Sleep system

Abstract

The invention relates to a sleep system with an elastic core (1) and a device (2) comprising a plurality of slats (4), wherein the device (2) is designed with at least two support elements (8) which exert support forces on the slats (4), and wherein the support elements (8) have chambers which can be filled with a medium via at least one connection (9) for individual and always variable adaptation of the slats (4) to the body contour via the support forces, and wherein a pressure sensing unit (12) for detecting pressures in the chambers of the support elements (8) is integrated. According to the invention, a filling device (14) for filling the chambers with the medium is connected to the at least one connection (9), and a control unit (15) for controlling the filling device (14) is provided.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a sleep system with an elastic core and a device comprising a plurality of slats, wherein the device is designed with at least two support elements which exert support forces on the slats and wherein the support elements have chambers which can be filled via at least one connection with a medium for individual and always variable adaptation of the slats to the body contour via the support forces and wherein a pressure detection unit for detecting pressures in the chambers of the support elements is integrated.

[0002] Conventional sleep systems often consist of a mattress, which usually rests on a slatted frame. The mattress core is frequently made of foam, latex, or natural materials. A spring core may also be used, which is then usually encased in a protective cover.

[0003] In conventional sleep systems, the mattress and the slatted frame are separate components that are combined with a frame to form a bed. The slatted frame is the component of the bed that supports comfortable lying and is therefore an important prerequisite for restful sleep. The term "slat" refers to the slats attached at right angles to the long side of the frame, which together support the mattress.

[0004] Conventional slatted bed bases typically have a sturdy rectangular frame made of wood, metal, or plastic. Slats are attached to this frame, often using flexible plastic clips. The slats can be single or double in areas with higher body weight. In so-called "overlapping slatted bed bases," the flexible slats lie over the frame. This allows the outer part of the bed base to provide springiness as well. In contrast, with an internally mounted slatted bed base, the outer part is rigid.

[0005] Instead of rigid slats, modern sleep systems often use flexible slats. These slats are also aligned at right angles to the long side of the bed and together support the elastic core, which can be made of latex, for example.

[0006] Many conventional sleep systems only allow the body to sink in, so no support is provided to specific parts of the body. Therefore, numerous compromise solutions exist in current technology, where the mattresses have different firmness zones.

[0007] EP 31 132 B2 describes a bed frame with a slatted base. The slats are arranged transversely to the frame's longitudinal beams and have spacers on their undersides at the ends. Spring assemblies are attached to the spacers and connected to the longitudinal beams. The height of the spacers corresponds to the spring travel of the spring assembly under load. The spring assemblies consist of straps made of a rubber-elastic material that run in the direction of the slats.

[0008] EP 151 218 B1 describes a resilient surface with support beams and a plurality of transverse elements arranged in a substantially rectangular pattern relative to these support beams. The transverse elements consist of a lower and an upper lamella with spacers between them. The spacers in the transverse elements are offset from the support beams such that a support beam rests between two spacers.

[0009] German patent DE 39 36 788 A1 describes a mattress with an integrated slatted frame. The sleep system consists of a slatted frame with slats that rest on elastic, springy longitudinal profiles on the left and right sides. One variant shows a longitudinal profile made of an inflatable tube. The tube can be filled with air via valves. The tube is either inserted into a rigid U-profile frame that has corresponding recesses for the vertical movement of the slats, or the tube can be attached to the slats with individual straps.

[0010] A generic sleep system is known from DE 20 2018 100 097 U1, which comprises modules with pockets and / or loops. These modules align the slats and, together with the slats, form a unit. The pockets serve to insert the slat ends. The loops guide the slats through the loops. The modules according to the invention effectively prevent rocking during body movements. This provides a sleep system in which users can adjust the sleep system to their current sleeping behavior at any time. Furthermore, users are given precise control to monitor the current setting. With the aid of a pressure measuring device, the user can also check the respective setting parameters of the sleep system at any time.If sleep patterns change, the user can always vary the amount of medium in the chambers by adjusting the arrangement.

[0011] DE 20 2020 004054 U1 describes an alternating pressure couch consisting of a three-part modular unit with individual adjustability to body contour and lying position and integrated compressed air control unit.

