U.S. patent application number 10/911268 was filed with the patent office on 2005-02-17 for portable, personal air conditioning unit attachable to a person.
Invention is credited to Pohr, Sebastian Heinz.
Application Number | 20050034476 10/911268 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 33495252 |
Filed Date | 2005-02-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050034476 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Pohr, Sebastian Heinz |
February 17, 2005 |
Portable, personal air conditioning unit attachable to a person
Abstract
Portable personal air conditioning unit, attachable to the body
of a person, with a receptacle for a detachable and therein
insertable latent heat storage device with a filler opening
containing or receiving a consumable storage medium frozen for the
air conditioning operation, having an inlet for air to be delivered
past the latent heat exchange device and there to undergo heat
exchange, and an outlet for the discharge of the chilled air, as
well as a fan, driveable through a power supply provided on the
receptacle side, for delivering the air for a self-sufficient
operation of the personal air conditioning unit, whereby at least
one extraction device is provided for the extraction by the person
of thawed, consumable storage medium serving as drinking
liquid.
Inventors: |
Pohr, Sebastian Heinz;
(Rosstal, DE) |
Correspondence
Address: |
JORDAN AND HAMBURG LLP
122 EAST 42ND STREET
SUITE 4000
NEW YORK
NY
10168
US
|
Family ID: |
33495252 |
Appl. No.: |
10/911268 |
Filed: |
August 4, 2004 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
62/420 ; 62/424;
62/425 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F24F 1/04 20130101; F25D
2331/8011 20130101; F25D 3/08 20130101; F25D 2303/0822 20130101;
A45F 3/04 20130101; A41D 13/0055 20130101; A45F 3/16 20130101; A41D
2400/46 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
062/420 ;
062/425; 062/424 |
International
Class: |
F25D 023/12; F25D
003/02 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Aug 16, 2003 |
DE |
103 37 659.3-16 |
Claims
What I claim is:
1. Portable personal air conditioning unit, attachable to the body
of a person, comprising a receptacle for a detachable and therein
insertable latent heat storage device with a filler opening
containing or receiving a consumable storage medium frozen for the
air conditioning operation, an inlet for air to be delivered past
the latent heat storage device and there to undergo heat exchange
an outlet for the discharge of the chilled air, a fan driveable
through a power supply provided on the receptacle, for delivering
the air for a self-sufficient operation of the personal air
conditioning unit, and at least one extraction device for the
extraction by the person of thawed, consumable storage medium
serving as drinking liquid.
2. Personal air conditioning unit according to claim 1, wherein the
receptacle is provided in a backpack fitted with carry straps or in
a shoulder or waist bag.
3. Personal air conditioning unit according to claim 1, wherein the
latent heat storage device is equipped with a liquid accumulator or
has one assigned separately, in which at least part of the thawed
storage medium collects and which has the extraction device
attached.
4. Personal air conditioning unit according to claim 3, wherein the
assigned liquid accumulator is coupled to the latent heat storage
device through a valve.
5. Personal air conditioning unit according to claim 3, wherein the
liquid accumulator is connected to the storage section containing
the frozen storage medium via one or more drainage openings.
6. Personal air conditioning unit according to claim 3, wherein the
latent heat storage device and possibly also its assigned liquid
accumulator is a solid or flexible case.
7. Personal air conditioning unit according to claim 6, wherein the
solid latent heat storage device is in bottle or container form and
the flexible latent heat storage is in hose or bag form.
8. Personal air conditioning unit according to claim 1, wherein the
latent heat storage device is wider and/or thicker in the section
facing the air intake than in the section facing the air
outlet.
9. Personal air conditioning unit according to claim 8, wherein the
latent heat storage device is of a primarily triangular or teardrop
shape.
10. Personal air conditioning unit according to claim 1, wherein
the shape of the receptacle primarily matching the shape of the
latent heat storage device, at least when the consumable storage
medium is in its frozen state.
11. Personal air conditioning unit according to claim 1, wherein
the receptacle is solid or flexible or elastic.
12. Personal air conditioning unit according to claim 1, wherein
there is provided on the receptacle side and/or on the storage side
means for the creation of an air slot preferably encompassing the
latent heat storage device on all sides.
13. Personal air conditioning unit according to claim 12, wherein
the means is realized as one ore more spacers, which separate the
receptacle from the latent heat storage device.
14. Personal air conditioning unit according to claim 3, wherein
the latent heat storage device or the separate liquid accumulator
is fitted with a preferably detachable flexible fluid pipe and/or a
sealable drinking or pouring device and/or a drain valve as
extraction device.
15. Personal air conditioning unit according to claim 14, wherein
the fluid pipe is provided with a sealing device.
