Functional mat with cooling function

Abstract

The present invention provides a functional mat with a cooling function, comprising a mat module (10) which is made of silicone material, has a plurality of through-holes (11) formed vertically therethrough, and has a plurality of refrigerant hoses (30) that are sealed while being provided with refrigerant therein and are arranged to be spaced apart by certain intervals from each other, wherein the functional mat consists of either the mat module (10) or a plurality of mat modules (10) connected to each other, according to a user's needs.

Description

Functional mat with cooling function

[0001] The present invention relates to a functional mat having a cooling function, and more specifically, to a mat having a simple structure, having a cooling function, and which can be configured to have different properties for each mat section by interconnecting a plurality of mat modules having different properties, if desired by a user.

[0002] In general, existing hot and cold water mats are used by zigzagging hoses for transporting heat medium on a base material of a certain size, and then circulating hot or cold water within the hoses.

[0003] The existing hot and cold water mats of this structure had the problem of having a very complex structure because a device had to be installed externally to continuously supply hot or cold water into the hose.

[0004] Meanwhile, conventional cold water mats (cool sheets) have a structure in which a heat medium (refrigerant) is filled inside a pocket-shaped sheet member, and these cool sheets usually absorb the temperature in the air.

[0005] The heat medium used by filling in the above-mentioned cold water mat is made of a mixture of superabsorbent resin and water, and since the heat medium is filled in the entire interior of the sheet member, when pressure is applied to the heat medium, a phenomenon of it being pushed to one side of the cold water mat (cool sheet) may occur, and accordingly, the efficiency of the cold water mat is reduced, and since there is no cushioning, it cannot function as a mattress, and there was a problem in that it can only be used as a sheet laid on top of a mattress.

[0006] (Prior art document) Republic of Korea Publication Patent No. 10-2021-0073237

[0007] The present invention is intended to solve the above-described problems, and its purpose is to provide a functional mat having a simple structure and a cooling function that does not allow cold air to directly touch the user's skin.

[0008] In addition, the purpose of the present invention is to provide a functional mat having a cooling function and having various physical properties for each part.

[0009] In order to achieve the above-described purpose, the present invention provides a functional mat with a cooling function, which is composed of a mat module (10) made of an elastic material, in which a plurality of holes (11) are formed to penetrate upward and downward, and in which a plurality of refrigerant hoses (30) are provided with a refrigerant inside and sealed and are arranged at a certain interval, and in which one or more mat modules (10) are connected according to the needs of the user.

[0010] At this time, a plurality of ventilation grooves (12) formed to be thinner than the surrounding thickness of the mat module (10) may be provided on the lower surface of the mat module (10) at a certain interval from each other, so that air may flow along the ventilation grooves (12).

[0011] Additionally, the size and height of the above-mentioned hole (11) may be formed differently for each part of the mat module (10).

[0012] Additionally, the mat module (10) may be made of SEBS (Styrene-Ethylene-Butylene-Styrene) material.

[0013] Additionally, a cooling plate (40) may be further provided at the bottom of the mat module (10).

[0014] At this time, the refrigerant may be composed of phase change materials (PCM).

[0015] Here, the structure in which a plurality of refrigerant hoses (30) are mounted on the mat module (10) is preferably configured such that a plurality of cut portions (13) cut with a predetermined width are formed on the lower surface of the mat module (10), and a plurality of refrigerant hoses (30) are respectively inserted and mounted into each of the cut portions (13), or a plurality of mat module insertion ports (14) are formed extending from one side of the mat module (10) to the inside, and a plurality of refrigerant hoses (30) are respectively inserted and mounted into each of the mat module insertion ports (14).

[0016] In addition, when the mat module (10) is composed of multiple pieces, the thickness of each mat module (10) or the size and height of the hole (11) can be adjusted to provide multiple mat modules with different properties, and multiple mat modules (10) with different properties can be appropriately connected and configured according to the user's needs.

[0017] According to the present invention, there is an advantage in that a functional mat is provided that has a simple structure and a cooling function configured to prevent cold air from directly contacting the user's skin.

[0018] In addition, according to the present invention, there is an advantage in that a functional mat having a cooling function and various properties for each part is provided by connecting a plurality of mat modules (10) with different properties as needed to form a mattress.

[0019] Figure 1 is a bottom perspective view showing a mat module according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 2 is a side view of a mat module according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 3 is a side view of a mat module according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 4 is a bottom perspective view showing the ventilation groove structure of a mat module according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 5 is a bottom perspective view showing the ventilation groove structure of a mat module according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] FIG. 6 is a drawing showing a mattress configured by connecting a plurality of mat modules according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In describing the embodiments of the present invention, details not directly related to the technical features of the present invention, or matters obvious to those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains, or parts that can be applied repeatedly to each embodiment, will be omitted.