[0012] EP 0 489 374 A1 refers to a slatted frame for supporting mattresses in which the slats are supported by a multitude of support shafts received in vertical guide bores.

[0013] FR 2 848 082 B1 describes a device for holding and cushioning slats above a slatted frame.

[0014] US 6 305 038 B1 shows a basic unit for a bed or a sprung seat, in which a number of slats are also pneumatically sprung.

[0015] The solutions known from the prior art have generally proven their worth, although the settings and especially the amount of medium in the chambers must be adjusted manually.

[0016] Against this background, the present invention aims to simplify the setting and adjustment of the sleep system.

[0017] This problem is solved by a sleep system according to claim 1. Accordingly, a filling device for filling the chambers with the medium is connected to at least one connection, wherein a control unit for controlling the filling device is provided.

[0018] According to the invention, a filling device for filling the chambers with the medium is connected to at least one port, and a control unit for controlling the filling device is provided, wherein the filling device and the pressure sensing unit are connected to the control unit, and the control unit is configured to control the filling device based on the pressures determined in the pressure sensing unit, and wherein the control unit is configured to control the filling device in such a way that a predetermined pressure is maintained in the chambers, wherein the filling device comprises an electrically driven compressor and an electrically actuated compressed air valve, which are configured to supply ambient air to the chambers and, in the event of overpressure, to allow the air in the chambers to escape, and wherein the device comprises modules.which have pockets and / or loops for inserting and / or guiding the slats to form a unit of the device.

[0019] With such a sleep system, it is possible to operate the system in such a way that optimal filling of the chambers with the filling medium is always achieved, regardless of the user. For example, different people, especially those with different body weights, can use the same sleep system without the need for manual adjustments. This can be particularly advantageous if the sleep system is not used privately but rather by several people, for example, in hotels.

[0020] Furthermore, changes in a user's body stature can also be directly incorporated into the control system, so that no further action is required on the part of the user to make adjustments.

[0021] Finally, such a system also makes it possible to detect air escaping due to leakage losses or diffusion losses through the material of the chambers and to adjust the amount of medium using the filling device.

[0022] For this purpose, the invention provides that the filling device and the pressure sensing unit are connected to the control unit in such a way that the control unit regulates the filling device based on the pressures determined in the pressure sensing unit. The pressure sensing unit thus enables the pressure(s) in the individual chambers to be detected, and these pressures are transmitted as an input signal to the control unit.

[0023] The control unit then compares these input values ​​with a setpoint, where the setpoint corresponds to the optimal pressure in the chambers and has been previously stored in the control unit. This can be done digitally, in which case the control unit can be connected to a computer, tablet, smartphone, or similar device via a data interface. Alternatively, a memory card slot can be provided to store customer-specific data on the control unit.

[0024] Depending on the design, the setpoint can be a pressure in the chambers under load or under no load. It is also possible to define two different setpoints. For example, a pressure under no load can be used to determine whether the fill level requires refilling due to leakage or diffusion losses. A setpoint corresponding to the pressure under load allows the pressure to be adjusted for different individuals or body weights. In this context, a heavier person will require a higher pressure in the chambers compared to a lighter person. However, the pressure distribution also depends significantly on body shape and size.The filling device is then controlled based on the data stored in the control unit and the data transmitted by the pressure detection unit.

[0025] According to the invention, the filling device is an electrically driven compressor. This compressor is designed to draw ambient air into the chambers. Furthermore, the invention provides an electrically actuated compressed air valve which, in the event of overpressure, allows the air or medium contained in the chambers to escape. The control unit can therefore regulate both the compressor and the valve.

[0026] According to the invention, the sleep system comprises modules that have pockets and / or loops. These modules align the slats and, together with the slats, form a unit. The pockets serve to insert the ends of the slats. The loops are used to thread the slats through them. The modules according to the invention effectively prevent rocking when the body turns.

[0027] In a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, the modules have cavities for receiving the support elements. These cavities are bounded by a tube-like material. The support systems are inserted into the tunnel-like cavities.

[0028] It proves particularly advantageous if the modules are made of a textile material. Preferably, the modules have a hollow cylindrical space bounded by fabric material on their outer surfaces. At least one end face is open, allowing the support elements to be inserted into or removed from the modules.

