KR20220046355A - Water circulation mat - Google Patents

Abstract

A water circulation mat according to the present invention comprises: a temperature control unit provided to control the temperature of water; and a mat unit having a mat flow path through which water whose temperature is controlled by the temperature control unit is circulated, wherein the temperature control unit includes: a case; a first tank provided in the case and provided to store the water; and a heat exchanger provided in the case to exchange heat with outside air with the water supplied from the first tank, thereby capable of performing appropriate control in accordance with a situation in order to reach a target temperature of the water.

Description

WATER CIRCULATION MAT

The present invention relates to a water circulation mat.

The water circulation mat refers to a mat for giving an appropriate temperature change by circulating water through a flow path provided in the mat. The water circulation mat can perform heating or cooling through the mat. When the water circulation mat is used as a hot water mat, heating may be performed by circulating hot water heated to a set temperature along a flow path provided in the mat. When used as a cold water mat, cooling can be performed by circulating cold water cooled to a set temperature along a flow path provided in the mat.

The conventional water circulation mat controls the degree of heating and cooling so that the mat reaches a target temperature, and then stops the water circulation by closing a valve disposed on a flow path through which water circulates. In the event of an air leak, the valve is opened again to circulate water, and the target temperature is maintained by heating and cooling. However, as the stop and resume of water circulation are repeated, the valve repeats opening and closing, and the operation of a cooling device or heating device including a fan for controlling the temperature of water is stopped or resumed, so noise generated in the process of changing the operating state And, the slow reaction speed became a problem.

In addition, the conventional water circulation mat uses only a single means for heating and cooling, and controls the degree of heating and cooling by controlling the time for operating these means or the power provided. It takes a lot of time to reduce, and when the temperature difference to be overcome is small, there is a problem in that a lot of power is consumed unnecessarily.

One object of the present invention is to provide a water circulation mat capable of performing appropriate control according to circumstances in order to reach a target temperature of water.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a water circulation mat capable of performing appropriate heating and cooling while minimizing changes in operating conditions.

Water circulation mat according to an embodiment of the present invention, a temperature control unit provided to control the temperature of water; and a mat unit having a mat passage through which water whose temperature is controlled by the temperature control unit is circulated, wherein the temperature control unit includes: a case; a first tank provided in the case and provided to store the water; and a heat exchanger provided in the case to exchange the water supplied from the first tank with external air.

According to the present invention, it is possible to reach a target temperature of water through appropriate control according to circumstances.

In addition, according to the present invention, appropriate heating and cooling can be performed in a situation in which the change of the operating state is minimized.

1 is a perspective view showing a water circulation mat according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of the temperature control unit of the water circulation mat according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 3 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the temperature control unit of the water circulation mat according to an embodiment of the present invention.
4 is a perspective view illustrating a state in which the upper case of the temperature control unit is removed according to an embodiment of the present invention.
5 is a view showing the flow of water in the basic mode in which water is delivered to the cooling unit, which can be determined when the temperature control unit is viewed from below according to an embodiment of the present invention.
6 is a view showing the flow of water in a bypass mode in which water is not transmitted to the cooling unit, which can be determined when the temperature control unit is viewed from below according to an embodiment of the present invention.
7 is a flowchart illustrating a starting step of a method for controlling a water circulation mat according to an embodiment of the present invention.
8 is a flowchart showing a starting step of a method for controlling a water circulation mat according to a modified example of an embodiment of the present invention.
9 is a flow chart showing the overall process used as a cold water mat in the control method of the water circulation mat according to an embodiment of the present invention.
10 is a flowchart illustrating additional control of a process used as a cold water mat in a control method of a water circulation mat according to an embodiment of the present invention.
11 is a flowchart showing another additional control of a process used as a cold water mat in the control method of the water circulation mat according to an embodiment of the present invention.
12 is a flowchart illustrating a noise change reduction mode in a control method of a water circulation mat according to an embodiment of the present invention.
13 is a flowchart showing a process used as a hot water mat in the control method of the water circulation mat according to an embodiment of the present invention.
14 is a flow chart showing the overall process of using a cold water mat in the control method of the water circulation mat according to another embodiment of the present invention.
15 is a flowchart illustrating additional control of a process used as a cold water mat in a control method of a water circulation mat according to another embodiment of the present invention.
16 is a flowchart illustrating another additional control of a process used as a cold water mat in a control method of a water circulation mat according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Hereinafter, some embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to exemplary drawings. In adding reference numerals to the components of each drawing, it should be noted that the same components are given the same reference numerals as much as possible even though they are indicated on different drawings. In addition, in the description of the embodiment of the present invention, if it is determined that a detailed description of a related known configuration or function interferes with the understanding of the embodiment of the present invention, the detailed description thereof will be omitted.

1 is a perspective view showing a water circulation mat (1) according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to the drawings, the water circulation mat 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a temperature control unit 10 and a mat unit 20 . The water circulation mat (1) may further include a pump (16), a connection part (30), and a processor (P).

mat unit (20)

The mat unit 20 includes a mat passage (not shown) for circulating the water supplied from the first tank 12 therein. The water stored in the first tank 12 of the temperature control unit 10 is pressurized to the mat passage by the pump 16 of the temperature control unit 10, and the pressurized water circulates along the mat passage and then back to the first may be returned to the tank 12 . At this time, the heater 14 may control the temperature of the water by heating the water stored in the inner space of the first tank 12 or the circulating water.

The mat unit 20 may include a mat passage and an outer skin surrounding it. The outer skin may be composed of a fabric, leather, etc. spread widely, but the material is not limited thereto. The mat passage may be arranged in a meandering manner so as to cover as much area as possible on the inner side of the outer shell of the mat unit 20 .

The mat flow path may form a flow path leading from a connection supply pipe to a connection recovery pipe to be described later. The mat flow path may be configured in plurality to form a plurality of flow paths. In order for the mat flow path to be configured in plurality, at least one of the connection supply pipe and the connection recovery pipe may be configured in plurality. By circulating water of different temperatures in separate flow paths, it is possible to provide heating and cooling at different temperatures for each part of the mat unit 20 .

Connection (30)

The connection part 30 is for connecting the temperature control part 10 and the mat part 20, and may have, for example, a tube-like shape. The connection unit 30 may be detachably coupled to the temperature control unit 10 and the mat unit 20 , and water may circulate between the temperature control unit 10 and the mat unit 20 through the connection unit 30 . can

More specifically, the water circulation mat 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include a connection supply pipe and a connection recovery pipe provided inside the coating of the connection part 30 . The connection supply pipe is a pipe for supplying the water stored in the first tank 12 to the mat flow path, and the connection recovery pipe is a pipe for recovering water from the flow path to the first tank 12 . That is, the water stored in the first tank 12 is pressurized to the mat flow path through the connection supply pipe by the pump 16, circulates along the mat flow path, and then is recovered to the first tank 12 through the connection recovery pipe. can The connection supply pipe is connected to the discharge flow path 152 of the temperature control unit 10 to receive water discharged from the temperature control unit 10 , and the connection return pipe is a recovery path 151 of the temperature control unit 10 . It can be connected to the temperature control unit 10 to recover water.

temperature control unit (10)

2 is an exploded perspective view of the temperature control unit 10 of the water circulation mat 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. 3 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the temperature control unit 10 of the water circulation mat (1) according to an embodiment of the present invention. 4 is a perspective view illustrating a state in which the upper case 111 of the temperature control unit 10 is removed according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The temperature control unit 10 will be described with reference to the drawings. The temperature control unit 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a case 11 , a first tank 12 , and a heat exchanger 131 which is a component of the cooling unit 13 . The temperature control unit 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention further includes a heater 14 , an internal flow path 15 , a flow path determining valve 153 , an outdoor temperature acquisition unit, a sterilization unit 172 , and a connector 171 . It may be provided, the inside of the case 11, the water circulation mat (1) according to an embodiment of the present invention further includes a processor (P) can be arranged.