16. Personal air conditioning unit according to claim 3, wherein
the separate removable liquid accumulator is provided with a filler
opening for filling with a consumable liquid, which is extractable
through the extraction device.
17. Personal air conditioning unit according to claim 3, wherein a
further removable storage, filled or capable of being filled with a
consumable liquid, is or can be coupled to the latent heat storage
or the separate liquid accumulator or directly to the extraction
device.
18. Personal air conditioning unit according to claim 1, wherein an
additional air intake is provided for unchilled air to be mixed
with the chilled air.
19. Personal air conditioning unit according to claim 18, wherein
an air supply pipe terminates in the receptacle downstream from the
additional air intake and ahead of the combined air outlet.
20. Personal air conditioning unit according to claim 18, wherein
the additional air intake is provided with a preferably flap-type
regulating element, through which the aperture of the supply path
for the unchilled air is variable.
21. Personal air conditioning unit according to claim 20, wherein
the regulating element is positioned in such a way that the
aperture of the supply path of the unchilled air and of the outlet
path of the chilled air can be varied simultaneously for the
adjustment of the respective air masses to be mixed.
22. Personal air conditioning unit according to claim 20, wherein
the regulating element is adjustable manually or automatically and,
through the integrated power supply or respectively the control
unit in particular, electrically controlled.
23. Personal air conditioning unit according to claim 18, wherein
the unchilled air can be taken in and delivered by the fan
delivering the chilled air or that at least one additional fan is
provided for taking in and delivering the unchilled air.
24. Personal air conditioning unit according to claim 1, wherein a
thermostat capable of being operated by the person is provided for
temperature adjustment of the possibly mixed air delivered to the
person.
25. Personal air conditioning unit according to claim 24, wherein
one or more sensors is provided for registering the speed of the
fan or possibly fans, the temperature of the air supplied to the
person, as well as possibly the position of the regulating
element.
26. Personal air conditioning unit according to claim 1, wherein
the speed of the fan or possibly fans is variable by the
person.
27. Personal air conditioning unit according to claim 1, wherein
there is provided rechargeable battery cells, batteries, fuel cells
or solar cells as the power supply.
28. Personal air conditioning unit according to claim 1, wherein a
charging state indicator for the integrated power supply is
provided.
29. Personal air conditioning unit according to claim 1, wherein
means to register the charging state of the latent heat storage and
a charging state indicator are provided.
30. Personal air conditioning unit according to claim 1, wherein a
hose-like air pipe, through which the air can be supplied to the
person carrying the air conditioning unit, is or can be coupled to
the receptacle outlet.
31. Personal air conditioning unit according to claim 30, wherein
the air pipe has one or more branches so that the air can be
delivered to the person in several places.
32. Personal air conditioning unit according to claim 30, wherein
the air pipe is provided with a preferably detachable outlet
section, made to any form of ductile and possibly skin friendly
material and containing several outlet jets.
33. Personal air conditioning unit according to claim 32, wherein
the outlet section is primarily saucer or semi-saucer shaped and
the several outlet jets are pointing in different directions.
34. Personal air conditioning unit according to claim 1, wherein a
coupling means is provided at the receptacle outlet to connect an
air tube carrying air to a piece of clothing with integrated outlet
openings to be worn by the person.
35. Personal air conditioning unit according to claim 1, wherein
the air intake and air outlet openings are sealable when not in
use.
36. Personal air conditioning unit according to claim 1, wherein
provision is made possibly for a further detachable latent heat
storage device, which is or can be inserted into the receptacle and
is filled with a heat-storing medium, so that during operation of
the fan heat exchanging air streaming past can be warmed by the
heat-storing medium.
37. Personal air conditioning unit according to claim 36, wherein
the heat-storing medium is wax-like and preferably pearl or ball
shaped.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] A personal air conditioning unit portable by a person is
known from U.S. Pat. No. 6,427,476 B1. This air conditioning unit
is built as a backpack and consists of a large volume, insulated
basic case as the container for a chilled substance, ice for
instance. Several cooling pipes are led through this case, through
which air is blown by a fan located in a separate sealed part of
the case, drawing in the surrounding air. After the cooling pipes
come into contact with the chilled medium a heat transfer takes
place, the air pumped through the cooling pipes being chilled. The
cooling pipes terminate in a collar shaped air diffuser, which
partially surrounds the person's neck and through which the chilled
air is discharged.
