U.S. patent application number 10/578103 was filed with the patent office on 2008-11-27 for surface type heating element and roll screen type home sauna apparatus using the same.
Invention is credited to Jae Ii Song.
Application Number | 20080292293 10/578103 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 35785437 |
Filed Date | 2008-11-27 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080292293 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Song; Jae Ii |
November 27, 2008 |
Surface Type Heating Element and Roll Screen Type Home Sauna
Apparatus Using the Same
Abstract
Disclosed herein are a surface type heating element and a roll
screen type home sauna apparatus. The surface type heating element
includes rayon-based carbon yarn emitting resistance heat, metal
yarn having an antibacterial/anti-fungal function, and transparent
synthetic resin film serving to admit sufficient illumination,
wherein the rayon-based carbon yarn, the metallic yarn, and the
transparent to each other, and are interwoven with polyester yarn.
Further, a radiation coating layer, containing the mixture of ore
powder and far infrared radiating material is applied to a surface
of the heating element, and the heat blocking coating layer is
applied to the other surface of the heating element. Upper portions
of strands of the rayon-based carbon yarn are connected to a power
supply line, and lower portions of strands of the rayon-based
carbon yarn are connected via a common connection part.
Inventors: |
Song; Jae Ii; (Gyeonggi-do,
KR) |
Correspondence
Address: |
DILWORTH & BARRESE, LLP
333 EARLE OVINGTON BLVD., SUITE 702
UNIONDALE
NY
11553
US
|
Family ID: |
35785437 |
Appl. No.: |
10/578103 |
Filed: |
July 7, 2005 |
PCT Filed: |
July 7, 2005 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/KR05/02175 |
371 Date: |
May 3, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
392/347 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H05B 2203/015 20130101;
A61H 33/063 20130101; H05B 3/36 20130101; H05B 2203/017 20130101;
H05B 2203/032 20130101; H05B 2203/005 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
392/347 |
International
Class: |
F24D 15/00 20060101
F24D015/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jul 16, 2004 |
KR |
10-2004-0055745 |
Claims
1. A surface type heating element, comprising: rayon-based carbon
yarn emitting resistance heat, when external electricity is
supplied to the rayon-based carbon yarn; metallic yarn having a
heat insulating function and an antibacterial function; and
transparent synthetic resin film serving to admit sufficient
illumination, wherein the rayon-based carbon yarn, the metallic
yarn, and the transparent synthetic resin film each have a
predetermined width, are laid adjacent to each other, and are
interwoven with polyester yarn, with upper portions of strands of
the rayon-based carbon yarn being connected to a power supply line
and lower portions of strands of the rayon-based carbon yarn being
connected to each other via a common connection part, thus
providing a series parallel structure.
2. The surface type heating element according to claim 1, wherein
the rayon-based carbon yarn comprises rayon-based carbon fiber
containing 99.9% carbon which is produced by thermally processing
PAN-based carbon yarn containing 95% carbon at a predetermined
temperature, and comprises at least one of 2200 twisted carbon
fibers, 3300 twisted carbon fibers, 6600 twisted carbon fibers, and
13200 twisted carbon fibers, each of the fibers having a
predetermined diameter.
3. The surface type heating element according to claim 1, wherein
the metallic yarn comprises the aluminum yarn coated with a
composition having an antibacterial function, and the transparent
synthetic resin film comprises transparent PET film yarn or
transparent film yarn containing fluorine.
4. The surface type heating element according to claim 1, further
comprising: a first surface coated with a radiating material to
selectively radiate far infrared rays; and a second surface
opposite the first surface, and coated with a heat blocking
material that transmits visible rays but blocks infrared rays,
wherein the heat blocking material comprises an organic solvent or
an organic polymer composition which is produced by dispersing a
nanometer-sized metallic oxide in an organic matrix.
5. The surface type heating element according to claim 1, further
comprising: a mixture coating layer coated with a composition
having a waterproof material, a heat insulating material, and a
fire resistance material, and another composition containing silver
and anions.
6. The surface type heating element according to claim 4, wherein a
coating thickness of the first surface is variable such that the
rayon-based carbon yarn constituting a warp of the first surface
has a shape of a furrow, and the transparent synthetic resin film
and the aluminum yarn constituting the warp of the first surface
have a shape of a ridge.