In the present specification, the front-back, left-right, and up-down directions are referred to for convenience of description, and may be directions orthogonal to each other. However, this direction is determined relative to the direction in which the water circulation mat 1 is arranged, and the vertical direction may not necessarily mean a vertical direction.

The case 11 is a component formed to accommodate the components of the temperature control unit 10 inside. The case 11 may be formed by coupling two parts of the upper case 111 and the lower case 112 to each other.

A case opening 1111 communicating with the inlet 1200 of the first tank 12 may be formed on the upper surface of the upper case 111, and similar to that the stopper 113 is screwed into the case opening 1111. In this way, it is possible to close the injection port 1200 .

An adjustment fixing part 1112 to which an adjustment means provided in the processor P can be coupled is formed on the upper surface of the upper case 111, and the display 18 is seated thereon to perform adjustment and display functions. .

The upper surface of the upper case 111 is recessed downward to form a tank coupling part 1113 , so that the second tank 1331 of the injection part 133 to be described later may be accommodated therein. The second tank 1331 is seated on the upper surface of the upper case 111 , and the nozzle part 1332 extends downward from the second tank 1331 and is located inside the case 11 , the heat exchanger 131 . Water can be poured from above as far as possible. The tank coupling part 1113 may have a shape corresponding to the outer surface of the second tank 1331 so that the second tank 1331 can be stably inserted into and coupled to the tank coupling part 1113 .

A central rib 114 , a first rib 115 , and a second rib 116 may be further disposed in the case 11 . The central rib 114 may be formed to protrude upward from the lower surface of the inner surface of the lower case 112 . The central rib 114 may have a shape extending in the front-rear direction.

The first rib 115 may be configured in plurality. The first rib 115 may protrude to the left from the central rib 114 and may be disposed to be spaced apart from each other in the extending direction of the central rib 114 . The first rib 115 may also protrude upward from the lower surface of the inner surface of the lower case 112 . The fan 132 may be seated on the first rib 115 .

The second rib 116 may be configured in plurality. The second rib 116 may protrude to the right from the central rib 114 and may be disposed to be spaced apart from each other in the extending direction of the central rib 114 . The second rib 116 may also be formed to protrude upward from the lower surface of the inner surface of the lower case 112 . The heat exchanger 131 may be seated on the second rib 116 .

The internal passage 15 may include a discharge passage 152 and a recovery passage 151 . The internal flow path 15 is a pipe-type component that can connect the connection part 30 and the first tank 12 to allow water to enter and exit between the two components.

The first tank 12 is a container-type component including an internal space provided to store water. The water stored in the first tank 12 may be discharged to the mat unit 20 through the discharge passage 152 connected to the first tank 12 . Water recovered through the recovery passage 151 may be introduced into the inner space 120 of the first tank 12 .

In order to supply water to the first tank 12 , an inlet 1200 may be formed at the upper end of the first tank 12 . The injection hole 1200 may be opened and closed by the stopper 113 . The stopper 113 may be opened and the user may refill water by pouring water into the first tank 12 . An annular packing for maintaining watertightness may be further disposed between the stopper 113 and the inlet 1200 .

A display 18 for displaying the control state of the water circulation mat 1, adjusting means for adjusting the control state of the water circulation mat 1, and a code for connecting the processor P with a power source may be further provided . After supplying water to the first tank 12 through the inlet 1200, the user may set a desired control state by manipulating the control means. Adjustment means may be provided in the processor (P). Through the control means, the target water temperature may be input from the user, the season of use may be input, and the power of the water circulation mat 1 may be turned on or off. To turn on the power means to apply power to the water circulation mat and start operation, and turning the power off means to stop the operation of the water circulation mat.

The heater 14 is a component that heats the water contained in the first tank 12 , and may be electrically connected to the processor P and may be a sheath heater. Accordingly, the heater 14 may be formed in the form of a metallic pipe surrounding a heating wire that generates heat when current flows. Electrical insulation powder can be filled with high density between the pipe and the heating wire. However, the heater 14 may be a heater other than the sheath heater. Current flows in the heater 14 , and when the heater 14 generates heat by the flowing current, the emitted heat is transferred to the water surrounding the heater 14 to heat the water.

As the processor P adjusts the current flowing through the heater 14 , the operation of the heater 14 may be controlled. The heater 14 may be controlled by the processor P based on at least one of the acquired current water temperature, the input target water temperature, and the acquired outdoor temperature. For example, the amount of heat generated by the heater 14 by changing the magnitude of the current provided to the heater 14 by the processor P based on a value such as the difference between the current water temperature and the target water temperature or the difference between the outside air temperature and the current water temperature may vary in size.

The water temperature obtaining unit (not shown) is provided to obtain the water temperature of the circulating water. Accordingly, the water temperature obtaining unit may be disposed in the recovery passage 151, but the location thereof is not limited thereto, and the water temperature obtaining portion is located inside the first tank 12, the discharge passage 152, the connection portion 30, and the mat passage. may be placed in position. The water temperature obtaining unit may be a thermocouple, a thermistor, etc. for obtaining the water temperature, but the type thereof is not limited thereto. The water temperature obtaining unit may be electrically connected to the processor (P) to transmit the obtained water temperature to the processor (P) in the form of an electrical signal. The water temperature obtained by the water temperature acquisition unit becomes the current water temperature, which will be described later.

The temperature control unit 10 may further include a connector 171 . The recovery passage 151 and the discharge passage 152 may be connected to the connector 171 , and the connection part 30 may be detachably coupled thereto. The connector 171 may be disposed at the boundary of the case 11 , and a portion of the connector 171 protruding to the outside of the case 11 may have a shape in which the connector 30 is easily detachable. Accordingly, the connector 171 may be a medium through which water is transmitted between the recovery passage 151 and the discharge passage 152 and the connection part 30 .

The water circulation mat 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include an outdoor temperature acquisition unit for acquiring an outdoor temperature. The outdoor temperature acquisition unit may be disposed on the outside of the case 11 , but the location thereof is not limited thereto. The outdoor temperature acquisition unit may be electrically connected to the processor P to transmit the acquired outdoor temperature to the processor P in the form of an electrical signal. A thermistor or the like may be used as the outdoor temperature acquiring unit, but the type is not limited thereto.

A part of the sterilization unit 172 for sterilizing the water stored in the first tank 12 may be disposed in the first tank 12 . The sterilizing unit 172 may be installed through the first tank 12, but the arrangement thereof is not limited thereto. The sterilization unit 172 is for sterilizing bacteria contained in water, and may generate a sterilizing material from water. For example, the sterilizer 172 may oxidize chlorine ions (Cl ⁻ ) in water to chlorine (Cl ₂ ) to generate a sterilizing material. When chlorine ions (Cl ^- ) are oxidized to chlorine (Cl ₂ ), they can be converted into hypochlorous acid (HOCl) that can immediately dissolve in water and sterilize bacteria.

To enable this operation, the sterilization unit 172 may include a sterilization terminal capable of oxidizing chlorine ions (Cl ⁻ ) in water to chlorine (Cl ₂ ) by receiving power. A platinum group metal oxide (not shown) that acts as a catalyst when oxidizing chlorine ions (Cl ⁻ ) into chlorine (Cl ₂ ) may be coated on the outer surface of the sterilization terminal. The platinum group metal oxide may serve as a catalyst by lowering the potential difference when chlorine ions (Cl ⁻ ) are oxidized to chlorine (Cl ₂ ).

