Mattress with ventilation function

Abstract

The invention relates to a mattress (100) with a ventilation function, which comprises an air distribution layer (110). Air can be supplied into the air distribution layer (110) via an air supply region (112), wherein the air can be released from the air distribution layer (110) via a plurality of air outlet openings (114). The air distribution layer (110) has a casing (116) in which the air outlet openings (114) and the air supply region (112) are formed. The air supply region (112) is arranged facing an underside (104) of the mattress (100) which faces away from a lying surface (102) of the mattress (100) or facing a side surface (106) of the mattress (100). The air outlet openings (114) are arranged facing the lying surface (102) of the mattress (100). The casing (116) is airtight except for the air outlet openings (114) and the air supply region (112). The air outlet openings (114) are arranged in a non-uniformly distributed manner according to a physiologically predefined pattern with respect to a plan view of the lying surface (102).

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] Mattress with ventilation function

[0003] The invention relates to a mattress with a ventilation function, in particular for cooling and optionally additionally heating a lying surface.

[0004] The microclimate in bed should be maintained within a thermoneutral range during sleep, ensuring that sleepers neither sweat nor feel cold and can enjoy undisturbed sleep. Excessively high or low ambient temperatures, possibly combined with an unsuitable duvet, can lead to either overheating or cold extremities (especially feet or hands) during sleep. Therefore, cooling and warming mattresses and toppers have been developed to try to restore the body's thermoneutrality. Cooling in ventilated mattresses can be achieved, for example, through a circulation system, air extraction, or the introduction of an airflow.

[0005] For example, at high ambient temperatures, cooling through a circulating system and air extraction may be insufficient. A targeted airflow directly onto the body is crucial, as this maximizes the convective heat dissipation. However, excessive localized cooling and / or excessive air velocity can lead to muscle tension in the affected area, potentially accompanied by pain. This is particularly noticeable in the neck and back, where drafts may occur. Furthermore, effective cooling can be challenging in areas where the majority of heat is generated. Regardless of the cooling capacity, the human body has varying densities of cold and warm receptors depending on the region, resulting in different perceptions of cooling as either cold or warm.

[0006] In particular, no mattress is known that offers a function optimized for the described challenges, combining cooling with optional additional heat input. Instead, mattresses with active temperature control via a liquid or gaseous medium or thermoelectrically, mattresses with uniform ventilation, air supply and extraction, and mattresses with inefficient airflow management involving extraction, circulation, and cooling of the entire sleeping surface are known.

[0007] The approach presented here aims to create an improved mattress with a ventilation function. According to the invention, this objective is achieved by a mattress with a ventilation function having the features of the main claim. Advantageous embodiments and further developments of the invention are described in the following dependent claims.

[0008] The advantages achievable with the invention lie particularly in the ability to adjust the airflow for cooling within a mattress according to demand. In summary, and expressed differently, the advantages of the invention lie particularly in the fact that cooling efficiency can be significantly increased, cooling can be optimized for the body areas where heat is generated, and hot spots can be avoided so that the cooling is perceived as pleasant. Advantageously, body characteristics, especially cold and heat receptors, can be taken into account. Thus, for example, sleep on the mattress can be made more restful and sleep quality can be improved.

[0009] A mattress with a ventilation function comprises an air distribution layer, wherein air can be supplied to the air distribution layer via an air supply area, wherein the air can be discharged from the air distribution layer via a plurality of air outlet openings, wherein the air distribution layer has a cover in which the air outlet openings and the air supply area are formed, wherein the air supply area is arranged facing an underside of the mattress or a side surface of the mattress away from a lying surface of the mattress, wherein the air outlet openings are arranged facing the lying surface of the mattress, wherein the cover is airtight except for the air outlet openings and the air supply area, wherein the air outlet openings are arranged unevenly distributed according to a physiologically predefined pattern with reference to a plan view of the lying surface.

[0010] The mattress can be designed as a complete or standalone mattress. It can also be designed as a mattress topper. The mattress can have a rectangular shape. The sleeping surface can also have a rectangular shape. The mattress can comprise the sleeping surface, the underside (facing away from the sleeping surface), and four sides. The cover can be breathable in the air intake and exhaust vents. The physiologically predefined pattern can take into account the arrangement and concentration of human heat and cold receptors.

