ES1073526U - Pillow. (Machine-translation by Google Translate, not legally binding) - Google Patents

Abstract

Pillow (1) for bed comprising at least one portion of flexible expanded polyurethane, characterized in that said polyurethane has embedded microencapsulated thermal adjustment substances, which undergo liquid/solid phase change in the temperature range of 18 to 37º c. (Machine-translation by Google Translate, not legally binding)

Description

Pillow.

This model refers to a pillow for a bed, made of flexible expanded polyurethane.

As you know, mattresses and pillows are used as bodies at rest on a bed, for rest or convalescence of a user. These devices are acquired both for private domestic use as for the public sector (for example, hospitals, nursing homes, hotels) where they exist even more stringent requirements.

The manufacture of these is also known devices made from flexible polyurethane material.

The chemistry of polyurethane is based on the reaction of isocyanides with molecules containing atoms of hydrogen active. -NCO groups contained in the molecule of isocyanate is reacted rapidly, in the presence of suitable catalysts, with hydrogen atoms attached to more atoms electronegative than carbon. This reaction leads to formation of the desired polymer structure; together with it, it produces in parallel a reaction of gas production, for example, carbon dioxide (which comes from the reaction of isocyanate with Water).

Typically, to make pillows and cushions A continuous batch production process is followed. From tanks storage, with a size and structure suitable for Raw materials and additives used, chemical components are made follow - through circulation / dosing pumps - throughout specialized connection lines, towards a mixing head and supply. In the mixing head it is possible to change different mixing parameters The supply head leads to a line of foaming, in which a carpet is continuously produced with an adequate height and width of expanded polyurethane, which then cut to the desired length for the manufacture of long polyurethane blocks. Then, these blocks are stored in stabilization planes until later they are cut in sheets, plates or rolls of a size suitable for production of the finished object.

The market already offers a diversity of types of polyurethane pillows and mattresses, on which plates individual polyurethane different (by density, behavior mechanical, sanitary characteristics and the like) are linked between yes or thin plate rolls are used together with fabrics and padding, to get a finished product that, at best, It satisfies the user's requirements.

Although polyurethane, by nature intrinsic, it already has good thermal properties along with a good quality in relation to perspiration, the applicant sets the goal of offering an improved pillow, which provides the user a pleasant feeling of comfort to a diversity of temperatures

Such an object is achieved through a product such as the one described in its essential characteristics in the claim Main attached.

Other inventive aspects of the pillow are described in the dependent claims.

In any case, other features and Advantages of the device according to the model will be more evident from the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment, provided by way of example and illustrated in the attached drawings.

Figure 1 is a graph showing the comfort result that can be obtained with the device according to the model.

Figure 2 is a representation of the pillow according to the invention.

The applicant began by selecting substances undergoing a change of release / absorption phase of thermal energy in a time interval that could be advantageous. During the phase change, such phase changing materials, also called PCM, they release latent heat (from the state liquid to the solid state) or absorb latent heat (from solid state to the liquid state), thus becoming capable of extracting or introducing heat to the surrounding environment in proportion at its volume

The phases to consider are the solid phase and the liquid phase, since soda would imply practical problems considerable, mainly related to changes in volume, which makes it unusable.

Particularly advantageous substances for the specific use considered in this document -which is they will present hereinafter as thermal adjustment substances- they are the so-called PCM with a high heat of latent condensation, which they have a state change temperature in the interval between 18 and 37 ° C, which corresponds to the appropriate temperature range for transmit a feeling of well-being to the user's body.

Such substances exist both in organic form (for example, paraffin or fatty acids) as inorganic form (for example, hydrated salts, such as M n H 2 O) and They also manifest in eutectic forms. In addition, they are able to store 5 to 14 times more energy than other substances in reference, such as water.

Preferably, in the present application, such Thermal adjustment substances are chosen among the paraffins.

In accordance with this model, you are substances, prepared in granulated form or powder, first microencapsulate.

The technology called "microencapsulation" allows to include a substance inside a "cover" and protect it from external agents. The microcapsules may vary in size between 3 and 800 µm. The microencapsulation technique is known per se and, therefore, will not be described in more detail. In the specific case of the application to suitable thermal adjustment substances, the cover of each microcapsule can be made of one of the following preferred materials: polyesters, polyacrylates, vinyl polymers or waxes.

Once the microspheres of the thermal adjustment substance chosen, undergo a process of dispersion in a vehicle compatible with the reaction for Preparation of an expanded polyurethane. No techniques are used. dispersion such as ball or cylinder in order to reduce to a minimum the mechanical stress on the mixture.