Temperature control unit (10) - cooling unit (13) and partition plate (174)

The cooling unit 13 is a component provided to cool water when water passes through it. The cooling unit 13 may include a heat exchanger 131 , a fan 132 , and an injection unit 133 . The heat exchanger 131 is provided to cool by heat exchange with the air flowing along the outside while the water flows. Accordingly, the heat exchanger 131 may include a pipe through which water can flow, and a fin formed on the outer surface of the pipe to facilitate heat exchange.

The inlet end of the pipe of the heat exchanger 131 includes a discharge flow path 152 and may be directly connected to a tank flow path 1521 to be described later that connects the first tank 12 and the heat exchanger 131 . However, in one embodiment of the present invention, the tank flow path 1521 connects the first tank 12 and the flow path determining valve 153 , and the inlet of the pipe between the flow path determining valve 153 and the heat exchanger 131 is connected to the heat exchanger. The inflow passage 1524 is connected, so that water can be transferred from the first tank 12 to the heat exchanger 131 . The outlet end of the pipe of the heat exchanger 131 and the connector 171 may be connected through the heat exchanger outlet flow path 1523 included in the discharge pipe so that water discharged from the heat exchanger 131 may be provided as a mat flow path. .

The fan 132 is provided to form a flow of air around the heat exchanger 131 . The fan 132 is disposed adjacent to the vent hole formed in the upper case 111 and is disposed adjacent to the heat exchanger 131 to form a flow of air passing through the heat exchanger 131 from the inside of the case 11 to the outside. Alternatively, it is possible to form a flow of air passing through the heat exchanger 131 from the outside of the case 11 to the inside. The fan 132 may be electrically connected to the processor P, and whether the fan 132 is operated may be controlled by the processor P.

The heat exchanger 131 and the fan 132 may have a surface orthogonal to the left and right directions as a whole, and may be formed to have a predetermined thickness along the left and right directions. As illustrated, the fan 132 is disposed on the left side of the heat exchanger 131 , and the fan 132 may be disposed between the case 11 and the heat exchanger 131 .

The injection unit 133 is a component for pouring water for evaporation to the outer surface of the heat exchanger 131 to cool the water flowing in the heat exchanger 131 using latent heat of evaporation. The spray unit 133 may include a second tank 1331 provided to store water for evaporation, and a nozzle unit 1332 provided to spray water for evaporation.

The second tank 1331 may have a shape in which a cross-sectional area in a cross-section orthogonal to the up-down direction decreases in at least some regions as it goes down. As shown, the right side of the second tank 1331 is orthogonal to the left and right directions, and the left side is formed so as to be directed to the right while going downward, so that it may have the above-described cross-sectional area. Accordingly, the evaporation water stored in the second tank 1331 may be guided to the nozzle unit 1332 by its own weight. A lid for selectively exposing the inside of the second tank 1331 to the outside by opening and closing the inlet of the second tank 1331 and the inlet of the second tank 1331 may be disposed on the upper end of the second tank 1331 . The user may replenish water for evaporation in the second tank 1331 by opening the lid.

The nozzle unit 1332 may be connected to the lower end of the second tank 1331 so as to spray water for evaporation to the heat exchanger 131 from the upper side. The nozzle part 1332 is disposed on a part of the upper end of the case 11 forming the tank coupling part 1113, and includes a nozzle connection part 1332-1 extending up and down so that evaporation water flows, and evaporates. It may include a nozzle member 1332-2 having an open end extending from the lower end of the nozzle connection part 1332-1 toward the heat exchanger 131 so that melt water can be sprayed. The nozzle member 1332 - 2 may have a shape inclined in a direction toward the heat exchanger 131 with respect to the lower side. The nozzle member 1332-2 obliquely pours water for evaporation into the heat exchanger 131 so that evaporation of the water for evaporation occurs on the surface of the heat exchanger 131, and the latent heat of evaporation generated at this time is transferred to the heat exchanger 131. Water flowing through the interior can be cooled.

In order for the nozzle member 1332-2 to spray water for evaporation, the spraying unit 133 injects the evaporation water stored in the second tank 1331 through the nozzle connection unit 1332-1 to the nozzle member 1332-2. ) may further include an injection pump 16 for pressure feeding. The injection pump 16 may be electrically connected to the processor P and controlled.

In order to prevent the evaporation water injected by the injection unit 133 from meeting other components of the temperature control unit 10 , a partition plate 174 may be disposed. The partition plate 174 is a component that divides the inner space of the case 11 into a cooling space including the injection unit 133 and the heat exchanger 131 , and a main space including the first tank 12 . The cooling space and the main space may be located on the left or right side of each other. Accordingly, the partition plate 174 may be disposed to extend vertically inside the case 11 , and may be coupled to the inner surface of the upper case 111 and the inner surface of the lower case 112 .

The partition plate 174 may include an upper member 1742 , an inclined member 1741 , a lower member 1743 , a water catch 1744 , and a water guide for evaporation. The upper member 1742 may extend from the upper end of the inner surface of the case 11 to the upper end of the inclined member 1741 located below the lower end of the nozzle connection part 1332-1. The upper member 1742 may have a plate shape orthogonal to the left and right directions.

The inclined member 1741 may be formed in a downwardly inclined shape in a direction closer to the heat exchanger 131 so that evaporation water poured into the cooling space can be guided to a drip tray 175 to be described later. The inclined member 1741 may be disposed below the nozzle unit 1332 . Since the heat exchanger 131 is located on the left side with respect to the partition plate 174 in the drawing, the inclined member 1741 may have a shape toward the lower left when viewed from the front to the rear. The inclined member 1741 may extend from the lower end of the upper member 1742 . Evaporation water that has been splashed or poured from the heat exchanger 131 may be guided to the lower left in the case 11 by the inclined member 1741 .

The lower member 1743 may be formed to extend downwardly from the lower end of the inclined member 1741 . The lower member 1743 may be disposed to be spaced apart from the heat exchanger 131 in the left and right directions. The lower member 1743 may have a plate shape orthogonal to the left and right directions. The water stopping protrusion 1744 may extend from the lower end of the lower member 1743 to the heat exchanger 131 to form a collection space in which evaporation water can be collected together with the heat exchanger 131 and the lower member 1743 . there is. The water locking jaw 1744 is orthogonal to the vertical direction, but may extend in the front-rear direction.

A water discharge unit 1746 and a mooring unit 1745 may be disposed at one end of the water locking jaw 1744 in the front-rear direction. The mooring unit 1745 may be formed in the form of a box in which an upper surface is opened, and a portion of a side that meets one end of the water locking protrusion 1744 is opened. The water discharge unit 1746 may protrude downward from an opening formed on the lower surface of the mooring unit 1745 and be inserted into the water receiver 175 . That is, the poured evaporation water may be guided to the drip tray 175 through the water discharge unit 1746 through the inclined member 1741 and the water stopper 1744 and discharged. At this time, if the discharge through the water discharge unit 1746 is delayed or the drip tray 175 is full of water, the evaporation water is temporarily stored in the mooring space defined by the lower wall and the side wall of the mooring unit 1745 . can do. The mooring space may communicate with the water discharge unit 1746 and the collection space so that the evaporation water located in the mooring space can be discharged.

An auxiliary mooring unit 1747 similar to the mooring unit 1745 may be further formed at the other end of the water locking jaw 1744 . The auxiliary mooring unit 1747 also has an open upper surface, is formed in an open form with a side meeting the water locking sill 1744, and may be disposed on the front and rear sides of the heat exchanger 131 like the mooring unit 1745, respectively. there is. Accordingly, the mooring unit 1745 and the auxiliary mooring unit 1747 can prevent water for evaporation from leaking to the front and rear sides of the heat exchanger 131 . Water for evaporation located in the auxiliary mooring unit 1747 may be transferred to the mooring unit 1745 through the water stopper 1744 . To enable this action, the water stopping protrusion 1744 has a downwardly inclined shape with respect to the rear, so that water for evaporation is guided from the auxiliary mooring unit 1747 to the mooring unit 1745 .

