EP3764963A1

EP3764963A1 - Cooling pad; cooling apparatus; cooling system and method for operating a cooling pad and a cooling apparatus

Info

Publication number: EP3764963A1
Application number: EP19711282.4A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Martin Stelzle; Gorden Steve LINK; Simon Werner; Britta Hagmeyer
Original assignee: NMI Naturwissenschaftliches und Medizinisches Institut
Current assignee: NMI Naturwissenschaftliches und Medizinisches Institut
Priority date: 2018-03-12
Filing date: 2019-03-11
Publication date: 2021-01-20
Also published as: WO2019175111A1; DE102018105674B3; US20200405535A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a cooling pad (10) for use in human or veterinary medicine, comprising a first heat exchanger (20); a second heat exchanger (30); a thermal transfer fluid; a pipeline system (40); and an integrated pump device (50) for the thermal transfer fluid; the thermal transfer fluid flowing through the first heat exchanger (20) and the second heat exchanger (30); the pipeline system (40) fluidically connecting the first heat exchanger to the second heat exchanger; the pump device (50) being designed to bring about an exchange of thermal transfer fluid between the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger; the cooling pad (10) comprising a hermetically sealed fluid circuit for the thermal transfer fluid, the fluid circuit comprising the first heat exchanger, the second heat exchanger, the pipeline system and the pump device. The invention further relates to a corresponding cooling apparatus (60), to a cooling system (1) and to a corresponding method (200).

Description

cooling pad; Cooler; Cooling systems as well

Method for operating a cooling pad and a cooling device

The present invention relates to the field of medical technology and in particular a

Cooling bandage or a cooling pad, in particular for applications in human and veterinary medicine, a corresponding cooling device, and a method for operating cooling pad and cooling device.

Cooling pads or cooling bandages and cooling devices are known from the prior art.

In Germany, about 1.5 million people are injured each year by sports accidents alone. For the initial treatment of acute injuries and postoperative treatment, the application of refrigeration is used as the most important measure. Furthermore, by cooling limbs, eg hands and feet, during and after one Chemotherapy damages the tissue and the peripheral nerves are avoided.

By the action of cold on the skin and the underlying connective tissue, on the one hand, there is a constriction of the blood vessels (vasoconstriction) and a reduction of the local blood circulation. On the other hand, cell metabolism is slowed down as well as the activity of pro-inflammatory substances is inhibited, and pain transmission is delayed. The cold therapy thus causes a rapid pain relief and a local swelling of the injured tissue. The resulting faster healing process shortens the rehabilitation time and reduces the illness-related costs that may be incurred as a result of a loss of work and hospitalization.

For cold therapy, cold packs, ice bags, pre-cooled,

gelhaltige cool packs, cold compresses (cooling due to endothermic chemical reaction) or ice / cold spray used.

A disadvantage of these solutions, however, is that they are not professional

Too often cool the application too often, causing cold damage or localized frostbite in the fabric. Cold damage sometimes has the opposite effect of delaying rather than promoting healing.

Another disadvantage is that the application for long-term care of

Injuries in everyday life is very expensive, since the cooling products heat up after a short time and must be renewed. A safe, long-lasting and consistent, adequate moderate cooling effect often fails.

From US 4,962,761 is an improved cooling system with controlled

Temperature control known. The system comprises a fluid circulation and temperature control device, to which optionally different cooling pads can be connected. Thus, depending on the application, different cooling pads can be connected to the coolant center circuit. A disadvantage of this solution, however, is that the handling is complex. If handled improperly, the coolant may leak, especially when it is filled with coolant by the user or when it is connected to the coolant circuit.

From EP 0 039 443 A1 a device for cooling body parts or

Body parts known in the context of therapeutic or diagnostic measures. The device essentially consists of a support or bandage through which a heat transfer medium flows, a cooling unit and measuring and control devices for controlling the transport of heat. The bandage is connected to the supply unit or cooling unit via hoses and fluid couplings that can be closed on both sides. By connecting to the hoses of the bandage by self-locking fluid couplings, the risk of leakage is reduced. In other words, a kind of check valve is provided at the coolant transfer.

Another approach is disclosed in DE 42 19 392 A1. This is an orthopedic

Support bandage for the support of healing processes in the area of joints with stiff, the joint relieving support inserts described. On a coolant or heat transfer medium is completely eliminated. Instead, temperature-controlled electrical heating and / or cooling elements are proposed, which are arranged directly on the inside of the support bandage, in particular resistance heating foils and / or Peltier elements. However, a disadvantage of Peltier elements is that Peltier elements are not mechanically flexible and therefore can not readily be used directly in an orthosis adapted to the shape of the body. It can be associated with great effort to find a pleasant carrying position with targeted cooling.