[0011] According to one embodiment, the air distribution layer can include a filler element arranged within the shell. This filler element can be a foam with channels and / or an air-permeable mesh fabric. The channels can be air-permeable. The mesh fabric can be a three-dimensional mesh fabric or 3D mesh fabric. This advantageously provides support for the airtight shell.

[0012] Furthermore, at least some of the air outlet openings can have different dimensions. Such an embodiment offers the advantage that the ventilated and thus cooled area on the lying surface can be varied, so that body areas with less cooling requirements can be cooled less intensely by means of smaller air outlet openings, and body areas with higher cooling requirements can be cooled more intensely by means of larger air outlet openings.

[0013] Furthermore, at least some of the air outlet openings can have different spacings between them. Such an embodiment offers the advantage that the ventilated and thus cooled area on the lying surface can be varied, so that body areas with less cooling requirements can be cooled less intensely by means of air outlet openings with larger spacings, and body areas with higher cooling requirements can be cooled more intensely by means of air outlet openings with smaller spacings.

[0014] Furthermore, at least some of the air outlet openings can have different contours. Such an embodiment offers the advantage that the ventilated and thus cooled area on the lying surface can be varied, so that body areas with less cooling requirements can be cooled less intensely by means of air outlet openings with smaller hydraulic diameters, and body areas with higher cooling requirements can be cooled more intensely by means of air outlet openings with larger hydraulic diameters.

[0015] According to one embodiment, the mattress can have an air-permeable layered structure consisting of at least two layers for circulating the air emitted from the air outlet openings. This layered structure can be located between the sleeping surface and the cover of the air distribution layer on the side of the air outlet openings. For example, the layered structure can comprise two to four layers. Such an embodiment offers the advantage that the circulating air allows for a finer distribution, preventing it from directly impacting the skin. This avoids hot spots and results in a more uniform cooling effect. The resulting turbulence disrupts the boundary layer at the skin, which acts as a heat transfer surface, thus increasing the cooling performance.

[0016] The layered structure can consist of a top layer with optional additional spacer fabric and, additionally or alternatively, at least one intermediate layer made of mesh fabric or another type of fabric. This allows for particularly effective turbulence and fine distribution of the air.

[0017] The layered structure can also include a heating layer designed to heat at least a portion of the lying surface. Additionally or alternatively, the heating layer can be a heating mat or a perforated panel with heating wires. Such a design offers the advantage that, in addition to or as an alternative to ventilation, at least individual zones of the lying surface can be heated.

[0018] Furthermore, the layers of the structure can contain holes, at least some of which can have different dimensions and, additionally or alternatively, different contours. This allows for further improvement in air turbulence and fine distribution.

[0019] According to one embodiment, the mattress can have a foam core with perforations arranged to align with the air outlet openings. The foam core can be positioned adjacent to the surface of the air distribution layer on the side of the air outlet openings. In particular, the foam core can be located between the air distribution layer and the mattress's layered structure. Additionally or alternatively, the mattress can have a mattress core located between the air distribution layer and the underside of the mattress.

[0020] A method for operating an embodiment of a mattress with a ventilation function mentioned herein comprises a step of supplying air via the air supply area into the air distribution layer and a step of releasing the air from the air distribution layer via the plurality of air outlet openings.

[0021] Optionally, the method for operating the mattress, wherein the mattress includes the heating layer, additionally includes applying an electric current to the heating layer.

[0022] An embodiment of the invention is shown purely schematically in the drawings and is described in more detail below. It shows

[0023] Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of a mattress with a ventilation function;

[0024] Figure 2 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of a mattress with a ventilation function;

[0025] Figure 3 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of a mattress with a ventilation function;

[0026] Figure 4 is a schematic representation of contours for air outlet openings and / or holes in the mattress from one of Figures 1 to 3; Figure 5 is a representation of the heating layer of the mattress from one of Figures 1 to 3;

[0027] Figure 6 shows the intermediate layer of the mattress from one of Figures 1 to

[0028] 3;

[0029] Figure 7 shows a representation of the top layer of the mattress from one of Figures 1 to 3;

[0030] Figure 8 shows a representation of the top layer of the mattress from one of Figures 1 to 3; and

[0031] Figure 9 shows a representation of the top layer of the mattress from one of Figures 1 to 3.

