EP4516145A1 - Dispositif de ventilation a porter sous des vetements et procede de creation d'un courant d'air sur des parties du corps - Google Patents

Dispositif de ventilation a porter sous des vetements et procede de creation d'un courant d'air sur des parties du corps Download PDF

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Publication number
EP4516145A1
EP4516145A1 EP23194563.5A EP23194563A EP4516145A1 EP 4516145 A1 EP4516145 A1 EP 4516145A1 EP 23194563 A EP23194563 A EP 23194563A EP 4516145 A1 EP4516145 A1 EP 4516145A1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
plenum
wall
ventilation device
fan
flow
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Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
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Application number
EP23194563.5A
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German (de)
English (en)
Inventor
Sascha Wittmann
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Individual
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Individual
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Publication date
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Priority to EP23194563.5A priority Critical patent/EP4516145A1/fr
Priority to IL326735A priority patent/IL326735A/en
Priority to PCT/EP2024/074040 priority patent/WO2025045922A1/fr
Publication of EP4516145A1 publication Critical patent/EP4516145A1/fr
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

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    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A41—WEARING APPAREL
    • A41D—OUTERWEAR; PROTECTIVE GARMENTS; ACCESSORIES
    • A41D13/00—Professional, industrial or sporting protective garments, e.g. surgeons' gowns or garments protecting against blows or punches
    • A41D13/002—Professional, industrial or sporting protective garments, e.g. surgeons' gowns or garments protecting against blows or punches with controlled internal environment
    • A41D13/0025—Professional, industrial or sporting protective garments, e.g. surgeons' gowns or garments protecting against blows or punches with controlled internal environment by means of forced air circulation

Definitions

  • the present description relates to a ventilation device for creating an air flow on parts of the body, which is intended to be worn under clothing.
  • a ventilation device for creating an air flow on parts of the body, which is intended to be worn under clothing.
  • it is a ventilation device of the type described in the claims.
  • a method for creating an air flow on parts of the body is also described.
  • protective clothing that prevents injuries when using a chainsaw. by the chainsaw, the protective clothing of motorcyclists, or even protective vests, which are intended to protect the wearer in the civilian and military sectors from stab and/or gunshot wounds and other violent effects.
  • protective clothing can lead to heat build-up under the clothing, as ventilation and the release of evaporated sweat are hindered and this clothing also shields the body against convective heat exchange with the environment.
  • Devices have become known that actively induce an air flow onto the skin of the wearer of the protective clothing between the skin of the wearer of the protective clothing and the inside of the protective clothing and support the outflow of heated air enriched with evaporated sweat. Ventilation of air over the wearer's skin enables heat to be released from the skin to the air, and the evaporation of sweat is promoted by the removal of air enriched with evaporated sweat. This enables the body's natural cooling mechanisms to function through the skin even under the protective clothing. Health risks for the wearer can thus be avoided, the wearer's performance can be maintained, and the wearer's well-being is increased or a lack of well-being is counteracted.
  • the wearer can, of course within the limits of the fan's performance and within the limits imposed by the temperature and humidity of the air delivered by the fan, regulate the air ventilation in such a way that he is within his personal comfort zone with regard to skin temperature.
  • the intermediate layer is designed as a cavity and is fed with air by a blower or fan. Holes in the side of the intermediate layer which borders the inner layer, release the air from the intermediate layer into the inner layer, which rests on the body and which further distributes the air to cool the body and absorbs sweat.
  • a bulletproof vest is proposed in which double-walled tubes are arranged adjacent to or in contact with an innermost layer of material. A liquid is located in the innermost tube. Air flows in the jacket space between the two walls of the tubes, which can be cooled or heated.
  • the fluid within the innermost tube serves as a heat or cold storage device, such that a heating or cooling effect can be achieved even when a temperature control unit, which drives the air in the jacket space between the two walls of the tubes and regulates its temperature, is not in operation.
  • a temperature control unit which drives the air in the jacket space between the two walls of the tubes and regulates its temperature
  • US 2013/0319031 A1 It is proposed to provide a plate-shaped fluid distributor. A surface with holes or a net in the area of the spine is provided adjacent to the body. Distribution channels within the fluid distributor lead an air flow to the holes or the net, so that the air is guided through the holes or the openings of the net onto the body.
  • US 2019/0008219 A1 It is proposed to provide air distribution channels which are closed off from the body by a perforated wall.
  • Spacers are arranged on the outside of the perforated wall, which is intended to be positioned towards the body, in such a way that the wall with the blow-out openings is spaced away from the body when used correctly.
  • the distribution channels are fed by a fan or blower.
  • US 2019/0008219 A1 further proposes that the size of the blow-out openings increases in a downstream direction within the distribution channels. It is also proposed to arrange flow deflectors on the downstream sides of the blow-out openings within the distribution channels in order to divert the fluid flow into the blow-out openings. It is also proposed to introduce water droplets into the air flow for cooling. This is where the teaching of US 2019/0008219 A1 to achieve a cooling effect through the evaporation of supplied water droplets rather than supporting the body's natural cooling mechanisms by promoting the evaporation of sweat.
  • the proposed ventilation device is intended to provide an adjustable cooling effect due to variable air ventilation over the skin, whereby the wearer of the ventilation device can set the cooling effect or cooling performance and regulate it for his own comfort range.
  • the term "cooling performance” is not necessarily to be understood as meaning that the air used is cooled. In this sense, the "cooling performance" results from the interaction between the moving air, the flow of air over the wearer's skin, and the evaporation of sweat on the wearer's skin.
  • the teaching disclosed here aims to promote the evaporation of sweat and the removal of air enriched with moisture through the evaporation of sweat and to replace the air enriched with moisture through the evaporation of sweat with fresh air - or another suitable fluid - so that the sweat can evaporate easily at any time.
