DE202006020386U1 - Device for operating a combined heating and cooling device - Google Patents

Abstract

combined Heating and cooling device, characterized in that For medical temperature treatment, a programmable control and control device (9) is provided, over which the combined Heating and cooling means (2) for the purpose of changing temperature treatment be regulated so that over selectable and adjustable Time intervals DT an alternating temperature-controlled heating and cooling is alternately generatable.

Description

The The invention relates to a device for operating a combined Heating / cooling device, according to the preamble of claim 1.

A device of the generic type is from the US 59 707 19 known. This known cooling and heating unit is used for storage and processing of food and / or drinks. In one exemplary embodiment, a housing is shown in which prepared baby food bottles are kept refrigerated and, if desired, can then also be heated up.

heat treatment and cooling, however, also play in medical applications an important role, but also in the increasingly important so-called Spa. Treatment with heat, such as in the sauna or in infrared cabins, often follows a desired Cooling. Both temperature extremes serve for a good blood circulation and ultimately well-being and health.

Around to achieve this by other means are often called Kneipp cures performed. For this purpose, alternating water baths done in cold and warm water. this happens often from natural sources, where hot and cold Water is naturally present. But also elsewhere sufficiently large quantities of chilled and warm Providing water requires a big one Energy expenditure, the water use for a majority of persons then also raises a hygiene issue.

Of the The present invention is therefore based on the object, while avoiding said problems a combined heating / cooling device itself to create which or which largely independent of the site is and manages with a much smaller amount of energy.

One Another object of the invention is to provide a device to further develop the generic type that even old and / or disabled people can use this.

at a device of the generic type is the task according to the invention by the characterizing features of claim 1 solved.

Further advantageous embodiments of the invention Device is set forth in the dependent claims.

Of the The core of the device according to the invention lies in that for medical temperature treatment a programmable Control and regulating device is provided via the Combined heating and cooling means for the purpose of alternating temperature treatment be regulated so that over selectable and adjustable Time intervals DT an alternating temperature-controlled heating and cooling is alternately generatable. That's it possible, the temperature curves of a Kneipp cure-like To program treatment, and the alternate temperature treatment thus automatically run afterwards. hereby For the first time, Kneipp therapy-like effects can be simulated become. It is also important that the temperature maxima and also the times with which a temperature level is kept adjustable.

In order to now becomes the mentioned Kneipp cure-like treatment emulated in a simple and location-independent way. The said treatment can also be done in the absence of thermal Water sources are performed. This will be the treatment now also for the elderly and disabled and therefore Restricted persons possible. This is a very significant advantage of the invention.

In Another advantageous embodiment is specified that the heating coolant with liquids is operable such that an alternating Supply of heating and cooling liquid in a flexible Pipe system is done. Only a small heating and cooling liquid containing reservoir operated, from the then depending on the situation in the temperature cycling either cold or warm liquid is added. This can be easy Be done with corresponding switching valves, the on a metering and controlling manner are controlled.

A alternative embodiment is that the combined Heating / cooling means of a plurality of Peltier elements consists. The Peltier elements can be heated as well as cooled become. This with one and the same Peltier elements. Be this activated in cooling mode, so must for immediate switching on heating only the polarity of the supplied DC be changed. This way can with very simple means and elegant switching between Heating operation and cooling operation take place. This will be the entire device very compact, and can be an easily portable Set up.

In a further advantageous embodiment, it is stated that the device contains control means in which pattern memories are implemented for the temperature cycle control. In this pattern memory then special temperature cycles can be preset or pre-stored be called up and, if necessary, activated by pressing a button and automatically controlled.

In Another advantageous embodiment is specified that temperature sensor provided on the cooling / heating means to the local determined temperature and fed into the scheme. In order to Now the controlled target temperatures can be monitored and precisely controlled and regulated.

In Another advantageous embodiment is specified that more Temperature sensors are provided in the skin contact area, to determine the locally obtained temperature on the skin. With These specially positioned temperature sensors will be the Skin temperature measured directly, so that icing and / or burn hazard is avoided.

In Another advantageous embodiment is specified that skin resistance sensor for measuring local skin resistance during the changeover temperature application is provided or are. Through this parameter, a targeted Temperature control are regulated to the effect that always a optimal well-being is guaranteed.

In further advantageous embodiment is therefore specified that skin moisture sensor to measure local skin moisture during the changeover temperature application is provided or are. These parameters serve the same effect the targeted temperature control to ensure optimal well-being adjust.

In Another advantageous embodiment is specified that the control device provided with means for cycle time adjustment. here we can For example, usual rotary switches or potentiometers used be a gradual adjustment of the cycle times for make the change temperature possible.

