WO2005116545A1

WO2005116545A1 - Device for cooling surfaces

Info

Publication number: WO2005116545A1
Application number: PCT/EP2005/004158
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jörg Bennecke
Original assignee: Bennecke, Gabriele
Priority date: 2004-05-19
Filing date: 2005-04-19
Publication date: 2005-12-08
Also published as: WO2005116546A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for cooling a surface substantially by means of cold that is due to evaporation. Said cooling device comprises at least one chamber (10, 20, 21, 30, 31, 50, 51, 52) which is provided with an interior layer (11, 22, 33) that faces the cooling surface during the cooling process, an exterior layer (12, 23, 34) that faces away from the cooling surface, and a cooling medium that is located between the interior and the exterior layer (11, 12, 22, 23, 33, 34) in the chamber (10, 20, 21, 30, 31, 50, 51, 52). The cooling medium is provided with a hydrogel (14) that forms a granulate in the dry condition, binds water, and releases the water by means of evaporation when loaded with water so as to generate cold due to evaporation. The surface of the interior and/or the exterior layer (11, 12, 22, 23, 33, 34) has a three-dimensional structure in order to improve the cooling effect of the cooling device.

Description

Cooling device for cooling surfaces

description

The invention relates to a cooling device for cooling a surface, essentially by means of evaporative cooling, the cooling device having at least one chamber with an inner layer which bears against the cooling surface side during cooling, and with an outer layer which faces away from the cooling surface and with a cooling medium which is arranged in the chamber between the inner and outer layer, the cooling medium having a hydrogel which forms granules in the dry state, binds water and releases water in the state loaded with water by evaporation to produce evaporative cooling.

Various cooling devices are known. For example, rags or cloths can be soaked in water and placed on the surface to be cooled. These have the disadvantage that the _. Cooling effect wears off after a relatively short time as soon as the cloth has dried. In addition, such pads are damp and are therefore often perceived as uncomfortable and impractical.

Conventional cooling pads therefore mostly contain a liquid, a gel or another material that is pre-cooled in the refrigerator or freezer. Such cooling pads or cooling cushions, as are described, for example, in DE 299 20 079 U1, can therefore not be used at short notice and cannot be transported and kept in use for a long period of time, but require prior cooling and cool storage.

From US 5,785,980 a cooling device for cooling people is known, which contains a hydrogenated gel. The gel releases water in vapor form and cools through evaporative cooling.

The invention has for its object to provide a cooling device of the type mentioned, which - in particular without pre-cooling in a refrigerator or freezer - has a good cooling effect. The object is achieved according to the invention by a cooling device for cooling a surface essentially by evaporative cooling, the cooling device having at least one chamber with an inner layer which bears against the cooling surface during cooling, and with an outer layer which faces away from the cooling surface and with a cooling medium which is arranged in the chamber between the inner and outer layer, the cooling medium having a hydrogel which forms granules in the dry state, binds water and releases water in the state loaded with water by evaporation to produce evaporative cooling, being the

Surface of the inner and / or the outer layer to improve the cooling effect of the cooling device has a three-dimensional structure.

Within the scope of this application, the inner and outer layers are each relative to the surface to be cooled, i.e. to the cooling surface, to understand. The inner layer is the side of the cooling device which faces the surface to be cooled, and the outer layer is the side facing away from the cooling surface.

With such a three-dimensional structure, it is possible to promote an exchange of the air immediately adjacent to the cooling device with the ambient air. This air exchange, hereinafter referred to as ventilation, means, among other things, that the air on the immediate cooling surface, which has a high degree of moisture due to the evaporation of the water bound in the hydrogel, is exchanged or mixed with the usually less humid ambient air more quickly. The exchange in turn leads to an increased moisture absorption capacity of the drier air which is then immediately adjacent to the cooling surface and thus to an optimal cooling effect of the hydrogel.

The cooling device according to the invention has many possible uses. For example, it can be used to cool parts of the body / parts of the body of humans or animals or to cool objects. The cooling device according to the invention can also be used in the form of a container for cooling bottles, cans or the like. It can be part of a hat, such as a cappy's. It can be designed as a cooling belt, which is worn as a lanyard or as a headband. Furthermore, a cooling pad for pets, a collar for pets, a horse cooling gaiter or bandage are conceivable. The A person skilled in the art recognizes the various special embodiments of the cooling device according to the invention.

