DE102020129489B4 - Thermoregulating container with a latent heat storage - Google Patents

Abstract

Thermoregulating container (1) with a heat-insulating housing (2) for holding objects (G) to be kept in a target temperature range and with at least one latent heat storage (3) arranged in the housing (2), which contains at least one phase change material, which - a crystallization temperature (TKrist-PCM), at which the phase change material changes exothermically from a fluid state to a crystalline state, and - a melting temperature (TMelt-PCM) above the crystallization temperature (TKrist-PCM), at which the phase change material changes from the crystalline state transitions into the fluid state, characterized in that the housing (2) has at least one passage (4) which can be both opened and closed by means of at least one valve element (5), the valve element (5) and/or a Actuating element of the same contains at least one two-way shape memory polymer or is formed entirely from it, which is programmed in such a way that the valve element (5) and / or the actuating element of the same between a first form in which the valve element (5) the passage (4) of the Housing (2) essentially closes, and - a second form, in which the valve element (5) at least partially opens the passage (4) of the housing (2), can be reversibly switched back and forth, wherein the at least one two-way shape memory polymer of the Valve element (5) and / or the actuating element at least - a first switching temperature (TSwitch-1), at which it is converted from its second shape into its first shape, and - a second switching temperature different from the first switching temperature (TSwitch-1). (T Schalt-2), in which it is transferred from its first form to its second form.

Description

• - eine Kristallisationstemperatur, bei welcher das Phasenwechselmaterial exotherm von einem fluiden Zustand in einen kristallinen Zustand übergeht, und
• - eine oberhalb der Kristallisationstemperatur gelegene Schmelztemperatur, bei welcher das Phasenwechselmaterial aus dem kristallinen Zustand in den fluiden Zustand übergeht,

aufweist.The invention relates to a thermoregulating container with a heat-insulating housing for holding objects to be kept in a target temperature range and with at least one latent heat storage arranged in the housing, which contains at least one phase change material

• - a crystallization temperature at which the phase change material changes exothermically from a fluid state to a crystalline state, and
• - a melting temperature above the crystallization temperature at which the phase change material changes from the crystalline state to the fluid state,

having.

Latent heat storage of the aforementioned type are known in various configurations, their heat storage capacity being based on the phase change material contained in the latent heat storage, which uses the enthalpy of reversible thermodynamic changes of state. Examples of such phase change materials, also referred to as “PCM” (phase change materials), primarily include, although not exclusively, various salt hydrates, but also some organic, in particular polymeric, compounds, such as some paraffins, fats, esters and the like. The phase change materials have a relatively high enthalpy of fusion, with the phase change material changing from a solid, usually crystalline, state to a fluid, in particular liquid, state when “charging” the latent heat storage when its melting temperature is reached, in which heat can be stored over a long period of time . During cooling, the phase change material then remains in a metastable state in the liquid phase over a relatively wide temperature range up to a supercooled melting range until it reaches its crystallization temperature. If the phase change material then crystallizes, the phase change material heats up as a result of the heat of crystallization released, i.e. it changes exothermically from its fluid, in particular liquid, state into the crystalline state. Furthermore, crystallization can also be specifically triggered in the supercooled melting area of the phase change material, for example by exposing the supercooled melt to its own or foreign nuclei, by mechanical effects and thereby induced nucleation, or by electrochemical activation by means of electrodes arranged in the latent heat storage.

Examples of phase change materials (PCM) based on salt hydrates in the form of calcium chloride hexahydrate (CaCl ₂ 6 H ₂ O), sodium acetate trihydrate (CH ₃ COONa 3 H ₂ O), sodium thiosulfate pentahydrate (Na ₂ S ₂ O ₃ · 5 H ₂ O) and sodium sulfate decahydrate (Na ₂ SO ₄ · 10 H ₂ O) are together with their melting temperature (T _{melting PCM} ), their enthalpy of melting (ΔH _{melting PCM} ) and their difference between the melting and The supercooling temperature range (ΔT _U-PCM ), which extends to the crystallization temperature, in which they remain in their metastable, liquid state during cooling, is shown as an example: PCM T _{Melting PCM} ΔT _U-PCM ΔH _{melt PCM} ( _{CaCl2 6H2O} ) 30°C 20°C 190 y/g (CH ₃ COONa · 3 H ₂ O) 58°C 70°C 230 y/g _{( Na2SO4 5H2O} ) 48°C 25°C 206 y/g (Na ₂ SO ₄ · 10 H ₂ O) 32°C 25°C 254 y/g

Further examples of such phase change materials based on salt hydrates, to which additives including chelating agents can optionally be added, include, for example, potassium fluoride tetrahydrate (KF · 4 H ₂ O) with a melting temperature of 19 ° C, lithium nitrate trihydrate (LiNO ₃ · 3 H ₂ O) with a melting temperature of 29°C or magnesium chloride hexahydrate (MgCl ₂ · 6 H ₂ O, bischofite) with a melting temperature of 117°C.

In the wake of anthropogenic climate change, latent heat storage based on such phase change materials is becoming increasingly important, and can be used, for example, in solar thermal systems for storing solar energy, for heat-storing floor and wall heating elements and even for hand or pocket warmers. Another area of application for latent heat storage chern includes in particular the energy-autonomous temperature control of containers, for example in the form of transport and storage containers for perishable goods such as food, medicines, chemicals, etc., in the form of housings or enclosures for temperature-sensitive components, for example in the form of electronic circuits and other electronic components , batteries and accumulators etc., in the form of reaction and storage containers for chemical or pharmaceutical substances etc., whereby an object located in such a container can be kept for a longer period of time in a target temperature range, which depends on the phase change material selected for the latent heat storage , as depends in particular on its melting or crystallization temperature.

For example, this describes DE 10 2018 124 162 A1 a thermoregulating container in the form of a transport container with a heat-insulating housing for holding objects to be kept in a target temperature range and with a plurality of latent heat accumulators arranged in the housing, which contain a phase change material and can be inserted interchangeably into the heat-insulating housing in order to store the phase change material to be able to temper it in the desired manner, whereby it can be regenerated, for example, by heating at least to its melting temperature (endothermic) or can be crystallized by cooling at least to its crystallization temperature (exothermic). On the one hand, it proves to be disadvantageous that the thermoregulating container only ensures purely passive temperature control, with the latent heat storage with the phase change material having to be removed from the heat-insulating housing at periodic intervals in order to bring them back to the desired temperature in their desired aggregate state . On the other hand, if objects are stored in the thermoregulating container for a longer period of time, there is still a risk of overheating or hypothermia if the phase change material has more or less completely melted or crystallized and has not been replaced in a timely manner.

The invention is based on the object of developing a thermoregulating container of the type mentioned in a simple and cost-effective manner in such a way that it can protect the objects contained therein from hypothermia and/or overheating over a longer period of time, without the latent heat storage device(s). having to melt and/or crystallize again and again.

• - einer ersten Form, in welcher das Ventilelement den Durchlass des Gehäuses im Wesentlichen verschließt, und
• - einer zweiten Form, in welcher das Ventilelement den Durchlass des Gehäuses zumindest teilweise freigibt, reversibel hin und her schaltbar ist, wobei das wenigstens eine Zweiwege-Formgedächtnispolymer des Ventilelementes und/oder des Betätigungselementes zumindest
• - eine erste Schalttemperatur, bei welcher es aus seiner zweiten Form in seine erste Form überführt wird, und
• - eine von der ersten Schalttemperatur verschiedene, zweite Schalttemperatur, bei welcher es aus seiner ersten Form in seine zweite Form überführt wird,

aufweist.According to the invention, this object is achieved in a thermoregulating container of the type mentioned in that the housing has at least one passage, which can be both opened and closed by means of at least one valve element, the valve element and / or an actuating element thereof containing at least one two-way shape memory polymer or is formed entirely from this, which is programmed in such a way that the valve element and / or the actuating element thereof between

• - a first form in which the valve element essentially closes the passage of the housing, and
• - a second form in which the valve element at least partially opens the passage of the housing, can be reversibly switched back and forth, wherein the at least one two-way shape memory polymer of the valve element and / or the actuating element at least
• - a first switching temperature at which it is converted from its second form into its first form, and
• - a second switching temperature different from the first switching temperature, at which it is converted from its first form into its second form,

having.

Shape memory polymers are polymers which usually consist of at least two polymer components or in particular of one polymer component with different segments. On the one hand, these are “hard” segments, which also function as network points. On the other hand, these are “soft” segments that connect the network points with each other and act as switching segments and are also referred to as such. The switching segments are amorphous or elastic at elevated temperatures, while they are rigid at lower temperatures (in this case they are in semi-crystalline or vitrified form). Such polymers can be programmed in terms of their shape with a view to a one-way shape memory effect by heating them to a temperature which corresponds at least to the so-called switching temperature at which the phase transition (glass transition or melting transition) of the soft or switching segments takes place . With a sol At this temperature, the polymer can then be mechanically deformed under the action of a deformation force, after which it can be cooled to its so-called shape fixation temperature while maintaining the deformation, which corresponds to the crystallization temperature or glass transition temperature of the soft or switching segments and can be in the range of the switching temperature of the shape memory polymers, but in comparison is usually at least somewhat lower. The soft or switching segments are then again in a semi-crystalline or vitrified form, so that the shape is retained. However, this shaping is only temporary in that if a shape memory polymer that has been “programmed” in this way, i.e. mechanically deformed, is heated to a certain temperature, namely its switching temperature, the soft segments (switching segments) are converted back into their amorphous or flexible form , so that they can no longer counteract the entropy-elastic restoring force induced by the hard component (network points) and the shape memory polymer returns to its original shape, i.e. the mechanical deformation is “undone” without the need for a new application of force. Furthermore, there is often the possibility of programming by cold forming, in which the shape memory polymers can be deformed at a temperature below their switching temperature, for example at ambient temperature, and if necessary, if the shape fixing temperature is lower, they are cooled to their shape fixing temperature. In this case too, only temporary deformation takes place, as when heating is heated again at least to the switching temperature in order to convert the soft segments (switching segments) into the amorphous or flexible phase and thereby relax the mechanical stresses induced by the cold deformation, a deformation takes place without having to apply a deformation force again.

In addition to such shape memory, thermoresponsive polymers usually also have temperature memory. This means that when the shape memory effect is triggered, the shape recovery begins at approximately the temperature at which the mechanical deformation was previously introduced into the material. Such material behavior is exhibited, for example, by shape memory polymers with semicrystalline network structures, such as thermoplastic polyurethane elastomers (N. Fritzsche, T. Pretsch in Macromolecules 47, 2014, 5952-5959; N. Mirtschin, T. Pretsch in RSC Advances 5, 2015, 46307- 46315).

In addition, shape memory polymers are known which have two-way shape memory properties and can therefore be switched thermoreversibly, the soft or switching segments of such two-way shape memory polymers undergoing a change in shape during the transition between their primarily semi-crystalline state and their primarily amorphous or flexible state in such a way that On the one hand, by cooling the polymer below the crystallization temperature, which serves as a switching temperature, and on the other hand, by heating the polymer into the melting transition temperature range of the soft segments, which serves as a further switching temperature, they can be reversibly switched back and forth between their permanent shape and their temporary shape, i.e. the correspondingly programmed two-way -Shape memory polymer automatically deforms back and forth with appropriate temperature control. Such two-way shape memory polymers are, for example, from T. Pretsch, M. Bothe: “Bidirectional actuation of a thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer”, Journal of Materials Chemistry A, 46 (2013), 14.491-14.497, or from M. Bothe, T. Pretsch: “Two-way shape changes of a shape-memory poly(ester urethane),” Macromol. Chem. Phys. 213 (2012), 2378-2385). In addition, such two-way shape memory polymers are also known in the form of polymer foams (M. Walter, F. Frieß, M. Krus, S. M. H. Zolanvari, G. Grün, H. Kröber, T. Pretsch: “Shape memory polymer foams with programmable apertures” , Polymers 2020, 12(9), 1914; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym12091914) .

The back and forth deformation of such two-way shape memory polymers can, on the one hand, be more or less purely temperature-induced, without the need to apply deformation forces. As explained in more detail below, two-way shape memory polymers are also known, which develop their two-way shape memory properties in particular under the influence of a permanent mechanical preload, such as as a result of permanent pressure, so that they are under permanent tension in order to promote the crystallization of the soft segments during cooling, as can be seen, for example, from the article by M. Bothe, T. Pretsch: “Two-way shape changes of a shape memory poly(ester urethane)” in Macromol. Chem. Phys. 213 (2012), 213, 2378-2385 is known.

• - einer zweiten Form, in welcher das Ventilelement den Durchlass des Gehäuses zumindest teilweise freigibt, reversibel und insbesondere ohne Aufbringen äußerer Kräfte hin und her schaltbar ist. Das wenigstens eine Zweiwege-Formgedächtnispolymer des Ventilelementes und/oder des Betätigungselementes besitzt hierbei zumindest
• - eine erste Schalttemperatur, bei welcher es aus seiner zweiten Form (das Ventilelement ist geöffnet und gibt den Durchlass des Gehäuses zumindest teilweise frei) in seine erste Form (das Ventilelement ist geschlossen und verschließt den Durchlass des Gehäuses im Wesentlichen) überführt wird, und
• - eine von der ersten Schalttemperatur verschiedene, zweite Schalttemperatur, bei welcher es aus seiner ersten Form (das Ventilelement ist geschlossen und verschließt den Durchlass des Gehäuses im Wesentlichen) in seine zweite Form (das Ventilelement ist geöffnet und gibt den Durchlass des Gehäuses zumindest teilweise frei) überführt wird.

The invention now provides that the housing of the thermoregulating container, which does not necessarily have to be a housing that is closed on all sides and, for example, provided with a lid, but can also, for example, be an enclosure applied to the object to be thermoregulated, has at least one Has passage which can be both opened and closed by means of a valve element, the valve element itself and/or an actuator supply element of the same contains at least one two-way shape memory polymer of the type described above or is formed entirely from it, the at least one two-way shape memory polymer being programmed such that the valve element and / or the actuating element thereof between - a first form in which the valve element the passage of the Housing essentially closes, and

• - A second form in which the valve element at least partially opens the passage of the housing, is reversible and in particular can be switched back and forth without applying external forces. The at least one two-way shape memory polymer of the valve element and/or the actuating element has at least
• - a first switching temperature at which it is transferred from its second form (the valve element is open and at least partially opens the passage of the housing) into its first form (the valve element is closed and essentially closes the passage of the housing), and
• - a second switching temperature different from the first switching temperature, at which it changes from its first form (the valve element is closed and essentially closes the passage of the housing) into its second form (the valve element is open and at least partially opens the passage of the housing ) is transferred.

In this way, a purely temperature-dependent and energy-autonomous, reversible change in shape between its first shape and its second shape is programmed into the at least one two-way shape memory polymer of the valve element and / or its actuating element in such a way that - depending on the programming of the two-way shape memory polymer - on the one hand at over - or if one of the two switching temperatures falls below, the valve element is opened, so that a convective heat exchange can take place between the interior of the housing of the thermoregulating container and the environment (overheating and / or undercooling inside the housing is avoided and the latent heat storage can be at least partially regenerated or crystallized), on the other hand, when the other of the two switching temperatures are exceeded or below, the valve element is closed, so that practically no heat exchange can take place between the interior of the housing of the thermoregulating container and the environment (the latent heat storage is able to keep the interior of the housing at a desired level To maintain the target temperature, which can be adjusted depending on the respective phase change material or the respective mixture of phase change materials, in that the latter releases the heat of crystallization during crystallization or absorbs heat during melting). Due to the two-way programming of the two-way shape memory polymer, this occurs in a reproducible manner at the respective switching temperature and is energy self-sufficient.

The switching temperatures of the two-way shape memory polymer can be set to the desired amounts in a manner known per se, for example by appropriate selection or synthesis of a two-way shape memory polymer with such switching temperatures, with at least one of the switching temperatures, for example, in the range of a (lower and / or upper ) Limit of the target temperature, which should prevail in the housing of the thermoregulating container, can be set in the range of a certain ambient temperature at which regeneration and / or melting of the phase change material takes place, or the like. As explained in more detail below, the switching temperatures of the at least one two-way shape memory polymer can also be adapted in particular to the melting or crystallization temperature of the phase change material of the latent heat storage, for example when the phase change material of the latent heat storage has been practically completely crystallized, with the valve element open To supply heat from the outside and to be able to at least partially regenerate the phase change material, and/or in order to be able to dissipate heat to the outside when the valve element is open and to be able to at least partially crystallize the phase change material, for example when the phase change material of the latent heat storage has been practically completely melted, in which case If necessary, the resulting heat can also be dissipated to the outside in order to avoid overheating inside the housing.

With regard to the switching temperatures of the at least one two-way shape memory polymer, it should be noted that the switching temperature at which the valve element and/or its actuating element moves from its second shape (the valve element is at least partially open) into its first shape (the valve element is in Substantially closed), is referred to as “first switching temperature” in the context of the present disclosure, whereas the switching temperature at which the valve element and/or its actuating element moves from its first form (the valve element is essentially closed) into its second form (the Valve element is at least partially open), is referred to as “second switching temperature” in the context of the present disclosure. Depending on When programming the two-way shape memory polymer, the “first” switching temperature can be higher or lower than the “second” switching temperature.

