Portable cooling device and method for high-temperature and high-humidity environment
By utilizing the phase change cooling and dehumidification of ice blocks through a portable cooling device, the problem of difficulty in reducing the temperature of the face and breathing area in high-temperature and high-humidity environments underground is solved. This achieves precise individual cooling and dehumidification, increases the effective oxygen fraction, reduces costs and safety risks, and is suitable for multi-point decentralized operations underground.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202610104771.8
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2026-01-26
- Publication Date
- 2026-02-27
AI Technical Summary
Existing well cooling equipment is difficult to effectively reduce the temperature of workers' faces and breathing areas in high-temperature and high-humidity environments. It is also costly, complex to install, and cannot quickly respond to the needs of multi-point decentralized operations.
It adopts a portable cooling device that uses ice as a refrigerant and absorbs gas heat through phase change to achieve cooling and dehumidification. Combined with a one-way valve design and a wide-mouth breathing mask, it ensures the inhalation of low-temperature and low-humidity gas. The structure is lightweight and portable, and it is suitable for multi-point decentralized operations.
It achieves precise individual cooling and dehumidification, reduces gas temperature and humidity, increases the effective volume fraction of oxygen, reduces respiratory irritation, reduces worker fatigue and safety risks, and lowers costs. It is suitable for multi-point decentralized operations in underground mines.
Smart Images

Figure CN121570748A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to the field of well cooling equipment technology, and in particular to a portable cooling device and method for high temperature and high humidity environments. Background Technology
[0002] Coal mine underground operations refer to coal mining-related work carried out in underground coal mine roadways, working faces, and other locations. These operations mainly include coal mining (such as using machinery or manual labor to mine coal seams), tunneling (excavating new roadways to extend the mining area), support (reinforcing roadways with supports to prevent collapse), ventilation (supplying fresh air to the mine and expelling harmful gases through equipment), drainage (removing accumulated water from the mine), transportation (moving the mined coal out of the mine), and equipment maintenance, among other tasks.
[0003] When working underground in a coal mine, the geological conditions cause the underground environment to be in a high-temperature state. At the same time, underground coal mining operations rely on a lot of high-power electromechanical equipment. During the continuous operation of this equipment, a large amount of heat is released. The heat emitted by the equipment, combined with the hot and humid nature of the geological environment itself, and the high humidity environment, makes workers prone to heat stress, heatstroke, excessive humidity, and hypoxia during high-intensity work. This not only affects the progress of underground coal mining operations, but also poses a serious threat to the health of the workers.
[0004] To address the aforementioned issues, the current main method of cooling is to install large ventilation units underground as air supply and cooling devices. However, while large ventilation units can continuously supply fresh air to underground workers and ensure their respiratory safety, they are inconvenient to install and have limited effectiveness in localized cooling, especially for critical areas such as the face and breathing zone. Furthermore, they are energy-intensive and have high installation and operating costs. In addition, the underground working environment is complex, with personnel distributed in multiple locations, making it difficult for existing cooling equipment to provide concentrated and effective coverage. To ensure cooling in all areas, multiple sets of equipment need to be added, significantly increasing the overall cost.
[0005] The existing patent with authorization announcement number CN201922437475.8 discloses an air-supplied mask for dust filtering and cooling in coal mines, including a shell, an air inlet, a blower, a dust filtering air supply chamber, a battery pack, a mask, a quick-connect pipe, and a cold air exchange chamber. The battery pack drives the blower to draw air from the air inlet into the dust filtering air supply chamber, where it is exchanged for cold air in the cold air exchange chamber, and then delivered to the mask through the quick-connect pipe. The blower draws outside air into the dust filtering air supply chamber. The dust filtering air supply chamber and the cold air exchange chamber are provided with through holes. The cold air exchange chamber is provided with a refrigerant for cooling. A connection hole is provided on the shell close to the end of the grid.
[0006] This invention increases the filtration area of the air inlet, resulting in better dust filtration and less clogging. It also adds a cooling function, which can cool the human body from the inside out, making it more comfortable and safe. The portable design makes it easy to wear and has excellent performance. Compared with existing technologies, it has a very good market prospect and development space.
[0007] The aforementioned patent was granted to the applicant in 2019. However, during use, it was found that the addition of the battery pack would increase the weight and increase the risk of fire. Furthermore, the high manufacturing and usage costs prevented its widespread adoption. Therefore, this patent application was filed. Summary of the Invention
[0008] The purpose of this section is to outline some aspects of embodiments of the present invention and to briefly describe some preferred embodiments. Simplifications or omissions may be made in this section, as well as in the abstract and title of this application, to avoid obscuring the purpose of these documents; however, such simplifications or omissions should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention.
[0009] In view of the problems existing in the prior art, the present invention is proposed.
[0010] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the present invention provides the following technical solution: a portable cooling device for high temperature and high humidity environments, comprising a main structural component and a breathing mask, wherein the breathing mask is fitted to the face;
[0011] The main structural component includes an outer shell, inside which is a refrigerant chamber for storing refrigerant, which cools the gas inhaled by the breathing mask.