The drip tray 175 may be disposed below the heat exchanger 131 to receive evaporation water flowing down from the heat exchanger 131 , and an upper surface thereof may be opened. The drip tray 175 may be detachably coupled to a portion of the lower end of the case 11 so that the accumulated water for evaporation can be discharged to the outside. Therefore, when the drip tray part 175 is separated from the lower case 112 , the evaporation water accommodated in the drip tray part 175 and the evaporation water discharged through the water discharge part 1746 are discharged to the outside of the case 11 . can be emitted.

Temperature control unit (10) - flow path determining valve (153)

5 is a view showing the flow of water in a basic mode in which water is delivered to the cooling unit 13, which can be determined when the temperature control unit 10 is viewed from below according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The recovery passage 151 may be connected to the first tank 12 through a circulation valve 173 . As shown, the circulation valve 173 may be configured in plurality, and the recovery passage 151 may also be configured in plurality. The circulation valve 173 may be configured as a solenoid valve and may be electrically connected to the processor P to control opening and closing. Accordingly, the circulation valve 173 may be closed to block the flow of water recovered to the first tank 12 through the connection recovery pipe, or may be opened to allow the flow of water. For example, when the temperature of water in the mat passage reaches a predetermined target water temperature, the processor P may control the circulation valve 173 to close. As another example, when the power of the water circulation mat 1 is cut off, the circulation valve 173 may be closed to block the flow of water. A plurality of circulation valves 173 are controlled independently of each other, and whether each of the plurality of mat passages circulates water may be independently determined.

The position at which the pump 16 is provided may be at the lower side of the first tank 12 as shown, but is not particularly limited, and does not use the pump 16 for water circulation, and circulates hot water using vapor pressure. Natural circulation may also be used. The pump 16 may pressurize water by using the centrifugal force of a rotor, such as an impeller rotating inside. Water flows into the pump 16 through the pump inlet communicated with the discharge port of the first tank 12, and the pump 16 presses the inflow water and discharges it to the discharge passage 152 communicating with the connection supply pipe.

The temperature control unit 10 may further include a flow path determining valve 153 . The flow path determination valve 153 is a valve for determining whether the water discharged from the first tank 12 is transferred to the cooling unit 13 . The flow path determining valve 153 may be a three-way valve. The flow path determination valve 153 is electrically connected to the processor P, so that opening and closing of each part may be controlled by the processor P.

The flow path determining valve 153 may be selectively placed in one of the basic mode and the bypass mode. The basic mode is a mode in which the first tank 12 and the cooling unit 13 are communicated so that the water discharged from the first tank 12 is transferred to the cooling unit 13 , and the bypass mode is the first tank 12 . It is a mode in which the first tank 12 and the mat flow path are communicated so that the water discharged from the system bypasses and is transferred to the mat flow path without passing through the cooling unit 13 .

To enable this operation, the tank flow path 1521 included in the discharge flow path 152 connects the first tank 12 and the flow path determining valve 153, and the flow path determining valve 153 and the heat exchanger 131 are The heat exchanger inlet flow path 1524 included in the discharge flow path 152 may be connected, and the heat exchanger 131 and the connector 171 may be connected to the heat exchanger outlet flow path 1523 included in the discharge flow path 152 . The tank flow path 1521 , the flow path determining valve 153 , and the heat exchanger inflow flow path 1524 may constitute a first flow path communicating the first tank 12 and the heat exchanger 131 .

The flow path determining valve 153 and the connector 171 may be connected to a bypass flow path 1525 included in the discharge flow path 152 . The bypass flow path 1525 may be connected to the first flow path to divert water in the first flow path to the mat flow path. The bypass passage 1525 and the heat exchanger outlet passage 1523 may be combined to be connected to the outlet passage 1522 , and the outlet passage 1522 may be connected to the connector 171 . The heat exchanger outlet passage 1523 and the outlet passage 1522 may constitute a second passage communicating the heat exchanger 131 and the mat passage.

In the basic mode of FIG. 5 , the water discharged from the first tank 12 passes through each component in the order of the first flow path - the heat exchanger 131 - the second flow path and is provided as a mat flow path through the connection unit 30 . can be That is, the water discharged from the first tank 12 passes through the heat exchanger 131 .

6 is a view showing the flow of water in the bypass mode in which water is not transmitted to the cooling unit 13, which can be determined when the temperature control unit 10 is viewed from below according to an embodiment of the present invention. .

In the bypass mode of FIG. 6 , the water discharged from the first tank 12 flows through each component in the order of the tank flow path 1521 - the flow path determining valve 153 - the bypass flow path 1525 - the outlet flow path 1522. It may be provided as a mat passage through the connection part 30 through the passage. That is, in the bypass mode, the water discharged from the first tank 12 is bypassed to the mat flow path without going through the heat exchanger 131 and provided. If the water circulation mat 1 is used as the hot water mat in a cold environment, the bypass mode can prevent the water discharged from the first tank 12 from being unnecessarily cooled through the heat exchanger 131 .

Processor (P)

The processor P is a component including an element capable of performing a logical operation for performing a control command, and may include a central processing unit (CPU) or the like. The processor P may be connected to various components to transmit a signal according to a control command to each component, and may receive information obtained by being connected to various sensors or acquisition units in the form of signals. Therefore, in one embodiment of the present invention, the processor (P) may be electrically connected to the valves included in the water circulation mat (1) and various acquisition units, the sterilization unit 172, the control means and the pump (16). Since the processor (P) may be electrically connected to each of the components, it may be connected with a conducting wire or may further have a communication module capable of wireless communication to communicate with each other.

The water circulation mat 1 may further include a storage medium, so that the control commands performed by the processor P are stored in the storage medium and utilized. The storage medium may be a device such as a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), a server, a volatile medium, a non-volatile medium, and the like, but the type is not limited thereto. In addition to this, the storage medium may further store data necessary for the processor P to perform a task.

Control method

In an embodiment of the present invention, the processor P may control the temperature control unit 10 based on the current water temperature obtained by the water temperature obtaining unit, and further control the temperature control unit 10 according to the input target water temperature. . The processor P may control the temperature controller 10 according to the current water temperature obtained by the water temperature obtaining unit, the received target water temperature, and the obtained outdoor temperature.

When the processor (P) according to an embodiment of the present invention schematically shows a control method of the water circulation mat (1) for controlling other components, the step of performing the initial control, goal achievement determination to determine whether the goal is achieved It may include the steps of, repeating the initial control when the target is achieved, and performing additional control when the target is not achieved. That is, a method can be used in which the temperature of the water circulating in the water circulation mat 1 is changed through initial control or additional control until the target condition is satisfied, and the initial control is maintained when the target condition is satisfied.

The target achievement determination step may be a step of determining whether the current water temperature has reached the target water temperature. The determination of whether the current water temperature has reached the target water temperature may mean determining whether the current water temperature is the same as the target water temperature or whether the current water temperature is located within a predetermined range from the target water temperature.

For example, a target water temperature range from a lower limit water temperature limiting a predetermined water temperature value in the target water temperature to an upper limit water temperature obtained by adding a predetermined water temperature value to the target water temperature may be formed for each target water temperature value. That is, each of the lower limit water temperature and the upper limit water temperature may have a value corresponding to the target water temperature. The difference value between the target water temperature and the lower limit water temperature may be the same as or different from the difference value between the target water temperature and the upper limit water temperature.

