Flexible pipeline connecting device of human body heat exchange equipment

Abstract

The invention discloses a flexible pipeline connecting device of human body heat exchange equipment. The pipeline connecting device comprises a section of connecting hose, the inner diameter of the connecting hose is the same as the outer diameter of the hose to be connected, the connecting ends of the two pipeline hoses to be connected are arranged in hole cavities in the two ends of the connecting device respectively and are in close fit, and the two pipeline hoses to be connected are connected together in a sleeved mode through the connecting device. The compatibility between the connecting device material and the pipe hose material allows for solvent bonding, or ultrasonic welding, or radio frequency ("RF") welding to form a reliable liquid tight joint.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention belongs to the field of human body microenvironment temperature regulation and relates to a connection device for flexible pipes of human body heat exchange equipment. Background Art

[0002] Workers in many industries need to work in extreme outdoor temperature environments. Working in high or low temperature environments for a long time not only affects work efficiency, but also harms physical health. In order to protect the physical health of workers and improve work efficiency, it is necessary to equip workers working in extreme outdoor temperature environments with human microenvironment temperature regulation equipment. At present, a more effective method is to let workers wear a special kind of clothes that are evenly covered with liquid circulation pipes. The circulation pipe is flexible, and the lining of the clothes is in full contact with the outer surface of the human body. In a high-temperature working environment, the cooled low-temperature liquid is allowed to flow through the circulation pipe, and the low-temperature liquid in the pipe exchanges heat with the outer surface of the human body, which reduces the body surface temperature and improves the comfort of the human body. The liquid flowing out after the heat exchange is cooled, and the cooled liquid is pumped into the pipe of the clothes again through the circulation pump, and the cycle continues. In a low-temperature working environment, the heated high-temperature liquid flows into the pipe. The circulation process of the high-temperature liquid is similar to that of the low-temperature liquid, so it will not be repeated. In other words, this heat exchange clothing can be used for human body heating in a low-temperature environment and human body cooling in a high-temperature environment. The more application scenarios are still used for human body cooling in a high-temperature environment.

[0003] There are many types of hose materials that can be used in heat exchange clothing, including silicone tubes and plastic hoses, the most commonly used being flexible PVC (polyvinyl chloride) hoses. There are currently three methods for fixing the pipe hose to the base clothing fabric. The first method, which is also the most common method, uses a customized sewing machine foot to sew the pipe hose to the clothing fabric with a zigzag stitch. The second method is the method used in the heat exchange suits worn by astronauts, which uses a mesh material to make the base clothing and "weave" the tubes into the fabric. The third method is the lamination method, which arranges the pipe hose in the middle of two layers of fabric according to the required pattern, applies adhesive between the two layers of fabric, and then puts them into a flat press to press them. After pressing, the pipe hose is fixed between the two layers of fabric. The pressure parameters and temperature parameters used by the press machine depend on the type of adhesive material used. Considering universality and cost, the first method is the most used, followed by the third method.

[0004] In heat exchange clothing, a single-loop structure with a pipe hose running from beginning to end is rarely used. This structure has many disadvantages, such as the pipe is too long, the temperature difference between the beginning and the end is large, and it affects the uniformity of the temperature in the heat exchange clothing. A multi-loop structure with multiple tubes in parallel is commonly used. The circulating liquid from the cold / heat source flows into the input end of the heat exchange clothing, and the liquid from the main pipe is distributed to multiple parallel loops connected to it through the diverter. After the circulating liquid completes the heat exchange in the heat exchange clothing, the liquid flowing out of each parallel loop is concentrated to the output main pipe through the collector, and the output main pipe is connected to the cold / heat source.

[0005] With regard to the prior art, each circulation loop in the heat exchange garment is a complete pipe without any seams in the middle.

[0006] For the first method of fixing the pipe hose, if the pipe hose is to cross the seam between the front and back of the clothes, such as the shoulder seam, it can only be done in two steps. The first step is to sew the basic clothes first, and the second step is to fix the pipe hose to the finished clothing fabric with a zigzag needle method according to the predetermined pipe hose arrangement pattern. This method has extremely low working efficiency. In addition, during the sewing process, the needle will puncture the hose if you are not careful. Once the hose is punctured, it can only be scrapped, which increases production costs.

[0007] For the third method of fixing the pipe hose mentioned above, the lamination during lamination can only be on a single plane. It is impossible to first make the clothing fabric into a basic garment and then add the pipe hose for lamination. Each pipe hose loop can only be arranged in a continuous plane on the front chest or back, and cannot cross the seam between two planes, such as the shoulder. Therefore, it is difficult to make heat exchange clothing with complex circulation loops using the lamination method.