[0002] This portable backpack air conditioning unit can be carried
along relatively easily by the user and offers him some cooling in
his leisure time, during sporting and other activities as for
instance in a work place, where he is active in high ambient
temperatures. The purpose of this air conditioning unit is at the
same time strictly limited to the provision of personal air
conditioning. The user, be it the sports person, hiker or worker
for instance, may however develop other needs through their
activity, mainly the quenching of thirst as a consequence of high
levels of perspiration in particular. The level of this need may be
reduced somewhat by the cooling since the general feeling of well
being by the persons will be a little higher as a result of the
cooling, nevertheless this basic need cannot be totally
eliminated.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The invention therefore relates to a personal air
conditioning unit, which is improved in relation to its function or
respective usability.
[0004] The invention provides a portable personal air conditioning
unit attachable to a person's body with a receptacle for a
detachably insertable latent heat storage device with a filler
opening, which contains or accepts a consumable storage medium,
frozen for the air conditioning operation. This receptacle is
equipped with an intake for the air to be directed past the latent
heat storage device and to undergo heat exchange there, and an
outlet for the release of the chilled air and also a fan, driveable
by a power supply contained within the receptacle, for delivering
the air in a self-sufficient operation of the personal air
conditioning unit, whereby at least one extraction device is
provided for the extraction of thawed consumable storage medium
used as a drinking liquid by the person.
[0005] In a preferred embodiment, the invention provides the use of
a latent heat storage device, which is removable from the basic
receptacle and is filled with a frozen storage medium of a
consumable kind. This latent heat storage device is to be placed
inside the receptacle by the user of the air conditioning unit
after transformation of the storage medium into its frozen state.
If cooling is now required as the result of the person's activity,
this will be provided by the receptacle-mounted fan, which draws
surrounding air from outside the personal air conditioning unit and
delivers it along the side of the closed latent heat storage
device, resulting in a heat exchange; the air gets chilled and can
as such be supplied to the person. During this process a heat
exchange takes place as described, resulting in the frozen storage
medium slowly thawing. In the event of the person becoming thirsty
as a result of his activity, he has the advantage of being able to
extract the thawed storage medium no longer required for chilling
the air as such via the extraction device and to consume it as
drinking liquid, as long as the storage medium is of a consumable
kind as described. Preferably, clear water or any other water-based
liquids such as isotonic drinks, juices etc. is used but any
consumable and freezable storage medium may be used.
[0006] The advantage of the air conditioning unit in accordance
with the invention is that it is multifunctional, as on the one
hand it allows adequate personal cooling and on the other is always
available as a drink reservoir as the person may extract the thawed
portion of the storage medium at any time. For a long period of
time the person therefore has a drink reservoir available, the size
of which is ultimately determined by the volume of the latent heat
storage device. How soon a consumable quantity of liquid is
available is ultimately governed by the speed of the thawing
process. This is ultimately determined by the intensity of the heat
exchange, therefore whether and to what degree the air gets
chilled, and by the surface area of the latent heat storage device
at which the heat exchange and consequently the thawing process
occur. The person will at any rate greatly appreciate that a single
unit provides him with adequate cooling and also a drink
supply.
[0007] To allow for easy transport of the personal air conditioning
unit the receptacle, which preferably is suitably insulated to
prevent early thawing of the storage medium or the thawing process
being caused by the surrounding air not specifically drawn past the
latent heat storage device, is mounted inside a backpack fitted
with straps; alternatively it can also be mounted inside a shoulder
or waist bag. The personal air conditioning unit can however come
in any form, as long as easy transport is assured. External
dedicated openings are provided in the air conditioning unit in any
case, which are connected to the receptacle openings via suitable
connecting pipes so that surrounding air can be drawn in and
chilled air can be discharged to the outside by the fan.
[0008] By taking the invention idea further, the latent heat
storage device could be designed to contain a liquid accumulator or
such that one is separately assigned to it, in which at least part
of the thawed storage medium collects and which is fitted with the
extraction device. The thawed storage medium over time collects in
the liquid accumulator, which normally does not need to be of a
dimension to contain the total quantity of thawed storage medium,
as frequent extraction and therefore draining of the liquid
accumulator occurs as a rule. Should on occasions the liquid
accumulator be full however, the thawed liquid will ultimately
remain in the latent heat storage device or the storage compartment
containing the frozen storage medium and will only flow on into the
liquid accumulator when this is drained.
[0009] In this configuration the assigned liquid accumulator could
be joined to the latent heat storage device via a valve, which
could be operated manually by the user if necessary. It would be
practical for this separate liquid accumulator, which is preferably
positioned outside the receptacle, to be connected to the latent
heat storage device in a detachable way so that both components can
be removed separately for cleaning or for respective removal of the
latent heat storage device only, when the storage medium requires
freezing again; it would be practical to do this in suitable
freezing devices (refrigerator or equivalent).
