DE102021100256A1 - Back mattress, in particular modular back mattress, for improving lying comfort - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a back mattress, in particular a modular back mattress, to improve lying comfort, an exchangeable mattress module and an exchangeable adjustment module according to the respective preambles of independent claims 1 and 10.

Description

The present invention relates to a back mattress, in particular a modular back mattress, to improve lying comfort, an exchangeable mattress module and an exchangeable adjustment module according to the respective preambles of independent claims 1 and 10.

In particular, the present invention relates to a back mattress for improving lying comfort, the modular back mattress comprising at least one mattress base support.

The particularly modular back mattress proposed here is suitable, among other things, for the treatment of flexion contractures in the hip area and hollow back malpositions as well as for better support of the lordosis area, particularly in the case of side sleepers.

The mattress base support has a bottom surface for arranging on a support element, in particular for arranging on a bed frame, a top surface which is designed and provided for a user to lie down on it, and at least one side surface which mechanically connects the bottom surface to the top surface, on.

According to at least one embodiment, the back mattress, in particular a modular back mattress, has at least one sensor for measuring pressure, temperature and/or humidity on a mattress surface, which is the one that is designed and intended to be in at least indirect contact with a user come, wherein the sensor forwards the measured values to a control and evaluation unit, which decides whether the user is in a previously set user-ideal lying position.

In particular, the mattress base support can be a three-dimensional element in the form of a cuboid according to its outer contours.

The mattress base support is preferably flexible and/or deformable at least in places.

For example, the mattress base support is designed to be point-elastic, at least in places. This can mean that, in relation to the mattress base support, there is a certain form of elasticity in which the material only yields at exactly one point where pressure is also exerted. In this way, the contact pressure can be distributed so that the body parts are not compressed, but relieved. As a result, only those parts of the body that are supposed to sink sink in. The body is supported where no pressure is exerted, since the supporting force is retained in these areas. Point-elastic modular back mattresses can thus offer orthopedically correct positioning. Thanks to their properties, point-elastic mattresses can guarantee optimal adaptation to the body.

In particular, the mattress base support can be formed at least in places alternatively or additionally with a viscoelastic material. Viscoelastic refers to material behavior that is both elastic and viscous. Viscoelastic materials combine the properties of solids and liquids. The visco-elastic foam exactly replicates the body impression and offers no counter-pressure. This is the reason why the viscoelastic foam is additionally applied to a cold foam plate of the mattress base support, so the mattress support is guaranteed. For example, the foam is a "Feel-Pure foam".

In particular, cuts of a specific cutting depth (but less than a thickness of the mattress base support) can be made in the material of the modular back mattress at least in places in the top, side and bottom surfaces.

In their entirety, these individual cuts can depict matrix-shaped surface cubes in the top surface, the side surface and/or the bottom surface. A surface designed in this way is therefore one that offers good lying properties on the basis of a cube-cut technique, in which the surface tension of the foam of the modular back mattress is broken up at least in places and at least partially. The mattress can thus adapt precisely to the body. In addition, a modular back mattress designed in this way offers good moisture transport through the cut-out grooves (ie the cuts) and permanent absorption of odors.

The mattress base support is preferably a base support that differs from a classic mattress core. This means that the mattress base support is different from such a mattress base support and/or different from such a mattress core on which, without the arrangement of further mattress components, it is designed and intended for a user to lie down on it. In other words, the mattress base support can only be such a core component of the module described here act lare back mattress, which only in connection with at least one other element in its entirety forms the modular back mattress and only in connection with this other element is suitable, set up and intended for a user to lie down on it.

However, it is also conceivable that the cube cut described above is used instead of the hybrid module described above in order to offer a fully functional mattress.

According to at least one embodiment, the mattress surface is adjusted and changed by means of an adjustment element according to the pre-set user-ideal lying positions, in particular with respect to a height profile of the user interface and/or a degree of hardness of the mattress base support.

According to at least one embodiment, on the basis of the measured values, after the end of a detection time, the evaluation unit clearly, preferably one-to-one, establishes which user has just taken a seat on the mattress base support.

According to at least one embodiment, the degree of hardness of the mattress base support adjusts and changes the mattress surface by means of an adjustment element in accordance with the previously set ideal lying position for the user, in particular by means of adjustment elements arranged inside the mattress base support, such as a, more particularly linear, adjustment motor, which has an adjustment element, such as e.g a lever element, a foam element, drives a resistance element within the mattress base.

Put simply, it is conceivable that the mattress base support, viewed in and of itself, is not yet set up and intended to serve to improve lying comfort. This is only made possible by a further element which, in connection with the mattress base support, can ensure an improvement in lying comfort according to the invention. According to the invention, this further element is now an exchangeable mattress module, which is an element of the modular back mattress.

In this respect, the modular back mattress described here comprises at least one interchangeable mattress module, which is and/or can be detachably connected to the mattress base support in an anchoring area of the latter and wherein a surface area of the anchoring area along a main direction of extension of the mattress base support is at least in places greater than a surface area of the mattress module in the main extension level.

For the purposes of the invention, an anchoring area is such a three-dimensional area formed by the mattress base support on or in the mattress base support, which has at least one bottom surface and at least one side wall, but preferably two side walls, with both the bottom surface and the side wall being formed by the mattress base support itself .

This ensures that the mattress module can be inserted into the anchoring area preferably without tools and in particular manually, but in any case particularly easily. The mattress module is preferably positioned in this anchoring area in a self-retaining but detachable manner. This can mean that for the permanent attachment of the mattress module within the anchoring area, this can be attached or is attached without the use of tools.

