A heating and cooling blanket and a main machine thereof

Abstract

The utility model provides a kind of main machine for cold and warm blanket, including shell, main machine has: the first container and the second container of intercommunication;Heating device, it is used to heat the liquid in the first container;Refrigerating device, it is used to refrigerate the liquid in the second container;And suction device, it is used to promote liquid flow between the first container and the second container;Wherein, the volume of second container is less than the volume of first container, and the liquid in the first container is exported to the blanket body of cold and warm blanket after passing through second container, to heat or refrigerate blanket body, by being designed as the volume less than first container for second container, and using detachable clamping structure, the quick positioning and stable connection of first container and second container are realized, at the same time, the compact combination of semiconductor refrigeration component and heat dissipation component is used in refrigerating device, avoid the huge component such as traditional compressor, so that main machine layout is more reasonable, it is convenient to install and store.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of bedding technology, specifically to a hot and cold blanket and its main unit. Background Technology

[0002] In people's daily lives, sleep quality is crucial for physical and mental health. The temperature of the sleep environment is one of the key factors affecting sleep quality. A suitable sleep temperature can help people fall asleep faster, increase sleep depth, and reduce the number of awakenings during the night, thus ensuring they have plenty of energy the next day.

[0003] Traditional bedding, such as bedspreads, mattresses, quilts, pillows, and sleeping bags, mostly only provide basic warmth or insulation and cannot flexibly adjust the temperature according to the user's actual needs and changes in the external environment. For example, in cold winters, ordinary mattresses and quilts may not provide enough warmth, making it difficult for users to fall asleep; while in hot summers, overly thick bedding can make people feel stuffy and uncomfortable, affecting sleep quality.

[0004] While some bedding products on the market offer temperature regulation, most suffer from limitations such as limited temperature control methods, low precision, and uneven temperature distribution. For example, traditional electric blankets primarily use resistance wires to generate heat. This method only provides heating and cannot offer cooling in summer. Furthermore, its limited temperature range fails to meet the diverse temperature needs of different users in different seasons and individual circumstances. Additionally, resistance wire heating can easily lead to localized overheating, posing a safety hazard, and uneven heat distribution negatively impacts user comfort.

[0005] Furthermore, while some water-circulating heating bedding temperature control devices can achieve a certain degree of temperature uniformity, they typically only have heating functions and lack cooling capabilities, failing to meet users' needs for a cool sleeping environment during hot summers. Although some water-circulating temperature control devices are designed with cooling functions in addition to heating, these devices have certain structural design flaws. For example, their complex structure results in a large overall size, occupying a lot of space; not only do they take up a lot of space, but the installation and disassembly processes are also cumbersome, causing considerable inconvenience to users.

[0006] For example, Chinese utility model patent CN118844780A discloses a heating and cooling blanket with a constant temperature control device, including a casing and a cooling and heating device. The casing has independent dual water tanks installed inside. The cooling and heating device includes a heating device and a cooling device. The cooling device uses gaseous refrigerant to exchange heat with the water in the lower water tank through an evaporator to lower the water temperature and provide cold water. The cold water is independently compensated for heating by multiple PTC heating modules. This utility model achieves cooling through compressor refrigeration technology. However, it requires a compressor to achieve cooling, has a complex structure, and the overall size of the device is large, occupying a lot of space.

[0007] Therefore, developing a compact main unit for heating and cooling blankets is of great practical significance for improving the user experience of bedding and enhancing people's sleep quality. Utility Model Content

[0008] The purpose of this utility model is to provide a main unit for heating and cooling blankets, so as to solve the problems of complex structure and large space occupation of existing bedding temperature control devices. By optimizing the integration method and spatial layout of the temperature control unit and water tank components, this device can significantly reduce the overall size while achieving efficient cooling and heating functions, making its structure more compact and reasonable.

[0009] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution adopted by this utility model is as follows: A main unit for a heated / cooled blanket includes a housing, the main unit having: The first and second containers are interconnected; A heating device for heating the liquid in the first container; A refrigeration device for cooling the liquid in the second container; and A suction device for facilitating the flow of liquid between the first and second containers; The second container has a smaller volume than the first container, and the liquid in the first container is output to the blanket body of the heating / cooling blanket after passing through the second container, so as to heat or cool the blanket body.