  • a ventilation device for creating an air flow on parts of the body is described, which is in particular intended and configured to be worn under items of clothing.
  • the ventilation device can be intended and configured to be worn on the upper body.
  • the ventilation device can be worn directly on the skin; however, it can also be the case that another item of clothing, in particular one that absorbs or transports sweat away, is worn between the ventilation device and the skin.
  • the ventilation device comprises a plenum shell, which in turn comprises a first wall and a second wall. The second wall is arranged opposite the first wall.
  • the second wall comprises an inner side facing the first wall and an outer side facing away from the first wall, wherein in particular the inner side of the second wall is spaced apart from an inner side of the first wall, at least in some areas, whereby a plenum is formed between the inner side of the first wall and the inner side of the second wall.
  • the first wall is intended to be arranged facing away from the body of a user, while the second wall is intended to be arranged towards the body of a user.
  • the first wall can also be referred to as the distal wall of the plenum shell
  • the second wall can be referred to as the proximal wall of the plenum shell.
  • the first wall forms a distal side of the plenum shell and the second wall forms a proximal side of the plenum shell, with the distal side of the plenum shell and the proximal side a peripheral edge extends along the plenum shell.
  • a connecting seam between the first, distal, wall and the second, proximal, wall is formed at least partially along the peripheral edge or extends along at least part of the peripheral edge.
  • the entire plenum shell is manufactured seamlessly and in one piece by means of a suitable additive manufacturing process.
  • a plurality of outflow channels are arranged in the second, proximal, wall, which extend between the inside of the second, proximal, wall and the outside of the second, proximal, wall and which have a cumulative outlet cross-sectional area which corresponds to the sum of the flow cross-sectional areas of all of the outflow channels. If the outflow channels or some of the outflow channels have non-constant cross-sections, this is the sum of the smallest flow cross-sectional areas of each outflow channel.
  • the flow cross-sectional area is in particular measured perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of an outflow channel.
  • the plurality of outflow channels comprises in particular at least 50 outflow channels, and in more specific embodiments at least 100 outflow channels.
  • the ventilation device further comprises at least one fan, which opens on its pressure side into the plenum, which is formed inside the plenum casing of the ventilation device.
  • the plenum is in fluid communication with the outflow channels and is delimited on the pressure side of the fan by the outlet surface of the impeller of the fan.
  • the outflow channels branch off in particular directly from the plenum.
  • the plenum, or a volume of the plenum thus comprises the entire free space within the plenum casing of the ventilation device downstream of the outlet surface of the impeller of the at least one fan.
  • the plenum shell has at least one inlet opening which is either in fluid communication with the suction side of at least one of the at least one blower and thus enables a blower arranged within the interior of the plenum shell to suck in fluid from the environment and convey it into the plenum, or establishes a fluid connection between the plenum and the pressure side of a blower arranged outside the plenum shell and thus enables a A fan arranged outside the interior of the ventilation device can convey fluid into the plenum.
  • the openings of the plenum which are connected to the pressure side of the at least one fan, are intended to supply fluid into the plenum and therefore represent inflow openings of the plenum.
  • the fan is configured in such a way to convey fluid into the plenum and out of the plenum through the outflow channels. It is further provided that a ratio of the volume of the plenum to the cumulative outlet cross-sectional area of the outflow channels is 0.75 m or more. As explained above, the volume of the plenum corresponds to the entire free space within the interior of the ventilation device downstream of the pressure side of at least one fan and is limited upstream by the pressure-side outlet surface of the impeller of the at least one fan or is measured up to the pressure-side outlet surface of the impeller of the at least one fan.
  • the minimum ratio of the volume of the plenum to the cumulative outlet cross-sectional area means that a sufficiently low flow velocity is established within the plenum so that pressure differences within the plenum and adjacent to the outflow channels are minimized in such a way that a pressure difference that is approximately the same is established across each of the outflow channels. This ensures that the mass flow through one of the outflow channels in relation to a total mass flow through all outflow channels is at least essentially only determined by its flow cross-sectional area in relation to the cumulative outlet cross-sectional area of the outflow channels and does not depend on the position of the outflow channel in the second, proximal, wall.
  • the outflow channels from a quasi-static fluid volume. This means that there is no or practically no flow deflection from a directed flow in the plenum at the inlet to the outflow channels. Due to this design, inherently uniform, homogeneous fluid states and flow conditions are guaranteed upstream of the individual outflow channels. As a result, the outflow channels are at least largely uniformly flowed. It is therefore not necessary to make the diameter of the outflow channels larger in the downstream direction from the fan or to arrange flow deflectors on the downstream sides of the outflow channels, as is the case in the US 2019/0008219 is proposed.
  • more specific embodiments can have a ratio of the volume of the plenum to the cumulative exit cross-sectional area of the outflow channels that is 0.9 m or more, 1.2 m or more, 1.5 m or more, 2.0 m or more, 2.5 m or more, or even 3.0 m or more.
  • the size of the ventilation device, for a given cumulative exit cross-sectional area of the outflow channels which in turn influences the overall achievable ventilation and thus cooling effect, represents an upper limiting factor.
  • the plenum shell is configured, for example, such that when the at least one inlet opening is closed or the at least one fan is in operation, at a certain pressure difference between the plenum and the environment, the mass flow through the second, proximal wall is at least 75% or more of the total mass flow flowing out of the interior of the plenum shell or conveyed by the at least one fan. In exemplary embodiments, this value is 80% or more, 85% or more, 90% or more, 95% or more, or 99.5% or more.