[0029] On the top side of the modules, pockets and / or loops are formed, preferably made of a textile material, into which the ends of the slats can be inserted or the slats can be passed.

[0030] Manufacturing the modules from the flexible material ensures a construction that proves to be very lightweight.

[0031] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the system comprises a casing to form a compact unit. This casing encloses the elastic core of the sleep system and the device with the slats. The casing has an opening for the user, allowing for flexible variation of the chamber filling and control of the respective pressure in the chambers.

[0032] Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the description of exemplary embodiments with reference to drawings and from the drawings themselves.

[0033] This shows: Fig. 1 a perspective view of a partially opened sleep system seen from the long side, Fig. 2 a perspective partial exploded view of the elastic core and the sleep system device, Fig. 3 a perspective view of the opened sleep system seen from the head or foot end, Fig. 4 a perspective view of the sleep system device seen from the head or foot end.

[0034] Figur 1 Figure 1 shows a sleep system with an elastic core 1 that rests on a device 2. In the exemplary embodiment, the elastic core consists of a latex material, preferably natural latex.

[0035] The sleep system has a covering 3 that surrounds the elastic core 1 and the device 2, thereby forming a compact unit of the sleep system. In the exemplary embodiment, the covering is a cover, preferably made of a cotton fabric. The covering creates a one-piece sleep system.

[0036] The outer casing 3 has an opening, for example a zipper. This allows the user of the sleep system access to the internal components at any time. The opening is shown in the illustration according to Fig. 1 not shown.

[0037] Fig. 2 Figure 1 shows a perspective partial exploded view of the elastic core 1 and the device 2. The device 2 comprises, as shown in Figure 2, the elastic core 1 and the device 2. Fig. 2 The lamellae 4 are arranged parallel to each other at right angles to the long side of the elastic core 1. In the exemplary embodiment, the lamellae 4 are elastic and resilient. Alternatively, the lamellae 4 can also be designed as rigid slats or strips. The lamellae 4 can be made of wood, a plastic, or a composite material.

[0038] The device 2 comprises, according to the Fig. 2 In the illustrated embodiment, two modules 5 are shown. The partial integration of the lamellae 4 into the modules 5 creates a transportable unit of the device 2. The modules 4 have pockets 6 on their upper surface into which the ends of the lamellae 4 are inserted. Furthermore, each module 5 has a cavity 7. The cavities 7 are shaped like hollow cylinders and are bounded by closed surfaces that extend from the top to the bottom of the device 2. The end faces of the modules 5 are open.

[0039] In Fig. 3 The support elements 8, arranged in the cavities 7 of the modules 5, can be seen. The lamellae 4 are supported by the support elements 8. In the exemplary embodiment, the support elements 8 are designed as tubes and have chambers for filling with air or another medium, for example, water. In the exemplary embodiment, the support elements 8 are filled with air. For this purpose, each support element 8 has connections 9 through which the medium can be supplied to and from the chambers of the support elements. Each connection 9 has a valve 10 and a connector 11, which in the exemplary embodiment is designed as a hose section. A filling device 14, designed in the form of an electrically operated compressor, is connected to the valves 10 for filling the chambers of the support elements 8 with a medium.This filling device 14 is further controlled by a control unit 15, which is connected to pressure sensing units 12 via input connections 16 and to the filling device 14 via output connections 17. The input and / or output connections can be simple signal cables or a wireless connection. In addition, the control unit 15 also has a memory input through which user-relevant data can be read.

[0040] The pressure sensing units 12 are designed to detect the pressures in the chambers of the support elements 8 and serve to acquire and transmit an actual value to the control unit 15. The control unit 15 compares the actual values ​​with preset target values ​​and, based on this, controls the filling of the chambers by the filling device 14. This can be done for both support elements 8 simultaneously. Preferably, however, the filling of the chambers of the support elements 8 is controlled independently of each other. The pressure sensing units 12 are pressure sensors that generate an electrical output signal, for example, piezoresistive pressure sensors.

[0041] Furthermore, the control unit 15 is also equipped with adjustable valves (not shown in detail) which can drain the medium from the chambers of the support elements 8 in the event of excessive pressure.