• - eine erste Schalttemperatur, bei welcher es aus seiner zweiten Form (das Ventilelement ist geöffnet und gibt den Durchlass des Gehäuses zumindest teilweise frei) in seine erste Form (das Ventilelement ist geschlossen und verschließt den Durchlass des Gehäuses im Wesentlichen) überführt wird, welche größer ist als die Kristallisationstemperatur des Phasenwechselmaterials, und
• - eine gegenüber der ersten Schalttemperatur höhere zweite Schalttemperatur, bei welcher es aus seiner ersten Form in seine zweite Form (das Ventilelement ist geöffnet und gibt den Durchlass des Gehäuses zumindest teilweise frei) überführt wird,

aufweist. Auf diese Weise ist es beispielsweise möglich, einen Latentwärmespeicher mit einem Phasenwechselmaterial einzusetzen, dessen Kristallisationstemperatur im Bereich der unteren Grenze des Soll-Temperaturbereiches, z.B. knapp oberhalb derselben, des in dem Gehäuse des thermoregulierenden Behältnisses aufgenommenen Gegenstandes liegt. Sinkt die Temperatur in dem Gehäuse, wie beispielsweise während der Nacht, dann unterhalb die Kristallisationstemperatur des Phasenwechselmaterials ab, so kristallisiert das Phasenwechselmaterial exotherm und gibt die Wärme an den Innenraum des Gehäuses ab, so dass der hierin befindliche Gegenstand nicht unterkühlt wird. Die oberhalb der Kristallisationstemperatur des Phasenwechselmaterials gelegene erste Schalttemperatur des wenigstens einen Zweiwege-Formgedächtnispolymers des Ventilelementes und/oder dessen Betätigungselementes stellt dabei sicher, dass das Ventilelement geschlossen worden ist und die Kristallisationswärme des Phasenwechselmaterials nicht an die Umgebung entweicht (das wenigstens eine Zweiwege-Formgedächtnispolymer befindet sich in seiner „ersten Form“, in welcher das Ventilelement den wenigstens einen Durchlass des Gehäuses verschließt). Steigt die Umgebungstemperatur, wie beispielsweise an dem darauffolgenden Tag, dann wieder an, so wird das Ventilelement geöffnet, sobald das wenigstens eine Zweiwege-Formgedächtnispolymer seine zweite Schalttemperatur erreicht hat (das wenigstens eine Zweiwege-Formgedächtnispolymer befindet sich nun in seiner „zweiten Form“, in welcher das Ventilelement den wenigstens einen Durchlass des Gehäuses zumindest teilweise freigibt). Umgebungswärme vermag nun in den Innenraum des Gehäuses einzudringen und das Phasenwechselmaterial aufzuschmelzen - der Latentwärmespeicher wird „aufgeladen“ -, sobald die Temperatur im Innenraum des Gehäuses die Schmelztemperatur des Phasenwechselmaterials erreicht hat. Sinkt die Temperatur sodann wieder ab, wie beispielsweise in der darauffolgenden Nacht, so wird der wenigstens eine Durchlass des Gehäuses wieder mittels des Ventilelementes verschlossen, sobald das wenigstens eine Zweiwege-Formgedächtnispolymer seine erste Schalttemperatur erreicht hat (das wenigstens eine Zweiwege-Formgedächtnispolymer befindet sich wieder in seiner „ersten Form“, in welcher das Ventilelement den wenigstens einen Durchlass des Gehäuses verschließt). Sinkt die Temperatur im Innern des Gehäuses dann wieder auf die Kristallisationstemperatur des Phasenwechselmaterials des Latentwärmespeichers ab, so kristallisiert dieses abermals exotherm und der obige Zyklus beginnt von neuem. In Abhängigkeit von den herrschenden Temperaturen ist dieser Zyklus praktisch beliebig oft und insbesondere energieautark wiederholbar.For example, for the purpose of protecting the interior of the housing of the thermoregulating container according to the invention from hypothermia, especially when the phase change material of the latent heat storage has already been crystallized and the heat of crystallization has been released into the interior of the housing, it can be provided that this is at least two-way -Shape memory polymer of the valve element and/or its actuating element

• - a first switching temperature at which it is transferred from its second form (the valve element is open and at least partially opens the passage of the housing) into its first form (the valve element is closed and essentially closes the passage of the housing), which is larger is as the crystallization temperature of the phase change material, and
• - a second switching temperature, which is higher than the first switching temperature, at which it is transferred from its first shape to its second shape (the valve element is open and at least partially opens the passage of the housing),

having. In this way, it is possible, for example, to use a latent heat storage device with a phase change material whose crystallization temperature is in the region of the lower limit of the target temperature range, for example just above it, of the object accommodated in the housing of the thermoregulating container. If the temperature in the housing falls below the crystallization temperature of the phase change material, for example during the night, the phase change material crystallizes exothermically and releases the heat to the interior of the housing so that the object located therein is not overcooled. The first switching temperature of the at least one two-way shape memory polymer of the valve element and/or its actuating element, which is above the crystallization temperature of the phase change material, ensures that the valve element has been closed and the heat of crystallization of the phase change material does not escape to the environment (which is located at least one two-way shape memory polymer in its “first form”, in which the valve element closes the at least one passage in the housing). If the ambient temperature then rises again, for example on the following day, the valve element is opened as soon as the at least one two-way shape memory polymer has reached its second switching temperature (the at least one two-way shape memory polymer is now in its “second form”). in which the valve element at least partially exposes the at least one passage of the housing). Ambient heat can now penetrate into the interior of the housing and melt the phase change material - the latent heat storage is "charged" - as soon as the temperature in the interior of the housing has reached the melting temperature of the phase change material. If the temperature then drops again, for example the following night, the at least one passage in the housing is closed again by means of the valve element as soon as the at least one two-way shape memory polymer has reached its first switching temperature (the at least one two-way shape memory polymer is again in position in its “first form”, in which the valve element closes the at least one passage in the housing). If the temperature inside the housing then drops again to the crystallization temperature of the phase change material of the latent heat storage, it crystallizes exothermically again and the above cycle begins again. Depending on the prevailing temperatures, this cycle can be repeated practically as often as you like and, in particular, in an energy self-sufficient manner.

According to a first embodiment variant of such a thermoregulating container, which offers protection of the object accommodated in its housing from hypothermia, it can be provided, for example, that at least the first switching temperature of the at least one two-way shape memory polymer of the valve element and / or its actuating element, at which it is transferred from its second form to its first form, lies between the crystallization temperature and the melting temperature of the phase change material in its metastable supercooling region. The second switching temperature of the two-way shape memory polymer can be, for example, in the range of the melting temperature of the phase change material or below or above it, although it should preferably not be too far above the melting temperature of the phase change material in order to open the valve element in a timely manner as soon as the ambient temperature is sufficiently high is to “charge” the latent heat storage. According to a second embodiment variant of such a thermoregulating container, which offers protection of the object accommodated in its housing from hypothermia, it can instead be provided, for example, that both switching temperatures of the at least one two-way shape memory polymer of the valve element and / or its actuating element are greater than the crystallization temperature and the melting temperature of the phase change material. How white As explained in more detail below, in this case the crystallization temperature and the melting temperature of the phase change material can be very close to one another or almost identical in order to thermostat the object at a more or less discrete target temperature.

• - eine erste Schalttemperatur, bei welcher es aus seiner zweiten Form in seine erste Form überführt wird, welche kleiner ist als die Schmelztemperatur des Phasenwechselmaterials, und
• - eine gegenüber der ersten Schalttemperatur geringere zweite Schalttemperatur, bei welcher es aus seiner ersten Form in seine zweite Form überführt wird,

aufweist. Auf diese Weise ist es beispielsweise möglich, einen Latentwärmespeicher mit einem Phasenwechselmaterial einzusetzen, dessen Schmelztemperatur im Bereich der oberen Grenze des Soll-Temperaturbereiches, z.B. knapp unterhalb derselben, des in dem Gehäuse des thermoregulierenden Behältnisses aufgenommenen Gegenstandes liegt. Steigt die Temperatur in dem Gehäuse, wie beispielsweise während des Tags und/oder unter Sonneneinstrahlung, dann auf die Schmelztemperatur des Phasenwechselmaterials an, so schmilzt das Phasenwechselmaterial endotherm und nimmt die Wärme in dem Innenraum des Gehäuses auf, so dass der hierin befindliche Gegenstand nicht überhitzt wird. Die unterhalb der Schmelztemperatur des Phasenwechselmaterials gelegene erste Schalttemperatur des wenigstens einen Zweiwege-Formgedächtnispolymers des Ventilelementes und/oder dessen Betätigungselementes stellt dabei sicher, dass das Ventilelement geschlossen worden ist und kein weiterer Wärmeeintrag aus der Umgebung in das Innere des Gehäuses erfolgt (das wenigstens eine Zweiwege-Formgedächtnispolymer befindet sich in seiner „ersten Form“, in welcher das Ventilelement den wenigstens einen Durchlass des Gehäuses verschließt). Sinkt die Umgebungstemperatur, wie beispielsweise in der darauffolgenden Nacht, dann wieder ab, so wird das Ventilelement geöffnet, sobald das wenigstens eine Zweiwege-Formgedächtnispolymer seine zweite Schalttemperatur erreicht hat (das wenigstens eine Zweiwege-Formgedächtnispolymer befindet sich nun in seiner „zweiten Form“, in welcher das Ventilelement den wenigstens einen Durchlass des Gehäuses zumindest teilweise freigibt). Wärme vermag nun aus dem Innenraum des Gehäuses nach außen abgeführt zu werden und das Phasenwechselmaterial kann auskristallisieren, sobald die Temperatur im Innenraum des Gehäuses die Kristallisationstemperatur des Phasenwechselmaterials erreicht hat. Steigt die Temperatur sodann wieder an, wie beispielsweise an dem darauffolgenden Tag, so wird der wenigstens eine Durchlass des Gehäuses wieder mittels des Ventilelementes verschlossen, sobald das wenigstens eine Zweiwege-Formgedächtnispolymer seine erste Schalttemperatur erreicht hat (das wenigstens eine Zweiwege-Formgedächtnispolymer befindet sich wieder in seiner „ersten Form“, in welcher das Ventilelement den wenigstens einen Durchlass des Gehäuses verschließt). Steigt die Temperatur im Innern des Gehäuses dann wieder auf die Schmelztemperatur des Phasenwechselmaterials des Latentwärmespeichers an, so schmilzt dieses abermals endotherm und der obige Zyklus beginnt von neuem. In Abhängigkeit von den herrschenden Temperaturen ist auch dieser Zyklus praktisch beliebig oft und insbesondere energieautark wiederholbar.Alternatively or additionally, for the purpose of protecting the interior of the housing of the thermoregulating container according to the invention from overheating, in particular when the phase change material of the latent heat storage has already been melted and can no longer absorb any further heat of melting from the interior of the housing, it can be provided, for example, that the at least one two-way shape memory polymer of the valve element and/or its actuating element

• - a first switching temperature at which it is converted from its second form into its first form, which is smaller than the melting temperature of the phase change material, and
• - a second switching temperature, which is lower than the first switching temperature, at which it is converted from its first form into its second form,

having. In this way, it is possible, for example, to use a latent heat storage device with a phase change material whose melting temperature is in the region of the upper limit of the target temperature range, for example just below it, of the object accommodated in the housing of the thermoregulating container. If the temperature in the housing, such as during the day and/or under sunlight, then rises to the melting temperature of the phase change material, the phase change material melts endothermically and absorbs the heat in the interior of the housing so that the object located therein does not overheat becomes. The first switching temperature of the at least one two-way shape memory polymer of the valve element and/or its actuating element, which is below the melting temperature of the phase change material, ensures that the valve element has been closed and no further heat input from the environment into the interior of the housing occurs (the at least two-way -Shape memory polymer is in its “first form”, in which the valve element closes the at least one passage of the housing). If the ambient temperature then drops again, for example the following night, the valve element is opened as soon as the at least one two-way shape memory polymer has reached its second switching temperature (the at least one two-way shape memory polymer is now in its “second form”). in which the valve element at least partially exposes the at least one passage of the housing). Heat can now be dissipated from the interior of the housing to the outside and the phase change material can crystallize as soon as the temperature in the interior of the housing has reached the crystallization temperature of the phase change material. If the temperature then rises again, for example on the following day, the at least one passage of the housing is closed again by means of the valve element as soon as the at least one two-way shape memory polymer has reached its first switching temperature (the at least one two-way shape memory polymer is again in its “first form”, in which the valve element closes the at least one passage in the housing). If the temperature inside the housing then rises again to the melting temperature of the phase change material of the latent heat storage, it melts endothermically again and the above cycle begins again. Depending on the prevailing temperatures, this cycle can also be repeated practically as often as desired and, in particular, in an energy self-sufficient manner.

According to a first embodiment variant of such a thermoregulating container, which offers protection of the object accommodated in its housing from overheating, it can be provided, for example, that at least the first switching temperature of the at least one two-way shape memory polymer of the valve element and / or its actuating element, at which it is transferred from its second form to its first form, lies between the crystallization temperature and the melting temperature of the phase change material in its metastable supercooling region. The second switching temperature of the at least one two-way shape memory polymer can be in the range of the crystallization temperature of the phase change material or below or above it, although it should preferably not be too far below the crystallization temperature of the phase change material in order to open the valve element in good time as soon as the ambient temperature is sufficient is low in order to crystallize the phase change material of the latent heat storage. According to a second embodiment variant of such a thermoregulating container, which offers protection of the object accommodated in its housing from overheating, it can instead be provided, for example, that both switching temperatures of the at least one two-way shape memory polymer of the valve element and / or its actuating element are smaller than the crystallization temperature and the melting temperature of the phase change material. As explained in more detail below, in this case too the crystallization temperature and the melting temperature of the phase change material are very close to one another or almost identical in order to thermostat the object at a more or less discrete target temperature.

• - eine erste Kristallisationstemperatur, bei welcher das erste Phasenwechselmaterial exotherm von einem fluiden Zustand in einen kristallinen Zustand übergeht, und
• - eine oberhalb der ersten Kristallisationstemperatur gelegene erste Schmelztemperatur, bei welcher das erste Phasenwechselmaterial aus dem kristallinen Zustand in den fluiden Zustand übergeht,

aufweist, und von welchen ein zweites Phasenwechselmaterial des zweiten Latentwärmespeichers

• - eine zweite Kristallisationstemperatur, bei welcher das zweite Phasenwechselmaterial exotherm von einem fluiden Zustand in einen kristallinen Zustand übergeht, und
• - eine oberhalb der zweiten Kristallisationstemperatur gelegene zweite Schmelztemperatur, bei welcher das zweite Phasenwechselmaterial aus dem kristallinen Zustand in den fluiden Zustand übergeht,

aufweist, wobei die erste Schmelztemperatur des ersten Phasenwechselmaterials ungleich der zweiten Schmelztemperatur des zweiten Phasenwechselmaterials und/oder die erste Kristallisationstemperatur des ersten Phasenwechselmaterials ungleich der zweiten Kristallisationstemperatur des zweiten Phasenwechselmaterials beträgt. Auf diese Weise lassen sich beispielsweise mehrere Soll-Temperaturbereiche im Innern des Gehäuses einstellen oder lässt sich ein Soll-Temperaturbereich im Innern des Gehäuses sowohl nach unten im Sinne eines Schutzes vor Unterkühlung als auch nach oben im Sinne eines Schutzes vor einer Überhitzung begrenzen, indem jeweils eines der Phasenwechselmaterialien der verschiedenen Latentwärmespeicher exotherm kristallisiert bzw. endotherm schmilzt.As already indicated, the latent heat storage or latent heat storage devices of a thermoregulating container according to the invention can of course be provided with one and the same phase change material or with mixtures of two or more phase change materials in order to achieve the desired target temperature ranges in the interior of the housing through the respective crystallization and melting temperatures of the or to be able to adjust the phase change material/materials in a targeted manner. In addition, according to an advantageous development of the thermoregulating container according to the invention, it can be provided that it contains at least two latent heat accumulators arranged in the housing with different phase change materials, of which a first phase change material of the first latent heat accumulator

• - a first crystallization temperature at which the first phase change material changes exothermically from a fluid state to a crystalline state, and
• - a first melting temperature above the first crystallization temperature, at which the first phase change material changes from the crystalline state to the fluid state,

has, and of which a second phase change material of the second latent heat storage

• - a second crystallization temperature at which the second phase change material changes exothermically from a fluid state to a crystalline state, and
• - a second melting temperature above the second crystallization temperature, at which the second phase change material changes from the crystalline state to the fluid state,

has, wherein the first melting temperature of the first phase change material is unequal to the second melting temperature of the second phase change material and / or the first crystallization temperature of the first phase change material is unequal to the second crystallization temperature of the second phase change material. In this way, for example, several target temperature ranges can be set inside the housing or a target temperature range inside the housing can be limited both downwards in the sense of protection against hypothermia and upwards in the sense of protection against overheating, in each case one of the phase change materials of the various latent heat storage crystallizes exothermically or melts endothermically.

• - ersten Form, in welcher das erste Ventilelement den Durchlass des Gehäuses im Wesentlichen verschließt, und
• - einer zweiten Form, in welcher das erste Ventilelement den Durchlass zumindest teilweise freigibt,

reversibel hin und her schaltbar ist, und wobei ein zweites Ventilelement der beiden Ventilelemente und/oder ein zweites Betätigungselement desselben wenigstens ein zweites Zweiwege-Formgedächtnispolymer enthält oder gänzlich hieraus gebildet ist, welches derart programmiert ist, dass das zweite Ventilelement zwischen einer

• - ersten Form, in welcher das zweite Ventilelement den Durchlass des Gehäuses im Wesentlichen verschließt, und
• - einer zweiten Form, in welcher das zweite Ventilelement den Durchlass zumindest teilweise freigibt,

reversibel hin und her schaltbar ist, wobei das wenigstens eine erste Zweiwege-Formgedächtnispolymer des ersten Ventilelementes und/oder dessen ersten Betätigungselementes zumindest

• - eine erste Schalttemperatur, bei welcher es aus seiner zweiten Form in seine erste Form überführt wird (das geschlossene erste Ventilelement wird also geöffnet), und
• - eine von der ersten Schalttemperatur verschiedene, zweite Schalttemperatur, bei welcher es aus seiner ersten Form in seine zweite Form überführt wird (das offene erste Ventilelement wird also geschlossen),

aufweist, und wobei das wenigstens eine zweite Zweiwege-Formgedächtnispolymer des zweiten Ventilelementes und/oder dessen zweiten Betätigungselementes zumindest

• - eine erste Schalttemperatur, bei welcher es aus seiner zweiten Form in seine erste Form überführt wird (das geschlossene zweite Ventilelement wird also geöffnet), und
• - eine von der ersten Schalttemperatur verschiedene, zweite Schalttemperatur, bei welcher es aus seiner ersten Form in seine zweite Form überführt wird (das offene zweite Ventilelement wird also geschlossen),

aufweist, wobei die erste Schalttemperatur des ersten Zweiwege-Formgedächtnispolymers des ersten Ventilelementes und/oder dessen ersten Betätigungselementes ungleich der ersten Schalttemperatur des zweiten Zweiwege-Formgedächtnispolymers des zweiten Ventilelementes und/oder dessen Betätigungselementes beträgt, und/oder wobei die zweite Schalttemperatur des ersten Zweiwege-Formgedächtnispolymers des ersten Ventilelementes und/oder dessen ersten Betätigungselementes ungleich der zweiten Schalttemperatur des zweiten Zweiwege-Formgedächtnispolymers des zweiten Ventilelementes und/oder dessen zweiten Betätigungselementes beträgt. Auf diese Weise lässt sich ein konvektiver Wärmeaustausch zwischen dem Innenraum des Gehäuses des thermoregulierenden Behältnisses und der Umgebung nur dann gewährleisten, wenn sich beide in Reihe geschalteten Ventilelemente eines jeweiligen Durchlasses des Gehäuses in ihrer Öffnungsstellung befinden (das erste und das zweite Zweiwege-Formgedächtnispolymer eines jeweiligen Ventilelementes und/oder dessen Betätigungselementes befinden sich in ihrer „zweiten“ Form), während ein konvektiver Wärmeaustausch verhindert wird, wenn eines oder beide Ventilelemente geschlossen sind (das erste und/oder das zweite Zweiwege-Formgedächtnispolymer eines jeweiligen Ventilelementes und/oder dessen Betätigungselementes befindet/befinden sich in ihrer „ersten“ Form).In addition, according to an advantageous development of the thermoregulating container according to the invention, it can be provided that the housing has at least one passage, which can be both opened and closed by means of two valve elements arranged in series, a first valve element of the two valve elements and / or a first actuating element of the same contains or is formed entirely from at least a first two-way shape memory polymer, which is programmed in such a way that the first valve element and/or its first actuating element between a

• - first form in which the first valve element essentially closes the passage of the housing, and
• - a second form in which the first valve element at least partially opens the passage,

can be reversibly switched back and forth, and wherein a second valve element of the two valve elements and / or a second actuating element thereof contains or is formed entirely from at least a second two-way shape memory polymer, which is programmed in such a way that the second valve element is between a

• - first form in which the second valve element essentially closes the passage of the housing, and
• - a second form in which the second valve element at least partially opens the passage,

can be reversibly switched back and forth, the at least one first two-way shape memory polymer of the first valve element and/or its first actuating element being at least

• - a first switching temperature at which it is transferred from its second form into its first form (the closed first valve element is therefore opened), and
• - a second switching temperature different from the first switching temperature, at which it is converted from its first form into its second form (the open first valve element is therefore closed),

and wherein the at least one second two-way shape memory polymer of the second valve element and/or its second actuating element is at least

• - a first switching temperature at which it is transferred from its second form into its first form (the closed second valve element is therefore opened), and
• - a second switching temperature different from the first switching temperature, at which it is converted from its first form into its second form (the open second valve element is therefore closed),

wherein the first switching temperature of the first two-way shape memory polymer of the first valve element and/or its first actuating element is unequal to the first switching temperature of the second two-way shape memory polymer of the second valve element and/or its actuating element, and/or wherein the second switching temperature of the first two-way Shape memory polymer of the first valve element and / or its first actuating element is not equal to the second switching temperature of the second two-way shape memory polymer of the second valve element and / or its second actuating element. In this way, a convective heat exchange between the interior of the housing of the thermoregulating container and the environment can only be ensured if both series-connected valve elements of a respective passage of the housing are in their open position (the first and the second two-way shape memory polymer of a respective one Valve element and/or its actuator are in their "second" form), while convective heat exchange is prevented when one or both valve elements are closed (the first and/or second two-way shape memory polymer of a respective valve element and/or its actuator is located /are in their “first” form).