Against this background, the present invention is based on the object

initially mentioned cooling pad and the cooling device in such a way that the handling is improved. In particular, it would be desirable to provide an improved combination cooling pad and cooling device which has disadvantages of Clearing the aforementioned cooling devices and combine their advantages.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, a (fluid-filled) cooling pad is provided, in particular for human or veterinary applications, with a first heat exchanger;

a second heat exchanger,

a heat transfer fluid;

a pipe system; and

an integrated pumping device (circulating pump) for the heat transfer fluid; wherein the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger are traversed by the heat transport fluid;

wherein the conduit system fluidly connects the first heat exchanger to the second heat exchanger;

wherein the pumping means is adapted to effect exchange of the heat transfer fluid between the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger;

wherein the cooling pad comprises a hermetically sealed fluid circuit for the heat transport fluid, wherein the fluid circuit comprises the first heat exchanger, the second heat exchanger, the conduit system and the pumping means.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, a corresponding

Cooling device especially for human or veterinary applications proposed with

a receptacle adapted to receive a heat exchanger of a cooling pad (described above);

a cooling device, in particular with a thermoelectric cooling element such as a Peltier element; wherein the cooling device is adapted to supply heat to or dissipate from the heat exchanger of the cooling pad when the heat exchanger of the cooling pad is in the receptacle. The cooling device may further comprise a drive device, which is configured to drive a pump device integrated in the cooling pad. According to a further aspect of the present invention, a cooling system with a cooling pad and a corresponding cooling device mentioned above is proposed.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a method for the

Operation of a cooling pad and a cooling device proposed, the method with the steps:

Providing the aforesaid cooling pad and the corresponding cooling device.

Inserting the second heat exchanger of the cooling pad into a receptacle of the cooling device;

Application of the first heat exchanger of the cooling pad to be cooled

Job;

Start the cooling process with the cooling device.

It is understood that the cooling device, the cooling system and method may have similar or identical corresponding developments, as described in detail below for the cooling pad according to the invention.

In the fluid-based solutions known from the prior art, there is a fluid exchange between a cooling device and a cooling pad. However, the handling of such "wet" cooling systems is problematic. In particular, untrained personnel may leak the coolant.

In contrast, the cooling pad proposed by the inventors has one itself

hermetically sealed fluid circuit. Instead of a fluid interface to an external supply device, a second heat exchanger is provided. Heat received by the first heat exchanger can in turn be delivered to a cooling device via the second heat exchanger. Consequently, the proposed cooling device does not have to have a fluid interface either. Instead, a receptacle for the second heat exchanger is provided. The cooling device of the cooling device is correspondingly designed to absorb heat from the absorbed heat. dissipate exchanger of the proposed cooling pad, if this is in the recording. It thus comes to the desired heat exchange, but without a user has to make manipulations on the fluid circuit. A transfer of cooling liquid or a heat transfer fluid between the cooling pad and the cooling device is therefore not required.

It is thus preferably provided a fully integrated, closed, fluid-filled, cooling pad. The fluid circuit is completely enclosed in the cooling pad itself. An advantage of a pre-filled cooling pad with hermetically closed fluid circuit is the simple, uncomplicated handling. It is not necessary for the user to handle coolant. In particular, the proposed cooling pad does not have a user-serviceable fluid interface. Leakage of coolant in case of improper handling can thus be avoided. This is problematical with conventional fluid-based cooling pads when connected to the coolant circuit. In order to prevent leakage in the art at most check valves are proposed. However, this is associated with additional effort and costs.

Another advantage of the proposed solution over conventional

fluid-based cooling systems can also be that the hygiene can be improved. By being able to prefill the proposed cooling pad, it is not necessary for the user to handle a coolant near the patient, possibly in the area of an open wound. Furthermore, thanks to the closed fluid circuit, the risk of cross-contamination of different patients can be avoided, which, for example, successively use the same cooling device.

Accordingly, an advantage of the proposed cooling device is that the

Cooling device only receives the heat exchanger but no direct fluid contact occurs.

Another advantage of the proposed solution can be in the simple and fast

Interchangeability of the cooling pads exist. In addition to quality, the efficiency of patient care can thus be increased. A further advantage may be that a low thermal inertia can be achieved by an optimized, preferably very low volume of fluid. This allows a quick cooling and, because of the low heat capacity, a low power consumption. Consequently, a smaller, lighter system with improved mobility is possible. Due to the spatial separation of the cooling device and the cooling pad, there is preferably no return of heat, and unwanted warming of the tissue can be avoided.

An advantage over the above-mentioned DE 42 19 392 A1, in which an electrical

Heating and / or cooling element is arranged directly on the inside of a bandage (without fluid circuit), is that the first and the second heat exchanger can be arranged spaced from each other. Thus, heat can be removed from the body parts to be cooled. DE 42 19 392 A1 shows, in the case of operation as a cooling bandage, however, no solution to the problem of heat dissipation. When using a Peltier element, the sum of heat dissipated by the tissue and supplied electrical power would have to be dissipated to the environment via a heat sink of some kind. Thus, the use is limited in particular under clothing or under an existing brace. Consequently, the solution shown in DE 42 19 392 A1 should in fact be useful only as a heat bond.

An advantage over conventional pre-cooled gel packs may be that there is no existing cooling infrastructure, such as e.g. Refrigerators or freezers, is required. In particular, the proposed cooling device can have an energy store, such as a battery or a rechargeable battery, and can therefore also be operated away from an existing cooling infrastructure.

In the context of this disclosure, the term cooling or cold treatment can generally be understood to mean a heat treatment or the bringing about of a temperature change. This can include both the supply and the removal of heat. Consequently, a cooling pad can also be used for heating in addition to cooling. The same applies to a cooling device, cooling system or method. For the sake of clarity, this discussion shortens, but without limitation, cooling. Under a pumping device, a circulating pump for the heat transfer fluid

be understood. The drive unit of the pumping device can be understood as a separate element which is preferably part of the cooling device cooperating with the cooling pad.

