Mattress assembly and furniture including same

Abstract

The mattress assembly includes a plurality of air pocket units, a flow channel, a plurality of pumps for directing air into at least one of the plurality of air pocket units, a valve unit including a valve selectively opened and closed to regulate the flow of air through the flow channel and the plurality of air pocket units, and a controller for controlling the pump and the valve unit such that the hardness of one or more of the plurality of air pocket units is changed. The flow channel includes a first inlet flow path member and a second inlet flow path member providing a passage for air to flow from the first pump and the second pump to the first air pocket unit and the second air pocket unit, respectively, and an air flow path communicating with the first inlet flow path member and the second inlet flow path member. The valve includes a flow path valve for opening and closing the air flow path, and the controller controls the pump and the flow path valve such that the hardness of one or more of the first air pocket unit and the second air pocket unit is changed.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a mattress assembly and to furniture including the same. [Background technology]

[0002] The furniture may include a chair, bed, sofa, recliner, etc., on which a user can sit or lie. Such furniture may include a mattress to support the weight of a user lying or sitting, and a backrest to support the back or hips of the user sitting on the mattress. The mattress may also include a number of air cell units to provide cushioning for a number of users, a number of pumps to direct air into each of the air cell units, and a controller to control the number of pumps.

[0003] However, in conventional furniture, when the hardness of any of the multiple air cell units is changed, only air pressurized by any of the multiple pumps flows in, and the hardness changes slowly.

[0004] In this regard, the applicant's Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2020-005515, "Mattress including air cell assembly, and manufacturing and control method thereof" (Patent Document 1), discloses a mattress including a plurality of air cell units and a plurality of pumps for injecting air into each of the air cell units.

[0005] However, the multiple air cell units of the mattress of Patent Document 1 have a problem that when the hardness changes, only pressurized air from one of the multiple pumps flows in, and the hardness changes slowly. In other words, there is a problem that the hardness of any of the multiple air cell units of the mattress of Patent Document 1 does not change rapidly due to the air flowing in from the multiple pumps.

[0006] Furthermore, the mattress of Patent Document 1 has the problem that because the hardness of one air cell unit is adjusted with one pump, it is difficult for a user lying on the mattress to feel the change in hardness. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2020-0055515 (Published on May 21, 2020) Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] One embodiment of the present invention provides a mattress assembly and furniture that allows for rapid change of firmness of one or more of a plurality of air pocket units.

[0009] Also provided is a mattress assembly and furniture that allows the user to easily experience the change in hardness of the multiple air pocket units. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] A mattress assembly according to one aspect of the present invention includes a plurality of air pocket units including a first air pocket unit and a second air pocket unit capable of storing air to support a user, a flow channel providing a passage through which the air flows, a plurality of pumps including a first pump and a second pump for introducing the air into at least one of the plurality of air pocket units, a valve unit including a plurality of valves selectively opened and closed to adjust the flow of the air in the flow channel and the plurality of air pocket units, and a controller for controlling the plurality of pumps and the valve unit so that the hardness of one or more of the plurality of air pocket units is changed. the flow channel includes a first injection flow path member providing a passage for the air to flow from the first pump to the first air pocket unit, a second injection flow path member providing a passage for the air to flow from the second pump to the second air pocket unit, and an air flow path communicating with the first injection flow path member and the second injection flow path member, the plurality of valves including flow path valves selectively opening and closing the air flow path, and the controller controls the plurality of pumps and the flow path valves so that the hardness of one or more of the first air pocket unit and the second air pocket unit is changed by the air flowed in by the plurality of pumps.

[0011] In addition, the one or more valves further include a first injection valve that opens and closes the first injection flow path member so that the air flows into the first air pocket unit, and a second injection valve that opens and closes the second injection flow path member so that the air flows into the second air pocket unit, and the controller can close either the first injection valve or the second injection valve and open the flow path valve so that the hardness of only one of the first air pocket unit and the second air pocket unit changes due to the air flowing in by the first pump and the second pump.

[0012] Further, each of the plurality of air pocket units is divided into a plurality of pocket regions, and the controller controls the plurality of pumps and the valve unit based on one or more control modes so that the hardness of one or more of the plurality of air pocket units is changed, and the one or more control modes include a relaxation mode in which a relaxation drive is performed one or more times to vary the hardness of one or more of the plurality of air pocket units, and in the relaxation drive, one or more of the plurality of air pocket units are selected by an external signal, and when the relaxation mode is selected, the valve unit and the pump can be controlled so that the hardness of some of the plurality of pocket regions of the selected air pocket unit changes for a predetermined first opening time, and the hardness of other parts of the plurality of pocket regions of the selected air pocket unit changes for a predetermined second opening time.

[0013] In addition, in the relaxation drive, before the pump is operated, at least some of the multiple valves are opened so that the multiple pocket areas of the selected air pocket unit are connected to each other for a predetermined relaxation waiting time, and after the relaxation waiting time, at least some of the multiple valves are opened so that the air is discharged from the selected air pocket unit for a predetermined relaxation discharge time.

[0014] The relaxation drive may further include a sensor unit for sensing pressure of the plurality of air pocket units, and if the pressure of the selected air pocket unit measured through the sensor unit after the second opening time is lower than a preset reference pressure, the pump is re-driven to reach the reference pressure, and the relaxation drive is terminated if the pressure of the selected air pocket unit is equal to or higher than the preset reference pressure, and is terminated without driving the pump if the pressure of the selected air pocket unit measured by the sensor unit is equal to or higher than the preset reference pressure, and the controller may control the valve unit and the pump so that the relaxation drive is repeated a plurality of times.

[0015] The controller may further include a sensor unit for sensing pressure of the plurality of air pocket units, and when the relaxation mode is terminated, the controller controls the valve unit so that the plurality of pocket areas of the selected air pocket unit are connected to each other for a predetermined grace time, and after the grace time, the air is discharged from the selected air pocket unit for a predetermined exhaust time, and after the exhaust time, if the pressure of the selected air pocket unit measured by the sensor unit is lower than a preset reference pressure, the controller may restart the pump to reach the reference pressure, and if the pressure of the selected air pocket unit measured by the sensor unit is equal to or higher than the preset reference pressure, the controller may control the pump and the valve unit so that the air does not flow into the pocket area of ​​the selected air pocket unit.