1. (a) das wenigstens eine erste Zweiwege-Formgedächtnispolymer des ersten Ventilelementes und/oder dessen ersten Betätigungselementes eine zweite Schalttemperatur aufweist, in welcher es aus seiner ersten Form in seine zweite Form überführt wird (das geschlossene erste Ventilelement wird also geschlossen), welche größer ist als seine erste Schalttemperatur, bei welcher es aus seiner zweiten Form in seine erste Form überführt wird (das offene erste Ventilelement wird also geschlossen);
2. (b) das wenigstens eine zweite Zweiwege-Formgedächtnispolymer des zweiten Ventilelementes und/oder dessen zweiten Betätigungselementes eine zweite Schalttemperatur aufweist, bei welcher es aus seiner ersten Form in seine zweite Form überführt wird (das geschlossene zweite Ventilelement wird also geschlossen), welche geringer ist als seine erste Schalttemperatur, bei welcher es aus seiner zweiten Form in seine erste Form überführt wird (das offene zweite Ventilelement wird also geschlossen); und
3. (c) die zweite Schalttemperatur des ersten Zweiwege-Formgedächtnispolymers des ersten Ventilelementes und/oder dessen ersten Betätigungselementes geringer ist als die zweite Schalttemperatur des zweiten Zweiwege-Formgedächtnispolymers des zweiten Ventilelementes und/oder dessen zweiten Betätigungselementes.

In this context, it may prove advantageous, for example, if:

1. (a) the at least one first two-way shape memory polymer of the first valve element and/or its first actuating element has a second switching temperature in which it is transferred from its first shape into its second shape (the closed first valve element is therefore closed), which is greater as its first switching temperature, at which it is transferred from its second form to its first form (i.e. the open first valve element is closed);
2. (b) the at least one second two-way shape memory polymer of the second valve element and/or its second actuating element has a second switching temperature at which it is converted from its first shape into its second shape (the closed second valve element is therefore closed), which is lower as its first switching temperature, at which it is transferred from its second form to its first form (the open second valve element is therefore closed); and
3. (c) the second switching temperature of the first two-way shape memory polymer of the first valve element and/or its first actuation element is lower than the second switching temperature of the second two-way shape memory polymer of the second valve element and/or its second actuation element.

In this case, a first temperature interval between the first switching temperature and the second switching temperature of the at least one first two-way shape memory polymer of the first valve element and/or its actuating element is therefore entirely below a second temperature interval between the first switching temperature and the second switching temperature of the at least one second two-way Shape memory polymer of the second valve element and / or its actuating element, so that above the upper or below the lower temperature interval one of the series-connected valve elements is closed and a convective heat exchange between the interior of the housing and the environment is prevented, while between the two aforementioned Temperature intervals both valve elements are open so that a convective heat exchange can take place between the interior of the housing and the environment.

1. (a) das wenigstens eine erste Zweiwege-Formgedächtnispolymer des ersten Ventilelementes und/oder dessen ersten Betätigungselementes
   • - eine erste Schalttemperatur, bei welcher es aus seiner zweiten Form in seine erste Form überführt wird (das offene erste Ventilelement wird also geschlossen), welche größer ist als die Kristallisationstemperatur des ersten Phasenwechselmaterials, und
   • - eine gegenüber der ersten Schalttemperatur höhere zweite Schalttemperatur, bei welcher es aus seiner ersten Form in seine zweite Form überführt wird (das geschlossene erste Ventilelement wird also geöffnet), aufweist; und
2. (b) das wenigstens eine zweite Zweiwege-Formgedächtnispolymer des zweiten Ventilelementes und/oder dessen zweiten Betätigungselementes
   • - eine erste Schalttemperatur, bei welcher es aus seiner zweiten Form in seine erste Form überführt wird (das offene zweite Ventilelement wird also geschlossen), welche kleiner ist als die Schmelztemperatur des zweiten Phasenwechselmaterials, und
   • - eine gegenüber der ersten Schalttemperatur geringere zweite Schalttemperatur, bei welcher es aus seiner ersten Form in seine zweite Form überführt wird (das geschlossene zweite Ventilelement wird also geöffnet), aufweist.

For the purpose of protecting the interior of the housing of the thermoregulating container according to the invention from both hypothermia and overheating, the switching temperatures of the two-way shape memory polymers of the first and second valve elements and / or their Actuating elements should preferably be matched to the melting and crystallization temperatures of two different phase change materials from different latent heat storage devices in such a way that

1. (a) the at least one first two-way shape memory polymer of the first valve element and/or its first actuating element
   • - a first switching temperature at which it is converted from its second form into its first form (the open first valve element is therefore closed), which is greater than the crystallization temperature of the first phase change material, and
   • - has a second switching temperature, which is higher than the first switching temperature, at which it is converted from its first shape into its second shape (the closed first valve element is therefore opened); and
2. (b) the at least one second two-way shape memory polymer of the second valve element and/or its second actuating element
   • - a first switching temperature at which it is converted from its second form into its first form (the open second valve element is therefore closed), which is smaller than the melting temperature of the second phase change material, and
   • - Has a second switching temperature that is lower than the first switching temperature, at which it is converted from its first shape into its second shape (the closed second valve element is therefore opened).

The first valve element, in cooperation with the first phase change material, can in this way ensure protection against overcooling of an object accommodated in the interior of the housing, as explained in detail above, while the second valve element, in cooperation with the second phase change material, is able to protect an object from overheating The interior of the housing can provide the object accommodated, as is also described in detail above, with one of the two valve elements being closed both below the lower temperature interval between the two switching temperatures of the first two-way shape memory polymer and above the upper temperature interval between the two switching temperatures is to close the passage of the housing and prevent convective heat exchange with the environment, whereas below the upper limit of the upper temperature interval (i.e. below the first switching temperature of the second two-way shape memory polymer) and above the lower limit of the lower temperature interval (i.e. above the first switching temperature of the first two-way shape memory polymer) both valve elements can be opened in order to crystallize or melt the respective phase change material of a respective latent heat storage under free convection with the environment.

1. (a) - zumindest die erste Schalttemperatur des wenigstens einen ersten Zweiwege-Formgedächtnispolymers des ersten Ventilelementes und/oder dessen Betätigungselementes, bei welcher es aus seiner zweiten Form in seine erste Form überführt wird, zwischen der Kristallisationstemperatur und der Schmelztemperatur des ersten Phasenwechselmaterials in dessen metastabilen Unterkühlungsbereich liegt (vgl. hierzu auch die Zeichnungsbeschreibung weiter unten unter Bezugnahme auf die 11); oder
   • - beide Schalttemperaturen des wenigstens einen ersten Zweiwege-Formgedächtnispolymers des ersten Ventilelementes und/oder dessen Betätigungselementes größer sind als die Kristallisationstemperatur und die Schmelztemperatur des ersten Phasenwechselmaterials (vgl. hierzu auch die Zeichnungsbeschreibung weiter unten unter Bezugnahme auf die 12);
   und dass
2. (b) - zumindest die zweite Schalttemperatur des wenigstens einen zweiten Zweiwege-Formgedächtnispolymers des zweiten Ventilelementes und/oder dessen Betätigungselementes, bei welcher es aus seiner ersten Form in seine zweite Form überführt wird, zwischen der Kristallisationstemperatur und der Schmelztemperatur des zweiten Phasenwechselmaterials in dessen metastabilen Unterkühlungsbereich liegt (vgl. hierzu wiederum auch die Zeichnungsbeschreibung weiter unten unter Bezugnahme auf die 11); oder
   • - beide Schalttemperaturen des wenigstens einen zweiten Zweiwege-Formgedächtnispolymers des zweiten Ventilelementes und/oder dessen Betätigungselementes kleiner sind als die Kristallisationstemperatur und die Schmelztemperatur des zweiten Phasenwechselmaterials (vgl. hierzu wiederum auch die Zeichnungsbeschreibung weiter unten unter Bezugnahme auf die 12).

Even in the case of such a thermoregulating container, which can ensure both protection against hypothermia and overheating of an object contained in its housing, it can expediently be provided that

1. (a) - at least the first switching temperature of the at least one first two-way shape memory polymer of the first valve element and / or its actuating element, at which it is transferred from its second shape to its first shape, between the crystallization temperature and the melting temperature of the first phase change material in its metastable subcooling area (see also the description of the drawing below with reference to the 11 ); or
   • - Both switching temperatures of the at least one first two-way shape memory polymer of the first valve element and / or its actuating element are greater than the crystallization temperature and the melting temperature of the first phase change material (cf. also the description of the drawing below with reference to the 12 );
   and that
2. (b) - at least the second switching temperature of the at least one second two-way shape memory polymer of the second valve element and / or its actuating element, at which it is transferred from its first shape to its second shape, between the crystallization temperature and the melting temperature of the second phase change material in its metastable Subcooling area is located (see also the description of the drawing below with reference to the 11 ); or
   • - Both switching temperatures of the at least one second two-way shape memory polymer of the second valve element and / or its actuating element are smaller than the crystallization temperature and the melting temperature of the second phase change material (see also the description of the drawing below with reference to the 12 ).

• - in seiner ersten Form einen im Wesentlichen geschlossenen Querschnitt aufweist und den Durchlass des Gehäuses im Wesentlichen verschließt und in seiner weiten Form wenigstens einen Durchströmungskanal aufweist und den Durchlass des Gehäuses teilweise freigibt; oder
• - in seiner ersten Form einen dem Innenquerschnitt des Durchlasses im Wesentlichen entsprechenden Außenquerschnitt aufweist und den Durchlass des Gehäuses verschließt und in seiner zweiten Form einen gegenüber dem Innenquerschnitt des Durchlasses kleineren Außenquerschnitt aufweist und den Durchlass des Gehäuses teilweise freigibt.

The valve element containing at least one two-way shape memory polymer and/or its actuating element can fundamentally be designed in any way from a structural point of view, as long as it is ensured that, depending on the shape state of the two-way shape memory polymer, the valve element either essentially closes the passage of the housing (it is located in its “first” form) or at least partially releases it (it is in its “second” form). For example, the valve element can be made of pure, solid, foamed, structured, compounded, multi-layered or even combined or mixed with other materials two-way shape memory polymers, essentially in the form of closed or porous films, rods, spirals, plates, slats, flaps, rods, Blocks, pipes, open- or closed-cell foams or the like and serve as a direct or indirect switching element by means of the actuating element for opening or closing the at least one passage in the housing of the thermoregulating container. In an advantageous embodiment, it can be provided, for example, that the valve element, which contains at least one two-way shape memory polymer or is formed entirely from it, has at least one flap, which in its first form essentially closes the passage of the housing and in its second form the passage of the housing at least partially releases. The valve element can instead, for example, also have at least one tubular body, the cross section of which is essentially closed in its first form and at least partially open in its second form. In addition, the valve element can also be designed, for example, in the form of a plug arranged in the passage of the housing, which

• - in its first form has a substantially closed cross section and essentially closes the passage of the housing and in its wide form has at least one flow channel and partially opens the passage of the housing; or
• - in its first form has an external cross section that essentially corresponds to the internal cross section of the passage and closes the passage of the housing and in its second form has an external cross section that is smaller than the internal cross section of the passage and partially opens the passage of the housing.

As already mentioned, the valve element can in particular also be made from foamed two-way shape memory polymers, which in its first form (the valve element is closed) give it increased thermal insulation capacity and as such, for example, from the article “Shape memory polymer foam with programmable apertures” by M. Walter, F. Frieß, M. Krus, SMH Zolanvari, G. Grün, H. Kröber, T. Pretsch in Polymers 2020, 12(9), 1914; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym12091914) and in particular from the patent application that has not yet been published as of the priority date of the present application DE 10 2020 000 159.9 are known, which is hereby explicitly made the subject of the present disclosure.

• - eine Klappe aufweist, welche mittels des Betätigungselementes, welches wenigstens ein Zweiwege-Formgedächtnis polymer enthält oder gänzlich hieraus gebildet ist, in dessen ersten Form in eine Position überführbar ist, in welcher es den Durchlass des Gehäuses im Wesentlichen verschließt, und/oder in dessen zweiten Form in eine Position überführbar ist, in welcher es den Durchlass des Gehäuses zumindest teilweise freigibt (das Zweiwege-Formgedächtnispolymer des Betätigungselementes kann z.B. derart programmiert sein, dass letzteres das klappenförmige Ventilelement zwischen einer Schließposition und einer Öffnungsposition zu betätigen vermag); oder
• - eine nachgiebig elastische Folie aufweist, welche mittels des Betätigungselementes, welches wenigstens ein Zweiwege-Formgedächtnispolymer enthält oder gänzlich hieraus gebildet ist, in dessen ersten Form in eine Position überführbar ist, in welcher sie den Durchlass des Gehäuses im Wesentlichen verschließt, und/oder in dessen zweiten Form derart von dem Betätigungselement elastisch verformt ist, dass sie den Durchlass des Gehäuses zumindest teilweise freigibt (das Zweiwege-Formgedächtnispolymer des Betätigungselementes kann z.B. derart programmiert sein, dass letzteres das folienförmige Ventilelement deformiert, um es aus seiner Schließposition in eine Öffnungsposition zu überführen).

Alternatively or additionally, with regard to the structural design of an actuating element, which contains at least one two-way shape memory polymer or is formed entirely from it, of a valve element, which in this case does not necessarily have to contain a shape memory polymer, it can be provided that the valve element

• - has a flap, which can be moved in its first form into a position in which it essentially closes the passage of the housing, and / or in which, by means of the actuating element, which contains at least one two-way shape memory polymer or is formed entirely from it second form can be moved into a position in which it at least partially opens the passage of the housing (the two-way shape memory polymer of the actuating element can, for example, be programmed such that the latter is able to actuate the flap-shaped valve element between a closed position and an open position); or
• - has a resiliently elastic film, which can be moved in its first form into a position in which it essentially closes the passage of the housing, and / or in the second shape of which is elastically deformed by the actuating element in such a way that it at least partially opens the passage of the housing (the two-way shape memory polymer of the actuating element can, for example, be programmed such that the latter deforms the film-shaped valve element in order to transfer it from its closed position to an open position ).

While the thermoregulating container according to the invention, as mentioned above, can be energy self-sufficient, whereby the phase change material of the latent heat storage can be melted exclusively based on the internal temperature of the container and / or the at least one valve element and / or its actuating element can be switched exclusively based on its ambient temperature, on the one hand the latent heat storage If necessary, a heating device may be assigned in order to heat the phase change material at least to its melting temperature for regeneration purposes. Alternatively or additionally, a heating device can be assigned to the at least one valve element and/or its actuating element in order to heat the valve element and/or its actuating element to at least one of its switching temperatures if necessary. The heating device can be any known heating device, such as an electric, high-frequency heating device or the like, the heating device in particular being self-sufficient in energy and, for example, operated by thermal solar energy, the thermoregulating container having, for example, photovoltaic cells arranged on its surface can be provided.

In principle, any known phase change materials, such as waxes with a chain with at least 10 carbon atoms, in particular paraffins, esters or fatty acids, with melting and crystallization temperatures suitable for the respective intended use of the latent heat storage, can be considered as phase change materials of the latent heat storage, in particular phase change materials which are at least contain a salt hydrate or are formed essentially entirely from it, have proven to be advantageous. Examples of such salt hydrates include the initially mentioned calcium chloride hexahydrate (CaCl ₂ 6 H ₂ O), sodium acetate trihydrate (CH ₃ COONa 3 H ₂ O), sodium thiosulfate pentahydrate (Na ₂ S ₂ O ₃ 5 H ₂ O) , sodium sulfate decahydrate (Na ₂ SO ₄ · 10 H ₂ O), potassium fluoride tetrahydrate (KF · 4 H ₂ O) and lithium nitrate trihydrate (LiNO3 · 3 H ₂ O), but also, for example, magnesium sulfate heptahydrate (MgSO ₄ · 7 H ₂ O), copper sulfate pentahydrate (CuSO ₄ · 5 H ₂ O), copper sulfate monohydrate (CuSO ₄ · H ₂ O) and the like including mixtures of salt hydrates.

In addition, depending on the intended use of the thermoregulating container, it can prove to be advantageous if the phase change material of the latent heat storage is mixed with at least one additive, whereby in addition to any additives known as such, those from the group of gelling agents can be particularly advantageous in order to use the phase change material to gel in its molten phase and in this way to prevent large amounts of phase change material from being released into the interior of the housing in the event of leaks in the latent heat storage. Examples of suitable gelling agents include silicon oxide, in particular in fine particulate form, gelatin, thermoplastic elastomers (TPE), in particular based on polyurethane (TPU), cellulose and their derivatives, for example in the form of cellulose ethers, such as carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) etc., cellulose acetate, for example in the form of carboxymethyl cellulose sodium salt (CMC), and the like. In this context, it should be explicitly pointed out that the term “liquid” or “molten” in relation to the phase change material in the context of the present disclosure also includes a gel-like viscous state of the phase change material, as can be achieved by adding a gelling agent. Alternatively or additionally, the phase change material of the latent heat storage can be provided with an antimicrobial finish, particularly if the thermoregulating container is intended to hold hygienically sensitive items such as food, medicines and the like, in order to avoid undesirable germ or fungal formation. The antimicrobial finish should be harmless to health and can include, for example, fillers, fibers or threads based on silver, including its sparingly or insoluble salts.