The object of the invention is also achieved by a cooling device for cooling a surface essentially by evaporative cooling, in particular according to claim 1, wherein the cooling device has at least one chamber with an inner layer which bears against the cooling surface during cooling, and with an outer layer which faces away from the cooling surface and with a cooling medium which is arranged in the chamber between the inner and outer layer, the cooling medium having a hydrogel which forms granules in the dry state, binds water and in the state loaded with water the water passes through Evaporation releases with the generation of evaporative cooling, wherein a plurality of chambers filled with hydrogel is provided, adjacent chambers being connected to one another to form a planar intermediate region which, when the cooling device is loaded with water, is in contact with a cooling surface of the cooling device hlfläche spaced.

By such a spacing according to the invention of the intermediate areas of the cooling device from the cooling surface, for example from the skin of a person, the smallest possible contact surface of the cooling device on the skin is achieved, which likewise promotes the ventilation described above and thus improves the cooling. Furthermore, a "sticking" of the cooling device on the skin is counteracted, particularly in very warm and humid weather conditions.

Similar effects are achieved if the surface of the inner layer in particular is structured such that when the cooling device is in contact with an essentially smooth cooling surface, less than 90%, preferably less than 70%, particularly preferably less than 50% of the layer touch the surface.

A three-dimensional structure is understood here to mean a three-dimensional textile structure with which it is possible to incorporate different structures and properties such as elongation, strength and materials during manufacture, i.e. if the material is placed on a surface, less than 90%, preferably less than 70%, particularly preferably less than 50% of the material flat on the surface. The material preferably has a structure similar to a wave crest sequence. This increases the function of water vapor absorption and considerably improves ventilation. If the selected material does not yet offer a sufficiently structured surface per se, this can be done, for example, with the one known in textile technology. Sanding can be achieved. Other techniques to be selected for the individual case that lead to a non-planar surface are, for example, selective or grid-like embossing, lasering, coating. As already described, this type of surface shape prevents the so-called splashing of the textile surface, which has become soaked in sweat, onto the skin of people and animals, which significantly increases the wearing comfort when sweating. Otherwise, the thermal receptors in the skin would signal a cold stimulus to the brain, from which sweating would be derived. Therefore, the preferred textiles are not smooth, but with a certain structure that limits direct skin contact to a few places per unit area. In addition to the above-mentioned processes, this is achieved by very small "spacers", formed by protruding fibers from the yarns or rib-like mesh constructions. Endless (filament) yarns get these "spacers" by texturing. The inner and / or the outer layer can therefore also have a rough and / or textured surface.

The flat intermediate areas between the hydrogel-filled chambers preferably have no hydrogel. If the intermediate regions between chambers are designed as intermediate chambers or have intermediate chambers, the latter can have connecting holes and / or connecting channels which create a connection between the cavities and the ambient air. The holes ensure that air can escape from the intermediate chambers if the cooling device is to be packed in a space-saving manner when it is not loaded with water. The holes and / or connecting channels are preferably arranged on the intermediate chamber side facing away from the cooling surface.

In another embodiment, the intermediate areas between the hydrogel-filled chambers have, in particular, flat intermediate webs. The intermediate webs can be formed by the inner and outer layer. Both the chambers and the intermediate webs are preferably formed by line-like connections, such as seams, of the inner and outer layers, which are in particular arranged parallel to one another. The webs can in principle also have other shapes, for example they can be designed as thin connecting cords or connecting chains which connect the individual hydrogel-filled chambers to one another. If these are made sufficiently thin, they could even be in contact with the cooling surface in use, and nevertheless a sufficient ventilation effect which would improve the cooling would be achieved.

Furthermore, an outer seam of the cooling device can be provided, which runs in a wave or zigzag shape and / or is provided with holes arranged on the longitudinal and / or transverse sides of the cooling device.

In a special embodiment of the invention, the inner and / or the outer layer and / or the cooling medium, in particular the hydrogel, can be antimicrobial. Antimicrobial in the sense of the invention means that the cooling device is designed to inhibit odor and shows no "sweat smell" or moldy smell even after prolonged or repeated use. The possible formation of odors after use when the cooling device according to the invention is stored in a low-fresh air condition can be avoided by carefully selecting the materials of the cooling arrangement, which are equipped, for example, with special inhibitors. In the same way, materials can be selected which, by means of special equipment, prevent the formation of mold stains and odors as a result of the flour from the stored finished cooling pans. It is important for the materials which can be used in the context of this invention that, although they hinder the growth and multiplication of the odor-forming microorganisms, they do not damage humans or animals.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the hydrogel-forming granules can additionally be coated with odor absorbents and / or with coatings of functional substances such as fragrances, flavors or the like.