[0032] Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of a mattress 100 with a ventilation function. The mattress 100 is shown in Figure 1, for example, in a sectional view. The ventilation function is implemented, in particular, by an airflow within the mattress 100. The mattress 100 is designed to provide temperature control, and in particular cooling, for persons lying on it by means of an airflow within the mattress 100. The ventilation function can also be referred to as a temperature control function.

[0033] The mattress 100 is designed as a cuboid body. The mattress 100 has a lying surface 102, a bottom surface 104 facing away from the lying surface 102, and four side surfaces 106. In the illustration of Figure 1, only one side surface 106 is explicitly labelled. The mattress 100 has an air distribution layer 110.

[0034] The air distribution layer 110 comprises an air supply area 112, a plurality of air outlet openings 114, and a cover 116. Air can be supplied to the air distribution layer 110 via the air supply area 112. The air supply area 112 is arranged facing the underside 104 of the mattress 100 or, as shown by way of example in Figure 1, facing at least one side surface 106 of the mattress 100. The air supply or air inlet is symbolically illustrated by an arrow pointing towards the air distribution layer 110 in the area of ​​the side surface 106. Air can be discharged from the air distribution layer 110 via the plurality of air outlet openings 114. The air outlet openings 114 are arranged facing the lying surface 102 of the mattress 100. The air outlet or air output is symbolically illustrated by a plurality of arrows pointing away from the lying surface 102.The air outlet openings 114 and the air supply area 112 are formed within the casing 116 of the air distribution layer 110. The air outlet openings 114 can also be referred to as perforations. Apart from the air outlet openings 114 and the air supply area 112, the casing 116 is airtight. The air outlet openings 114 are arranged unevenly according to a physiologically predefined pattern relative to a plan view of the lying surface 102. This is illustrated in more detail below, particularly with reference to Figure 2. According to one embodiment, at least some of the air outlet openings 114 have different dimensions and / or different distances from each other and / or different contours. This is also explained in more detail with reference to the following figures.

[0035] According to the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the air distribution layer 110 further comprises a filling element 118. The filling element 118 is arranged within the casing 116. The filling element 118 comprises a mattress foam or foam with channels and / or an air-permeable mesh fabric.

[0036] Furthermore, the mattress 100, according to the embodiment shown in Figure 1, comprises an air-permeable layer structure having at least two layers 122, 124, 126 for circulating air emitted from the air outlet openings 114. The layer structure, or the at least two layers 122, 124, 126, are arranged between the lying surface 102 and the air distribution layer 110, in particular its cover 116, on the side of the air outlet openings 114. The layer structure comprises, for example, a top layer 122, at least one intermediate layer 124, and optionally an additional heating layer 126. The top layer 122 optionally has an additional spacer fabric. The at least one intermediate layer 124 is made of mesh fabric or another type of fabric. The heating layer 126 is designed to heat at least a portion of the lying surface 102. This is also shown in more detail below with reference to Figure 3.The heating layer 126 is designed as a heating mat or as a perforated fillet with heating wires. According to the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the layer structure comprises the top layer 122, an intermediate layer 124, and the heating layer 126, wherein the intermediate layer 124 is arranged between the top layer 122 and the heating layer 126, and the heating layer 126 faces the air distribution layer 110. According to one embodiment, layers 122, 124, and 126 of the layer structure also have holes, at least some of which have different dimensions and / or different contours. Furthermore, a distance d, also shown in Figure 1, between the upper end of the air outlet openings 114, or an end of the layer structure facing away from the lying surface 102, and the lying surface 102 or mattress surface is, for example, 2 millimeters to a maximum of 15 millimeters.

[0037] According to the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the mattress 100 further comprises a foam body 130. The foam body 130 is arranged on the side of the air outlet openings 114 adjacent to the cover 116 of the air distribution layer 110. The foam body 130 can also be described as foam with perforations matching the cover 116. In other words, the foam body 130 comprises perforations arranged to match the air outlet openings 114.

