Mattress system

Abstract

The invention relates to a mattress system, comprising - a mattress module (2), - a control electronics cooling unit (6), - a heating and sensor layer element (4), wherein the mattress module (2), the control electronics cooling unit (6) and the heating and sensor layer element (4) are releasably connected to one another in the operationally intended installation position.

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] Mattress system

[0003] The invention relates to an air-conditioned mattress system.

[0004] A previously undisclosed, but not documented, prior art describes a climate-controlled mattress in which technological units for heating, cooling, sensors, and electronics are permanently installed and / or glued into the mattress. This means that these components are either not replaceable at all, or maintenance requires specialized expertise and tools from a service technician. In the event of maintenance, the mattress must either be completely replaced, or the maintenance process is complex and expensive. Furthermore, at the end of its lifespan, the mattress is very time-consuming to recycle, as separating the electronic and electromechanical components from the mattress foam is not possible. Additionally, the mattress firmness can only be changed by completely replacing the foam. This creates a subsequent problem involving the complex logistics and disposal of the unsuitable foam.

[0005] The invention therefore faces the problem of providing a climate-controlled mattress system with integrated electronics that is quick to maintain, easy to recycle, and whose firmness level is easy to adjust.

[0006] According to the invention, this problem is solved by a mattress system with the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments and further developments of the invention are described in the following dependent claims.

[0007] The invention relates to a mattress system comprising a mattress module, a control electronics cooling unit, a heating and sensor layer element, wherein the mattress module, the control electronics cooling unit and the heating and sensor layer element are detachably connected to each other in the operational installation position.

[0008] The wording that "the mattress module, the control electronics cooling unit and the heating and sensor layer element are detachably connected to each other in the operating position" means that they are either positively connected under a certain clamping effect or detachably connected with the help of a connecting element.

[0009] The term "releasably connected" means that the connection between components can be undone without damaging the fasteners or the components themselves. Releasable connections can be created, for example, by positive locking, zippers, hook-and-loop fasteners, or rubberized surfaces. The releasable fasteners and / or fixing elements can be applied to the entire surface or only partially to the respective component. In contrast, components are considered permanently connected if the fasteners or the components themselves are damaged when the connection is undone. Permanent connections are created, for example, by gluing, sewing, welding, or similar methods.

[0010] The advantages achievable with the invention, besides ease of maintenance and the simple replacement of modules or components, include the fact that recyclability at the end of the mattress system's or individual components' service life is possible through the separation of electrical components and foam components of the mattress system. Furthermore, the firmness of the mattress is flexibly adjustable, as the mattress module is easily replaceable. This reduces return rates. Due to its modular design, the mattress system is flexibly adaptable, and the individual components can be easily replaced by a user of the mattress system.

[0011] The control electronics cooling unit preferably comprises control electronics and a cooling unit. It is further preferably equipped with an operating unit so that the user can control the cooling unit themselves. Furthermore, the control electronics cooling unit is preferably connectable to a power supply unit.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment, the mattress module comprises a mattress sub-module and an air distribution layer sub-module and / or a frame sub-module, configured to at least partially surround the mattress module and the control electronics cooling unit in an operational installation position of the mattress system. The mattress sub-module is preferably attached to the air distribution layer sub-module and / or the frame sub-module by means of releasable fixings. The air distribution layer sub-module and the frame sub-module are preferably attached by means of releasable fixings. The releasable fixings preferably comprise a zipper, a hook-and-loop fastener, or rubberized surfaces.

[0013] In a standard operating position of the mattress system, the control electronics cooling unit is preferably located at one end of the mattress module, either at the head or foot end. The heating and sensor layer element is positioned on the mattress module and the control electronics cooling unit. Positioning the control electronics cooling unit at the head and / or foot end prevents the components from being perceived as bothersome by the user. The mattress module, the control electronics cooling unit, and the heating and sensor layer element are positively connected, for example, by the mattress module having a cavity suitable for accommodating the control electronics cooling unit, and the heating and sensor layer element being stretched over the mattress module and the control electronics cooling unit, thus resembling a bed sheet.Position and direction specifications refer to a standard operating position for the mattress system.

