Adjustable cold therapy system

Abstract

The present application relates to the technical field of cold therapy, and provides an adjustable cold therapy system, which comprises a cabin body, a cold storage module capable of storing cold energy, a refrigeration module comprising a compressor, a condenser, a throttling element and an evaporator connected in sequence and constituting a circulating loop, the evaporator being connected with the cold storage module and used for providing cold energy to the cold storage module, a regenerative heat exchanger comprising an endothermic medium channel and an exothermic medium channel, the endothermic medium channel being connected between the evaporator and the compressor, a first air inlet branch connected with the cold storage module and the cabin body and capable of guiding air into the cabin body, and a second air inlet branch connected with the exothermic medium channel and the cabin body and capable of guiding air into the cabin body. Since the temperature of the air in the first air inlet branch lowered by the cold storage module is different from the temperature of the air in the second air inlet branch lowered by the regenerative heat exchanger, the temperature in the cabin body can be adjusted by adjusting the proportion of the air discharged from the first air inlet branch and the second air inlet branch.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of cryotherapy technology, and more particularly to an adjustable cryotherapy system. Background Technology

[0002] Whole-body cryotherapy (WBC) is a non-invasive physical therapy in which the body is exposed to low-temperature air for a short period of time. By activating the body's own stress protection mechanism, it achieves deep anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects and promotes physical recovery.

[0003] In existing technologies, cryotherapy equipment typically uses mechanical refrigeration methods such as compressors for cooling. This method usually adjusts the temperature by regulating the compressor power and the valve opening of the throttling element, resulting in a small temperature range for the cryotherapy equipment, which cannot meet the user's needs and is inconvenient to use. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This invention provides an adjustable cryotherapy system to address the shortcomings of existing cryotherapy devices with a small temperature range, thereby increasing the temperature range of cryotherapy.

[0005] This invention provides an adjustable cryotherapy system, comprising:

[0006] hull;

[0007] The cold storage module can store cold energy;

[0008] The refrigeration module includes a compressor, a condenser, a throttling element, and an evaporator connected in sequence to form a circulation loop. The evaporator is connected to the cold storage module and is used to provide cooling capacity to the cold storage module.

[0009] A regenerative heat exchanger includes a heat-absorbing medium channel and a heat-releasing medium channel, wherein the heat-absorbing medium channel is connected between the evaporator and the compressor;

[0010] The first air intake branch is connected to the cold storage module and the cabin, and is able to introduce air into the cabin;

[0011] The second air intake branch is connected to the heat release medium channel and the cabin, and can introduce air into the cabin.

[0012] According to an adjustable cryotherapy system provided by the present invention, the regenerative heat exchanger includes a plurality of heat-releasing medium channels, and the second air inlet branch is connected to the corresponding heat-releasing medium channel;

[0013] The condenser and the throttling element are connected by a corresponding heat release medium channel, and / or the adjustable cryotherapy system further includes a third air inlet branch, which is connected to the corresponding heat release medium channel, the cold storage module and the chamber, and is capable of introducing air into the chamber.

[0014] According to an adjustable cryotherapy system provided by the present invention, at least one of the first air inlet branch, the second air inlet branch and the third air inlet branch includes an air inlet pipe, an exhaust mechanism and a flow control valve.

[0015] The air inlet pipe has its inlet connected to the cabin or outside air, its outlet connected to the cabin, and both the exhaust mechanism and the flow control valve are located in the air inlet pipe.

[0016] An adjustable cryotherapy system according to the present invention further includes a temperature acquisition module and a control module. The temperature acquisition module is disposed in the chamber and is used to collect the user's body temperature information.

[0017] The temperature acquisition module, the first air intake branch, and the second air intake branch are all connected to the control module. The control module can adjust the operating parameters of the first air intake branch and the second air intake branch based on the body temperature information to adjust the wind speed and temperature inside the cabin.

[0018] An adjustable cryotherapy system according to the present invention further includes a display module, which is connected to the control module and is capable of displaying the body temperature information.

[0019] According to an adjustable cryotherapy system provided by the present invention, the chamber is provided with at least two air ducts distributed along the height direction of the chamber, and each air duct is provided with an exhaust port communicating with the interior of the chamber.

[0020] Both the first air inlet branch and the second air inlet branch are connected to each of the air ducts through corresponding connecting branches.

[0021] According to an adjustable cryotherapy system provided by the present invention, each of the connecting branches includes a connecting pipe and a one-way valve disposed on the connecting pipe.