[0008] When users use heat exchange clothing, the circulation hose in the clothing is easily punctured by sharp objects. At present, it is a difficult problem to repair the damaged hose. The main reason is that the hose is very thin and the curvature radius of the outer surface is very small, so it is very difficult to patch it with a rubber. Even if it is pasted, it is easy to fall off during use due to the small contact area.

[0009] The commonly used hose connection method in the prior art is to insert the two ends of a rigid straight-through hard tube with barbs into the holes of two hoses to be connected, thereby connecting the two hoses together. The holes of the two hoses are penetrated by the straight-through hard tube. This connection method is effective for connecting hoses with large apertures. At present, it has not been found to be used for hose connection in heat exchange clothing. There are two reasons. The first is that sewing the rigid hard tube into the clothes that come into contact with human skin will make people feel uncomfortable when wearing it. The second is that the hose in the heat exchange clothing is very thin, and the straight-through hard tube has a certain wall thickness. The inner diameter of the straight-through hard tube is much smaller than the inner diameter of the hose to be connected at both ends. The introduction of the straight-through hard tube creates additional resistance to the circulating liquid in the heat exchange clothing, affecting the flow rate of the liquid. Summary of the invention

[0010] The flexible pipe connecting device of the human body heat exchange equipment of the present invention comprises a hose whose material is compatible with the material of the hose of the pipe to be connected, and whose inner diameter is the same as the outer diameter of the hose of the pipe to be connected. The connecting ends of the two hoses of the pipes to be connected are respectively placed in the cavities at both ends of the connecting device and fit tightly. The connecting device sleeves the two hoses of the pipes to be connected together.

[0011] In one embodiment, at least a portion of the inner diameter of the connecting device hose is closely matched with the outer diameter of the pipeline hose to be connected.

[0012] In one embodiment, the inner diameter of the connecting device hose is interference fit with the outer diameter of the pipeline hose to be connected.

[0013] In one embodiment, the end surfaces of two to-be-connected pipe hoses in the connecting device hose are in close contact.

[0014] In one embodiment, the connecting device hose sleeves two pipe hoses to be connected with separated end surfaces together, playing a bridging role.

[0015] Furthermore, the compatibility between the connector hose material and the pipeline hose material allows solvent bonding, or ultrasonic welding, or radio frequency ("RF") welding to form a reliable fluid-tight joint.

[0016] Furthermore, the length of the connecting device hose and the length of the interface between the pipe hose and the connecting device hose are subject to the constraints of the connection process used while ensuring reliable connection. Different connection processes (bonding, welding) require different lengths to be retained, and the differences in these length parameters cannot deviate from the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0017] Furthermore, the wall thickness and material hardness of the connecting device hose are selected based on the support force and flexibility requirements of the connection, and the difference in these parameters cannot deviate from the protection scope of the present invention.

[0018] In one embodiment, the connecting device hose is replaced by a rigid tube with the same inner diameter to obtain maximum support force. The inner diameter of the rigid tube is the same as the outer diameter of the pipe hose to be connected, which also falls within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0019] During the use of heat exchange clothing, the pipeline hose in the clothing is easily punctured by sharp objects. The technology of the present invention can be used to repair it, and the hose docking technology used in the repair process also falls within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0020] An advantage of the present invention is that it provides a flexible conduit connection device for use on a human body heat exchange device that does not affect the flow rate of the circulating liquid in the conduit hose, thereby affecting the effectiveness of the heat exchange garment.

[0021] The second advantage of the present invention is that the connecting device still maintains a certain degree of softness at the connection of the pipeline hose, and will not affect the comfort of the wearer.

[0022] The third advantage of the present invention is that the connecting device can be used to repair a heat exchange suit with a damaged pipe hose, thereby extending the service life of the heat exchange suit and reducing the use cost of the heat exchange suit.

[0023] The fourth advantage of the present invention is that it simplifies the manufacturing process of heat exchange clothing, improves production efficiency, and makes it possible to manufacture high-performance heat exchange clothing with complex shapes. A heat exchange clothing can be divided into pieces and produced in parallel. After each piece has a pipe hose fixed, it is sewn together, and the pipe hoses between different pieces are connected through the device of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] Figure 1 A front view of an embodiment of a heat exchange vest.

[0025] Figure 2 A rear view of an embodiment of a heat exchange vest.