According to at least one embodiment, the sensor is built into the replaceable mattress module.

It is conceivable that the anchoring area is a three-dimensional recess within the mattress base support that is at least partially open towards the top surface in such a way that the boundary walls of the anchoring area adapt positively to the outer surfaces of the mattress module and are in direct contact with it there.

However, it is also conceivable that a surface area of the anchoring area along a main extension plane of the mattress base support is designed to be so large that the mattress module and its surface area make up a fraction of the surface area of the anchoring area. In other words, in this case the anchoring area is specifically designed to be larger than the mattress module itself, so that a gap remains between the mattress module and the anchoring area, which is also immediately noticeable to the user from the outside.

For example, a surface area of the anchoring area along the main extension plane is at least 1.2 times, preferably 1.5 times larger than a surface area of the mattress module. In particular, the length of the anchoring area in the lying direction can be at least 1.2, preferably 1.5 times greater than the length of the mattress module in the lying direction.

For example, the mattress module is spatially fixed to the mattress base support via a superstructure layer that is detachably applied to the top surface and the outer surface of the mattress module.

In particular, the mattress module can be arranged displaceably and/or displaceably along the main extension direction and within the anchoring area. If the surface area of the anchoring area is greater than the surface area of the mattress module by the factor described above, the respective user has the option of shifting and/or moving the mattress module within the anchoring area depending on his needs, particularly or only in the longitudinal direction.

In other words, in this case the module does not fill the anchoring area completely, but only partially.

For example, the mattress base support is a one-piece three-dimensional object. In this respect it is conceivable that the mattress base support was manufactured, for example foamed, in a single process step.

For example, the mattress module is a one-piece three-dimensional object. In this respect it is conceivable that the mattress module was manufactured, for example foamed, in a single process step.

It is conceivable that a material of the mattress module is different from a material of the mattress base support. In particular, these two elements can have different degrees of hardness.

In accordance with at least one embodiment, the modular back mattress according to the invention described here comprises at least one mattress base support to improve lying comfort, the mattress base support having a base surface for arrangement on a support element, in particular for arrangement on a bed frame, a cover surface which is set up and provided for this purpose a user puts it down and has at least one side surface which mechanically connects the bottom surface to the top surface.

According to the invention, the modular back mattress comprises at least one interchangeable mattress module, which is and/or can be detachably connected to the mattress base support in an anchoring area thereof, and wherein a surface area of the anchoring area along a main plane of extension of this mattress base support is at least in places greater than a surface area of the mattress module in the main plane of extension. The anchoring area can be introduced in the form of a recess arranged in the mattress module carrier from the direction of the top surface.

According to at least one embodiment, the anchoring area has an area at least partially open towards the top surface, the anchoring area thus being introduced in the form of a depression in the mattress base support, the depression being open at least in places only towards the top surface. In this case, therefore, the recess can even be designed in the form of a depression.

In this respect, the depression in the mattress base support has a depth which is less than a thickness of the mattress base support. In a direction perpendicular to the main extension plane of the mattress base support, the thickness of the mattress base support is therefore smaller in the area or within the anchoring area than in an area of the mattress base support formed outside of the anchoring area.

For example, however, a thickness of the mattress base support in the area of the anchoring area is at least 10%, preferably more than 20% of a maximum thickness extension of the mattress base support. This ensures that the entire mattress base support remains stable and preferably also self-supporting. If the anchoring area, ie the depression, were formed too deep in the mattress base support, it could tear in the area of the anchoring area under heavy use. This should definitely be avoided.

According to at least one embodiment, the mattress module has at least one outer surface, which has a surface curvature at least in places, so that when the mattress base support is in the inserted state, this curved outer surface has and/or forms a curvature in the direction of a lying surface of the mattress base support. This outer surface is preferably part of the lying surface of the modular back mattress.

For example, the lying direction is parallel to a main extension direction of the mattress base support.

If you now go from a head section of the mattress base support in the direction of a foot section of the mattress base support, you have to overcome an elevation of a certain curvature on the way there. This survey is carried out by the mattress module is produced and is formed by the curved outer surface of the mattress module described above. It is conceivable that the mattress module within the main extension plane, however, runs in a direction transverse to the longitudinal direction in the inserted state without any curvature, for example in a straight line.

According to at least one embodiment, an anchoring surface of the mattress module opposite the outer surface of the mattress module has at least in places at least one anchoring element which is releasably anchored in at least one counter-anchoring element in a floor of the anchoring area. The anchoring surface is part of the mattress module.

In particular, the at least one counter-anchoring element itself forms the bottom of the anchoring area at least in places.

For example, the two anchoring elements form a conical toothing for the detachable fixing of the mattress module within the anchoring area. It is conceivable in this context that this outer surface of the mattress module is formed by at least one anchoring tooth protruding from the mattress module, which can be pushed into a corresponding anchoring sink (= counter-anchoring element) of the mattress base body in the anchoring area from above but can be detachably pressed. In this respect, it is conceivable that the mattress module has at least one anchoring tooth, in particular tapering conically outwards, which can be inserted into a corresponding anchoring recess of the mattress base support. Slipping at least in the lying direction of the mattress module within the anchoring area is therefore avoided.

According to at least one embodiment, the modular back mattress comprises at least one exchangeable adjustment module, which is and/or can be detachably connected to the anchoring area of the mattress base support and wherein a surface area of the anchoring area along a main plane of extension of the mattress base support is at least in places larger than a surface area of the adjustment module in the main extension level.