7. A roll screen type home sauna apparatus embedded into or
attached to a ceiling, and including a surface type heating element
to emit heat, when electricity is supplied to the surface type
heating element, the home sauna apparatus comprising: a surface
type heating element; a motor rotating in response to a control
signal from an external controller; a shaft roller rolling or
unwinding the surface type heating element, with a terminal of the
surface type heating element being connected to the shaft roller; a
shaft roller drive unit to transmit a rotation from the motor to
the shaft roller; a limit regulator to detect a degree of rotation
of the shaft roller drive unit, thus opening the surface type
heating element at a predetermined position; a slip ring,
comprising: a metal ring contacting the shaft roller; a brush to
make sliding contact with the metal ring; an elastic part providing
an elastic force to the brush; and a slip ring connector connected
to an external power supply line, wherein, when the surface type
heating element is unwound, electricity applied to the slip ring
connector is supplied through the brush, the metal ring, and the
shaft roller to the surface type heating element.
8. The roll screen type home sauna apparatus according to claim 7,
wherein the surface type heating element comprises at least two
surface type heating elements, two sheets of surface type heating
elements combined with each other such that strands of the
rayon-based carbon yarn acting as a warp do not overlap, for the
purpose of treating a terminal, with upper portions of the strands
of the carbon yarn in the surface type heating elements being
insulated from each other and being separately connected to a
positive electric terminal and a negative electric terminal, and
lower portions of the strands of the carbon yarn being connected to
a common connection part.
9. The roll screen type home sauna apparatus according to claim 7,
further comprising: a mesh net wound around the shaft roller
together with the surface type heating element, the mesh net being
opened adjacent to the surface type heating element, when the
surface type heating element is opened.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates, in general, to a surface type
heating element and a roll screen type home sauna apparatus using
the heating element and, more particularly, to a surface type
heating element, which is made by interweaving carbon yarn,
antibacterial and anti-fungal aluminum yarn, transparent PET film
yarn, and polyester yarn with each other at regular intervals, thus
eliminating the danger of electric shock, and maximizing heat
generating efficiency, and to a roll screen type home sauna
apparatus, capable of manually or automatically winding or
unwinding the surface type heating element.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] Recently, people have a growing interest in health so that a
new idea, "well being", meaning a healthy life, has appeared. The
interest in health is expressed in various ways. Currently,
anything promoting good health, including food and clothing, is
preferred.
[0003] Among things that are enjoyed for the purpose of good
health, saunas are not present in all homes. Saunas help remove
unhealthy elements from the body through sweat. While a person
enjoys having a sauna, hydrogen accumulated in the body is
discharged along with sweat through perspiration, thus eliminating
unnecessary and harmful elements from the body.
[0004] Saunas are usually used in public bathhouses. Recently,
simple sauna apparatuses have been proposed so that people may
enjoy having saunas at home.
[0005] FIG. 1 is a view showing a conventional surface type heating
element and a sauna apparatus using the heating element, which is
disclosed in U.M Registration No. 255910.
[0006] As shown in FIG. 1, the conventional simple sauna apparatus
includes a shower stall 100 having a wall 110 and a door 112, and a
surface type heating element 102.
[0007] The inner surface of the wall 110 of the shower stall 100 is
surrounded with the surface type heating element 102 that emits
heat. The conventional surface type heating element 102 includes a
base fabric 106, a conductive coating layer 104, and an insulating
film 108. Conductive powder, such as carbon, or inorganic acidic
powder emitting far infrared rays is applied to the base fabric 106
or the like surface, thus forming the conductive coating layer 104.
A surface of the conductive coating layer 104 is coated with the
insulated film 108.
[0008] In such a conventional sauna apparatus, when an electrode is
connected to the surface type heating element 102 so as to supply
electricity to the surface type heating element 102, heat is
generated due to electric resistance of the conductive film layer,
thus allowing a user sitting in the shower stall to enjoy having a
sauna.
[0009] However, as shown in FIG. 1, the conventional sauna
apparatus is manufactured in the shape of a rectangular stall, so
that it occupies a large space. Thus, it is difficult to install
the sauna apparatus in a bathroom having a limited space.
[0010] Further, the surface type heating element used in the
conventional sauna apparatus is manufactured by applying a
conductive material, such as carbon. However, when the conductive
material in powder form is applied to the base fabric, it is
impossible to obtain high heat from electric resistance due to
irregular coating. Further, the concentration of the powder is
different in different positions, so that it is impossible to
obtain constant heat.
[0011] In order to prevent electric shock, the conventional sauna
apparatus has on the wall a shielding means which isolates the
surface type heating element from the inner surface of the shower
stall. Thus, the conventional sauna apparatus is problematic in
that the additional shielding means is mounted all over the wall,
so that the cost of manufacturing the sauna apparatus is
increased.
[0012] Further, the conventional sauna apparatus is configured such
that only a small window is provided at a predetermined position on
the door 112 to admit light into the shower stall. Thus, when the
door 112 is closed, sufficient illumination is not ensured.
Thereby, the conventional sauna apparatus is problematic in that an
additional lighting lamp is required.