[0026] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of an embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 4 A perspective view of a heat exchange vest embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 5 It is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 6 The utility model relates to a hose connection device in the prior art.

[0030] Figure 7 The figure is a schematic diagram of the connection between the hose connection device and the hose in the prior art.

[0031] In the accompanying drawings, the components represented by the reference numerals are as follows: Vest body 1, left front area 11, right front area 12, rear area 13, left front area liquid circulation hose loop 21, right front area liquid circulation hose loop 22, left rear area liquid circulation hose loop 23, right rear area liquid circulation hose loop 24, first hose 25, second hose 26, third hose 27, fourth hose 28, first diverter / collector 31, second diverter / collector 32, first input / output main pipeline 41, second input / output main pipeline 42, connecting device 5, first connecting device 51, second connecting device 52, third connecting device 53, fourth connecting device 54, straight hard pipe 6, connecting device length L, connecting device 5 and first hose 25 interface length L1, connecting device 5 and second hose 26 interface length L2. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] As used herein, "body heat exchange device" or "heat exchange garment" refers to a wearable article of clothing, including vests, jackets, sleeves, coats, shirts, suits, pants, overalls, hoods, hats, boots, gloves, and any other type of full or partial body covering, including blankets or tarpaulins, which can be configured to support tubes in close contact with the body to carry circulating fluids, thereby controlling body temperature by cooling or heating the circulating fluids.

[0033] As used herein, the terms "first", "second", "third", and "fourth" are used to describe various parts, but these parts are not limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish a part of the same type from the remaining parts and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0034] The present invention is further described in detail below with reference to specific embodiments.

[0035] The commonly used hose connection methods in the prior art are as follows Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown. A rigid straight-through hard tube 6 with barbs at both ends is respectively inserted into the holes of the third hose 27 and the fourth hose 28 to be connected, thereby connecting the two hoses together. The two holes of the third hose 27 and the fourth hose 28 are connected through the straight-through hard tube 6. At present, it has not been found to be used for hose connection in heat exchange clothing. There are two reasons. The first is that sewing the rigid hard tube into the clothes in contact with human skin will make people feel uncomfortable when wearing it. The second is that the hose in the heat exchange clothing is very thin, and the straight-through hard tube has a certain wall thickness. The inner diameter of the straight-through hard tube is much smaller than the inner diameter of the hose to be connected at both ends. The introduction of the straight-through hard tube creates additional resistance to the circulating liquid in the heat exchange clothing, affecting the flow rate of the liquid.

[0036] Figure 1 and Figure 2 Schematic diagram of one embodiment of a heat exchange garment. Figure 1 This is the front view. Figure 2 This is a back view showing a heat exchange vest. Heat exchange clothing is generally composed of an inner lining fabric, a middle liquid circulation pipe hose, and an outer fabric. In order to see through the structure of the internal liquid circulation pipe hose, we hide the outer fabric.

[0037] The heat exchange vest comprises a vest body 1, a four-way liquid circulation hose loop, two flow dividers / collectors, and two circulating liquid input / output main pipelines connected to a cooling / heating source. The four-way liquid circulation hose loop comprises a left front area liquid circulation hose loop 21, a right front area liquid circulation hose loop 22, a left rear area liquid circulation hose loop 23, and a right rear area liquid circulation hose loop 24; the two flow dividers / collectors comprise a first flow divider / collector 31 and a second flow divider / collector 32; the two input / output main pipelines comprise a first input / output main pipeline 41 and a second input / output main pipeline 42.

[0038] The vest body 1 comprises a left front area 11, a right front area 12, and a rear area 13. The left front area 11 and the rear area 13 are sewn together at the left shoulder, and the right front area 12 and the rear area 13 are sewn together at the right shoulder. The underarm part can be sewn or the front and rear areas can be fixed together by buckles to form a complete vest.

[0039] As for the aforementioned zigzag stitch method for fixing the circulation pipe hose, the prior art is that the first step is to sew the cut front and back area fabrics together at the shoulders, and the second step is to fix the circulation pipe hose loop on the sewn basic vest with a zigzag stitch method. In this way, the left front area liquid circulation hose loop 21 and the right front area liquid circulation hose loop 22 can bypass the shoulders and reach the first flow divider / collector 31 and the second flow divider / collector 32 through the back area 13. Each circulation loop is a complete pipe without a seam in the middle.

[0040] The circulation pipe hose is fixed with a serrated needle method. Although the hose loop can cross the seams of the clothes, the production efficiency is low and the machine needle can easily puncture the hose during the production process.