[0026] And the terms described below are terms defined in consideration of their functions in the present invention, and may vary depending on the intention or custom of the user or operator, so their definitions should be made based on the contents throughout this specification explaining the present invention.

[0027]

[0028] The mat according to the present invention is a mat equipped with a cooling function, and one or more mat modules (10), which are basic unit chains, are prepared and used singly or by connecting them together.

[0029] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the bottom of a mat module according to one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the mat module (10) is made of an elastic material and has a plurality of holes (11) formed to penetrate upward and downward.

[0030] The above mat module (10) may be made of any elastic material such as silicone, rubber, or other synthetic resin, but it is most preferable to use SEBS (Styrene-Ethylene-Butylene-Styrene) material, which is suitable for medical use and environmentally friendly.

[0031] The above-mentioned perforation (11) may be formed throughout the entire mat module (10), or, although not shown, the perforation (11) may be formed only in a desired portion and the remaining portion may be blocked in order to partially control the strength of the mat.

[0032] In addition, the above-mentioned hole (11) may be configured in various shapes such as circular or rectangular, but is preferably configured in a honeycomb-shaped pattern, which is a stable structure. In addition, the above-mentioned hole (11) may be configured to have different sizes (diameters) and heights for each section of the mat module (10), so that the mat module (10) may have different physical properties for each section.

[0033] In the above mat module (10), a plurality of refrigerant hoses (30) are arranged at regular intervals. The refrigerant hoses (30) are hoses of a predetermined length that contain refrigerant inside and are sealed. There are no particular restrictions on the material thereof, such as synthetic resin or metal. However, it is preferable to use a synthetic resin material that can be bent so that the user does not feel stiff when lying down, sitting down, or standing on the mat module (10).

[0034] As a method of mounting the above refrigerant hose (30) to the mat module (10), as shown in FIG. 1, a method of forming a plurality of cut portions (13) with a predetermined width and length on the lower surface of the mat module (10) and then mounting the refrigerant hose (30) by inserting it into each of the cut portions (13) may be used.

[0035] As another embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, an opening is formed on one side of the mat module (10), and a mat module insertion port (14) is formed extending from the opening to the inside of the mat module (10), so that a plurality of the respective refrigerant hoses (30) can be inserted and mounted in the mat module insertion port (14).

[0036] In addition, as illustrated in FIGS. 2 to 5, a sheet (20) may be attached to the surface of the mat module (10). The sheet (20) may be made of either natural or synthetic fiber, and the attachment method is not particularly limited, but it is preferable to attach it by a method such as heat fusion without adhesive, if possible, depending on the intended use. As illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5, the sheet (20) may be attached by heat fusion to the surface of the mat module (10), and then the portion other than the mat module (10) may be removed and used. Alternatively, the sheet (20) may be cut to the same size as the mat module (10) and attached by heat fusion together.

[0037] The refrigerant injected into the refrigerant hose (30) may use various refrigerants, but it is preferable to use phase change materials (PCMs). The phase change materials (PCMs) are materials that repeatedly exhibit the characteristics of heat storage and heat generation by absorbing heat and liquefying when the surrounding temperature rises, and releasing heat by crystallizing when the surrounding temperature drops. They are environmentally friendly, have a semi-permanent lifespan, and have the advantages of stably changing phases at a set temperature. The phase change materials (PCMs) can be mixed and configured so that they change phases at a temperature desired by the user, such as 18°C, 24°C, or 28°C. A material with a desired phase change temperature can be selectively used according to the user's needs. For example, if the refrigerant is to be used by infants, the elderly, or patients, it is preferable to use a phase change material (PCM) that changes phase at 28°C, if possible, so that the user is less shocked by the cold and the refrigerant can be easily crystallized and cooled at room temperature.

[0038] Meanwhile, as illustrated in FIGS. 2 to 4, a plurality of ventilation grooves (12) formed to be thinner than the surrounding area on the lower surface of the mat module (10) may be formed at a predetermined interval so that air can flow along the ventilation grooves (12). The ventilation grooves (12) may be formed by forming the height of the hole (11) lower than the surrounding area. As indicated by the arrows in FIGS. 4 and 5, ventilation is possible as air flows along the ventilation grooves (12), so that air is not trapped in the mat module (10), allowing the user to use the mat more comfortably. When used as a mattress for a patient, bedsores can be prevented due to excellent ventilation.