In particular, a surface area of the anchoring area can be dimensioned in such a way that the adjustment module can be displaced and/or displaced along the main plane of extension and within the anchoring area. For example, in the anchoring area of the mattress base support, both the mattress module and along the reclining direction next to the mattress module, at least one exchangeable adjustment module described here are detachably arranged. The exchangeable adjustment module described here can also be inserted in the anchoring area in the same form and manner as the mattress module, so that the adjustment module also has at least one anchoring tooth projecting away from itself, which can be inserted into a corresponding anchoring sink within the anchoring area.

According to at least one embodiment, the sensor comprises the following components: at least one capacitor with at least two electrodes, which are arranged relative to one another, in particular in a horizontal direction along and on a, in particular flexible, carrier material, with at least one dielectric layer being arranged between the electrodes, at least one at least partially moisture-permeable and/or moisture-absorbing moisture layer being arranged at least in places on a side of at least one electrode and/or the dielectric layer facing away from the carrier material, the at least one electrode and/or the dielectric layer thus being in a transverse direction between the carrier material and the moisture layer are arranged so that a capacitance is at least partially changed by the moisture at least partially impinging on the dielectric layer, a processing unit being set up for this purpose and v the intention is to measure and/or store this change so that a capacitive humidity sensor is created.

The horizontal direction is preferably a main extension direction of the flexible carrier material.

In this context, "flexible" means that the carrier material is at least partially flexible and therefore elastic.

In particular, the carrier material can be a woven fabric or some other clothing fabric, such as a polyester.

The dielectric layer thus spaces the two electrodes in a horizontal direction and/or in a transverse direction perpendicular thereto.

According to at least one embodiment, at least one electrode and/or the dielectric layer is arranged at least in places on a side facing away from the carrier material, at least one at least partially moisture-permeable and/or moisture-absorbing moisture layer, the at least one elec rode and/or dielectric layer are arranged in a transverse direction between the carrier material and the moisture layer, so that a capacitance is at least partially changed by the moisture at least partially impinging on the dielectric layer, with a processing unit being set up and provided for measuring this change and /or to store, so that a capacitive humidity sensor is created.

In principle, a capacitive humidity sensor is a capacitor whose dielectric preferably consists of a hygroscopic polymer layer that absorbs (absorbs) or releases (desorbs) moisture according to the humidity of the ambient air until a state of equilibrium (diffusion gradient = 0) is reached. The dielectric constant of the polymer material changes as a function of the moisture content.

The task of the processing unit is, among other things, to determine the relative humidity as precisely as possible, preferably also from a measured ambient temperature and the humidity-dependent capacitance value of the sensor.

According to at least one embodiment, the device for measuring pressure and/or humidity and/or temperature comprises at least one sensor for measuring pressure and/or humidity and/or temperature, the sensor comprising at least one capacitor with at least two electrodes, which in particular are arranged relative to one another in a horizontal direction along and on an in particular flexible carrier material, at least one dielectric layer being arranged between the electrodes.

According to at least one embodiment, at least one electrode and/or dielectric layer, at least one at least partially moisture-permeable and/or moisture-absorbing layer (=moisture layer), is arranged at least in places on a side facing away from the carrier material, with the at least one electrode and/or dielectric layer thus being arranged are arranged in the transverse direction between the carrier material and the moisture layer, so that a capacitance is at least partially changed by the moisture at least partially impinging on the dielectric layer, with a processing unit being set up and provided for measuring and/or storing this change, so that a capacitive humidity sensor is created.

The moisture layer can be formed with a dielectric material. The material of the moisture layer can be different from the material of the water-impermeable layer.

In the context of the present application, “moisture-absorbing layer” can be understood as an at least partial absorption of moisture from a surrounding medium into the layer itself. Moisture can therefore be understood to mean a gaseous or droplet phase in the surrounding medium. The moisture can be contained in the ambient air or another medium surrounding the layer.

The water or liquid content of air is commonly referred to as humidity. The absolute humidity indicates how much water or liquid vapor is contained in the volume unit of the gas mixture; Unit of measurement: g water (or other liquid).m ^-3 . Relative humidity is the quotient of the amount of liquid vapor present in the gas at a given temperature and the amount of liquid vapor that can be saturated at the same temperature. Relative humidity is usually given in percent (%). To do this, the quotient is multiplied by 100. If the air is saturated, ie the relative humidity is 100%, part of the liquid in the air is liquid. In this case, the associated liquid-gas mixture of substances is referred to as haze or fog.

The term humidity or humidity can be the measure of the presence of water or other liquid in or on a material (e.g. textiles) or a substance or in a gas or in a space.

The moisture-absorbing moisture layer described here can therefore differ from an in particular only liquid-absorbing (moisture) layer in that the moisture-absorbing moisture layer is made of a material which, in addition to adsorbing liquid, also absorbs moisture contained in the surrounding medium. However, it is also conceivable that the moisture-absorbing moisture layer only absorbs moisture in the medium surrounding the layer and therefore cannot absorb any liquid.

The sensor and/or the processing unit can be supplied with electrical energy by means of a battery or a landline power supply.

Alternatively or additionally, the generation of electrical energy to supply the Sen sors and/or processing unit by means of so-called "energy harvesting".

Energy harvesting is the term used to describe the extraction of small amounts of electrical energy from sources such as ambient temperature, vibration or air currents for low-power mobile devices. The structures used for this are also referred to as nanogenerators. Energy Harvesting eliminates the limitations of wired power supplies or batteries in wireless technologies.