  • the reference cross-section for the pressure loss coefficient is the total area of the respective region of the plenum shell. It can be provided that the plenum shell, apart from the outflow channels and the at least one inlet opening, is at least substantially impermeable to fluids or air. In this way, the at least one blower and the plenum are configured such that fluid conveyed into the plenum by the at least one blower can flow out of the plenum at least substantially exclusively and solely via the outflow channels in the second, proximal, wall, at least as long as the blower is in operation.
  • the ventilation device described is designed on the outside of the second, proximal, wall in particular such that the outflow from at least 80% of the outflow channels exits directly, freely and unhindered into the environment or, when used as intended, directly, freely and unhindered onto the skin or clothing of the wearer.
  • the at least one fan is a radial fan.
  • the impeller of the at least one fan has a circumferential surface on its outer circumference, the ratio of the cumulative circumferential surface area of the at least one fan divided by the cumulative outlet cross-sectional area of the outlet channels being 2.4 or more.
  • the cumulative circumferential surface area represents the sum of the circumferential surface areas of the impellers of all fans. In a certain way, this value sets the dynamic pressure at the impeller outlet in relation to the dynamic pressure in the outlet channels.
  • the flow to the outlet channels can be made more uniform the greater the ratio of the cumulative circumferential surface area of the at least one fan divided by the cumulative outlet cross-sectional area of the outlet channels.
  • the ratio of the cumulative circumferential surface area of the at least one fan divided by the cumulative exit cross-sectional area of the exit channels is 3.0 or more, 5.0 or more, or 10.0 or more.
  • the hydraulic diameter of at least 80% of the outflow channels is less than or equal to 50% of the length of the respective outflow channel. This ensures a directed outflow of the fluid from the outflow channels that meet this condition, making it possible to direct the fluid jet generated in this way specifically onto the wearer's skin.
  • this formulation also expressly includes the case in which a piece of clothing, for example one that absorbs or transports sweat, is worn between the ventilation device and the skin. In this case too, for the sake of simplicity, it is said that the fluid jet is directed onto the wearer's skin.
  • the cooling effect on the skin through the evaporation of sweat is in this case essentially identical to the cooling effect when the sweat evaporates directly on the skin.
  • the ventilation device described is designed on the outside of the second, proximal, wall in particular such that the outflow from at least 80% of these at least 80% of the outflow channels, whose hydraulic diameter is less than or equal to 50% of the length of the respective outflow channel, is directly and freely and escapes unhindered into the environment or, when used as intended, strikes the skin or clothing of the wearer directly, freely and unhindered.
  • the outflow from at least substantially all of these at least 80% of the outflow channels escapes directly, freely and unhindered into the environment or, when used as intended, strikes the skin or clothing of the wearer directly, freely and unhindered. If the speed is sufficient, this jet penetrates from a certain distance to the skin of the wearer or a piece of clothing worn between the ventilation device and the skin, penetrates fluid boundary layers, displaces fluid enriched with moisture, and in this way promotes the evaporation of sweat particularly efficiently.
  • the smallest hydraulic diameter of the individual outflow channels is decisive, ie the smallest hydraulic diameter of each of at least 80% of the outflow channels is less than or equal to 50% of the length of the respective outflow channel.
  • the hydraulic diameter is calculated as four times the cross-sectional area divided by the circumference of an outflow channel.
  • At least one spacer element is arranged on the outside of the second, proximal wall, which has a height extension from the outside of the second, proximal wall.
  • the spacer element makes it possible to ensure a distance between the outside of the second, proximal wall and an opposite object, for example from the wearer's body, which is defined within comparatively narrow limits, such that the distance at which an air jet emerging from an outlet opening hits the wearer's skin is defined within comparatively narrow limits, while on the other hand a minimum space is maintained through which the heated and/or moisture-enriched air can flow out again.
  • the at least one spacer element can have a plurality of mushroom-shaped Spacer elements that extend from the outside of the second, proximal wall.
  • the at least one spacer element is provided by a spacer fabric that is arranged on or above the outside of the second, proximal wall.
  • Spacer fabrics can be described, for example, as double-face textiles in which the warp-knitted fabric surfaces are kept at a distance by spacer-maintaining connecting threads, so-called pile threads.
  • the vertical extension of the at least one spacer element results in this case from the thickness of the spacer fabric.
  • the spacer fabric can in particular be designed and arranged in such a way that the openings of the outflow channels on the outside of the second, proximal wall are not covered.
  • the examples mentioned are not to be understood as exhaustive.
  • the at least one spacer element can in particular be arranged in such a way that the entire surface of the outside of the second, proximal wall is kept at a distance from an opposite support surface.
  • a plurality of individual spacer elements can be arranged or a spacer fabric can cover the entire outside of the second, proximal wall.
  • the at least one spacer element impedes the flow of fluid parallel to the outside of the second, proximal wall in a space between the outside of the second, proximal wall and an opposite support surface on which the at least one spacer element rests as little as possible in order to enable the outflow of moisture-enriched and/or heated air between the plenum shell and the wearer's body.
  • At least one fan of the at least one fan is arranged inside the plenum casing and is in fluid communication with at least one of the at least one inlet opening on the suction side.
  • all fans are arranged inside the plenum casing and are in fluid communication with at least one of the at least one inlet opening on their suction side.
  • An inlet opening, ie at least one the at least one inlet opening can be arranged or formed in particular on a peripheral edge of the plenum shell. This edge can be arranged in particular between the first wall and the second wall.
  • first, distal wall is intended to be covered by clothing.
  • Protective clothing in particular is usually heavy and dense, so that the suction of ambient air through the clothing that rests on the first, distal wall or fits tightly against it is not possible or only possible with large pressure losses.
  • the second, proximal wall is intended to be arranged adjacent to the body, whereby air that is already warm and/or enriched with moisture would be sucked in at this point, whereby the arrangement of an inlet opening on the second, proximal wall would impair the effectiveness and efficiency of the desired cooling for the wearer's body.