[0010] As an alternative to mounting a separate liquid accumulator
inside the backpack, bag or air conditioning unit generally, the
liquid accumulator could also form an integral part of the latent
heat storage device and be connected to the storage compartment
containing the frozen storage medium via one or more drainage
openings. This has the advantage that the thawed liquid is
continuously drawn away from the storage compartment containing the
frozen storage medium and therefore prevents insulation of the
frozen storage medium from the storage wall by the thawed liquid
contained therein, which limits the chill transfer to the air being
delivered through.
[0011] The latent heat storage device itself and, possibly also the
separate liquid accumulator assigned to it could have either a
solid or a flexible case. The employment of flexible cases in
particular is of advantage as this can guarantee that the outer
wall of the latent heat storage device will hug the contours of the
thawing storage medium continuously, consequently the storage wall
will always be lying closely against the frozen storage medium,
resulting in an optimum transfer of cooling temperature. This leads
to improved cooling efficiency after the insulating layer of thawed
liquid described earlier no longer exists as the result of the
continuous draining and the storage wall is capable of optimum
adaptation to the shape of the frozen storage medium. A solid
latent heat storage device can for instance be shaped as a pocket
or container, while a flexible latent heat storage device could be
shaped as a hose or bag.
[0012] As the thawing rate of the frozen storage medium is
naturally higher in the air intake area, due to the higher
temperature difference to the outside air here than it is at the
air outlet, a functional development of the invention provides for
the latent heat storage device to be designed wider in the area
facing the air intake compared to that facing the air outlet. This
way the variation in the thawing rate can be compensated in a
manner that maintains the maximum ice core surface area possible
throughout the entire thawing period. A primarily triangular shape
would be practical while other shapes such as a teardrop shape ore
equivalent are also conceivable. It would be practical if the shape
of the receptacle itself would principally match the shape of the
latent heat storage device, at least in its frozen state. In this
way the frozen latent heat storage device can on the one hand be
inserted into the receptacle easily, on the other hand this creates
a principally defined airflow path between the inner wall of the
receptacle and the outer wall of the latent heat storage device
after both have adapted a uniform shape. The receptacle itself can
be solid or flexible, even elastic.
[0013] To enable a sufficient airflow an advantageous development
of the invention requires that means for the creation of an air
slot encompassing the latent heat storage device preferably on all
sides are in place on the receptacle side and/or on the storage
side. This means will ensure a wide enough gap between receptacle
and latent heat storage device to allow a sufficient flow cross
section, through which an adequate quantity of air can be
delivered. When employing flexible materials in particular in the
creation of the latent heat storage device and also the receptacle,
it will in practice not always be possible to realize a fully
encompassing air slot around the latent heat storage device,
however a sufficiently large ventilation cross-section should be
provided at all times. One or more spacers for instance can be used
to distance the latent heat storage device from the receptacle as
means to create the air slot. These could for instance be provided
in the form of ledges or ribs or equivalent. It is possible to have
a spring suspension of the latent heat storage device with springy
spacers, which in the case of a sufficiently solid construction of
the receptacle press down on the case of the latent heat storage
device and bring this into contact with the frozen storage medium
as long as possible, provided the storage case is sufficiently
flexible.
[0014] According to the invention, a preferably detachable flexible
fluid tube can be attached to the latent heat storage device or the
separate liquid accumulator to allow for easy extraction of the
thawed storage medium. In the air conditioning unit version as a
backpack for instance, this sufficiently long tube will be led over
the person's shoulder so that it is always readily available close
to the person's head and the person can suck in the liquid without
difficulty. To this end appropriate clamps can be provided for
instance in the area of the straps, in which the fluid tube can be
secured when not in use. As an alternative or in addition to this
it is also conceivable to provide a sealable drinking or outlet
opening on the removable latent heat storage device. To this end
however the latent heat storage device needs to be removed from the
receptacle. This could for instance be a screw-on cap or
equivalent. Such an outlet could of course be provided on the
separate liquid accumulator, which then needs to be removed also
from the air conditioning unit for tapping. This is particularly
easy with a connection between latent heat storage device and
liquid accumulator via a valve, which could then be closed to avoid
spilling the thawed liquid. At last, as an alternative or in
addition a drain valve could also be provided, which can be
operated from the outside and through which for instance a drain
pipe terminating on the outside of the backpack for example could
be opened and closed.
[0015] If a liquid pipe is employed, it would be practical to
provide a locking device at its forward end, for instance in the
shape of a plug-in cap, a turn-lock fastener or equivalent, to
prevent dripping.
[0016] Another functional development of the invention provides a
separate removable liquid accumulator be fitted with a filler
opening for the purpose of filling with a consumable liquid, which
can be extracted through the extraction device. This version has
the advantage that the liquid accumulator can be utilised from the
start as a drink reservoir. That means that prior to using the
device the person will insert the frozen latent heat storage device
and also a liquid accumulator filled with a drinking liquid and
will couple these. As a consequence of the liquid contained in the
liquid accumulator from the start the person has access to a
certain liquid reservoir for drinking from the beginning and
therefore does not have to wait for the thawing of a sufficient
quantity of the storage medium. With advancing cooling operation
the liquid accumulator will be continually refilled and serves as
drink reservoir.