In Another advantageous embodiment is specified that the heating / cooling means and the sensors incorporated in a cuff in such a way are that the cuff around the limbs of a human or Tieres legible or temporarily fixed there. aid This cuff can change temperature treatment on the limbs a person or an animal directly at the places where otherwise also the Kneipp cure-like temperature treatments occur. Thus, easily leg and Armbäder simulated.

In last alternative embodiment is indicated that the heating / cooling as well as the feelers in a kind of glove and / or boots are incorporated so that the glove and / or boots for Alternating temperature application can be carried accordingly. Across from The cuffs are made of fabric, for example, glove and / or boots have the advantage that thus the Kneipp cure effect on Best replicated.

It is even possible the said provided with Peltier elements Cuff as electrically operated cooling cuff in to use the accident assistance in fractures; so z. B. already in patient transport, so as to relieve the fracture pain to cool.

The Invention is in terms of their procedure and their device shown in the following drawing and described in more detail below.

It shows:

1 : Diagram with alternating temperature operation

2 : schematic representation of the arrangement of heating / cooling elements in cuff

3 : schematic representation of an embodiment with glove and boots

1 shows a schematic rule diagram. The upper diagram shows a regulated alternating temperature curve. The temperature t is thus represented as t (t) as a function of the time t. In this case, first of all, starting from room temperature, it is cooled rapidly to, for example, 5 ° C. This applies in the cold phase as the minimum temperature. This can also be much lower. Then, the heating / cooling device is kept at this minimum temperature persisting. Then is switched from cooling to heating and that in a very short time, ie, for example, less than 10 seconds until the maximum temperature is reached, in this case 40 ° C. There, the temperature then remains until the next temperature change, which again causes rapid cooling, again to 5 ° C. The temperature then remains there for a longer while until it is heated again instead of being cooled.

Around to drive this temperature curve is a time-synchronized in the lower diagram Representation of the regulated current I shown, z. b. if you have Peltier elements used as combined heating / cooling elements.

Peltier elements have the property that they heat electricity in a certain polarity, and cool at opposite polarity. Ie. one and the same Peltier element can both heat and cool, depending on the polarity they are driven. The response time is very short, what a he significant advantage for the desired alternating temperature effects is.

The The polarity selected in the lower diagram is not absolutely to see, but only relative. Ie. it should be marked be that between heating and cooling just a reversal the polarity must be made. The amplitude of the current, d. H. the current strength affects the power.

in the lower diagram, first, a maximum current is more negative Polarity I- fed until the desired Minimum temperature reached according to the upper diagram is. One could also use this control range as a differential control section denote because of this very fast and with maximum cooling capacity is approached. In order to keep the low temperature then needs it is only one more example clocked admission of the Peltier element. With the same effect with a clocked admission is also a lowering of Cooling capacity by reducing the current possible to keep the minimum temperature.

thereupon a reversal of the flow takes place after a corresponding time from I to I +. By the polarity reversal will be the Peltier elements switched from cooling to heating, so to speak. The temperature rises in a short time to the maximum temperature of for example 40 ° C. Is this control goal achieved, so the current is also clocked there or in strength Shut down so that the temperature is only held up again is reversed to cooling.

Next The use of Peltier elements can alternatively also a regulated Dual-circuit liquid system via the reversal a valve can be used as a combined heating / cooling system. The device will be both a hot water and a cold water reservoir via a switching valve alternately controlled, so that in the heating phase a line with hot water and in the cooling phase, the said line rinsed with cold water becomes.

in the Result, the upper curve is the same. The lower curve represents then only the reversal of the valve.

The Temperature gradients are determined by temperature sensors controlled controlled. This applies in both cases. The minimum tempaur and the maximum temperature should be adjustable at the device be. Also adjustable are the time courses, the slopes at temperature changes and the retention times at the target temperatures be. It can also be preset or programmable Temperature curves are saved, which then on selection or appropriate input retrieved at the control unit can be.

With These requirements can be easily simulate a Kneipp cure-like alternating temperature treatment.

2 shows a schematic representation of all important components in that embodiment example are used in the Peltier elements. The Peltier elements 2 are in a cuff 1 sewn. In order to achieve a corresponding performance, a plurality of Peltier elements are sewn in here. These can still be arranged in a bag, not shown here, for better temperature control and equalization of the temperature, which is filled with a thermally conductive liquid or paste. Directly at the Peltier elements 2 are each temperature sensor 3 arranged. With the help of these temperature sensors, the Peltier elements become 2 directly temperature controlled. For this purpose, the temperature sensors 3 signal technically with a temperature evaluation 5 connected. Within this temperature evaluation 5 the temperatures of the individual Peltier elements are evaluated and a corresponding temperature control signal to the evaluation 9 or the controller passed. The regulator 9 itself in turn gives a corresponding control signal to the heating / cooling controller 6 , In this heating / cooling controller, first, the corresponding polarity of the control current and the magnitude of the current as well as the time with which the control current is driven are then determined. The time signal receives the evaluation or the controller 9 from a time / clock generator 7 ,

In this way, then the Peltier elements in the already 1 triggered manner described.