[0014] The mattress module, the control electronics cooling unit and the heating and sensor layer element can also be attached to each other using detachable connecting means such as a zipper, a Velcro strip or rubberized surfaces.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment, the heating and sensor layer element is stretched over the mattress module and the control electronics cooling unit and detachably attached to the underside of the mattress module. The heating and sensor layer element can be stretched over the mattress module, which houses the control electronics cooling unit, in a manner analogous to a bed cover, and detachably attached to the underside of the mattress module, for example, using tensioning elements, retaining elements such as a strap with clips, a buckle, or simply held in place by the elasticity of the heating and sensor layer element.

[0016] In a further preferred embodiment, the heating and sensor layer element comprises a sensor component and a heating element component as two separate components that are attached to one another. Preferably, the sensor component and the heating component are permanently attached to one another, e.g., by gluing, sewing, welding, or the like.

[0017] Preferably, the sensor component comprises a sensor layer with a textile layer and one or more temperature sensors arranged on the textile layer. The heating component comprises a heating layer with a carrier textile and one or more heating zones arranged on the carrier textile. The sensor layer is connected to the heating layer by means of fastening elements. The fastening elements are preferably designed to permanently attach the sensor layer and the heating layer to one another, e.g., by gluing, sewing, or welding. The textile layer and / or the carrier textile are preferably air-permeable. They are preferably designed as a cover. The textile layer and the temperature sensor(s) are preferably permanently connected, e.g., by gluing, sewing, or welding.Preferably, the sensor layer further comprises one or more cables for the temperature sensor(s) and a strain relief. The cables are preferably laid in channels along the side of a lying surface for the user. This prevents the user from lying on them while using the mattress system. The heating component preferably comprises heating wires for the heating zone(s) and a strain relief.

[0018] The air distribution layer sub-module is preferably constructed from filter foam, foam with integrated channels, or a 3D spacer fabric, encased in an airtight, perforated cover. This construction ensures air distribution within the air distribution layer sub-module. Preferably, the control electronics cooling unit is designed to supply temperature-controlled air to the air distribution layer sub-module. The cover can be made of a textile.

[0019] A topper foam, preferably with additional perforations, is attached to the filter foam, foam with formed channels, or with a 3D spacer fabric. The topper foam is either permanently bonded to the airtight cover, e.g., by adhesive, or alternatively, attached in a replaceable manner, e.g., with hook-and-loop fasteners. This allows for variable firmness levels of the mattress system. The topper foam is preferably designed to relieve pressure. It is preferably designed to be foldable or multi-part at the head or foot of the mattress system. The topper foam is preferably designed to rest on the control electronics cooling unit when the mattress system is in its standard operating position. The control electronics cooling unit can then be easily removed by folding or removing a portion of the topper foam.

[0020] In a preferred embodiment, the mattress module comprises foam. The foam is preferably designed with ergonomic cutouts. Foam is generally relatively air-permeable and breathable. Furthermore, foam conforms very well to the body and supports the user at the shoulders, hips, and buttocks, ensuring good spinal alignment. Preferably, the mattress sub-module, the air distribution sub-module, and the frame sub-module all comprise foam.

[0021] Preferably, the mattress system further comprises a mattress cover module designed to rest on the heating and sensor layer element in its intended operating position. The mattress cover module also serves to spatially stabilize the other components of the mattress system.

[0022] An embodiment of the invention is shown schematically in the drawings and is described in more detail below. It is shown schematically and not to scale.

[0023] Fig. 1 shows a partial cross-sectional view of a mattress system according to the invention; Fig. 2 shows a partial cross-sectional view of a step for assembling the mattress system shown according to the invention;

[0024] Fig. 3 shows another partial cross-sectional view of the mattress system shown in Fig. 2;

[0025] Fig. 4 shows another partial cross-sectional view of the mattress system according to the invention;

[0026] Fig. 5 shows a partial cross-sectional view of a step in dismantling the mattress system shown in Fig. 4;

[0027] Fig. 6 shows a cross-sectional view of a further step in constructing the mattress system shown according to the invention;

[0028] Fig. 7 shows a cross-sectional view of the mattress system shown in Fig. 6;

[0029] Fig. 8 shows a variant of the mattress system shown in Fig. 7;

[0030] Fig. 9 shows a top view of part of the mattress system shown in Fig. 7;

[0031] Fig. 10 shows another top view of part of the mattress system shown in Fig. 7;

[0032] Fig. 11 shows a cross-sectional view of one step in assembling the mattress system shown in Fig. 7 or 8 and

[0033] Fig. 12 shows an enlarged partial cross-sectional view of the mattress system shown in Fig. 7 or 8.

