phase change material offers a large number of design options. Thus, the floor elements can also be installed only in areas of a floor covering in which their advantageous functions come especially to bear. For example, the incorporation of the floor elements may be limited to a floor area adjacent to a window in which the phase change material interacts with the heat emanating from the incident sunlight.

Also, special laying patterns can be generated by the shape and arrangement of the individual floor elements. In this case, for example, from the parquet area known forms such as rod, mosaic, Lam or Hochkantlammellenelemente, as well as planks and panels into consideration.

In addition, especially in the presence of complex wall geometries, which must follow the edge of the floor covering, the laying of individual floor elements over fitting a one-piece flooring may be beneficial. Here, individual floor elements can be cut and their waste can be re-installed. In contrast, in the case of a one-piece floor covering which, for example, is initially provided in a roll-shaped manner, the waste produced when fitting to wall contours is generally no longer to be used for laying.

Another advantage is that a floor covering made up of individual floor elements and containing phase change material does not have to be completely replaced in the event of damage. The elementary structure thus allows selective replacement of individual floor elements. For example, in case of damage caused by a mechanical load, such as chair rolls of office chairs, falling objects, fire holes or water damage, only an exchange of the affected floor elements is necessary, which is advantageous for economic or ecological aspects.

Phase change materials represent a latent heat storage. Through heat supply or heat removal, a phase change occurs in a material-specific temperature interval. In the context of the present invention, the change from solid to liquid and the change from the liquid to the vaporous state of aggregation are included. In addition, hydration reactions or thermal heat storage, such as sorption storage, come into question.

The eligible phase change materials preferably have a phase transition in the range of the ambient temperature. The phase transition absorbs or releases large amounts of energy without significantly changing the temperature of the phase change material. Accordingly, a phase change material with respect to the ambient temperature has a balancing effect. For example, the phase change materials can absorb energy during the day, such as solar energy or thermal heat, which can be released again at night at lower outside temperatures and / or a loss of heating energy. The active room climate control can thus be significantly improved by, for example, air conditioners or radiators can be operated with a lower power or even completely shut down.

A floor element rests on a floor and can be connected via its end faces to one or more surrounding floor elements, whereby the floor elements in their entirety form a comprehensive floor covering. The floor elements are preferably connected to each other in such a way that a positive, dense floor covering is present.

Due to the carrier matrix, the phase change material can be protected from an external load acting on the bottom element. For example, the carrier matrix can absorb loads acting on the bottom element and thereby spare the phase change material. In addition, light, liquids or other influences that may affect the life of the phase change material may be discouraged by the phase change material.

A further advantage is that the phase change material can be arranged in the carrier matrix at a predetermined position. Thus, for example, the phase change materials can be arranged to each other at a defined distance within the carrier matrix, whereby a uniform distribution is achieved. In addition, it is possible to keep certain areas of the carrier matrix free of phase change material. Thus, for example, the presence of phase change material can be dispensed with in edge regions of the floor element or matrix, which can have an advantageous effect with regard to the machining of the floor slabs, in particular when connecting to other floor slabs. For example, the floor panels can be trimmed in the appropriate areas without affecting phase change material.

Furthermore, the desired stability can be given to the bottom element by the carrier matrix. In this case, the carrier matrix must be selected based on the mechanical requirements placed on the floor covering.

Furthermore, the carrier matrix may also have acoustic properties. Thus, for example, in addition to its bedding function of the phase change material, the carrier matrix can contribute to sound insulation or insulation or damping of the floor covering.

In addition, the shape of the bottom element can be determined by the carrier matrix. If the shaping is determined exclusively by the carrier matrix, the entire volume of the bottom element, which is bounded by a top side, a bottom side, and at least one end side, is completely filled by the carrier matrix. In this case, the support matrix alone must be able to meet all the requirements of the floor covering or floor element.

Preferably, the phase change material is embedded in the carrier matrix. The phase change material can be completely and positively surrounded in the sense of a dispersion of the carrier matrix.