In a further embodiment, the inner and / or the outer layer and / or the cooling medium for antimicrobial finishing can contain or be coated with silver or silver compounds. The inner and / or the outer layer and / or the cooling medium can be used for antimicrobial finishing cyclodexterin or its derivatives contain. Cyclodextrins are cyclic sugar molecules that are fixed with the textile in one of the finishing processes mentioned, for example. They can absorb a wide variety of additives and can be loaded again after they have been dispensed (for example, by washing). Chitosan capsules, phospholipids, etc. are also suitable as a carrier material for additives.

Furthermore, the inner and / or the outer layer and / or the cooling medium, in particular the hydrogel, can be equipped with mosquito repellents and / or oils and / or odor stoppers and / or fragrances and / or microorganisms. Further examples according to the invention for suitable, in particular antimicrobial, equipment for indirect odor avoidance or significant odor reduction are: silver bound to activated carbon or only activated carbon for irreversible binding of odor molecules, in particular to the inner and / or outer layer, in particular if nonwoven is used for this , - Polymers made of PET / PE with embedded silver as zeolite, - In particular nano-silver powder applied to the inner and / or outer layer, - "Sanitized", a microbiostatic, possibly antibacterial chemical that is used when extruding PP filaments is integrated into it and cannot be washed out, - odor stopper based on cyclodextrins or their derivatives, - capsules made of chitosan filled with aromas and / or care substances that are released when worn (due to friction), - titanium dioxide, - aromas, - photocatalytically active substances.

The required concentrations for o.e. Additives vary depending on the solution to the problem, depending on the materials created and the active ingredients.

In a further embodiment, the cooling medium, in particular in addition to the hydrogel, can contain 1 to 50% by weight of an inert carrier material, preferably titanium dioxide. This filler has a positive effect on the distribution of the hydrogel. Other suitable carriers are silica gel, vermiculite, bentonite, titanium oxide. The carriers of the functional components should be difficult or impossible to wash out have low specific weight, are inert to the granules, the materials used in particular for the inner and / or outer layer and the skin, can be disposed of in an environmentally friendly manner, while at the same time low acquisition costs are aimed for. Ideally, the specific weight of the filler is less than the specific weight of the granulate. The carrier material should be able to absorb functional agents for odor binding, odor masking, fragrances, aromas or odor-suppressing, human-compatible microorganisms. For selected products, the preferred carrier material is itself capable of storing water or water vapor and releasing it again by evaporation. The selected carrier material also offers the possibility, based on the mixing ratio with the hydrogel-forming granulate, of specifically controlling the preferred cooling intensity as a function of the water evaporation.

The person skilled in the art can freely choose the amount of the appropriate carrier, taking into account the main properties of the finished product, to enable cooling to be repeated frequently.

Titanium dioxide (TiO ₂ ), in particular in the size of nanoparticles, is preferably applied to the hydrogel-forming granulate or the resulting hydrogel. Alternatively, it can be used as an additive to the water phase for hydrogel formation. The goal is to avoid odor formation by inhibiting microorganisms and to maintain a hygienized hydrogel.

Titanium dioxide triggers photoelectrochemical reactions with many substances when illuminated with UV light and is able to oxidize almost any organic molecule under the influence of light (wavelength <390 nm). Titanium dioxide is corrosion-resistant, inexpensive and non-toxic. For example, self-cleaning effects can be achieved by breaking down organic contaminants as well as antimicrobial effects.

Further features and independent aspects of the invention result from the attached claims and the following illustration of further embodiments of the invention. As can easily be recognized by the person skilled in the art, all features can form the basis for independent claims independently or in combination with other features. In the following, exemplary embodiments of parts, namely individual chambers, of cooling pads according to the invention are shown. Show:

1 shows a cross section through a hydrogel-filled chamber of a cooling device according to the invention,

2 two adjacent chambers of a cooling device according to the invention with an intermediate area without hydrogel, in partial cross section,

Fig. 3 shows two adjacent chambers of a cooling device according to the invention with an intermediate chamber connecting the chambers without hydrogel, in partial cross section, and

Fig. 4 is a plan view of a "quilted" cooling device.

