Element for providing air exchange between an internal microenvironment and an external environment

Abstract

The present invention relates to an element for providing air exchange between an internal microenvironment and an external environment, and can be used in the production of breathable clothing for insect protection, its elements, blankets, sleeping bags, tents or anti-condensation materials. The element comprises: a substantially flat part having at least one air inlet opening and a substantially curved part having at least one air outlet that is not coaxial with the inlet opening of the flat part; the shape of the inner surface of the curved part includes at least a segment of a toroidal surface obtained from a horizontal cross-section of a torus and a vertical circular cross-section parallel to the centroid axis of the torus; the curved part is connected to the flat part such that all the inlet openings of the flat part are covered by the wall of the toroidal segment of the curved part and communicate with one or more outlets of the curved part, with the possibility of air exchange.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an element for providing air exchange between an internal microenvironment and an external environment, and can be used in the production of breathable clothing, clothing elements, blankets, sleeping bags, tents or anti-condensation materials for insect protection. Background Art

[0002] Clothing designed for personal rain and / or insect protection usually provides minimal air circulation. This results in increased sweating and condensation formation on the human body, as well as an increase in body temperature, making it less comfortable to wear such clothing.

[0003] Several solutions are known for providing air circulation in clothing. One group of solutions proposes manufacturing clothing from several breathable layers that prevent an insect sting from contacting the skin of a human or animal because they are thicker than the length of an insect sting (e.g., as disclosed in WO2011 / 063489, US 3783451, US 4716594 or DE 10241024). However, these solutions do not provide sufficient rain protection.

[0004] Breathable clothing that can prevent insect stings is known (US 7140048). The known material consists of four layers: an outer and an inner breathable fabric, such as cotton fabric, and two interlayers containing holes that the stings cannot pass through, where the holes in the two interlayers are laterally offset so that the holes do not face each other and do not form a direct through-hole between the interlayers. Although this technical solution can be considered successful, it is not efficient enough because it does not provide sufficient air circulation, especially in hot weather.

[0005] Another group of solutions proposes inserting breathable elements into the clothing, which ensure air circulation. For example, the solutions disclosed in CN202774219, WO 2016 / 199322 or EP1194049.

[0006] A ventilation element is known (US 4576087), which includes two curved walls with non-coaxial openings, where the two walls are connected to each other to form an element with an internal cavity; the element is positioned in the clothing such that one uneven wall faces the wearer's body, and the center of its opening is higher than the center of the opening of the other wall. The second wall of the element is essentially a canopy outside the clothing, which covers the ventilation opening in the element and prevents rainwater from entering. The main disadvantage of this solution is limited air circulation and relatively large material consumption.

[0007] US 4270227 discloses a clothing ventilation element for insertion into rainproof clothing. The known ventilation elements include ventilation channels pointing upward. To connect to the fabric, a small part of the element also protrudes outside the outer layer of the clothing. Opposite the inlet opening is a bent L-shaped part of the element that directs the air flow upward. When the flow direction is perpendicular to the plane of the inlet opening, the air resistance is low, but when the flow comes from the side, the vertical walls of the element cause significant air resistance and significant loss of flow energy. Due to the shape of the human body and the fact that the air flow is basically not directly perpendicular to the plane of the opening, the ventilation of the body is significantly hindered. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The object of the present invention is to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art and to provide clothing elements or articles, such as blankets, tents and elements, which, without increasing the material thickness, maintain good breathability and mechanical properties, provide air exchange between the internal microenvironment and the external environment, and protect the human or animal skin from the stings or bites of various insects.