Depending on the intended use of the thermoregulating container according to the invention, it may be desirable to ensure the narrowest possible target temperature range or the most discrete possible target temperature inside the housing, with falling below such a target temperature caused by exothermic crystallization and / or a Exceeding such a target temperature can be counteracted by endothermic melting of the respective phase change material(s). In such a case, the metastable subcooling region of the phase change material of the latent heat storage can be reduced in order to keep it as low as possible, for which purpose the phase change material can be mixed with a nucleating agent, for example, the nucleating agent being foreign nuclei from other phase change materials or conventional crystalline ones Substances can act which are present in the crystalline state in the metastable supercooling region of the phase change material of the latent heat storage and thus cause a spontaneous exothermic crystallization of the phase change material above its actual crystallization temperature, that is, the temperature difference between the melting temperature and the seed-induced crystallization temperature is reduced. Suitable nucleating agents for various phase change materials are available as such Literature known and include, for example, disodium tetraborate decahydrate (Na ₂ [B ₄ O ₅ (OH) _4] · 8 H ₂ O, borax) for the phase change material sodium sulfate decahydrate (Na ₂ SO ₄ · 10 H ₂ O, Glauber's salt); barium carbonate (Ba ₂ CO ₃ ) or potassium carbonate (K ₂ CO ₃ ) for the phase change material calcium chloride hexahydrate (CaCl ₂ · 6 H ₂ O); Disodium hydrogen phosphate dodecahydrate (Na ₂ HPO ₄ · 12 H ₂ O), silver (Ag) or iron oxide (Fe ₂ O ₃ ) nanoparticles for the phase change material sodium acetate trihydrate (CH ₃ COONa · 3 H ₂ O); Barium oxide (BaO) or magnesium hydroxide (Mg(OH) ₂ ) for the phase change material magnesium chloride hexahydrate (MgCl ₂ 6 H ₂ O, bischofite), etc. Alternatively or additionally, to trigger crystallization of the phase change material of the latent heat storage in its metastable subcooling area, for example It can be provided that the latent heat storage has surface structures that are in contact with the phase change material, for example increased roughness, projecting edges, corners or the like, or the latent heat storage can, for example, have at least one insert that is in contact with the phase change material and has surface structures, which in turn has, for example has increased roughness, protruding edges, corners or the like.

While in principle any known two-way shape memory polymers can be used for the valve element and/or its actuating element, the switching temperatures of which, in cooperation with the phase change materials used for the latent heat storage, are in a range suitable for the respective intended use of the thermoregulated container according to the invention, it can be in which at least one two-way shape memory polymer of the valve element and/or its actuating element is, for example, preferably a polyurethane elastomer, in particular a polyester or polyetherurethane elastomer, although of course polymer mixtures or blends or compounds made of or with two-way shape memory polymers can also be used. Examples of such two-way shape memory polymers are known, for example, from the article by T. Pretsch, M. Bothe: “Bidirectional actuation of a thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer”, Journal of Materials Chemistry A, 20 (2013), 14.491-14.497, with a thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer as an example with hard segments or network points based on methylene diphenyl isocyanate (MDI) and 1,4-butanediol as well as with switching or soft segments based on polybutylene-1,4-adipate, which is obtained by reacting 1,4-butanediol with adipic acid can be mentioned. If this polymer is heated for the first time to a deformation temperature of about 60 ° C, it can be deformed for the purpose of its two-way shape memory programming, preferably at a slow deformation rate of, for example, about 1% / s, for example with a total elongation of up to about 1000%, whereupon it is cooled to approximately 0°C in order to achieve linear expansion of the material. If the polymer is then heated to the switching temperature range (“first” or “second” switching temperature) of approximately 30°C to 55°C, the switching segments are melted and converted from their primarily semi-crystalline state into their primarily amorphous or flexible state , so that the polymer is switched back or contracts without having to apply a deformation force again. If it is then cooled again to its crystallization temperature (“second” or “first” switching temperature) in the range below about 20°C, the switching segments crystallize again and the polymer is switched or deformed again, etc. Examples of two-way shape memory polymers , whose two-way shape memory properties can be promoted in particular by the action of a permanent compressive force (see below), so that the two-way shape memory polymer is under permanent mechanical tension, are for example from the article by M. Bothe, T. Pretsch: “Two -way shape changes of a shape memory poly(ester urethane)” in Macromol. Chem. Phys. 213 (2012), 213, 2378-2385, whereby as an example a polyester urethane with soft segments made of crystallizable poly (1,4-butylene adipate) (PBA) should be mentioned, which in the appropriately programmed state has two-way shape memory properties in order to move under the Crystallization temperature (“first” or “second” switching temperature) expands and contracts when heated beyond the switching temperature range (“second” or “first” switching temperature). In order in particular to promote the transition between an amorphous state of the PBA at high temperatures to a partially crystalline state of the PBA at low temperatures and to achieve a very high proportion of crystallinity of the PBA - accompanied by a very strong deformation - such a two-way shape memory polymer be subjected to a mechanical tension, for example in the range of approximately 1.5 MPa. In addition, it should be noted at this point that by varying such a mechanical tension, in particular the crystallization temperature (“first” or “second” switching temperature) of the soft segments of the two-way shape memory polymer and, as a result, their melting temperature (“second” or “first”. “Switching temperature) can be specifically adapted to the respective intended use of the thermoregulating container according to the invention or to the local conditions of its place of use. Furthermore, the at least one two-way shape memory polymer of the valve element and/or its actuating element can, for example, only be under permanent mechanical tension in certain areas, for example as a result of gravity only acting on the actuating element in certain areas the surface load. In addition, the at least one two-way shape memory polymer of the valve element and / or its actuating element can advantageously be a plasticizable, thermoplastic polymer, which allows it to be easily manufactured using practically any thermoplastic processing method and, in terms of easy recycling, to be easier than thermosets increased environmental friendliness. While such thermoplastic two-way shape memory polymers, as mentioned, can largely be processed into the valve element and/or its actuating element using conventional thermoplastic processing methods, such as extrusion, injection molding, hot pressing, calendering, blow molding, rotational molding, etc., which is then further processed can be programmed to its first and second form in the manner described above, the valve element and / or its actuating element can in particular also be produced by means of a rapid prototyping method, such as by a melt layer method, as is primarily used in 3D printers. The melt layer process, also known as “fused deposition modeling” (FDM) or “fused filament fabrication” (FFF), is a manufacturing process in which a thermoplastic polymer or a polymer blend made of thermoplastic polymers is plasticized and produced by means of a usually in the print head of the 3D The nozzle provided for the printer is deposited in layers in order to produce the polymer molding ultimately formed from a large number of such layers in its permanent form. On the one hand, this enables the layer-by-layer production of relatively complex molded parts, which are suitable for small series and which, for example, cannot be produced or can only be produced with difficulty using conventional thermoplastic processing methods such as injection molding, extrusion, etc., while on the other hand the melt layer process is also suitable for the series production of polymer molded parts with relatively complex ones Geometry and/or surface structures can be used. In 3D printing, also known as “additive manufacturing”, a three-dimensional model of the polymer molded part to be produced is usually created digitally, which can be done in particular using the well-known methods of Computer Aided Design (CAD). In addition, using suitable software, such as a so-called slicer program (e.g. Cura™ or the like), the three-dimensional model of the molded part to be produced is broken down into a plurality of thin layers, whereupon the plasticized polymer is sliced in layers using the nozzle of the correspondingly moved print head is deposited to build up the molded part layer by layer. Immediately after the polymer plastic, which is discharged more or less in the form of strands or drops from the nozzle of the print head, the curing process begins - or more precisely: the solidification process - whereby the deposited plastic solidifies, for example, at ambient temperature or under active cooling. If a molded part produced in this way made of a thermoresponsive two-way shape memory polymer is heated or cooled to the respective switching temperature after it has previously been programmed in the manner described above, it can also be reversibly switched back and forth between its first shape and its second shape become.

The CN 105 936 747 A describes, for example, such a filament that can be processed using the melt layer process using 3D printers and is made from a polymer blend made of thermoplastic polyurethanes on the one hand and acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) on the other, which has two-way shape memory properties. In addition, a polymer blend with such two-way shape memory properties based on thermoplastic polyurethanes and polyolefins, such as in particular high density polyethylene (HDPE), which is also preferred in the context of the present invention, is from the DE 10 2018 003 274 A1 known, which is hereby expressly made the subject of the present disclosure.

In addition, the thermoplastic two-way shape memory polymer of the valve element and/or its actuating element can also be produced, for example, by means of selective laser sintering (SLS), as described, for example, in the specialist article “Characterization of creeping and shape memory effect in laser sintered thermoplastic polyurethane” by S. Yuan et al., Journal of Computing and Information Science in Engineering, 16 (2016), Issue 4, pages 041007-041007-5, which can also be given very complex geometries.

Two exemplary embodiments of two-way shape memory polymers in the form of thermoplastic polyester urethanes (TPU) based on poly(1,6-hexylene adipate) diol (PHA) or Poly(1,4-butylene adipate)diol (PBA) as the polyol component and 4,4'-methylene diphenyl isocyanate (MDI) as the diisocyanate component with 1,4-butanediol (BD) as the chain extender, which were synthesized from the educts listed in the table .

Example 1:

• - Kristallisationstemperaturbereich der Schalt- bzw. Weichsegmente auf Basis von PHA („erste“ bzw. „zweite“ Schalttemperatur): ca. 0°C bis ca. 20°C,
• - Schmelztemperaturbereich der Schalt- bzw. Weichsegmente auf Basis von PHA („zweite“ bzw. „erste“ Schalttemperatur): ca. 30°C bis ca. 50°C,
• - Hartsegmentanteil (MDI/BD): ca. 15%,
• - NCO-Index: 1,005.

Komponente Substanz Anteil Molmasse Polyol PHA 100 3000 Diisocyanat MDI 15,5 250,25 Kettenverlängerer BD 2,5 90,12 Katalysator Titan-(IV)-Kat. 0,0005 --- Additiv 1 Antioxidans 0,1 --- Additiv 2 Verarbeitungsadditiv 0,7 --- Additiv 3 Hydrolysestabilisator 0,6 Two-way shape memory polymer “TPU-PHA 3000/15”:

• - Crystallization temperature range of the switching or soft segments based on PHA (“first” or “second” switching temperature): approx. 0°C to approx. 20°C,
• - Melting temperature range of the switching or soft segments based on PHA (“second” or “first” switching temperature): approx. 30°C to approx. 50°C,
• - Hard segment proportion (MDI/BD): approx. 15%,
• - NCO index: 1.005.

component substance Portion molar mass Polyol PHA 100 3000 Diisocyanate MDI 15.5 250.25 Chain extender BD 2.5 90.12 catalyst Titanium (IV) cat. 0.0005 --- Additive 1 antioxidant 0.1 --- Additive 2 processing additive 0.7 --- Additive 3 Hydrolysis stabilizer 0.6

Example 2:

• - Kristallisationstemperaturbereich der Schalt- bzw. Weichsegmente auf Basis von PBA („erste“ bzw. „zweite“ Schalttemperatur): ca. -10°C bis ca. 10°C,
• - Schmelztemperaturbereich der Schalt- bzw. Weichsegmente auf Basis von PBA („zweite“ bzw. „erste“ Schalttemperatur): ca. 30°C bis ca. 50°C,
• - Hartsegmentanteil (MDI/BD): ca. 15%,
• - NCO-Index: 1,005.

Komponente Substanz Anteil Molmasse Polyol PBA 100 4000 Diisocyanat MDI 14,8 250,25 Kettenverlängerer BD 3,0 90,12 Katalysator Titan-(IV)-Kat. 0,0005 --- Additiv 1 Antioxidans 0,1 --- Additiv 2 Verarbeitungsadditiv 0,7 --- Additiv 3 Hydrolysestabilisator 0,6 Two-way shape memory polymer “TPU-PBA 4000/15”:

• - Crystallization temperature range of the switching or soft segments based on PBA (“first” or “second” switching temperature): approx. -10°C to approx. 10°C,
• - Melting temperature range of the switching or soft segments based on PBA (“second” or “first” switching temperature): approx. 30°C to approx. 50°C,
• - Hard segment proportion (MDI/BD): approx. 15%,
• - NCO index: 1.005.

component substance Portion molar mass Polyol PBA 100 4000 Diisocyanate MDI 14.8 250.25 Chain extender BD 3.0 90.12 catalyst Titanium (IV) cat. 0.0005 --- Additive 1 antioxidant 0.1 --- Additive 2 processing additive 0.7 --- Additive 3 Hydrolysis stabilizer 0.6

However, it should be noted at this point that the at least one two-way shape memory polymer of the valve element and/or its actuating element does not necessarily have to be a thermoplastic polymer, but in principle primarily elastomeric or thermoset polymers can also be considered. Suitable representatives of such thermoset two-way shape memory polymers are, for example, in the specialist article “Catalyst-free thermoset polyurethane with permanent shape reconfigurability and highly tunable triple-shape memory performance” by N. Zheng et al. in ACS Macro Letters 6, 4 (2017), pages 326-330.

As already indicated, the at least one two-way shape memory polymer of the valve element and/or its actuating element of the thermoregulating container according to the invention be essentially not mechanically preloaded, with a purely temperature-dependent, reversible change in shape between its first shape and its second shape being programmed into the at least one two-way shape memory polymer of the valve element and / or its actuating element. Such a configuration is particularly suitable for portable applications of the thermoregulating container, for example in the form of a transport container, with the lowest possible weight. Instead, depending on the type of two-way shape memory polymer used for the valve element and/or its actuating element, it can also be provided that the at least one two-way shape memory polymer of the valve element and/or its actuating element is mechanically under permanent tension, in order to generate such a permanent tension For example, the mechanical (tensile or compressive) load of at least one spring and / or the gravity of at least one surface load acting on the valve element and / or its actuating element can serve, so that the permanent mechanical preload to promote the two-way shape memory effect also does not require any external energy supply requires.

• - der magnetischen und/oder ferromagnetischen Stoffe, insbesondere aus der Gruppe Eisen, Eisenoxid bzw. Magnetit, Nickel, Zink und deren Legierungen etc.,
• - der Nanoclays, insbesondere auf der Basis der Carbide, Nitride und Oxide von Silicium, Zirkonium und Aluminium, z.B. in Form von Siliciumnitrid, Siliciumcarbid, Siliciumoxid, Zirkonoxid, Aluminiumoxid und dergleichen, und
• - der Verstärkungsfasern, z.B. in Form von natürlichen und/oder synthetischen Fasern, wie Kohlenstoff-, Glas-, Aramidfasern und dergleichen,

ausgewählt ist. Mittels derartiger Füll- und/oder Verstärkungsstoffe lassen sich dem wenigstens einen Zweiwege-Formgedächtnispolymer des Ventilelementes und/oder dessen Betätigungselementes zusätzliche Eigenschaften verleihen, um es - sofern gewünscht - an den jeweiligen Anwendungszweck des thermoregulierenden Behältnisses sowie insbesondre an die Kristallisationstemperatur und/oder an die Schmelztemperatur des in dem Latentwärmespeicher eingesetzten Phasenwechselmaterials anzupassen. So machen es z.B. magnetoresponsive und/oder elektroaktive Additive, wie elektromagnetische Strahlung absorbierende und/oder (ferro)magnetische Füllstoffe, vorzugsweise in feinpartikulärer Form, bedarfsweise möglich, das Ventilelement und/oder dessen Betätigungselementes induktiv zu erwärmen, um es beispielsweise gezielt auf eine seiner beiden Schalttemperaturen zu erwärmen und hierbei von seiner ersten Form (das Ventilelement ist geschlossen) in seine zweite Form (das Ventilelement ist geschlossen) oder von seiner zweiten Form (das Ventilelement ist geöffnet) in seine erste Form (das Ventilelement ist geschlossen) schalten zu können. Elektromagnetische Strahlung im infraroten und/oder ultravioletten Spektrum absorbierende Füllstoffe, mit welchen das wenigstens eine Zweiwege-Formgedächtnispolymer des Ventilelementes und/oder dessen Betätigungselementes z.B. versetzt und/oder beschichtet sein kann, ermöglichen ferner beispielsweise eine schnelle(re) Erwärmung des Ventilelementes und/oder dessen Betätigungselementes bei steigender Außentemperatur und/oder unter Sonneneinstrahlung, um infolge eines Überschreitens einer der Schalttemperaturen des Zweiwege-Formgedächtnispolymers das Ventilelementes und/oder dessen Betätigungselementes zuverlässig aus seiner ersten Form (das Ventilelement ist geschlossen) in seine zweite Form (das Ventilelement ist geschlossen) oder von seiner zweiten Form (das Ventilelement ist geöffnet) in seine erste Form (das Ventilelement ist geschlossen) schalten zu können, selbstverständlich können dabei auch Kombinationen mehrerer verschiedener Füllstoffmaterialien verwendet werden, wie beispielsweise magnetoresponsive und/oder elektroaktive Additive in Kombination mit Verstärkungsfasern und gegebenenfalls weiteren Füllstoffen. Darüber hinaus können dem wenigstens einen Zweiwege-Formgedächtnispolymer des Ventilelementes und/oder dessen Betätigungselementes grundsätzlich auch weitere, als solche weitgehend aus dem Stand der Technik bekannte, vorzugsweise physiologisch unbedenkliche, Additive zugesetzt sein, wie Gleitmittel und andere Verarbeitungshilfsstoffe, Weichmacher, Antioxidantien, UV-Stabilisatoren, Verstärkungsstoffe, Flammschutzmittel, Antistatika, Hydrolysestabilisatoren, Schlagzähmodifikatoren, Biostatika etc.In addition, according to a further development of the thermoregulating container according to the invention, it can be provided that the at least one two-way shape memory polymer of the valve element and / or its actuating element contains at least one filler and / or reinforcing material, which in particular from the group of electromagnetic radiation, such as in Microwave spectrum or in the infrared to ultraviolet spectrum including the visible spectrum, absorbent substances, in particular based on carbon, for example in the form of (expanded) graphite, graphene, carbon nanotubes (CNT) and the like, metals, metal oxides and the like,

• - magnetic and/or ferromagnetic materials, in particular from the group of iron, iron oxide or magnetite, nickel, zinc and their alloys, etc.,
• - the nanoclays, in particular based on the carbides, nitrides and oxides of silicon, zirconium and aluminum, for example in the form of silicon nitride, silicon carbide, silicon oxide, zirconium oxide, aluminum oxide and the like, and
• - the reinforcing fibers, for example in the form of natural and/or synthetic fibers, such as carbon, glass, aramid fibers and the like,

is selected. By means of such fillers and/or reinforcing materials, the at least one two-way shape memory polymer of the valve element and/or its actuating element can be given additional properties in order to adapt it - if desired - to the respective application of the thermoregulating container and in particular to the crystallization temperature and/or to the Adjust the melting temperature of the phase change material used in the latent heat storage. For example, magnetoresponsive and/or electroactive additives, such as electromagnetic radiation-absorbing and/or (ferro)magnetic fillers, preferably in fine-particle form, make it possible, if necessary, to heat the valve element and/or its actuating element inductively, for example in a targeted manner to heat both switching temperatures and to be able to switch from its first form (the valve element is closed) to its second form (the valve element is closed) or from its second form (the valve element is open) to its first form (the valve element is closed). . Fillers that absorb electromagnetic radiation in the infrared and/or ultraviolet spectrum, with which the at least one two-way shape memory polymer of the valve element and/or its actuating element can be offset and/or coated, for example, also enable, for example, rapid (more) heating of the valve element and/or its actuating element when the outside temperature rises and/or under sunlight in order to reliably move the valve element and/or its actuating element from its first shape (the valve element is closed) into its second shape (the valve element is closed) as a result of one of the switching temperatures of the two-way shape memory polymer being exceeded. or to be able to switch from its second form (the valve element is open) to its first form (the valve element is closed), of course combinations of several different filler materials can also be used, such as magnetoresponsive and / or electroactive additives in combination with reinforcing fibers and if necessary other fillers. In addition, the at least one two-way shape memory polymer of the valve element and/or its actuating element can in principle also contain other additives, which are largely known from the prior art and are preferably physiologically harmless, such as lubricants and other processing aids, plasticizers, antioxidants, UV Stabilizers, reinforcing materials, flame retardants, antistatics, hydrolysis stabilizers, impact modifiers, biostatics, etc.