[0038] According to the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the mattress 100 also comprises a mattress core 140 or mattress foam for support. The mattress core 140 is arranged between the air distribution layer 110 and the underside 104 of the mattress 100.

[0039] Thus, according to the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the layer sequence of the mattress 100 from the lying surface 102 to the underside 104 is as follows: top layer 122, intermediate layer 124, heating layer 126, foam body 130, air distribution layer 110 and mattress core 140.

[0040] Figure 1 also shows a bed cover B, which is not part of the mattress 100.

[0041] Figure 2 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of a mattress 100 with a ventilation function. The mattress 100 corresponds to or is similar to the mattress in Figure 1. In Figure 2, the mattress 100 is shown in a top view of the lying surface 102. The figure also shows the plurality of air outlet openings 114, their pattern 214, and, symbolically, the outline of a person lying on the mattress 100. It is evident that the pattern 214, according to which the air outlet openings 114 are arranged, is physiologically predefined.

[0042] Furthermore, it is evident that the air outlet openings 114 are unevenly distributed across the floor plan of the lying surface 102. At least some of the air outlet openings 114 have different spacings between them. Thus, there are areas where the density or number of air outlet openings 114 per unit area is higher than in other areas. Optionally, at least some of the air outlet openings 114 also have different dimensions, with diameters, for example, between 8 and 11 millimeters for larger dimensions and between 5 and 8 millimeters for smaller dimensions. Optionally, at least some of the air outlet openings 114 also have different contours. Overall, rectangular, oval, triangular, or other contours or opening geometries with corresponding hydraulic diameters or cross-sections can be used.

[0043] Figure 3 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of a mattress 100 with a ventilation function. The mattress 100 corresponds to or is similar to the mattress in Figure 1. The representation in Figure 3 is similar to that in Figure 2. Figure 3 also shows a top view of the lying surface 102 of the mattress 100. Figure 3 also shows the outline of a person lying on the mattress 100. Furthermore, Figure 3 shows heating zones 326a, 326b, 326c, and their dimensions a1, a2, a3, b, which can be achieved by the heating layer of the mattress 100.

[0044] The heating layer 126 is designed, according to one embodiment, to selectively and / or differently heat different sub-areas or heating zones 326a, 326b, 326c of the lying surface 102. A first heating zone 326a is arranged in the area of ​​the upper body of a person lying on the mattress 100. A second heating zone 326b is arranged in the area of ​​the lower body of a person lying on the mattress 100. A third heating zone 326c is arranged in the area of ​​the feet of a person lying on the mattress 100.

[0045] The width b of all heating zones 326a, 326b, 326c of the lying surface 102 is, for example, 500 to 900 millimeters for a 100-centimeter-wide mattress 100. The first length a1 of the first heating zone 326a is, for example, 500 to 900 millimeters. The second length a2 of the second heating zone 326b is, for example, 400 to 650 millimeters. The third length a3 of the third heating zone 326c is, for example, 300 to 400 millimeters.

[0046] Figure 4 shows a schematic representation of contours 450 for the air outlet openings and / or the holes of the mattress from one of Figures 1 to 3. As mentioned above, according to one embodiment, at least some of the air outlet openings and / or at least some of the holes of the layer structure have different contours 450. Figure 4 shows several examples of the contours 450.

[0047] The contours of the holes in the heating layer, for example, have a minimum opening size of 0.5 millimeters and a maximum opening size of 3 millimeters. The contours of the holes in the intermediate layer, for example, have a minimum opening size of 1 millimeter and a maximum opening size of 4 millimeters.

[0048] A first contour 451 is square, for example with a side length of 1 millimeter for the heating layer and 2 millimeters for the intermediate layer. A second contour 452 is rectangular, for example with side lengths of 1 millimeter by 2 millimeters for the heating layer and 2 millimeters by 3 millimeters for the intermediate layer. A third contour 453 is square, for example with a side length of 2 millimeters for the heating layer and 3 millimeters for the intermediate layer. A fourth contour 454 corresponds to the third contour 453, but has rounded corners. A fifth contour 455 is circular, for example with a diameter of 2 millimeters for the heating layer and 3 millimeters for the intermediate layer. A sixth contour 456 is hexagonal. Figure 5 shows a representation of the heating layer 126 of the mattress from one of Figures 1 to 3. In other words, the heating layer 126 here functions as a carrier for heating wires.The heating layer 126, for example, has a layer thickness of at least 0.3 millimeters and at most 2 millimeters.