As shown in FIG. 1, a chamber 10 of a cooling device according to the invention has an inner layer 11 and an outer layer 12 made of flat, textile material, which are connected to one another, in particular sewn, in the respective chamber end regions 13 to form the chamber 10. When in use, the inner layer 11 faces and lies against a surface to be cooled, which is not shown. Between layers 11, 12, i.e. A granulate, namely a hydrogel 14, is arranged inside the closed chamber 10. The cooling device itself consists of at least one, usually several, interconnected chambers 10.

For antimicrobial finishing, the hydrogel 14 is coated with antimicrobial substances. In addition, silver is incorporated into both the inner and outer layers 11, 12, which also has an antimicrobial effect.

2 shows two chambers 20, 21 of a further cooling device. As in FIG. 1, the chambers 20, 21 are formed from an inner layer 22 and an outer layer 23, ie to form the chambers, the inner and outer layers 22, 23 were formed along corresponding connecting lines 26, 27, namely seams 26 and 27 , connected with each other. A hydrogel 14 is arranged in the chambers 20, 21. The hydrogel is in the drawing in the water-laden, gel-like state, whereby the chambers 20, 21 have a bulbous shape. The two connecting lines or seams 26, 27 are arranged parallel to one another and include an intermediate region 24 which is flat in plan view. In this flat intermediate area 24, the inner and outer layers 22, 23 form a flat web 25. Since no hydrogel is arranged between the inner and outer layers 22, 23 within the intermediate area, the two layers 22, 23 lie flat on one another there. Correspondingly, the cooling device has no belly shape in this intermediate region 24 when it is loaded with water and is spaced apart from the latter when it is in contact with a cooling surface.

FIG. 3 shows a further embodiment of chambers 30, 31 with inner and outer layers 33 and 34, in which a hydrogel 14 is arranged. In the intermediate region 32, which is flat in plan view, between the chambers 30, 31, a separate intermediate chamber 35 without granules is formed, which is connected at its opposite ends to the inner and outer layers 33, 34, in particular in one piece. The inner and outer layers 33, 34 thus form the lower and upper sides 38, 39 of the intermediate chamber 35. Furthermore, the intermediate chamber 35 has left and right walls 36, 37, which at the same time are the lateral, terminal walls of the chambers 30, 31 form. The walls 36, 37 are connected to the inner and outer layers via seams 41. Through holes 40 are made in the upper side 39 of the intermediate chamber 35, which create a connection between the intermediate chamber 35 and the ambient air. The granules are shown in this Fig. 3 in the state loaded with water, i.e. the hydrogel granules are in the form of a gel-like mass. The volume of this mass causes the bulbous shape of the two chambers 30, 31 shown. The intermediate chamber 35, also called the ventilation chamber, is dimensioned with respect to the chambers 30, 31 so that the underside 38 of the cooling device is spaced apart from the latter when the cooling device is in contact is what causes a significant ventilation effect in this area.

The holes 40 ensure that air can escape from the intermediate chamber 35 if, for example, the cooling device is to be packed in a space-saving manner when it is not loaded with water. The activation, in the following loading, of the hydrogeis 14 of the cooling device is carried out by wetting or soaking the dry granules 14 in aqueous solution, the water component being normal tap water, deionized or distilled water, preferably electrolytically treated, sterilized water. The actual hydrogel is formed from the granules, whereby the granules bind water. The granules "loaded" with water are referred to as hydrogels in the sense of the invention. "Loaded" is understood to mean granules which have taken up a large part of the maximum possible amount of water, preferably at least 90%. The cooling pad, which is filled with a "loaded granulate", ie a hydrogel 14, is then also in the loaded state.

The following are preferably used as granules for hydrogel formation: starch, pectins, alginates, polymethacrylates, polyvinyl alcohols, cellulose ethers, carboxymethyl cellulose and polypropylene glycol, copolymers based on methyl methacrylate and N-vinylpyrrolidone.