[0042] If the air-filled chambers of the support elements 8 are subjected to only a low pressure, only slight supporting forces act on the lamellae 4. The lamellae 4 sink downwards more.

[0043] If higher pressure prevails in the chambers of the support elements 8, a high supporting force acts on the slats. They sink down only very slightly. By changing the pressure, the vertical stroke of the slats is varied. This allows the system to be individually adapted to the user's body contour.

[0044] In the exemplary embodiment, each support element has a continuous air chamber extending from the head to the foot end. However, it is also possible to provide several air chambers in each support system, so that the individual body parts are supported with different forces.

[0045] Preferably, the elastic core 1 of the sleep system is a relatively thin layer. In the exemplary embodiment, it is only approximately 7 cm thick, and thus only about half as thick as conventional mattress cores. This allows for sensitive and precise pressure relief. If the slats sink more deeply into the support elements 8 due to relatively low pressure, the elastic core also yields more at these points. Conversely, if the slats are supported more strongly by relatively high pressure, the elastic core is also more strongly supported by the device 2 and does not sink in as much.

[0046] Fig. 4 Figure 2 shows the device 2 of the sleep system according to the invention. The device 2 comprises, according to the embodiment shown in Figure 2, the device 2. Fig. 4Three modules 5. Each module 5 has a hollow cylindrical space 7 for inserting the support elements 8. Furthermore, each module 5 has pockets 6 or loops 13 for inserting or guiding the slats 4. Each module 5 is made of a textile material and allows for vertical movement. The modules adapt to the support elements to allow vertical movement when the slats 4 lower and / or extend by changing the support forces of the support elements 8.

[0047] The modules 5, made of a textile material, conform to the support elements 8 and deform along with the support elements 8 when their shape changes.

Claims

1. A sleeping system with an elastic core (1) and an arrangement (2) comprising a plurality of slats (4), wherein the arrangement (2) is formed with at least two support elements (8) which exert supporting forces on the slats (4) and wherein the support elements (8) have chambers which can be filled via at least one connection (9) with a medium for individual and constantly variable adaptation of the slats (4) to the body contour via the support forces, and wherein a pressure detection unit (12) is integrated for detecting pressures in the chambers of the support elements (8),wherein a filling device (14) for filling the chambers with the medium is connected to the at least one connection (9) and wherein a control unit (15) is provided for controlling the filling device (14), wherein the filling device (14) and the pressure detection unit (12) are connected to the control unit (15) and the control unit (15) is set up to control the filling device (14) on the basis of the pressures stored in the pressure detection unit (12), wherein the control unit (15) is arranged to control the filling device (14) in such a way that a predetermined pressure is maintained in the chambers, the filling device (14) comprising an electrically driven compressor and an electrically actuating compressed air valve which are arranged to convey ambient air into the chambers and, in the event of an overpressure, to allow the air in the chambers to escape and wherein the arrangement (2) comprises modules (5) comprising pockets (6) and / or loops (13) for inserting and / or passing through the slats (4) to form a unit of the arrangement (2).

2. The sleeping system according to claim 1, characterised in that the filling device (14) is a compressor, in particular an electrically driven compressor.

3. The sleeping system according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the filling device (14) is a pressure reservoir.

4. The sleeping system according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the modules (5) have cavities (7) for receiving the support elements (8).

5. The sleeping system according to claim 4, characterised in that the cavities (7) are tunnel-shaped.

6. The sleeping system according to claim 4 or 5, characterised in that the cavities (7) are cylindrical in shape and are bounded by closed outer surfaces.

7. The sleeping system according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the modules (5) extend from a head end to a foot end of the sleeping system.

8. The sleeping system according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the modules (5) consist of a fabric material to ensure a vertical stroke when the slats (4) sink and / or protrude due to changed supporting forces of the support elements (8).

9. The sleeping system according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the modules (5) nestle against the support elements (8) and also deform when the shape of the support elements (8) changes.

10. The sleeping system according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the sleeping system comprises an enclosure (3) for forming a compact unit, wherein the enclosure (3) comprises an opening possibility for flexible variation of the filling of the chambers.

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