DISCLOSURE
Technical Problem
[0013] Accordingly, the present invention has been made keeping in
mind the above problems occurring in the prior art, and an object
of the present invention is to provide a surface type heating
element, which has high heat generating efficiency, and uniformly
radiates heat.
[0014] Another object of the present invention is to provide a
surface type heating element having a circuit structure which is
capable of considerably reducing the danger of electric shock.
[0015] A further object of the present invention is to provide a
surface type heating element, which maximally radiates far infrared
rays onto a user, in addition to having an anion radiating
function, an antibacterial function, and a deodorizing
function.
[0016] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a
sauna apparatus, which has a small volume, and in which a power
supply line connected to the surface type heating element is not
twisted when the surface type heating element is unwound or wound,
thus stably supplying electricity.
Technical Solution
[0017] In order to accomplish the above objects, the present
invention provides a surface type heating element, including
rayon-based carbon yarn emitting resistance heat, when external AC
power is supplied to the rayon-based carbon yarn; aluminum yarn
having an antibacterial/anti-fungal function; and transparent
synthetic resin film serving to admit sufficient illumination,
wherein the rayon-based carbon yarn, the metallic yarn, and the
transparent synthetic resin film each have a predetermined width,
are laid adjacent to each other, and are interwoven with polyester
yarn. Further, a radiation coating layer, containing the mixture of
ore powder containing a large quantity of waterproof material,
insulating material, fire resistant material, far infrared rays,
and anions, and the far infrared radiating material is applied to a
surface of the surface type heating element, and the heat blocking
coating layer containing the mixture of the waterproof material,
the insulating material, the fire resistant material, and the heat
blocking material may be applied to the other surface of the
surface type heating element. Further, upper portions of strands of
the rayon-based carbon yarn are connected to a power supply line,
and lower portions of strands of the rayon-based carbon yarn are
connected to each other via a common connection part, thus
providing a series parallel structure.
[0018] According to another embodiment of this invention, the
present invention provides a roll screen type home sauna apparatus
embedded into or attached to a ceiling in a bathroom, and including
a surface type heating element to emit heat, when electricity is
supplied to the surface type heating element, the home sauna
apparatus including a surface type heating element including
rayon-based carbon yarn emitting resistance heat, when external AC
power is supplied to the rayon-based carbon yarn; aluminum yarn
having an antibacterial/anti-fungal function; and transparent
synthetic resin film serving to admit sufficient illumination,
wherein the rayon-based carbon yarn, the metallic yarn, and the
transparent synthetic resin film each have a predetermined width,
are laid adjacent to each other, and are interwoven with polyester
yarn, with upper portions of strands of the rayon-based carbon yarn
connected to a power supply line, and lower portions of strands of
the rayon-based carbon yarn connected to each other via a common
connection part, thus providing a series parallel structure; a
motor rotating in response to a control signal from an external
controller; a shaft roller rolling or unwinding the surface type
heating element, with a terminal of the surface type heating
element being connected to the shaft roller; a shaft roller drive
unit to transmit a rotation from the motor to the shaft roller; a
limit regulator to detect a degree of rotation of the shaft roller
drive unit, thus opening the surface type heating element at a
predetermined position; a slip ring, including a metal ring
contacting the shaft roller, a brush to make sliding contact with
the metal ring, an elastic part providing an elastic force to the
brush, and a slip ring connector connected to an external power
supply line, wherein, when the surface type heating element is
unwound, electricity applied to the slip ring connector is supplied
through the brush, the metal ring, and the shaft roller to the
surface type heating element.
DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0019] FIG. 1 is a view showing a conventional surface type heating
element and a home sauna apparatus using the heating element;
[0020] FIG. 2a is a view showing a roll screen type home sauna
apparatus, according to the preferred embodiment of the present
invention;
[0021] FIGS. 2b and 2c are views showing the construction of the
roll screen type home sauna apparatus, according to this invention,
in which FIG. 2b shows the state where the home sauna apparatus is
mounted to a side of a bathtub, and FIG. 2c shows the state where
the home sauna apparatus is mounted to a shower stall;
[0022] FIGS. 3a and 3b are detailed views showing important parts
of a surface type heating element, according to the preferred
embodiment of this invention;
[0023] FIG. 3c is a detailed view showing important parts of the
coated surface type heating element, according to the preferred
embodiment of this invention;
[0024] FIGS. 4a and 4b are wiring diagrams of strands of
rayon-based carbon yarn, according to the preferred embodiment of
this invention;
[0025] FIG. 5a is a detailed view of a winder, according to this
invention;
[0026] FIG. 5b is a perspective view of a slip ring, according to
the preferred embodiment of this invention; and
[0027] FIG. 5c is a view of a roll screen type home sauna apparatus
having a mesh net, according to the preferred embodiment of this
invention.