  • a flow-preventing element extends in the circumferential direction of the plenum shell, wherein the flow-preventing element has a height extension measured from the outside of the second wall, and wherein the flow-preventing element covers at least the at least one inlet opening in the circumferential direction.
  • the flow-preventing element is therefore an element, in particular a plate-like element, which has a height extension and an extension in the circumferential direction of the plenum shell.
  • the circumferential direction is defined in particular along the circumference of the first wall and/or the second wall.
  • the height extension extends over the outside of the second, proximal, wall.
  • the flow-preventing element extends with its vertical extension to the side of the plenum shell on which the second wall is arranged, or, with respect to the intended use, proximally, ie towards the body of the wearer.
  • the flow-preventing element has a pressure loss coefficient of at least 100 for an inflow onto its surface, wherein the pressure loss coefficient in more specific embodiments is 1000 or more, or 2500 or more, or 10000 or more.
  • the reference cross-section for the pressure loss coefficient is here the area of the flow-preventing element, formed from the vertical extent and the extent in the circumferential direction of the plenum shell.
  • the flow-preventing element is at least substantially fluid-impermeable or air-impermeable.
  • this can be provided for all at least those inlet openings of the at least one inlet opening that are arranged or formed in the edge. It can further be provided that the flow-preventing element extends laterally of the respective inlet opening by at least 50%, in more specific cases at least 100% of the circumferential extent of the respective inlet opening on each side of the inlet opening in the circumferential direction. It can be provided that the vertical extent of said flow-preventing element from the outside of the second, proximal, wall at least substantially corresponds to the height of the above-mentioned at least one spacer element, or has a height that corresponds to 80-100% of the height of the at least one spacer element.
  • the flow-preventing element effectively prevents already heated and/or moisture-enriched air from the area between the second, proximal, wall and the wearer's body from being sucked in again by a fan, as this would significantly impair the efficiency of the cooling.
  • a plurality of flow-preventing elements extend along the circumference of the plenum shell in the circumferential direction of the plenum shell.
  • the flow-preventing elements have a height extension measured from the outside of the second wall, with an outflow passage being formed between each two flow-preventing elements.
  • the height extension extends over the outside of the second, proximal, wall. This means that the flow-preventing elements extend with their height extension to the side of the plenum shell on which the second wall is arranged, or, with regard to the intended use, proximally, i.e. towards the body of the wearer. When the object described here is used as intended, this creates a gap between the second, proximal, wall, the body of the wearer and the segmented wall.
  • an outlet plenum is formed.
  • fluid can flow out of the outlet area or the outlet plenum through the outflow passages if the outlet area is blocked or constricted by a closed surface, for example the wearer's body, compared to the outside of the second, proximal wall.
  • the total flowable cross-sectional area of the outflow passages enclosed between the flow-preventing elements is at least 10 times as large as the cumulative exit cross-sectional area of the outflow channels.
  • the flow within the outlet plenum formed in this way when used as intended can be calmed in such a way that fluid flowing out of the outlet channels can escape to the side to a lesser extent and thus hits the opposite skin in a directed manner and flows along the skin.
  • the size of the cumulative minimum cross-sectional area of the outflow passages ensures that no significant counterpressure is built up within the outlet plenum formed when used as intended, which counteracts the formation of fluid jets flowing out of the outflow channels.
  • the outflow passages can be arranged in such a way that, when the ventilation device is used as intended, they allow the used fluid to flow out where it can be expected that it can flow out as unhindered as possible under clothing.
  • the outflowing air can be channeled in such a way that it flows over certain parts of the body arranged next to the actual ventilation device and also causes evaporation-induced cooling there, albeit to a lesser extent.
  • the outflow passages can be arranged in such a way that the resulting cross-flow during operation disrupts the fluid jets flowing out of the outflow channels as little as possible.
  • the flow-preventing elements mentioned here also have, for example, a height extension above the outside of the second, proximal, wall which at least substantially corresponds to the height of the above-mentioned at least one spacer element, or has a height which is 80-100% of the height of the at least one spacer element corresponds.
  • the flow-preventing elements can be formed, for example, as integral parts of the plenum shell or a component of the plenum shell.
  • the flow-preventing elements can be formed by appropriately suitable peripheral areas on the circumference of the spacer fabric, for example coated with neoprene.
  • a diffuser is arranged on the pressure side of at least one of the at least one blower, the flow cross-section of which continuously expands from the outlet from the impeller of the blower and which opens into the plenum with a discontinuous cross-sectional transition.
  • the plenum, downstream of any outlet diffuser for the outflow from the at least one fan is designed without flow-guiding elements and in particular without subdivision. This means that it can be provided that the plenum, downstream of any outlet diffuser for the outflow from the at least one fan, is a single, continuous and undivided cavity. This is also suitable for ensuring inherently uniform, homogeneous fluid states and flow conditions upstream of the individual outflow channels.
  • an above-mentioned diffuser is part of the plenum, while part of the interior in which the at least one fan is arranged in embodiments, or space in the interior that serves in embodiments to accommodate energy storage devices, controls and the like, is by definition not part of the plenum.
  • the ventilation device is provided in exemplary embodiments to be worn on the upper body on the chest or on the back.
  • the plenum shell has a top side and a bottom side, the top side being provided for the cranial arrangement, pointing towards the neck, and the bottom side being provided for the caudal arrangement, pointing towards the legs.
  • the first, distal, wall and the second, proximal, wall on a top side of the ventilation device are designed to taper towards an upper end of the ventilation device, for example trapezoidal.
  • the at least one inlet opening is arranged on the bottom side of the plenum shell.
  • a protective garment in which a ventilation device of the type described above is integrated, wherein the second, proximal, wall is arranged as the inside of the protective garment.