[0034] Fig. 1 shows a partial cross-sectional view of a mattress system according to the invention. The mattress system comprises a mattress module 2, a control electronics cooling unit (not shown), and a heating and sensor layer element (not shown). An optional air distribution layer sub-module 5 of the mattress module 2 is shown. The air distribution sub-module 5 comprises a topper foam 51 and a foam 54. The foam 54 is surrounded by a cover 55, e.g., made of textile, which has perforations 52. The topper foam 51 has further perforations 53. The foam 51 and the foam 54 are provided with fixing means 7, such as hook and loop fasteners.

[0035] Fig. 2 shows a partial cross-sectional view of a step for assembling the mattress system according to the invention. The mattress module 2 has a mattress sub-module 21 made of foam, which may have ergonomic cutouts (not shown). Furthermore, the mattress module 2 optionally has a frame sub-module 3, which is configured to at least partially surround the mattress sub-module 21 and the control electronics cooling unit (not shown) in an operational position of the mattress system. The air distribution sub-module 5 shown in Fig. 1 is placed on the mattress sub-module 21 in the direction of the arrow during assembly of the mattress system and is detachably fixed to the mattress sub-module 21 and the frame sub-module 3 by means of the fixing means 7. Fig. 3 shows another partial cross-sectional view of the mattress system shown in Fig. 2.The air distribution sub-module 5 is detachably fixed to the frame sub-module 3 and the mattress sub-module 21, so that it rests on them and is detachably connected to them.

[0036] Fig. 4 shows another partial cross-sectional view of the mattress system according to the invention. The mattress system further comprises the control electronics cooling unit 6, which is received in a cavity of the mattress module 2. The control electronics cooling unit 6 rests on the mattress sub-module 21 or is partially received in a cavity (not shown) of it. The topper foam 51 also rests on the control electronics cooling unit 6.

[0037] Fig. 5 shows a partial cross-sectional view of a step for dismantling the mattress system shown in Fig. 4. The foam 51 is hinged or multi-part, so that the control electronics cooling unit 6 can be removed in the direction of the arrow even when installed in the mattress module 2.

[0038] Fig. 6 shows a cross-sectional view of a further step in the assembly of the mattress system according to the invention. The mattress system further comprises the heating and sensor layer element 4, which is applied to the mattress module 2 and the control electronics cooling unit 6 in the direction of the arrow.

[0039] Fig. 7 shows a cross-sectional view of the mattress system shown in Fig. 6. The heating and sensor layer element 4 is detachably attached to the underside of the mattress module 2 by a retaining element 8, such as a buckle.

[0040] Fig. 8 shows a variant of the mattress system shown in Fig. 7. The heating and sensor layer element 4 is detachably attached to the underside of the mattress module 2 by means of tensioning elements (not shown). The heating and sensor layer element 4 is held on the mattress module 2 by restoring forces, similar to a bed sheet.

[0041] Fig. 9 shows a top view of a part of the mattress system shown in Fig. 7 or 8. The heating and sensor layer element 4 is shown, which includes a sensor component comprising a sensor layer 42 with a textile layer 421 and several temperature sensors 422 arranged on the textile layer 421. The textile layer 421 and the temperature sensors 422 are permanently bonded, for example, by gluing, sewing, welding, or the like. Furthermore, the sensor component includes cables 423 and a strain relief 424. The cables 423 are laid in channels along the side of a lying surface (not shown) for the user (not shown).

[0042] Fig. 10 shows another top view of part of the structure shown in Fig. 7 or 8.