In an alternative preferred embodiment, the carrier matrix has pockets in which the phase change material is arranged. Such pockets may be formed by voids present within the support matrix, which voids may be completely enclosed by the support matrix or open in one or more regions, i.e., not be occluded by the material of the support matrix.

As a result, the areas which have phase change material can be defined precisely. In this case, the pockets can be provided at any position of the carrier matrix by appropriate processing of the carrier matrix, which depends on the material used for the carrier matrix. As a result, a predetermined distribution of the phase change material in the carrier matrix can be achieved. Edge regions of the base element or of the carrier matrix can be formed, for example, free of pockets and thus free of phase change material, whereby machining, such as cutting or milling, of the base element can be carried out in preparation for the connection to another base element, without phase change material being affected ,

Furthermore, the arrangement of the phase change material in pockets within the carrier matrix can also contribute to the protection or to the preservation of the phase change material. Correspondingly, depending on the material of the carrier matrix, the pockets may be designed in such a way that their volume or the interior of the pockets is hardly or not deformed when the bottom element is subjected to mechanical stress, as a result of which the phase change material remains intact despite acting mechanical loading. As a result, for example, leakage (bleeding), which can be caused by external mechanical stress on the floor element, are counteracted.

Furthermore, in the pockets which form a cavity within the carrier matrix, with appropriate carrier matrix material, the phase change material can be taken up in a pure, for example non-encapsulated form. For this purpose, the pockets are filled with phase change material and then sealed. Depending on the material of the carrier matrix, the pockets can be produced by drilling, milling, molding, injection molding or similar manufacturing or processing methods. The pockets in the carrier matrix can be formed, for example, by a layered structure of these or by the use of negative molds.

In a preferred embodiment, the carrier matrix has a core which is at a distance from an outer surface of the carrier matrix and which has the phase change material and comprises an edge region.

As a result, the bottom element can be mechanically processed in its edge regions without the carrier matrix or the phase change material being affected. The floor element can thereby be mechanically processed for connection to other floor elements or for fitting to wall areas, such as known from the processing of laminate or parquet planks.

Also in the case where a section through the bottom element passes through the carrier matrix and optionally the phase change material, the wood, the paper and / or the plastic in the edge region gives the bottom element sufficient rigidity or strength, so that the shape of the bottom element with respect to its Cross section can be maintained. In addition, the wood, paper and / or the plastic in the edge region can also provide stability and shaping when cutting through the carrier matrix or the phase change material, thus counteracting fraying of the carrier matrix.

Furthermore, this can also affect the visual appearance of the floor element or its surface. Accordingly, the wood, paper and / or plastic used for the margins can be selected according to design requirements.

In a preferred embodiment, the phase change material is in the form of capsules.

As a result, the life of the phase change material can be increased. Accordingly, the aging process of the phase change material can be slowed down by the encapsulation in which the phase change material is enclosed by a sheath. For the capsules is preferred Polymer material, particularly preferably a polymer based on an acrylic acid used. As a shell polymers but also inorganic substances based on silicates or sulfates can be considered

Such materials have a high strength, with the result that the phase change material in the production of the bottom plate and a load on the bottom plate can not escape from the capsules. The capsules may be spherical, but also needle or pocket-shaped or formed like flakes. They may have a diameter of less than 1000 microns, preferably less than 50 microns, more preferably less than 10 microns. Capsules of this type disperse well and can therefore be distributed particularly uniformly in the carrier matrix.

The capsules also have an advantageous effect on the mechanical processing of a floor element. For example, if a capsule-shaped phase change material is located directly in the cutting region when a bottom element is cut, the leakage of phase change material is reduced in such a way that only capsules opened directly by the cutting tool are affected. For example, due to their spherical shape, the remaining capsules can dodge the cutting tool or project out of the open cut surface without phase change material emerging from these capsules. The number of capsules detected and opened by the cutting tool is so small that leakage of the phase change material is irrelevant for further use.

The arrangement of the capsules can be designed, for example, net-like, so that cuts through the bottom element are possible between the individual capsule rows, without getting in contact with the capsules. In this case, the exact position of the capsules in the bottom element can be characterized by a washable marking on the surface of the bottom element or by a corresponding template. Additionally or alternatively, the processing of the floor elements may take place in a temperature range in which the phase change material is in a solid state of aggregation. A cut edge may also be sealed after processing to prevent or aggravate bleeding.