[0039] Meanwhile, a cooling plate (40) made of a material with high thermal conductivity may be further provided on the lower surface of the mat module (10). When the temperature of the air within the opening (11) and the temperature of the refrigerant rise due to the user's use, the heat can be quickly discharged through ventilation through the ventilation groove (12), and the heat can also be discharged more quickly through the cooling plate (40).

[0040] The cooling plate (40) may be coupled by sliding by forming an “L” shaped support portion on the lower sides of the lower surface of the mat module (10), although not shown, and a sheet (20) may be attached to the lower surface of the mat module (10) and slidably inserted therein.

[0041] The above mat module (10) can be used by covering it or by contacting the user's skin with the sheet (20) attached to the mat module (10) without a cover.

[0042] The above mat module (10) is a completed mat in itself, and can be used as a cushion or laid on a baby stroller. However, as illustrated in FIG. 6, a plurality of the above mat modules (10) can be connected and used. The user can arrange and use the above mat modules (10) according to the desired size and shape. The method of connecting the above mat modules (10) may be any method that can connect two mat modules (10), such as a method of fitting them together using protrusions or tying them with strings. The above mat modules (10) can also be used by simply arranging them and covering them with a cover.

[0043] When using multiple mat modules (10) connected in this way, there is an advantage in that mat modules (10) with different properties can be placed and used in each section. For example, in the case of a mattress for a user's sleep, a mat module (10) with a higher strength can be placed and used in the section where the user's waist is located. In other words, there is an advantage in that various types of mat modules (10) with different properties can be prepared in advance to create and use the desired mat as needed. In addition, such mattresses have the advantage of being easy to fold and store.

[0044] The mat according to the present invention may be composed of mat modules (10) having different physical properties for each part within one mat module (10), and may also be assembled by preparing several types of mat modules (10) having different physical properties.

[0045] Meanwhile, in seasons such as winter when a cooling function is not required, the refrigerant hose (30) can be separated from the mat module (10) and the mat can be used without the refrigerant hose (30).

[0046] According to the mat of the present invention, since the refrigerant hose (30) does not directly contact the user's skin, it is particularly suitable for patients with bedsores, infants, or the elderly, and can be used not only as a general sleeping mattress but also as a yoga mat, cushion, indoor footrest, etc., and can also be applied to small products such as shoe insoles. In the case of shoe insoles, a shoe-shaped mat module can be manufactured and used, and the insole can be divided into two parts, the front end and the rear end, and mat modules with different properties can be combined and used.

[0047] Although the above description is limited to preferred embodiments of the present invention, these are merely examples, and the present invention is not limited thereto and may be implemented by being modified in various ways, and further, it will be obvious that separate technical features may be added and implemented based on the disclosed technical idea.

Claims

1. It is composed of a mat module (10) made of elastic material, with multiple holes (11) formed to penetrate upward and downward, and multiple refrigerant hoses (30) sealed with refrigerant inside are arranged at a certain interval. A functional mat equipped with a cooling function, characterized in that one or more mat modules (10) are connected according to the user's needs.

2. In paragraph 1, A functional mat with a cooling function characterized in that a plurality of ventilation grooves (12) are formed on the lower surface of the mat module (10) so that the thickness of the mat module (10) is thinner than that of the surrounding area and are spaced apart from each other at a certain interval so that air flows along the ventilation grooves (12).

3. In paragraph 1, A functional mat with a cooling function, characterized in that the size and height of the above-mentioned hole (11) are formed differently for each section of the above-mentioned mat module (10).

4. In paragraph 1, The structure in which a plurality of the above refrigerant hoses (30) are mounted on the above mat module (10) is A plurality of cut portions (13) cut to a predetermined width are formed on the lower surface of the above mat module (10), and a plurality of the above refrigerant hoses (30) are inserted and mounted in each of the above cut portions (13). or A functional mat equipped with a cooling function, characterized in that a plurality of mat module insertion holes (14) are formed extending from one side of the mat module (10) to the inside, and a plurality of refrigerant hoses (30) are respectively inserted and mounted into each of the mat module insertion holes (14).

5. In paragraph 1, A functional mat having a cooling function, characterized in that the above refrigerant is a phase change material (PCM).

6. In paragraph 1, A functional mat with a cooling function characterized in that, when the above mat module (10) is composed of a plurality of pieces, the thickness of each mat module (10) or the size and height of the hole (11) are adjusted to provide a plurality of mat modules with different properties, and the plurality of mat modules (10) with different properties are appropriately connected according to the needs of the user.

7. In paragraph 1, The above mat module (10) is a functional mat with a cooling function characterized by being made of SEBS (Styrene-Ethylene-Butylene-Styrene) material.

8. In paragraph 1, A functional mat equipped with a cooling function, characterized in that a cooling plate (40) is further provided at the lower portion of the above mat module (10).

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