[0009] This object is achieved by the proposed element, which comprises: a substantially flat part having at least one air inlet opening and a substantially bent part having at least one air outlet, the air outlet being non-coaxial with the inlet opening of the flat part, wherein the shape of the inner surface of the bent part comprises at least one segment of a ring surface obtained by a horizontal cross-section of the ring and a vertical circular cross-section parallel to the centroid axis of the ring, the bent part being connected to the flat part such that all the inlet openings of the flat part are covered by the walls of the ring segment of the bent part and communicate with one or more outlets of the bent part, with the possibility of air exchange. According to one embodiment of the invention, the ring surface segment can be obtained by two additional vertical cross-sections radially passing through the origin of the ring (i.e., the center of symmetry of the ring), the angle between the cross-sections being from 9° to 355°, preferably from 30° to 180°. The horizontal and / or vertical circular cross-sections of the ring can be along the centroid axis of the ring. According to another embodiment of the invention, the element can comprise internal dividing walls that form the air channels of the element and separate the air channels from each other. The shape of the inner surface of the bent part can comprise segments of several different geometries, and on the outlet side, the inner surface of the bent part can have a substantially straight shape, a shape widening towards the outlet side or a shape narrowing towards the outlet side. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0010] Figure 1 There is shown a toroidal body having a design used in the description of the present invention, where O is the center of symmetry of the ring (the origin of the ring), R1 is the major radius of the ring, R2 is the minor radius of the ring; C is the centroid axis of the ring; 10 is a segment of the surface of the ring obtained by a horizontal cross-section of the ring and a vertical circular cross-section parallel to the centroid axis of the ring;

[0011] Figure 2 shows an embodiment of the proposed element with a toroidal surface section, which is obtained by a horizontal cross-section of the torus along the centroid axis of the torus and a vertical circular cross-section parallel to the centroid axis of the torus; Figure 2A shows the element outlet from the microenvironment side, but Figure 2B shows the inlet opening from the external environment;

[0012] Figure 3 shows another embodiment with one inlet opening and three outlets, Figure 3A shows the bent part of the element from the microenvironment side, but Figure 3B is the bent part of the element from the side, showing the inlet opening of the flat part;

[0013] Figure 4 shows another embodiment, in which the section of the toroidal surface is obtained by two additional vertical cross-sections radially passing through the center of symmetry of the torus; Figure 4A shows the bent part of the element with three diffuser-shaped channels terminating at the outlet, but Figure 4B is the element from the external environment with internal partition walls, where the inlet opening is divided into three channels;

[0014] Figure 5 shows another embodiment with a section of the toroidal surface, where the bent part on the outlet opening side forms three straight channels; Figure 5A shows the bent part of the element, which has two straight channels terminating at the outlet, but Figure 5B is the element from the external environment with four inlet openings;

[0015] Figure 6 shows another embodiment with a section of the toroidal surface, where the bent part on the outlet opening side forms a channel in the shape of a tube fin; Figure 6A shows the bent part of the element, where one channel in the shape of a tube fin terminates at the outlet opening; Figure 6B is the position and possible shape of the inlet opening; Figure 6C is a side view of the element from the outlet side;

[0016] Figure 7 is a comparative airflow simulation of a ventilation element using three different configurations of the inner surface of the bent part, where: 7A is a bent part with a toroidal surface section configuration (as claimed), 7B is a bent part with a cylindrical surface section configuration, and 7C is a bent part with a toroidal arc of revolution surface section configuration;

[0017] Figure 8 is an airflow distribution simulation using twelve claimed ventilation elements symmetrically located in three parallel vertical lines (four ventilation elements in each vertical line). Detailed Description

[0018] Element 1, which is designed to facilitate air exchange between the internal microenvironment and the external environment and to prevent insects, comprises: a substantially flat part 2 having at least one inlet opening 3 and a substantially curved part (deflector) 4 having at least one air outlet 5, the air outlet 5 being non - coaxial with the inlet opening 3 of the flat part. The flat part 2 is designed to be in contact with the surface of a material (clothes, blanket, sleeping bag, tent, anti - condensation material, etc.). The inner surface of the curved part 4, i.e., the shape of the air - flow boundary surface (at the air inlet opening 3), comprises at least a segment of a ring surface 10 obtained from a horizontal cross - section of the ring and a vertical circular cross - section parallel to the centroid axis of the ring. The curved part 4 is connected to the flat part 2 such that all the inlet openings 3 of the flat part 2 are covered by the wall of the ring segment 10 of the curved part 4 and are in communication with one or more outlets 5 of the curved part 4, allowing for air exchange. Thus, element 1 is adapted to provide air exchange between the internal microenvironment and the external environment. In addition, the curved part 4 is arranged relative to the air inlet opening 3 such that the incoming air initially contacts the wall of the curved part 4 of the element, which has the surface shape of the ring segment 10. The shape of the ring surface 10 provides a certain trajectory for the incoming air to move further towards the outlet opening 5. The air flow generated by wind and / or human movement is usually not directly perpendicular to the inlet opening 3 of the outer layer. The shape of the proposed element 1 ensures an effective guiding of the air flow to the outlet, even when the air flow in the inlet opening 3 is directed, for example, at an angle of 45° to the plane of the inlet opening 3.