In a preferred embodiment, the carrier matrix comprises fiber composites, polymer foams, metal and / or wood.

By using fiber composites, the carrier matrix can be given a high strength and at the same time low weight. As fiber materials, for example, natural fibers or plastic fibers can be used with conventional thermosetting or thermoplastic resins.

The use of polyurethane (PU) foam makes it possible to obtain a particularly lightweight carrier matrix or a particularly lightweight floor element.

Furthermore, the phase change material can be evenly distributed in a liquid starting material of the polyurethane. After the foam has cured, the phase change material is then distributed uniformly over the carrier matrix and firmly embedded in it.

By adding chain extenders from the group of polyols, an increased flexibility of the PU foam carrier matrix can be achieved. Thus, elastic properties can be imparted to the floor element, which among other things can also contribute to the protection of the phase change material present in the carrier matrix.

In addition, over a predetermined ratio of PU foam to phase change material and the acoustic properties of the bottom element can be influenced. Among other things, the impact sound insulation is dependent on the density of the floor element or the floor covering.

By using metal as a carrier matrix, the bottom element achieves a comparatively high strength. Gaps for receiving the phase change material must be provided, which are usually generated by mechanical processing of the corresponding metal. The arrangement of the phase change material in the interstices of the metal carrier matrix, the phase change material is well protected, especially against external mechanical stress.

Furthermore, by using a metal carrier matrix, the bottom element additionally has an electrical conductivity in addition to a high thermal conductivity. The temperature acting on the bottom element can thus be conducted to the phase change material extremely efficiently. That's it possible to increase the interaction between the arranged in the bottom element phase change material and the indoor climate.

By using wood as a carrier matrix, a breathable floor element can be obtained. If a continuous wooden plate is used for the formation of the carrier matrix, then it is necessary to provide receptacles for the phase change material in the wooden plate. The variant of a wooden plate with receptacles or pockets for the phase change material ensures protection of the phase change material against external mechanical stress.

In addition, the wood carrier matrix can also be obtained from wood chipboard materials. In this case, different sized glued wood chips can be pressed together to form a layer. The phase change material can be evenly distributed in the initially loose glued chips. After pressing, there is then a carrier matrix with uniformly distributed phase change elements. In this case, the contact pressure and the phase change material must be matched to one another such that the phase change material takes no damage during the pressing process.

The use of wood chip materials also results in the phase change material being fully embedded in the wood chipboard matrix.

In a further preferred embodiment, the phase change material comprises salt hydrates, paraffins and / or fatty acids.

Salt hydrates are inexpensive and readily available. In a phase change, however, they have a tendency to undercool with unoptimized composition and the components do not melt together, resulting in a separation.

Fatty acids and paraffins have the advantage that they are physically and chemically stable, have a good thermal behavior and an adjustable transition zone. In comparison to salt hydrates, they often have a lower heat storage capacity per unit volume.

An ideal candidate for a phase change material should have a high heat of fusion, a high thermal conductivity, a high specific heat capacity and a small volume change. In addition, it should be stainless and non-toxic. Furthermore, it should lead to decomposition or hypothermia only slightly or not at all.

In a preferred variant, the phase change material has a phase change temperature of 15 ° C to 40 ° C, preferably from 18 ° C to 35 ° C, more preferably from 20 ° C to 24 ° C and most preferably from 21 ° C to 22 ° C. on.

As a result, the floor elements are able to act exactly on the usual temperature in buildings temperature spectra. In particular, the common room temperature, which is located at about 21 ° C, can be kept longer at a temperature increase or a temperature drop.