[0043] Mattress system. Shown is the heating and sensor layer element 4, which has a heating component formed with a heating layer 41, a carrier textile 412, and several heating zones 411 arranged on the carrier textile 412. Furthermore, the heating component has heating wires (not shown) and a strain relief 414.

[0044] Fig. 11 shows a cross-sectional view of a step for assembling the mattress system shown in Fig. 7 or 8. The sensor component with the sensor layer 42 and the heating element component with the heating layer 41 are designed as two separate components that are attached to each other in the direction of the arrow, so that they are permanently attached to each other, e.g., by sewing, gluing, welding, or the like, so that in the operating position of the mattress system, the sensor layer 42 rests on the heating layer 41.

[0045] Fig. 12 shows an enlarged partial cross-sectional view of the mattress system shown in Fig. 7 or 8. The sensor component with the sensor layer 42 and the heating component with the heating layer 41 are permanently attached to one another by means of fasteners 43, e.g. by sewing, gluing, welding or the like.

[0046] Reference symbol list

[0047] 2 mattress modules

[0048] 21 Mattress base module

[0049] 3 frame sub-module

[0050] 4 Heating and sensor layer element

[0051] 41 Heating layer

[0052] 411 Heating zone

[0053] 412 Carrier textile

[0054] 413 Heating wire

[0055] 414 Strain relief

[0056] 42 Sensor layer

[0057] 421 Textile layer

[0058] 422 Temperature sensor

[0059] 423 Line

[0060] 424 Strain relief

[0061] 43 Fasteners

[0062] 5 Air distribution layer sub-module

[0063] 51 Topper foam

[0064] 52 Perforations

[0065] 53 more perforations

[0066] 54 foam

[0067] 55 case

[0068] 6 Control electronics cooling unit

[0069] 7 Fixing element

[0070] 8 retaining element

Claims

Patent claims 1. Mattress system comprising a mattress module (2), a control electronics cooling unit (6), a heating and sensor layer element (4), wherein the mattress module (2), the control electronics cooling unit (6) and the heating and sensor layer element (4) are detachably connected to each other in an operational installation position.

2. Mattress system according to claim 1, characterized in that the mattress module (2) comprises a mattress sub-module (21) and an air distribution layer sub-module (5) and / or a frame sub-module (3) configured to at least partially surround the mattress sub-module (21) and the control electronics cooling unit (6) in an operational installation position of the mattress system, wherein the mattress sub-module (21) is attached to the air distribution layer sub-module (5) and / or the frame sub-module (3) by means of releasable fixing means, wherein the releasable fixing means preferably comprise a zipper, a hook and loop fastener or rubberized surfaces.

3. Mattress system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that in an operational installation position of the mattress system the control electronics cooling unit (6) is arranged at one end of the mattress module (2) at a head or foot area of ​​the mattress system, and the heating and sensor layer element (4) is arranged on the mattress module (2) and the control electronics cooling unit (6).

4. Mattress system according to claim 3, characterized in that the heating and sensor layer element (4) is stretched over the mattress module (2) and the control electronics cooling unit (6) and is detachably attached to an underside of the mattress module (2).

5. Mattress system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the heating and sensor layer element (4) comprises a sensor component and a heating element component as two separate components which are attached to each other.

6. Mattress system according to claim 5, characterized in that the sensor component has a sensor layer (42) with a textile layer (421) and one or more temperature sensors (422) arranged on the textile layer (421), and the heating component has a heating layer (41) with a carrier textile (412) and one or more heating zones (411) arranged on the carrier textile (412), wherein the sensor layer (42) is connected to the heating layer (41) by means of fastening elements (43).

7. Mattress system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the air distribution layer sub-module (5) comprises a filter foam, foam with formed channels or a 3D spacer fabric (54) which is encased by means of an airtight textile cover (55) with perforations (52).

8. Mattress system according to claim 7, characterized in that a topper foam (51) is attached to the filter foam, foam with formed channels or 3D spacer fabric (54), which preferably has further perforations (53).

9. Mattress system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the mattress module (2) comprises foam, wherein the foam preferably has ergonomic cutouts.

10. Mattress system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a mattress cover module which is designed to rest on the heating and sensor layer element (4) in the operational installation position.

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