Alternatively or additionally, the at least one two-way shape memory polymer of the valve element and / or its actuating element can be coated, for example, with a medium that absorbs electromagnetic radiation in the infrared and / or ultraviolet spectrum, such as in the form of a film, a varnish or the like, which is also a can cause faster heating of the valve element and/or its actuating element or, conversely, can also serve to protect the valve element and/or its actuating element from (too) rapid heating due to a certain insulating effect.

In addition, it can be provided, for example, that a ventilation device, in particular in the form of a fan, is assigned to the at least one passage of the housing in order to ensure forced convection between the interior of the housing and the environment when the valve element is in its second form is located, in which it at least partially opens the passage of the housing. Such a ventilation device can also preferably be energy self-sufficient and, for example, operated by thermal solar energy, whereby the thermoregulating container can be provided, for example, with photovoltaic cells arranged on its surface.

There are basically no limits to the areas of application of the thermoregulating container according to the invention, and it can be used, for example, in the form of a transport or storage container for thermally sensitive objects such as food, medicines, chemicals, plants, seeds or the like. In addition, the thermoregulating container according to the invention is suitable, for example, for protecting against overheating and/or hypothermia of objects in the form of thermally sensitive components, such as electrical or electronic circuits, batteries and accumulators, for example in the field of electromobility, measuring devices and the like, or to protect against overheating and/or overcooling of water pipes and/or storage facilities, such as drinking water supply systems in buildings or industrial plants, water tanks in vehicles and aircraft, etc.

• 1 eine schematische perspektivische Schnittansicht einer Ausführungsform eines erfindungsgemäßen thermoregulierenden Behältnisses mit einem Latentwärmespeicher mit einem Phasenwechselmaterial und mit einer Mehrzahl an in dessen Gehäuse angeordneten Durchlässen, welche mittels jeweils einen Ventilelementes aus einem Zweiwege-Formgedächtnispolymer verschlossen sind (die Ventilelemente befinden sich in ihrer „ersten“ Form);
• 2 eine schematische perspektivische Schnittansicht des thermoregulierenden Behältnisses der 1 mit geöffneten Ventilelementen (die Ventilelemente befinden sich in ihrer „zweiten“ Form);
• 3 eine der 1 und 2 entsprechende schematische perspektivische Schnittansicht einer weiteren Ausführungsform eines erfindungsgemäßen thermoregulierenden Behältnisses;
• 4 eine stark schematisierte perspektivische Ansicht einer Ausführungsform eines in einem jeweiligen Durchlass des Gehäuses des thermoregulierenden Behältnisses gemäß 1 bis 3 angeordneten Ventilelementes aus einem, z.B. geschäumten, Zweiwege-Formgedächtnispolymer in seiner ersten Form (oben; das Ventilelement ist geschlossen) sowie in seiner zweiten Form (unten; das Ventilelement ist geöffnet);
• 5 eine der 4 entsprechende, stark schematisierte perspektivische Ansicht einer weiteren Ausführungsform eines in einem jeweiligen Durchlass des Gehäuses des thermoregulierenden Behältnisses gemäß 1 bis 3 angeordneten Ventilelementes aus einem, z.B. geschäumten, Zweiwege-Formgedächtnispolymer in seiner ersten Form (oben; das Ventilelement ist geschlossen) sowie in seiner zweiten Form (unten; das Ventilelement ist geöffnet);
• 6 eine der 4 und 5 entsprechende, stark schematisierte perspektivische Ansicht einer weiteren Ausführungsform eines in einem jeweiligen Durchlass des Gehäuses des thermoregulierenden Behältnisses gemäß 1 bis 3 angeordneten Ventilelementes aus einem, z.B. geschäumten, Zweiwege-Formgedächtnispolymer in seiner ersten Form (links; das Ventilelement ist geschlossen) sowie in seiner zweiten Form (unten; das Ventilelement ist geöffnet);
• 7 ein schematisches Temperaturdiagramm zur Veranschaulichung einer möglichen Abstimmung der Schalttemperaturen des Zweiwege-Formgedächtnispolymers auf die Schmelz- und Kristallisationstemperatur des Phasenwechselmaterials des Latentwärmespeichers unter Gewährleistung eines Schutzes vor Unterkühlung;
• 8 ein schematisches Temperaturdiagramm zur Veranschaulichung einer gegenüber der 7 alternativen Abstimmung der Schalttemperaturen des Zweiwege-Formgedächtnispolymers auf die Schmelz- und Kristallisationstemperatur des Phasenwechselmaterials des Latentwärmespeichers unter Gewährleistung eines Schutzes vor Unterkühlung;
• 9 ein schematisches Temperaturdiagramm zur Veranschaulichung einer möglichen Abstimmung der Schalttemperaturen des Zweiwege-Formgedächtnispolymers auf die Schmelz- und Kristallisationstemperatur des Phasenwechselmaterials des Latentwärmespeichers unter Gewährleistung eines Schutzes vor Überhitzung;
• 10 ein schematisches Temperaturdiagramm zur Veranschaulichung einer gegenüber der 9 alternativen Abstimmung der Schalttemperaturen des Zweiwege-Formgedächtnispolymers auf die Schmelz- und Kristallisationstemperatur des Phasenwechselmaterials des Latentwärmespeichers unter Gewährleistung eines Schutzes vor Überhitzung;
• 11 ein schematisches Temperaturdiagramm zur Veranschaulichung einer möglichen Abstimmung der Schalttemperaturen verschiedener Zweiwege-Formgedächtnispolymere von jeweils zweier in Reihe geschalteter Ventilelemente auf die Schmelz- und Kristallisationstemperaturen zweier verschiedener Phasenwechselmaterialien unterschiedlicher Latentwärmespeicher unter Gewährleistung sowohl eines Schutzes vor Unterkühlung als auch vor Überhitzung; und
• 12 ein schematisches Temperaturdiagramm zur Veranschaulichung einer gegenüber der 11 alternativen Abstimmung der Schalttemperaturen verschiedener Zweiwege-Formgedächtnispolymere von jeweils zweier in Reihe geschalteter Ventilelemente auf die Schmelz- und Kristallisationstemperaturen zweier verschiedener Phasenwechselmaterialien unterschiedlicher Latentwärmespeicher unter Gewährleistung sowohl eines Schutzes vor Unterkühlung als auch vor Überhitzung.

Further features and advantages of the invention result from the following description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the drawings. Show:

• 1 a schematic perspective sectional view of an embodiment of a thermoregulating container according to the invention with a latent heat storage with a phase change material and with a plurality of passages arranged in its housing, which are each closed by means of a valve element made of a two-way shape memory polymer (the valve elements are in their "first" form );
• 2 a schematic perspective sectional view of the thermoregulating container 1 with valve elements open (the valve elements are in their “second” form);
• 3 one of the 1 and 2 corresponding schematic perspective sectional view of a further embodiment of a thermoregulating container according to the invention;
• 4 a highly schematic perspective view of an embodiment of a in a respective passage of the housing of the thermoregulating container according to 1 until 3 arranged valve element made of a, for example foamed, two-way shape memory polymer in its first form (top; the valve element is closed) and in its second form (bottom; the valve element is open);
• 5 one of the 4 corresponding, highly schematic perspective view of a further embodiment in a respective passage of the housing of the thermoregulating container according to 1 until 3 arranged valve element made of a, for example foamed, two-way shape memory polymer in its first form (top; the valve element is closed) and in its second form (bottom; the valve element is open);
• 6 one of the 4 and 5 corresponding, highly schematic perspective view of a further embodiment in a respective passage of the housing of the thermoregulating container according to 1 until 3 arranged valve element made of a, for example foamed, two-way shape memory polymer in its first form (left; the valve element is closed) and in its second form (bottom; the valve element is open);
• 7 a schematic temperature diagram illustrating a possible tuning of the switching temperatures of the two-way shape memory polymer to the melting and crystallization temperature of the phase change material of the latent heat storage while ensuring protection against hypothermia;
• 8th a schematic temperature diagram to illustrate one versus the 7 alternatively matching the switching temperatures of the two-way shape memory polymer to the melting and crystallization temperature of the phase change material of the latent heat storage while ensuring protection against hypothermia;
• 9 a schematic temperature diagram illustrating a possible tuning of the switching temperatures of the two-way shape memory polymer to the melting and crystallization temperature of the phase change material of the latent heat storage while ensuring protection against overheating;
• 10 a schematic temperature diagram to illustrate one versus the 9 alternatively matching the switching temperatures of the two-way shape memory polymer to the melting and crystallization temperature of the phase change material of the latent heat storage while ensuring protection against overheating;
• 11 a schematic temperature diagram to illustrate a possible coordination of the switching temperatures of different two-way shape memory polymers of two valve elements connected in series to the melting and crystallization temperatures of two different phase change materials of different latent heat storage while ensuring both protection against undercooling and overheating; and
• 12 a schematic temperature diagram to illustrate one versus the 11 alternative coordination of the switching temperatures of different two-way shape memory polymers of two valve elements connected in series to the melting and crystallization temperatures of two different phase change materials of different latent heat storage, ensuring both protection against undercooling and overheating.

In the 1 and 2 an embodiment of a thermoregulating container provided overall with the reference number 1 is shown schematically. The thermoregulating container 1, which in the present case is designed, for example, in the form of a transport and storage container, comprises a housing 2, which is made of a conventional heat-insulating material, for example a polymer foam, or is coated with such and is designed to accommodate in a desired -Temperature range to hold objects G is used. It can be opened and closed by means of a lid, not shown in the drawing, which can also expediently be made of a heat-insulating material. Inside the housing 2, one or more latent heat accumulators 3 are accommodated, each containing a phase change material which has a crystallization temperature T _Krist-PCM (cf. the 7 until 12 ), in which the phase change material changes exothermically from a liquid state to a crystalline state, and a _{crystalline PCM} above the crystallization temperature T (see again the 7 until 12 ) melting temperature T _{melt PCM} at which the phase change material changes from the crystalline state to the liquid state. The phase change material can be any phase change material known from the prior art, such as one from the group of salt hydrates.

How do you continue? 1 and 2 As can be seen, the housing 2 has a plurality of passages 4, which can be identified by means of one further below with reference to 4 until 6 Valve element 5 explained in more detail is both openable and closable, wherein the valve element 5 is formed from a two-way shape memory polymer or from a polymer blend or compound containing such and in particular can be made from a foamed two-way shape memory polymer, which gives it a high thermal insulation capacity when it is in the closed position (“first form”). The two-way shape memory polymer is programmed to switch between the first form in which the valve element 5 essentially closes the passage 4 of the housing 2 and a second form in which the valve element 5 at least partially opens the passage 4 of the housing 2. is reversible purely due to temperature and can be switched back and forth without the influence of external forces, the two-way shape memory polymer of the valve element 5 having a first switching temperature T _Schalt-1 (cf. the 7 until 12 ), in which it is transferred from its second form (the valve element 5 is open) into its first form (the valve element 5 is closed), and a second switching temperature T _Schalt-2 that is different from the first switching temperature T _Schalt-1 (cf . on this again the 7 until 9 ), in which it is transferred from its first form (the valve element 5 is closed) into its second form (the valve element 5 is opened).

Like in the 3 As can be seen, some of the passages 4 of the housing 2 of the thermoregulating container 1 can be assigned a ventilation device 6, for example in the form of a blower, in order to due to a forced convection, as in the 3 indicated by the arrows P to ensure better heat exchange between the interior of the housing 2 and the environment when the valve elements 5 are in their first form (the valve elements 5 at least partially expose the passages 4). In addition, heating devices 7 can be assigned to the latent heat accumulators 3 (or the valve elements 5; not shown) in order to heat the phase change material for regeneration purposes, if necessary, at least to its melting temperature T _{melt PCM} , whereby the heating devices 7 can include, for example, heating foils which are connected to the Latent heat storage 3 is in thermally conductive contact.

In the 4 is a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of a in a respective passage 4 of the housing 2 of the thermoregulating container 1 according to 1 until 3 arranged valve element 5 made of a - here for example foamed - two-way shape memory polymer is shown schematically. The two-way shape memory polymer of the valve element 5 is programmed in such a way that it switches between a first shape (in the 4 above; the valve element 5 is closed and closes the passage 4 in the manner of a plug) and a second form (in the 4 below; the valve element 5 is open and partially exposes the passage 4 for the purpose of a convective gas exchange through the passage 4, as indicated by a wavy arrow symbolizing the heat flow), can be switched back and forth when it is on its first or second switching temperature is heated or cooled down. In the case of the exemplary embodiment 4 The valve element 5 in its first form (top) and second form (bottom) has different external dimensions, which differ primarily in the thickness of the valve element 5, which in its first form is adapted to the internal cross section of the passage 4, whereas its length and its width in the first and second forms, for example, is essentially constant. The switching of the two-way shape memory polymer of the valve element 5 occurs reversibly, exclusively due to temperature and without the influence of external forces and is energy self-sufficient.

The ones in the 5 schematically shown embodiment of a in a respective passage 4 of the housing 2 of the thermoregulating container 1 according to 1 until 3 arranged valve element 5 differs from that of 4 in particular in that the valve element 5 made of foamed two-way shape memory polymer is programmed in such a way that its external dimensions both in the first mold (in the 5 above; the valve element 5 is closed and closes the passage 4 in the manner of a stopper) as well as in the second form (in the 5 below; the valve element 5 is opened and partially exposes the passage 4 for the purpose of a convective gas exchange through the passage 4, as is again indicated by a wavy arrow symbolizing the heat flow) are essentially the same, but instead the pore shape and / or - alignment of the polymer foam between its first shape ( 5 , above) and its second form ( 5 , bottom) are switchable, so that in the first form (top), for example, the pores are arranged more or less randomly in the polymer matrix of the two-way shape memory polymer in order to close the passage 4, whereas in the second form (bottom) a large number of through pores is formed, through which gas exchange can take place through the passage 4 in order to partially release the passage 4.

At the in the 6 illustrated embodiment of a in a respective passage 4 of the housing 2 of the thermoregulating container 1 according to 1 until 3 arranged valve element 5, the latter is in turn made of foamed or compact two-way shape memory polymer programmed in such a way that it is in its first form (in the 6 Left; the valve element 5 is closed and closes the passage 4 in the manner of a plug) has a closed cross section, so that gas exchange through the passage 4 is largely prevented in order to ensure a relatively low heat transfer coefficient or a relatively high heat transfer resistance, whereas in its second form (in the 6 right; the valve element 5 is open and partially exposes the passage 4 for the purpose of a convective gas exchange through the passage 4, as is in turn indicated by a wavy arrow symbolizing the heat flow), one (or more) flow channel 8 passing through the valve element 5 which enables gas to pass through and consequently offers a relatively high thermal transmittance coefficient or a relatively low thermal transmittance resistance.

In the 7 is a schematic temperature diagram to illustrate a possible coordination of the switching temperatures of the two-way shape memory polymer of the valve elements 5 (cf. the 4 until 6 ) on the melting and crystallization temperature of the phase change material of the latent heat storage 3 (see 1 until 3 ) while ensuring protection of the in the housing 2 The object G contained in the thermoregulating container 1 before hypothermia is shown as an example.

• - eine erste Schalttemperatur T_Schalt-1, bei welcher es aus seiner zweiten Form (das Ventilelement 5 ist geöffnet und gibt den Durchlass 4 des Gehäuses 2 zumindest teilweise frei) in seine erste Form (das Ventilelement 5 ist geschlossen und verschließt den Durchlass 4 des Gehäuses 2 im Wesentlichen) überführt wird, welche größer ist als die Kristallisationstemperatur T_Krist-PCM des Phasenwechselmaterials, und
• - eine gegenüber der ersten Schalttemperatur T_Schalt-1 höhere zweite Schalttemperatur T_Schalt-2, bei welcher das Ventilelement 5 aus seiner ersten Form (das Ventilelement 5 ist geschlossen und verschließt den Durchlass 4 des Gehäuses 2 im Wesentlichen) in seine zweite Form (das Ventilelement 5 ist geöffnet und gibt den Durchlass 4 des Gehäuses 2 zumindest teilweise frei) überführt wird,

aufweist. Während die erste Schalttemperatur T_Schalt-1 des Zweiwege-Formgedächtnispolymers des Ventilelementes 5, bei welcher letzteres aus seiner zweiten Form in seine erste Form überführt wird, im metastabilen Unterkühlungsbereich ΔT_U-PCM des Phasenwechselmaterials, also zwischen dessen Kristallisationstemperatur T_Krist-PCM und dessen Schmelztemperatur T_Schmelz-PCM liegt, ist die zweite Schalttemperatur T_Schalt-2 des Zweiwege-Formgedächtnispolymers, bei welcher das Ventilelement 5 aus seiner ersten Form in seine zweite Form überführt wird, im vorliegenden Fall (etwas) geringer als die Schmelztemperatur T_Schmelz-PCM des Phasenwechselmaterials des Latentwärmespeichers 3, kann aber auch demgegenüber (etwas) höher oder hiermit im Wesentlichen identisch sein. Darüber hinaus sei darauf hingewiesen, dass die in der 7 schematisch angedeutete Temperaturskala nicht maßstabsgetreu sein muss, wobei die Temperaturdifferenz zwischen der Kristallisationstemperatur T_Krist-PCM und der Schmelztemperatur T_Schmelz-PCM des Phasenwechselmaterials, d.h. sein metastabiler Unterkühlungsbereich ΔT_U-PCM, insbesondere sehr klein sein kann, wenn der in dem Gehäuse 2 aufgenommene Gegenstand G beispielweise auf einer möglichst diskreten Soll-Temperatur gehalten werden soll, indem dem Phasenwechselmaterial z.B. ein Keimbildner zugesetzt ist, um den metastabilen Unterkühlungsbereich ΔT_U-PCM zu verkleinern, wie es weiter oben im Einzelnen beschrieben ist.Like in the 7 recognizable, in such a case it can be provided that the two-way shape memory polymer of the valve element 5

• - a first switching temperature T _Schalt-1 , at which it moves from its second form (the valve element 5 is open and at least partially exposes the passage 4 of the housing 2) into its first form (the valve element 5 is closed and closes the passage 4 of the Housing 2 essentially) is transferred, which is greater than the crystallization temperature T _Krist-PCM of the phase change material, and
• - a second switching temperature T _switching-2 , which is higher than the first switching temperature T _switching-1 , at which the valve element 5 changes from its first form (the valve element 5 is closed and essentially closes the passage 4 of the housing 2) into its second form (the Valve element 5 is opened and at least partially exposes the passage 4 of the housing 2).

having. While the first switching temperature T _Schalt-1 of the two-way shape memory polymer of the valve element 5, in which the latter is transferred from its second shape to its first shape, in the metastable supercooling region ΔT _U-PCM of the phase change material, i.e. between its crystallization temperature T _Krist-PCM and its Melting temperature T _melt-PCM is, the second switching temperature T _switching-2 of the two-way shape memory polymer, at which the valve element 5 is transferred from its first shape to its second shape, is (slightly) lower in the present case than the melting temperature T _melt-PCM of the phase change material of the latent heat storage 3, but can also be (slightly) higher or essentially identical to this. In addition, it should be noted that the 7 The temperature scale indicated schematically does not have to be true to scale, whereby the temperature difference between the crystallization temperature T _Krist-PCM and the melting temperature T _Melt-PCM of the phase change material, ie its metastable subcooling region ΔT _U-PCM , can in particular be very small if it is accommodated in the housing 2 Object G, for example, should be kept at a target temperature that is as discrete as possible by adding a nucleating agent to the phase change material, for example, in order to reduce the metastable supercooling region ΔT _U-PCM , as described in detail above.