In this case, the step of determining whether the current water temperature has reached the target water temperature for cooling may be determined by determining whether the current water temperature is below or exceeding the target water temperature, but determining whether the current water temperature is below or exceeding the upper limit water temperature may be Conversely, the step of determining whether the current water temperature has reached the target water temperature for heating can be determined by determining whether the current water temperature is above or below the target water temperature, but can also be determined by determining whether the current water temperature is above or below the lower limit water temperature. .

The upper limit water temperature and the lower limit water temperature may be the same as the target water temperature. This is the same as the situation where the target water temperature range does not exist. The flowchart of the present invention is shown based on a case in which the upper limit water temperature and the lower limit water temperature are the same as the target water temperature, that is, when a separate target water temperature range does not exist. did Hereinafter, even in the description of the present specification, the case where the upper limit water temperature and the lower limit water temperature are the same as the target water temperature will be described.

However, the control method of the water circulation mat 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention may have an upper limit water temperature and a lower limit water temperature different from the target water temperature. In this case, as described above, the step of determining whether the current water temperature is below or exceeding the upper limit water temperature may be performed instead of the step of determining whether the current water temperature is below or exceeding the target water temperature. Also, on the contrary, the step of determining whether the current water temperature is above or below the lower limit water temperature may be performed instead of the step of determining whether the current water temperature is above or below the target water temperature.

The target achievement determination step may include determining whether the current water temperature can reach the target water temperature when the same control is maintained in the current state, even if the current water temperature is not located within a predetermined range from the target water temperature.

start stage

7 is a flowchart showing the starting step of the control method of the water circulation mat (1) according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The control method of the water circulation mat (1) according to an embodiment of the present invention can start with the step (S11) of turning on the power. Power may be input in such a way that the user operates the control means included in the water circulation mat 1 . When the power is turned on, the circulation valve 173 and the pump 16 may be driven to circulate water in the mat passage (S12). The meaning of 'driving' in the control method of the present invention may include starting a stopped device and maintaining a driving state. This state may be referred to as initial control. In the initial control, the water may be circulated after being cooled by air through heat exchange with the outside air through the heat exchanger 131 or circulated after being heated.

A target water temperature may be set (S13). The target water temperature may be input from the user through the adjusting means. In the initial state, a predetermined basic target water temperature may be input as an initial value. The basic target water temperature may be the target water temperature just before the power of the water circulation mat 1 is released.

A season of use may be input (S14). The season of use may be input from the user through the adjustment means. In the initial state, a predetermined basic season of use may be input as an initial value. The basic season of use may be the season of use just before the power of the water circulation mat 1 is released. Summer and winter may be provided as seasons of use.

In the starting stage of the control method of the water circulation mat 1, the current water temperature, which is the water temperature of the circulating water, may be obtained using the water temperature obtaining unit. However, the present water temperature can also be obtained in the subsequent process.

In the control method of the water circulation mat 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention, the water discharged from the first tank 12 always passes through the heat exchanger 131 of the cooling unit 13 regardless of the season of use. Available in mat euros.

8 is a flowchart showing the starting step of the control method of the water circulation mat (1) according to a modified example of an embodiment of the present invention.

In the control method of the water circulation mat 1 according to a modified example of an embodiment of the present invention, the water discharged from the first tank 12 according to the season of use passes through the heat exchanger 131 of the cooling unit 13 to It may be provided as a mat passage, or may be directly provided as a mat passage without passing through the heat exchanger 131 . Except for the additional control of the corresponding part, since the same control as in the embodiment of the present invention is performed, only the added part will be described.

When the season of use input in the season setting step S14 is summer, the flow path determining valve 153 may be controlled to allow water to pass through the cooling unit 13 (S15). That is, in summer, control may be performed in the basic mode as shown in FIG. 5 .

When the season of use input in the season setting step S14 is winter, the flow path determination valve 153 is controlled in such a way that the first tank 12 and the mat flow path are communicated so that water does not pass through the cooling unit 13 . can be (S16). That is, in winter, control may be performed in the bypass mode as shown in FIG. 6 .

Meanwhile, according to another modified example of an embodiment of the present invention, even when the input season is summer, the flow path is determined so that water is provided directly to the mat flow path without passing through the cooling unit 13 according to the bypass mode in the first step. The step of controlling the valve 153 may be performed. At this time, the flow path determining valve 153 communicates with the first tank 12 and the mat flow path, but the cooling unit 13 may be controlled not to communicate with other parts.

In another modified example of an embodiment of the present invention, after the pump 16 and the flow path determination valve 153 are controlled in the bypass mode as described above in a state where the current water temperature is greater than the target water temperature, the current water temperature is set to the target water temperature. It can be determined whether it has been reached. If it is determined that the current water temperature has not yet reached the target water temperature, the first tank 12 and the heat exchanger 131 are communicated to provide water from the first tank 12 to the mat passage through the cooling unit 13 . The step of performing natural heat dissipation by controlling the flow path determination valve 153 may be further carried out.

In another modified example of an embodiment of the present invention, from the point in time when the first tank 12 and the cooling unit 13 communicate with each other through the bypass mode as described above in a state where the current water temperature is greater than the target water temperature and perform natural heat dissipation After a predetermined first cooling time has elapsed, the step of operating the fan 132 to perform forced heat dissipation may be further performed. In addition, the step of performing evaporative cooling by operating the injection unit 133 after a predetermined second cooling time has elapsed from the time when the forced heat dissipation is performed may be further performed.

Process used as a cold water mat

9 is a flow chart showing the overall process used as a cold water mat in the control method of the water circulation mat (1) according to an embodiment of the present invention.

When the season of use is entered as summer and the water circulation mat 1 is used as the cold water mat (S20), the processor P may allow the circulating water to be cooled or heated.

The N1, N2 timer operation step (S202) for measuring the first cooling time and the first heating time required in the cooling/heating process, respectively, may be performed. In the N1, N2 timer operation step S202, if each timer is not in operation, the operation may be started, and if the operation is in progress, the operation may be maintained. N1 may be a cooling time, N2 may be a heating time.

A target achievement determination step S203 of determining whether the current water temperature has reached the target water temperature may be performed. The process of controlling the water circulation mat 1 by further determining whether the current water temperature can reach the target water temperature using the outside air temperature will be described in detail in the description of another embodiment after FIG. 14 , an embodiment of the present invention In the description of the example, only the current water temperature and the target water temperature are used.

The first temperature difference X is a value obtained by subtracting the current water temperature from the target water temperature. If the first temperature difference is equal to 0, since the target water temperature and the present water temperature are the same, the most basic control is performed. That is, since it is determined that the current water temperature reaches the target water temperature, the N1 and N2 values of the timer are initialized to 0, and the fan 132 and the heater 14 for forced heat dissipation and forced heating are controlled to stop the operation. This can be done (S23). Each timer may be built-in by the processor (P). In one embodiment of the present invention, it has been described that when the first temperature difference is 0, it is determined that the current water temperature reaches the target water temperature, but even when the first temperature difference is located within a predetermined range, the current water temperature is can be considered to be reached.

If the first temperature difference is not equal to 0, it may be determined that the current water temperature has not reached the target water temperature according to a predetermined condition. In this case, additional control may be carried out so that the current water temperature reaches the target water temperature, and it is possible to return to the initial time point S20 of the step used as the cold water mat.

Cooling process - natural heat dissipation, forced heat dissipation and evaporative cooling

If the first temperature difference is less than 0, the current water temperature is greater than the target water temperature. Therefore, cooling must be done. A step (S205) in which the heat dissipation state is maintained may be performed together with the step (S204) in which the heating time is initialized. In the step (S205) in which the heat dissipation state is maintained, if the fan 132 is turned off, natural heat dissipation may be made, and if the fan 132 is on, forced heat dissipation may be performed.

When natural heat is dissipated in the step S205 in which the heat dissipation state is maintained because the fan 132 is turned off, it may be determined whether the cooling time determined by the N1 timer has reached the first cooling time a ( S206 ). If it is not reached, it can return to the initial time point (S20) of the step used as the cold water mat.

