SLEEPING CELL WITH A SLEEPING AREA AND AN ELECTRICALLY CONDUCTIVE CURTAIN

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a sleeping cell comprising a sleeping area and an electrically conductive curtain which can be arranged around the sleeping area, according to the features of the preamble of claim 1. BACKGROUND AND STATE OF THE ART

[0002] There are a variety of different sleep cells that utilize the principle of a Faraday cage in equally diverse ways.

[0003] A mobile shielding cover against electrosmog for a bed is disclosed in document DE 202020101200. Here, a Faraday cage can be constructed using a shielding material on a mattress and a support frame for a second shielding material.

[0004] Another document is US 2021038458 (Sleep Enclosure Systems). This is a sleeping cell that is also designed as a Faraday cage. This cell has a movable door that can be opened by a mechanism, allowing the sleeping cell to be opened and a person to enter the sleeping area.

[0005] Another patent application is CN 211459557 U (Radiation-proof mosquito net). This utility model is a grounded net that serves both as a mosquito net and as protection against radiation from various electronic devices.

[0006] Another document is AT 508627 A1 (wellness device). This device is a bed-like structure with various features to enhance the user's sense of well-being. In addition to lighting, a fragrance device, and an acoustic device, a heating device is provided. The principle of a Faraday cage is limited exclusively to the heating device in this invention. KR 100 415 946 B1 discloses a sleep cell according to the prior art.

[0007] Finally, the following utility model should be added to the state of the art. It is document DE 202004007037 U1 (System for dampening or shielding external electromagnetic radiation or an external electric field acting on a sleeping area). This involves a sleeping area constructed with two fabrics. These two fabrics are made of an electrically conductive material and are detachably connected to each other. Since the two electrically conductive fabric sections surround a sleeping area, at least in part, a Faraday cage effect is also created.

[0008] All the previously mentioned documents share the following advantages. All inventions utilize the effect of a Faraday cage to protect the sleeping cell from the effects of external electrical or electromagnetic fields. This is intended to have a particularly positive effect on the user's sleep behavior.

[0009] A disadvantage of existing documents and the current state of the art is that the sleeping area's boundaries, made of electrically conductive materials, cannot be conveniently opened or closed. In most cases, a fabric that reaches the floor must be lifted from below and lifted over the head to enter the sleeping area. In other cases, the sleeping area is only accessible from one side, which has a door, due to fixed material such as walls. DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] The object of the present invention is to provide a sleeping cell with a sleeping area and an electrically conductive curtain, wherein the electrically conductive curtain can be easily moved in order to conveniently open or close the sleeping area.

[0011] With regard to the present invention, this is achieved by the features of claim 1, namely by providing a rail system by means of which the conductive curtain is displaceably mounted, wherein the rail system includes at least one rail, the rail system includes a plurality of connecting elements, the connecting elements are connected to the conductive curtain and are displaceably mounted in the at least one rail, and the rail system is designed such that the conductive curtain is electrically conductively connected to the at least one rail, preferably that the conductive curtain is earthed via the rail.

[0012] To fully exploit the effect of a Faraday cage, the sleeping cell can be completely enclosed on all sides with electrically conductive materials. The outer surface of the sleeping cell can be enclosed with a sliding curtain, the underside with a carpet, and the top with a canopy. All boundaries should be made either completely or at least partially of electrically conductive materials, such as electrically conductive foils or electrically conductive paint for the carpet, and the canopy and fabric with electrically conductive threads for the curtain. For a completely enclosed Faraday cage, the curtain should rest on the carpet or at least partially touch it. The connecting elements also form an electrically conductive connection between the canopy and the curtain, creating a closed Faraday cage.

[0013] The sleeping cell can be grounded, with the grounding wire from the track system leading into a household outlet. Grounding of the sleeping cell can also be accomplished in any other way. In addition to the track system, any other part of the sleeping cell can also be grounded additionally and / or instead. Furthermore, a dedicated grounding plug compatible with standard outlets can be provided. Surge protection can also be installed between this plug and the track system, providing protection against dangerous overvoltages caused, for example, by lightning strikes.