• Sinkt die Temperatur in dem Gehäuse 2, wie beispielsweise während der Nacht, auf die Kristallisationstemperatur T_Krist-PCM des Phasenwechselmaterials ab, so kristallisiert das Phasenwechselmaterial exotherm und gibt die Wärme an den Innenraum des Gehäuses 2 ab, so dass der hierin befindliche Gegenstand G nicht unterkühlt wird. Die oberhalb der Kristallisationstemperatur T_Krist-PCM des Phasenwechselmaterials gelegene erste Schalttemperatur T_Schalt-1 des Zweiwege-Formgedächtnispolymers des Ventilelementes 5 stellt dabei sicher, dass das Ventilelement 5 den Durchlass 4 des Gehäuses 2 verschließt und die Kristallisationswärme des Phasenwechselmaterials nicht an die Umgebung entweicht (das Zweiwege-Formgedächtnispolymer befindet sich in seiner „ersten Form“). Steigt die Umgebungstemperatur, wie beispielsweise an dem darauffolgenden Tag, dann wieder an, so wird das Ventilelement 5 geöffnet, sobald das Zweiwege-Formgedächtnispolymer seine zweite Schalttemperatur T_Schalt-2 erreicht hat (das Zweiwege-Formgedächtnispolymer befindet sich nun in seiner „zweiten Form“, in welcher das Ventilelement 5 den Durchlass 4 des Gehäuses 2 zumindest teilweise freigibt). Umgebungswärme vermag nun in den Innenraum des Gehäuses 2 einzudringen und das Phasenwechselmaterial aufzuschmelzen - der Latentwärmespeicher wird „aufgeladen“ -, sobald die Temperatur im Innenraum des Gehäuses 2 die Schmelztemperatur T_Schmelz-PCM des Phasenwechselmaterials erreicht hat. Sinkt die Temperatur sodann wieder ab, wie beispielsweise in der darauffolgenden Nacht, so wird der Durchlass 4 des Gehäuses 2 wieder mittels des Ventilelementes 5 verschlossen, sobald das Zweiwege-Formgedächtnispolymer seine erste Schalttemperatur T_Schalt-1 erreicht hat (das Zweiwege-Formgedächtnispolymer befindet sich wieder in seiner „ersten Form“, in welcher das Ventilelement 5 den Durchlass des Gehäuses 2 verschließt). Sinkt die Temperatur im Innern des Gehäuses 2 dann wieder auf die Kristallisationstemperatur T_Krist-PCM des Phasenwechselmaterials des Latentwärmespeichers 3 ab, so kristallisiert dieses abermals exotherm und der obige Zyklus beginnt von neuem. In Abhängigkeit von den herrschenden Temperaturen ist dieser Zyklus praktisch beliebig oft und insbesondere energieautark wiederholbar.

In the case of such coordination of the switching temperatures T _Schalt-1 , T _Schalt-2 of the two-way shape memory polymer of the valve element 5 to the crystallization temperature T _Crystal-PCM (and the melting temperature T _Melt-PCM ) of the phase change material of the latent heat storage 3, it is possible to use the in to keep the object G accommodated in the housing 2 of the thermoregulating container 1 at a target temperature which does not fall below the crystallization temperature T _Krist-PCM of the phase change material:

• If the temperature in the housing 2 drops to the crystallization temperature T _Krist-PCM of the phase change material, for example during the night, the phase change material crystallizes exothermically and releases the heat to the interior of the housing 2, so that the object G located therein does not is hypothermic. The first switching temperature T switching _-1 of the two-way shape memory polymer of the valve element 5, which is above the crystallization temperature T _Krist-PCM of the phase change material, ensures that the valve element 5 closes the passage 4 of the housing 2 and the heat of crystallization of the phase change material does not escape to the environment ( the two-way shape memory polymer is in its “first form”). If the ambient temperature then rises again, for example on the following day, the valve element 5 is opened as soon as the two-way shape memory polymer has reached its second switching temperature T _Schalt-2 (the two-way shape memory polymer is now in its “second form”) , in which the valve element 5 at least partially opens the passage 4 of the housing 2). Ambient heat can now penetrate into the interior of the housing 2 and melt the phase change material - the latent heat storage is "charged" - as soon as the temperature in the interior of the housing 2 has reached the melting temperature T _{melting PCM} of the phase change material. If the temperature then drops again, for example the following night, the passage 4 of the housing 2 is closed again by means of the valve element 5 as soon as the two-way shape memory polymer has reached its first switching temperature T _Schalt-1 (the two-way shape memory polymer is located again in its “first form”, in which the valve element 5 closes the passage of the housing 2). If the temperature inside the housing 2 then drops again to the crystallization temperature T _Krist-PCM of the phase change material of the latent heat storage 3, it crystallizes exothermically again and the above cycle begins again. In dependence of Given the prevailing temperatures, this cycle can be repeated practically as often as desired and, in particular, in an energy-self-sufficient manner.

In the 8th is a opposite of the 7 alternative schematic temperature diagram to illustrate a further possible adjustment of the switching temperatures of the two-way shape memory polymer of the valve elements 5 (cf. the 4 until 6 ) on the melting and crystallization temperature of the phase change material of the latent heat storage 3 (see 1 until 3 ) is shown as an example to ensure protection of the object G contained in the housing 2 of the thermoregulating container 1 from hypothermia. Opposite the 7 the embodiment differs 8th in particular, on the one hand, in that the crystallization temperature _TKrist-PCM and the melting temperature T _melt-PCM can be relatively close to one another or even almost identical, which is achieved by selecting a corresponding phase change material with a very narrow metastable subcooling range ΔT _U-PCM or by reducing the metastable subcooling range ΔT _U-PCM of the phase change material can be done, for example by adding a nucleating agent as described above. On the other hand, the embodiment differs according to 8th from that of 7 in that both switching temperatures T _switching-1 , T _switching-2 of the two-way shape memory polymer of the valve element 5 are greater than the crystallization temperature T _crystal-PCM and the melting temperature T _melt-PCM of the phase change material.

If the temperature in the housing 2, for example during the night, drops to the crystallization temperature T _Krist-PCM of the phase change material in such a case, the phase change material crystallizes exothermically and releases the heat to the interior of the housing 2, so that the Object G located is not supercooled. The first switching temperature T _switching-1 of the two-way shape memory polymer of the valve element 5, which is above the crystallization temperature T _Krist-PCM as well as the melting temperature T _melt-PCM of the phase change material, ensures that the valve element 5 closes the passage 4 of the housing 2 and the heat of crystallization of the phase change material does not escape into the environment (the two-way shape memory polymer is in its “first form”). If the ambient temperature then rises again, for example on the following day, the valve element 5 is opened as soon as the two-way shape memory polymer has reached its second switching temperature T _Schalt-2 (the two-way shape memory polymer is now in its “second form”) , in which the valve element 5 at least partially opens the passage 4 of the housing 2). Ambient heat can now penetrate into the interior of the housing 2 and melt the phase change material - the latent heat storage is "charged" - as long as the temperature in the interior of the housing 2 has still reached the melting temperature T _{melting PCM} of the phase change material. If the temperature then drops again, for example the following night, the passage 4 of the housing 2 is closed again by means of the valve element 5 as soon as the two-way shape memory polymer has reached its first switching temperature T _Schalt-1 (the two-way shape memory polymer is located again in its “first form”, in which the valve element 5 closes the passage of the housing 2). If the temperature inside the housing 2 then drops again to the crystallization temperature T _Krist-PCM of the phase change material of the latent heat storage 3, it crystallizes exothermically again and the above cycle begins again. Depending on the prevailing temperatures, this cycle can be repeated practically as often as you like and, in particular, in an energy self-sufficient manner.

In the 9 is a schematic temperature diagram to illustrate a possible coordination of the switching temperatures of the two-way shape memory polymer of the valve elements 5 (cf. the 4 until 6 ) on the melting and crystallization temperature of the phase change material of the latent heat storage 3 (see 1 until 3 ) is shown as an example to ensure protection of the object G contained in the housing 2 of the thermoregulating container 1 from overheating.

• - eine erste Schalttemperatur T_Schalt-1, bei welcher es aus seiner zweiten Form (das Ventilelement 5 ist geöffnet und gibt den Durchlass 4 des Gehäuses 2 zumindest teilweise frei) in seine erste Form (das Ventilelement 5 ist geschlossen und verschließt den Durchlass 4 des Gehäuses 2 im Wesentlichen) überführt wird, welche kleiner ist als die Schmelztemperatur T_Schmelz-PCM des Phasenwechselmaterials, und
• - eine gegenüber der ersten Schalttemperatur T_Schalt-1 geringere zweite Schalttemperatur T_Schalt-2, bei welcher es aus seiner ersten Form (das Ventilelement 5 ist geschlossen und verschließt den Durchlass 4 des Gehäuses 2 im Wesentlichen) in seine zweite Form (das Ventilelement 5 ist geöffnet und gibt den Durchlass 4 des Gehäuses 2 zumindest teilweise frei) überführt wird,

aufweist. Während die erste Schalttemperatur T_Schalt-1 des Zweiwege-Formgedächtnispolymers des Ventilelementes 5, bei welcher letzteres aus seiner zweiten Form in seine erste Form überführt wird, im metastabilen Unterkühlungsbereich ΔT_U-PCM des Phasenwechselmaterials, also zwischen dessen Kristallisationstemperatur T_Krist-PCM und dessen Schmelztemperatur T_Schmelz-PCM liegt, ist die zweite Schalttemperatur T_Schalt-2 des Zweiwege-Formgedächtnispolymers, bei welcher das Ventilelement 5 aus seiner ersten Form in seine zweite Form überführt wird, im vorliegenden Fall (etwas) größer als die Kristallisationstemperatur T_Krist-PCM des Phasenwechselmaterials des Latentwärmespeichers 3, kann aber auch demgegenüber (etwas) geringer oder hiermit im Wesentlichen identisch sein. Darüber hinaus sei wiederum darauf hingewiesen, dass die in der 9 schematisch angedeutete Temperaturskala nicht maßstabsgetreu sein muss, wobei die Temperaturdifferenz zwischen der Kristallisationstemperatur T_Krist-PCM und der Schmelztemperatur T_Schmelz-PCM des Phasenwechselmaterials, d.h. sein metastabiler Unterkühlungsbereich ΔT_U-PCM, insbesondere sehr klein sein kann, wenn der in dem Gehäuse 2 aufgenommene Gegenstand G beispielweise auf einer möglichst diskreten Soll-Temperatur gehalten werden soll, indem dem Phasenwechselmaterial z.B. ein Keimbildner zugesetzt ist, um den metastabilen Unterkühlungsbereich ΔT_U-PCM zu verkleinern, wie es weiter oben im Einzelnen beschrieben ist.Like in the 9 recognizable, in such a case it can be provided that the two-way shape memory polymer of the valve element 5

• - a first switching temperature T _Schalt-1 , at which it moves from its second form (the valve element 5 is open and at least partially exposes the passage 4 of the housing 2) into its first form (the valve element 5 is closed and closes the passage 4 of the Housing 2 essentially) is transferred, which is smaller than the melting temperature T _melt-PCM of the phase change material, and
• - a second switching temperature T _switching-2 , which is lower than the first switching temperature T _switching-1 , in which it comes out of its first form (the valve element 5 is closed and closes the passage 4 of the housing 2 essentially) is transferred into its second form (the valve element 5 is open and at least partially exposes the passage 4 of the housing 2),

having. While the first switching temperature T _Schalt-1 of the two-way shape memory polymer of the valve element 5, in which the latter is transferred from its second shape to its first shape, in the metastable supercooling region ΔT _U-PCM of the phase change material, i.e. between its crystallization temperature T _Krist-PCM and its Melting temperature T _melt-PCM is, the second switching temperature T _switching-2 of the two-way shape memory polymer, at which the valve element 5 is transferred from its first shape to its second shape, is in the present case (slightly) greater than the crystallization temperature T _crystal-PCM of the phase change material of the latent heat storage 3, but can also be (slightly) lower or essentially identical to this. In addition, it should be noted that in the 9 The temperature scale indicated schematically does not have to be true to scale, whereby the temperature difference between the crystallization temperature T _Krist-PCM and the melting temperature T _Melt-PCM of the phase change material, ie its metastable subcooling region ΔT _U-PCM , can in particular be very small if it is accommodated in the housing 2 Object G, for example, should be kept at a target temperature that is as discrete as possible by adding a nucleating agent to the phase change material, for example, in order to reduce the metastable supercooling region ΔT _U-PCM , as described in detail above.

• Steigt die Temperatur in dem Gehäuse 2, wie beispielsweise während des Tags und/oder unter Sonneneinstrahlung, auf die Schmelztemperatur T_Schmelz-PCM des Phasenwechselmaterials an, so schmilzt das Phasenwechselmaterial endotherm und nimmt die Wärme in dem Innenraum des Gehäuses 2 auf, so dass der hierin befindliche Gegenstand G nicht überhitzt wird. Die unterhalb der Schmelztemperatur T_Schmelz-PCM des Phasenwechselmaterials gelegene erste Schalttemperatur T_Schalt-1 des Zweiwege-Formgedächtnispolymers des Ventilelementes 5 stellt dabei sicher, dass das Ventilelement 5 geschlossen worden ist und kein weiterer Wärmeeintrag aus der Umgebung in das Innere des Gehäuses 2 erfolgt (das Zweiwege-Formgedächtnispolymer befindet sich in seiner „ersten Form“, in welcher das Ventilelement 5 den Durchlass 4 des Gehäuses 2 verschließt). Sinkt die Umgebungstemperatur, wie beispielsweise in der darauffolgenden Nacht, dann wieder ab, so wird das Ventilelement 5 geöffnet, sobald das Zweiwege-Formgedächtnispolymer seine zweite Schalttemperatur T_Schalt-2 erreicht hat (das Zweiwege-Formgedächtnispolymer befindet sich nun in seiner „zweiten Form“, in welcher das Ventilelement 5 den Durchlass 4 des Gehäuses 2 zumindest teilweise freigibt). Wärme vermag nun aus dem Innenraum des Gehäuses 2 nach außen abgeführt zu werden und das Phasenwechselmaterial kann auskristallisieren, sobald die Temperatur im Innenraum des Gehäuses 2 die Kristallisationstemperatur T_Krist-PCM des Phasenwechselmaterials erreicht hat. Steigt die Temperatur sodann wieder an, wie beispielsweise an dem darauffolgenden Tag, so wird der Durchlass 4 des Gehäuses 2 wieder mittels des Ventilelementes 5 verschlossen, sobald das Zweiwege-Formgedächtnispolymer seine erste Schalttemperatur T_Schalt-1 erreicht hat (das Zweiwege-Formgedächtnispolymer befindet sich wieder in seiner „ersten Form“, in welcher das Ventilelement 5 den Durchlass 4 des Gehäuses 2 verschließt). Steigt die Temperatur im Innern des Gehäuses 2 dann wieder auf die Schmelztemperatur T_Schmelz-PCM des Phasenwechselmaterials des Latentwärmespeichers 3 an, so schmilzt dieses abermals endotherm und der obige Zyklus beginnt von neuem. In Abhängigkeit von den herrschenden Temperaturen ist auch dieser Zyklus praktisch beliebig oft und insbesondere energieautark wiederholbar.

In the case of such coordination of the switching temperatures T _switching-1 , T _switching-2 of the two-way shape memory polymer of the valve element 5 to the melting temperature T _melt-PCM (and the crystallization temperature T _crystal-PCM ) of the phase change material of the latent heat storage 3, it is possible to use the in to keep the object G accommodated in the housing 2 of the thermoregulating container 1 at a target temperature which does not exceed the melting temperature T _{melting PCM} of the phase change material:

• If the temperature in the housing 2 rises to the melting temperature T _{melting PCM} of the phase change material, such as during the day and / or under sunlight, the phase change material melts endothermically and absorbs the heat in the interior of the housing 2, so that the Object G located therein is not overheated. The first switching temperature T _switching-1 of the two-way shape memory polymer of the valve element 5, which is below the melting temperature T _melt-PCM of the phase change material, ensures that the valve element 5 has been closed and no further heat input from the environment into the interior of the housing 2 occurs ( the two-way shape memory polymer is in its “first form” in which the valve element 5 closes the passage 4 of the housing 2). If the ambient temperature then drops again, for example the following night, the valve element 5 is opened as soon as the two-way shape memory polymer has reached its second switching temperature T _Schalt-2 (the two-way shape memory polymer is now in its “second form”) , in which the valve element 5 at least partially opens the passage 4 of the housing 2). Heat can now be dissipated from the interior of the housing 2 to the outside and the phase change material can crystallize as soon as the temperature in the interior of the housing 2 has reached the crystallization temperature T _Krist-PCM of the phase change material. If the temperature then rises again, for example on the following day, the passage 4 of the housing 2 is closed again by means of the valve element 5 as soon as the two-way shape memory polymer has reached its first switching temperature T _Schalt-1 (the two-way shape memory polymer is located again in its “first form”, in which the valve element 5 closes the passage 4 of the housing 2). If the temperature inside the housing 2 then rises again to the melting temperature T _{melting PCM} of the phase change material of the latent heat storage 3, it melts endothermically again and the above cycle begins again. Depending on the prevailing temperatures, this cycle can also be repeated practically as often as desired and, in particular, in an energy self-sufficient manner.

In the 10 is a opposite of the 9 alternative schematic temperature diagram to illustrate a further possible adjustment of the switching temperatures of the two-way shape memory polymer of the valve elements 5 (cf. the 4 until 6 ) on the melting and crystallization temperature of the phase change material of the latent heat storage 3 (see 1 until 3 ) is shown as an example to ensure protection of the object G contained in the housing 2 of the thermoregulating container 1 from hypothermia. Opposite the 9 the embodiment differs 10 in particular, on the one hand, in that the crystallization temperature T _Krist-PCM and the melting temperature T _Melt-PCM are relatively close to one another or can be almost identical, which is achieved by selecting a corresponding phase change material with a very narrow metastable subcooling range ΔT _U-PCM or by reducing the metastable Supercooling range ΔT _U-PCM of the phase change material, such as by adding a nucleating agent described above, can happen. On the other hand, the embodiment differs according to 10 from that of 9 in that both switching temperatures T _switching-1 , T _switching-2 of the two-way shape memory polymer of the valve element 5 are smaller than the crystallization temperature T _crystal-PCM and the melting temperature T _melt-PCM of the phase change material.