• • Piezoelektrische Kristalle erzeugen bei Krafteinwirkung, beispielsweise durch Druck oder Vibration, elektrische Spannungen. Diese Kristalle können an oder auf dem Trägermaterial angeordnet sein.
• • Thermoelektrische Generatoren und pyroelektrische Kristalle gewinnen aus Temperaturunterschieden elektrische Energie. Diese Generatoren können an oder auf dem Trägermaterial angeordnet sein.
• • Über Antennen kann die Energie von Radiowellen, eine Form von elektromagnetischer Strahlung, aufgefangen und energetisch verwendet werden. Ein Beispiel dafür sind die passiven RFIDs. Diese Antennen können an oder auf dem Trägermaterial angeordnet sein.
• • Photovoltaik, elektrische Energie aus der Umgebungsbeleuchtung.
• • Osmose.

Possibilities of energy harvesting:

• • Piezoelectric crystals generate electrical voltages when force is applied, for example through pressure or vibration. These crystals can be arranged on or on the carrier material.
• • Thermoelectric generators and pyroelectric crystals generate electrical energy from temperature differences. These generators can be arranged on or on the carrier material.
• • The energy of radio waves, a form of electromagnetic radiation, can be captured via antennas and used for energy. Passive RFIDs are an example of this. These antennas can be arranged on or on the carrier material.
• • Photovoltaics, electrical energy from ambient lighting.
• • Osmosis.

In accordance with at least one embodiment, the sensor is also a capacitive pressure sensor, with the processing unit also being set up and provided for measuring and/or storing a change in capacitance of the capacitor caused by external pressure.

Basically, a capacitive sensor is a sensor that works on the basis of the change in the electrical capacitance of an individual capacitor or a capacitor system. The capacitance can be influenced by the variable to be detected in various ways, which is primarily determined by the intended use.

• - Eine Platte wird durch den zu messenden Effekt verschoben und/oder verformt, wodurch sich der Plattenabstand und damit die elektrische messbare Kapazität ändern.
• - Die Platten sind starr und die Kapazität an sich ändert sich dadurch, dass ein elektrisch leitendes Material oder ein Dielektrikum in unmittelbare Nähe gebracht wird.
• - Die wirksame Plattenfläche ändert sich, indem die Platten wie bei einem Drehkondensator gegeneinander verschoben werden.

A capacitive sensor is based, among other things, on the fact that two electrodes, one of which can be the surface to be measured, form the “plates” of an electrical capacitor whose capacitance or change in capacitance is measured, which can be influenced as follows:

• - A plate is displaced and/or deformed by the effect to be measured, which changes the distance between the plates and thus the electrical capacitance that can be measured.
• - The plates are rigid and the capacitance itself changes by bringing an electrically conductive material or dielectric in close proximity.
• - The effective plate area changes as the plates are shifted against each other like in a variable capacitor.

In order to be able to detect even small changes better, the actual measuring electrode can often be surrounded by a shielding electrode, which shields the inhomogeneous edge area of the electrical field from the measuring electrode. This results in an approximately parallel electric field with the known characteristics of an ideal plate capacitor between the measuring electrodes and the counter-electrode, which is usually grounded.

A capacitive pressure sensor is in particular one in which the change in capacitance as a result of the deflection of a membrane and the resulting change in the distance between the plates is evaluated as a sensor effect. For example, the membrane is the above-mentioned dielectric or the individual capacitor electrodes, which can be designed in particular in the form of a plate. In other words, in such an embodiment, a capacitive humidity sensor is combined with a capacitive pressure sensor in a new way, but without these components forming separate elements or two separate sensors, but in the present embodiment it is a "two in one" -Concept in which the same sensor acts both as a humidity sensor and as a pressure sensor.

According to at least one embodiment, the carrier material is a woven fabric, in particular into which electrical conductor tracks for electrical contacting of the sensor and the processing unit are woven.

For the purposes of the invention, a woven fabric is therefore a fabric that has been woven manually or by machine on the basis of individual threads.

The electrical conductor tracks can therefore also be integrated in a fabric in addition to the usual fibers and fabric strands, or they can replace individual fabric strands that form the fabric network.

Depending on the distance and properties of the individual threads (twisted, bulky, etc.), very loose fabrics such as bandage fabrics or dense fabrics such as brocade fabric can be created. Fabrics are longitudinally elastic due to rubber threads used as warp threads (more tapes are used) or crimped and bulky yarns. They become tense, processed and contract when at rest. Bulky yarns consist of textured, i.e. crimped, synthetic fibers. The crimp changes the properties of the synthetic fibers. The yarns spun on it are very elastic and voluminous and have good thermal insulation.

In accordance with at least one embodiment, at least one electrode and/or dielectric layer is printed on the carrier material or on a particularly water-impermeable layer arranged on the carrier material or applied by means of a thin-layer process.

This means that at least one element, preferably both the electrode and the dielectric layer, is printed on the carrier material or on a preferably electrically non-conductive, more preferably water-impermeable layer applied between the sensor and the carrier material using a printing process.

The printing process can be an inkjet process, for example.

For example, the processing unit is applied to the substrate in the same way as the sensor. For this purpose, it is conceivable that the processing unit, but at least one, in particular conductive, layer of the processing unit is printed onto the carrier material, for example. The data communication between the processing unit and the sensor can then occur via the conductor tracks mentioned above. These conductor tracks can be at least partially, but preferably completely, woven into the woven fabric or even form individual fibers of the woven fabric itself.