The vehicle can be of a reactive type, for that remains attached in the polymer matrix, or of a type not reagent. In the first case, you will also have to consider your presence during chemical formulation to ensure that the Polyurethane polymerization reaction occurs according to what is desired; in the latter case, simply choose one substance that does not jeopardize the requirements of the standards of sector in relation to the environment, health and safety of the workers, and the user's health taking into account the field of use of the finished product. Finally, in the election of vehicle will also have to take into account aspects of chemical compatibility with the membrane nature of the microspheres

An example of a reactive vehicle is mentioned in this document a polyol; as a non-reactive vehicle it is considered, for example, a non-phthalic plasticizer.

In addition to the vehicle, if necessary maintain good dispersion uniformity, additives can be introduced humectants and stabilizers in the same dispersion.

The dispersion obtained in this way, consisting of microspheres (substance with phase change microencapsulated), polyol and a possible wetting agent, is used in the manufacture of flexible expanded polyurethane.

The finished product (pillow 1) that can Obtained according to the model, it can be manufactured by means of use of various technologies for the manufacture of polyurethane expanded flexible, both from continuous blocks and by molding

Densities of polyurethanes generally they vary from 25 to 100 kg / m 3; isocyanates can be TDI (toluen-di-isocyanate), MDI (methylene diphenyl isocyanate) and IPDI (isophoron-di-isocyanate); the nature of the polyol can be ethers based on ethylene oxide and / or conventional high elastic propylene oxide, and ester, possibly crosslinked to improve hardening of the polyurethane. Polyols of plant origin can also be used, that is that is, obtained from renewable sources.

Within the polyurethane formulation, the weight percentages of the additional dispersion (containing microcapsules), in terms of loose microspheres with respect to Weight of the finished foam, may vary - depending on the density and / or end use of polyurethane - between 3% and 30% in weight.

The treatment identified as preferable for according to the present model is a mass treatment: so therefore, it foresees the use of a piston, gear or peristaltic pump for dosing the additional dispersion directly in the polyurethane mixing chamber.

The polyurethane obtained in this way is cut and conforms, in the case of continuous or discontinuous production of a block, to get mattress sheets, thin plates that inserted into padded covers, or pillows 1, or used in a mold to get 1 molded mattresses and pillows.

In particular, the mattress cover can be obtain from expanded polyurethane, including the component of thermal adjustment, through the continuous production of plates that subsequently they join with tissue; while the filling of Mattress can be formed in one of the following ways:

A. With a single plate or polyurethane sheet with thermal adjustment component;

B. with two sheets attached, using preferably the polyurethane produced with the adjustment component thermal on the base surface sheet (i.e. the one designed to stay closer to the user's body);

C. three joined sheets, preferably using Polyurethane produced with technology according to the model on the base surface sheets, possibly with different thermal adjustment properties (winter side, side of summer);

In the second case (B), usually the sheet surface has lower compression stress values CV_ {40} (kPa), to provide a greater sense of comfort, while the bottom sheet serves as support with older CV_ {40} compression tension values (kPa).

In the third case (C), the two sheets surface usually have lower stress values of CV_ {40} compression (kPa), to provide a greater sense of comfort, while the middle or central blade acts as support with higher compression stress values CV_ {40} (kPa).

In all cases, the surface faces of the sheets, on the user-oriented side, can be smooth or have different patterns. The patterns are aimed at create areas of different "hardness" and / or create an effect "massage".

The flexible expanded polyurethanes used in the formulation according to the model, for the manufacture of mattresses, padded covers, and pillows 1, can be:

- conventional polyethers;

- high elastic polyethers;

- viscoelastic.

Viscoelastic foams are used preferably on surface sheets or inside decks quilts deposited on the top of the mattress, ready to be very close to the user: in fact, given its tendency to hold the body better compared to others foams, are more appropriate for heat adjustment treatment that for the support properties of the middle sheet or lower.

As mentioned, in products of advanced technology (type C) can afford to use two sheets of polyurethane that have different thermal adjustment properties. Therefore, you get a pillow 1 that has:

- a winter side that has on the surface a polyurethane with thermal adjustment microspheres that have a PCM with a lower melting point; Y

- a summer side that has on the surface a polyurethane with thermal adjustment microspheres that They have a PCM with a higher melting point.

To make the pillow 1, it is usually it is preferable to use a single expanded, flexible polyurethane with thermal adjustment property (subsequently formed in case of obtained from a continuous block production) with different patterns.

A pillow 1 can also be manufactured advantageously by molding.

If these finished pieces are obtained by molding instead of by forming the block manufactured with the continuous technique, it is possible to introduce - in addition to what has been set out above- the following original feature additional.