[0022] According to an adjustable cryotherapy system provided by the present invention, the air duct is configured as an annular air duct, and each air duct is provided with a plurality of exhaust ports distributed circumferentially along the air duct.

[0023] According to an adjustable cryotherapy system provided by the present invention, the side wall of the chamber is provided with a door that can be rotated to open and close, and the annular air duct passes through the door.

[0024] According to the present invention, an adjustable cryotherapy system is provided, wherein the outer surface of the chamber is covered with an insulation layer.

[0025] The adjustable cryotherapy system provided by this invention utilizes the compression action of the compressor in the refrigeration module. The refrigerant releases heat in the condenser and absorbs heat in the evaporator, thereby providing cooling to the cold storage module. A first air inlet branch guides the cooled air from the cold storage module into the chamber. By incorporating a second air inlet branch and a regenerative heat exchanger, the air in the second air inlet branch releases heat into the refrigerant in the heat absorption medium channel of the regenerative heat exchanger, thus lowering its temperature before entering the chamber.

[0026] With this configuration, since the cooling temperature of the air in the first air inlet branch by the cold storage module is different from that of the air in the second air inlet branch by the regenerative heat exchanger, the temperature inside the cabin can be adjusted by regulating the ratio of the air discharged from the first and second air inlet branches. Furthermore, since the cooling temperature of the regenerative heat exchanger and the cooling temperature of the cold storage module are usually significantly different, a wider temperature range can be provided to meet the user's needs.

[0027] In addition, by recovering the cold energy of the refrigerant through the second air intake branch and the regenerative heat exchanger, the cooling efficiency of the refrigeration module can be improved, avoiding the waste of cold energy. Simultaneously, by setting up a cold storage module, cold energy can be accumulated before the user arrives, and then quickly provided to the cabin upon arrival, causing the temperature inside the cabin to drop rapidly. This overcomes the low efficiency of existing compressor-based refrigeration technologies and reduces the user's waiting time. Attached Figure Description

[0028] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in this invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of this invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

[0029] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the adjustable cryotherapy system provided in this embodiment of the invention;

[0030] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the connecting branch structure provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 3 This is a structural schematic diagram of the cabin provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the air duct structure of the cabin provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the structure of the cabin when the door is open.

[0034] Figure label:

[0035] 1. Cabin; 2. Cold storage module; 3. Compressor; 4. Condenser; 5. Throttling element; 6. Evaporator; 7. Regenerative heat exchanger; 8. Heat absorption medium channel; 9. Heat release medium channel; 10. Air inlet pipe; 11. Low-temperature air heat exchanger; 12. Exhaust mechanism; 13. Flow control valve; 14. Temperature acquisition module; 15. Control module; 16. Display module; 17. Air duct; 18. Exhaust port; 19. Connecting pipe; 20. Check valve; 21. Door; 22. First air inlet branch; 23. Second air inlet branch; 24. Third air inlet branch. Detailed Implementation

[0036] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the technical solutions of this invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of this invention. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this invention without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this invention.

[0037] The following is combined with Figures 1 to 5 This invention describes an adjustable cryotherapy system provided in an embodiment of the invention.

[0038] Specifically, the adjustable cryotherapy system includes a chamber 1, a cold storage module 2, a refrigeration module, a regenerative heat exchanger 7, a first air inlet branch 22, and a second air inlet branch 23.

[0039] The cabin 1 is equipped with a space for users to enter and exit.

[0040] The cold storage module 2 is capable of storing cold energy. Optionally, the cold storage module 2 is configured as a cold accumulator. The cold accumulator contains a cold storage medium, for example, the cold storage medium includes at least one of alkanes, alkenes, alcohols, esters, and ethers. For example, the cold storage medium is 245fa.

[0041] The refrigeration module includes a compressor 3, a condenser 4, a throttling element 5, and an evaporator 6, which are connected in sequence and form a circulation loop. The evaporator 6 is connected to the cold storage module 2 and is used to provide cooling capacity to the cold storage module 2. For example, the evaporator 6 is located inside the cold storage module 2. For example, the refrigeration module can reduce the temperature inside the cold storage module 2 to -180℃ to -160℃.