[0049] Figure 6 shows a representation of the intermediate layer 124 of the mattress from one of Figures 1 to 3. According to the embodiment shown here, the intermediate layer 124 comprises a 3D mesh fabric. The intermediate layer 124 has a thickness of at least 2 millimeters and at most 5 millimeters.

[0050] Figure 7 shows a representation of the top layer 122 of the mattress from one of Figures 1 to 3. The top layer 122 can also be referred to as the mattress cover.

[0051] In particular, Figure 7 shows a highly air-permeable, optional 3D mesh fabric of the top layer 122 with a layer thickness of a minimum of 2 millimeters and a maximum of 5 millimeters.

[0052] Figure 8 shows a representation of the top layer 122 of the mattress from one of Figures 1 to 3. The top layer 122 can also be referred to as the mattress cover.

[0053] In particular, Figure 8 shows a highly air-permeable carrier textile of the top layer 122 with a layer thickness of at least 0.5 millimeters and at most 2 millimeters.

[0054] Figure 9 shows a representation of the top layer 122 of the mattress from one of Figures 1 to 3. The top layer 122 can also be referred to as the mattress cover.

[0055] In particular, Figure 9 shows an internal 3-D structure of the cover layer 122. The cover layer 122 has a layer thickness of a minimum of 2 millimeters and a maximum of 7 millimeters.

[0056] With reference to the figures described above, exemplary embodiments of the present invention and advantages of exemplary embodiments are summarized below and, in other words, briefly explained again.

[0057] The efficiency of the air cooling, which is achievable through the ventilation function, can be reached in two ways: 1) Air is supplied to the body of the person lying on the mattress 100 from the lying surface 102. 2) Air is drawn in from below and / or the sides of the mattress 100 and fed into the airtight air distribution layer 110. The air distribution layer 110 is perforated at the top with air outlet openings 114. The distance d between the upper end of the air outlet openings 114 and the lying surface 102 or mattress surface is between 2 millimeters and a maximum of 15 millimeters, so that the air finds its way directly to the body. With a greater distance, the air would take the path of least resistance and escape laterally from the mattress 100 before reaching the lying surface 102, thus rendering it unavailable for cooling the body.According to one embodiment, the filler body 118 in the form of foam with channels and / or air-permeable 3D mesh is arranged within the air distribution layer 110 to support the airtight shell 116.

[0058] The air outlet openings 114 are arranged and dimensioned such that only the relevant body zones are cooled. This means that the cooled area, the spacing of the air outlet openings 114, and their dimensions can all be varied. The air outlet openings 114 have different dimensions, so that body areas with lower cooling requirements are cooled less intensely (smaller dimensions) and areas with higher cooling requirements are cooled more intensely (larger dimensions). The variation in the air outlet openings 114 is limited by manufacturability and can vary depending on the manufacturing process. A quantity of, for example, two to a maximum of five differently sized air outlet openings has proven practical. The variations in cooled area, spacing of the air outlet openings 114, and dimensions of the air outlet openings 114 are shown in the figures described above.This results in effective cooling in the back area, while sensitive areas such as the head or neck are not cooled, or at least less so.

[0059] The air flowing from the air outlet openings 114 is swirled and more finely distributed by several layers 122, 124, 126 of the layered structure. The resulting turbulence disrupts the boundary layer at the heat transfer surface / skin, thus increasing the cooling performance. Furthermore, the air is finely distributed and does not strike the skin at a single point, but rather over a larger area. This avoids hot spots and results in a more uniform cooling effect. The layered structure, for example, comprises two to four layers 122, 124, 126 to distribute and spread the outgoing air in such a way that it is perceived as pleasant. The combination of layers 122, 124, 126 and the hole sizes is crucial for ensuring that the airflow encounters low resistance while still being evenly distributed and swirled across the lying surface 102.