For example, at least one electrode is designed to be flat. This means that the thickness of the electrode is negligible compared to its surface area. Such an electrode can therefore be produced in particular by means of a printing process.

As an alternative to this, a thickness of at least one electrode can be at most 5 mm. For this purpose, the printing process can be used several times, so that at least two, but preferably more, individual printed layers are stacked one on top of the other.

Furthermore, the electrode can also be arranged on the carrier material by means of a 3D printing process.

1. The FDM process (Fused Deposition Modeling)

Alternative designations: Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF), Fused Layer Modeling (FLM)

The process refers to the layer-by-layer application (extrusion) of a material through a hot nozzle. The consumable is in the form of a long wire (so-called filament) on a roll and is pushed by the conveyor unit into a print head, where it is melted and applied to a print bed. The print head and/or print bed can be moved in three directions. In this way, layers of plastic can be applied one on top of the other step by step.

2. The SLS process (Selective Laser Sintering)

In contrast to the sintering process, in which substances in powder form are bonded together under the influence of heat, this is done selectively in the SLS process using a laser (alternatively also an electron beam or infrared beam). So only a certain part of the powder is fused together.

A thin layer of powder is always applied to the print bed by the coating unit. The laser (or other energy source) is now aligned with pinpoint accuracy to individual areas of the powder layer in order to form the first layer of the print data. Here, the powder is melted or melted and then solidifies again through slight cooling. The unmelted powder remains around the sintered areas and serves as a support material. After a layer has solidified, the print bed lowers by a fraction of a millimeter. The coating unit now moves over the print bed and applies the next layer of powder. The second layer of print data is then sintered by the laser (or other energy source). This creates a three-dimensional object layer by layer.

3. Three Dimensional Printing (3DP)

The 3DP process works very similarly to selective laser sintering, but instead of using a directed energy source, a printhead moves over the powder. This releases tiny droplets of binder onto the underlying layers of powder, which are thus bonded together. Otherwise, this procedure is the same as the SLS procedure.

4. Stereolithography (SLA)

Instead of a plastic wire or printing material in powder form, liquid resins, so-called photopolymers, are used in the stereolithography process. They are hardened in layers by UV radiation and thus create three-dimensional objects. For this purpose, the construction platform in the Harz basin is gradually lowered. There are also variants (the so-called Polyjet process) without a whole tank of liquid resin. For this purpose, an epoxy resin is applied drop by drop from a nozzle and immediately cured by a UV laser.

5. Laminated Object Manufacturing (LOM)

Alternative designation: Layer Laminated Manufacturing (LLM)

The procedure is based neither on chemical reactions nor on a thermal process. It is cut along the contour with a separating tool (e.g. a knife or carbon dioxide laser), a foil or a plate (e.g. paper) and glued to one another in layers. By lowering the construction platform, a layered object is created from glued, superimposed foils.

One or more water-impermeable layers and/or also the moisture layer can be applied in the same type and/or thickness as the electrode.

In accordance with at least one embodiment, the moisture layer covers the capacitor completely.

This can mean that the moisture layer outwards, that is to say in the transverse direction, delimits and closes off the sensor so that the sensor is arranged between the moisture layer and the carrier material.

According to at least one embodiment, the sensor has at least one additional capacitor, which is arranged in the transverse direction below or above the capacitor and spaced apart from the capacitor by an additional water-impermeable layer on or under this additional water-impermeable layer, so that a capacitor stack is formed.

The further capacitor can be constructed in the same way as the capacitor and also can be arranged on the further waterproof layer in a same way as the capacitor.

Using such a capacitor stack, the sensor system can be refined in a particularly simple manner, namely insofar as it is conceivable that with two sensors forming the capacitor stack, both sensors perform the same tasks, but the respective measured values are determined by the individual sensors, which together conclude a mean value to let. For example, the (relative) humidity of the environment is measured by each of the two sensors, and the average humidity value is then determined from these two measured values. The same can be done accordingly with the pressure measurement, so that the accuracy of the entire measurement, in particular a combination of the measurements of (relative) humidity and the respective pressure, can be designed particularly precisely.

According to at least one embodiment, the water-impermeable layer and/or the further water-impermeable layer at least partially forms the dielectric layer itself.

This may mean that instead of positioning a dielectric layer separately next to the water-impermeable layer and/or next to the further water-impermeable layer, this dielectric layer itself is formed by the water-impermeable layer and/or the further water-impermeable layer.

Such a production of the dielectric layer through the water-impermeable layer(s) therefore forms a particularly simple and cost-effective manufacturing method for a cost-effective device.

Apart from that, the electrodes, the dielectric layer and the water-impermeable layer(s) can in principle be arranged in relation to one another in such a way that an electrical short circuit is prevented in any case.

According to at least one embodiment, a maximum thickness of the moisture layer is at least 30% and at most 80% of the maximum thickness of the water-impermeable layer and/or the maximum thickness of the further water-impermeable layer.

This not only ensures a particularly flat sensor, but also ensures a particularly fast reaction time to changes in humidity. The moisture acting on the moisture layer from the outside therefore does not have to travel long distances to the dielectric.

Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method for measuring pressure and/or humidity, it being noted in particular that all features disclosed for the device described above are also disclosed for the method described here and vice versa.

According to at least one embodiment, the method for measuring pressure and/or humidity initially comprises a first step by means of which at least one sensor for measuring pressure and/or humidity is provided, the sensor having at least one capacitor with at least two electrodes which, in particular in a horizontal direction along and are arranged on a, in particular flexible, carrier material to one another, wherein at least one dielectric layer is arranged between the electrodes.