[0019] According to one embodiment of the invention, element 1 prevents raindrops from entering the internal microenvironment. In this case, the outlet 5 of the curved part 4 points upwards, i.e., the center of the outlet 5 is higher than the center of the inlet opening 3.

[0020] According to another embodiment of the invention, the ring surface segment 10 can be obtained by two additional vertical cross - sections that radially cross the center of symmetry of the ring (the ring origin), the angle between the cross - sections being from 9° to 355°, preferably from 30° to 180°. The horizontal cross - section of the ring can be along the centroid axis of the ring or in another horizontal plane (above or below the centroid axis of the ring).

[0021] The vertical circular cross - section of the ring can also be along the ring body axis of the ring or on either side of the centroid axis.

[0022] According to another embodiment of the invention, element 1 may include an internal partition wall 6 that separates the space between the flat part 2 and the curved part 4 of the element, forming an independent channel for guiding the air flow from the external environment through the inlet opening 3 to the internal microenvironment through the outlet 5. The internal partition wall 6 can be directly connected to the flat part 2 of the element 1 or to a substrate 7 fixed to the flat part 2.

[0023] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the long radius R1 of the loop used in the form of the inner surface of the bent portion 4 is from 0 to 50 mm, and the short radius R2 is from 0.5 to 49 mm.

[0024] The shape of the inner surface of the element bent portion 4 may include sections of several different geometric bodies. In addition, the interior 20 of the bent portion 4 on the side of the outlet opening 5 may have a straight shape, such as a cylindrical surface cut parallel to its central longitudinal axis and perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis; a prism cut parallel to its central longitudinal axis and perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis. According to another embodiment, the interior 20 of the bent portion 4 on the side of the outlet opening 5 may have the shape of a pipe guide or a diffuser. The pipe guide shape of the bent portion 4 accelerates the air outflow, while the diffuser shape reduces the air flow rate and increases the static air flow pressure, and guides the air flow evenly over a larger area.

[0025] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, especially for clothing, the element 1 is made of an elastic material, but other materials can also be used to manufacture rigid, non-flexible elements. The element 1 can be used to manufacture breathable clothing, parts thereof, blankets, sleeping bags, tents and / or anti-condensation materials that prevent insect stings, wherein the element 1 is placed in the clothing, parts thereof, blankets, tents and / or anti-condensation materials such that the bent portion of the element 4 faces the internal microenvironment (such as the wearer of the garment), while the flat portion 2 faces the external environment. In the case of using a rain-proof element (i.e., an element that prevents raindrops from entering the internal microenvironment according to an embodiment), the element is positioned such that the center of the outlet 5 of the bent portion 4 is spatially above the centers of all the inlet openings 3 of the flat portion 2.

[0026] The proposed element 1 is relatively easy to manufacture by thermoforming, casting, 3D printing or other techniques. Due to material savings, the relatively small weight of the element reduces the production cost and also reduces the weight of the protective clothing, which is one of the most important parameters. The element 1 can be made of a polymer, such as polyurethane, silicone, polyvinyl chloride. The technical properties of the material used to produce the element depend on the required dimensions, geometry, position in the clothing and other factors. The connection of the element to the outer layer of the garment can be achieved by gluing, thermo-gluing, high-frequency welding or other known methods, depending on the type, nature, and suitability for the production process of the material. The outer layer of the material can be textile, knitted, made of polymeric materials, composite materials, etc.

[0027] Depending on the material used, the inlet openings 3 can be formed by laser cutting or other techniques. The size of the inlet openings 3 can be from 0.1 mm to 10 mm, preferably from 2 mm to 5 mm. The size of the element 1 itself can be from 1 mm to 100 mm, preferably from 5 mm to 20 mm. The preferred thickness of the element wall is from 0.1 mm to 0.5 mm.