[0016] In addition, the controller has three or more hardness levels preset for the hardness of the air pocket unit, and the one or more control modes further include a scan mode that increases or decreases the hardness level of one or more of the plurality of air pocket units by three or more, and when one or more of the plurality of air pocket units is selected by an external signal, the controller can control the pump and the valve unit so that the scan mode is performed on the selected air pocket unit.

[0017] In addition, when the scan mode is terminated by an external signal, the controller may control the pump and the valve unit so that the hardness level of the selected air pocket unit is maintained at the time the external signal occurs.

[0018] A piece of furniture according to another aspect of the invention includes a mattress assembly and a backrest disposed on one side of the mattress assembly. Effect of the Invention

[0019] An advantage of one embodiment of the present invention is that the hardness of one or more of the plurality of air pocket units can be rapidly changed by the air pumped therein.

[0020] In addition, since the hardness of the multiple air pocket units can be adjusted using multiple pumps, there is an advantage in that the user can easily feel the change in hardness of the multiple air pocket units. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0021] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of a mattress assembly and furniture including the same according to one embodiment of the present invention; FIG. [Diagram 2] 1 is an exploded perspective view of a mattress assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a mattress assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] 4 is a block diagram illustrating the mattress assembly of FIG. 3 with a flow channel valve open to allow air to flow from the multiple pumps to the first air pocket unit. FIG. [Diagram 5] 4 is a block diagram illustrating the mattress assembly of FIG. 3 with a flow channel valve open to allow air to flow from the multiple pumps to the second air pocket unit. FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating the mattress assembly of FIG. 3 with the flow channel valves closed, allowing air to flow from the multiple pumps to the multiple air pocket units. [Figure 7] 4 is a block diagram showing how air flows through any of the multiple pocket regions of the multiple air pocket units of FIG. 3. FIG. [Figure 8] 5 is a block diagram showing how air flows through another portion of the multiple pocket areas of the multiple air pocket units of FIG. 3. FIG. [Figure 9]4 is a block diagram showing how air discharged from a plurality of air pocket units of the mattress assembly of FIG. 3 is exhausted to the outside via an exhaust valve. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0022] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, specific embodiments for embodying the technical concept of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0023] In the description of the present invention, if it is determined that a detailed description of related known structures or functions may make the gist of the present invention unclear, the detailed description will be omitted.

[0024] Furthermore, when a component is referred to as being "connected" or "in communication with" another component, it should be understood that the component may be directly connected or in communication with the other component, but that there may also be other components intervening therebetween.

[0025] The terms used in this specification are merely used to describe specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the present invention. The singular expressions include the plural expressions unless otherwise clearly indicated in the context.

[0026] In addition, it should be made clear in advance that expressions such as upper side, lower side, side, etc. in this specification are described based on those shown in the drawings, and may be expressed differently if the direction of the object is changed. For the same reason, some components are exaggerated, omitted, or shown diagrammatically in the accompanying drawings, and the size of each component does not completely reflect the actual size.

[0027] In addition, terms including ordinal numbers such as "first", "second", etc. may be used to describe various components, but the components are not limited by these terms. These terms are used only to distinguish one component from another component.

[0028] The term "comprising" as used in the specification embodies certain features, regions, integers, steps, operations, elements, components and / or components and does not exclude the presence or addition of other specific features, regions, integers, steps, operations, elements, components and / or groups.

[0029] Hereinafter, a piece of furniture 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0030] 1, a piece of furniture 1 is a device or apparatus capable of supporting a user, and may be a bed, a chair, a sofa, a recliner, etc. Such a piece of furniture 1 may include a mattress assembly 10 and a backrest 20.

[0031] 2 and 3, the mattress assembly 10 may be formed to extend horizontally to support the weight of a user. In other words, the mattress assembly 10 can support a user lying down or sitting down. Such a mattress assembly 10 may include a main unit 100, a plurality of air pocket units 200, a flow channel 300, a plurality of pumps 400, a valve unit 500, a sensor unit 600, an operation unit 700, and a controller 800.

[0032] The body unit 100 can house the air pocket unit 200, the flow channel 300, the pump 400, the valve unit 500, the sensor unit 600, and the controller 800. Such a body unit 100 can include a housing that forms the exterior of the mattress assembly 10.

[0033] The plurality of air pocket units 200 are accommodated in the main unit 100, and can change their hardness by accommodating air. In other words, the hardness of the plurality of air pocket units 200 can change according to the body of a user supported by the mattress assembly 10, and can change to massage a plurality of users when the plurality of users lie on the mattress assembly 10. The hardness of each of the plurality of air pocket units 200 may be formed different from each other. In addition, the plurality of air pocket units 200 may include a first air pocket unit 210 and a second air pocket unit 220.

[0034] The first air pocket unit 210 may change its hardness depending on the air flowing in by one or more of the pumps 400. The first air pocket unit 210 may be disposed on one side of the second air pocket unit 220. The first air pocket unit 210 may provide a hardness suitable for one of the users (hereinafter, the first user). The first air pocket unit 210 may include a plurality of pocket regions 211, 212, 213, and 214. The plurality of pocket regions 211, 212, 213, and 214 of the first air pocket unit 210 are arranged in a horizontal direction and may have different hardnesses depending on the air flowing in. The plurality of pocket regions 211, 212, 213, and 214 of the first air pocket unit 210 may include a first pocket region 211, a second pocket region 212, a third pocket region 213, and a fourth pocket region 214. For example, when a first user lies on the mattress assembly 10, the first pocket area 211 can support the first user's shoulder portion, the second pocket area 212 can support the first user's waist portion, the third pocket area 213 can support the first user's crotch portion, and the fourth pocket area 214 can support the first user's thigh portion.