If the temperature in the housing 2 rises to the melting temperature T _melt-PCM of the phase change material in such a case, such as during the day and/or under sunlight, the phase change material melts endothermically and absorbs the heat in the interior of the housing 2 , so that the object G located therein is not overheated. The first switching temperature T _switching-1 of the two-way shape memory polymer of the valve element 5, which is below the melting temperature T _melt-PCM of the phase change material, ensures that the valve element 5 has been closed and no further heat input from the environment into the interior of the housing 2 occurs ( the two-way shape memory polymer is in its “first form” in which the valve element 5 closes the passage 4 of the housing 2). If the ambient temperature then drops again, for example the following night, the valve element 5 is opened as soon as the two-way shape memory polymer has reached its second switching temperature T _Schalt-2 (the two-way shape memory polymer is now in its “second form”) , in which the valve element 5 at least partially opens the passage 4 of the housing 2). Heat can now be dissipated from the interior of the housing 2 to the outside and the phase change material can crystallize if the temperature in the interior of the housing 2 has reached the crystallization temperature T _Krist-PCM of the phase change material. If the temperature then rises again, for example on the following day, the passage 4 of the housing 2 is closed again by means of the valve element 5 as soon as the two-way shape memory polymer has reached its first switching temperature T _Schalt-1 (the two-way shape memory polymer is located again in its “first form”, in which the valve element 5 closes the passage 4 of the housing 2). If the temperature inside the housing 2 then rises again to the melting temperature T _{melting PCM} of the phase change material of the latent heat storage 3, it melts endothermically again and the above cycle begins again. Depending on the prevailing temperatures, this cycle can also be repeated practically as often as desired and, in particular, in an energy self-sufficient manner.

In the 11 is a schematic temperature diagram to illustrate a possible coordination of the switching temperatures of different two-way shape memory polymers of two valve elements 5 connected in series in a respective passage 4 of the housing 2 of the thermoregulating container 1 to the melting and crystallization temperatures of two different phase change materials of different types inside the Housing 2 arranged latent heat storage 3 ensuring protection of the object G accommodated in the housing 2 of the thermoregulating container 1 from both hypothermia and overheating is shown as an example.

• - eine erste Kristallisationstemperatur T_Krist-PCMI, bei welcher das erste Phasenwechselmaterial exotherm von einem flüssigen Zustand in einen kristallinen Zustand übergeht, und
• - eine oberhalb der ersten Kristallisationstemperatur T_Krist-PCMI gelegene erste Schmelztemperatur T_Schmelz-PCMI, bei welcher das erste Phasenwechselmaterial aus dem kristallinen Zustand in den flüssigen Zustand übergeht,

aufweist, und von welchen ein zweites Phasenwechselmaterial des zweiten Latentwärmespeichers 3

• - eine zweite Kristallisationstemperatur T_Krist-PCMII, bei welcher das zweite Phasenwechselmaterial exotherm von einem flüssigen Zustand in einen kristallinen Zustand übergeht, und
• - eine oberhalb der zweiten Kristallisationstemperatur T_Krist-PCMII gelegene zweite Schmelztemperatur T_{Schmelz-PCMII}, bei welcher das zweite Phasenwechselmaterial aus dem kristallinen Zustand in den flüssigen Zustand übergeht,

aufweist. Die Temperaturintervalle einerseits zwischen der ersten Kristallisationstemperatur T_Krist-PCMI und der ersten Schmelztemperatur T_Schmelz-PCMI des ersten Phasenwechselmaterials, d.h. der metastabile Unterkühlungsbereich ΔT_U-PCMI des ersten Phasenwechselmaterials, andererseits zwischen der zweiten Kristallisationstemperatur T_Krist-PCMII und der zweiten Schmelztemperatur T_{Schmelz-PCMII} des zweiten Phasenwechselmaterials, d.h. der metastabile Unterkühlungsbereich ΔT_U-PCMII des zweiten Phasenwechselmaterials, sind dabei voneinander beabstandet, d.h. die zweite Kristallisationstemperatur T_Krist-PCMII des zweiten Phasenwechselmaterials ist größer als die erste Schmelztemperatur T_Schmelz-PCMI des ersten Phasenwechselmaterials. In such a case, it can be provided, for example, that the two different latent heat accumulators 3 arranged in the housing 2 of the thermoregulating container contain different phase change materials, of which a first phase change material of the first latent heat accumulator 3

• - a first crystallization temperature T _Krist-PCMI , at which the first phase change material changes exothermically from a liquid state to a crystalline state, and
• - a first melting temperature T melt _-PCMI located above the first crystallization temperature T Krist _-PCMI , at which the first phase change material changes from the crystalline state to the liquid state,

has, and of which a second phase change material of the second latent heat storage 3

• - a second crystallization temperature T _Krist-PCMII , at which the second phase change material changes exothermically from a liquid state to a crystalline state, and
• - a second melting temperature T melt _{-PCMII located above the second crystallization temperature T Krist -PCMII} , at which the second phase change material changes from the crystalline state to the liquid state,

having. The temperature intervals, on the one hand, between the first crystallization temperature T _Krist-PCMI and the first melting temperature T _Melt-PCMI of the first phase change material, ie the metastable subcooling region ΔT _U-PCMI of the first phase change material, and on the other hand between the second crystallization temperature T _Krist-PCMII and the second melting temperature T _{Melt -PCMII} of the second phase change materials, ie the metastable subcooling region ΔT _U-PCMII of the second phase change material, are spaced apart from one another, ie the second crystallization temperature T _Krist-PCMII of the second phase change material is greater than the first melting temperature T _melt-PCMI of the first phase change material.

• - ersten Form, in welcher das erste Ventilelement 5 den Durchlass 4 des Gehäuses 3 im Wesentlichen verschließt, und
• - einer zweiten Form, in welcher das erste Ventilelement 5 den Durchlass 4 zumindest teilweise freigibt,

rein temperaturbedingt und ohne Einwirkung von äußeren Kräfte reversibel hin und her schaltbar ist, und wobei ein zweites der beiden Ventilelemente 5 aus einem zweiten Zweiwege-Formgedächtnispolymer gebildet ist, welches derart programmiert ist, dass das zweite Ventilelement 5 zwischen einer

• - ersten Form, in welcher das zweite Ventilelement 5 den Durchlass 4 des Gehäuses 2 im Wesentlichen verschließt, und
• - einer zweiten Form, in welcher das zweite Ventilelement 5 den Durchlass 4 zumindest teilweise freigibt,

ebenfalls rein temperaturbedingt und ohne Einwirkung von äußeren Kräfte reversibel hin und her schaltbar ist. Das erste Zweiwege-Formgedächtnispolymer des ersten Ventilelementes 5 besitzt

• - eine erste Schalttemperatur T_SchaltI-1, bei welcher es aus aus seiner zweiten (das erste Ventilelement 5 ist geöffnet) Form in seine erste (das erste Ventilelement 5 ist geschlossen) Form überführt wird, und
• - eine von der ersten Schalttemperatur T_SchaltI-1 verschiedene, zweite Schalttemperatur T_SchaltI-2, bei welcher es aus seiner ersten Form (das erste Ventilelement 5 ist geschlossen) in seine zweite Form (das erste Ventilelement 5 ist geöffnet) überführt wird.

In entsprechender Weise besitzt das zweite Zweiwege-Formgedächtnispolymer des zweiten Ventilelementes 5

• - eine erste Schalttemperatur T_SchaltII-1, bei welcher es aus seiner zweiten Form (das zweite Ventilelement 5 ist geöffnet) in seine erste Form (das zweite Ventilelement 5 ist geschlossen) überführt wird, und
• - eine von der ersten Schalttemperatur T_SchaltII-1 verschiedene, zweite Schalttemperatur T_SchaltII-2, bei welcher es aus seiner ersten Form (das zweite Ventilelement 5 ist geschlossen) in seine zweite Form (das zweite Ventilelement 5 ist geöffnet) überführt wird,

aufweist. Die Temperaturintervalle einerseits zwischen den beiden Schalttemperaturen T_SchaltI-1, T_SchaltI-2 des ersten Zweiwege-Formgedächtnispolymers, andererseits zwischen den beiden Schalttemperaturen T_SchaltII-2, T_SchaltII-1 des zweiten Zweiwege-Formgedächtnispolymers sind dabei ebenfalls voneinander beabstandet, d.h. die untere Schalttemperatur T_SchaltII-2

• - im vorliegenden Fall die „zweite“ Schalttemperatur (das zweite Ventilelement 5 wird geöffnet) - des zweiten Zweiwegeformgedächtnispolymers ist größer als die obere Schalttemperatur T_SchaltI-2 - im vorliegenden Fall die „zweite“ Schalttemperatur (das erste Ventilelement 5 wird geöffnet) - des ersten Zweiwegeformgedächtnispolymers.

As already mentioned, the passages 4 of the housing 2 of the thermoregulating container 1 in this case can be both opened and closed by means of two valve elements 5 (not shown in the drawing) arranged in series, i.e. one behind the other in the direction of extension of a respective passage 4, with a first one both valve elements 5 are formed from a first two-way shape memory polymer, which is programmed such that the first valve element 5 is between a

• - first form, in which the first valve element 5 essentially closes the passage 4 of the housing 3, and
• - a second form in which the first valve element 5 at least partially opens the passage 4,

can be reversibly switched back and forth purely due to temperature and without the influence of external forces, and a second of the two valve elements 5 is formed from a second two-way shape memory polymer, which is programmed in such a way that the second valve element 5 is between one

• - first form, in which the second valve element 5 essentially closes the passage 4 of the housing 2, and
• - a second form in which the second valve element 5 at least partially opens the passage 4,

can also be switched back and forth purely depending on temperature and without the influence of external forces. The first two-way shape memory polymer of the first valve element 5 has

• - a first switching temperature T _SchaltI-1 , at which it is converted from its second (the first valve element 5 is open) form into its first (the first valve element 5 is closed) form, and
• - a second switching temperature T _SchaltI-2 that is different from the first switching temperature T _SchaltI-1 , at which it is transferred from its first form (the first valve element 5 is closed) into its second form (the first valve element 5 is open).

In a corresponding manner, the second two-way shape memory polymer of the second valve element 5

• - a first switching temperature T _SchaltII-1 , at which it is transferred from its second form (the second valve element 5 is open) into its first form (the second valve element 5 is closed), and
• - a second switching temperature T _SchaltII-2 that is different from the first switching temperature T _SchaltII-1 , at which it is converted from its first form (the second valve element 5 is closed) into its second form (the second valve element 5 is open),

having. The temperature intervals on the one hand between the two switching temperatures T _SchaltI-1 , T _SchaltI-2 of the first two-way shape memory polymer, and on the other hand between the two switching temperatures T _SchaltII-2 , T _SchaltII-1 of the second two-way shape memory polymer are also spaced apart from one another, ie the lower one Switching temperature T _{switching II-2}

• - in the present case the “second” switching temperature (the second valve element 5 is opened) - of the second two-way shape memory polymer is greater than the upper switching temperature T _SchaltI-2 - in the present case the “second” switching temperature (the first valve element 5 is opened) - of first two-way shape memory polymer.

• - eine erste Schalttemperatur T_SchaltI-1, bei welcher es aus seiner zweiten Form (das erste Ventilelement 5 ist geöffnet) in seine erste Form (das erste Ventilelement 5 ist geschlossen) überführt wird, welche größer ist als die Kristallisationstemperatur T_Krist-PCMI des ersten Phasenwechselmaterials, und
• - eine gegenüber der ersten Schalttemperatur T_SchaltI-1 höhere zweite Schalttemperatur T_SchaltI-2, bei welcher es aus seiner ersten Form (das erste Ventilelement 5 ist geschlossen) in seine zweite Form (das erste Ventilelement 5 ist geöffnet) überführt wird,

besitzt, und dass andererseits das zweite Zweiwege-Formgedächtnispolymer des zweiten Ventilelementes 5

• - eine erste Schalttemperatur T_SchaltII-1, in welcher es aus seiner zweiten Form (das zweite Ventilelement 5 ist geöffnet) in seine erste Form (das zweite Ventilelement 5 ist geschlossen) überführt wird, welche kleiner ist als die Schmelztemperatur T_{Schmelz-PCMII} des zweiten Phasenwechselmaterials, und
• - eine gegenüber der ersten Schalttemperatur T_SchaltII-1 geringere zweite Schalttemperatur T_SchaltII-2, bei welcher es aus seiner ersten Form (das zweite Ventilelement 5 ist geschlossen) in seine zweite Form (das zweite Ventilelement 5 ist geöffnet) überführt wird,

besitzt. Zumindest die erste Schalttemperatur T_SchaltI-1 des ersten Zweiwege-Formgedächtnispolymers des ersten Ventilelementes 5 liegt im Falle der 11 im metastabilen Unterkühlungsbereich ΔT_U-PCMI des ersten Phasenwechselmaterials, und zumindest die erste Schalttemperatur T_SchaltII-1 des zweiten Zweiwege-Formgedächtnispolymers des zweiten Ventilelementes 5 liegt im Falle der 11 im metastabilen Unterkühlungsbereich ΔT_U-PCMII des zweiten Phasenwechselmaterials, so dass die Kombination aus dem ersten Zweiwege-Formgedächtnispolymer des ersten Ventilelementes 5 und dem ersten Phasenwechselmaterial des ersten Latentwärmespeichers weitgehend jener gemäß der 7 entspricht, während die Kombination aus dem zweiten Zweiwege-Formgedächtnispolymer des zweiten Ventilelementes 5 und dem zweiten Phasenwechselmaterial des zweiten Latentwärmespeichers weitgehend jener gemäß der 9 entspricht.The switching temperatures T _SchaltI-1 , T _SchaltI-2 of the first two-way shape memory polymer of the first valve element 5 and the switching temperatures T _SchaltII-2 , T _SchaltII-1 of the second two-way shape memory polymer of the second valve element 5 are now based on the melting T _{melting -PCMI} and crystallization temperature T _Krist-PCMI of the first phase change material of the first latent heat storage 3 as well as to the melting T _{melting PCMII} and crystallization temperature T _Krist-PCMII of the second phase change material of the second latent heat storage 3, on the one hand, the first two-way shape memory polymer of the first valve element 5

• - a first switching temperature T _SchaltI-1 , at which it is transferred from its second form (the first valve element 5 is open) into its first form (the first valve element 5 is closed), which is greater than the crystallization temperature T _Krist-PCMI of the first phase change material, and
• - a second switching temperature T _SchaltI-2 , which is higher than the first switching temperature T _SchaltI-1 , at which it is transferred from its first form (the first valve element 5 is closed) into its second form (the first valve element 5 is open),

has, and that on the other hand the second two-way shape memory polymer of the second valve element 5

• - a first switching temperature T _SchaltII-1 , in which it is transferred from its second form (the second valve element 5 is open) into its first form (the second valve element 5 is closed), which is smaller than the melting temperature T _{melting PCMII} of the second phase change material, and
• - a second switching temperature T _SchaltII-2 that is lower than the first switching temperature T _SchaltII-1 , at which it is transferred from its first form (the second valve element 5 is closed) into its second form (the second valve element 5 is open),

owns. At least the first switching temperature T _SchaltI-1 of the first two-way shape memory polymer of the first valve element 5 is in the case of 11 in the metastable supercooling region ΔT _U-PCMI of the first phase change material, and at least the first switching temperature T _SchaltII-1 of the second two-way shape memory polymer of the second valve element 5 is in the case of 11 in the metastable supercooling region ΔT _U-PCMII of the second phase change material, so that the combination of the first two-way shape memory polymer of the first valve element 5 and the first phase change material of the first latent heat storage is largely that according to 7 corresponds, while the combination of the second two-way shape memory polymer of the second valve element 5 and the second phase change material of the second latent heat storage largely corresponds to that according to 9 corresponds.

• Sinkt die Temperatur in dem Gehäuse 2, wie beispielsweise während der Nacht, unterhalb die Kristallisationstemperatur T_Krist-PCMI des ersten Phasenwechselmaterials ab, so kristallisiert das erste Phasenwechselmaterial exotherm und gibt die Wärme an den Innenraum des Gehäuses 2 ab, so dass der hierin befindliche Gegenstand G nicht unterkühlt wird. Die oberhalb der Kristallisationstemperatur T_Krist-PCMI des ersten Phasenwechselmaterials gelegene erste Schalttemperatur T_Schalt-I1 des ersten Zweiwege-Formgedächtnispolymers des ersten Ventilelementes 5 stellt dabei sicher, dass das erste Ventilelement 5 den Durchlass 4 des Gehäuses 2 verschließt und die Kristallisationswärme des ersten Phasenwechselmaterials nicht an die Umgebung entweicht (das erste Zweiwege-Formgedächtnispolymer befindet sich in seiner „ersten Form“). Steigt die Umgebungstemperatur, wie beispielsweise an dem darauffolgenden Tag, dann wieder an, so wird das erste Ventilelement 5 geöffnet, sobald das erste Zweiwege-Formgedächtnispolymer seine zweite Schalttemperatur T_SchaltI-2 erreicht hat (das erste Zweiwege-Formgedächtnispolymer befindet sich nun in seiner „zweiten Form“, in welcher das erste Ventilelement 5 den Durchlass 4 des Gehäuses 2 zumindest teilweise freigibt). So lange die erste Schalttemperatur T_SchaltII-1 des zweiten Zweiwege-Formgedächtnispolymers des zweiten Ventilelementes 5 noch nicht erreicht worden ist und sich letzteres in seiner Öffnungsstellung befindet, vermag Umgebungswärme nun in den Innenraum des Gehäuses 2 einzudringen und das erste Phasenwechselmaterial aufzuschmelzen - der erste Latentwärmespeicher wird „aufgeladen“ -, sobald die Temperatur im Innenraum des Gehäuses 2 die Schmelztemperatur T_Schmelz-PCMI des ersten Phasenwechselmaterials erreicht hat.

In the case of such coordination of the switching temperatures T _{switching I1} , T _{switching I2} , T _{switching II2} , T _{switching II1} of the two different two-way shape memory polymers of the series-connected valve elements 5 to the crystallization temperatures T _Krist-PCMI , T _Krist-PCMII or on the melting temperatures T _melt-PCMI , T _melt-PCMII of the two different phase change materials of the latent heat storage 3, it is possible to keep the object G accommodated in the housing 2 of the thermoregulating container 1 at a target temperature which is neither the crystallization temperature T _Krist-PCMI of the first phase change material of the first latent heat storage 3 still falls below the melting temperature T _Melt-PCMII of the second phase change material of the second latent heat storage 3:

• If the temperature in the housing 2 drops below the crystallization temperature T _Krist-PCMI of the first phase change material, such as during the night, the first phase change material crystallizes exothermically and releases the heat to the interior of the housing 2, so that the object located therein G is not overcooled. The first switching temperature T _{switching I1} of the first two-way shape memory polymer of the first valve element 5, which is above the crystallization temperature T _Krist-PCMI of the first phase change material, ensures that the first valve element 5 closes the passage 4 of the housing 2 and the heat of crystallization of the first phase change material does not escapes into the environment (the first two-way shape memory polymer is in its “first form”). If the ambient temperature then rises again, for example on the following day, the first valve element 5 is opened as soon as the first two-way shape memory polymer has reached its second switching temperature T _SchaltI-2 (the first two-way shape memory polymer is now in its “ second form”, in which the first valve element 5 at least partially opens the passage 4 of the housing 2). As long as the first switching temperature T _SchaltII-1 of the second two-way shape memory polymer of the second valve element 5 has not yet been reached and the latter is in its open position, ambient heat can now penetrate into the interior of the housing 2 and melt the first phase change material - the first latent heat storage is “charged” - as soon as the temperature in the interior of the housing 2 has reached the melting temperature T _{melting PCMI} of the first phase change material.