During the mold preparation phase, first a layer of microspheres (microencapsulated thermal adjustment substance). The mold surfaces affected by this process are at least those in which the finished product is oriented towards the final user.

The previous action is intended to hold temporarily and reversibly microspheres on surfaces internal mold. To improve the adhesion of uniform thickness of the microspheres on non-flat surfaces, it is possible to arrange previously on the inner surfaces of the mold a film of the same release agent that is normally used for facilitate the extraction operations of the finished part of the mold. The microsphere layer obtained in this way is of a thickness of the order of the diameter of the microspheres, that is, between 3 and 800 µm.

Once the mold has been closed and has been injected the reaction mixture based on polyurethane, the microspheres are automatically embedded in the polymer matrix, on the surface part of the molded object, by transfer from the internal walls of the mold.

Therefore, the following are obtained advantages:

- detachment is further facilitated of the finished part of the mold at the end of the process, because the layer of microspheres acts as a "shedding powder";

- increases significantly concentration of the microspheres near the surface areas, thus increasing the possibility of thermal adjustment.

In the attached figure 1, a graph of the temperature of the polyurethane material versus time. He graph shows the results that can be obtained with the device according to the model. In particular, the thermoregulation action performed by a mattress, when the mattress is made of flexible expanded polyurethane plates that they include microcapsules or microspheres of PCM, constituting the plates the central part or the outer sides of the mattress.

A sample of a flexible expanded polyurethane which contains thermal adjustment microcapsules according to the Model has been tested according to ASTM D 7024. The test consists of extracting and supplying alternative to foam a predetermined amount of energy thermal, causing cooling and heating cycles of the polymer matrix.

This test has been carried out at two temperatures Different starting: the first graph (the external one, in line continuous) was obtained from a temperature of 41 ° C, while the second graph (the internal one, dashed) it has been obtained starting at approximately 25.5 ° C. It can be seen that, although the same energy has been extracted and supplied to it amount of material, if -second graph- the temperature makes a cycle around the critical / operating temperature of the microcapsules (that is, around the temperature at which produces the phase change), the polymeric material experiences less temperature variations than the sample that is processed at temperature ranges outside the critical temperature / of operation of the thermal adjustment microcapsules. The PCM contained in the microcapsules embedded in the polymeric material, during the cooling phase has supplied latent heat to the material polymeric while, during the heating phase, they have extracted latent heat from the polymeric material.

This essay provides a clear picture of the beneficial advantages of the device according to the model, which allow the user to experience greater comfort when using the 1 pillow according to the model. Thermal adjustment action can reduce temperature peaks, greatly increasing the user comfort feeling of a pillow 1 made of according to the model.

It should be noted that the adjustment action thermal can be extended to a wide range of temperatures different (from 18 to 37 ° C) choosing appropriate mixtures of different PCM microcapsules embedded in the same material as It is used with the same mass treatment process.

As can be demonstrated by the above, by the original set suggested in the model, are achieved perfectly the objectives set out in the observations Preliminary

In particular, the pillow 1 made of flexible expanded polyurethane to which microcapsules have been added of thermal adjustment substances, with phase change in the interval from temperatures of 18 to 37 ° C (range within which heat Human body can cause fusion of the adjustment material thermal phase change), allows to offer the end user greater convenience due to the storage and release action of energy in the form of heat, made by the microspheres. These microspheres create a microclimate that compensates for the peaks of temperature, improving sleep quality or convalescence prolonged

However, it should be understood that protection of the model described above is not limited to the embodiment particular shown, but extends to any other variant of construction that achieves the same utility.

Claims (6)

1. Bed pillow (1) comprising at least a portion of flexible expanded polyurethane, characterized in that said polyurethane has embedded previously microencapsulated thermal adjustment substances, which undergo liquid / solid phase change in the temperature range of 18 to 37 ° C . 2. Pillow (1) according to claim 1, wherein said microencapsulated thermal adjustment substances are embedded in a portion of the expanded polyurethane at least near the surface designed to be close to the body of the Username. 3. Pillow (1) according to claim 2, which consists of different layers joined together, where at least the surface of one has said adjustment substance embedded microencapsulated thermal. 4. Pillow (1) according to claim 2, obtained by molding, wherein said thermal adjustment substance microencapsulated is a material found uniformly in a surface portion, said material having been extended in a internal surface of a mold before polyurethane injection during its production 5. Pillow (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said substances of Thermal adjustment are paraffins. 6. Pillow (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said substances of thermal adjustment are microencapsulated and dispersed in a vehicle that belongs to the family of polyols or plasticizers not italics