[0010] Furthermore, the first container and the second container are detachably connected. One end of the first container connected to the second container is recessed inward to form a recess. The second container has a protrusion that engages with the recess. The engagement of the protrusion with the recess enables the first container and the second container to be quickly positioned and securely connected.

[0011] Furthermore, the refrigeration device is attached to the end of the second container away from the first container to refrigerate the liquid flowing through the second container.

[0012] Furthermore, the refrigeration device includes: The semiconductor cooling component attached to the second container; and A heat dissipation component configured to dissipate heat from the semiconductor cooling component; The semiconductor cooling component is clamped and fixed between the heat dissipation component and the second container so that the semiconductor cooling component can cool the liquid in the second container.

[0013] Furthermore, the heat dissipation component includes: A heat sink configured to connect with the semiconductor cooling component, the heat sink having extruded aluminum profile fins; and A fan is disposed on the side of the heat sink away from the semiconductor cooling component, the fan being configured to generate a directional airflow to accelerate the dissipation of heat from the surface of the heat sink into the environment.

[0014] Furthermore, the volume of the second container is no greater than 1 / 2 of the volume of the first container.

[0015] Furthermore, the second container is configured with a plurality of spaced guide vanes to guide the liquid flow within the second container. The guide vanes are staggered in the vertical direction and form a meandering channel within the second container to extend the refrigeration path.

[0016] Furthermore, the heating device includes a PTC heater fixedly connected inside the first container, configured to heat the liquid inside the first container.

[0017] Furthermore, the suction device includes a suction pump disposed below the first container, the suction pump delivering liquid from the first container to the second container.

[0018] A cooling / heating blanket, comprising a main unit for cooling / heating blankets as described in any of the preceding claims.

[0019] By adopting the above technical solution, this utility model has the following beneficial effects: This invention significantly reduces the overall volume by employing a detachable connection between the first and second containers and optimizing their spatial layout. The volume of the second container is no more than half the volume of the first container. Simultaneously, the refrigeration unit is directly integrated into the second container, utilizing a compact combination of semiconductor refrigeration and heat dissipation components. This avoids bulky components such as traditional compressors, making the overall structure of the main unit more compact and lightweight, facilitating installation and use in limited spaces. It is particularly suitable for use with bedding such as bedspreads, mattresses, and quilts.

[0020] A semiconductor cooling component is used to rapidly cool the liquid in the second container, while a PTC heater efficiently heats the liquid in the first container. A suction device promotes liquid circulation, ensuring rapid temperature response. Furthermore, staggered guide vanes within the second container create a meandering channel, extending the liquid's cooling path and improving heat exchange efficiency. This results in a more uniform and stable liquid temperature output to the blanket, preventing localized overcooling or overheating and enhancing user comfort.

[0021] The first and second containers utilize a snap-fit ​​design with recessed and convex parts to achieve quick positioning and a secure connection, facilitating user disassembly, cleaning, or replacement. A suction device is positioned below the first container to ensure smooth liquid circulation and reduce the risk of malfunction. Attached Figure Description

[0022] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model, the accompanying drawings of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below only relate to some embodiments of this utility model, and are not intended to limit this utility model.

[0023] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of this utility model; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the host computer of this utility model; Figure 3 This is an exploded view of the main unit of this utility model; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first container of this utility model; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the connection structure between the first container and the second container conduit of this utility model; Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of the main unit of this utility model; Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the guide vane inside the second container of this utility model.

[0024] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures: 1-Shell; 2-First container; 21-Recess; 3-Second container; 31-Protrusion; 32-Guide plate; 4-Heating device; 5-Refrigeration device; 51-Refrigeration component; 52-Heat dissipation component; 521-Radiator; 522-Fan; 6-Water pump; 7-Conduit; 8-Return conduit; 9-Blanket. Detailed Implementation

[0025] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this utility model clearer, the utility model will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The components of the embodiments of this utility model described and shown in the accompanying drawings can be arranged and designed in various different configurations. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this utility model without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of this utility model.

[0026] It should be noted that similar labels and letters in the following figures indicate similar items. Therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it does not need to be further defined and explained in subsequent figures.

[0027] Unless otherwise defined, the technical or scientific terms used in this patent document shall have the ordinary meaning understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this utility model pertains. The terms "first," "second," and similar terms used in this utility model patent specification and claims do not indicate any order, quantity, or importance, but are merely used to distinguish different components. Similarly, the terms "an," "a," or "the" do not indicate a quantity limitation, but rather indicate the presence of at least one. The terms "comprising" or "including" indicate that the element or object preceding "comprising" encompasses the element or object listed following "comprising" or its equivalents, and do not exclude other elements or objects. Terms such as "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer" are used only to indicate relative positional relationships. When the absolute position of the described object changes, the relative positional relationship may also change accordingly. They are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this utility model.