[0041] For the aforementioned lamination method to fix the circulating pipe hose, the existing technology is that the first step is to press the pipe hose with a predetermined loop pattern into the middle of the upper and lower layers of fabric fabrics through a flat press, and apply an adhesive between the two layers of fabric. The temperature and pressure parameters of the press depend on the type of adhesive material used. The second step is to trim the fabric containing the circulating pipe hose after lamination into the size and shape of the front chest or back. The third step is to install Velcro straps on the trimmed front and back pieces, one on each shoulder. The front and back pieces are combined together by the shoulder straps. The Velcro straps under the armpits on both sides are used to adjust the chest and waist size when worn.

[0042] For the loop hose loop fixed by lamination, the loop can only circulate in a single plane of the chest or back, and cannot cross between the two planes. The flow divider / collector can only be installed under the armpit on one side, taking into account the circulation loops of the chest and back at the same time. The entire chest must be a whole block, and the middle cannot be opened to install a zipper. Otherwise, the circulation pipes on the left and right sides of the chest cannot be connected. Given the current technology, it is difficult to make complex high-performance heat exchange clothing by lamination.

[0043] Figure 3 It is an embodiment of the present invention, comprising a connecting device 5 and two pipeline hoses to be connected, a first hose 25 and a second hose 26. The connecting device 5 is a hose, whose inner diameter is the same as the outer diameter of the first hose 25 and the second hose 26, and the two are tightly matched, and the connecting device sleeves the two hoses to be connected together.

[0044] The material of the connecting device 5 should be compatible with the material of the first hose 25 and the second hose 26. In one embodiment, the first hose 25 and the second hose 26 are made of PVC material, and the connecting device 5 is also made of PVC material, so that a reliable liquid-tight joint can be formed by known methods, including solvent bonding, ultrasonic welding, and radio frequency ("RF") welding.

[0045] from Figure 3 It can be seen that when the circulating liquid flows from the first hose 25 to the second hose 26 through the connection, there is no obvious decrease in the fluid cross-sectional area at the connection. Therefore, the introduction of the connection device 5 does not bring additional resistance, thereby affecting the flow rate of the circulating liquid.

[0046] Selecting a suitable hardness value for the connecting device 5 can ensure that the connection has sufficient flexibility.

[0047] By applying the technology of the present invention, the manufacturing process of heat exchange clothing becomes more efficient, and some heat exchange clothing with complex shapes and complex circulation loops can also be manufactured.

[0048] Figure 4 This is an embodiment of applying the technology of the present invention to produce heat exchange clothing. The heat exchange vest includes three area blocks, the left front area 11, the right front area 12 and the back area 13. The production steps are:

[0049] In the first step, three blocks simultaneously and in parallel fix the circulation pipe hose to the fabric in the desired pattern.

[0050] In the second step, the left front area 11 and the rear area 13 where the circulating pipe hose is installed are sewn together at the left shoulder, and the right front area 12 and the rear area 13 where the circulating pipe hose is installed are sewn together at the right shoulder.

[0051] The third step is to connect and penetrate the hoses across the shoulders in the front and back regions at the seams of the two shoulders using the technology of the present invention. Figure 4 The first connecting device 51, the second connecting device 52, the third connecting device 53 and the fourth connecting device 54 are connecting devices of the present invention.

[0052] Depend on Figure 4 It can be seen that in this embodiment, both the sawtooth needle method and the lamination method can be used to fix the circulation pipeline hose. The use of multiple blocks to fix the hose in parallel greatly improves production efficiency. For the lamination method, each liquid circulation loop no longer needs to be limited to a single plane area and can be arranged in any required area, which makes the lamination method widely applicable.

[0053] In one embodiment, at least a portion of the inner diameter of the connecting device 5 is tightly matched with the outer diameters of the first hose 25 and the second hose 26 to be connected.

[0054] In one embodiment, the inner diameter of the connecting device 5 is interference-fitted with the outer diameters of the first hose 25 and the second hose 26 to be connected.

[0055] In one embodiment, the end faces of the two first hoses 25 and the second hoses 26 to be connected in the connecting device 5 are in close contact, such as Figure 3 shown.

[0056] In one embodiment, the connecting device 5 sleeves two pipe hoses to be connected with separated end faces together to play a bridging role, such as Figure 5 shown.

[0057] Furthermore, the compatibility between the material of the connecting device 5 and the materials of the first hose 25 and the second hose 26 allows solvent bonding, ultrasonic welding, or radio frequency ("RF") welding to form a reliable liquid-tight joint.