[0028] Embodiments of the present invention

[0029] Example 1. Figures 2A-2B Element 1 shown in includes a ring surface section 10 obtained from a horizontal ring cross-section along the ring centroid axis and a vertical circular cross-section parallel to the ring centroid axis. The element has six air inlet openings 3( Figure 2B ) and six air outlet openings 5( Figure 2A ). On one side of the outlet opening 5, the inner part 20 (inner surface of the channel) of the curved portion 4 has a substantially straight shape. The air flowing from the external environment through the inlet opening 3 contacts the inner surface of the recessed portion ring section 10 and is further guided to the outlet opening 5 through the straight channel. Element 1 can be connected to a clothing material that is impenetrable by insect jaws, ensuring air exchange between the inner microenvironment and the external environment of the clothing.

[0030] Example 2. Figures 3A-3B Element 1 shown in includes a ring surface section 10 obtained from a horizontal ring cross-section along the ring centroid axis and a vertical circular cross-section parallel to the ring centroid axis. The element has one inlet opening 3 and three outlets 5. The curved portion 4 on the side of the outlet opening 5 has a substantially straight shape, and the wall of the curved portion 4 on the side of the outlet opening 5 faces the flat portion 2, making the shape of the element more circular.

[0031] Example 3. Figures 4A-4B Element 1 shown in includes sections 10 of the ring surface, each section 10 being obtained from a horizontal cross-section of the ring along the centroid axis of the ring, a vertical circular cross-section parallel to the centroid axis of the ring, and two additional vertical cross-sections passing through the symmetric center of the ring, with an angle of 75° between the planes. The element has one air inlet opening 3. Element 1 includes inner dividing walls 6 that form three channels terminating at the outlet opening 5. The cross-sections of the channels extend towards the outlet 5, so they have a diffuser shape.

[0032] Example 4. Figures 5A-5B Element 1 shown includes a ring surface section 10 obtained from a horizontal cross-section of the ring along the centroid axis, a vertical circular section parallel to the ring centroid axis, and two additional vertical radial sections passing through the symmetric center of the ring, with an angle of 237° between the cross-section planes. The curved portion 4 on the side of the outlet opening 5 forms two straight channels. On the outside, the element has four air inlet openings 3. Element 1 according to this example can be used for producing ventilated rainproof clothing because it provides free air exchange between the inner microenvironment and the external environment, and at the same time, due to the upward-facing air outlet 5 (i.e., the center of the air outlet 5 is above the center of the air inlet opening 3), it prevents water droplets from entering the inner microenvironment from the external environment. In addition, the annular inner surface of the curved portion 4 opposite the air inlet opening 3 allows water droplets entering the air inlet opening 3 to flow back to the external environment.

[0033] Example 5 Figures 6A-6C The element 1 shown includes a ring surface section 10 obtained by a ring horizontal section along the ring centroid axis, a vertical circular section parallel to the ring centroid axis, and two other vertical sections radially passing through the ring symmetry center, with an angle of 315° between the planes. The curved portion 4 on the side of the outlet opening 5 forms a channel in the shape of a pipe guide. The element 1 according to this example can also be used in the production of ventilation and rainproof clothing, its components, blankets, sleeping bags, tents, or anti-condensation materials.

[0034] At the same time, the element 1 also serves as a spacer between the outer layer of the clothing and the human body, forming a relatively large space where air circulation or human ventilation occurs more freely.

[0035] Using the proposed element 1 in clothing production actually does not change the flexibility of the clothing and does not impair its function. The elements 1 can also be connected to each other or arranged in a certain order to form a ventilation system. There can be another breathable layer (lining) between the element 1 and the human body to improve the comfort of the wearer and the functionality of the clothing.

[0036] The circular shape of the element 1 and its parts and various strength elements improve the required ergonomic and mechanical properties, such as compressive strength and flexibility.