[0014] By using connecting elements between at least one rail and at least one curtain, the at least one curtain can be moved along the rail as desired. This allows the curtain to reveal the entire sleeping area by pushing it together as far as possible, or to enclose the entire sleeping area by pushing it apart to its maximum length along the rail. Any position between a fully exposed and a fully closed position is possible thanks to the freely movable connecting elements and the existing curtains.

[0015] Various carpets are possible for the underside of the sleeping cell. The carpet can consist of an insulating layer that rests directly on the floor, or it can have an electrically conductive foil or paint coating on the insulating layer to seal the Faraday cage at the bottom. Various sizes, designs, shapes, and colors are possible for both the insulating and electrically conductive sections. The materials that can be used are limited only by their function as an insulating layer or electrically conductive layer.

[0016] Different designs can accommodate both functionality and aesthetics. For example, the sleeping cell can provide a curtain on each side of the sleeping area. The number of curtain sections is unlimited, with at least one curtain providing essential shielding for the sleeping area. A wall can, of course, also be provided, for example, to define the headboard. This wall, like the canopy, can be made of solid material, textile, or even foil. To fully utilize the Faraday cage effect, such a wall should also be electrically conductive, at least if the curtain does not shield the entire perimeter of the sleeping area.

[0017] Another variation concerns the canopy, which can be manufactured in a variety of designs. Not limited to this, it can be designed, for example, as a plate-like structure above the sleeping area, with the rail system running along its edges. Both the canopy and the rail system follow a rectangular or square shape. However, the rail system can also have any other shape, such as a circle or a segment of a circle. As is common with bed canopies, the canopy can be adorned with a variety of decorative appliqués and / or fabrics.

[0018] Due to the wide variety of designs available for the sleeping cell, it is suitable for all standard beds. A sleeping cell according to the invention can be used for a double bed, single bed, bunk bed, or even a child's bed, although these bed variants are not intended to be limiting. In the latter example, the curtain can be arranged using a circular rail system around the entire perimeter of a child's bed or cot. This allows the sliding curtain to be very conveniently and conveniently screened off while simultaneously providing easy access to the sleeping area. This allows each side of the bed to be easily opened and closed, whereas otherwise the fabric would have to be picked up from the floor, raised to head height, and held in place with one hand.If both hands are needed, as is common when putting small children down, the only option is to throw the fabric back over your head, placing yourself in the sleeping area. Leaving the sleeping area can then easily become a tripping hazard. Therefore, the easy opening and closing of a sleeping compartment with a sliding, electrically conductive curtain can improve user comfort and contribute to accident prevention and avoidance.

[0019] In another convenient design, the track system can also have two parallel tracks, allowing two curtains to be moved independently of each other. This allows for even easier, seamless screening through overlapping curtains. In other words, the sleeping area can then be separated without creating an annoying gap between two curtains on the same track. Such a double track system can also be used as window curtains.

[0020] Additionally, lighting can also be provided in the sleeping cell. For example, to read at night, LED lights could be installed in the canopy or elsewhere in the sleeping area. Corresponding controls can be installed anywhere in the sleeping area, with a wall surrounding the headboard being a particularly suitable location. Light switches, battery or rechargeable battery cases, and cables to the lights in the canopy can be located in such a side wall. In this case, power can be supplied via a household electrical connection. To ensure that the shielding of the sleeping cell is fully functional, the lighting can of course be powered by rechargeable batteries. This means that although there is a certain electric field inside the sleeping cell, the shielding against external electrical or electromagnetic fields remains intact.

[0021] Electrically conductive materials here are all generally known substances that, due to their specific resistance or electrical conductivity, are capable of transmitting current as conductors. These materials are primarily metals and metallic compounds, semiconductor materials, conductive polymers, ionic conductors, or doped materials. As is generally known, insulators (non-conductors) are not electrical conductors. A selection of common conductor materials includes silver, copper, and steel. Representative semiconductor materials include silicon and gallium arsenide. Typical insulators include amber and plastics such as silicones. Any material that is sufficiently electrically conductive for the application according to the invention can be used and is not limited to the examples mentioned.However, as a guideline, 10 12 < Ω·mm 2 < / m can be used as a rough upper limit for the specific resistance. Most electrically conductive materials tend to have a specific resistance of up to 10 8 < Ω·mm 2 < / m.