The loading time of the granules and the amount of water required for maximum loading depends on the size of the granules. Granules of amorphous structure of 0.1 to 4 mm are preferably used. For maximum loading, these take up approx. 200 g deionized water, approx. 110 g normal tap water, approx. 30 g physiological saline solution, which comes close to the usual sweat content. The loading time depends on the chemical used, the granulate size, the water composition and the additives according to the invention used in individual cases, it being possible for the person skilled in the art to experimentally determine the desired parameters with regard to volume increase and loading time. The granulate preferred in the context of the invention is particularly suitable after it has re-formed its dry shape and size after evaporation of the water in the hydrogel state and has to be reactivated frequently, approximately 30 to 40 times. The initial activatability, the frequency and the duration of the reactivability are significantly influenced by salts, salt concentrations and cation intake during product use and can therefore not be predicted exactly. The chambers are preferably filled with a precisely defined amount of granules per chamber, so that in the loaded state there is optimal volume utilization by the hydrogel and the cooling device remains flexible. The deviation of the amount filled into the chambers is preferably less than 0.1 g, with 0.08 to 0.1 g being particularly sought. The The cooling device is preferably preloaded with sterile water, preferably with exactly the amount of water necessary for the maximum loading.

As long as there is a water vapor pressure difference between the hydrogel as product content and the environment, until it dries, the hydrogel releases vaporous water and cools the cooling surface due to the resulting evaporation cold. Preferably, the cooling device according to the invention releases the water by evaporation to produce evaporative cooling within a period of at least 3 hours, preferably at least 6 hours, when it is loaded with water. For certain finished products with an integrated hydrogel, depending on the selected quality of the textile cover, the time period can be at least 12 hours.

The cooling device is preferably reusable, i.e. the hydrogel contained in the cooling device can be moistened again after drying and then releases evaporative cooling again. The cooling device is preferably designed such that it remains spatially flexible even when it is loaded with water. Due to the spatial flexibility, the cooling device, even when loaded, adapts to the surface of the object to be cooled, for example the curvature of a vessel or the neck or arm of a person, and thus ensures optimum cooling. Chamber size and geometry and granule size and quantity as well as granule composition and mixes with additives which are particularly preferred in individual cases are preferably in relation to one another in such a way that the hydrogel does not collect as lumps in the peripheral areas because of insufficient fill quantity.

In a further embodiment of a cooling device according to the invention, the material of the inner layer is permeable to water vapor in both directions, and is membrane-like only impermeable to liquid water in the direction of the cooling surface, and the material of the outer layer is permeable to water vapor in both directions and is different from the material of the inner layer, preferably consisting of a hydrophobic, water-repellent and waterproof material. In addition to the outer edges of the chamber, the outer layer and the inner layer in the region of the chamber can be connected to one another at least at one point, preferably at one point per cm ² , preferably in a punctiform manner, the connections being arranged geometrically or statistically. In a further embodiment, the material of the inner layer is kind to the skin. Due to the impermeability to liquid water in the direction of the surface to be cooled, the cooling surface, the cooling surface, for example the skin, remains dry.

Suitable materials for the outer and / or inner layer are known natural fibers or synthetic fibers. Preferred materials for the outer layer and / or the inner layer are microfiber materials. Chemical fibers from filaments and spun yarn fibers (for example from the fiber raw materials polyamide, polyester, polypropylene) are referred to as microfibers, their fibers in the range from 0.1 to 1.0 dtex, of which fibers less than 0.3 dtex in size as ultra-microfibers. The measurement of fine filament yarn, the so-called. Titer (gamsträke) dtex (decitex) means 1/10 g per 1,000 m length. Because of the very tightly knitted textile fabrics, there are very many and very small pores between the individual fibers and yarns. These are too small to allow a drop of water with its high surface tension to penetrate or pass through the tissue, in contrast to water vapor. Microfibers made of polyester (PES), polyamide (PA) or polypropylene (PP) are preferred because of their technical properties they offer different levels of moisture absorption and release. Air-textured materials and / or fibers / filaments which are as hygroscopic as possible (fibers which absorb significant amounts of water in their material by swelling) are particularly suitable. The materials can also contain elastic chemical fiber materials, for example elastane, spandex or comparable elastic materials.

The materials for the outer and inner layer are selected with regard to the mesh size so that on the one hand they enable optimal absorption of the water vapor, on the other hand its evaporation on the cooling side and / or the opposite side of the cooling product. At the same time, the mesh size of the material may only be chosen to be large enough to prevent the granules or hydrogels inside the chamber from escaping and the sometimes very small granules or hydrogel particles or other additives.

Other suitable materials for the outer and / or inner layer of the cooling device according to the invention are plastic films or films, latex, rubber, plastic foams, metal-coated plastic films, laminated papers, metal foils or mixtures thereof, for example also with the above microfiber materials. Combinations of the materials mentioned, in sandwich form, can also be used, as a result of which a wide variety of additional functions of the respective end product can be achieved. For example, the person skilled in the art can achieve locally desired cooling of the finished product, which is desired in a specific case, for a limited time or only partially, through the material combination selected.