[0037] Compared with the prior art solutions, using the present invention can provide a more effective air exchange between the internal microenvironment and the external environment, significantly improving the elasticity and flexibility of the material, which is very important for using this element in clothing. The air exchange efficiency ensured by three different configurations of the inner surface of the curved portion of the ventilation element is compared ( Figures 7A-7C ). Figure 7A The airflow simulation of the ventilation element with the inner surface in the shape of a ring section having a curved portion 4 is shown; Figure 7B is the airflow simulation of the ventilation element with the inner surface in the shape of a column section having a curved portion 4; Figure 7C is the airflow simulation of the ventilation element with the inner surface in the shape of a ring arc of a rotating body having a curved portion 4. One important parameter is the maximum dynamic pressure because it represents the "compression" of the flow in certain places, which leads to energy loss in the flow. In Figure 7, the position and intensity of the maximum pressure are represented by the flow trajectory lines. In all three considered variants, the pressure on the inner surface of the element is caused by a 90° change in the flow direction. However, Figure 7A shows the lowest maximum pressure. According to Figure 7B 's implementation shows the maximum pressure, which is 6.76 Pa higher than the maximum pressure of Figure 7A 's implementation; where according to Figure 7C 's implementation shows the maximum pressure, which is Figure 7AThe maximum pressure of the embodiment is 14.27 Pa higher. Therefore, the required shape diffuses the air flow more effectively (Table 1).

[0038] Table 1. Air flow comparison through three elements

[0039]

[0040] Figure 8 The air flow distribution using twelve ventilation elements symmetrically located in three parallel vertical lines, with four ventilation elements in each vertical line, is shown.

[0041] Compared with the known solutions, the production process of the proposed element is technically simpler. This also reduces the production cost of the element. In the proposed element, there is no difficult-to-clean area between the upward-facing part of the element inside the material and the outer layer (fabric), as in many prior art solutions.

Claims

1. An element (1) for promoting air exchange between an internal microenvironment and an external environment and for protection against insects, comprising: A substantially flat part (2) having at least one air inlet opening (3) and a substantially curved part (4) having at least one air outlet (5), the air outlet (5) being non - coaxial with the inlet opening (3) of the flat part (2); wherein the shape of the inner surface of the curved part (4) includes an annular surface segment (10) obtained from a horizontal cross - section of the annulus and a vertical circular cross - section parallel to the centroid axis of the annulus; wherein the curved part (4) is connected to the flat part (2) such that all the inlet openings (3) of the flat part (2) are covered by the wall of the annular surface segment (10) of the curved part (4) and communicate with one or more air outlets (5) of the curved part (4), enabling air exchange.

2. The element (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The annular surface segment (10) is obtained from two additional vertical cross - sections that radially pass through the center of symmetry of the annulus, and the angle between the cross - section planes is from 9° to 355°.

3. The element (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The horizontal cross - section of the annulus is along the centroid axis of the annulus.

4. The element (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The vertical circular cross - section of the annulus is along the centroid axis of the annulus.

5. The element (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The element includes an internal partition wall (6) that forms the air channels of the element (1) and separates the air channels from each other.

6. The element (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that, The internal partition wall (6) is connected to a substrate (7), and the substrate is fixed to the flat part (2).

7. The element (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The annular surface segment (10) is used in the form of the inner surface of the curved part (4), the long radius R1 of the annulus is from 0 to 50 mm, and the short radius R2 is from 0.5 to 49 mm.

8. The element (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that The shape of the inner surface of the curved part (4) includes segments of several different geometries, wherein the interior (20) of the curved part (4) on the air outlet (5) side has a substantially straight shape.

9. The element (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The interior (20) of the curved part (4) on the air outlet (5) side is in the shape of a tube guide.

10. The element (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The interior (20) of the curved part (4) on the air outlet (5) side is in the shape of a diffuser.

11. The element (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that, The element (1) is made of an elastic material.

12. Use of the element (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10 in the manufacture of breathable insect - proof clothing, parts thereof, blankets, tents and / or anti - condensation materials, wherein the element (1) is embedded in the clothing, parts of the clothing, blankets, tents and / or anti - condensation materials such that the curved part (4) of the element (1) faces the internal micro - environment, while the flat part (2) faces the external environment.

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