[0042] Specifically, the outlet of compressor 3 is connected to the inlet of condenser 4, the outlet of condenser 4 is connected to the inlet of throttling element 5, the outlet of throttling element 5 is connected to the inlet of evaporator 6, and the outlet of evaporator 6 is connected to the inlet of compressor 3. A refrigerant is provided in the circulation loop, for example, the refrigerant includes at least two of isopentane, isobutane, butane, propane, propylene, ethane, ethylene, tetrafluoromethane, and methane. Under the action of compressor 3, the refrigerant circulates in the circulation loop, continuously absorbing heat in evaporator 6 and releasing heat back to condenser 4. For example, the temperature of the refrigerant discharged from evaporator 6 is typically -90℃ to -80℃.

[0043] The regenerative heat exchanger 7 includes a heat-absorbing medium channel 8 and a heat-releasing medium channel 9. The fluid medium in the heat-absorbing medium channel 8 can absorb heat from the fluid medium in the heat-releasing medium channel 9, thereby cooling the fluid medium in the heat-releasing medium channel 9. The heat-absorbing medium channel 8 is connected between the outlet of the evaporator 6 and the inlet of the compressor 3.

[0044] The first air intake branch 22 is connected to the cold storage module 2 and the cabin 1, and can introduce air cooled by the cold storage module 2 into the cabin 1.

[0045] The second air inlet branch 23 is connected to the heat release medium channel 9 and the cabin 1, and can introduce air cooled by the regenerating heat exchanger 7 into the cabin 1.

[0046] The adjustable cryotherapy system provided in this embodiment of the invention utilizes the compression action of the compressor 3 of the refrigeration module. The refrigerant releases heat in the condenser 4 and absorbs heat in the evaporator 6, thereby providing cooling capacity to the cold storage module 2. Air cooled by the cold storage module 2 is introduced into the chamber 1 via the first air inlet branch 22. By providing a second air inlet branch 23 and a regenerative heat exchanger 7, the air in the second air inlet branch 23 releases heat into the refrigerant in the heat absorption medium channel 8 as it passes through the heat release medium channel 9 of the regenerative heat exchanger 7, thus lowering its temperature before entering the chamber 1.

[0047] With this configuration, since the cooling temperature of the air in the first air inlet branch 22 by the cold storage module 2 is different from the cooling temperature of the air in the second air inlet branch 23 by the regenerating heat exchanger 7, the temperature inside the cabin 1 can be adjusted by regulating the ratio of air discharged into the cabin by the first air inlet branch 22 and the second air inlet branch 23. Furthermore, since the cooling temperature of the regenerating heat exchanger 7 and the cooling temperature of the cold storage module are usually significantly different, a wider temperature range can be provided to meet the user's needs.

[0048] In addition, since the refrigerant discharged from the evaporator 6 still has a high cooling capacity, the cooling capacity of the refrigerant can be recovered and utilized through the second air inlet branch 23 and the regenerative heat exchanger 7, which can also improve the cooling efficiency of the refrigeration module and avoid the waste of cooling capacity. At the same time, by setting up the cold storage module 2, the cooling capacity can be accumulated in advance before the user arrives, and the cooling capacity can be quickly provided to the cabin 1 after the user arrives, so that the temperature inside the cabin 1 drops rapidly. This can solve the problem of low efficiency of compressor refrigeration in the prior art and reduce the user's waiting time.

[0049] refer to Figure 1 As shown, in some embodiments provided by the present invention, the regenerative heat exchanger 7 includes multiple heat-releasing medium channels 9, and the fluid medium in each heat-releasing medium channel 9 can release heat to the fluid medium in the heat-absorbing medium channel 8. For example, the regenerative heat exchanger 7 is configured as a multi-stream heat exchanger. The second air inlet branch 23 is connected to the corresponding heat-releasing medium channel 9.

[0050] The condenser 4 and the throttling element 5 are connected by a corresponding heat release medium channel 9. This configuration allows the refrigerant discharged from the evaporator 6 to cool the refrigerant discharged from the condenser 4, enabling the refrigerant to absorb more heat after entering the evaporator 6, thus allowing the refrigeration module to produce a better cooling effect on the cold storage module.

[0051] refer to Figure 1 As shown, in some embodiments of the present invention, the adjustable cryotherapy system further includes a third air inlet branch 24. The third air inlet branch 24 is connected to the corresponding heat release medium channel 9, the cold storage module 2, and the chamber 1, and can introduce air that has been sequentially cooled by the regenerative heat exchanger 7 and the cold storage module 2 into the chamber 1. By setting the third air inlet branch 24, the cold energy of the refrigerant discharged from the evaporator 6 can be further recovered, avoiding waste of the cold energy of the refrigeration module and improving the refrigeration efficiency of the refrigeration module.