Moreover, it may be advantageous if, in addition to those temperature sensors which are arranged on the Peltier elements, also one or more additional temperature sensor 4 are provided, which measure the temperature directly in the skin contact of the treated persons. It can then be considered that pain or damage to the skin can be reliably prevented by heat or cold. This additional temperature sensor 4 on the one hand has a feel-good aspect, and on the other hand it increases the security of the facility.

In addition, other sensors for measuring the skin resistance and / or the skin moisture may be provided, with which the temperature control, and in particular the change temperature control even further with respect Comfort can be increased.

The Peltier elements and all other elements such as sensors, etc. can in the illustrated here, or only schematically illustrated sleeve 1 which consists of fabric or another body-friendly plastic is sewn or introduced.

To the cuff 1 to be able to create this with closure elements 10 provided, which may be, for example, so-called hook-and-loop fasteners. This cuff 1 can then be applied to the arms or legs at the desired location to obtain the Kneipp cure-like alternating temperature effect. In addition, it is also possible to form the cuff as a prefabricated boot or glove.

The evaluation device or the controller 9 contain here not shown controls such as rotary switches, buttons, switches to set the parameters described above.

All in all the device is easy to transport and therefore also to such To use places where not the typical Kneipp spa conditions available.

3 shows an embodiment in which the heating / cooling means 2 , here in the form of Peltierlementen in a example made of fabric or plastic boots 11 or in a glove 12 are introduced. Likewise, the feelers 3 , and if necessary, the feelers 4 incorporated there. The corresponding lines are led to the outside of the controller, which then controls the alternating temperature cycles in the manner described above. It is important that both the boot and the glove have a corresponding shaft extension, so that the glove 12 extends far beyond the wrist and the forearm still largely absorbs. The same applies of course to the boots whose shank still largely absorbs the lower leg. Wrist and forearm, calf and lower leg areas are very effective for the application of temperature changes. These areas are specially treated in conventional Kneipp cures. Since the device according to the invention now has this shape, it also optimally recreates the Kneipp cure effect.

Except for the use of Peltier elements 2 can the combined heating-refrigerant also be in this embodiment, as already described above from a system of incorporated in the glove and in the boot flexible tubes through which then alternately cold and warm liquid is flushed through to ultimately achieve the same effect. As already mentioned above, the liquids are taken from thermally treated liquid reservoirs and then flushed by valve reversal in the temperature change there.

1

cuff

2

Peltier element

3

temperature sensor at the Peltier element

4

temperature sensor on skin contact

5

temperature evaluation

6

Heating / cooling controller

7

Time / clock generator

8th

pattern memory

9

Evaluation device / controller

10

closure elements

11

Boots

12

Glove

t

Time

t

temperature

I

control current the Peltier elements

+/-

polarity

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list The documents listed by the applicant have been automated generated and is solely for better information recorded by the reader. The list is not part of the German Patent or utility model application. The DPMA takes over no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• US 5970719 [0002]

Claims (11)

Combined heating and cooling device, characterized in that for medical temperature treatment a programmable control and regulating device ( 9 ), through which the combined heating and cooling means ( 2 ) be controlled for the purpose of a change temperature treatment so that over selectable and adjustable time intervals DT an alternating temperature-controlled heating and cooling is alternately generatable. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the heating / cooling means ( 2 ) is operable with liquids such that an alternating supply of heating and cooling liquid takes place in a flexible pipe system. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the combined heating / cooling means ( 2 ) consists of a plurality of Peltier elements. Device according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the device control means ( 9 ) in which pattern memory ( 8th ) are implemented for the temperature cycle control. Device according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 4, characterized in that temperature sensor ( 3 ) on the heating / cooling means ( 2 ) are provided to determine the locally obtained temperature and feed it into the control. Device according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 5, characterized in that temperature sensor ( 4 ) are provided in the skin contact area to determine the locally obtained temperature on the skin. Device according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 6, characterized in that skin resistance sensor for measuring local skin resistance during the changeover temperature application is provided or are. Device according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 7, characterized in that skin moisture sensor intended to measure local skin moisture during the alternate temperature application is or are. Device according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the control device with means is provided for cycle time adjustment. Device according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the heating / cooling means ( 2 ) as well as the feelers ( 3 . 4 ) are incorporated in a cuff so that the cuff around the limbs of a human or animal legible or temporarily fixed there. Device according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the heating / cooling means ( 2 ) as well as the feelers ( 3 . 4 ) in a kind of glove ( 12 ) and / or boots ( 11 ) are incorporated such that the glove and / or the boot can be worn according to the alternating temperature application.