According to at least one embodiment, at least one at least partially moisture-permeable and/or moisture-absorbing moisture layer is arranged at least in places on a side of at least one electrode and/or the dielectric layer that is remote from the carrier material, with the at least one electrode and/or the dielectric layer thus being arranged in a transverse direction are arranged between the carrier material and the moisture layer, so that a capacitance changes at least partially as a result of the moisture at least partially hitting the dielectric layer, with a processing unit measuring and/or storing this change, resulting in a capacitive moisture sensor.

The method described above has the same advantages and advantageous configurations as the device described above.

The adjustment module described here acts as a gap filler for a gap that may still exist within the anchoring area even after the mattress module has been inserted into the anchoring area.

Preferably, after the additional insertion of at least one interchangeable adjustment module in the anchoring area in the lying direction next to the mattress module, the anchoring area is completely filled within the scope of manufacturing accuracy. In this respect, there is then no longer any predefinable dead volume within the anchoring area into which, for example, another adjustment module and/or another mattress module and/or another three-dimensional element can be inserted, particularly as part of recommended operation of the modular back mattress.

In such a case, the modular back mattress is then fully occupied. In particular, only then can the modular back mattress be operational in this case.

The material of the adjustment module can be identical to the material of the mattress base support. The material can be a cold foam material.

According to at least one embodiment, the interchangeable adjustment module, when inserted into the anchoring area, forms an at least partially level surface with the top surface of the mattress base support. For example, after it has been inserted into the anchoring area, a top surface of the adjustment module is level with a top surface of the mattress base support.

For example, an extension of the mattress module in the lying direction is at least 1.2, preferably at least 1.5 times greater than an extension of the adjustment module in the lying direction.

For example, in the assembled state, the mattress module protrudes at least 3 cm, but preferably more than 5 cm, from the top surface of the mattress base support in the thickness direction (a direction perpendicular to the main plane of extension). This can mean that the curved outer surface of the mattress module protrudes at its highest point by at least 3 cm, but preferably more than 5 cm from the top surface of the mattress base support.

According to at least one embodiment, the exchangeable adjustment module and the exchangeable mattress module are each arranged next to one another in the main extension plane and in particular in the lying direction when inserted into the anchoring area.

This juxtaposition therefore guarantees that the only bump formed along the entire modular back mattress is that of the mattress module, in other words the modular back mattress is free of bumps formed alongside the mattress module. For example, the modular back mattress has only a single elevation, namely that which is generated by the mattress module itself.

Furthermore, the present invention comprises an exchangeable mattress module for detachable anchoring in a modular back mattress according to at least one of the above-mentioned embodiments.

That is, all of the features and advantages set forth for the modular back mattress described above are also disclosed for the removable mattress module described herein, and vice versa.

According to at least one embodiment, the mattress module has an outer surface at least in places, which has a surface curvature at least in places, so that when the mattress module is inserted into the mattress base support, this curved outer surface has and/or forms a curvature in the lying direction of the mattress base support.

Furthermore, the present invention comprises a replaceable adjustment element for releasably anchoring in a modular back mattress according to at least one of the embodiments set forth above. That is, all of the embodiment advantages disclosed for the modular back mattress above are also disclosed for the interchangeable adjustment modules described herein, and vice versa.

According to at least one embodiment, an anchoring surface of the adjustment module opposite an outer surface of the adjustment module has at least in places at least one anchoring element which can be releasably anchored in at least one counter-anchoring element in a bottom of the anchoring area. For example, the outer surface of the adjustment module, as part of the lying surface, is flat, in particular without curvature.

The invention described here is described in more detail below with reference to corresponding figures.

Components that are the same or have the same effect are provided with the same reference symbols.

1 shows a back mattress 100, in particular a modular back mattress, for improving lying comfort, which comprises at least one mattress base support 1, the mattress base support 1 having a bottom surface 16 for arrangement on a support element, in particular for arrangement on a bed frame, a top surface 17 which is designed for this purpose and for this purpose provided that a user lies down on it, has at least one side surface 18 which mechanically connects the bottom surface 16 to the top surface 17 .

In addition, the 1 it can be seen that the mattress has at least one sensor 6 for measuring pressure, temperature and/or humidity, on a mattress surface, which is the one that is arranged and intended to come into at least indirect contact with a user, the sensor 6 forwards the measured values to a control and evaluation unit 5, which decides whether the user is in a previously set user-ideal lying position.

Besides, the 1 It can be seen that the mattress surface is adjusted and changed using an adjustment element 3 according to the pre-set user-ideal lying position, in particular with respect to a height profile of the user interface and/or a degree of hardness of the mattress base support 1 .

1 also shows that the evaluation unit 5, on the basis of the measured values after the end of a detection time, unequivocally, preferably one-to-one, establishes which user has just taken a seat on the mattress base support 1 .

In addition, the 1 It can be inferred that the degree of hardness of the mattress base support 1 adjusts and changes the mattress surface by means of an adjustment element 3 in accordance with the pre-set ideal lying position for the user, in particular by means of an actuating element arranged inside the mattress base support 1, such as a, more particularly linear, servomotor, which has an actuating element such as Example, a lever element, a foam element, a resistance element within the mattress body drives.

1 also shows that at least one replaceable mattress module 2, which is and/or can be detachably connected to an anchoring area of the mattress base support 1, and wherein a surface area of the anchoring area along a main extension plane of the mattress base support 1 is at least in places larger than a surface area of the mattress module 2 in the main extension plane and that the sensor 6 is installed in the replaceable mattress module 1

In the 2 a device according to the invention for measuring pressure and/or humidity is shown in a first exemplary embodiment.