[0052] Similarly, refer to Figure 1 As shown, the first air inlet branch 22 can be directly connected to the cold storage module 2. Of course, the first air inlet branch 22 can also be similar to the third air inlet branch 24, that is, connected to the cold storage module 2 through the corresponding heat release medium channel 9.

[0053] refer to Figure 1 , Figure 2 As shown, in some embodiments provided by the present invention, at least one of the first air inlet branch 22, the second air inlet branch 23, and the third air inlet branch 24 includes an air inlet pipe 10, an exhaust mechanism 12, and a flow control valve 13. The exhaust mechanism 12 is configured as a fan or an air pump.

[0054] The air inlet duct 10 is connected to the cabin 1 or the outside air at its inlet, and to the cabin 1 at its outlet. The exhaust mechanism 12 and the flow control valve 13 are both located within the air inlet duct 10. Under the action of the exhaust mechanism 12, air from inside or outside the cabin 1 is cooled by the cold storage module 2 or the regenerative heat exchanger 7 before entering the cabin 1. Adjusting the power of the exhaust mechanism 12 allows for regulation of the airflow speed within the cabin 1. The flow control valve 13 controls the opening and closing of corresponding air inlet branches to adjust the mixing ratio of air at different temperatures, thereby regulating the internal temperature of the cabin 1.

[0055] Optionally, the first air intake branch 22, the third air intake branch 24 and the third air intake branch 24 can each be equipped with an exhaust mechanism 12, or they can share a common exhaust mechanism 12.

[0056] refer to Figure 1 As shown, in some embodiments provided by the present invention, both the first air inlet branch 22 and the third air inlet branch 24 include a low-temperature air heat exchanger 11 connected to the corresponding air inlet pipe 10, and each low-temperature air heat exchanger 11 is disposed inside the cold storage module 2. By providing the low-temperature air heat exchanger 11, the heat exchange rate between the first air inlet branch 22 and the cold storage module 2, and between the second air inlet branch 23 and the cold storage module 2, can be improved.

[0057] In some embodiments provided by this invention, the adjustable cryotherapy system further includes a temperature acquisition module 14 and a control module 15. The temperature acquisition module 14 is disposed in the chamber 1 and is used to collect the user's body temperature information. For example, the temperature acquisition module 14 can be configured as an infrared thermometer. The control module 15 can be configured as a controller.

[0058] Temperature acquisition module 14, first air intake branch 22, and second air intake branch 23 are all connected to control module 15. Control module 15 can adjust the operating parameters of first air intake branch 22 and second air intake branch 23 based on body temperature information to regulate the airflow and temperature inside cabin 1. It should be noted that the operating parameters include the power of exhaust mechanism 12 and the valve opening of flow control valve 13.

[0059] This setup allows for the adjustment of temperature and airflow within the chamber 1 based on the user's body temperature information, thereby enabling targeted treatment based on the different participants' cryotherapy needs and enhancing the cryotherapy effect.

[0060] Furthermore, the third air intake branch 24 can also be connected to the control module 15 so that the control module 15 can control the operating parameters of the third air intake branch 24.

[0061] In some embodiments of the present invention, the adjustable cryotherapy system further includes a display module 16, which is connected to the control module 15 and is capable of displaying body temperature information. This configuration allows the operator to monitor the user's body temperature in real time. For example, the display module 16 can be a display screen or a touchscreen.

[0062] refer to Figures 3-5 As shown, in some embodiments provided by the present invention, the cabin 1 is provided with at least two air ducts 17 distributed along the height direction of the cabin 1, and each air duct 17 is provided with an exhaust port 18 communicating with the interior of the cabin 1.

[0063] The first air intake branch 22 and the second air intake branch 23 are both connected to each air duct 17 through corresponding connecting branches.

[0064] By setting at least two air ducts 17 along the height of the cabin, the temperature distribution inside the cabin 1 can be made more uniform. Furthermore, the positions of the air ducts 17 can be aligned with areas of the user prone to significant soreness after exercise, allowing for targeted cooling and cryotherapy to these areas, thereby improving the therapeutic effect of the adjustable cryotherapy system. For example, air ducts 17 can be installed in the cabin 1 at positions corresponding to the shoulder and thigh of the user.

[0065] In addition, the airflow introduced by the first air intake branch 22 and the second air intake branch 23 can be evenly mixed in the air duct 17 and introduced into the cabin 1 through the exhaust port 18, making the temperature inside the cabin 1 more uniform.

[0066] Furthermore, the third air intake branch 24 is also connected to each air duct 17 through a corresponding connecting branch.