[0017] As an alternative to the utilisation of the separate liquid
accumulator as an initially filled drink reservoir, one version of
the invention provides another detachable storage, either filled or
capable of being filled with a consumable liquid, which is or can
be coupled to the latent heat storage device, the separate liquid
accumulator or directly to the extraction device. The person
therefore has the opportunity to integrate an additional drinking
liquid storage into the backpack for instance and couple this in
accordance with the version used to have an adequate liquid
reservoir available in this way at the start of operating the air
conditioning unit. Naturally, the additional drinking liquid
storage can also be used in connection with the removable and
initially fillable liquid accumulator.
[0018] A latent heat storage device can achieve remarkable
air-cooling by several Kelvin, whereby a latent heat storage device
also has sufficient refrigeration capacity. In the event of the
person's individual perception of the cooling being too strong, a
practical version of the invention provides for a second air intake
for unchilled air to be mixed with the chilled air, where it would
be practical for the air intake to be installed in line with an air
duct led into the receptacle and terminating in front of the common
air outlet. Through this the warm surrounding air can be mixed with
the chilled air, so that the air ultimately supplied to the person
can be tempered.
[0019] For this it is advantageous that a preferably flap-type or
slider-type regulating element is envisaged, through which the
aperture of the supply path for the unchilled air is variable. This
means that the person can adjust the aperture and therefore the
amount of applied unchilled air either manually or, possibly,
automatically controlled via the integrated electronics or
respective control device. It is particularly advantageous when the
regulating element is positioned in such a way that the aperture of
the supply path for the unchilled air and the exhaust path of the
chilled air for the adjustment of the respective air volumes is
variable simultaneously. This too can be done manually or
electrically, particularly controlled via the integrated power
supply or control device respectively.
[0020] It would be practical to employ the fan already integrated
into the receptacle anyway for drawing and delivering of the
unchilled air. Alternatively, there is the possibility to provide
at least one further fan for drawing and delivering of the
unchilled air.
[0021] The embodiment of the invention described earlier allow
tempering of the air supplied to the person. So as to make this
tempering process as comfortable as possible, a preferred
embodiment of the invention provides a thermostat for the person to
operate for temperature adjustment of the possibly mixed air
supplied to the person. Therefore the person can select a
temperature through a suitable device, whereby, subject to this
selection, the thermostat automatically controls the air
conditioning operation such as the speed of the fan or fans for
instance, or the position of the regulating element and by this the
mixing operation. For this, one or several suitable sensors are
provided, through which for example the temperature of the possibly
mixed air is measured at the air outlet, or the fan speed, or the
control flap position is determined.
[0022] Furthermore, it is practical in any case if the person can
vary the fan speed, with the result that in this way the person can
also vary the fan intensity. In case the fan speed is too high and
the air therefore blown too hard, one can make the respective
adjustment. To this end a control knob for instance or equivalent
is provided in an appropriate position.
[0023] Rechargeable battery cells, batteries or fuel cells can
supply power. Solar cells mounted on the outside of the device are
also possible, however these need to be protected against damage.
Furthermore, it would be practical to provide a charging state
indicator for the integrated power supply. It is possible to use
several energy sources in parallel, for instance rechargeable
battery cells and solar cells, through which the rechargeable
batteries can be recharged continuously.
[0024] In addition to a charging state indicator for the integrated
power supply further means can also be put in place for monitoring
the charging state of the latent heat storage device and a charging
indicator could be provided. These means monitor for instance the
quantity of the remaining frozen storage medium, so as to determine
with this information for how long these quantities will be
sufficient for adequate cooling.
[0025] This can be done for example by monitoring the weight of the
frozen storage medium or the quantity of thawed storage medium
drained.
[0026] Several options are conceivable for applying the chilled air
to the person. According to one version of the invention, a
hose-like air tube is to be coupled to the receptacle outlet
supplying the air to the person carrying the air conditioning unit.
This could be a tube with a single outlet opening; alternatively it
could also have one or more branches so that the air could be
applied to the person in several places. The tube or tubes are
inserted into existing openings of the person's clothing (for
example collar, sleeves). Alternatively it is possible to provide
coupling means at the receptacle outlet for coupling of an air tube
supplying air to a piece of clothing with integrated outlet
openings worn by the person. This means that in this version the
air conditioning unit is coupled to respectively configured
clothing (shirt, jacket, trousers, overalls for instance), which
contains integrated air tubes and outlet openings in a distributed
configuration.