BEST MODE
[0028] Hereinafter, a surface type heating element and a roll
screen type home sauna apparatus using the heating element,
according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention,
will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying
drawings.
[0029] FIG. 2a is a view showing a roll screen type home sauna
apparatus, according to the preferred embodiment of the present
invention, and FIGS. 2b and 2c are views showing the construction
of the roll screen type home sauna apparatus, according to this
invention, in which FIG. 2b shows the state where the home sauna
apparatus is mounted to a side of a bathtub, and FIG. 2c shows the
state where the home sauna apparatus is mounted to a shower
stall;
[0030] As shown in FIG. 2a, the roll screen type home sauna
apparatus according to this invention includes a surface type
heating element 200, a winder 202, and a controller 204.
[0031] According to this invention, when the surface type heating
element 200 is not in use, the surface type heating element 200 is
wound up and accommodated in the winder 202. Meanwhile, when the
surface type heating element 200 is in use, the surface type
heating element 200 is automatically unwound downwards in response
to a signal from a controller.
[0032] When electricity is supplied to the surface type heating
element 200 which has been unwound downwards, far infrared rays and
anions are generated due to the resistance heat of rayon-based
carbon yarn woven into the surface type heating element 200.
[0033] The weaving method, circuit structure, and power supplying
method of the surface type heating element 200 will be described
below in detail.
[0034] The winder 202 includes a motor and a shaft roller therein.
In this case, the motor is driven forwards or backwards in response
to the control signal of the controller 204. As the motor is
driven, the shaft roller winds the surface type heating element 200
so as to receive it in the winder 202, or unwinds the surface type
heating element 200 downwards.
[0035] The internal construction of the winder 202 will be
described below in detail.
[0036] The controller 204 serves to drive the motor installed in
the winder 202 or to supply electricity to the surface type heating
element 200. The controller 204 may include a key pad 206 and a
display 208.
[0037] A user selects the operation of winding or unwinding the
surface type heating element 200, using the key pad 206. Further,
it is possible to control the temperature or operating time of the
surface type heating element 200 using the key pad 206.
[0038] Although not shown in the drawings, a temperature sensor may
be connected to the controller 204. The temperature sensor detects
the temperature of the surface type heating element 200 or the
external temperature, prior to transmitting the detected result to
the controller 204.
[0039] Further, although not shown in the drawings, a constant
temperature sensor may be connected to the controller 204 of this
invention. The constant temperature sensor detects the temperature
of the surface type heating element 200 or the external
temperature, and transmits the detected result to the controller
204. If the surface type heating element 200 exceeds a
predetermined temperature and overheats, due to any failure of the
surface type heating element 200, power supply is interrupted.
[0040] As such, when the signal detected by the sensor is input
into the controller 204, the display 208 displays the temperature
of the surface type heating element 200 and the external
temperature.
[0041] As shown in FIGS. 2b and 2c, the roll screen type home sauna
apparatus according to this invention may be mounted to the side of
a bathtub 220 or the side of a shower stall 230. The winder 202 may
also be embedded in or attached to a ceiling.
[0042] When the surface type heating element 200 is not in use, the
surface type heating element 200 is rolled and stored in the winder
202. In such a state, when the user manipulates the key pad 206,
the surface type heating element 200 is unwound downwards. When the
surface type heating element 200 has been unwound, electricity is
automatically supplied to the surface type heating element 200,
thus emitting heat.
[0043] As such, the sauna apparatus of this invention does not
occupy a large space in a bathroom, unlike a conventional simple
sauna apparatus. Further, the surface type heating element 200 is
unwound only when it is in use, so that the surface type heating
element 200 does not reduce useful space in the bathroom.
[0044] FIGS. 3a and 3b are detailed views showing important parts
of the surface type heating element, according to the preferred
embodiment of this invention.
[0045] As shown in FIG. 3a, the surface type heating element 200,
according to this invention, includes rayon-based carbon yarn 300,
transparent PET film yarn 302, aluminum yarn 304 coated with
antibacterial/anti-fungal agents, a radiation coating layer 306
having the mixture of ore powder containing a large quantity of
waterproof material, insulating material, fire resistant material,
far infrared rays, and anions, and far infrared radiating material,
and a coating layer 308 having the mixture of a waterproof
material, an insulating material, a fire resistant material, and a
heat blocking material.
[0046] According to this invention, the rayon-based carbon yarn 300
containing 99.9% carbon is obtained by thermally processing
PAN-based carbon fiber containing 95% carbon within the temperature
range from 500.degree. C. to 900.degree. C. Even though an
exothermic temperature is 3000.degree. C., the physical properties
of the rayon-based carbon yarn 300 are not changed.