[0035] The second air pocket unit 220 may change hardness depending on air flowing in by one or more of the pumps 400. The second air pocket unit 220 may provide a hardness suitable for the other of the users (hereinafter, the second user). The second air pocket unit 220 may include a plurality of pocket regions 221, 222, 223, and 224. The plurality of pocket regions 221, 222, 223, and 224 may be arranged in a horizontal direction and may have different hardnesses depending on air flowing in. The plurality of pocket regions 221, 222, 223, and 224 of the second air pocket unit 220 may include a fifth pocket region 221, a sixth pocket region 222, a seventh pocket region 223, and an eighth pocket region 224. For example, when a second user lies on the mattress assembly 10, the fifth pocket area 221 may support the second user's shoulder portion, the sixth pocket area 222 may support the second user's waist portion, the seventh pocket area 223 may support the second user's crotch portion, and the eighth pocket area 224 may support the second user's thigh portion.

[0036] Each of the plurality of air pocket units 200 may include a plurality of air pockets 220a. In other words, the plurality of air pockets 220a may be included in a plurality of pocket regions 211, 212, 213, 214, 221, 222, 223, and 224, respectively. The plurality of air pockets 220a may store or discharge air pressurized by the plurality of pumps 400. The plurality of air pockets 220a may be arranged in a horizontal direction. The plurality of air pockets 220a may have different hardnesses as air is stored and discharged. In other words, the plurality of air pockets 220a may provide different hardnesses for different body parts of the user.

[0037] The flow channel 300 can provide a passageway for communicating with a plurality of air pocket units 200 to guide air to the air pocket units 200 or to exhaust air from the air pocket units 200. The flow channel 300 can include a first inlet flow path member 310, a second inlet flow path member 320, and an air flow path 330.

[0038] The first injection flow path member 310 may provide a passage for flowing air pressurized by one or more of the plurality of pumps 400 to the first air pocket unit 210 and for discharging air discharged from the first air pocket unit 210 to the outside. The first injection flow path member 310 may include a first injection flow path 311, a second injection flow path 312, a third injection flow path 313, a fourth injection flow path 314, and a fifth injection flow path 315.

[0039] The first injection flow passage 311 may provide a passage for flowing air to each of the second injection flow passage 312, the third injection flow passage 313, the fourth injection flow passage 314, and the fifth injection flow passage 315, and for discharging air discharged from the first air pocket unit 210 to the outside. Such a first injection flow passage 311 may be connected to the second injection flow passage 312, the third injection flow passage 313, the fourth injection flow passage 314, and the fifth injection flow passage 315. In addition, the first injection flow passage 311 may be connected to a first pump 410, which will be described later, among the multiple pumps 400.

[0040] The second inlet flow channel 312 may provide a passage for air to flow to the first pocket region 211 via the first inlet flow channel 311, or for air discharged from the first pocket region 211 to flow to the first inlet flow channel 311. Such a second inlet flow channel 312 may be in communication with the first pocket region 211.

[0041] The third inlet flow channel 313 may provide a passage for air to flow to the second pocket region 212 via the first inlet flow channel 311, or for air discharged from the second pocket region 212 to flow to the first inlet flow channel 311. Such a third inlet flow channel 313 may be in communication with the second pocket region 212.

[0042] The fourth inlet flow channel 314 may provide a passage for air to flow to the third pocket region 213 via the first inlet flow channel 311, or for air discharged from the third pocket region 213 to flow to the first inlet flow channel 311. Such a fourth inlet flow channel 314 may be in communication with the third pocket region 213.

[0043] The fifth inlet flow channel 315 may provide a passage for air to flow to the fourth pocket region 214 via the first inlet flow channel 311, or for air discharged from the fourth pocket region 214 to flow to the first inlet flow channel 311. Such a fifth inlet flow channel 315 may be in communication with the fourth pocket region 214.

[0044] The second injection flow path member 320 may provide a passage for flowing air pressurized by one or more of the plurality of pumps 400 to the second air pocket unit 220, or for discharging air discharged from the second air pocket unit 220 to the outside. The second injection flow path member 320 may include a first injection connection flow path 321, a second injection connection flow path 322, a third injection connection flow path 323, a fourth injection connection flow path 324, and a fifth injection connection flow path 325.

[0045] The first injection connection flow path 321 can provide a passage for flowing air to each of the second injection connection flow path 322, the third injection connection flow path 323, the fourth injection connection flow path 324, and the fifth injection connection flow path 325, and for discharging air discharged from the second air pocket unit 220 to the outside. Such a first injection connection flow path 321 can be communicated with the second injection connection flow path 322, the third injection connection flow path 323, the fourth injection connection flow path 324, and the fifth injection connection flow path 325. In addition, the first injection connection flow path 321 may be connected to a second pump 420, which will be described later, among the multiple pumps 400.

[0046] The second injection connection channel 322 can provide a passage for air to flow to the fifth pocket region 221 via the first injection connection channel 321, or for air discharged from the fifth pocket region 221 to flow to the first injection connection channel 321. Such a second injection connection channel 322 can be in communication with the fifth pocket region 221.

[0047] The third inlet connection channel 323 can provide a passage for air to flow to the sixth pocket region 222 via the first inlet connection channel 321, or for air discharged from the sixth pocket region 222 to flow to the first inlet connection channel 321. Such a third inlet connection channel 323 can be in communication with the sixth pocket region 222.

[0048] The fourth inlet connection channel 324 can provide a passage for air to flow to the seventh pocket region 223 via the first inlet connection channel 321, or for air discharged from the seventh pocket region 223 to flow to the first inlet connection channel 321. Such a fourth inlet connection channel 324 can be in communication with the seventh pocket region 223.

[0049] The fifth inlet connection channel 325 can provide a passage for air to flow to the eighth pocket region 224 via the first inlet connection channel 321, or for air expelled from the eighth pocket region 224 to flow to the first inlet connection channel 321. Such a fifth inlet connection channel 325 can be in communication with the eighth pocket region 224.

[0050] The air flow passage 330 can provide a passage for air from the multiple pumps 400 to flow to either the first air pocket unit 210 or the second air pocket unit 220. Such an air flow passage 330 can be in communication with the first inlet flow passage member 310 and the second inlet flow passage member 320. For example, the air flow passage 330 can be disposed between the first inlet flow passage 311 and the first inlet connection passage 321.