  • the protective garment can be a bulletproof vest.
  • the teaching described here can also be implemented by a method for creating an air flow on body parts.
  • the method comprises arranging a plenum cover, which encloses a plenum and has a perforated plate, over a body part.
  • the plenum cover is arranged in such a way that the perforated plate is arranged towards the corresponding body part.
  • the perforated plate is arranged at a defined target distance from the body part.
  • Air in particular ambient air, is introduced into the plenum by means of at least one blower. This air is guided from the plenum to the skin of the body part via openings in the perforated plate.
  • the escaping air from at least 80% of the openings in the perforated plate is guided directly and freely and unhindered onto the skin of the body part.
  • the escaping air from at least essentially all openings in the perforated plate is guided directly and freely and unhindered onto the skin of the body part.
  • the blower is operated in such a way that the static pressure reduction via the openings of the perforated plate is at least 25% of the static pressure build-up via the impeller of the at least one blower. This operating parameter results in a uniform pressure being applied to the openings of the perforated plate.
  • the at least one fan is operated in such a way that a turbulent flow is present at the outlet from at least 80% of the openings of the perforated plate. This promotes the formation of strongly concentrated and directed air jets when exiting the openings, which supports the efficient use of the air in the manner described above in the manner of impingement cooling.
  • the method is carried out for example, but not necessarily, by means of a ventilation device or a protective clothing item of the type described above, wherein the perforated plate is the second, proximal, wall of the plenum shell and the openings of the perforated plate are the outflow channels.
  • Figure 1 shows a view of an exemplary embodiment of the ventilation device 1 described here with a perspective view of the first, distal, wall 11.
  • a second, proximal, wall 12, not visible in the present illustration, is arranged opposite the first, distal, wall 11.
  • the first, distal, wall 11 and the second, proximal, wall 12 are connected to one another.
  • "connected” is to be understood as meaning that the two structural elements in which the two walls are formed are structurally fixed relative to one another and not in such a way that they necessarily have to touch one another directly, although this is of course by no means excluded and is certainly an extremely practical embodiment.
  • the entire plenum shell 10 could be manufactured seamlessly and in one piece using a suitable additive manufacturing process.
  • the first, distal, wall 11 and the second, proximal, wall 12 form a plenum shell 10.
  • This implicitly means that that an inner side of the second, proximal wall facing the first, distal wall and an inner side of the first, distal wall facing the second, proximal wall are at least partially spaced apart from one another, such that an interior space is formed within the plenum casing 10, which includes a plenum, as can be seen below.
  • the ventilation device is intended to be worn under clothing on the upper body.
  • the second, proximal wall 12 is arranged proximally, i.e. pointing towards the body
  • the first, distal wall 11 is arranged distally, i.e. pointing away from the body.
  • the plenum casing 10 has an upper side 20, which is intended for cranial arrangement, i.e. towards the neck, and a lower side 30, which is intended for caudal arrangement, i.e. towards the legs.
  • the upper part of the plenum casing tapers towards the top side 20 in an anatomically advantageous manner so that it can be worn between the shoulders, for example, and freedom of movement is restricted as little as possible.
  • a chamber 101 for a blower Adjacent to the underside 30 of the plenum casing 10, a chamber 101 for a blower is provided within the plenum casing 10.
  • the blower chamber 101 is arranged raised on the outside of the first, distal wall 11, since on this side of the plenum casing 10 intended for arrangement distal to the body, raised areas on the outside of the plenum casing do not result in any loss of comfort in the form of pressure points and the like.
  • the first, distal wall is stiffened in the area of the blower chamber 101 by struts 102.
  • the blower chamber also has a cover 103 which closes an assembly opening of the blower chamber 101.
  • a fan in particular a radial fan, can be mounted inside the fan chamber 101 and removed from it through the assembly opening closed by the cover 103.
  • an inlet opening 14 is arranged in a peripheral edge 13 of the plenum casing 10 in the area of the fan chamber 101.
  • a fan arranged inside the fan chamber 101 can suck in fluid, in particular air, through the inlet opening 14 and convey it in the manner described below into a plenum formed inside the plenum casing 10, from where it can be discharged in a manner also described in more detail below. way through outflow channels of the second, proximal, wall to the wearer's body.
  • Figure 2 shows a section through the Figure 1 shown plenum shell 10 with a view of the inside of the second, proximal, wall 12. The peripheral edge 13 is shown in section.
  • a plenum 15 is formed within the plenum shell.
  • a diffusion path 104 extends with a cross-sectional area that continuously expands away from the blower chamber 101 and ends at a shock diffuser 105.
  • a radial blower 109 arranged within the blower chamber can suck in fluid through the inlet opening 14 and convey it into the plenum 15.
  • the plenum is defined as the entire free space within the plenum shell when the blower is installed, and the upstream boundary of the plenum is limited by the outlet surface of the impeller of the blower on the pressure side of the blower when the blower is installed.
  • the plenum 15 is designed without flow-guiding elements and without subdivisions downstream of the diffusion section 104.
  • the second, proximal, wall 12 comprises a plurality of outflow channels 121 which extend from the inside of the second, proximal, wall 12, which is arranged facing the first, distal, wall 11, and the outside of the second, proximal, wall 12, which is arranged facing away from the first, distal, wall 11.
  • Fluid conveyed into the plenum 15 by the blower 109 can flow out of the plenum 15 through the outflow channels 121 and, when the ventilation device is arranged correctly on the body of a wearer, it hits the skin of the wearer or a layer of clothing worn on the skin that transports away and/or absorbs sweat, where it contributes to the evaporation of sweat and, depending on the temperature conditions, also to the conductive absorption of heat and thus causes the wearer's body to cool.