• • Mischungen aus Kaprinsäure und Dodevansäure,
• • C₁₆ bis C₁₈ Paraffine
• • Octadecyl 3-Mencaptopropylat
• • Mischungen aus Myristinsäure und Kaprinsäure
• • Mischungen aus Methylpalmitat und Methylstearat

Examples of materials that melt at 22 ° C +/- 1 ° C

• Mixtures of capric and dodecanoic acid,
• • C ₁₆ to C ₁₈ paraffins
• • octadecyl 3-mencaptopropylate
• Mixtures of myristic and capric acids
• • Mixtures of methyl palmitate and methyl stearate

Other exemplary salt hydrates and organic phase change materials and their melting point are listed below. Phase change material: Melting point [° C]: Heat of fusion [kJ / kg]: Potassium fluoride tetrahydrate 18.5 to 19 231 Calcium chloride hexahydrate 29.7 171 Butyl stearate 18-23 140 dodecanol 17.5 to 23.3 188.8 Propyl palmitate 16-19 186

In a preferred embodiment, the phase change material additionally gel- or film-forming polymers, preferably polyvinyl acetate, on.

As a result, the phase change material is capable of forming a film or skin on its surface when in contact with outside air. If, for example, during the processing of the floor elements, a cut is made through the floor element in such a way that phase change material is uncovered, then it is able to prevent the phase change material from bleeding or bleeding due to the gel or film-forming polymers, or to form a new skin. Accordingly, the gel or film forming polymers impart a self-healing effect to the phase change material. Furthermore, care must be taken when editing the floor panels on the arrangement of the phase change material in the bottom plate.

In a further development, the phase change material additionally comprises metal powder, graphite and / or carbon nanotubes (CNT).

As a result, the thermal conductivity and the electrical conductivity of the bottom element can be increased. The temperature acting on the bottom element can thus be conducted to the phase change material extremely efficiently. This makes it possible to increase the interaction between the arranged in the bottom element phase change material and the room climate.

In a further preferred embodiment, at least one cover layer is arranged above the carrier matrix.

In a further preferred embodiment, an underlayer and / or an insulating layer is arranged on an underside of the carrier matrix.

Preferably, at least one layer adjoining the carrier matrix comprises wood, plastic, cork, vinyl, veneer, lacquer, stone and / or paper.

By arranging a cover layer above the carrier matrix, a two-layer structure is obtained; according to the construction of a conventional floor laminate. Thus, by disposing a cover layer above the support matrix, a floor laminate floor element having phase change material can be obtained.

Here, the top layer of wood, plastic, cork, vinyl, veneer, paint, stone and / or paper next to a decorative function also get a load-absorbing function. Optionally, a plurality of cover layers arranged one above the other are possible, such as, for example, a wood cover layer with a lacquer covering layer arranged above it. It is also conceivable to have cover layers of different materials or material dyeings arranged side by side, whereby a mosaic or marquetry effect can be achieved.

Additionally or alternatively, a lower layer can be arranged on the underside of the carrier matrix. For the underlayer, which can also serve as a counteracting layer, it is preferred to use materials with high flexural strength, such as softwoods. As a rule, the underlayer serves to prevent the multilayered layer structure from becoming deformed by the bending forces occurring during a load.

By an additional insulating layer below the matrix or an applied lower layer, the floor element is able to additionally fulfill the function of a footfall sound insulation. In this case, a separate laying of an insulating layer before laying the floor covering is no longer necessary.

The arrangement of a cover layer on the upper side of the carrier matrix and a lower layer on the underside of the carrier matrix, a multilayer bottom element can be formed with a three-layer structure. The top layer can be made of wood, plastic, cork, vinyl, veneer, paint, stone and / or paper, with her play a decorative role in the first place. In this case, the outer layers are in particular designed as a precious wood layer or veneer. It is understood that more topcoats and / or insulating or sub-layers may be arranged, resulting in a multi-layered floor element having more than three layers, for example four or five layers.

Preferably, the at least one connecting region of the bottom element comprises at least one connecting element.

As a result, the floor element can be connected to at least one further floor element. Such fasteners are known, for example, as a click profile. Preferably, a bottom element comprises a spring on at least one end face and a groove on at least one other end face. The spring of a floor element can then be coupled to the groove of another floor element. In particular, the spring of a floor element clicks into the groove of another floor element. Tongue and groove are preferably designed such that after successful clicking the two bottom elements are positively connected to their adjacent end faces or the tongue and groove. Consequently, the individual floor elements can be laid floating by being fastened together.