[0047] The rayon-based carbon yarn 300 according to this invention
may be selected from at least one of 3300 twisted carbon fibers
(resistance 490.+-.20 .OMEGA./m), 6600 twisted carbon fibers
(resistance 250.+-.20 .OMEGA./m), 2200 twisted carbon fibers
(resistance 620.+-.30 .OMEGA./m), 13200 twisted carbon fibers
(resistance 130.+-.15 .OMEGA./m), or combinations thereof. In this
case, each carbon fiber has a diameter of about 200 nm. However,
the rayon-based carbon yarn 300 is not limited to the
above-mentioned twisted carbon fibers.
[0048] Conventional rayon-based carbon yarn has used Pitch-based
carbon fiber or PAN (Poly-Acrylonitrile)-based carbon fiber, which
contains 95% carbon. When the rayon-based carbon yarn according to
this invention is used, a large amount of far infrared rays is
emitted.
[0049] Particularly, when the surface type heating element is
manufactured by applying PAN-based carbon fiber or carbon powder,
the connection of the carbon fiber to a copper plate (electrode
portion) is poor. Due to the resistance at the connecting portions,
heat is generated, so that it is impossible to use the surface type
heating element for a lengthy period of time. However, according to
this invention, the connection of the rayon-based carbon yarn 300
to the electrode portion is good, thus minimizing resistance heat
generated at the connecting portions.
[0050] In order to manufacture the surface type heating element 200
according to this invention, the rayon-based carbon yarn 300 is
provided at a predetermined position. One to five strands of
transparent PET film yarn 302, each having the width from 1.0 to
2.0 mm, are located adjacent to the rayon-based carbon yarn 300,
and are interwoven with the rayon-based carbon yarn 300. Further,
one or two strands of aluminum yarn 304 coated with
antibacterial/anti-fungal agents and each having a width from 1.0
to 2.0 mm are located adjacent to the strands of transparent PET
film yarn 302, and are interwoven with the transparent PET film
yarn 302. Subsequently, one to five strands of transparent PET film
yarn 302 each having a width from 1.0 to 2.0 mm are interwoven with
the aluminum yarn 304. Thereafter, the rayon-based carbon yarn 300
is positioned adjacent to the transparent PET film yarn 302.
[0051] Afterwards, as shown in FIG. 3b, strands of heat-resistant
polyester yarn, each having a width of 0.15 mm or less, are
interwoven along the horizontal axis at intervals from 0.5 to 1.5
mm, thus securing the rayon-base carbon yarn 300, the transparent
PET film yarn 302, and the aluminum yarn 304 together.
[0052] According to this embodiment, transparent PET film yarn 302
is used. However, without being limited to the PET elements,
various synthetic resin films having transparency may be used.
Moreover, it is apparent to those skilled in the art that different
metallic yarn containing a composition having an antibacterial
function may be used, without being limited to the aluminum yarn
304.
[0053] Further, the width or the number per unit surface area of
each of the rayon-based carbon yarn 300, the transparent PET film
yarn 302, the aluminum yarn 304, and the polyester yarn have been
described for illustrative purposes, but those skilled in the art
will appreciate that various widths and numbers may be adapted.
[0054] Meanwhile, the transparent PET film yarn 302 functions to
ensure sufficient illumination. The strands of transparent PET film
yarn 302 are laid between the strands of rayon-based carbon yarn
300 and aluminum yarn 304, thus allowing external light to pass
through the surface type heating element. Thereby, even if the
surface type heating element 200 is unwound, the interior of the
bathtub 220 or the interior of the shower stall 230 may receive
minimal illumination.
[0055] The aluminum yarn 304 provides antibacterial and deodorizing
functions. Aluminum itself has antibacterial and deodorizing
effects, but natural antibacterial materials, such as Chitin, may
be added to the aluminum yarn 304. In addition, other compositions
having the antibacterial effect are added to the aluminum yarn 304,
thus achieving powerful antibacterial/anti-fungal effects.
[0056] Further, the aluminum yarn 304 has an electromagnetic wave
shielding function and an insulating function. Thus, when the
surface type heating element 200 having the aluminum yarn 304 is
used to have a sauna, the sauna effect is maximized.
[0057] According to this invention, the surface type heating
element 200 is manufactured by interweaving the rayon-based carbon
yarn 300, the transparent PET film yarn 302, and the aluminum yarn
304 together. The radiation coating layer 306, containing the
mixture of ore powder containing a large quantity of waterproof
material, insulating material, fire resistant material, far
infrared rays, and anions, and the far infrared radiating material
is applied to a surface of the surface type heating element 200.
Further, the heat blocking coating layer 308 containing the mixture
of the waterproof material, the insulating material, the fire
resistant material, and the heat blocking material may be applied
to the other surface of the surface type heating element 200.