[0022] Batteries are understood here to mean all electrical energy storage devices, especially primary batteries. Rechargeable batteries are understood here to mean accumulators, specifically rechargeable batteries or secondary batteries. Therefore, the list of "batteries and accumulators" in this document is redundant, since batteries in the broadest sense also include secondary batteries. However, for clarity, especially for laypersons, the redundant wording used here is retained.

[0023] Further advantageous embodiments of the invention are defined in the dependent claims.

[0024] In order for the connecting elements to be mounted displaceably, in a preferred embodiment the rail of the rail system can have a projection along its longitudinal axis or along the rail axis.

[0025] As mentioned, the projection can extend over the entire length of the rail or only over parts of the rail.

[0026] In a further embodiment, the connecting elements can comprise sliding and / or roller elements that rest on the at least one aforementioned projection for displaceable mounting. This allows for easy-to-manufacture displaceable mounting and thus allows the connecting elements to be moved along the rail axis.

[0027] In another embodiment, the sleeping area can be enclosed at the bottom with an electrically conductive carpet to support the Faraday cage effect.

[0028] In another embodiment, an electrically conductive canopy can be additionally installed above the sleeping compartment to create a boundary and seal off the Faraday cage at the top. In this context, a canopy refers to the upper boundary of the sleeping compartment in the broadest sense. It is therefore a so-called canopy (supporting canopy) of a bed in the broadest sense.

[0029] In a particularly preferred embodiment, this canopy can be made of solid material, foil, and / or textile. The usable materials and constructions are not limited by the embodiments or variants mentioned here. All materials and construction solutions that at least partially utilize the effect of the Faraday cage can be used here. However, as is usual with canopies, it is advisable to use a lightweight material or construction.

[0030] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the canopy can hang freely from the ceiling or rest on uprights or protrude from a wall or be arranged by a combination of the aforementioned options.

[0031] In a preferred embodiment, the outer surface of the sleeping area can be defined on at least one side by at least one wall, in addition to the electrically conductive curtain. This is particularly advantageous if the canopy is to be made of a solid material, allowing a wall to provide greater support. Furthermore, this embodiment can offer added aesthetic value, particularly if the sleeping area is positioned against a wall or in a corner of a room. A wall can also offer the advantage of providing space for control elements, batteries and / or accumulators, as well as cables to the lighting devices.

[0032] In a preferred embodiment, the electrically conductive connecting elements can be designed as sliding and / or roller bearings. This is intended to increase comfort when moving the curtain. A combination of different bearings is also possible, as is the option for the rail and / or the rail's projection not to be continuous over the entire circumferential length of the system. For example, interrupting the rail's projection could enable faster and easier installation and disassembly of curtains.

[0033] In a further preferred embodiment, these electrically conductive connecting elements can support an electrically conductive curtain. This works either via a positive, non-positive, and / or material connection between the connecting elements and the curtain. Preferably, a connecting element can support the electrically conductive curtain via a clamping surface or via pins that can be inserted through eyelets of the curtain and the connecting elements and thus connected to each other. The connection between the connecting elements and the electrically conductive curtain is also electrically conductive.

[0034] In a preferred embodiment, a lighting device can be provided within the sleeping cell. This is particularly advantageous if, for example, a book is to be read in the sleeping cell. The power supply for this can be provided by external power sources. In a particularly preferred embodiment, a power source can be provided within the sleeping cell using batteries or rechargeable batteries. In this way, although an electric field exists inside the sleeping cell, the Faraday cage function is still maintained by shielding external electric or electromagnetic fields.