Preferably, the first or second heat exchanger can have a heat absorption area for receiving heat and the respective other heat exchanger can have a heat emission area for emitting heat. The cooling pad with its hermetically sealed fluid circuit for the heat transfer fluid is adapted to transfer heat between the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger. The line system serves to transfer heat between the first and the second heat exchanger, and thus the heat transfer between the body region to be cooled and the cooling device. For example, the first heat exchanger absorbs heat, the heat is transported to the second heat exchanger by means of pumping means and line system and discharged there, e.g. to a cooling device. The proposed cooling pad is thus an intermediate piece between the body region to be cooled and a cooling device arranged at a distance without, however, having to be connected to it in a fluidic manner.

Preferably, the conduit system of the cooling pad may have a flow and a return, wherein the flow fluidly connects an inlet of the first heat exchanger and an outlet of the second heat exchanger; and wherein the return fluidly interconnects an output of the first heat exchanger and an input of the second heat exchanger. Preferably, thus, a continuous circulation can be made possible.

Preferably, the pumping means may be adapted to be driven by an external drive device without execution. In other words, the pumping device preferably has no additional opening for the drive device. Thereby, the probability of leakage of the heat transport fluid can be reduced. An advantage of this embodiment may be that the cooling pad with its hermetically sealed fluid circuit is again better closed off from the outside world. The pump device preferably has no mechanical, electrical see and / or fluidic implementation. For example, no mechanical feedthrough is provided for a drive axle of the pumping device.

According to a development, the pumping device can be magnetically connected to an external

Drive device can be coupled. In particular, the pumping means may be a magnetically coupled gear pump. The power transmission can thus be carried out magnetically without implementation. Advantages of this embodiment can be high energy efficiency and increased safety. A direct connection to the drive or contact with moving parts of the pumping device is not required. It is understood that other pump types, such as a centrifugal pump or rotary lobe pump, can be used. Optionally, the pumping means may comprise an eddy current drive. The pumping device can thus be designed to be driven by means of eddy current. In particular, the pump device can be driven without execution by an eddy current drive device.

By way of example, the pump device can be a gear pump which can be driven by means of an eddy current. For example, a gear of the gear pump may comprise an element, such as a disc, in which an eddy current can be induced. For example, a gear made of a metal such as copper may be provided. Preferably, a corrosion protection may further be provided, such as a coating for a gear of copper.

The pumping means may be a peristaltic pump. A drive unit can

act peristaltically externally on the pumping device and thus cause an exchange of the heat transfer fluid between the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger. Peristaltic pumps are based on the principle of displacement by pinching in places, here, for example, squeezing the line system or the first and / or second heat exchanger or a line contained in the cooling pad. An advantage of this embodiment may consist in a very cost-effective and further implementation without execution.

The pumping device may comprise a diaphragm pump. A diaphragm pump may have a membrane covered with a membrane and an inlet and an outlet. Inlet and outlet can be closed by check valves such that during movement of the membrane (eg up and down movement) a fluid transport from

Inlet to the outlet.

Preferably, at least a part of the first heat exchanger is mechanically flexible. One

The advantage of this embodiment can be that the cooling pad can be flexibly adapted to a shape of a region to be cooled, for example a body shape or a receptacle within an orthosis. As a further advantage, the same cooling pad can be used in different application scenarios, so that the storage can be reduced.

Preferably, the first heat exchanger can be adapted to a body part to be cooled. The adaptation can take place in a variety of ways, in particular with regard to the shape, the length of the line system and / or adapted to a required heat transfer performance. Further, for example, a height can be adjusted so that the first heat exchanger can be integrated into an existing orthosis or can be worn under this.

Preferably, the cooling pad may have a diffusion-inhibiting coating. The

Coating may preferably inhibit or reduce diffusion of the heat transfer fluid. For example, the coating is water vapor-tight. An advantage of this embodiment is that the storability of pre-filled cooling pads can be improved. By way of example, the coating has at least one of a (thin) metal layer, a silicon oxide layer or multilayers of metal or inorganic thin layers.

Preferably, the cooling pad may further be configured to compensate for a fluid reservoir

Have fluid losses of the heat transfer fluid. An advantage of this embodiment may be that the functionality can be ensured even with a longer storage period. The reservoir may optionally be designed as an overpressure reservoir.

Optionally, the reservoir can be designed such that it is pressurized when used as intended in a cooling device with pressure, for example by a corresponding spring mechanism of the cooling device. Preferably, the reserve voir be thermally decoupled. For example, the reservoir can be integrated into the fluid circuit via a T-piece. Preferably, the reservoir is designed such that a pressure loss can be compensated, but does not contribute directly to the preferably low-holding heat capacity of the fluid circuit.

Preferably, the first and / or second heat exchanger bifilar arranged

Cooling loops or bifilar arranged heat transfer fluid leading heat exchanger channels have. An advantage of this embodiment may be that a more uniform temperature distribution on the skin can be achieved. The cooling loops can be arranged, for example meandering. It can always have at least two adjacent cooling loops on average the same distance from a transition of the first heat exchanger to the line system.