[0027] Where the air tube is only led under the normal clothing it
would be practical to fit, preferably in a detachable way, an
outlet section to the air tube, made to any form of ductile and
preferably skin friendly material and containing several outlet
jets. This should primarily be saucer or semi-saucer shaped and
contain several multi-directional outlet jets. This possibly
palm-sized outlet section could be suitably fastened under the
shirt for instance so that it could distribute the air in
accordance with the directions of the outlet jets.
[0028] A further option could be the ability to close the air
intake and outlet openings provided for the air conditioning unit
for instance in a backpack with suitable flaps or equivalent when
not in use to prevent dirt from getting into the system.
[0029] Finally the possibility exists to utilise the latent heat
storage device or an additional latent heat storage device
respectively, which can be placed inside the receptacle in the same
way, not for cooling storage but to use it instead for heat
storage. To this end the latent heat storage device or additional
devices respectively are filled with a heat storage medium. The
functions of the personal air conditioning unit are then
consequently reversed; it is used to warm the air supplied to the
person when the air conditioning unit is for instance being used in
a very cold environment. A wax-like substance for instance, which
is filled into the latent heat storage device for example in pearl
or ball shape, can be used as heat storage medium. By using this
heat storage medium, which, similar to the frozen storage medium,
also has an adequate heat storage capacity, air warming can take
place for a remarkable length of time. Naturally, the drink option
is not available in this case. This version however offers in
addition to the principal use in accordance with the invention of
the personal air conditioning unit as a cooling device and
simultaneous drink reservoir the option of using the air
conditioning unit in a multifunctional way for personal warming if
required.
[0030] Further advantages, characteristics and details of the
invention become evident from the following examples and through
the accompanying drawings.
[0031] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an air conditioning unit in
accordance with a first embodiment of the invention,
[0032] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an air conditioning unit in
accordance with a second embodiment of the invention,
[0033] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of an air conditioning unit in
accordance with a third embodiment of the invention,
[0034] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of an air conditioning unit in
accordance with a fourth embodiment of the invention, and
[0035] FIG. 5 is a partial view showing the control elements of an
air conditioning unit in accordance with the invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0036] FIG. 1 depicts by way of a schematic drawing an air
conditioning unit 1 in accordance with the invention, which is used
both to generate chilled air and also to supply drinking liquid.
The air conditioning unit 1 is equipped with a backpack-like carry
frame 2 with a backpack-like outer case 3, which usually is made of
flexible and mostly waterproof material as in ordinary backpacks,
but which can also be made from solid material in knapsack form.
The device can be carried on the back with suitable carry straps
4.
[0037] Inside the backpack-like flexible case, which is made
preferably from an insulating material or has an adequate
insulation layer 5 respectively (see FIG. 2), a receptacle 6 is
placed either firmly integrated or detachable by way of zippers,
plug-in fasteners or equivalent. The receptacle 6 can be made from
solid plastic material, but it can also be made flexible itself,
therefore being variable in its shape and therefore adaptable.
[0038] In the receptacle 6 a latent heat storage device 7 is
placed, containing a frozen and wholesome storage medium 8
consumable by the person P carrying the air conditioning unit,
which could be for instance frozen clear water or any other
water-based drink like an isotonic drink for example or juice or
equivalent. While the receptacle 6 can also be made of a thermal
insulating material, the case of the latent heat storage device
consists of a material allowing a high degree of heat exchange,
preferably a very thin plastic. The case can be of a solid or rigid
form; as an alternative the employment of a flexible case in the
shape of a bag or hose as depicted in FIG. 1 is also
conceivable.
[0039] Through an air intake opening 10 air is drawn in by a fan 11
integrated in the receptacle and, as indicated by the arrows, is
delivered past the cold latent heat storage device 7. This results
in a heat exchange; the air is chilled here and passes through the
outlet 12 in the shown example to an air pipe 13, which is led to
the person in the collar area, where it is being discharged through
suitable air outlet openings. In this way air-cooling can take
place for up to several hours, depending on the size of the latent
heat storage device, as long as it contains frozen storage
medium.
[0040] FIG. 1 illustrates further how in the shown example a fluid
pipe 14 attached to the lower section of the latent heat storage
device 7 is led over the person's shoulder to be within the
person's reach. As a result of the heat exchange the frozen storage
medium slowly thaws and, since the frozen storage medium is lighter
than the thawed one, collects in the lower section of the latent
heat storage device 7. Coupled to this is the fluid pipe 14,
through which the person can now suck in and drink the thawed
liquid, if required. It should already be pointed out here that
just as the receptacle 6 is detachable, the connection of pipes 13
and 14 to the receptacle and latent heat storage device
respectively can be detachable, for example via suitable screw
plugs or stop plugs etc. This is of particular advantage in the
case of the fluid pipe 14 to allow easy cleaning. In each coupling
area a suitable valve or equivalent, which automatically opens when
a respective pipe is connected and closes when it gets
disconnected, can of course be provided.