In the 3 an exploded drawing shown in relation to the layer arrangement is shown in a schematic perspective view.

In the 4 a further exemplary embodiment of a device described here is shown.

How now that 2 can be removed, there is shown a device 100 for measuring pressure and/or humidity.

A sensor 6 is shown there by way of example, the sensor 6 showing a capacitor stack with a capacitor 20 and a capacitor 30, the individual electrodes 10, 11 of the capacitors 20, 30 being arranged one above the other in the horizontal direction H1, although alternatively to this of course, an arrangement of the individual electrodes 10, 11 of an individual capacitor 20, 30 in the transverse direction Q1 which runs perpendicular to the horizontal direction H1 and thus also perpendicular to the main direction of extension of the sensor 6 shown there or can be arranged.

The individual electrodes 10 , 11 are arranged on a carrier material 13 . The carrier material 13 can in particular be a woven fabric, in particular a flexible woven fabric.

A water-impermeable layer 4 is arranged on the carrier material 13, the two electrodes 10, 11 of the capacitor 20 being printed on this water-impermeable layer 4 in the horizontal direction H1.

The electrodes 10, 11 of the capacitor 20 are completely surrounded by a further layer 14 which is impermeable to water. The further capacitor 30 with corresponding electrodes 10, 11 is printed on this water-impermeable layer 14 in the same way. In addition, in the present exemplary embodiment, exposed outer surfaces of the individual electrodes 10, 11 of the further capacitor 30 are preferably completely surrounded by a water-permeable and/or water-absorbing moisture layer 7.

Via this moisture layer 7, water can impinge on a dielectric layer 4, which in the present case is arranged in the horizontal direction H1 between the respective electrodes 10, 11 of a capacitor 20, 30.

In the present embodiment 2 and 3 the waterproof layer 4 itself forms a dielectric layer 4 of the capacitor 20 . The same applies to the further water-impermeable layer 14 in relation to the further capacitor 30.

The dielectric properties, in particular of the dielectric layer 2 of the further capacitor 30, are changed by the moisture impinging on and penetrating through the moisture layer 7. FIG.

In addition, a processing unit 5 can be seen, which has a data connection with the two capacitors 20, 30, this processing unit 5 being set up and provided for measuring a change in the relative humidity of the environment and/or the moisture layer 7.

Through the in the 2 illustrated "stackwise" arrangement and the fact that the further water-impermeable layer 14 prevents the capacitor 20 from coming into contact with moisture, it can therefore be provided that only the further capacitor 30 and its dielectric layer 4 is exposed to moisture. For this purpose, the processing unit 5 can then compare a change in the capacitance of the additional capacitor 30 with the stable capacitor capacitance of the capacitor 10, so that a particularly simple comparison can be made in the change in the relative humidity and/or the respective load pressure.

Through the in the 2 The arrow shown also shows a pressure direction in which pressure is applied to the sensor 6 . Both can preferably be measured, evaluated and stored by the sensor 6 and in particular by the device 100 . The processing unit 5 shown as essential in the invention is used for this purpose in particular, which can also measure and evaluate corresponding pressure values and the associated changes in the capacitance of the individual sensors 6, so that the processing unit 5 is also set up and provided for a by external pressure to measure and/or store the change in capacitance caused in the capacitor 20 and in particular also in the further capacitor 30 .

The moisture layer 7 can be flexible or non-flexible. In addition, it is possible for the moisture layer 7 to be in the form of a woven fabric. In particular, it can be a woven fabric, which was mentioned as an example in the introductory part of the present application. In addition, however, it is also possible for the moisture layer 7 to be a substrate which is applied, for example glued, to the further capacitor 30, for example in the form of an epitaxy or an adhesive process.

The water-impermeable layer 14 and/or the water-impermeable layer 15 can also be flexible and non-flexible, in particular also can be formed in the form of a woven fabric or a substrate in the same manner as the moisture layer 7 .

In addition, it is advantageously conceivable that the electrodes 10, 11 of the two capacitors 20, 30 were printed onto the water-impermeable layer 14 and the further water-impermeable layer 15 in the form of a printing process, for example an inkjet printing process.

In the 3 is shown an exploded drawing, in particular from the 2 the respective arrangement of the electrodes 10, 11 of the capacitors 20, 30 can be seen. The action of force on the sensor 6, represented by the direction of the arrow, as well as the moisture acting through the individual, schematically represented drops, can again be seen. In particular, it can again be seen that the moisture penetrates in particular between the electrodes 10, 11 and has, for example, a considerable effect on the electrical properties of the respective water-permeable layer 14, so that the capacitance of at least the other capacitor 30 changes as in FIG 2 explained each changes.

In the 4 a further embodiment of the invention described here shows that the sensor 6 can consist of two electrodes 10 and one electrode 11 . The electrodes 10 have one polarity (preferably the same polarity), while the electrode 11 has a different polarity thereof, but in the right part of the 4 the exploded view of the left part of the 4 1 and it can be seen that three waterproof layers 4, 14, 15 are used. The electrodes 10 can also have different polarities and/or electrical potentials. The electrodes 10 can also be electrically connected to one another.

For example, the electrodes 10, 11 can also each have and/or generate a separate polarity and/or a separate electrical potential. The same can also apply in relation to the electrodes in the following figures.