Textile-related, in particular polyester, polyamide or polypropylene (PP) are suitable for the intended purposes. In addition to the functional properties, PP also has an approx. 30% lighter weight than polyester (even lighter than water), which can be advantageous for certain products according to the invention, which are worn on the body, particularly in the outdoor area.

In particular, the highest evaporation cold should be generated on the side of the inner layer, ie in the direction of the cooling surface.

For the outer layer, textile materials can preferably be used which, in addition to being permeable to water vapor, offer external protection against the penetration of water drops and at the same time have dirt, oil and grease-repellent finish on the outer surface. For the use of products in the so-called outdoor area, the specialist can also choose textile outer surfaces equipped with UV protection. Depending on the product, a polyester base is more suitable if, for example, the outer fabric is to be thermally printed, i.e. a polyamide that is temperature-resistant to a limited extent from approx. 180 ° C. Nonwovens are available to the person skilled in the art for other areas of application.

The outer and inner layer can be used to form one or more chambers, to form intermediate chambers and / or intermediate webs, taking into account the materials used, not only by sewing, but also by welding by means of heat, high frequency, laser, ultrasound, gluing by means of "hot melt "processes, rivets, staples, stapling, or other known joining techniques and combinations thereof. The outer edges of the resulting The end product can be closed using conventional techniques from the aforementioned range, and optionally additionally edged.

The materials for the inner and outer layer can also be coated or treated in a conventional manner for further effects, such as is customary for protective or functional clothing.

4 shows, in plan view, adjacent chambers 50, 51, 52 of a cooling device, the inner and outer layers of each chamber being connected to one another at a plurality of individual, locally delimited connection points 53 in the sense of this “quilting”. The individual chambers 50, 51, 52 are in turn connected at their ends by seams. The connection points in the interior of the chamber serve in particular to locate the cooling medium as locally as possible. They are preferably produced by gluing or laminating. However, they can also be produced using sewing stitches or all of the joining techniques shown above, in particular for the outer edges of the chamber.

In the exemplary embodiment, the locally delimited connection points 53 are point-shaped. As the person skilled in the art easily recognizes, a wide variety of shapes are conceivable here. The locally delimited connection points can also be square, triangular or the like. It is crucial that the dimensions of the connection points are small compared to the dimensions of the cooling device. They preferably occupy an area of less than 2 cm ² , particularly preferably less than 1 cm ² or even less than 0.5 cm ² .

If the cooling device consists of only one chamber, the inner and outer layers would accordingly be connected to form a chamber, the quilting described being produced in the interior of the chamber by the plurality of connection points.

The in particular punctiform, locally delimited connections can be arranged in any way relative to one another. Geometric or statistical arrangements are suitable, for example, it being possible for any geometry, such as triangular, square, pentagonal, hexagonal, octagonal or otherwise rasterized, to be used with one another. Preferably the connections of the inner and outer layers are arranged square or rectangular to each other.

Depending on the objective and the end product geometry, very small to very large distances, regular or irregularly distributed grids of the prescribed variants come into question. As a result, a uniform distribution of the chemical (s) introduced in granular or powder form can be achieved. The accumulation of the granules that have become hydrogel after absorption of moisture, which usually takes place in the corners of the chamber or at the edges of the chamber, can thus be avoided by selecting a suitable grid, depending on the granules, in particular the size of the granules, and / or the materials of the chamber.

Furthermore, additional strips or disk-shaped parts or a mixture thereof, each consisting of the materials explained, can be fastened between the material surfaces to be fixed (inner layer and outer layer). With these inserts, various goals can be achieved, such as maintaining distance, increasing stability, optimizing ventilation, and forming connecting channels between the individual chambers. This configuration is less preferred.

In a further embodiment, one or more smaller chambers are integrated into the chamber, so that in principle a double chamber is created. The smaller, inner chambers can be made of the same material as the outer chamber and / or of additional foils, e.g. starch, which dissolve itself under defined temperature and / or humidity conditions. This makes it possible to fill in the other inner chamber (s) with the same or different reactants that, for example, enter into targeted interactions with that of the outer chamber. The inner chamber can also consist of a waterproof material and be filled with water. Pressure on the outer chamber causes the inner chamber to burst, releasing the water and thus activating the surrounding hydrogel in the outer chamber.