Preferably, heat transfer fluid-carrying fluid channels may have a semicircular channel cross-section in at least one of the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger. The fluid channels may be arranged such that the flattened side of the semicircular channel cross section faces one side of the first and / or second heat exchanger, via which heat is to be absorbed or discharged. One advantage of this embodiment can be that the largest possible contact surface with the body can be achieved with at the same time minimal / low flow resistance and / or minimal / low total volume of the heat transfer fluid.

Preferably, the first heat exchanger may have a thickness between 1 mm and 10 mm, preferably between 2 mm and 8 mm, preferably between 4 mm and 6 mm. An advantage of this embodiment may be that the arrangement is possible under an existing orthosis.

Preferably, the first heat exchanger may have a heat exchanger surface and

cooling loops lying within the heat exchanger, wherein the cooling loops or the heat transfer fluid are separated from the heat exchanger surface by a thin, thermally conductive and fluid-tight membrane. An advantage of this embodiment can exist in an efficient heat transfer between a point to be cooled and the cooling pad. Preferably, the membrane has a thickness of not more than 250 μm, preferably not more than 100 μm.

Preferably, the cooling pad may be at least partially biocompatible,

has thermally conductive, in particular as thin as possible, open-pored fabric layer, in particular in the region of a surface of the first heat exchanger. Thus, the wearing comfort can be improved even with direct skin contact and skin irritations can be avoided, with simultaneous high mechanical stability through the tissue layer.

Preferably, fluid channels in at least one of the first heat exchanger, the second heat exchanger and the conduit system may have a diameter between 2 mm and 3 mm. An advantage of this embodiment is that good heat transport properties, small thickness of the cooling pad and not too high fluid resistance are combined with each other advantageous.

Preferably, the conduit system between the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger may have a length between 2 cm and 300 cm, preferably between 5 cm and 100 cm, preferably between 10 cm or 20 cm and 50 cm.

Advantages of this embodiment can be seen in a good positionability of the first and second heat exchanger spaced from each other, while maintaining the fluid volume in the fluid circuit continues to be kept low.

Preferably, the fluid circuit may have a fluid volume between 5 ml and 100 ml,

preferably between 10 ml and 60 ml, preferably between 15 ml and 40 ml, preferably between 20 ml and 30 ml. An advantage of this solution is a quick cooling effect. By minimizing the heat capacity of the heat transfer fluid in the fluid circuit, the system allows for improved heat transfer, allowing high cooling rates, such as cooling rates of approximately 5-10 K / min. A fast response is guaranteed. Another advantage is that an efficient battery operation of the cooling device is made possible, since a lower cooling capacity is required. Furthermore, the treatment and Wearing comfort can be improved. In particular, a reduced weight may result at the treatment position. Optionally, the fluid circuit can have a fluid volume of 0.01-0.2 ml per cm ^{2 of} cooling or heat exchanger surface + optionally offset of 10 - 50 ml for the fluid volume of the supply line.

Preferably, the heat transfer fluid may comprise water and / or ethylene glycol.

Advantageously, a coolant with high heat capacity is used, since thus only a small volume of liquid or a low flow rate are required to effectively dissipate a sufficient amount of heat. As a heat transport medium or coolant, for example, water, water / ethylene glycol or the like can be used. Since the fluid circuit is hermetically sealed, a variety of coolants can be used. Since even with improper handling is not to be feared that the coolant with the patient or even to be protected open wound in contact, patient safety is increased. Furthermore, cost-effective coolant can be used.

Preferably, the cooling pad may be arranged for a heat flow between 15 mW and 100 mW, preferably between 15 mW and 80 mW, preferably between 25 mW to 65 mW per square centimeter of the area of the first heat exchanger. The inventors have recognized that such heat flows enable a particularly advantageous cooling effect. The measurement of a temperature-dependent amount of heat flow is described in Link G., Stelzle, M. "Measurement of temperature-dependent heat flow rate from human limbs toward thermoelectronic coolding device", Med. Devices Diagn. Eng., Vol. 2 (1): 72-74; 2017th

Preferably, the first heat exchanger and the conduit system can have a

have common layer structure. In particular, the first heat exchanger, the line system and also the second heat exchanger can have a common layer structure. The common layer structure may comprise: an upper cover layer,

a lower cover layer, and

an intermediate layer, in particular a foam layer, which is arranged between the upper cover layer and the lower cover layer; and wherein nals of the first heat exchanger and the conduit system, and preferably the second heat exchanger, are arranged in the intermediate layer. An advantage of this embodiment can lie in a cost-effective production. In particular, the cooling pad including line system and heat exchangers can be produced by means of lamination technology or film technology. Thanks to the hermetically sealed fluid circuit, it is not necessary to provide, for example, fluid couplings with check valves, which result in a complex production.

Optionally, a cooling pad for human or veterinary applications

be provided with a first heat exchanger and a conduit system, in particular for connecting the first heat exchanger to a cooling device, wherein the first heat exchanger and the conduit system have a common layer structure with an upper cover layer, a lower cover layer, and an intermediate layer, in particular foam layer, which disposed between the upper cover layer and the lower cover layer; and wherein fluid passages of the first heat exchanger and the conduit system are arranged in the intermediate layer. In this case, the second heat exchanger, the heat transfer fluid and the integrated pump means are optional features that may be provided but need not be provided. An advantage of this embodiment can lie in a cost-effective production of the cooling pad. Such a cooling pad may be further developed according to the further features of this disclosure. In particular, the first heat exchanger, the line system and also the second heat exchanger can have a common layer structure.