[0058] Furthermore, Figure 5 As shown, the length L of the connecting device 5, the length L1 of the interface between the connecting device 5 and the first hose 25, and the length L2 of the interface between the connecting device 5 and the second hose 26 are subject to the constraints of the connection process used while ensuring reliable connection. Different connection processes (bonding, welding) require different lengths to be retained. The difference in these length parameters cannot deviate from the protection scope of the present invention.

[0059] Furthermore, the wall thickness and material hardness of the connecting device 5 are selected depending on the support force and flexibility requirements of the connection, and the difference in these parameters cannot deviate from the protection scope of the present invention.

[0060] In one embodiment, the connection device 5 is replaced by a rigid tube with the same inner diameter to obtain the maximum support force. Although it is replaced by a rigid tube, the connection technology of the present invention does not reduce the cross-sectional area of ​​the fluid at the connection to affect the flow rate of the circulating liquid, which also falls within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0061] During the use of heat exchange clothing, the pipe hose in the clothing is easily punctured by sharp objects. The technology of the present invention can be used to repair it. The repair process is as follows:

[0062] The first step is to cut the hose at the damaged part and trim off the damaged part.

[0063] The second step is to find a hose that is compatible with the pipe hose material, whose inner diameter is the same as the outer diameter of the pipe hose, select the appropriate length, and press Figure 3 or Figure 5 Method: Connect the cut pipe hoses together.

[0064] In the third step, solvent bonding, ultrasonic welding, or radio frequency ("RF") welding is used to form a reliable liquid-tight joint.

[0065] It can also be seen from this that the hose docking technology of the present invention can be used for hose docking at any position in heat exchange clothing.

[0066] The inner diameter of the aforementioned connecting device is the same as the outer diameter of the pipe hose to be connected. There is an error in engineering and it is difficult to achieve strict equality. As long as the inner diameter of the connecting device is close to the outer diameter of the hose to be connected, the sleeve connection technology of the present invention is used and it belongs to the protection scope of the present invention.

[0067] The technical principle of the present invention is described above in conjunction with specific embodiments. These descriptions are only for explaining the principle of the present invention and cannot be interpreted as limiting the scope of protection of the present invention in any way. Based on the explanations herein, those skilled in the art can associate other specific implementations of the present invention without paying creative labor, and these methods will fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A flexible pipe connection device for human body heat exchange equipment, characterized in that: The connecting device includes a hose whose material is compatible with the hose of the pipeline to be connected, and whose inner diameter is the same as the outer diameter of the hose of the pipeline to be connected. The connecting ends of the two hoses of the pipeline to be connected are respectively placed in the holes at both ends of the connecting device, and fit tightly. The connecting device sleeves the two hoses of the pipeline to be connected together; The human body heat exchange device includes a liquid circulation pipeline hose loop installed in the lining of the heat exchange clothing.

2. The flexible pipe connection device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The connection between the connecting device and the pipeline hose is bonded with solvent to form a reliable liquid-tight joint.

3. The flexible pipe connection device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The connection between the connecting device and the pipeline hose is welded by ultrasonic welding to form a reliable liquid-tight joint.

4. The flexible pipe connection device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The connection between the connecting device and the pipeline hose is welded by radio frequency to form a reliable liquid-tight joint.

5. The flexible pipe connection device according to claim 1, characterized in that: At least a portion of the inner diameter of the connecting device is tightly matched with the outer diameter of the pipeline hose to be connected.

6. The flexible pipe connection device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The inner diameter of the connecting device is interference fit with the outer diameter of the pipeline hose to be connected.

7. The flexible pipe connection device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The end faces of the two pipe hoses to be connected in the connecting device hose are in close contact.

8. The flexible pipe connection device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The connecting device hose sleeves two pipe hoses to be connected with separated end faces together, playing a bridging role.

9. The flexible pipe connection device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The length of the connecting device hose and the length of the interface of the pipe hose connected thereto in the pipe are subject to the minimum length required by the connecting process used while ensuring reliable connection.

10. The flexible pipe connection device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The wall thickness and material hardness of the connecting device hose should be selected according to the support force requirements and flexibility requirements of the connection.

11. The flexible pipe connection device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The connecting device hose is replaced by a rigid tube with the same inner diameter to obtain the maximum supporting force. The inner diameter of the rigid tube is the same as the outer diameter of the hose to be connected.

12. The flexible pipe connection device according to claim 1, characterized in that: Used to repair pipe hoses damaged during the use of heat exchange equipment.

Images