[0067] refer to Figure 2 As shown, in some embodiments provided by the present invention, each connection branch includes a connecting pipe 19 and a one-way valve 20 disposed on the connecting pipe 19. For example... Figure 2 As shown, by setting a one-way valve 20, it is possible to prevent the airflow of each air intake branch from directly entering other air intake branches.

[0068] In some embodiments of the present invention, the air duct 17 is configured as an annular air duct, and each air duct 17 is provided with multiple exhaust ports 18 distributed circumferentially along the air duct 17. This configuration allows airflow to be blown from multiple directions around the circumference of the chamber 1, thereby making the temperature inside the chamber 1 more uniform and cooling the user from multiple directions, thus providing a better cryotherapy effect.

[0069] In some embodiments provided by the present invention, the side wall of the cabin 1 is provided with a door 21 that can be rotated to open and close, and an annular air duct 17 passes through the door 21. By providing the door 21 to facilitate the user's entry and exit from the cabin 1, and by having the annular air duct 17 pass through the door 21, the defect that airflow cannot be blown at the location of the door 21 can be avoided.

[0070] In some embodiments provided by the present invention, the exterior of the cabin 1 is fitted with an insulation layer. By providing the insulation layer, heat loss from the cabin 1 can be prevented, thereby maintaining a constant temperature inside the cabin 1. Optionally, the insulation layer is a polyurethane layer.

[0071] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, and not to limit them; although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some of the technical features; and these modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. An adjustable cryotherapy system, characterized in that, include: hull; The cold storage module can store cold energy; The refrigeration module includes a compressor, a condenser, a throttling element, and an evaporator connected in sequence to form a circulation loop. The evaporator is connected to the cold storage module and is used to provide cooling capacity to the cold storage module. A regenerative heat exchanger includes a heat-absorbing medium channel and a heat-releasing medium channel, wherein the heat-absorbing medium channel is connected between the evaporator and the compressor; The first air intake branch is connected to the cold storage module and the cabin, and is able to introduce air into the cabin; The second air inlet branch is connected to the heat release medium channel and the cabin, and can introduce air into the cabin; Both the first air intake branch and the second air intake branch are equipped with flow control valves to adjust the proportion of air discharged into the cabin by the first air intake branch and the second air intake branch. It also includes a temperature acquisition module and a control module. The temperature acquisition module is installed in the cabin and is used to collect the user's body temperature information. The temperature acquisition module, the first air intake branch, and the second air intake branch are all connected to the control module. The control module can adjust the operating parameters of the first air intake branch and the second air intake branch based on the body temperature information to adjust the wind speed and temperature inside the cabin.

2. The adjustable cryotherapy system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The regenerative heat exchanger includes multiple heat release medium channels, and the second air inlet branch is connected to the corresponding heat release medium channel. The condenser and the throttling element are connected by a corresponding heat release medium channel, and / or the adjustable cryotherapy system further includes a third air inlet branch, which is connected to the corresponding heat release medium channel, the cold storage module and the chamber, and is capable of introducing air into the chamber.

3. The adjustable cryotherapy system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The third air intake branch includes a flow control valve.

4. The adjustable cryotherapy system according to claim 3, characterized in that, At least one of the first air intake branch, the second air intake branch, and the third air intake branch includes an air intake pipe and an exhaust mechanism; The air inlet pipe has its inlet connected to the cabin or outside air, its outlet connected to the cabin, and both the exhaust mechanism and the flow control valve are located in the air inlet pipe.

5. The adjustable cryotherapy system according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a display module, which is connected to the control module and is capable of displaying the body temperature information.

6. The adjustable cryotherapy system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cabin is provided with at least two air ducts distributed along the height direction of the cabin, and each air duct is provided with an exhaust port communicating with the interior of the cabin; Both the first air inlet branch and the second air inlet branch are connected to each of the air ducts through corresponding connecting branches.

7. The adjustable cryotherapy system according to claim 6, characterized in that, Each of the connection branches includes a connecting pipe and a one-way valve disposed on the connecting pipe.

8. The adjustable cryotherapy system according to claim 6, characterized in that, The air duct is configured as a ring air duct, and each air duct is provided with multiple exhaust ports distributed circumferentially along the air duct.

9. The adjustable cryotherapy system according to claim 8, characterized in that, The side wall of the cabin is provided with a door that can be rotated to open and close, and the annular air duct passes through the door.

10. The adjustable cryotherapy system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The exterior of the cabin is fitted with an insulation layer.

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