[0051] The multiple pumps 400 may be activated to force air into one or more of the multiple air pocket units 200. Such multiple pumps 400 may include a first pump 410 and a second pump 420.

[0052] The first pump 410 may be driven to cause air to flow into one or more of the first injection flow path member 310 and the second injection flow path member 320. The first pump 410 may be connected to the first injection flow path member 310 to pressurize the air flowing through the first injection flow path member 310. For example, the first pump 410 may be provided on the first injection flow path 311.

[0053] The second pump 420 may be driven to cause air to flow into one or more of the first injection flow path member 310 and the second injection flow path member 320. Such a second pump 420 may be connected to the second injection flow path member 320 to pressurize the air flowing through the first injection flow path member 310. For example, the second pump 420 may be provided on the first injection connection flow path 321.

[0054] The valve unit 500 can include one or more valves that are selectively opened and closed to regulate the flow of air in the flow channel 300 and the plurality of air pocket units 200. The one or more valves can include a flow passage valve 510, a first inlet valve 520, a second inlet valve 530, a first exhaust valve 540, and a second exhaust valve 550.

[0055] The flow path valve 510 can selectively open and close the air flow path 330. When the air flow path 330 is opened by the flow path valve 510, the air pressurized by the pumps 400 can flow to the first air pocket unit 210 through the first injection path member 310 or to the second air pocket unit 220 through the second injection path member 320. When the air flow path 330 is closed by the flow path valve 510, the air pressurized by the first pump 410 can flow to the first air pocket unit 210 through the first injection path member 310, and the air pressurized by the second pump 420 can flow to the second air pocket unit 220 through the second injection path member 320.

[0056] One or more first injection valves 520 are provided and can selectively open and close the first injection channel member 310 to block the flow of air from entering the first air pocket unit 210. The first injection valves 520 can include a first main injection valve 521 and a plurality of first auxiliary injection valves 522.

[0057] The first main injection valve 521 can selectively open and close the first injection flow passage 311. When the first main injection valve 521 is opened, air pressurized by the first pump 410 can flow toward one or more of the second injection flow passage 312, the third injection flow passage 313, the fourth injection flow passage 314, and the fifth injection flow passage 315. In addition, when the first main injection valve 521 is opened, air discharged from the first air pocket unit 210 can flow toward the first exhaust valve 540.

[0058] The first auxiliary injection valves 522 are provided on the second injection flow passage 312, the third injection flow passage 313, the fourth injection flow passage 314, and the fifth injection flow passage 315, respectively, and can open and close the second injection flow passage 312, the third injection flow passage 313, the fourth injection flow passage 314, and the fifth injection flow passage 315. When one or more of the first auxiliary injection valves 522 are opened, air pressurized by the first pump 410 can flow into one or more of the first pocket area 211, the second pocket area 212, the third pocket area 213, and the fourth pocket area 214. When one or more of the first auxiliary injection valves 522 are opened, air discharged from at least one of the first pocket area 211, the second pocket area 212, the third pocket area 213, and the fourth pocket area 214 can flow into the first injection flow passage 311.

[0059] The second injection valve 530 can selectively open and close the second injection flow path member 320 to block the flow of the second air pocket unit 220 from entering the second air pocket unit 220. In addition, the second injection valve 530 can include a second main injection valve 531 and a plurality of second auxiliary injection valves 532.

[0060] The second main injection valve 531 can selectively open and close the first injection connection passage 321. When the second main injection valve 531 is opened, the air pressurized by the first pump 410 can flow toward one or more of the second injection connection passage 322, the third injection connection passage 323, the fourth injection connection passage 324, and the fifth injection connection passage 325. When the second main injection valve 531 is opened, the air discharged from the second air pocket unit 220 can flow toward the first exhaust valve 540.

[0061] The second auxiliary injection valves 532 are provided on the second injection connection channel 322, the third injection connection channel 323, the fourth injection connection channel 324, and the fifth injection connection channel 325, respectively, and can open and close the second injection connection channel 322, the third injection connection channel 323, the fourth injection connection channel 324, and the fifth injection connection channel 325. When one or more of the second auxiliary injection valves 532 are opened, the air pressurized by the second pump 420 can flow to one or more of the fifth pocket region 221, the sixth pocket region 222, the seventh pocket region 223, and the eighth pocket region 224. When one or more of the second auxiliary injection valves 532 are opened, the air discharged from one or more of the sixth pocket region 222, the seventh pocket region 223, and the eighth pocket region 224 can flow to the first injection connection channel 321.

[0062] The first exhaust valve 540 is provided on the first injection flow path member 310 and can open and close the first injection flow path member 310 so that air is discharged from the first injection flow path member 310 to the outside. For example, the first exhaust valve 540 may be provided on the first injection flow path 311. When such a first exhaust valve 540 is opened, the hardness of the first air pocket unit 210 can be reduced. In addition, when the first exhaust valve 540 is opened, the first main injection valve 521 and the plurality of first auxiliary injection valves 522 can also be opened.

[0063] The second exhaust valve 550 is provided on the second injection flow path member 320 and can open and close the second injection flow path member 320 so as to exhaust air from the second air pocket unit 220. For example, the second exhaust valve 550 may be provided on the first injection connection flow path 321. When such a second exhaust valve 550 is opened, the hardness of the second air pocket unit 220 can be reduced.

[0064] The sensor unit 600 can sense the pressure of the plurality of air pocket units 200. The sensor unit 600 can include a first sensor portion 610 and a second sensor portion 620.

[0065] The first sensor unit 610 can sense the pressure of the first air pocket unit 210. The pressure sensed by the first sensor unit 610 can be the average pressure of the multiple pocket regions 211, 212, 213, and 214 of the first air pocket unit 210.

[0066] The second sensor unit 620 can sense the pressure of the second air pocket unit 220. The pressure sensed by the second sensor unit 620 can be the average pressure of the multiple pocket regions 221, 222, 223, and 224 of the second air pocket unit 220.