If the temperature in the housing 2 now rises further up to the melting temperature T _melt-PCMII of the second phase change material, the second phase change material also melts endothermically and absorbs the heat in the interior of the housing 2, so that the object G located therein does not overheat becomes. The first switching temperature T _SchaltII-1 of the second two-way shape memory polymer of the second valve element 5, which is below the melting temperature T _melt-PCMII of the second phase change material, ensures that the second valve element 5 has been closed and no other one Heat is introduced from the environment into the interior of the housing 2 (the second two-way shape memory polymer is in its “first form”, in which the second valve element 5 closes the passage 4 of the housing 2). If the ambient temperature then drops again, for example the following night, the second valve element 5 is opened as soon as the second two-way shape memory polymer has reached its second switching temperature T _SchaltII-2 (the second two-way shape memory polymer is now in its “ second form”, in which the second valve element 5 at least partially releases the passage 4 of the housing 2). As long as the first switching temperature T _SchaltI-1 of the first two-way shape memory polymer of the first valve element 5 has not yet been reached and the latter is in its open position, heat can now be dissipated from the interior of the housing 2 to the outside and the second phase change material can crystallize as soon as the temperature in the interior of the housing 2 has reached the crystallization temperature T _Krist-PCMII of the second phase change material.

If the temperature drops further, the passage 4 of the housing 2 is closed again by means of the first valve element 5 as soon as the first two-way shape memory polymer has reached its first switching temperature T _SchaltI-1 (the first two-way shape memory polymer is again in its “first Form “in which the first valve element 5 closes the passage of the housing 2). If the temperature inside the housing 2 then drops again to the crystallization temperature T _Krist-PCMI of the first phase change material of the first latent heat storage 3, it crystallizes exothermically again and the above cycle begins again. Depending on the prevailing temperatures, this cycle or sub-cycles thereof can be repeated practically any number of times and, in particular, in an energy self-sufficient manner.

In the 12 is a opposite of the 11 alternative schematic temperature diagram to illustrate a possible coordination of the switching temperatures of different two-way shape memory polymers of two valve elements 5 connected in series in a respective passage 4 of the housing 2 of the thermoregulating container 1 to the melting and crystallization temperatures of two different phase change materials of different types inside the housing 2 arranged latent heat storage 3 ensuring protection of the object G accommodated in the housing 2 of the thermoregulating container 1 from both hypothermia and overheating is shown as an example. Opposite the 11 the embodiment differs 12 in particular, on the one hand, in that both the crystallization temperature T _Krist-PCMI and the melting temperature T _melt-PCMI of the first phase change material as well as the crystallization temperature T _Krist-PCMII and the melting temperature T _melt-PCMII of the second phase change material are relatively close to one another or can be almost identical , which is achieved by selecting a corresponding first or second phase change material with a very narrow metastable subcooling range ΔT _U-PCMI , ΔT _U-PCMII or by reducing the metastable subcooling ranges ΔT _U-PCMI , ΔT _U-PCMII of the phase change materials, such as by a further Addition of a nucleating agent described above can happen. On the other hand, the embodiment differs according to 12 from that of 11 in that, on the one hand, both switching temperatures T _SchaltI-1 , T _SchaltI-2 of the first two-way shape memory polymer of the first valve element 5 are greater than the crystallization temperature T _Krist-PCMI and the melting temperature T _melt-PCMI of the first phase change material, and on the other hand both switching temperatures T _{SchaltII- 11} T _SchaltII-2 of the second two-way shape memory polymer of the second valve element 5 are smaller than the crystallization temperature T _Krist-PCMII and the melting temperature T _melt-PCMII of the second phase change material, both switching temperatures T _SchaltI-1 , T _SchaltI-2 of the first two-way Shape memory polymer are also smaller than both switching temperatures T _SchaltII-1 , T _SchaltII-2 of the second two-way shape memory polymer. While the combination of the first two-way shape memory polymer of the first valve element 5 and the first phase change material of the first latent heat storage is largely that according to 8th corresponds, the combination of the second two-way shape memory polymer of the second valve element 5 and the second phase change material of the second latent heat storage largely corresponds to that according to 10 .

The function of such a thermoregulating container 1 largely corresponds to that described above with reference to 11 is explained.

Claims (21)

Thermoregulating container (1) with a heat-insulating housing (2) for holding objects (G) to be kept in a target temperature range and with at least one latent heat storage (3) arranged in the housing (2), which contains at least one phase change material - a crystallization temperature (T _Krist-PCM ) at which the phase change material changes exothermically from a fluid state to a crystalline state, and - a melting temperature (T melt _-PCM ) above the crystallization temperature (T _Krist-PCM ) at which the phase change material from the crystalline state into the fluid state, characterized in that the housing (2) has at least one passage (4) which can be both opened and closed by means of at least one valve element (5), the valve element (5) and / or an actuating element thereof contains or is formed entirely from at least one two-way shape memory polymer, which is programmed such that the valve element (5) and / or the actuating element thereof between - a first form in which the valve element (5) the passage (4) of the housing (2) essentially closes, and - a second form in which the valve element (5) at least partially opens the passage (4) of the housing (2) and can be reversibly switched back and forth, wherein the at least one Two-way shape memory polymer of the valve element (5) and / or the actuating element at least - a first switching temperature (T _Schalt-1 ), at which it is transferred from its second shape to its first shape, and - one of the first switching temperature (T _{Schalt- 1} ) has different, second switching temperatures (T _Schalt-2 ), at which it is converted from its first form into its second form. Thermo-regulating container Claim 1 , characterized in that the at least one two-way shape memory polymer of the valve element (5) and / or its actuating element - a first switching temperature (T _Schalt-1 ), at which it is transferred from its second shape to its first shape, which is greater than the crystallization temperature (T _Krist-PCM ) of the phase change material, and - a second switching temperature (T _Schalt-2 ), which is higher than the first switching temperature (T _Schalt-1 ), at which it is converted from its first form into its second form. Thermo-regulating container Claim 2 , characterized in that - at least the first switching temperature (T _switching-1 ) of the at least one two-way shape memory polymer of the valve element (5) and / or its actuating element, at which it is transferred from its second shape to its first shape, between the crystallization temperature (T _Krist-PCM ) and the melting temperature (T _Melt-PCM ) of the phase change material is in its metastable supercooling region (ΔT _U-PCM ); or - both switching temperatures (T _switching-1' T _switching-2 ) of the at least one two-way shape memory polymer of the valve element (5) and/or its actuating element are greater than the crystallization temperature (T _crystal-PCM ) and the melting temperature (T _melt-PCM ) of the phase change material. Thermo-regulating container Claim 1 , characterized in that the at least one two-way shape memory polymer of the valve element (5) and / or its actuating element - a first switching temperature (T _Schalt-1 ), at which it is transferred from its second shape to its first shape, which is smaller than the melting temperature (T _melt-PCM ) of the phase change material, and - a second switching temperature (T _switching-2 ), which is lower than the first switching temperature (T _switching-1 ), at which it is converted from its first form into its second form. Thermo-regulating container Claim 4 , characterized in that - at least the first switching temperature (T _switching-1 ) of the at least one two-way shape memory polymer of the valve element (5) and / or its actuating element, at which it is transferred from its second shape to its first shape, between the crystallization temperature (T _Krist-PCM ) and the melting temperature (T _Melt-PCM ) of the phase change material is in its metastable supercooling region (ΔT _U-PCM ); or - both switching temperatures (T _switching-1 , T _switching-2 ) of the at least one two-way shape memory polymer of the valve element (5) and/or its actuating element are smaller than the crystallization temperature (T _crystal-PCM ) and the melting temperature (T _melt-PCM ) of the phase change material. Thermoregulating container according to one of the Claims 1 until 5 , characterized in that it contains at least two latent heat storage (3) arranged in the housing (2) with different phase change materials, of which a first phase change material of the first latent heat storage (3) - a first crystallization temperature (T _Krist-PCMI ), at which the first Phase change material changes exothermically from a fluid state to a crystalline state, and - a first melting temperature above the first crystallization temperature (T _Krist-PCMI ). (T _Melt-PCMI ), in which the first phase change material changes from the crystalline state to the fluid state, and of which a second phase change material of the second latent heat storage (3) - a second crystallization temperature (T _Krist-PCMII ), at which the second phase change material changes exothermically from a fluid state to a crystalline state, and - a second melting temperature (T _melt-PCMII ) located above the second crystallization temperature (T _Krist-PCMII ) at which the second phase change material changes from the crystalline state to the fluid state , wherein the first melting temperature (T _Melt-PCMI ) of the first phase change material is not equal to the second melting temperature (T _Melt-PCMI ) of the second phase change material and / or the first crystallization temperature (T _Krist-PCMI ) of the first phase change material is not equal to the second crystallization temperature (T _Krist-PCMI ) of the second phase change material is. Thermoregulating container according to one of the Claims 1 until 6 , characterized in that the housing (2) has at least one passage (4) which can be both opened and closed by means of two valve elements (5) arranged in series, a first valve element (5) of the two valve elements (5) and / or a first actuating element thereof contains or is formed entirely from at least a first two-way shape memory polymer, which is programmed in such a way that the first valve element (5) and/or its first actuating element is between a first shape in which the first valve element (5) essentially closes the passage (4) of the housing (2), and - a second form in which the first valve element (5) at least partially opens the passage (4), can be reversibly switched back and forth, and wherein a second valve element ( 5) of the two valve elements (5) and / or a second actuating element thereof contains or is formed entirely from at least a second two-way shape memory polymer, which is programmed in such a way that the second valve element (5) between a - first form, in which the second Valve element (5) essentially closes the passage (4) of the housing (2), and - a second form in which the second valve element (5) at least partially opens the passage (4), can be reversibly switched back and forth, wherein the at least a first two-way shape memory polymer of the first valve element (5) and / or its first actuating element at least - a first switching temperature (T _SchaltI-1 ), at which it is transferred from its second shape to its first shape, and - one of the first Switching temperature (T _SchaltI-1 ) has different, second switching temperature (T _SchaltI-2 ), at which it is converted from its first shape into its second shape, and wherein the at least one second two-way shape memory polymer of the second valve element (5) and / or its second actuating element at least - a first switching temperature (T _SchaltII-1 ), at which it is converted from its second form into its first form, and - a second switching temperature (T) that is different from the first switching temperature (T _SchaltII-1 ). _SchaltII-2 ), in which it is converted from its first form into its second form, wherein - the first switching temperature (T _SchaltI-1 ) of the first two-way shape memory polymer of the first valve element (5) and / or its first actuating element is unequal the first switching temperature (T _SchaltII-1 ) of the second two-way shape memory polymer of the second valve element (5) and/or its actuating element, and/or wherein - the second switching temperature (T _SchaltI-2 ) of the first two-way shape memory polymer of the first valve element ( 5) and/or its first actuating element is unequal to the second switching temperature (T _SchaltII-2 ) of the second two-way shape memory polymer of the second valve element (5) and/or its second actuating element. Thermo-regulating container Claim 7 , characterized in that (a) the at least one first two-way shape memory polymer of the first valve element (5) and / or its first actuating element has a second switching temperature (T _SchaltI-2 ) at which it transfers from its first shape to its second shape which is greater than its first switching temperature (T _SchaltI-1 ) at which it is converted from its second form into its first form; (b) the at least one second two-way shape memory polymer of the second valve element (5) and/or its second actuating element has a second switching temperature (T _SchaltII-2 ) at which it is converted from its first shape into its second shape, which is lower as its first switching temperature (T _SchaltII-1 ) at which it is transferred from its second form to its first form; and (c) the second switching temperature (T _SchaltI-2 ) of the first two-way shape memory polymer of the first valve element (5) and/or its first actuating element is lower than the second switching temperature (T _SchaltII-2 ) of the second two-way shape memory polymer of the second valve element (5) and / or its second actuating element. Thermo-regulating container according to the Claims 6 until 8th , characterized in that (a) the at least one first two-way shape memory polymer of the first valve element (5) and / or its first actuating element - a first switching temperature (T _SchaltI-1 ) at which it transfers from its second shape to its first shape which is greater than the crystallization temperature (T _Krist-PCMI ) of the first phase change material, and - a second switching temperature (T _SchaltI-2 ), which is higher than the first switching temperature (T _SchaltI-1 ), at which it changes from its first form into its is transferred to the second form; and (b) the at least one second two-way shape memory polymer of the second valve element (5) and/or its second actuating element - a first switching temperature (T _SchaltII-1 ) in which it is transferred from its second shape to its first shape, which is smaller is as the melting temperature (T _melt-PCMII ) of the second phase change material, and - a second switching temperature (T _SchaltII-2 ), which is lower than the first switching temperature (T _SchaltII-1 ), at which it is converted from its first form into its second form , having. Thermo-regulating container Claim 9 , characterized in that (a) - at least the first switching temperature (T _Schalt-I1 ) of the at least one first two-way shape memory polymer of the first valve element (5) and / or its actuating element, at which it is transferred from its second shape to its first shape is between the crystallization temperature (T _Krist-PCMI ) and the melting temperature (T _Melt-PCMI ) of the first phase change material in its metastable supercooling region (ΔT _U-PCMI ); or - both switching temperatures (T _Schalt-I1 , T _SchaltI-2 ) of the at least one first two-way shape memory polymer of the first valve element (5) and/or its actuating element are greater than the crystallization temperature (T _Krist-PCMI ) and the melting temperature (T _{Schmelz -PCMI} ) of the first phase change material; and that (b) - at least the second switching temperature (T _SchaltII-1 ) of the at least one second two-way shape memory polymer of the second valve element (5) and / or its actuating element, at which it is transferred from its first shape to its second shape, between the crystallization temperature (T _Krist-PCMII ) and the melting temperature (T _Melt-PCMII ) of the second phase change material is in its metastable undercooling region (ΔT _U-PCMII ); or - both switching temperatures (T _SchaltII-1 , T _SchaltII-2 ) of the at least one second two-way shape memory polymer of the second valve element (5) and/or its actuating element are smaller than the crystallization temperature (T _Krist-PCMII ) and the melting temperature (T _{Schmelz -PCMII} ) of the second phase change material. Thermoregulating container according to one of the Claims 1 until 10 , characterized in that the valve element (5), which contains at least one two-way shape memory polymer or is formed entirely from it, - has at least one flap, which in its first form essentially closes the passage (4) of the housing (2) and in its second form at least partially exposes the passage (4) of the housing (2); - has at least one tubular body, the cross section of which is essentially closed in its first form and at least partially open in its second form; or - in the form of a plug arranged in the passage (4) of the housing (2), which in its first form has a substantially closed cross section and essentially closes the passage (4) of the housing (2) and in its second Form has at least one flow channel (8) and partially exposes the passage (4) of the housing (2); or - is designed in the form of a plug arranged in the passage (4) of the housing (2), which in its first form has an external cross section which essentially corresponds to the internal cross section of the passage (4) and the passage (4) of the housing (2) closes and in its second form has an external cross section that is smaller than the internal cross section of the passage (4) and partially exposes the passage (4) of the housing (2). Thermoregulating container according to one of the Claims 1 until 11 , characterized in that the valve element (5) - has a flap, which by means of the actuating element, which has at least a two-way shape contains memory polymer or is formed entirely from it, in its first form it can be moved into a position in which it essentially closes the passage (4) of the housing (2), and/or in its second form it can be moved into a position in which it at least partially exposes the passage (4) of the housing (2); or - has a resiliently elastic film, which can be moved in its first form into a position in which it blocks the passage (4) of the housing (2) by means of the actuating element, which contains at least one two-way shape memory polymer or is formed entirely from it Substantially closes, and/or in its second form is elastically deformed by the actuating element in such a way that it at least partially releases the passage (4) of the housing (2). Thermoregulating container according to one of the Claims 1 until 12 , characterized in that - the latent heat storage (3) is assigned a heating device (7) in order to heat the phase change material for regeneration purposes, if necessary, at least to its melting temperature (T _melt-PCM ); and/or - a heating device is assigned to the at least one valve element (5) and/or its actuating element in order to bring the valve element (5) and/or its actuating element to at least one of its switching temperatures (T _switching-1 , T _switching-2 ), if necessary heat. Thermoregulating container according to one of the Claims 1 until 13 , characterized in that the phase change material of the latent heat storage (3) is selected from the group of salt hydrates, paraffins, esters and fatty acids. Thermoregulating container according to one of the Claims 1 until 14 , characterized in that the phase change material - is mixed with at least one additive, in particular from the group of gelling agents; and/or - is provided with antimicrobial treatment. Thermoregulating container according to one of the Claims 1 until 15 , characterized in that the metastable supercooling range (ΔT _U-PCM ) of the phase change material is reduced, in particular - the phase change material is mixed with at least one nucleating agent; and/or - the latent heat storage (3) has surface structures in contact with the phase change material; and/or - the latent heat storage (3) has at least one insert provided with surface structures that is in contact with the phase change material. Thermoregulating container according to one of the Claims 1 until 16 , characterized in that the at least one two-way shape memory polymer of the valve element (5) and / or its actuating element is a, in particular thermoplastic, polyester or polyetherurethane elastomer. Thermoregulating container according to one of the Claims 1 until 17 , characterized in that the at least one two-way shape memory polymer of the valve element (5) and / or its actuating element - is essentially not mechanically preloaded; or - is mechanically under permanent tension, the mechanical loading of at least one spring and/or the gravity of at least one surface load acting on the valve element (5) and/or its actuating element being used to generate the permanent tension. Thermoregulating container according to one of the Claims 1 until 18 , characterized in that the at least one two-way shape memory polymer of the valve element (5) and / or its actuating element contains at least one filler and / or reinforcing material, which in particular from the group of substances that absorb electromagnetic radiation, in particular based on carbon, Metals and metal oxides, - the magnetic and/or ferromagnetic substances, in particular from the group of iron, iron oxide, nickel, zinc and their alloys, - the nanoclays, in particular based on the carbides, nitrides and oxides of silicon, zirconium and Aluminum, and - the reinforcing fibers are selected. Thermoregulating container according to one of the Claims 1 until 19 , characterized in that the at least one two-way shape memory polymer of the valve element (5) and / or its actuating element is coated with a medium that absorbs electromagnetic radiation in the infrared and / or ultraviolet spectrum. Thermoregulating container according to one of the Claims 1 until 20 , characterized in that a ventilation device (6), in particular in the form of a blower, is assigned to the at least one passage (4) of the housing (2).

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