  • the outflow channels 121 are evenly distributed over the surface of the second, proximal, wall, but this is not necessarily the case.
  • the outflow channels 121 can, for example, be arranged at locations that are intended to be arranged over a part of the body where increased sweat production is expected. are arranged more densely and/or have a larger diameter than at other points on the second, proximal, wall 12. Furthermore, raised spacer elements 122 are arranged on the inside of the second, proximal, wall 12. These prevent the plenum 15 from being compressed by external forces. This also makes it possible to manufacture the first, distal, wall 11 and the second, proximal, wall 12 from comparatively soft materials, which further improves wearing comfort. As can be seen, the spacer elements 122 are the only elements arranged within the plenum 15 and do not fulfill a flow-conducting function.
  • Figure 3 shows a view of the Figures 1 and 2 exemplary illustrated embodiment of the ventilation device 1 described here with a perspective view of the outside of the second, proximal wall 12.
  • the outflow channels 121 open out on the outside of the second, proximal wall 12.
  • a plurality of spacer elements 123 are also arranged on the outside of the second, proximal wall 12. These ensure that there is always a minimum distance between the outside of the second, proximal wall 12 and an object opposite which the ventilation device 1 with the outside of the second, proximal wall 12 is arranged, for example the body of the wearer, so that a minimum space is maintained between such an object and the outside of the second, proximal wall 12 through which the heated and/or moisture-enriched air can flow out.
  • the spacer elements 123 are mushroom-shaped pins, the rounded and widened heads of which are arranged above the outside of the second, proximal, wall 12 and are intended to rest on the body of the wearer or a layer of clothing.
  • the widened and rounded shape which is also used in conjunction with Figure 4 , also improves the wearing comfort.
  • a flow-preventing element 108 extends from the outside of the second, proximal, wall 12, which has a height extension above the outside of the second, proximal, wall, and covers at least the inlet opening 14 in the circumferential direction.
  • the underside of the blower chamber 101 forms part of this flow-preventing element.
  • the flow-preventing element 108 extends over the entire underside 30 of the ventilation device and also extends a little to the side. This makes it possible to avoid air that has been used during operation and has already been blown out through the outflow channels 121 being sucked in through the inlet opening 14 and thus recirculated, which would of course significantly impair the cooling efficiency. Furthermore, a plurality of flow-preventing elements 107 extend along the circumference of the plenum shell 10, the individual flow-preventing elements 107 being spaced apart from one another in the circumferential direction in such a way that an outflow passage is formed between each two flow-preventing elements 107.
  • the total flowable cross-sectional area of the outflow passages enclosed between all flow-preventing elements 107, 108 is at least 10 times as large as the cumulative exit cross-sectional area of the outflow channels 121 in the second, proximal, wall 12. This ensures that no significant counterpressure is built up when flowing through the outflow passages, which in turn would reduce the momentum and thus the effectiveness of the air flowing out of the outflow channels 121.
  • the flow within the outlet plenum formed in this way when used as intended can be calmed in such a way that fluid flowing out of the outlet channels can escape to the side to a lesser extent and thus hits the opposite skin in a directed manner and flows along the skin.
  • Figure 4 illustrates a cross section through a part of the ventilation device 1 with a cutting plane perpendicular to the first, distal, wall 11 and the second, proximal, wall 12. It can be seen how the spacer elements 122 extend between the inner sides of the first, distal, wall 11 and the second, proximal, wall 12 and thus support the first, distal, wall 11 and the second, proximal, wall 12 against each other.
  • the plenum 15 is formed between the first, distal, wall 11 and the second, proximal, wall 12.
  • the Outflow channels 121 are shown here as cylindrical bores, but can also have other geometries. It is advantageous if a smallest hydraulic diameter of an outflow channel is 50% or less of the length of the outflow channel.
  • a ratio of the volume of the plenum 15, ie, the entire free space within the plenum shell 10 downstream of the pressure-side outlet surface of the impeller of the fan 109, to the cumulative outlet cross-sectional area of the outflow channels of the second, proximal, wall 12 has a value of at least 0.75 m. Because the volume is selected to be large enough in relation to the cumulative exit cross-sectional area of the outflow channels of the second, proximal, wall 12, an almost stationary fluid volume with a negligible or only very small flow velocity through the plenum is established within the plenum 15.
  • each of the outflow channels 121 is subjected to almost the same pressure at its inlet, ie on the inside of the second, proximal, wall 12.
  • the mass flow through an outflow channel 121 at a given pressure in the plenum 15 and a given external pressure depends essentially exclusively on its smallest flow cross-section and is essentially independent of the position of the outflow channel 121 on the second, proximal, wall 12.
  • Flow-hindering elements 107 can also be seen, which have a height extension H above the outside of the second, proximal wall and a circumferential extension U.
  • the circumferential extension of different flow-hindering elements 107 can be different.
  • FIG. 5 shows an exemplary embodiment of the plenum shell 10 of a ventilation device of the type described here in an exploded view.
  • the plenum shell comprises two halves 16 and 17, wherein the first, distal, wall 11 is formed on the first half 16 and the second, proximal, wall 12 with the outflow channels 121 is formed in the second half 17.
  • a chamber 101 for the fan 109 is also formed in the first half 16 of the plenum shell.
  • the fan 109 can be inserted into the chamber 101 and removed again through an opening 101a of the chamber 101 on the top of the first half 16 of the plenum shell. In this way, the fan 109 can be replaced even when the two halves 16 and 17 are assembled to form a plenum shell for the ventilation device, as explained below.
  • a cover 103 is provided to close the opening 101a.
  • the cover 103 is fixed to the first half 16 of the plenum shell by means of detachable locking elements known per se.