[0058] When a person has a sauna, not all wavelengths of rays are
used but far infrared rays are mainly used. Several wavelengths of
rays are emitted from the rayon-based carbon yarn 300, but the
radiation coating layer 306 causes far infrared rays having
wavelengths of 5 to 20 .mu.m to be mainly radiated.
[0059] The radiation coating layer 306 may be provided throughout
the surface of the surface type heating element 200. However, since
this invention is adapted to a sauna apparatus, it is preferable
that the radiation coating layer 306 be provided on only the
surface of the surface type heating element 200 that faces a
user.
[0060] On the other hand, the heat blocking coating layer 308 is
provided on the other surface of the surface type heating element
200, that is, a surface facing away the user.
[0061] The heat blocking material contained in the heat blocking
coating layer 308 is a composition comprising an UV curable or
thermosetting organic binder, organic solvent, or organic polymer
which is produced by dispersing a nanometer-sized metallic oxide in
an organic matrix. The heat blocking material has high
transmissivity of visible light, and has a superior blocking effect
with respect to infrared light.
[0062] Thus, according to this invention, the radiation coating
layer 306 is disposed on a surface facing a user so as to maximize
far infrared radiating efficiency and anion radiating efficiency
for the purpose of air purification. The heat blocking coating
layer 308 is disposed on an opposite surface to block far infrared
rays. Such a construction allows far infrared rays to be
concentrated on a user.
[0063] Moreover, the heat blocking coating layer 308 has high
transmissivity with respect to visible rays, so that adequate
illumination is ensured in the bathroom, even if the surface type
heating element 200 is unwound.
[0064] As described above, the radiation coating layer 306 or the
heat blocking coating layer 308 may be coated with an insulating
material so as to prevent current flowing in the rayon-based carbon
yarn 300 of the surface type heating element 200 from leaking to
the outside. Further, the radiation coating layer 306 or the heat
blocking coating layer 308 may further include a waterproof
material or a water repellent material that prevents water from
flowing in the surface type heating element 200, or a fire
resistant material that prevents a fire from occurring.
[0065] Further, a coating layer having powerful
antibacterial/anti-fungal effects as well as the aluminum yarn 304
shielding electromagnetic waves may be further provided on the
surface type heating element 200.
[0066] The insulating material or waterproof/water repellent
material may be made of one of polyurethane, polyethylene,
polyester, polystyrene, polypropylene, polyamide, polycarbonate,
and poly-cellulose, or combinations of the synthetic resins.
[0067] Meanwhile, the fire resistant material may comprise sodium
stannate, sodium tungstate, manganese dioxide, and others. However,
the fire resistant material is preferably made of a boric acid
compound discharging a small amount of noxious gas, when a fire
occurs.
[0068] The elements of the insulating material, the waterproof
material or the fire resistant material have been described for
illustrative purposes. It is apparent to those skilled in the art
that the insulating material, the waterproof material or the fire
resistant material may be made of various elements.
[0069] FIG. 3c is a detailed view showing important parts of the
coated surface type heating element, according to the preferred
embodiment of this invention.
[0070] As shown in FIG. 3c, coating layers having different
thicknesses may be applied to the rayon-based carbon yarn 300, the
transparent PET film yarn 302, and the aluminum yarn 304.
[0071] That is, when the surface type heating element 200 generates
heat, the carbon yarn side, in which electricity flows, provides
furrows 320. The transparent PET film yarn and aluminum yarn side
provides ridges 322. Thereby, the coating layers are unevenly
applied, thus preventing the user's body from coming into direct
contact with the carbon yarn 300.
[0072] Although both surfaces of the surface type heating element
have uneven forms in the drawing, the uneven coating structure is
preferably provided only on the surface of the surface type heating
element coated with the radiation coating layer 306 which faces a
user.
[0073] FIGS. 4a and 4b are wiring diagrams of the strands of the
rayon-based carbon yarn, according to the preferred embodiment of
this invention.
[0074] As shown in FIG. 4a, a circuit board 404 is installed in the
winder 202, and electric terminals 400 and 402 are connected to
opposite ends of the circuit board 404.
[0075] A wire connected to the positive electric terminal 400 and
another wire connected to the negative electric terminal 402 are
separately installed in the circuit board 404. The rayon-based
carbon yarn 300 is alternately connected to the wires. In this
case, the strands of the rayon-based carbon yarn 300 may be
connected to the positive electric terminal 400 via metal paste,
conductive tape, or metal clips 406.
[0076] The strands of rayon carbon yarn 300 are connected in a
series parallel structure. According to this invention, ends of the
strands of rayon-based carbon yarn 300, provided to the circuit
board's side, are alternately connected to respective wires.