For example, the bottom waterproof layer is again the waterproof layer 14, the subsequent waterproof layer 15 and the waterproof layer 16 arranged thereon in the transverse direction Q1 is a further waterproof layer, with one electrode each being applied, in particular printed, on a separate waterproof layer.

In this stacking of the individual waterproof layers 14, 15 and 16 is therefore by merging these layers in the left part of the 3 The capacitor 20 shown is produced, in which case the electrodes 10 are each arranged on different levels in the transverse direction Q1, as can be seen in the corresponding partial image.

Alternatively, the electrode 11 can also be applied together with at least one of the electrodes 10 in a common plane, i.e. on or in a common water-impermeable layer 4, 14, 15, so that, for example, only the second of the electrodes 10 is on a separate water-impermeable layer Layer 4, 14, 15 must be stacked.

In principle, therefore, the individual electrodes 10, 11 can be arranged in different planes in the Q1 direction relative to one another. For example, there is a paired association between exactly one water-impermeable layer 4, 14, 15 and exactly one electrode 10, 11.

The invention is not limited by the description based on the exemplary embodiment. Rather, the invention includes every new feature and every combination of features, which in particular includes every combination of features in the patent claims, even if this feature or this combination itself is not explicitly stated in the patent claims or in the exemplary embodiments.

Reference List

1

mattress base support

2

mattress module

3

adjustment module

4

dielectric layer/ waterproof layer

5

Control and evaluation unit

6

sensor

7

moisture layer

10

electrode

11

electrode

13

carrier material

14

waterproof layer

15

waterproof layer

16

floor space

17

top surface

18

side face

20

capacitor

30

capacitor

100

contraption

200

procedure

H1

horizontal direction

Q1

transverse direction

Claims (10)

Comprising a back mattress (100), in particular a modular back mattress, for improving lying comfort, - at least one mattress base support (1), wherein the mattress base support (1) • a bottom surface (16) for arranging on a carrier element, in particular for arranging on a bed frame, • a top surface (17) which is set up and provided for a user to lie on, • at least one side surface (18) which mechanically connects the bottom surface (16) to the top surface (17), characterized by at least one sensor (6) for measuring pressure, temperature and/or humidity on a mattress surface, which which is set up and intended to come into at least indirect contact with a user, with the sensor (6) forwarding the measured values to a control and evaluation unit (5), which decides whether the user is in a previously set user ideal lying position is located. back mattress (100) after claim 1 , characterized in that the mattress surface is adjusted and changed by means of an adjustment element (3) according to the previously set user ideal lying position, in particular with respect to a height profile of the user interface and/or a degree of hardness of the mattress base support (1). back mattress (100) after claim 1 , characterized in that the evaluation unit (5) on the basis of the measured values after the end of a detection time unequivocally, preferably one-to-one, establishes which user has just taken a seat on the mattress base support (1). back mattress (100) after claim 1 , characterized in that the degree of hardness of the mattress base support (1) adjusts and changes the mattress surface by means of an adjustment element (3) in accordance with the pre-set ideal lying position for the user, in particular by means of an adjustment element arranged inside the mattress base support (1), such as a further, in particular linear, Servomotor, which drives an actuating element, such as a lever element, a foam element, a resistance element within the mattress base body. back mattress (100) after claim 1 , characterized by at least one interchangeable mattress module (2) which is and/or can be detachably connected to an anchoring area of the mattress base support (1) and wherein a surface area of the anchoring area along a main extension plane of the mattress base support (1) is at least in places greater than a surface area of the mattress module (2) in the main plane of extension. back mattress (100) after claim 1 , characterized in that the sensor (6) is installed in the replaceable mattress module (1). Back mattress (100) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sensor (6) comprises the following components: o at least one capacitor (20) with at least two electrodes (10, 11) which, in particular in a horizontal direction (H1 ) are arranged relative to each other along and on a, in particular flexible, carrier material (13), with at least one dielectric layer (4) being arranged between the electrodes (10, 11), with at least one electrode on a side facing away from the carrier material (13). (10, 11) and/or the dielectric layer (4) at least one at least partially moisture-permeable and/or moisture-absorbing moisture layer (7) is arranged at least in places, the at least one electrode (10, 11) and/or the dielectric layer ( 4) are arranged in a transverse direction (Q1) between the carrier material (13) and the moisture layer (7), so that a capacitance through the moisture that at least partially hits the dielectric layer (4), a processing unit (5) being set up and provided for measuring and/or storing this change, so that a capacitive moisture sensor is produced. back mattress (100) after claim 7 , characterized in that the sensor (6) is also a capacitive pressure sensor, the processing unit (5) being additionally set up and provided for measuring and/or storing a change in capacitance of the capacitor (20) caused by external pressure. back mattress (100) after claim 7 or 8th , characterized in that the carrier material (13) is a woven fabric, in particular in which electrical conductor tracks for electrical contacting of the sensor (6) and the processing unit (5) are woven. Replaceable mattress module (2) for releasably anchoring in a modular back mattress (100) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the mattress module (2) has at least in places an outer surface which has a surface curvature at least in places, so that when the mattress module is in the inserted state (2) in the mattress base support (1), this curved outer surface has and/or forms a curvature in the direction of a lying direction of the mattress base support (1), with at least one sensor (6) for measuring pressure, temperature and/or humidity on a mattress module surface of the mattress module (2), which is the one that is set up and intended to come into at least indirect contact with a user, with the sensor (6) forwarding the measured values to a control and evaluation unit, which decides whether the Users in a pre-set user ideals lying position is located.

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