[0028] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "joining" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances.

[0029] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this utility model clearer, the utility model will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The components of the embodiments of this utility model described and shown in the accompanying drawings can be arranged and designed in various different configurations. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this utility model without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of this utility model.

[0030] Example 1: Please see Figures 1 to 7 This embodiment provides a main unit for a heating / cooling blanket. The main unit is usually placed beside or under the bed and is connected to the blanket body 9 of the heating / cooling blanket laid on the bed through a conduit 7 and a return conduit 8, forming a closed liquid circulation loop.

[0031] The host includes a housing 1, which houses the core functional components. The housing 1 is typically made of engineering plastic, providing good insulation and structural strength, and featuring a compact and aesthetically pleasing design.

[0032] The core functional components mainly include a first container 2 and a second container 3 that are interconnected. The first container 2 primarily serves as a liquid storage and heating container, with a relatively large volume to store a sufficient amount of circulating liquid (usually water). The second container 3 primarily serves as a cooling container, with a volume designed to be smaller than that of the first container 2. In a preferred embodiment, the volume of the second container 3 is no more than half the volume of the first container 2. This volume ratio allows the second container 3 and its attached cooling device 5 to form a relatively compact module, tightly integrated with the first container 2, thereby significantly reducing the overall size of the main unit. The first container 2 and the second container 3 are preferably made of materials with good thermal conductivity, such as aluminum alloy or stainless steel.

[0033] The first container 2 and the second container 3 are connected in a detachable manner for easy cleaning and maintenance. Specifically, the end of the first container 2 that connects to the second container 3 is recessed inward to form a recess 21. Correspondingly, a protrusion 31 is provided at the corresponding end of the second container 3. The protrusion 31 is covered with an insulation layer to prevent heat exchange between the first container 2 and the second container 3. When connection is required, simply align the protrusion 31 of the second container 3 with the recess 21 of the first container 2 and apply pressure to achieve a quick snap-fit. This fit between the recess 21 and the protrusion 31 not only achieves rapid positioning but also provides a stable connection.

[0034] The flow of liquid between the first container 2 and the second container 3, and the circulation from the host to the blanket 9, are driven by a suction device. In this embodiment, the suction device includes a water pump 6, which is preferably positioned below the first container 2. This arrangement utilizes the gravity of the liquid to ensure a constant supply of liquid to the inlet of the water pump 6, reducing the risk of cavitation and ensuring the stability and reliability of the circulation. The outlet of the water pump 6 is connected to the inlet of the second container 3, which pumps the temperature-regulated liquid into the flow channels inside the blanket 9 through a conduit 7. After heat exchange is completed in the blanket 9, the temperature-changed liquid returns to the first container 2 through the return conduit 8, forming a complete circulation loop.

[0035] To heat the liquid, a heating device 4 is fixedly connected inside the first container 2. In this embodiment, the heating device 4 is preferably a PTC heater. PTC heaters have self-limiting temperature characteristics; that is, when the temperature reaches a certain value, their resistance increases sharply, thereby limiting further increases in power and improving safety. The PTC heater is fixed to the bottom or side wall of the first container 2 by a bracket and is directly immersed in the liquid, achieving efficient heat conduction and rapidly and uniformly heating the liquid in the first container 2.

[0036] The cooling function is achieved by a cooling device 5 integrated into the second container 3. The cooling device 5 is attached to the end of the second container 3 furthest from the first container 2. Specifically, the cooling device 5 includes a semiconductor cooling component 51 and a heat dissipation component 52. The semiconductor cooling component 51 operates based on the Peltier effect; when a direct current passes through it, one side cools (cold end) and the other side heats up (hot end). The cold end of the semiconductor cooling component 51 is tightly attached to the outer surface of the end wall of the second container 3 using a thermally conductive medium such as thermally conductive silicone grease, while the hot end faces the heat dissipation component 52. The semiconductor cooling component 51 is clamped and fixed between the heat dissipation component 52 and the end wall of the second container 3, and the second container 3, semiconductor cooling component, and heat dissipation component 52 are securely connected by fasteners such as long bolts to ensure good thermal contact. An insulation component for heat insulation is disposed outside the semiconductor cooling component 51, and the insulation component is securely connected to the heat dissipation component 52 and the second container 3 by fasteners to prevent energy loss from the semiconductor cooling component 51. In this way, the cold end of the semiconductor cooling component 51 can effectively absorb the heat of the liquid flowing through the second container 3, thereby achieving cooling of the liquid.