[0067] Through the operation unit 700, the user can adjust the hardness level of the air pocket unit 200, which will be described later. The operation unit 700 is operated to change the hardness of one or more of the plurality of air pocket units 200 or to select one or more of the plurality of air pocket units 200, and can transmit a signal to the controller 800 wirelessly or wired. The signal can include one or more of a signal for selecting one or more of the plurality of air pocket units 200, a signal for changing a current hardness level, which is a currently set hardness level, of the selected air pocket unit 200, which will be described later, to a changed hardness level, which is another hardness level, a signal for selecting a control mode, which will be described later, a signal for terminating the control mode, and a signal for selecting a time during which the control mode operates. For example, the operation unit 700 may be a remote control, an operation panel including a plurality of buttons, or the like. In addition, the operation unit 700 may be provided with a display panel, and information of the mattress assembly 10 can be displayed on the display panel. For example, the information can include the pressure, hardness level, control mode, control mode operation time, etc. of the plurality of air pocket units 200.

[0068] On the other hand, the function of the operation unit 700 may be realized by a portable terminal such as a smartphone. In other words, since the controller 800 can be operated by an external signal input by an application of a portable terminal such as a smartphone, the operation unit 700 in the mattress assembly 10 is not necessarily an essential component and can be omitted.

[0069] The controller 800 may control the plurality of pumps 400 and the valve unit 500 so that the hardness of one or more of the plurality of air pocket units 200 is set to one of a plurality of preset hardness levels in response to a signal from the outside. The hardness level may be a pressure value previously input to the controller 800 to adjust the hardness of the air pocket unit 200. As the hardness level increases, the internal pressure and hardness of the air pocket unit 200 may increase. For example, the plurality of hardness levels may include a total of nine hardness levels in which the hardness level increases as the internal pressure of the air pocket unit 200 increases. In addition, the predetermined pressures corresponding to the total of nine hardness levels may be 1st stage: 0.14 psi, 2nd stage: 0.28 psi, 3rd stage: 0.42 psi, 4th stage: 0.56 psi, 5th stage: 0.70 psi, 6th stage: 0.84 psi, 7th stage: 0.98 psi, 8th stage: 1.12 psi, and 9th stage: 1.34 psi. In other words, the pressure may increase by 0.14 psi for each stage. The external signal may be a signal input from the operation unit 700 or a signal input from an application of a mobile terminal, etc. Also, the plurality of hardness levels may include three or more hardness levels.

[0070] 4 and 5, for example, the controller 800 can selectively change the hardness of only one of the plurality of air pocket units 200 in response to an external signal. In other words, the controller 800 can close either the first injection valve 520 or the second injection valve 530 and open the flow passage valve 510 so that the hardness of only one of the first air pocket unit 210 and the second air pocket unit 220 is changed by the air flowing in by the first pump 410 and the second pump 420.

[0071] 6, as another example, the controller 800 may change the hardness of the plurality of air pocket units 200 according to an external signal. That is, the controller 800 may open the first injection valve 520 and the second injection valve 530 and close the flow passage valve 510 so that the hardness of the first air pocket unit 210 changes according to the air flowed in by the first pump 410, and the hardness of the second air pocket unit 220 changes according to the air flowed in by the second pump 420.

[0072] 7-9, the controller 800 can control the plurality of pumps 400 and the valve units 500 based on one or more control modes to change the hardness of one or more of the plurality of air pocket units 200. The one or more control modes can include a relax mode and a scan mode.

[0073] The relax mode is a mode in which a relax drive is performed one or more times to vary the hardness of one or more of the plurality of air pocket units 200. The relax mode can repeatedly change the hardness of the air pocket units 200 in a predetermined pattern to provide a massage-like feeling and comfort to a user lying on the mattress assembly 10. As a more specific example, the relax mode can repeatedly provide different hardnesses for different body parts of the user in a predetermined pattern to provide different massage feelings for different body parts of the user. In the relax mode, the controller 800 can control the plurality of valves 510, 520, 530, 540, 550 and the plurality of pumps 400 so that the relax drive is repeated. In other words, the relax drive can be repeated multiple times for a predetermined mode operation time set by a signal. For example, the mode operation time can be 5 to 20 minutes.

[0074] In such a relax drive, the valves 510, 520, 530, 540, 550 and the pumps 400 can be controlled to change the hardness of any of the pocket regions 211, 212, 213, 214, 221, 222, 223, 224 of the air pocket unit 200 selected by an external signal for a predetermined first opening time. By such a relax drive, air can flow into any of the pocket regions 211, 212, 213, 214, 221, 222, 223, 224 of the selected air pocket unit 200, and the hardness can be increased. For example, the first opening time can be 12 seconds to 18 seconds.

[0075] As an example, in the relaxation drive, in response to an external signal, the first main injection valve 521 and one of the multiple first auxiliary injection valves 522 can be opened and multiple pumps 400 can be operated so that air flows into the second pocket area 212 and the third pocket area 213 of the selected first air pocket unit 210 for a first opening time.

[0076] As another example, in the relaxation drive, the first main injection valve 521, the second main injection valve 531, one of the multiple first auxiliary injection valves 522, and one of the multiple second auxiliary injection valves 532 are opened and the multiple pumps 400 are operated so that air flows into the second pocket area 212, the third pocket area 213, the sixth pocket area 222, and the seventh pocket area of ​​the multiple air pocket units 200 selected by an external signal for a first opening time.

[0077] In addition, in the relax drive, the valves 510, 520, 530, 540, 550 and the pumps 400 can be controlled so that the hardness of the other part of the pocket regions 211, 212, 213, 214, 221, 222, 223, 224 of the air pocket unit 200 selected by an external signal changes for a predetermined second open time after the first open time. By such a relax drive, air can flow into the other part of the pocket regions 211, 212, 213, 214, 221, 222, 223, 224 of the selected air pocket unit 200, and the hardness can increase. For example, the second open time can be 12 seconds to 18 seconds.

[0078] As an example, in the relax drive, the first main injection valve 521 and some of the first auxiliary injection valves 522 are opened and the multiple pumps 400 are driven so that air flows into the first pocket area 211 and the second pocket area 212 of the first air pocket unit 210 selected by an external signal for a second opening time.