Alternatively, a connection between the groove of a floor element and the spring of another floor element can also be obtained by an additional application of glue. The interaction of the groove of a floor element with the tongue of another floor element is primarily the function of the orientation of the floor elements relative to each other. The compound itself is ultimately produced by the adhesive action of the glue.

Alternatively, the connecting element may consist only in an adhesive layer, for example glue, on at least one end face of the floor element. The floor elements are then glued together at their adjacent end faces. In this case, there are increased demands on a level surface, since the orientation of the individual floor elements to each other in relation to their horizontal position in space is determined by the latter.

Another type of installation would be a direct bonding of one or more floor elements to the floor by means of floor adhesive. For this purpose, the floor adhesive may be applied to the floor, for example on a screed thereon, and one or more floor elements may be pressed into the floor adhesive before it is cured.

In a further preferred development, the phase change material having carrier matrix has a thickness of 1 mm to 20 mm, preferably 4 mm to 12 mm, more preferably between 6 mm and 10 mm and most preferably 8 mm.

Thus, the thickness of the floor element in the usual range for floor coverings.

The object is further achieved by a floor covering with the features of claim 16.

Accordingly, a floor covering comprises at least two floor elements according to the invention, wherein according to the invention at least two floor elements are coupled via connecting areas.

With the help of the floor covering also the advantages presented above with respect to the floor element are achieved.

In addition, the object is achieved by a method having the features of claim 17.

Accordingly, a method for producing a floor element according to the invention is provided, wherein the bottom element is provided in plate form and at least one end face a connection region for connection to at least one further floor element is provided, wherein in the bottom element, a support matrix is provided, is arranged in the phase change material.

With the aid of the method, the advantages presented above with regard to the floor element are also achieved.

Brief description of the figures

Preferred further embodiments and aspects of the present invention are explained in more detail by the following description of the figures. Showing:

1 1 is a schematic view of a section through a floor element;

2 schematically a section through a floor element,

3 schematically a section through a floor element,

4 schematically a section through a two-layer floor element,

5 schematically a section through a three-layer floor element,

6 schematically a section through a bottom element.

Detailed description of preferred embodiments

In the following, preferred embodiments will be described with reference to the figures. In this case, the same, similar or equivalent elements are denoted by identical reference numerals and a repeated description of these elements will be omitted in the following description in part in order to avoid redundancies.

1 shows a floor element 1 with which elemental a floor covering can be built up. This will be at least two floor elements 1 over their connection areas 12 tied together. A floor element 1 has one in a carrier matrix 3 arranged phase change material 2 on. The phase change material 2 is suitable for the indoor climate in which the floor element 1 is misplaced, influence. The effect comes into play that the phase change material 2 when changing its state of aggregation, for example, from solid to liquid absorbs a large amount of heat, without changing its temperature. Conversely, the phase change material is capable of giving off heat upon a change from, for example, a liquid state to a solid state. Thus, by the in 1 shown floor element 1 a floor covering is gradually built up, which contributes to the temperature leveling of the indoor climate.

In 1 is a schematic section through the width of a floor element 1 shown. That of the floor element 1 described volume is completely filled with PU foam. The PU foam forms the carrier matrix 3 for the phase change material 2 , which is in the form of capsules 20 in the carrier matrix 3 is distributed. The phase change material 2 consists of salt hydrates. Alternatively, the phase change material 2 also include paraffins and / or fatty acids or any mixtures thereof.

Alternatively to the PU foam for the carrier matrix 3 It is also possible to use fiber composite materials or wood, for example wood chip materials. In the case of fiber composites, the manner of adding the phase change material depends 2 on the type of fiber used. For example, in the case of short fibers, the phase change material 2 containing capsules 20 be mixed with the short fibers and the corresponding matrix material of the fiber composite. In a layered structure, which can the phase change material 2 containing capsules 20 be arranged on the individual fiber layers.