[0037] The heat dissipation component 52 is used to efficiently dissipate the heat generated at the hot end of the thermoelectric cooling component 51, and its performance directly affects the cooling efficiency. The heat dissipation component 52 includes a heat sink 521 and a fan 522. The heat sink 521 is typically manufactured from aluminum alloy through an extrusion molding process, and it has dense, perpendicularly extending heat dissipation fins to maximize the heat dissipation surface area. The substrate of the heat sink 521 is in close contact with the hot end of the thermoelectric cooling component 51. The fan 522 is positioned on the side of the heat sink 521 away from the thermoelectric cooling component 51. When the fan 522 operates, it generates a directional airflow that passes through the gaps between the heat dissipation fins, forcing convection and accelerating the removal of heat from the surface of the heat sink 521 (i.e., from the hot end of the thermoelectric cooling component 51) and dissipating it into the external environment of the host. This active cooling method greatly improves heat dissipation efficiency, ensuring the continuous and efficient operation of the thermoelectric cooling component 51.

[0038] To further improve refrigeration efficiency, a fluid guiding structure is installed inside the second container 3. For example... Figure 7 As shown, the second container 3 is equipped with several spaced-apart guide vanes 32. These guide vanes 32 are staggered in the vertical direction, meaning that adjacent guide vanes 32 are positioned alternately, one near the top of the container and the next near the bottom. This staggered arrangement creates a meandering flow channel inside the second container 3. When the liquid flows from the inlet to the outlet of the second container 3, it is forced to flow along this meandering channel, significantly extending the residence time and flow path (i.e., the cooling path) of the liquid within the second container 3. This allows the liquid more time to exchange heat with the container wall cooled by the semiconductor cooling component 51, thus achieving more effective cooling and improving the cooling effect and temperature uniformity.

[0039] When a user needs warmth, the heating device 4 (PTC heater) and water pump 6 are activated. The PTC heater heats the liquid in the first container 2. The water pump 6 draws the heated liquid from the first container 2 and pumps it into the second container 3. Since the cooling device 5 is usually not working in heating mode, or the semiconductor cooling component 51 is not energized (its cooling effect on the flowing liquid is negligible at this time), the temperature of the heated liquid remains basically unchanged or only slightly loses heat as it flows through the second container 3. Subsequently, the hot liquid is transported to the blanket 9 through the conduit 7, and the heat warms the user through the surface of the blanket 9. The liquid, whose temperature drops after releasing heat in the blanket 9, returns to the first container 2 through the return conduit 8 and is reheated, thus completing the cycle.

[0040] When the user needs cooling, the cooling device 5 (semiconductor cooling component 51 and heat dissipation component 52) ​​and water pump 6 are activated, while the heating device 4 is turned off. Water pump 6 draws liquid from the first container 2, which is at ambient temperature or slightly higher, and pumps it into the second container 3. As the liquid flows through the meandering channels inside the second container 3, it undergoes thorough heat exchange with the outer wall cooled by the semiconductor cooling component 51, resulting in a significant temperature reduction. Simultaneously, the fan 522 of the heat dissipation component 52 continues to operate, expelling the heat generated at the hot end of the semiconductor cooling component 51 from the main unit. The cooled liquid is pumped into the blanket 9 to absorb heat from the user's body, thus achieving a cooling effect. The liquid, now heated after absorbing heat, returns to the first container 2 via the return conduit 8, ready for the next cooling cycle.

[0041] This utility model provides a main unit for a heated and cooled blanket, which has both heating and cooling functions to meet various user needs. During heating, the PTC heater in the first container 2 operates at 220V to heat the liquid inside. The heated liquid is then pumped to the second container 3 by a water pump 6. During cooling, the input 220V AC power is transformed to 12V or 24V via a circuit board to power the semiconductor cooling component 51, the fan, and the water pump. The transformation circuit is disclosed in a constant-temperature health water mattress provided in Chinese utility model patent publication CN2267712Y; therefore, this application will not elaborate on the process of converting the 220V voltage to a safe 12V operating voltage. The side of the semiconductor cooling component 51 connected to the second container 3 is the cold side. When the liquid is transported from the first container 2 to the second container 3 by the water pump 6, the semiconductor cooling component 51 starts to work under a voltage of 12V or 24V to exchange heat with the liquid in the second container 3 to achieve cooling. The liquid needs to flow along the meandering channel formed by the guide plate in the second container 3, which can increase the heat exchange time and make the cooling effect better. The cooled liquid is input into the blanket 9 through the conduit 7.