[0035] In a preferred embodiment, either the electrically conductive curtain, the electrically conductive carpet, the electrically conductive wall, the electrically conductive canopy, and / or the electrically conductive rail system can be grounded via an electrical wire. This grounding can be connected via a dedicated cable from the sleeping area to a standard electrical outlet. It is also possible to provide surge protection between the bed and the standard electrical outlet, which can provide additional safety. This can provide additional protection against electrical or fire accidents.

[0036] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the sleeping cell is designed as a Faraday cage. This means that the sleeping cell can be understood as a completely self-contained, electrically conductive hollow body. This hollow body can thus be seen as an almost self-contained shell, without any openings. As is usual with Faraday cages, it is also possible for the cage to be partially closed. Electrically conductive gaps can be provided for structurally or design-related reasons or due to the materials used. In particular, it is possible for the fabric used for the curtain to not be made exclusively of electrically conductive material. This creates gaps in the Faraday cage. In preferred embodiments, such gaps can be accepted or even planned, while at the same time the effect of a Faraday cage can be utilized.

[0037] Further advantages and details of the invention are apparent from the figures and the accompanying description. These show: Fig. 1 Perspective view of a variant of a sleeping cell with rail details Fig. 2 Front view of a sleeping cell including a top view and examples of rails and connecting elements Fig. 3 Front view of a sleeping cell with a circular rail system and a dome-like canopy Fig. 4 Side view of a variant with a crib for children Fig. 5 Perspective view of a variant with a crib for children including a detailed view of the circular rail system and grounding system with cable, plug and surge protection Fig. 6 Perspective view of a double rail system and a stop device for a connecting element Fig. 7 Various variants of a carpet

[0038] Fig. 1 shows an embodiment of a sleeping cell 1 according to the invention with a sleeping area. In this example, a large bed 2 is located in the sleeping area. Above it is the rectangular canopy 6 with a rail system 3 attached to the outer edge, which includes, among other things, a rail 4. At the head end of the bed 2 is a wall 8. There are two separate curtains 5 on the sides. The bed 2 stands on a carpet 7. Next to the bed, an earthing cable 11 is shown, which starts from the rail system 3 and leads via a surge protector 12 through the earthing plug 10 into a household socket.

[0039] The detailed view shows that the rail system 3 can be attached to the canopy 6 from above, and several interlocking parts can comprise, among other things, the rail 4. A further detailed view shows a connecting element 9, which can be slidably moved within the rail 4 and supports the curtain 5.

[0040] Fig. 2 shows a similar design variant of a sleeping cell 1 as Figur 1 in the front view. In addition, three lighting devices 14 are provided in the canopy 6, which can be controlled with operating elements 13. In a detailed view, the lighting devices 14 and their cables to the operating elements 13 can be seen from above. In further detailed views, two different design variants of the connecting elements 9 and the rail 4 can be seen. The connecting elements 9 have T-shaped bearing elements in order to be threaded into the profile of the rail 4 and slidably mounted therein. With a vertical clamping gap in the connecting elements 9, the curtain 5 can be clamped and / or fastened with pins through the eyelets of the connecting elements 9. In addition, a further detailed view shows a rail 4 in operative connection with a connecting element 9, which carries the curtain 5 and can be moved along the rail axis as a sliding bearing.

[0041] Fig. 3 shows another design variant of a sleeping cell 1, in which the canopy 6 is dome-shaped. As a result, the rail system 3 has a round shape. The circular rail 4 is shown in a detailed view. This is comparable to designs in Fig. 2 made of a profile bar with a corresponding cross-section, suitable for holding the connecting elements 9 as a sliding bearing. Grounding of the canopy 6 is also provided here, as before, with a grounding plug 10, a grounding cable 11, and a surge protector 12.

[0042] Fig. 4 shows another variant of a sleeping cell 1 with a cot 2 for children. As in Fig. 3 A circular rail system 3 is present here, allowing the entire bed 2 to be covered with a curtain 5. Due to a decorative ceiling, the rail system 3 is not visible in this figure.