If the current water temperature is below the target water temperature after the water is air-cooled for the first cooling time by driving the pump 16 without the fan 132 being driven, it may be determined that the current water temperature has reached the target water temperature.

If the N1 timer has reached the first cooling time, the current water temperature is still higher than the target water temperature even though the N1 timer has been driven for the first cooling time in a natural heat dissipation state, so the current water temperature has not reached the target water temperature. In this case, since the same state is maintained even after the elapse of the predetermined first cooling time, it may be determined that the current water temperature has not reached the target water temperature. At this time, forced heat dissipation may be made (S21).

10 is a flowchart showing additional control of a process used as a cold water mat among the control method of the water circulation mat 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

When performing forced heat dissipation, the N1 timer may be initialized (S211). The fan 132 is operated to pressurize the outside air to the heat exchanger 131 and forced heat dissipation to stop the operation of the heater 14 may be performed (S212). Since the fan 132 operates, more rapid cooling can be achieved than the natural heat dissipation state in which water simply passes through the heat exchanger 131 .

When forced heat dissipation occurs, a step (S213) of determining whether the water circulation mat 1 is a water spraying system including the spraying unit 133 may be performed. If it is not a water injection system, there is no cooling means more powerful than the method of operating the fan 132, so the control of operating the fan 132 must be repeatedly performed until the current water temperature reaches the target water temperature. . Therefore, if it is not a water injection system, it can return to the first time (S20) of the step used as a cold water mat to return to the target achievement determination step (S203), and since the N1 timer is initialized, the heat dissipation state maintenance step (S205) Alternatively, the operating state of the fan 132 may be maintained in the noise change reduction mode (S40).

In the case of a water injection system, evaporative cooling may be further performed (S217). The N4 timer for determining the operating time of the fan 132 may start or maintain an operating state (S214). A step (S215) of determining whether the operation time of the fan 132 has reached a predetermined second cooling time d may be performed. This is to determine whether the current water temperature has not reached the target water temperature even after the water is air-cooled by the operation of the fan 132 for the second cooling time without spraying the evaporation water.

If the operation time of the fan 132 does not reach the predetermined second cooling time d, it may return to the initial time S20 of the step used as a cold water mat to repeat air cooling by the fan 132. If the N4 timer reaches the second cooling time, the current water temperature does not reach the target water temperature because the current water temperature exceeds the target water temperature even though the N4 timer has been driven for the second cooling time in the forced heat dissipation state. In this case, since the same state was maintained even after the lapse of the second predetermined cooling time, the operation time of the fan 132 is initialized (S216), and the step (S217) of operating the injection unit 133 is carried out to perform evaporative cooling. can be done

After the spray unit 133 operates to spray water on the outer surface of the heat exchanger 131, a step (S218) of waiting for t minutes may be performed. Returning to the initial time (S20) of the step used as the cold water mat after waiting, the cycle of determining whether the current water temperature has reached the target water temperature and determining the heat dissipation state may be repeatedly performed.

heating process

11 is a flowchart showing another additional control of the process used as a cold water mat in the control method of the water circulation mat (1) according to an embodiment of the present invention.

If the first temperature difference is greater than 0, the current water temperature is less than the target water temperature. If the current water temperature is excessively lower than the target water temperature, dew condensation may occur on the surface of the mat part. Therefore, it is necessary to maintain an appropriate target temperature by heating. A step (S222) in which the heating state is maintained may be performed together with the step (S221) in which the cooling time is initialized. In the step S222 in which the heating state is maintained, if the heater 14 is turned off, natural heating may be performed, and if the heater 14 is turned on, forced heating may be performed.

Natural heating means heating water only by circulation of water without operation of the heater 14 . If the temperature of the outside air is higher than the current water temperature, the water may be heated through heat exchange with the outside air through the mat flow path, the internal flow path 15 , the connection part 30 , and the heat exchanger 131 in the process of circulating water. In addition, if the user is in contact with the mat and the current water temperature is lower than body temperature, the body and water exchange heat and the water may be heated. The above heating situation can be regarded as a natural heating situation. Forced heating means heating water using a heater 14 that can generate heat using a power source or an energy source and transfer it to the water.

When natural heating is performed in the step S222 in which the heating state is maintained because the heater 14 is turned off, it may be determined whether the heating time determined by the N2 timer has reached the first heating time b (S223). This is to determine whether the current water temperature has not reached the target water temperature even after heating the water for the first heating time without driving the heater 14 .

If the heating time does not reach the first heating time, it can return to the initial time point (S20) of the step used as the cold water mat. If the N2 timer has reached the first heating time, the current water temperature has not reached the target water temperature because the current water temperature is less than the target water temperature even though the N2 timer has been driven in the natural heating state for the first heating time. In this case, since the same state is maintained even after the elapse of the predetermined first heating time, it may be determined that the current water temperature has not reached the target water temperature. At this time, forced heating may be performed (S225).

When performing forced heating, the N2 timer may be initialized (S224). Forced heating to operate the heater 14 and stop the operation of the fan 132 may be performed (S224). Since the heater 14 operates, more rapid heating than the natural heating state in which water simply passes through only the heat exchanger 131 can be achieved.

The step of operating the heater 14 (S225) or the step of maintaining the heating state in a situation in which the heater 14 is operating (S222) is performed so that the amount of heat generated by the heater 14 is adjusted based on the first temperature difference. It may further include the step of controlling (14).

Noise change reduction mode

12 is a flowchart illustrating a noise change reduction mode in the control method of the water circulation mat 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

A noise change reduction mode for reducing a change in noise generated in the water circulation mat 1 may be performed. The control method of the water circulation mat 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include the step of receiving an input whether to execute the noise change reduction mode. Whether to execute the noise change reduction mode may be input from the user through the control means. In the initial state, non-execution of the noise change reduction mode may be the default setting, or whether the noise change reduction mode is executed immediately before the power of the water circulation mat 1 is released may be the default setting.

Before the target achievement determination step S203 is performed, a step S201 of determining whether the fan 132 is operating may be performed. If the fan 132 is operating, a step (S40) of determining whether the noise change reduction mode is executed is performed, and if the fan 132 is not operating, the operation step (S202) of the N1 and N2 timers goes to , the general goal achievement determination step S203 may be performed. Even when it is determined whether the noise change reduction mode is executed in the step S40 of determining whether to execute the noise change reduction mode is not executed, the operation proceeds to the operation step S202 of the N1 and N2 timers.

When it is determined whether the noise change reduction mode is executed in the step S40 of determining whether to execute the noise change reduction mode, the noise change reduction mode is executed. That is, after the fan 132 starts to operate, the fan 132 does not stop operating until either one of when the input noise change reduction mode execution is released and when the operation of the water circulation mat 1 is turned off. can prevent it Since the noise change reduction mode is a mode for reducing noise generated when the operating state of the fan 132 changes, the operating state of the fan 132 is not changed.

When the noise change reduction mode is implemented, the heating time and the cooling time may be initialized (S41). Instead, the N3 timer that can measure the noise change heating time N3 to play the same role as the heating time may start operation (S42).

A target achievement determination step S43 in the noise change reduction mode may be performed. If the first temperature difference is less than or equal to 0, the target water temperature is lower than or equal to the current water temperature, so the operation of the heater 14 is stopped but the operation of the fan 132 is maintained in an operating state (S44) can be performed.