In a further development, the integrated pump device between the

(common) upper cover layer and the (common) lower cover layer to be arranged. As a result, the production can be simplified again. In particular, a tightness of the overall system can be ensured by a surrounding coating so that interfaces between heat exchangers, line system and / or pumping device can be produced simply and cost-effectively.

Preferably, the cooling device according to the second aspect may further comprise a

Temperature sensor and a controller have; the temperature sensor to is set up to detect a temperature of a cooling pad inserted into the receptacle and wherein the controller is adapted to drive the drive device and / or the cooling element as a function of (a setpoint and of) a temperature detected by the temperature sensor. Preferably, a control can be effected as a function of a set desired temperature and / or a flow and / or return temperature measured on the cooling pad. Alternatively or additionally, the cooling pad itself may have one or more temperature sensors and the controller may be configured to control the drive unit and / or the cooling element as a function of these measured values. Optionally, the cooling device may comprise a cooling device with a Peltier element. Optionally, the temperature of the Peltier element can be measured and taken into account in the control. Optionally, the cooling device may further comprise a fan, which may be controlled based on the temperature of the Peltier element.

Preferably, the controller may be configured to regulate a target temperature between 15 and 25 ° C. Optionally, the controller can be set up to regulate a given temperature profile. For example, the controller may be configured to effect cooling by 10 to 20 K with a cooling period of 10 to 15 minutes and to apply it several times a day for the first 1 to 5 days following an injury or operation.

Optionally, the cooling pad and / or the cooling device may have a telemonitoring device and / or a remote control device. An advantage of these embodiments is that the refrigeration application can be monitored and adjusted as needed.

Preferably, the cooling device may further comprise a monitoring device.

The monitoring device can be set up to match a (rotational) speed of the drive device with a power consumption of the drive device. Optionally, an error message can be output in the event of a deviation. For example, the power consumption drops when the pump is idling, for example, when the cooling pad should be leaking or not sufficiently filled, or when the drive unit is not driving the pump because the cooling pad is not or not is inserted correctly. Optionally, the monitoring device can therefore be configured alternatively or additionally to carry out a coupling test of the pumping device with the drive device. Optionally, an optical or magnetic rotational speed detection of the pump device for flow rate measurement and / or regulation can be provided.

Preferably, the monitoring device may be adapted to air bubbles in

Cooling pad to detect. For this purpose, the monitoring device can be designed as optical, capacitive and / or acoustic measuring devices. An advantage of this design is that the detection of leaks and / or underfilling can be improved. A monitoring device can protect the pump device against idling and / or be used for a controlled use of the above-mentioned fluid reservoir.

Preferably, the cooling device may be an energy storage, such as a

Have battery or an accumulator. An advantage of this embodiment is that the cooling can be done independently of a cooling infrastructure.

Further advantages will become apparent from the description and the accompanying drawings.

It is understood that the above and the still to

explanatory features are usable not only in the combination given, but also in other combinations or alone, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and are explained in more detail in the following description. Show it:

1 shows a schematic representation of a cooling pad according to an embodiment; FIG. 2 shows a schematic representation of a cooling system with a cooling pad and an opened cooling device according to a further exemplary embodiment; FIG.

3 shows a schematic representation of a cooling system with a cooling pad, a closed cooling device and an orthosis;

Fig. 4 is a schematic illustration of an application of the system of Fig. 3;

Fig. 5 is a sectional view taken along A-A in Fig. 1;

Fig. 6 is a sectional view taken along B-B in Fig. 1;

7 is a schematic representation of a cooling device;

8 and 9 are schematic representations of a pumping device of a cooling pad and a corresponding drive device of a cooling device;

FIG. 10 shows a perspective schematic illustration of the pumping device from FIG. 9; FIG. and

11 is a flowchart of a method for operating a cooling pad and a cooling device.

In Fig. 1, an embodiment of a cooling pad 10 is shown schematically. The

Cooling pad can be used in particular for human or veterinary applications for heat and / or cold therapy. The cooling pad 10 has a first heat exchanger 20 and a second heat exchanger 30. The first heat exchanger 20 and the second heat exchanger 30 are arranged at a distance from each other and fluidly connected to one another via a line system 40. The cooling pad 10 further comprises a pumping device 50, which is adapted to effect via the conduit system 40 an exchange of a heat transfer fluid between the first heat exchanger 20 and the second heat exchanger 30. The line system 40 has in the present example, two hose lines, a flow 41 and a return 42. The flow 41 is fluidly connected to an input 21 of the first heat exchanger 20 and an output 32 of the second heat exchanger 30. The return 42 is fluidly connected to an outlet 22 of the first heat exchanger 20 and an inlet 31 of the second heat exchanger 30.

The second heat exchanger 30 may include flow guide structures 34 that are configured to effect a uniform flow across the surface of the heat exchanger. Thus, the heat exchange over a large part of the surface, preferably over the entire surface of the heat exchanger take place and no dead water with low heat exchange efficiency arise.

In the example shown in Fig. 1, the pumping means 50 is between the

Line system 40 and the second heat exchanger 30 is arranged. However, the pumping device can also be positioned at other locations, as shown by way of example in FIG. 2. There, the pumping device 50 is arranged integrated in the second heat exchanger 30.