[0079] As another example, in the relaxation drive, the first main injection valve 521, the second main injection valve 531, other parts of the multiple first auxiliary injection valves 522, and other parts of the multiple second auxiliary injection valves 532 are opened to control the multiple pumps 400 so that air flows into the first pocket area 211, the fourth pocket area 214, the fifth pocket area 221, and the eighth pocket area 224 of the multiple air pocket units 200 selected by an external signal during a second opening time.

[0080] In addition, in the relaxation drive, at least some of the valves 510, 520, 530, 540, and 550 may be opened so that the pocket regions 211, 212, 213, 214, 221, 222, 223, and 224 of the air pocket unit 200 selected by an external signal before the pump 400 operates are communicated with each other for a predetermined relaxation waiting time. For example, the relaxation waiting time may be 1 to 2 seconds. Through the relaxation waiting time, the pocket regions 211, 212, 213, 214, 221, 222, 223, and 224 may form a pressure equilibrium.

[0081] As an example, in the relaxation drive, a plurality of first injection valves 520 may be opened so that the first pocket area 211, the second pocket area 212, the third pocket area 213 and the fourth pocket area 214 of the first air pocket unit 210 selected by an external signal are connected to each other during the relaxation waiting time.

[0082] As another example, in the relaxation drive, the first injection valve 520 and the second injection valve 530 can be opened so that the multiple pocket regions 211, 212, 213, 214, 221, 222, 223, 224 of the multiple air pocket units 200 selected by an external signal are in communication during the relaxation waiting time.

[0083] In addition, in the relaxation drive, after the relaxation standby time, at least some of the valves 510, 520, 530, 540, 550 may be opened so that air is discharged from the air pocket unit 200 selected by an external signal for a predetermined relaxation discharge time. For example, the relaxation discharge time may be 20 to 30 seconds.

[0084] As an example, in the relaxation drive, after the relaxation standby time, the first inlet valve 520 and the first exhaust valve 540 can be opened so that air is discharged from the first air pocket unit 210 selected by an external signal for the relaxation discharge time.

[0085] As another example, in the relaxation drive, after the relaxation standby time, the first inlet valve 520, the second inlet valve 530, the first exhaust valve 540, and the second exhaust valve 550 can be opened so that air is exhausted from a plurality of air pocket units 200 selected by an external signal for the relaxation exhaust time.

[0086] In addition, in the relax drive, if the pressure of the selected air pocket unit 200 measured by the sensor unit 600 is lower than a reference pressure preset in the controller 800 after the second open time, the pumps 400 may be driven again to reach the reference pressure. Such a relax drive may end without driving the pumps 400 if the pressure of the air pocket unit 200 selected by an external signal is equal to or higher than the reference pressure after the second open time.

[0087] For example, in the relax drive, if the pressure of the first air pocket unit 210 selected by an external signal is lower than the reference pressure after the second opening time, the first pump 410 and the second pump 420 may be driven again. Also, the relax drive may end without driving the first pump 410 and the second pump 420 if the pressure of the selected first air pocket unit 210 is higher than the reference pressure.

[0088] As another example, in the relax drive, if the pressure of each of the plurality of air pocket units 200 selected by an external signal is lower than the reference pressure after the second opening time, the first pump 410 and the second pump 420 may be driven again. Also, the relax drive may end without driving the first pump 410 and the second pump 420 if the pressure of each of the plurality of selected air pocket units 200 is higher than the reference pressure.

[0089] When the relax mode ends, the controller 800 can open at least a part of the valves 510, 520, 530, 540, 550 so that the pocket regions 211, 212, 213, 214, 221, 222, 223, 224 of the air pocket unit 200 selected by an external signal communicate with each other for a predetermined grace period. For example, the grace period can be 1 to 3 seconds. Due to this grace period, the pocket regions 211, 212, 213, 214, 221, 222, 223, 224 can form a pressure equilibrium. In addition, the controller 800 can control the valves 510, 520, 530, 540, 550 so that air is discharged from the selected air pocket unit 200 for a predetermined exhaust time after the grace period. For example, the exhaust time can be 8 to 12 seconds.

[0090] As an example, the controller 800 can open the plurality of first inlet valves 520 for a grace period so that the first pocket region 211, the second pocket region 212, the third pocket region 213, and the fourth pocket region 214 of the first air pocket unit 210 selected by an external signal are in communication with each other. After the grace period, the controller 800 can open the first inlet valve 520 and the first exhaust valve 540 for an exhaust period so that air is exhausted from the first air pocket unit 210 selected by an external signal.

[0091] As another example, the controller 800 may open the first injection valve 520 and the second injection valve 530 for a grace period so that air flows in to communicate the pocket regions 211, 212, 213, 214, 221, 222, 223, and 224 of the air pocket units 200 selected by an external signal. In addition, the controller 800 may open the first injection valve 520, the second injection valve 530, the first exhaust valve 540, and the second exhaust valve 550 for an exhaust time so that air is exhausted from the air pocket units 200 selected by an external signal after the grace period.

[0092] The controller 800 can restart the pump 400 to reach the reference pressure if the pressure of the selected air pocket unit 200 measured by the sensor unit 600 is lower than the preset reference pressure after the exhaust time. For example, the controller 800 can restart the first pump 410 and the second pump 420 if the pressure of the selected first air pocket unit 210 is lower than the reference pressure after the exhaust time.

[0093] In addition, the controller 800 can control the pumps 400 and the valves 510, 520, 530, 540, 550 so that air does not flow into the pocket regions 211, 212, 213, 214, 221, 222, 223, 224 of the selected air pocket unit 200 when the pressure of the selected air pocket unit 200 measured by the sensor unit 600 is equal to or higher than the reference pressure after the exhaust time. For example, the controller 800 can stop the first pump 410 and the second pump 420 and close the first injection valves 520 when the pressure of the selected first air pocket unit 210 is equal to or higher than the reference pressure after the exhaust time.