If the first temperature difference is greater than 0, the target water temperature is higher than the current water temperature. In this case, the step (S45) of determining whether the noise change heating time has reached a predetermined first noise change heating time c may be performed. Until the noise change heating time reaches a predetermined first noise change heating time, it is possible to return to the step S40 of determining whether to execute the noise change reduction mode to maintain the same control state. If the noise change heating time reaches the first noise change heating time, the step S47 of performing forced heating by operating the heater 14 while maintaining the state in which the fan 132 is operated may be performed. At this time, a step (S46) of initializing the noise change heating time may be performed.

Process used as a hot water mat

13 is a flowchart illustrating a process used as a hot water mat in the control method of the water circulation mat 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

When the season of use is determined (S30), if the input season is winter, it may be used as a hot water mat. When used as a hot water mat, the step of determining the first temperature difference (S31) may be carried out. If the first temperature difference is less than or equal to 0, since the current water temperature is sufficiently high or equal to the target water temperature, the operation of the heater 14 and the fan 132 may be stopped ( S32 ). If the first temperature difference is greater than 0, since the current water temperature is less than the target water temperature, the operation of the heater 14 may be started or maintained, but the operation of the fan 132 may be stopped or maintained (S33) ). In each case, after the control is performed, the process may return to the step S31 of determining the first temperature difference.

another embodiment

14 is a flowchart showing the overall process used as a cold water mat in the control method of the water circulation mat (1) according to another embodiment of the present invention.

When the season of use is entered as summer and the water circulation mat 1 is used as a cold water mat (S50), the processor P may allow the circulating water to be cooled or heated. The step of acquiring the outside temperature may be carried out.

The N1, N2 timer operation step (S502) for measuring the first cooling time and the first heating time required in the cooling/heating process, respectively, may be performed. In the N1, N2 timer operation step S502, if the respective timers are not in operation, the operation may be started, and if the operation is in progress, the operation may be maintained. N1 may be a cooling time, N2 may be a heating time.

A target achievement determination step ( S503 ) of determining whether the current water temperature can reach the target water temperature based on the outside air temperature and determining whether the current water temperature has reached the target water temperature may be performed. Determining whether the current water temperature can reach the target water temperature means that when the outside air temperature is higher than the current water temperature, heating can be achieved through natural heating, and when the outside air temperature is lower than the current water temperature, cooling can be performed through natural heat Therefore, it is determined whether heating/cooling can occur through natural heat dissipation by comparing the outside air temperature with the current water temperature. The determination of whether the current water temperature has reached the target water temperature may mean determining whether the current water temperature is the same as the target water temperature or whether the current water temperature is located within a predetermined range from the target water temperature.

The first temperature difference X is a value obtained by subtracting the current water temperature from the target water temperature. The second temperature difference Y is a value obtained by subtracting the outside air temperature from the current water temperature. If the first temperature difference is equal to 0, since the target water temperature and the current water temperature are the same, the most basic control is maintained. That is, since it is determined that the current water temperature has reached the target water temperature, the N1 and N2 values of the timer are initialized to 0, and the fan 132 and the heater 14 for forced heat dissipation and forced heating are controlled to stop the operation. This can be done (S53).

If the first temperature difference is not equal to 0 and it is determined through the second temperature difference that the target water temperature can be reached, it may be determined that the current water temperature can reach the target water temperature. In this case, the heating unit and the fan 132 do not operate so that the current water temperature reaches the target water temperature, but the pump 16 and the valve can be controlled to circulate the water, and the first time point of the step used as a cold water mat (S50) can return to

When the first temperature difference is not equal to 0 and the second temperature difference is determined, it may be determined that the current water temperature has not reached the target water temperature according to a predetermined condition. In this case, additional control including forced heat dissipation, evaporative cooling, or forced heating may be performed so that the current water temperature reaches the target water temperature, and it may return to the initial time point S50 of the step used as the cold water mat.

In the control method of the water circulation mat 1 according to another embodiment, since the noise change reduction mode and the bypass mode included in the control method according to the embodiment can be performed in the same way, the control method according to the embodiment and Only the parts where there is a difference in the relationship of

Cooling process - natural heat dissipation, forced heat dissipation and evaporative cooling

If the first temperature difference is less than 0, the current water temperature is greater than the target water temperature. Therefore, cooling must be done. Among these, when the second temperature difference is greater than zero and the outside temperature is smaller than the current water temperature, the water circulating through natural heat radiation may be cooled to the outside temperature. Therefore, it can be determined that the current water temperature can reach the target water temperature. At this time, in order to perform natural heat dissipation or maintain a heat dissipation state, a step (S505) in which the heat dissipation state is maintained together with the step (S504) in which the heating time is initialized may be performed. In the step S505 in which the heat dissipation state is maintained, if the fan 132 is turned off, natural heat dissipation may be made, and if the fan 132 is turned on, forced heat dissipation may be performed.

When natural heat dissipation is made in step S505 in which the heat dissipation state is maintained because the fan 132 is turned off, it may be determined whether the cooling time determined by the N1 timer has reached the first cooling time a (S506). If it is not reached, it can return to the initial time point (S50) of the step used as the cold water mat. If the N1 timer has reached the first cooling time, the current water temperature has not reached the target water temperature even though the N1 timer has been driven for the first cooling time in a natural heat dissipation state. In this case, since the same state is maintained even after the lapse of the first predetermined cooling time, it is determined that the current water temperature cannot reach the target water temperature, and thus forced heat dissipation can be performed (S513). Before forced heat dissipation, the cooling time may be initialized (S508).

On the other hand, when the first temperature difference is less than 0 but the second temperature difference is less than or equal to 0, so that the outside temperature is greater than or equal to the current water temperature, the current water temperature is lowered to the target water temperature not only by natural heat dissipation but also by forced heat dissipation using the fan 132. Cooling will be impossible. Therefore, in this case, it is determined that the current water temperature cannot reach the target water temperature, and the step of spraying water for evaporation ( S517 ) may be immediately moved. In this case, the step of initializing the heating time and cooling time (S507) may be performed.

15 is a flowchart showing additional control of a process used as a cold water mat among the control method of the water circulation mat 1 according to another embodiment of the present invention.

If cooling is required but it is determined that the current water temperature cannot reach the target water temperature within the first cooling time, forced heat dissipation may be made to operate the fan 132 and stop the operation of the heater 14 (S511). Since the fan 132 operates, more rapid cooling can be achieved than the natural heat dissipation state in which water simply passes through the heat exchanger 131 .

If the forced heat dissipation is executed after the natural heat dissipation is made for the first cooling time (S511), a step (S513) of determining whether it is a water injection system may be performed. If it is not a water injection system, there is no cooling means more powerful than the method of operating the fan 132, so the control of operating the fan 132 must be repeatedly performed until the current water temperature reaches the target water temperature. . Therefore, if it is not a water injection system, it is possible to return to the first time (S50) of the step used as a cold water mat to return to the target achievement determination step (S503) after the forced heat dissipation, and the N1 timer is initialized, so the heat dissipation state is maintained. In the step S505 or the noise change reduction mode S40, the operating state of the fan 132 may be maintained.

In the case of a water injection system, evaporative cooling may be further performed after forced heat dissipation (S511) (S517). The N4 timer for determining the operating time of the fan 132 may start to operate or maintain an operating state (S514). A step ( S515 ) of determining whether the operation time of the fan 132 has reached a predetermined second cooling time d may be performed. If the fan 132 operating time does not reach the predetermined second cooling time d, it may return to the initial time point S50 of the step used as the cold water mat. If the N4 timer has reached the second cooling time, the current water temperature has not reached the target water temperature even though the N4 timer has been driven for the second cooling time in the forced heat dissipation state. In this case, since the same state was maintained even after the lapse of the second predetermined cooling time, the operation time of the fan 132 is initialized (S516), and the step (S517) of operating the injection unit 133 is carried out to perform evaporative cooling. can be done

After the spray unit 133 operates to spray water on the outer surface of the heat exchanger 131, a step (S518) of waiting for t minutes may be performed. Returning to the initial time (S50) of the step used as the cold water mat after waiting, the cycle of determining whether the current water temperature has reached the target water temperature and determining the heat dissipation state may be repeatedly performed.