[0060] Furthermore, it is possible to make individual adjustments in combination with the heating layer 126 or heating mat located above the air outlet openings 114. This allows the cooling to be further customized for different body zones, and individual preferences such as warm feet while keeping the back cool are also possible. See, for example, Figure 3.

[0061] Unlike conventional mattresses, the air outlet openings 114 or cooling openings of mattress 100, as shown in the exemplary embodiments, are distributed unevenly across the sleeping surface 102 in a manner specifically tailored to the individual's physiology. The cooling performance is therefore uneven across the entire sleeping surface and thus more precisely adapted to the person lying on mattress 100. Only specific areas of the sleeping surface 102 are cooled or ventilated. The air velocities are perceived as comfortable even at high cooling rates. This takes into account the different heat and cold sensitivities of different body zones. The mattress 100, as shown in the exemplary embodiments, effectively and efficiently cools the sleeper. Heat can be dissipated from the heat-producing body regions.The different and individual perceptions of heat and cold in different body zones are taken into account by pattern 214 and by the geometric properties of the air outlet openings 114 and holes. Localized cooling can be prevented or at least largely avoided. The airflow is perceived as pleasant.

[0062] According to the exemplary embodiments, a cooling and warming mattress 100 is thus provided, which is suitable for the needs of the human body and with regard to the perceived warmth and cold. The airflow is effectively designed and dissipates the heat at the heat-generating points.

Claims

Patent claims 1. Mattress (100) with ventilation function, wherein the mattress (100) has an air distribution layer (110), wherein air can be supplied to the air distribution layer (110) via an air supply area (112), wherein the air can be discharged from the air distribution layer (110) via a plurality of air outlet openings (114), wherein the air distribution layer (110) has a cover (116) in which the air outlet openings (114) and the air supply area (112) are formed, wherein the air supply area (112) is arranged facing a bottom surface (104) of the mattress (100) or a side surface (106) of the mattress (100) facing away from a lying surface (102) of the mattress (100), wherein the air outlet openings (114) are arranged facing the lying surface (102) of the mattress (100), wherein the cover (116) is airtight except for the air outlet openings (114) and the air supply area (112),wherein the air outlet openings (114) are arranged unevenly distributed according to a physiologically predefined pattern (214) in relation to a floor plan of the lying surface (102).

2. Mattress (100) according to claim 1, wherein the air distribution layer (110) has a filling body (118) arranged within the cover (116), wherein the filling body (118) has a foam with channels and / or an air-permeable mesh fabric.

3. Mattress (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least some of the air outlet openings (114) have different dimensions.

4. Mattress (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least some of the air outlet openings (114) have different distances from each other.

5. Mattress (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least some of the air outlet openings (114) have different contours (450, 451, 452, 453, 454, 455, 456).

6. Mattress (100) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising an air-permeable layer structure of at least two layers (122, 124, 126) for swirling air emitted from the air outlet openings (114), wherein the layer structure is arranged between the lying surface (102) and the cover (116) of the air distribution layer (110) on the side of the air outlet openings (114).

7. Mattress (100) according to claim 6, wherein the layer structure comprises a top layer (122) with optional additional spacer fabric and / or at least one intermediate layer (124) made of mesh fabric or another fabric.

8. Mattress (100) according to any one of claims 6 to 7, wherein the layer structure comprises a heating layer (126) configured to heat at least a partial area (326a, 326b, 326c) of the lying surface (102), and / or wherein the heating layer (126) is configured as a heating mat or as a perforated fillet with heating wires.

9. Mattress (100) according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the layers (122, 124, 126) of the layer structure have holes, at least some of which have different dimensions and / or different contours (450, 451, 452, 453, 454, 455, 456).

10. Mattress (100) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a foam body (130) having a perforation arranged to fit the air outlet openings (114), wherein the foam body (130) is arranged on the side of the air outlet openings (114) adjacent to the cover (116) of the air distribution layer (110), and / or comprising a mattress core (140) arranged between the air distribution layer (110) and the underside (104) of the mattress (100).

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