As can be seen from FIGS. 1 and 2, the cooling pad 10 is one each

fully integrated, closed fluid-filled cooling pad. The cooling pad 10 has a hermetically sealed fluid circuit. It is therefore not necessary to connect the cooling pad to an external fluid circuit. The handling can be significantly simplified.

FIG. 2 shows a schematic illustration of a cooling system 1 with a cooling pad 10 and a cooling device 60. The cooling device 60 has a receptacle 61 for receiving the heat exchanger 30 of the cooling pad 10. The cooling device may have a closure cap 62 for the receptacle 61. The closure cap 62 is shown in FIG.

2 open and gives the view of the interior of the receptacle 61 free. There, a cooling device 63, in particular with a thermoelectric cooling element such as a Peltier element, and a drive device 64 may be arranged. The cooling device 63 is adapted to the heat exchanger 30 of the cooling pad 10 to supply heat or dissipate therefrom when the heat exchanger 30 of the cooling pad is in the receptacle 61. For this purpose, the heat exchanger 30 and the cooling device 63 are preferably arranged such that they then come to rest one above the other. In particular, the second heat exchanger 30 may have a planar heat-dissipating area 33, which corresponds to a position of the cooling device 63.

Preferably, the cooling device 63 or a receptacle 61 of the cooling device can be structured, for example in order to i) increase the heat exchanger surface and / or ii) influence a fluid flow in the heat exchanger 30 when the heat exchanger is pressed by the cover 62. For example, flow guide structures can be provided which can influence a flow within the accommodated heat exchanger. Preferably, as an alternative or in addition to the flow guiding structures of the second heat exchanger 30 shown in FIG. 1, the cooling device may in its turn have flow guiding structures which are designed to effect a uniform flow over the surface of the heat exchanger. Thus, the heat exchange over a large part of the surface, preferably over the entire surface of the heat exchanger take place and no dead water with low Wärmetauschereffi- ciency arise. One advantage of this embodiment is that the heat conduction structures are provided in the reusable cooling device and the production costs of the cooling pad can be reduced.

The drive device 64 is adapted to be integrated in the cooling pad 10

To drive pumping device 50. An example of this will be described below with reference to FIG.

6 and 7 explained in more detail.

The cooling device 60 may further include a housing 65 and a strap 66.

Fig. 3 shows a schematic representation of a cooling system 1 with a cooling pad 10, a closed cooling device 60 and in addition an orthosis 70. The second heat exchanger and the pumping device 50 are received in the receptacle 61 and covered by the lid 62. The cover 62 or the housing 65 therefore preferably protects the pumping device 50 and the second heat exchanger. The orthosis 70 may be a conventional orthosis.

FIG. 4 shows a user 100 with an exemplary knee brace 70.

Overall height of the first heat exchanger 20 is preferably selected such that the heat exchanger can be carried under an orthosis 70. As shown in FIG. 4, the conduit system 40 thus now leads from the first heat exchanger 20 carried under the orthosis 70 to the cooling device 60. The cooling device 60 is preferably a battery-operated cooling device which can be used mobile and independent of further refrigeration infrastructure. For example, the cooling device 60 may be worn with a shoulder strap 66. Alternatively, depending on the required cooling capacity, smaller units may also be provided, e.g. worn on the belt or directly on clothing or on the body.

Figs. 5 and 6 respectively show sectional views taken along A-A and B-B in Fig. 1. The first

Heat exchanger 20 (see FIG. 6) and the line system 40 (see FIG. 5) may have a common layer structure with an upper cover layer 25 and a lower cover layer 26. Between the upper cover layer 25 and the lower cover layer 26 there is an intermediate layer 27. The fluid channels of the first heat exchanger 20 and the line system 40 can be arranged in the intermediate layer 27. Preferably, the second heat exchanger 40 has a corresponding layer structure. Fluid channels of the second heat exchanger may also be arranged between the upper and lower cover layers 25, 26. Preferably, the pumping device 50 between the upper cover layer 25 and the lower cover layer 26 may be arranged. This allows a simple, inexpensive construction can be achieved. The cooling pad may be formed in one piece. Optionally, the side surfaces also have common side layers 28, 29.

In the region of the first heat exchanger, the fluid channels 23 may preferably have a

Have cross section with a flattened side, for example, a semicircular cross-section, as shown in Fig. 6. The flattened side is preferably arranged facing on one side or surface of the heat exchanger, via which Heat should be absorbed or delivered. In the present example, the heat absorption or discharge takes place via the upper cover layer 25. Preferably, the upper cover layer 25 may be formed as a thin, thermally conductive and fluid-tight membrane. The cover layer 25 may form a sidewall of the fluid channels. This can facilitate the heat transfer since thermal resistances can be reduced.

Opposite the lower cover layer 26, the intermediate layer 27 may optionally have an insulating effect. Preferably, therefore, a semicircular cross-section of the fluid channels 23, with planar surface upwards, closed by a thin cover film for contact with a body surface for good heat transfer may be provided with an optional backside insulation layer. Another advantage of flattened fluid channels 23 is that the thickness of the heat exchanger can be reduced.

It is understood that the second heat exchanger can optionally be designed accordingly. The second heat exchanger may also have fluid channels. The fluid channels may have a flattened side, which may face the cooling device 60 during operation of the cooling device 63.