Conversely, ends of the strands of rayon-based carbon yarn 300,
which are provided to an opposite side, that is, a lower side of
the surface-type heating element 200, are connected to each other
via a common connection part.
[0077] The wiring diagram of the rayon-based carbon yarn 300 may be
shown, like FIG. 4b.
[0078] As shown in FIG. 4b, the rayon-based carbon yarn 300 has a
series parallel structure. Some of the strands of the rayon-based
carbon yarn 300 provided to the circuit board's side are connected
to the positive electric terminal 400, while the remaining strands
of rayon-based carbon yarn 300 are connected to the negative
electric terminal 402. The strands of rayon-based carbon yarn 300,
positioned distant from the circuit board 400, are connected to
each other via the common connection part 408.
[0079] According to this invention, two or more surface type
heating elements may be overlapped with and coupled to each other.
Two or more surface type heating elements are prepared or the
surface type heating element is woven through a 1/2 division
weaving. In order to treat the terminals, strands of conductive
metallic yarn acting as wefts are arranged at predetermined
positions, and two sheets of surface type heating elements are
combined with each other such that the strands of the rayon-based
carbon yarn acting as warps are not overlapped with each other. In
this case, the upper ends of the strands of the rayon-based carbon
yarn are pre-treated in such a way as to be separately connected to
the positive electric terminal 400 and the negative electric
terminal 402. On the other hand, the lower ends of the strands of
the rayon-based carbon yarn are post-treated in such a way as to be
combined with each other and connected to the common connection
part 408.
[0080] As described above, the conventional surface type heating
element is manufactured by coating carbon powder. However, the
surface type heating element manufactured in this way cannot
provide constant resistance heat.
[0081] Meanwhile, the surface type heating element may be
manufactured by connecting resistance wires, such as nichrome
wires, in series. In this case, when some of the resistance wires
are cut, electric current to all of the resistance wire is cut off.
Further, due to the characteristics of a series connection,
considerably large amount of electric current flows in the
resistance wires, so that the possibility of electric shock is
increased. Further, since electric current flows in a single
direction, strong electromagnetic waves may be generated.
[0082] However, when the strands of the rayon-based carbon yarn 300
are connected in the manner of this invention, constant resistance
heat can be achieved throughout the surface type heating elements.
Further, even if some of the strands of rayon-based carbon yarn 300
are cut, electric current can flow through another closed
circuit.
[0083] Further, in the series parallel structure, ends of the
strands of the rayon-based carbon yarn 300 distant from the circuit
board 404 are connected to each other via the common connection
part 408. Thus, the electric current diverges from the common
connection part 408 in multiple directions, thus offsetting the
effect of electromagnetic waves.
[0084] FIG. 5a is a detailed view of the winder, according to this
invention, and FIG. 5b is a perspective view of a slip ring,
according to the preferred embodiment of this invention.
[0085] As shown in FIG. 5a, the winder according to this invention
includes a motor 500, a reduction gear 502, a limit regulator 504,
a shaft roller drive unit 506, a shaft roller 508, a cover frame
510, and a slip ring 512.
[0086] When a user desires to have a sauna, the user manipulates
the controller 204. At this time, the motor 500 is driven in
response to a control signal.
[0087] The reduction gear 502 and the limit regulator 504 are
provided adjacent to the motor 500. The reduction gear 502 is
installed at a position between the motor 500 and the shaft roller
drive unit 506, and transmits the rotation of the motor 500 to the
shaft roller drive unit 506.
[0088] The limit regulator 504 detects the degree of rotation of
the shaft roller drive unit 506, thus preventing the surface type
heating element 200 from abruptly moving downwards or upwards when
the surface type heating element 200 is wound or unwound. Further,
the limit regulator 504 causes the surface type heating element 200
to stop at a precisely predetermined position.
[0089] As the motor 500 is rotated, the shaft roller drive unit 506
is operated, thus rotating the shaft roller 508 under the control
of the limit regulator 504. Thereby, the surface type heating
element 200 is unwound and stopped at a desired position.
[0090] However, the surface type heating element 200 may be
configured to be wound or unwound like a roll screen. In this case,
if a power supply line is directly connected to an end of the
rayon-based carbon yarn 300, the power supply line may be twisted
and be consequently cut while the surface type heating element 200
is wound or unwound.
[0091] Therefore, the roll screen type home sauna apparatus
according to this invention is configured such that the slip ring
512 shown in FIG. 5b is provided on an end of the winder 202, and
the power supply line is connected to a slip ring connector
528.
[0092] As shown in FIG. 5b, the slip ring 512 includes a brush
holder 520, carbon brushes 522, elastic parts 524, and a metal ring
526. The metal ring 526 is biased to the shaft roller 508 by the
elastic parts 524.