The cooling device according to the invention can be designed, for example, for cooling people as a cooling belt, which is worn as a lanyard or a headband. In this application, the cooling device preferably has 2 to 8, preferably 3 to 5, tubular chambers. Another possible use is one Cooling bag for bottles. The cooling device can also be integrated in a device cooler, in a cooling cappy, in a horse cooling gaiter or bandage, in a cooling support blanket for pets or in a collar for pets.

According to the invention, materials or material mixtures are suitable for producing the cooling device, the front and back of which are coated differently with regard to the material and / or its permeability to water vapor, for example based on polyurethane (PUR). Materials equipped in this way enable, for example, the absorption of moisture and water vapor on one side, the release of water vapor as well as the rejection of drop-shaped water (so-called lotus effect), dirt, oil or fat on the other. The latter function is achieved, for example, by coating with Teflon (PTFE). In the so-called outdoor area, additional finishing of the textile with UV protection makes sense.

Furthermore, the material of the inner or outer layer itself has functionally determined properties that are important for the function of the end product, e.g. with regard to the fabric geometry in the finished state, direction of stretching (different stretching factors in longitudinal, transverse or longitudinal / transverse direction), tensile strength, etc. There are numerous possibilities available to the person skilled in the art. generally the manufacturing process as such as weaving, knitting or knitting. But also different fiber constructions, e.g. Cavity fibers, surface-structured shapes etc. as well as the positions of the fibers to be specified in the braid and possibly also different thicknesses of the fibers or the fiber mixtures.

The cooling device can be used, for example, to use a drinking bottle cooler. The stability required in the upper product area of the bottle cooler when the bottle is upright is achieved, and folding down or slipping of the upper cooling product parts is avoided, for example, by segmented chambers for the hydrogel. This is also possible with the appropriately selected textile material, which can be put over the bottle to be cooled or placed around it and fastened with Velcro, rubber, zipper, hooking system, drawstring and others. Alternatively, the person skilled in the art can choose a microfiber textile which is mixed with an oe portion of elastic chemical fiber materials such as elastane or spandex, preferably up to 30%, preferably up to 20%, particularly preferably 5%. A bottle cooler designed in this way can be put over the bottle and, depending on the degree of swelling of the hydrogels, clings to the surface without the need for a special fixing device.

Cooling pads in the form of textile tubes filled with the hydrogel-forming granulate can be divided into a packet chain by known techniques (sewing, welding, ultrasound, etc.) or configured as small individual packets. The textiles suitable for this purpose are preferably equipped with non-washable aromas, repellent mosquitoes or other functional active ingredients already during the production of the material.

A manufacturing method for manufacturing the cooling device according to the invention has, for example, the following steps: the inner layer and the outer layer are connected to one another to form a chamber substantially along the outer edges of the chamber, an opening being at least partially retained in the outer edge, in the region In the chamber, the inner layer and the outer layer are connected to one another in addition to the outer edges at at least one point, preferably at one point per 1 cm ² , preferably in a punctiform manner, the connection points being arranged geometrically or statistically, through an opening in the outer edge the hydrogel is blown in as dry granules, the connections between the inner and outer layer essentially preventing the dry granules from flowing into the chamber, and the opening along the outer edge is closed. LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

10 chamber

11 inner layer

12 outer layer

13 chamber end region

14 hydrogel

20 chamber

21 chamber

22 inner layer

23 outer layer

24 intermediate area

25 bridge

26 connecting line / seam

27 connecting line / seam

30 chamber

31 chamber

32 intermediate area

33 inner layer

34 outer layer

35 intermediate chamber

36 wall

37 wall

38 underside

39 top

40 holes

41 seam

50 chamber

51 chamber

52 chamber

53 connection point

Claims

claims

1. Cooling device for cooling a surface essentially by evaporative cooling, the cooling device having at least one chamber (10, 20, 21, 30, 31, 50, 51, 52) with an inner layer (11, 22, 33) that during the cooling to the cooling surface, and with an outer layer (12, 23, 34) which faces away from the cooling surface and with a cooling medium which is in the chamber between the inner and outer layers (11, 12, 22, 23, 33 , 34) is arranged, the cooling medium having a hydrogel (14) which forms granules in the dry state, binds water and releases water in the state loaded with water by evaporation with the generation of evaporative cooling, characterized in that the surface of the inner and / or the outer layer to improve the cooling effect of the cooling device has a three-dimensional structure.