Fig. 7 shows a schematic representation of a cooling system 1 with a

Sectional view of a cooling device 60. In the example shown in FIG. 7, the cooling device 63 has an electrically operated Peltier element 81, which can be arranged on a cover 62. Alternatively, the Peltier element can also be arranged as shown in FIG. 2 below the receptacle. It is understood that several cooling devices can be provided. The lid 62 is arranged by means of a hinge 82 on a base body of the housing 65 and forms together with this a receptacle 61 for the second heat exchanger 30th

By means of the second heat exchanger 30, the electrically operated Peltier element 81 cools the heat transfer fluid 11 circulated by the pump device 50 in the hermetically sealed fluid circuit of the cooling pad 10. The waste heat, ie the heat taken from the heat transfer fluid plus the electrical power of the Peltier element 81, can be cooled via a heat sink 83 and optionally a fan 84 are discharged. About the closed fluid circuit is now on a target temperature

cooled heat transfer fluid 1 1 transported to the resting on a skin area 101 first heat exchanger 20 and there absorbs heat, so that the skin area 101 is cooled as desired.

The line cross-sections may preferably be optimized to require only minimal fluid volume so as to minimize the thermal inertia of the system, but at the same time provide a sufficiently high flow rate and not increase the energy required to recycle the cooling medium , Typical cooling capacities (heat removal from the tissue) are on the order of 20 to 60 mW / cm2. Typical cooling surfaces are in the order of 100 to 500 cm 2. This is followed by cooling powers of the order of magnitude of 2 W to 30 W. Particularly in view of the usually temporary thermotherapy, this is also readily possible with battery-driven devices. The pumping power for circulation may be 1 to 3 W or less.

The cooling device 60 may optionally include an energy storage 85 for off-grid

Have operation. Preferably, the cooling device 60 further comprises a control device. The control device can realize the above-described functions of a controller 86 and / or a monitoring device 89. For example, the controller may be implemented in the form of a microcontroller, e.g. activates a power regulator for the power supply of the Peltier element and / or drives the drive device 64. The cooling device 60 may optionally include a first and / or second temperature sensor 87, 88. In particular, a first temperature sensor 87 can be provided in front of the cooling device 63 for measuring a return temperature and a second temperature sensor 88 can be provided after the cooling device for measuring a flow temperature. From the temperature difference and a volume flow of the heat transport fluid, a cooling performance taken from the skin area 101 can be estimated.

As indicated in FIG. 7 and subsequently shown by way of example in FIGS. 8, 9 and 10, the pump device 50 can be designed to be driven by a drive device 64 of the cooling device 60 without any execution. The drive device 64 may include an electric motor 91 and a cam 92. The electric motor 91 can in turn be controlled via the control device 86. However, it is also possible to drive the pumping device without execution by means of an eddy current drive.

FIG. 8 shows a plan view of the drive device 64 with the electric motor 91 and the driver 92. The driver 92 may in turn comprise one or more magnets 93. By means of these magnets 93, a force can be transmitted to the pumping device 50 without any execution. For example, the pumping device 50, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, be designed as a magnetically coupled gear pump. For this purpose, one or more magnets 96 are provided on at least one gear 95. If now the cooling pad with the pumping device 50 is inserted into the cooling device 60 in such a way that the magnets 96 of the gear 95 of the pumping device 50 come to rest via the magnet 93 of the drive unit 64, then a force of the drive device can be transmitted without execution. Thus, the hermetically sealed fluid circuit can be obtained.

FIG. 11 shows a flow chart of a method 200 for operating a cooling pad and a cooling device. In a first step S201, the cooling pad and the corresponding cooling device are provided. In a second step S202, the second heat exchanger of the cooling pad is inserted into a receptacle of the cooling device. In a third step S203, the first heat exchanger of the cooling pad is applied to a point to be cooled. In a fourth step S204, the cooling operation is started with the cooling device. It is understood that cooling may also be for non-therapeutic purposes, for example for cosmetic purposes or for relaxation.

The method described herein allows very easy handling, even by less experienced users. The application of the cooling device in step S203 can take place, for example, by means of a conventional orthosis or bandage or the like. Thus, the proposed cooling pad can readily be used in a variety of different application scenarios. The solutions disclosed herein, in particular after accidents, surgery or sports injuries, can help to prevent swelling, relieve pain and / or prevent tissue or nerve damage. Another advantageous field of application is the cooling, in particular of extremities, during or after chemotherapy in order to avoid or reduce side effects such as numbness, nerve and tissue damage and hair loss. An advantageous application in the field of veterinary medicine is the treatment of joint problems of horses. In this case, a battery-powered cooling device can be fastened to the animal, for example by means of a carrying strap, and a preferably flexible cooling pad adapted to the shape of the relevant joint can provide optimal cooling.

Claims

claims

1. Cooling pad (10) for human or veterinary applications with

a first heat exchanger (20);

a second heat exchanger (30),

a heat transfer fluid;

a conduit system (40); and

an integrated pumping device (50) for the heat transfer fluid;

wherein the first heat exchanger (20) and the second heat exchanger (30) are traversed by the heat transfer fluid;

wherein the conduit system (40) fluidly connects the first heat exchanger to the second heat exchanger;

wherein the pump means (50) is adapted to effect exchange of the heat transfer fluid between the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger;

wherein the cooling pad (10) comprises a hermetically sealed fluid circuit for the heat transport fluid, the fluid circuit comprising the first heat exchanger (20), the second heat exchanger (30), the conduit system (40) and the pumping means (50).