  • the fan chamber 101 is closed on its underside by the chamber base 101b, which is integrated in the second half 17 of the plenum shell.
  • the two halves 16 and 17 can be joined along their edges 13a and 13b, for example by gluing or welding, thereby forming a plenum shell that encloses the plenum 15.
  • the plenum 15 is designed without flow-guiding elements and without subdivisions downstream of a diffusion section arranged in some cases for the outflow from the fan 109.
  • a suitably cut inner spacer fabric 18 is inserted between the two halves in such a way that it lies within the plenum after joining.
  • the inner spacer fabric 18 supports the first, distal, wall 11 and the second, proximal, wall 12 against each other in such a way that compression of the plenum 15 by external forces acting on the walls is avoided or at least greatly limited.
  • the inner spacer fabric 18 is thus an analogue to the Figure 2 shown spacer elements and also does not fulfill a flow control function but an exclusive spacer function between the first, distal wall and the second, proximal wall.
  • the inner spacer fabric 18 is perforated in such a way that the Outflow channels 121 are not covered.
  • the thread density within the spacer fabric is comparatively low, so that the volume of the plenum 15, i.e. the fluid volume contained within the plenum 15, is not significantly reduced by the inner spacer fabric 18, and furthermore such that large flow cross-sections are also present within the spacer fabric.
  • the inner spacer fabric 18, particularly in combination with the low flow velocity within the plenum 15 as described, does not cause any significant pressure loss within the plenum.
  • the plenum shell, or the halves 16 and 17, are dimensioned such that here too the ratio of the volume of the plenum 15, i.e.
  • the total free space within the plenum shell downstream of the pressure-side outlet surface of the impeller of the blower 109, to the sum of the cumulative outlet cross-sectional area of the outlet channels 121 of the second, proximal, wall 12 has a value of at least 0.75 m.
  • This ratio results in the flow velocity in the plenum being very low, so that in combination with the low thread density of the inner spacer fabric 18, the occurrence of pressure losses when flowing through the inner spacer fabric is at least substantially avoided.
  • this ratio of the volume of the plenum to the cumulative outlet cross-sectional area of the outflow channels results in all outflow channels being supplied with the same pressure, or at least with negligible pressure differences, and from a volume that is almost at rest. The advantages that result from this are explained above.
  • a case 2 of the type shown in Figure 6 provided as an example.
  • the case 2 comprises, for example, a textile surface 21 and an outer spacer fabric 22, which are sewn, glued, welded or connected in another suitable manner along an edge 23 on the circumference of the case 2.
  • the case is open on a peripheral side 28, such that the Figure 5 explained plenum shell, which consists of the two halves 16 and 17 can be inserted into a pocket 24 formed between the textile surface 21 and the outer spacer fabric 22.
  • the case is dimensioned in such a way that the Figure 5 explained plenum cover 10, which encloses a plenum, is held tightly within the pocket 24.
  • the textile surface 21 There are no special requirements for the textile surface 21; of course, the material used should be sufficiently robust. Instead of the textile surface 21, a surface made of a suitable non-textile material could also be used.
  • Tabs 25 and 26 are formed on the textile surface 21 adjacent to the open peripheral side 28. The tabs 25 and 26 can be releasably attached to the outside of the outer spacer fabric 22 by means of Velcro fasteners, snap fasteners or other suitable means. These make it possible, when the plenum cover 10 is inserted into the pocket 24, to fix the plenum cover within the pocket 24, but also to remove the plenum cover from the pocket 24 again after it has been released from the outer spacer fabric 22.
  • the spacer fabric 22 extends to the edge 23 in such a way that the porosities of the spacer fabric are open at the edge 23.
  • Various peripheral areas are arranged on the circumference of the casing 2, in which the edge 23 is closed or covered with a material layer 27 with increased flow resistance at least compared to the outer spacer fabric 22.
  • the material layers 27 have a pressure loss coefficient of at least 100, wherein the pressure loss coefficient in more specific embodiments is 1000 or more, or 2500 or more, or 10000 or more.
  • the reference cross-section for the pressure loss coefficient is the area of the outer spacer fabric covered by the respective material layer.
  • the material layers 27 are at least substantially impermeable to fluids or impermeable to air.
  • the material layers 27 extend over the edge area of the outer spacer fabric 22 and cover and close the open porosity of the outer spacer fabric 22 at the edge 23 in the respective peripheral areas.
  • the material layers 27 with increased flow resistance enclose gaps 29 between them in the peripheral direction, in which the porosities of the outer spacer fabric 22 are open in the edge area.
  • the material layers 27 can be realized, for example, by coating them with neoprene.
  • plenum cover is inserted into the pocket 24 in such a way that the textile surface 21 comes to lie on the outside of the first, distal wall, while the outer spacer fabric 22 comes to lie on the outside of the second, proximal wall.
  • the plenum cover 10 can be fixed within the pocket 24.
  • knobs can be arranged, which fix the outer spacer fabric 22 in a direction parallel to the outside of the second, proximal wall and relative to the second, proximal wall 12 of the plenum cover 10.
  • the outer spacer fabric 22 is perforated with an arrangement of the perforation openings that corresponds to the arrangement of the opening of the outflow channels 121 on the outside of the second, proximal, wall 12 of the plenum cover 10.
  • the plenum cover 10 can be arranged within the pocket 24 such that each outflow channel 121, or, in other embodiments, at least 80% of the outflow channels 121, opens into a perforation opening of the outer spacer fabric 22.
  • the outflow from at least 80% of the outflow channels or from each outflow channel 121 thus exits directly, freely and unhindered into the environment or, when used as intended, hits the skin or clothing of the wearer directly, freely and unhindered.
  • the inlet opening 14 of the plenum cover is located in the open peripheral side 28 of the casing 2.