[0041] FIG. 2 depicts an air conditioning unit 1a in a second
version in accordance with the invention in the form of an enlarged
schematic diagram. The latent heat storage device 7 is fitted with
a filler opening 15, through which it can initially be filled with
the consumable liquid. A liquid accumulator 17 is coupled
downstream from the latent heat storage device 7 through a valve
16; in the depicted example the fluid pipe 14 coupled to the liquid
accumulator is detachable, whereby here also a valve or equivalent
could be provided in the coupling area. This liquid accumulator 17
collects the thawed liquid resulting from the heat exchange; it is
therefore drawn away from the latent heat storage device. This has
the advantage that no insulating fluid layers can gather there.
Especially with a flexible case 9 of the latent heat storage device
7, which could consist of a plastic foil for instance, a tight
adherence between a large area of the case wall and the frozen
storage medium can therefore be achieved at all times so that an
optimum heat or chill exchange respectively can occur with the air
delivered past it.
[0042] The liquid accumulator itself serves as a drink reservoir
and can be withdrawn from the backpack-type outer case 3 as well as
the latent heat storage device 7 through an opening not
specifically shown, if required. It is possible to fill it
initially with consumable liquid in order to have an adequate drink
volume available already at the start of the operation.
[0043] Suitable spacers 18 in the form of ledges are provided at
the latent heat storage device in the depicted example for the
realisation of an adequate air slot between the latent heat storage
device 7 and the receptacle 6 for a sufficiently large flow cross
section. The receptacle 6 itself is being kept in place inside the
backpack-like outer case 3, which can have a sufficiently solid
shape for example, by suitable spacers 19 of for instance a springy
type or by the pressure of an air cushion. Or the receptacle 6
adheres to the spacers 18 by way of its elastic
characteristics.
[0044] Beside the central lower air intake 10, through which the
air to be cooled is taken in and which can be closed by a suitable
sealing flap 20 when not in use, a further air intake 21 is
evidently provided, through which in the depicted example unchilled
air can be taken in by the fan 11. The air intake 21 terminates
directly or via a suitable supply pipe above the latent heat
storage device 7 in the area of the air already chilled. In this
way additional air can be mixed in. Through the flap-like
regulating element 22 in the depicted example the air intake 21 can
be opened and closed or its aperture generally can be adjusted
respectively. The mixed air is then supplied to the person through
the air pipe 13.
[0045] FIG. 2 further depicts the control unit 23, which shows an
integrated power supply 24 for example in the form of rechargeable
battery cells or batteries. This will be referred to later. At any
rate this is controlling the air conditioning operation.
[0046] FIG. 3 shows a further version of an air conditioning unit
1b in accordance with the invention. Here it is apparent that the
latent heat storage device 7 in its lower section, which faces the
air intake opening 10, is distinctly thicker than in its upper
section, which faces the air outlet opening 12. This compensates
the different thawing characteristics caused by the temperature
difference between the air taken in and the air discharged. This
means that the latent heat storage device 7 thaws faster in the
lower section, which is being blasted by warmer air, than in the
upper section; depicted further in dashed lines is the liquid
accumulator 17, the provision of which is optional as is that of a
further liquid storage 25, which can be placed inside the
backpack-like outer case 3 and which in the depicted example can be
coupled to the liquid accumulator 17 if required. This liquid
storage 25 serves, like possibly the liquid accumulator 17 also, as
an initially filled liquid reservoir, from which the person can
consume liquid even if no air conditioning operation has occurred
yet and therefore no thawed storage medium is available.
[0047] FIG. 4 depicts a further version in accordance with the
invention, which is essentially equivalent to the version from FIG.
3. However here a second fan 26 is provided for taking in warmer
surrounding air through the additional air intake 21 for mixing.
The control unit 23 or the integrated power supply 24 respectively
operate this fan 26 also. This air intake too can be closed by a
locking flap 27 if required, as is also possible for the air outlet
12 by the locking flap 28 with the air pipe 13 disconnected.
Depicted further is the mouthpiece 29 attached to the fluid pipe
14, which for instance could also serve as plug for the fluid pipe
14 to prevent undesired loss of liquid through dripping.
[0048] FIG. 5 finally shows in a basic view the control panel 30 of
the control unit 23, which could for instance be positioned in the
freely accessible rear wall of the backpack-like case 3; it is
equally possible to have it positioned on the side so that the
person could operate it with the unit strapped on, if required.