[0094] The scan mode is a mode in which the hardness level of one or more of the plurality of air pocket units 200 is increased or decreased by 3 or more. Such a scan mode can be executed to search for a hardness level that suits the user lying on the mattress assembly 10. For example, during the scan mode, the hardness of the air pocket unit 200 can be changed sequentially from the lowest hardness level to the highest hardness level, and the user can select the desired hardness level by stopping the change of the hardness level when the desired hardness level is reached. Through the scan mode, the hardness level may be set to any of the previously input hardness levels, or may be set to a hardness level that corresponds to the middle of the previously input hardness levels.

[0095] The controller 800 can control the pumps 400 and the valves 510, 520, 530, 540, 550 so that air is discharged from the air pocket unit 200 selected by an external signal during the scan discharge time in the scan mode. For example, the scan discharge time can be 18 to 22 seconds.

[0096] As an example, when in scan mode, the controller 800 can stop the multiple pumps 400 and open the first injection valve 520 and the first exhaust valve 540 so that air is discharged from the first air pocket unit 210 selected by an external signal for the scan discharge time.

[0097] As another example, when in scan mode, the controller 800 can stop the multiple pumps 400 and open the first injection valve 520, the second injection valve 530, the first exhaust valve 540, and the second exhaust valve 550 so that air is exhausted from the multiple air pocket units 200 selected by an external signal for the scan exhaust time.

[0098] In addition, the controller 800 can control the plurality of pumps 400 and the plurality of valves 510, 520, 530, 540, 550 so that in the scan mode, the scan mode is performed for the air pocket unit 200 selected by an external signal after the discharge time.

[0099] For example, the controller 800 may drive the first pump 410 and the second pump 420 and open the first injection valve 520 in order to increase the current hardness level of the first air pocket unit 210 selected from the plurality of air pocket units 200 by 3 or more in the scan mode. Prior to the injection of air into the first air pocket unit 210, air may be discharged from the first air pocket unit 210 for a discharge time.

[0100] As another example, the controller 800 may drive the first pump 410 and the second pump 420 and open the first injection valve 520 and the second injection valve 530 in order to increase the current hardness level of the selected plurality of air pocket units 200 by 3 or more during the scan mode. Thus, prior to the injection of air into the selected plurality of air pocket units 200, air may be discharged from the selected plurality of air pocket units 200 for a discharge time.

[0101] In addition, when the scan mode is terminated by a signal, the controller 800 can control the plurality of pumps 400 and the plurality of valves 510, 520, 530, 540, 550 so that the hardness level of the selected air pocket unit 200 is maintained at the time the termination signal is generated.

[0102] As an example, the controller 800 can stop driving the multiple pumps 400 and close the first exhaust valve 540 and the first injection valve 520 so that the hardness of the first air pocket unit 210 selected by the end signal is maintained.

[0103] As another example, the controller 800 can stop driving the multiple pumps 400 and close the first injection valve 520, the second injection valve 530, the first exhaust valve 540 and the second exhaust valve 550 so that the hardness of the multiple air pocket units 200 selected by the termination signal is maintained.

[0104] Hereinafter, the operation and effects of the mattress assembly 10 and the furniture 1 including the same according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0105] The flow channel valve 510 of the mattress assembly 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention allows pressurized air from the multiple pumps 400 to rapidly flow into either the first air pocket unit 210 or the second air pocket unit 220. In other words, the hardness of the first air pocket unit 210 or the second air pocket unit 220 can be rapidly increased by the air flowing in by the multiple pumps 400.

[0106] In addition, the controller 800 of the mattress assembly 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention can control the multiple pumps 400 and the multiple valves 510, 520, 530, 540, 550 as described below when one of the multiple air pocket units 200 is selected by the operating unit 700 and a mode is selected.

[0107] In the relax drive of the relax mode, at least some of the valves 510, 520, 530, 540, 550 may be opened so that the pocket regions 211, 212, 213, 214, 221, 222, 223, 224 of the selected air pocket unit 200 communicate with each other during the relax wait time. After the relax wait time, at least some of the valves 510, 520, 530, 540, 550 may be opened so that air is discharged from the selected air pocket unit 200.

[0108] Thereafter, the multiple valves 510, 520, 530, 540, 550 and the multiple pumps 400 can be controlled during the first opening time so that the hardness of any of the multiple pocket regions 211, 212, 213, 214, 221, 222, 223, 224 of the selected air pocket unit 200 increases. After the first opening time, the multiple valves 510, 520, 530, 540, 550 and the multiple pumps 400 can be controlled during the second opening time so that the hardness of some other of the multiple pocket regions 211, 212, 213, 214, 221, 222, 223, 224 of the selected air pocket unit 200 increases.

[0109] After the second opening time, if the pressure of the selected air pocket unit 200 is higher than the reference pressure, one relaxation drive can be completed without driving the plurality of pumps 400. Also, after the second opening time, if the pressure of the selected air pocket unit 200 is lower than the reference pressure, the plurality of pumps 400 are driven again to make the pressure equal to or higher than the reference pressure, and when the pressure of the selected air pocket unit 200 becomes equal to or higher than the reference pressure, one relaxation drive can be completed.

[0110] When the relax mode is terminated, the valves 510, 520, 530, 540, 550 may be controlled so that the pocket regions 211, 212, 213, 214, 221, 222, 223, 224 communicate with each other for a grace period. After the grace period, the valves 510, 520, 530, 540, 550 may be controlled so that air is exhausted from the selected air pocket unit 200 for a predetermined exhaust period.

[0111] After the exhaust time, if the pressure of the selected air pocket unit 200 is equal to or higher than the reference pressure, the pumps 400 and the valves 510, 520, 530, 540, 550 can be controlled to prevent air from flowing into the pocket regions 211, 212, 213, 214, 221, 222, 223, 224 of the selected air pocket unit 200. Also, if the pressure of the selected air pocket unit 200 is lower than the reference pressure after the exhaust time, the pump 400 can be driven again to make the pressure equal to or higher than the reference pressure.

[0112] The hardness of any one of the plurality of pocket regions 211, 212, 213, 214, 221, 222, 223, 224 of the air pocket unit 200 selected according to the relaxation mode can be changed to be different from the hardness of the other portions, so that different hardness can be provided to different parts of the user's body. In other words, the mattress assembly 10 can provide a massage to the user in the relaxation mode.