[0043] Fig. 5 shows the design variant of a sleeping cell 1 of Fig. 4 from a different perspective and without the decorative canopy 6, revealing the circular rail system 3. The curtain 5 can be moved along the curved rail 4. As with all other embodiments, grounding can also be achieved here by connecting the rail system 3 with a grounding cable 11 via a surge protector 12 with the aid of a grounding plug 10 to a household socket. In a detailed view, these devices are shown separately as individual parts.

[0044] Fig. 6 shows a further variant of a rail system 3 with two parallel rails 4. Thus, two independent curtains 5 can be moved and overlapped to create a seamless shield. Such a double rail system can be Figur 6 As indicated, it can also be used for a window curtain. Another detailed view shows a rail 4 with a stopper that limits the displacement of the connecting element 9. In this variant, the connecting element 9 uses a clamping head to support the curtain 5.

[0045] Fig. 7 shows various views of the carpet 7. This can consist of an insulating layer 15 lying on the floor and an electrically conductive foil 16. The foil 16 can simply be rolled out over the carpet, as shown in a detailed view. Alternatively or additionally, an electrically conductive paint coating can be used instead of an electrically conductive foil. Key to the reference numbers:

[0046] 1 Sleeping cell 2 Bed 3 Rail system 4 Rail 5 Curtain 6 Canopy 7 Carpet 8 Wall 9 Connecting element 10 Grounding plug 11 Grounding wire 12 Surge protection 13 Control element (possibly including rechargeable battery) 14 Lighting element 15 Insulating layer 16 Film or paint

Claims

1. Sleeping compartment (1) with a sleeping region and an electrically conductive curtain (5) which can be arranged around the sleeping region, characterised in that a rail system (3) is provided by means of which the conductive curtain (5) is mounted in a displaceable manner, wherein - the rail system (3) has at least one rail (4), - the rail system (3) has a multiplicity of connecting elements (9), - the connecting elements (9) being connected to the conductive curtain (5) and being mounted in the at least one rail (4) in a displaceable manner and the rail system (3) is configured such that the conductive curtain (5) is connected to the at least one rail (4) in an electrically conducting manner, preferably that the conductive curtain is earthed via the rail (4).

2. Sleeping compartment (1) according to claim 1, characterised in that the at least one rail (4) of the rail system (3) is equipped with at least one protrusion for mounting the connecting elements (9), wherein the protrusion extends along a rail axis of the rail (4).

3. Sleeping compartment (1) according to claim 2, characterised in that the connecting elements (9) each have sliding and / or rolling elements which rest on the at least one protrusion for the displaceable mounting.

4. Sleeping compartment (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the sleeping region is delimited towards a bottom by an electrically conductive rug (7).

5. Sleeping compartment (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the sleeping region is delimited towards to a top by an electrically conductive canopy (6).

6. Sleeping compartment (1) according to claim 5, characterised in that the canopy (6) is arranged to hang freely from the ceiling, to rest on upright elements and / or to protrude from a wall (8).

7. Sleeping compartment (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the lateral surface of the sleeping region is delimited by at least one electrically conductive wall (8).

8. Sleeping compartment (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the canopy (6), walls (8), curtains (5) and / or the rug (7) are at least partially embodied from at least one of an electrically conductive solid material, an electrically conductive film (16), an electrically conductive textile or an electrically conductive coat of paint (16).

9. Sleeping compartment (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the electrically conductive connecting elements (9) bear the electrically conductive curtain (5) by at least one of a form-fitting, force-fitting or materially bonded connection, wherein this connection ensuring electrical conduction between the connecting element (9) and the curtain (5).

10. Sleeping compartment (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterised in that at least one light (14) is provided within the sleeping compartment (1).

11. Sleeping compartment (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the electrically conductive curtain (5), the electrically conductive rug (7), the electrically conductive wall (8), the electrically conductive canopy (6) and / or the electrically conductive rail system (3) is earthed via an electrical line.

12. Sleeping compartment (1) according to claim 11, characterised in that the earthing includes an overvoltage protection device(12).

13. Sleeping compartment (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the sleeping compartment (1) is configured as a Faraday cage