  • the object thus created represents a ventilation device in which the outer spacer fabric 22 has the function of a spacer element 123, which has a height extension above the outside of the second, proximal, wall 12 and thus ensures that there is always a minimum distance between the outside of the second, proximal, wall 12 and a surface opposite it, by the air which flows out through the outflow channels 121 on the outside of the second, proximal, wall 12 can flow away.
  • This outflow occurs through the porosities of the outer spacer fabric 22.
  • the air flows out of the outer spacer fabric 22 through the gaps 29 between the material layers 107 at the edge 23 into the environment.
  • a material layer 27 with increased flow resistance in this case represents a flow-hindering element 107 which extends in the circumferential direction of the plenum shell and has a height extension measured from the outside of the second, proximal wall.
  • a plenum shell which encloses a plenum and has a perforated plate, is arranged above the skin of a body part to be cooled, with the perforated plate facing the body part to be cooled.
  • Air is introduced into the plenum by means of at least one blower and the air is guided from the plenum to the skin of the body part to be cooled via openings in the perforated plate. This promotes, among other things, the evaporation of sweat and the removal of moisture-enriched air above the skin, resulting in the desired cooling.
  • the blower is operated in such a way that the static pressure reduction via the openings in the perforated plate is at least 25% of the static pressure build-up via the impeller of the at least one blower. This also ensures that all openings in the perforated plate are supplied with air at essentially the same pressure and from an almost static volume.
  • the blower is operated in such a way that a turbulent flow is present at the outlet from at least 80% of the openings of the perforated plate.
  • This process ensures that directed jets emerge from the openings of the perforated plate, which with their momentum create boundary layers on the opposite surface - this is in particular the skin of a body part to be cooled or a sweat-absorbing or sweat-transporting item of clothing that is worn on the skin. thereby significantly increasing the effect of the air flow directed onto the skin or garment.
  • This process can optionally be carried out by means of a ventilation device of the type described above.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Environmental & Geological Engineering (AREA)
  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Physical Education & Sports Medicine (AREA)
  • Textile Engineering (AREA)
  • Professional, Industrial, Or Sporting Protective Garments (AREA)
EP23194563.5A 2023-08-31 2023-08-31 Dispositif de ventilation a porter sous des vetements et procede de creation d'un courant d'air sur des parties du corps Withdrawn EP4516145A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP23194563.5A EP4516145A1 (fr) 2023-08-31 2023-08-31 Dispositif de ventilation a porter sous des vetements et procede de creation d'un courant d'air sur des parties du corps
IL326735A IL326735A (en) 2023-08-31 2024-08-28 Ventilation device for wearing under clothing and method for creating airflow over body parts
PCT/EP2024/074040 WO2025045922A1 (fr) 2023-08-31 2024-08-28 Dispositif de ventilation destiné à être porté sous des vêtements et procédé de création d'un écoulement d'air sur des parties du corps

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP23194563.5A EP4516145A1 (fr) 2023-08-31 2023-08-31 Dispositif de ventilation a porter sous des vetements et procede de creation d'un courant d'air sur des parties du corps

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP4516145A1 true EP4516145A1 (fr) 2025-03-05

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EP23194563.5A Withdrawn EP4516145A1 (fr) 2023-08-31 2023-08-31 Dispositif de ventilation a porter sous des vetements et procede de creation d'un courant d'air sur des parties du corps

Country Status (3)

Country Link
EP (1) EP4516145A1 (fr)
IL (1) IL326735A (fr)
WO (1) WO2025045922A1 (fr)

Citations (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20010000849A1 (en) 1999-09-16 2001-05-10 Lockheed Martin Energy Research Corporation Personal cooling apparatus and method
US20050066401A1 (en) 2003-09-02 2005-03-31 Steven Feher Temperature conditioning apparatus for the trunk of a human body
WO2005118167A2 (fr) 2004-06-03 2005-12-15 Rabintex Industries Ltd. Systeme de refroidissement pour gilet pare-balles
US20130319031A1 (en) 2012-05-31 2013-12-05 Safariland, Llc Cooling Unit
US20160270457A1 (en) * 2015-03-20 2016-09-22 Chien-Chou Chen Clothes structure with temperature falling device
US20190008219A1 (en) 2017-07-10 2019-01-10 ThermoBionics LLC System, method, and apparatus for providing cooling
US20200217584A1 (en) 2019-01-03 2020-07-09 Curtis Fluellen Ballistic Vest Cooling Assembly
US11656061B2 (en) * 2015-09-25 2023-05-23 Med-Eng, Llc Bomb disposal suit with back protector and back protector for same

Patent Citations (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20010000849A1 (en) 1999-09-16 2001-05-10 Lockheed Martin Energy Research Corporation Personal cooling apparatus and method
US20050066401A1 (en) 2003-09-02 2005-03-31 Steven Feher Temperature conditioning apparatus for the trunk of a human body
WO2005118167A2 (fr) 2004-06-03 2005-12-15 Rabintex Industries Ltd. Systeme de refroidissement pour gilet pare-balles
US20130319031A1 (en) 2012-05-31 2013-12-05 Safariland, Llc Cooling Unit
US20160270457A1 (en) * 2015-03-20 2016-09-22 Chien-Chou Chen Clothes structure with temperature falling device
US11656061B2 (en) * 2015-09-25 2023-05-23 Med-Eng, Llc Bomb disposal suit with back protector and back protector for same
US20190008219A1 (en) 2017-07-10 2019-01-10 ThermoBionics LLC System, method, and apparatus for providing cooling
US20200217584A1 (en) 2019-01-03 2020-07-09 Curtis Fluellen Ballistic Vest Cooling Assembly

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WO2025045922A1 (fr) 2025-03-06
IL326735A (en) 2026-04-01

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