[0113] Also, in the scan mode, the pumps 400 and the valves 510, 520, 530, 540, 550 may be controlled to discharge air from the selected air pocket unit 200 during the scan discharge time. After the scan discharge time, the pumps 400 and the valves 510, 520, 530, 540, 550 may be controlled to flow air into the selected air pocket unit 200 and increase the current hardness level of the selected air pocket unit 200.

[0114] Also, when the scan mode is ended by a signal, the plurality of pumps 400 and the plurality of valves 510, 520, 530, 540, 550 can be controlled so that the hardness level of the selected air pocket unit 200 at the time the signal was generated is maintained.

[0115] Such a scan mode allows the user to select a hardness of the air pocket unit 200 that suits his / her body. In other words, the mattress assembly 10 can provide a hardness that suits the user's body.

[0116] Such a scan mode allows the user to select a hardness that suits his / her body of the air pocket unit 200. In other words, the mattress assembly 10 can provide a hardness that suits the user's body.

[0117] Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described above as a specific example, this is merely an example, and the present invention is not limited thereto, and should be interpreted as having the widest scope according to the technical ideas disclosed in this specification. A person skilled in the art can combine / replace the disclosed examples to implement patterns of shapes not shown, but this will not depart from the scope of the present invention. Furthermore, a person skilled in the art can easily modify or change the disclosed examples based on this specification, and it is clear that such modifications or changes also fall within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. a plurality of air pocket units including a first air pocket unit and a second air pocket unit capable of storing air to support a user; a flow channel providing a passageway through which the air flows; a plurality of pumps, including a first pump and a second pump, for directing the air into at least one of the plurality of air pocket units; a valve unit including a plurality of valves selectively opened and closed to regulate the flow of air in the flow channel and the plurality of air pocket units; a controller that controls the pumps and the valve unit so as to vary the hardness of one or more of the air pocket units; The flow channel includes a first injection flow path member that provides a passage for the air to flow from the first pump to the first air pocket unit, a second injection flow path member that provides a passage for the air to flow from the second pump to the second air pocket unit, and an air flow path that communicates with the first injection flow path member and the second injection flow path member, the plurality of valves includes a flow path valve that selectively opens and closes the air flow path; The controller: controlling the plurality of pumps and the flow passage valve so that the hardness of at least one of the first air pocket unit and the second air pocket unit is changed by the air introduced by the plurality of pumps; Mattress assembly.

2. The one or more valves include a first injection valve that opens and closes the first injection flow path member so that the air flows into the first air pocket unit; A second injection valve that opens and closes the second injection flow path member so that the air flows into the second air pocket unit, The controller: the hardness of only one of the first air pocket unit and the second air pocket unit is changed by the air flowing in by the first pump and the second pump; 2. The mattress assembly of claim 1, wherein either the first inlet valve or the second inlet valve is closed and the flow path valve is open.

3. Each of the plurality of air pocket units is divided into a plurality of pocket regions, The controller: controlling the plurality of pumps and the valve unit based on one or more control modes so that the hardness of one or more of the plurality of air pocket units is changed; The one or more control modes include a relaxation mode in which a relaxation drive is performed one or more times to vary the hardness of one or more of the plurality of air pocket units, In the relaxation drive, The mattress assembly of claim 1, characterized in that when one or more of the multiple air pocket units are selected by an external signal and the relax mode is selected, the valve unit and the pump are controlled so that the hardness of some of the multiple pocket areas of the selected air pocket unit changes for a predetermined first opening time and the hardness of other some of the multiple pocket areas of the selected air pocket unit changes for a predetermined second opening time.

4. In the relaxation drive, at least a portion of the valves are opened such that the pocket regions of the selected air pocket unit communicate with each other for a predetermined relax wait time before the pump is operated; The mattress assembly of claim 3, wherein at least a portion of the plurality of valves are opened so that the air is discharged from the selected air pocket unit for a predetermined relaxation discharge time after the relaxation wait time.

5. Further comprising a sensor unit for sensing pressure of the plurality of air pocket units; The relaxation drive is After the second opening time, If the pressure of the selected air pocket unit measured via the sensor unit is lower than a preset reference pressure, the pump is re-driven to reach the reference pressure, and if the pressure of the selected air pocket unit is equal to or higher than the preset reference pressure, the process ends; If the pressure of the selected air pocket unit measured by the sensor unit is equal to or higher than a preset reference pressure, the process ends without driving the pump; The mattress assembly of claim 3 , wherein the controller controls the valve unit and the pump so that the relaxation drive is repeated multiple times.

6. Further comprising a sensor unit for sensing pressure of the plurality of air pocket units; The controller: When the relaxation mode is terminated, the valve unit is controlled so that the pocket regions of the selected air pocket unit are in communication with each other for a predetermined grace period, and after the grace period, the air is discharged from the selected air pocket unit for a predetermined exhaust time. After the exhaust time, If the pressure of the selected air pocket unit measured by the sensor unit is lower than a preset reference pressure, restarting the pump to reach the reference pressure; The mattress assembly of claim 3, characterized in that if the pressure of the selected air pocket unit measured by the sensor unit is equal to or greater than a preset reference pressure, the pump and the valve unit are controlled so that the air does not flow into the pocket area of ​​the selected air pocket unit.

7. The controller is preset with three or more hardness levels for the hardness of the air pocket unit, The one or more control modes further include a scan mode that increases or decreases the hardness level of one or more of the plurality of air pocket units by 3 or more; The controller: The mattress assembly of claim 3, characterized in that when one or more of a plurality of air pocket units is selected by an external signal, the pump and the valve unit are controlled so that the scan mode is performed for the selected air pocket unit.

8. The controller: The mattress assembly of claim 7, characterized in that when the scan mode is terminated by an external signal, the pump and the valve unit are controlled so as to maintain the hardness level of the selected air pocket unit at the time the external signal occurs.

9. A mattress assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 8; a backrest disposed on one side of the mattress assembly. furniture.

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