2. Cooling device for cooling a surface essentially by evaporative cooling, in particular according to claim 1, wherein the cooling device has at least one chamber (10, 20, 21, 30, 31, 50, 51, 52) with an inner layer (11, 22, 33), which faces the cooling surface during cooling, and with an outer layer (12, 23, 34) which faces away from the cooling surface and with a cooling medium which is in the chamber (10, 20, 21, 30, 31 , 50, 51, 52) between the inner and outer layer (11, 12, 22, 23, 33, 34) is arranged, the cooling medium having a hydrogel (14) which forms a granulate in the dry state, binds water and in state loaded with water releases the water by evaporation to produce evaporative cooling, characterized in that a plurality of chambers (20, 21, 30, 31) filled with hydrogel (14) are provided, adjacent chambers (20, 21, 30, 31) to form an intermediate area which is flat in plan view ( 24, 32) are connected to one another without a hydrogel (14) which, when the cooling device is loaded with water, is spaced apart from the cooling surface when the cooling device is in contact with a cooling surface.

3. Cooling device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the surface of the inner and / or the outer layer (11, 12, 22, 23, 33, 34) is structured such that when the cooling device is in contact with a substantially smooth area less than 90%, preferably less than 70%, particularly preferably less than 50% of the layer touch the surface.

4. Cooling device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the surface of the outer layer (12, 23, 34) in particular has periodically arranged depressions and elevations.

5. Cooling device according to claim 1, characterized in that the depressions and elevations in the outer layer (12, 23, 34) is a pattern introduced by embossing and / or partial sanding.

6. Cooling device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the inner and / or the outer layer (11, 12, 22, 23, 33, 34) have a rough and / or textured surface.

7. Cooling device according to one or more of the preceding claims, at least according to claim 2, characterized in that the flat intermediate region (24, 32) has at least one intermediate chamber (35) with a cavity.

8. Cooling device according to one or more of the preceding claims, at least according to claim 7, characterized in that the intermediate chamber (35) arranged between the hydrogel-filled chambers (20, 21, 30, 31) has connecting holes (40) and / or connecting channels create a connection between the cavity and the ambient air.

9. Cooling device according to claim 7, characterized in that the holes (40) and / or connecting channels are arranged on the intermediate chamber side (38) facing away from the cooling surface.

10. Cooling device according to one or more of the preceding claims, at least according to claim 2, characterized in that the flat intermediate region (24, 32) one or more, in particular flat intermediate webs (20, 21, 30, 31) arranged between the hydrogel-filled chambers (20 25).

11. Cooling device according to claim 10, characterized in that the intermediate webs (25) are formed by the inner and outer layer (11, 12, 22, 23, 33, 34).

12. Cooling device according to one or more of the preceding claims, at least according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that the chambers (20, 21, 30, 31) and the intermediate webs (25) by in each case in particular parallel, line-like connections, such as about seams (26, 27), the inner and outer layer (11, 12, 22, 23, 33, 34) are formed.

13. Cooling device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the outer hem of the cooling device is wavy or zigzag.

14. Cooling device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the outer hem of the cooling device is provided with holes (40).

15. Cooling device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the material of the inner layer and / or the outer

Layer (11, 12, 22, 23, 33, 34) is permeable to water vapor in any material direction.

16. Cooling device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the material of the inner layer (11, 22, 33) at least in the direction of the side facing the cooling surface, preferably also in the direction of the side facing away from the cooling surface, for liquid Water is impermeable.

17. Cooling device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the material of the outer layer (12, 23, 34) is impermeable to liquid water in the direction of the side facing away from the cooling surface.

18. Cooling device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the material of the inner layer (11, 22, 33) is different from the material of the outer layer (12, 23, 34).

19. Cooling device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cooling device is loaded with sterile water, preferably with exactly the amount of water necessary for maximum loading.

20. Cooling device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cooling device is reusable and spatially flexible even in the state loaded with water.

21. Cooling device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that in the state loaded with water, the water is released by evaporation to produce evaporative cooling within a period of at least 30 minutes, preferably at least 6 hours.

22. Cooling device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the material of the inner layer (11, 22, 33) is skin-friendly.

23. Cooling device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the inner and / or the outer layer (11, 12, 22, 23, 33,

34) are formed from textile material.

24. Cooling device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the inner and / or the outer layer (11, 12, 22, 23, 33, 34) are microfiber materials.