To avoid that the phase change material 2 containing capsules 20 in 1 directly on the surface of the floor element 1 are arranged, a pure layer of PU foam can be applied first. Subsequently, then a layer consisting of PU foam, mixed with phase change material 2 containing capsules 20 , are applied. Finally, another layer of pure PU foam is applied.

The front side 10 of the floor element 1 serves as a connection area 12 , on which another floor element 1 can be connected. Accordingly, two floor elements 1 placed so that one of their faces 10 and thus their connection areas 12 touch.

2 also shows a cross section widthwise through a bottom element 1 , In this embodiment, they are the phase change material 2 containing capsules 20 but not arbitrarily in the carrier matrix 3 but in pockets 30 arranged. The matrix 3 is made of PU foam. First, part of the carrier matrix 3 foamed in a mold, which negative forms for the bags 30 having. The carrier matrix 3 Consequently, initially only up to the amount of in 2 illustrated upper edge of the pockets formed. Following are the phase change material 2 containing capsules 20 in the pockets filled. Finally, a final layer of PU foam is applied, eliminating the pockets 30 be closed and the carrier matrix 3 contains its final form.

The bags 30 are in the carrier matrix 3 preferably uniform, optionally distributed unevenly. Further, the bags 30 from the edge region of the floor element 1 spaced, so that a mechanical processing of the bottom element 1 in the edge area is possible without pockets 30 and thus capsules 20 to influence.

Alternatively, the carrier matrix 3 also consist of a fiber composite material.

In the 2 shown bags 30 are cylindrical. Alternatively, the bags can 30 but also represent elongated cavities, which are produced during their production in the form of slots. In addition, the cavities can also be bubble-shaped, for example, be carried out by suitable foaming.

3 also shows a cross section widthwise through a bottom element 1 , The carrier matrix 3 of the floor element 1 consists of a perforated plate made of wood. Alternatively, the carrier matrix 3 also be made of a perforated metal sheet or grid of metal.

The wooden carrier matrix 3 has corresponding through holes, which as pockets 30 for those with phase change material 2 filled capsules 20 serve.

The carrier matrix is further bordered by top and bottom layers through which the pockets 30 be completed. In addition, this comes in a border area 34 of the floor element 1 arranged layers, which are preferably designed as wood layers, a decorative and stabilizing character too.

For the in 3 shown floor element 1 can also use PU foam as a carrier matrix 3 be used. In this case, the layers possess in the edge area 34 in particular with regard to a mechanical further processing of the floor elements 1 a stabilizing character.

4 shows a two-layer construction of a floor element 1 , which is suitable for example for a floor laminate. In particular shows 4 the floor element 1 on which a wooden top layer 4 is appropriate. The cover layer is here 4 with a top of the carrier matrix 3 bonded. This bonding takes place by the adhesive force of the PU foam of the carrier matrix 3 yourself. Alternatively, additional adhesives, such as glue, can be used to attach the topcoat 4 on the carrier matrix 3 be used.

The cover layer 4 may alternatively be made of paper or plastic. It primarily serves as a load-bearing layer and also has a decorative function.

5 shows the floor element 1 out 1 which is a cover layer 4 as well as an undercoat 5 is extended. The carrier matrix 3 is on its top with the cover layer 4 or on its underside with the lower layer 5 bonded. As already in 4 Such adhesion can be demonstrated solely by the adhesive strength of the PU foam of the carrier matrix 3 be caused. Alternatively, adhesives, such as glue, may be used around the carrier matrix 3 with the topcoat 4 or the lower class 5 to stick together.

The lower class 5 can also be referred to as Gegenzugschicht and is made of plastic. Alternatively, the backsheet can also be made of paper or wood.

The lower class 5 serves to ensure that the three-ply layer structure does not deform due to the bending forces that occur during a load.

Additionally, on the lower layer 5 an additional layer for impact sound insulation are glued (not shown). Alternatively, the lower layer 5 itself designed such that it provides a footfall sound insulation.

The cover layer 4 owns as well as the top layer 4 out 4 a load-bearing as well as a decorative effect.