[0042] In addition, the temperature control device also includes a control unit, including a control board, a temperature sensor, and a liquid level sensor, to detect and monitor the temperature and level of the liquid to prevent safety accidents. At the same time, it can control the temperature control unit to cool or heat to meet user needs.

[0043] This main unit is not only suitable for heating and cooling blankets, but can also be flexibly applied to various bedding products such as bedspreads, mattresses, quilts, pillows, and sleeping bags to improve the comfort of the sleep environment.

[0044] Example 2: Based on the basic structure of Example 1, this embodiment has undergone key power adaptability optimization, making it particularly suitable for mobile or off-grid scenarios such as family cars, freight vehicles, or outdoor camping while retaining all core functions.

[0045] The structure of the main unit in this embodiment is the same as that in Embodiment 1. This embodiment provides a hot and cold blanket main unit, which is especially suitable for scenarios such as family cars, freight vehicles, or outdoor camping. Compared with the PTC heater in Embodiment 1, which needs to operate under 220V voltage, in this embodiment, the heating device 4 (PTC heater) has been redesigned or selected so that it can work safely and effectively under 12V or 24V DC voltage. It can be powered by portable power sources such as power banks and mobile power supplies, so that users can use it conveniently inside vehicles or in the wild.

[0046] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this utility model, but the protection scope of this utility model is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in this utility model should be included within the protection scope of this utility model. Therefore, the protection scope of this utility model should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A main unit for a heating and cooling blanket, comprising a housing, characterized in that, The host has: The first and second containers are interconnected; A heating device for heating the liquid in the first container; A refrigeration device for cooling the liquid in the second container; and A suction device for facilitating the flow of liquid between the first and second containers; The second container has a smaller volume than the first container, and the liquid in the first container is output to the blanket body of the heating / cooling blanket after passing through the second container, so as to heat or cool the blanket body.

2. The main unit for heating and cooling blankets according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first container and the second container are detachably connected. The end of the first container connected to the second container is recessed inward to form a recess. The second container has a protrusion that engages with the recess. The engagement of the protrusion with the recess enables the first container and the second container to be quickly positioned and securely connected.

3. The main unit for heating and cooling blankets according to claim 1, characterized in that, The refrigeration device is attached to the end of the second container away from the first container to cool the liquid flowing through the second container.

4. The main unit for heating and cooling blankets according to claim 3, characterized in that, The refrigeration device includes: The semiconductor cooling component attached to the second container; and A heat dissipation component configured to dissipate heat from the semiconductor cooling component; The semiconductor cooling component is clamped and fixed between the heat dissipation component and the second container so that the semiconductor cooling component can cool the liquid in the second container.

5. The main unit for heating and cooling blankets according to claim 4, characterized in that, The heat dissipation component includes: A heat sink configured to connect with the semiconductor cooling component, the heat sink having extruded aluminum profile fins; and A fan is disposed on the side of the heat sink away from the semiconductor cooling component, the fan being configured to generate a directional airflow to accelerate the dissipation of heat from the surface of the heat sink into the environment.

6. The main unit for heating and cooling blankets according to claim 1, characterized in that, The volume of the second container is no more than 1 / 2 of the volume of the first container.

7. The main unit for heating and cooling blankets according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second container is configured with a plurality of spaced guide vanes to guide the liquid flow within the second container. The guide vanes are staggered in the vertical direction and form a meandering channel within the second container to extend the refrigeration path.

8. The main unit for heating and cooling blankets according to claim 1, characterized in that, The heating device includes a PTC heater fixedly connected inside the first container, configured to heat the liquid inside the first container.

9. The main unit for heating and cooling blankets according to claim 1, characterized in that, The suction device includes a suction pump disposed below the first container, the suction pump being configured to deliver liquid from the first container to a second container.

10. A type of blanket that provides both cooling and heating, characterized in that: Includes the main unit for heating and cooling blankets as described in any one of claims 1-9.

Images