Even when the step of directly spraying water for evaporation without waiting for the first cooling time or the second cooling time is passed, the step (S512) of determining whether it is a water spray system is performed, and if it is not a water spray system, cooling is performed. Since there is no better method, it is possible to return to the initial time point (S50) of the step used as the cold water mat. If it is a water injection system, a step (S517) of operating the injection unit 133 may be performed to achieve evaporative cooling.

heating process

16 is a flowchart showing another additional control of the process used as a cold water mat among the control method of the water circulation mat 1 according to another embodiment of the present invention.

If the first temperature difference is greater than 0, the current water temperature is less than the target water temperature. Therefore, heating must be done. A step S521 in which the cooling time is initialized may be performed. Then, through the step of determining the second temperature difference (S522), it is possible to determine the heating state.

If the second temperature difference is less than 0, since the outside air temperature is greater than the current water temperature, the circulating water can be heated to the outside temperature by natural heating by the outside air without the intervention of the heater 14 . Accordingly, it is determined that the current water temperature can reach the target water temperature, and the heating state is maintained ( S524 ). In the step S524 in which the heating state is maintained, if the heater 14 is turned off, natural heating may be performed, and if the heater 14 is turned on, forced heating may be performed.

If the second temperature difference is greater than 0, since the outside temperature is smaller than the current water temperature, the circulating water cannot be heated to the outside temperature without the intervention of the heater 14 . Therefore, it is determined that the current water temperature cannot reach the target water temperature, so that forced heating in which the heater 14 is operated but the operation of the fan 132 does not occur can be performed immediately (S523).

When natural heating is performed in the step S524 in which the heating state is maintained because the heater 14 is turned off, it may be determined whether the heating time determined by the N2 timer has reached the first heating time b (S525). If it is not reached, it can return to the initial time point (S50) of the step used as the cold water mat. If the N2 timer has reached the first heating time, the current water temperature has not reached the target water temperature even though the N2 timer has been driven in the natural heating state for the first heating time. In this case, since the same state is maintained even after the elapse of the first predetermined heating time, it may be determined that the current water temperature does not reach the target water temperature. Accordingly, at this time, forced heating may be performed (S523). When performing forced heating, the N2 timer may be initialized (S526). Since the heater 14 operates, more rapid heating than the natural heating state in which water simply passes through the heat exchanger 131 can be achieved.

The step of operating the heater 14 ( S523 ) or the step of maintaining the heating state in a situation where the heater 14 is operating ( S524 ) is performed so that the amount of heat generated by the heater 14 is adjusted based on the first temperature difference. It may further include the step of controlling (14).

The above description is merely illustrative of the technical spirit of the present invention, and various modifications and variations will be possible without departing from the essential characteristics of the present invention by those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains. Accordingly, the embodiments disclosed in the present invention are not intended to limit the technical spirit of the present invention, but to explain, and the scope of the technical spirit of the present invention is not limited by these embodiments. The protection scope of the present invention should be construed by the following claims, and all technical ideas within the scope equivalent thereto should be construed as being included in the scope of the present invention.

1: water circulation mat
10: temperature control unit
11: case
12: first tank
13: cooling unit
14: heater
15: internal flow path
16 : pump
18: display
20: mat part
30: connection part
111: upper case
112: lower case
113: stopper
114 : center rib
115: first rib
116: second rib
120: inner space of the first tank
131: heat exchanger
132: fan
133: injection part
151: recovery path
152: discharge path
153: flow path determination valve
171: connector
172: sterilization unit
173: circulation valve
174: partition plate
175: drip tray
1111: case opening
1112: adjustment fixing part
1113: tank coupling part
1200: inlet
1331: second tank
1332: nozzle unit
1332-1: nozzle connection part
1332-2: Nozzle member
1521: first tank flow path
1522: exit path
1523: heat exchanger outlet flow path
1524: heat exchanger inflow path
1525: Bypass
1741: inclined member
1742: upper member
1743: lower member
1744: water jamb
1745: Mooring
1746: water discharge part
1747: auxiliary mooring
P: processor

Claims (13)

a temperature control unit provided to control the temperature of water; and
It includes a mat unit having a mat passage through which water whose temperature is controlled by the temperature control unit is circulated,
The temperature control unit,
case;
a first tank provided in the case and provided to store the water; and
Provided in the case, the water circulation mat comprising a heat exchanger provided to exchange the water supplied from the first tank to the outside air. According to claim 1,
The temperature control unit,
Provided in the case, the water circulation mat further comprising a fan provided to pressurize the outside air to the heat exchanger. According to claim 1,
The temperature control unit,
Provided in the case, the water circulation mat further comprising a spraying unit provided to spray the water for evaporation to the heat exchanger. 4. The method of claim 3,
The spray unit,
a second tank selectively exposed to the outside of the case to have an inlet provided to receive the water for evaporation, and to store the water for evaporation supplied through the inlet; and
A water circulation mat comprising a nozzle provided to spray the water for evaporation of the second tank to the heat exchanger. 5. The method of claim 4,
The second tank has a shape in which the cross section in a cross section orthogonal to the up and down direction is reduced in at least some regions as it goes downward,
The tank coupling part to which the second tank is coupled among the outer surfaces of the case has a shape corresponding to the outer surface of the second tank so that the second tank can be inserted, and is formed by being depressed downward from the upper surface of the case. Being a water circulation mat. 4. The method of claim 3,
The spray unit,
and a nozzle provided to spray the evaporation water to the heat exchanger,
The temperature control unit,
The inner space of the case is divided into a main space in which the first tank is installed and a spray space in which the nozzle and the heat exchanger are installed, preventing the water for evaporation sprayed into the spray space from flowing into the main space. The water circulation mat further comprising a partition plate that does. 7. The method of claim 6,
The partition plate is
A water circulation mat disposed below the nozzle and comprising an inclined member inclined downward toward the heat exchanger. 8. The method of claim 7,
The partition plate is
Further comprising a lower member extending downward from the lower end of the inclined member, the lower member being spaced apart from the heat exchanger to form a collection space for collecting evaporation water flowing down from the heat exchanger between the heat exchanger, water circulation mat. 9. The method of claim 8,
It is disposed below the heat exchanger to receive the evaporation water flowing down from the heat exchanger, further comprising a water receiving portion detachably coupled to the case,
The partition plate further comprises a water discharge part protruding downwardly from the lower member toward the drip tray to guide the evaporation of water collected in the collection space from being discharged to the drip tray. 10. The method of claim 9,
The partition plate further includes a mooring part having a mooring space defined by a lower wall and a side wall to temporarily moor the water for evaporation;
The mooring space communicates with the water discharge unit and the collection space, a water circulation mat. According to claim 1,
The temperature control unit,
a first flow path communicating the first tank and the heat exchanger;
a second flow path communicating the heat exchanger and the mat flow path;
a bypass passage connected to the first passage to divert water in the first passage to the mat passage; and
and a flow path determining valve disposed at a connection point between the first flow path and the bypass flow path to guide water in the first flow path to the heat exchanger or the bypass flow path. According to claim 1,
The temperature control unit,
Water circulation mat further comprising a heater provided to heat the water in the first tank. 3. The method of claim 2,
a central rib protruding upward from a lower surface of the inner surface of the case;
a plurality of first ribs protruding from the central rib to one side and spaced apart from each other in an extending direction of the central rib so that the fan can be seated; and
The water circulation mat further comprising a plurality of second ribs protruding from the central rib to the other side so that the heat exchanger can be seated and spaced apart from each other in the extending direction of the central rib.

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