In a like in 5 shown three-layer structure for the carrier matrix 3 It is also possible to use medium-density wood fiber boards (MDF boards) or high-density fiberboard (HDF boards). Alternatively, any fiberboard or composites may be used as well as chip, OSB, cork or gypsum boards.

6 shows the floor element 1 out 1 , with the difference that on a front page 10 a connection area 12 is arranged in the form of a groove and on an opposite end face 10 a connecting element 14 is arranged in the form of a spring. To build a floor covering, the spring 14 of the floor element 1 in the connection area 12 or the groove of another floor element 1 be plugged. In this way, a positive connection between the floor elements 1 be generated. Tongue and groove are shown here simplified and can take any geometrically sophisticated forms in the technical design according to the prior art.

It will be understood that the invention described herein relates to all types of floor panels. Where applicable, all individual features illustrated in the individual embodiments may be combined and / or interchanged without departing from the scope of the invention. The embodiments explained in the description therefore do not limit the scope of protection, which is determined solely by the appended claims.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

 floor element

10

 front

12

 connecting area

14

 connecting element

2

 Phase change material

20

 capsule

3

 support matrix

30

 Bags

32

 core

34

 border area

4

 topcoat

5

 underclass

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

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Cited patent literature

• WO 2012/028239 A1 [0010]

Claims (17)

Floor element ( 1 ) for elemental construction of a floor covering, wherein the floor element ( 1 ) is plate-shaped and a carrier matrix ( 3 ), and at least one end face ( 10 ) a connection area ( 12 ) for connection to at least one further floor element ( 1 ), wherein in the carrier matrix ( 3 ) Phase change material ( 2 ) is arranged. Floor element ( 1 ) according to claim 1, characterized in that the phase change material ( 2 ) into the carrier matrix ( 3 ) is embedded. Floor element ( 1 ) according to claim 1, characterized in that the carrier matrix ( 3 ) Bags ( 30 ), in which the phase change material ( 2 ) is arranged. Floor element ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the carrier matrix ( 3 ) one from an outer surface of the carrier matrix ( 3 ) spaced core ( 32 ) containing the phase change material ( 2 ), and a border area ( 34 ). Floor element ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the phase change material ( 2 ) in the form of capsules ( 20 ) is present. Floor element ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the carrier matrix ( 3 ) Fiber composite material, polyurethane foams, metal and / or wood. Floor element ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the phase change material ( 2 ) Salt hydrates, paraffins and / or fatty acids and mixtures thereof. Floor element ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the phase change material ( 2 ) has a phase change temperature of 15 ° C to 40 ° C, preferably from 18 ° C to 35 ° C, more preferably from 20 ° C to 24 ° C and most preferably from 21 ° C to 22 ° C. Floor element ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the phase change material ( 2 ) additionally gel- or film-forming polymers, preferably polyvinyl acetate. Floor element ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the phase change material ( 2 ) additionally comprises metal powder, graphite and / or carbon nanotubes. Floor element ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that on an upper side of the carrier matrix ( 3 ) a cover layer ( 4 ) is arranged. Floor element ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that on an underside of the carrier matrix ( 3 ) an underclass ( 5 ) and / or an insulating layer is arranged. Floor element ( 1 ) according to one of claims 11 or 12, characterized in that at least one of the carrier matrix ( 3 ) adjacent layer of wood, plastic, cork, vinyl, veneer, lacquer, stone and / or paper has. Floor element ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one connection region ( 12 ) at least one connecting element ( 14 ). Floor element ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the phase change material ( 2 ) having carrier matrix ( 3 ) is a thickness of 1 mm to 20 mm, preferably 4 mm to 12 mm, more preferably between 6 mm and 10 mm and most preferably 8 mm. Floor covering comprising at least two floor elements according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least two floor elements ( 1 ) are coupled via connection areas. Method for producing a floor element ( 1 ) according to one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the floor element ( 1 ) is provided in a plate form; and on at least one end face ( 10 ) one Connection area ( 12 ) for connection to at least one further floor element ( 1 ) provided; and in the bottom element a carrier matrix ( 3 ) is provided in the phase change material ( 2 ) is arranged.

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