2. Cooling pad according to claim 1, wherein the first or second heat exchanger (20) has a heat receiving area for receiving heat and wherein the respective other heat exchanger (30) has a heat dissipation area for the release of heat.

3. Cooling pad according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the conduit system (40) has a flow (41) and a return (42), wherein the flow of an input (21) of the first heat exchanger (20) and an output (32) of the two - th heat exchanger (30) fluidly interconnected; and wherein the return (42) fluidly connects an outlet (22) of the first heat exchanger (20) and an inlet (31) of the second heat exchanger (30).

4. Cooling pad according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the pumping device (50) is adapted to be driven by an external drive device (64) without execution.

5. cooling pad according to claim 4 wherein the pumping means (50) is magnetically coupled to an external drive means, in particular wherein the Pumpeinrich- device is a magnetically coupled gear pump.

6. cooling pad according to claim 4, wherein the pumping means (50) is a peristaltic pump.

7. Cooling pad according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least a part of the first heat exchanger (20) is mechanically flexible.

8. cooling pad according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first Wärmetau- shear (20) is adapted to a body part to be cooled.

9. cooling pad according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a diffusion-inhibiting coating.

10. Cooling pad according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a fluid reservoir arranged to compensate for fluid losses of the heat transfer fluid.

1 1. Cooling pad according to one of the preceding claims, wherein first and / or second heat exchangers (20, 30) bifilar arranged cooling loops.

12. Cooling pad according to one of the preceding claims, wherein fluid channels in we at least one of the first heat exchanger (20) and the second heat exchanger (30) have a semicircular channel cross-section.

13. Cooling pad according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first heat exchanger (20) has a thickness between 1 mm and 10 mm, preferably between 2 mm and 8 mm, preferably between 4 mm and 6 mm.

14. The cooling pad according to claim 1, wherein the first heat exchanger has a heat exchanger surface and cooling loops lying inside the heat exchanger, and wherein the cooling loops are separated from the heat exchanger surface by a thin, thermally conductive and fluid-tight membrane.

15. Cooling pad according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the cooling pad (10) at least partially has a biocompatible, thermally conductive fabric layer, in particular in the region of a surface of the first heat exchanger (20).

16. Cooling pad according to one of the preceding claims, wherein fluid channels in we at least one of the first heat exchanger (20), the second Wärmetau- shear (30) and the conduit system (40) have a diameter between 2 mm and 3 mm.

17. Cooling pad according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the line system (40) between the first heat exchanger (10) and the second heat exchanger (30) has a length between 2 cm and 300 cm, preferably between 5 cm and 100 cm, preferably between 10 cm and 50 cm.

18. Cooling pad according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the fluid circuit has a fluid volume between 5 ml and 100 ml, preferably between 10 ml and 60 ml, preferably between 15 ml and 40 ml, preferably between 20 ml and 30 ml.

19. Cooling pad according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the heat transport fluid comprises water and / or ethylene glycol.

20. Cooling pad according to one of the preceding claims, set up for a heat flow between 15 mW and 100 mW, preferably between 15 mW and 80 mW, preferably between 25 mW to 65 mW per square centimeter surface of the first heat exchanger (20).

21. Cooling pad according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first heat exchanger (20) and the line system (40), and preferably the second heat exchanger (30), have a common layer structure

an upper cover layer (25),

a lower cover layer (26), and

an intermediate layer (27), in particular a foam layer, which is arranged between the upper cover layer (25) and the lower cover layer (26); and

wherein fluid passages of the first heat exchanger (20) and the line system (40), and preferably of the second heat exchanger (30), are arranged in the intermediate layer.

22. A cooling pad according to claim 21, further comprising the integrated pump means (50) between the upper cover layer and the lower cover layer.

23. A cooling device (60) for human or veterinary applications with a receptacle (61) adapted to receive a heat exchanger (30) of a cooling pad (10) according to one of the preceding claims;

a cooling device (63); wherein the cooling means is adapted to supply heat to and from the heat exchanger (30) of the cooling pad (10) when the heat exchanger of the cooling pad is in the receptacle (61); and

a drive device (64) which is set up to drive a pump device (50) integrated in the cooling pad (10).

24. Cooling device according to claim 23, further comprising

a temperature sensor (87, 88); and a controller (86);

wherein the temperature sensor is configured to detect a temperature of a cooling pad (10) inserted in the receptacle;

wherein the controller (86) is adapted to drive the drive device (64) and / or the cooling element (63) in dependence on a temperature detected by the temperature sensor.

25. Cooling device according to claim 23 or 24, further comprising a monitoring device (89), wherein the monitoring device is set up to match a speed of the drive device (64) with a power consumption of the drive device and to output an error message in case of deviation. ben.

26. Cooling system (1) for human or veterinary applications with

a cooling pad (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 22; and a cooling device (60) according to any one of claims 23 to 25.

27. A method of operating a cooling pad (10) and a cooling device (60) comprising the steps of:

Provision of a cooling pad (10) according to one of claims 1 to 22 and a corresponding cooling device (60) according to one of claims 23 to 25.

Inserting the second heat exchanger (30) of the cooling pad (10) into a receptacle (61) of the cooling device (60);

Applying the first heat exchanger (20) of the cooling pad (10) to a point to be cooled;

Start the cooling process with the cooling device (60).