[0049] Depicted is the ON/OFF switch 31, which requires to be
pushed to start the air conditioning unit. With this at least the
fan 11 will automatically start to draw in air and to produce
cooling. Shown further is a not closer defined thermostat 32,
comprising a selector switch 33, with which a desired temperature
indicated in the display 34, can be selected. The control unit 23
is capable of automatically adjusting the temperature to the
desired level, which is governed by the automatic control of the
operation of fan 11 for varying the volume of the air taken in or,
if installed, of the second fan 26 or the regulating element 22
respectively, through which the aperture of the air pipe supplying
the unchilled air can be varied. All required elements are
automatically driven to adjust the selected temperature.
[0050] Finally a switch 35 is provided, through which the person
can for instance manually adjust the regulating element 22, for
temperature control when the thermostat-controlled operation is not
desired. Furthermore a switch 36 is provided, with which the speed
of fan 11 and the second fan 26, if installed, can be adjusted in
order to vary the blower intensity. This switch 36 can for instance
be realized as a combined rotary/press switch to allow switching
over from driving the fan 11 to driving the second fan 22 by
pushing the switch 36. The ability to drive both through this is
indicated by the symbol "U.sub.1/2".
[0051] Further depicted are several solar cells 37, which aid the
power supply. Through them the rechargeable battery cells 38, which
form the power supply, can be recharged continuously. Furthermore,
a charging state indicator 39, for example as a LED, for the power
supply and an equivalent charging state indicator 40 for the latent
heat storage device are provided.
[0052] The invention is not limited to the versions described. It
is possible for instance to realize the case 3 also as a waist or
hip bag, which is to be worn like a belt and therefore designed a
little smaller. The version in the form of a shoulder bag is also
conceivable. Furthermore it is possible to provide instead of the
air pipe 13 as shown in the drawings, one that has at its end a
clearly expanding outlet segment, which is equipped for example
with outlet jets of different radial direction, through which the
chilled air can be blown out. This flat outlet segment for example
can be pushed under the clothing so that the body can be cooled. It
needs to be pointed out eventually that for the operation of the
thermostat suitable sensor elements for registering the relevant
parameters like actual temperature at the air outlet, speed of the
fan or fans if necessary and also the position of the regulating
element can be provided. Adequate, preferably electrical adjustment
means for varying the position of the regulating element 22 in the
form of a small electric motor or equivalent are provided in
addition, naturally. However a mechanical motion coupling with the
switch 35 is also conceivable.
[0053] Finally there is the option to utilise the personal air
conditioning unit not as a combined cooling and drink reservoir
unit but as a warming device, combined with the drink option. This
will be useful for instance when the unit is being employed in a
very cold environment. In this case it is conceivable to fill the
latent heat storage device (or possibly a further additional latent
heat storage device) with a hot and consumable storage medium,
which serves to warm the air delivered past it. When the storage
medium cools in the course of the warming operation as the result
of the heat exchange, the liquid can be extracted and consumed. It
is conceivable for example to fill it with hot water or hot tea or
any other hot drink. Although the heat storage capacity or
respectively the introducible energy content of the hot storage
medium is evidently lower than that of the frozen storage medium,
it is nevertheless possible to achieve warming of the air over a
longer period of time, which will be appreciated by the user. In
this version the separate liquid accumulator option is obviously
not required since the storage medium presents in its liquid form
anyway. Nevertheless all other invention versions, which have been
described in the earlier specifications for the use as a cooling
device, have to be provided appropriately in this case also.
[0054] As an alternative to the use of the described unit as a
heating device by employing an also consumable storage medium, the
option exists in the way of an air conditioning system to provide a
further latent heat storage device, which can be placed inside the
receptacle if required due to the interchangeability, and which
contains a heat-storing, non-consumable medium such as a wax-like
medium for example. This could for instance be heated in a
microwave oven or a stove or equivalent and be placed in the
receptacle in a hot state. In this way the personal air
conditioning system can equally be used as a heating device for
warming the air, although in this case the drink option is not
available. This could be possible if for instance a separate liquid
storage would be provided or if the liquid accumulator, which in
this version would not be required, would initially be filled with
a consumable liquid. In this version however the liquid accumulator
is not coupled to the latent heat storage device. In this way the
possibility exists to realize a warming of the air, because of the
use of a wax-like substance for a clearly longer period of time.
Such an additional latent heat storage device could for example be
bought as an aftermarket accessory to the personal air conditioning
unit in accordance with the invention.
[0055] As no extraction of the storage medium occurs in this case,
a refilling of this latent heat storage device is not required. In
this case too the personal air conditioning unit displays all the
characteristics described in connection with its use as a cooling
device.
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