[0093] Although not shown in the drawings, a predetermined slit is
provided on an end of the shaft roller 508, and an electrode wire
of the rayon-based carbon yarn 300 inserted into the slit is
coupled to an end of the metal ring 526.
[0094] The brushes 522 are coupled to the brush holder 520 via the
elastic parts 524, such as a spring, so that the brush 522 is in
sliding contact with the metal ring 526, due to elasticity of the
elastic part 524.
[0095] Thus, when electricity is supplied from a power supply
source and is applied through the slip ring connector 528 provided
on a surface of the brush holder 520, the electricity is supplied
through the carbon brushes 522 provided on both sides and the metal
ring 526 to the rayon-based carbon yarn 300 coupled to the shaft
roller 508. Thereby, there is no possibility of twisting the power
supply line, so electricity is reliably supplied to the surface
type heating element 200.
[0096] Meanwhile, the carbon brushes 522 according to this
invention are made of alloy containing 60 to 75% carbon and 40 to
25% copper (different metals are possible), so that the carbon
brushes 522 have high strength, excellent friction or heat
resistance, and waterproofness. The metal ring 526 is produced by
mixing 99 to 99.9% copper with 0.5 to 1% chrome (different
materials are possible).
[0097] FIG. 5c is a view of a roll screen type home sauna apparatus
having a mesh net, according to the preferred embodiment of this
invention.
[0098] As shown in FIG. 5c, the sauna apparatus according to this
invention may further include a mesh net 530 as well as the surface
type heating element 200.
[0099] The mesh net 530 comprises a general net structure, and is
wound around the shaft roller 508 together with the surface type
heating element 200. When a user desires to have a sauna, the shaft
roller 508 is rotated so as to unwind the surface type heating
element 200. At this time, the mesh net 530 is also unwound along
with the surface type heating element 200.
[0100] A space is defined between the surface type heating element
200 and the mesh net 530. Thus, when the surface type heating
element 200 generates heat, convection heat may be generated in the
space.
[0101] Thus, when the mesh net 530 is added to the sauna apparatus,
a user does not feel his or her body contacting the heat emitting
surface of the surface type heating element 200. Therefore, the
mesh net 530 allows the user to enjoy having a sauna in a pleasant
mood.
[0102] Further, the mesh net 530 functions to isolate the user from
the surface type heating element 200 in which electricity flow,
thus eliminating the danger of electric shock.
[0103] Meanwhile, this invention may be realized as a manual roll
screen type sauna apparatus, in place of the automatic roll screen
type sauna apparatus which has been described above. That is,
automatic components, such as the motor or the reduction gear, are
not installed in the winder, but a spring is provided to be coupled
to the shaft roller. Thus, as the spring is wound or unwound, the
surface type heating element is unwound or rolled.
[0104] The slip ring of this invention may be adapted to the manual
roll screen-type sauna apparatus so as to reliably supply
electricity to the surface type heating element.
[0105] Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention
have been disclosed for illustrative purposes, those skilled in the
art will appreciate that various modifications, additions and
substitutions are possible, without departing from the scope and
spirit of the invention as disclosed in the accompanying
claims.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
[0106] As described above, the present invention provides a surface
type heating element, which is constructed so that rayon-based
carbon yarn containing 99.9% carbon is used, and is interwoven with
aluminum yarn or transparent PET film yarn, thus having superior
heat radiating efficiency, affording an antibacterial effect, and
ensuring sufficient illumination.
[0107] Further, according to this invention, a radiation coating
layer, which contains powder radiating far infrared rays or anions
and selectively radiates far infrared rays, is applied to one
surface of the surface type heating element, while a heat blocking
material, which transmits visible rays but prevents far infrared
rays from radiating, is applied to the other surface of the surface
type heating element, thus maximizing the advantages obtained
through the sauna.
[0108] Further, according to this invention, the lower ends of the
strands of rayon-based carbon yarn having a series parallel
structure are connected to each other by a common connection part,
so that the quantity of electromagnetic waves harmful to the human
body is only 2-3 mg, which is very small. This minimizes the danger
of electric shock.
[0109] According to this invention, a sauna apparatus may be
embedded into or attached to a ceiling, so the sauna apparatus does
not occupy a large space.
[0110] Further, according to this invention, electricity is
supplied to the rolled or unwound surface type heating element
using a slip ring, thus preventing a power supply line from being
twisted or cut.
[0111] Moreover, according to this invention, a mesh net is open
toward a user, thus defining a predetermined space between the mesh
net and the surface type heating element. Convection heat is
generated in the space, thus maximizing sauna effect. Further, the
mesh net 530 functions to isolate a user from the surface type
heating element in which electricity flows, thus eliminating the
danger of electric shock.
* * * * *