[0012] As a preferred embodiment of the portable cooling device for high temperature and high humidity environments described in this invention, a heat exchange zone is formed between the refrigerant compartment and the outer shell, and a radiator is provided in the heat exchange zone. The radiator includes a plurality of heat dissipation fins arranged at intervals along the outer periphery of the refrigerant compartment.
[0013] As a preferred embodiment of the portable cooling device for high temperature and high humidity environments described in this invention, the outer shell has an air inlet at one end and an air outlet at the other end, and a filter is provided inside the outer shell.
[0014] As a preferred embodiment of the portable cooling device for high temperature and high humidity environments described in this invention, the breathing mask and the heat exchange zone are connected through a guide tube, with the first end of the guide tube connected to the breathing mask and the second end connected to the heat exchange zone.
[0015] As a preferred embodiment of the portable cooling device for high temperature and high humidity environments described in this invention, the breathing mask is provided with a breathing valve, which is a one-way valve.
[0016] As a preferred embodiment of the portable cooling device for high temperature and high humidity environments described in this invention, the top of the outer shell is detachably fitted with an upper cover, the bottom is detachably fitted with a lower cover, and the second end of the guide tube is mounted on the upper cover.
[0017] As a preferred embodiment of the portable cooling device for high temperature and high humidity environments described in this invention, a one-way valve is installed at the air inlet of the lower cover to allow gas from the external environment to enter the heat exchange zone, while preventing gas in the heat exchange zone from flowing out of the lower cover into the external environment.
[0018] As a preferred embodiment of the portable cooling device for high temperature and high humidity environments described in this invention, the breathing mask has an flared structure, with the flared end facing the user's face being the flared end.
[0019] As a preferred embodiment of the portable cooling device for high temperature and high humidity environments described in this invention, the outer shell is fitted with an insulated bag, and the insulated bag is provided with a carrying strap.
[0020] The present invention also provides a cooling method based on a portable cooling device for high temperature and high humidity environments, comprising the following steps:
[0021] S1: Fill the refrigerant compartment into the main structural component, install the upper cover and lower cover on the top and bottom of the outer shell respectively, and connect the breathing mask with the heat exchange area enclosed by the outer shell and the refrigerant compartment through the guide tube. The user carries the device through the strap on the heat-insulating bag on the outer shell, and makes the flared breathing mask fit the mouth and nose area of the face.
[0022] S2: Under the negative pressure generated by the user's own inhalation, the air enters the heat exchange zone through the one-way valve at the air inlet of the lower cover. At the same time, the one-way valve prevents the gas in the heat exchange zone from leaking to the outside.
[0023] S3: The gas in the heat exchange zone exchanges heat with the refrigerant in the refrigerant compartment. The refrigerant absorbs heat from the gas through phase change to achieve cooling. At the same time, the gas temperature decreases, causing its saturated moisture content to decrease. Excess water vapor is released and condensed, thus achieving dehumidification.
[0024] S4: After being cooled and dehumidified, the gas passes through the filter inside the outer shell to filter impurities and is then delivered to the breathing mask along the guide tube.
[0025] S5: The breathing valve on the breathing mask is a one-way valve. The inlet one-way valve allows the low-temperature, low-humidity gas delivered by the guide tube to enter the breathing mask for the user to inhale, while the outlet one-way valve discharges the gas exhaled by the user to the outside, completing one breathing cooling cycle.
[0026] S6: When the refrigerant is depleted, remove the lower or upper cover, replace the refrigerant compartment or add refrigerant, and repeat steps S2-S4.
[0027] The beneficial effects of this invention are:
[0028] Employing the principle of physical phase change cooling and using ice as a refrigerant, this invention requires no external power source. Compared to traditional well cooling equipment that only lowers ambient temperature, this invention precisely targets the core needs of human respiration, directly reducing the temperature of inhaled air. This avoids the resource waste associated with traditional environmental cooling methods. Furthermore, ice is readily available and extremely inexpensive, significantly reducing the overall cost of well cooling operations. Simultaneously, ice phase change cooling is gentle and controllable, avoiding excessive cooling or irritating effects. Combined with precisely controlled temperature and humidity, it effectively alleviates human heat stress while preventing damage to the respiratory tract, maintaining the normal physiological state of the respiratory mucosa, and ensuring respiratory health.
[0029] Addressing the issue of respiratory discomfort and reduced effective oxygen content caused by high temperature and humidity in underground environments, this invention improves the temperature and humidity parameters of the breathing gas through the synergistic effect of cooling and dehumidification. This brings the inhaled gas into a comfortable range for the human body, significantly increasing the effective oxygen content, volume fraction, and partial pressure of oxygen. This solves the core pain points of hypoxia and respiratory distress in high temperature and humidity environments, allowing workers to breathe more smoothly, effectively reducing fatigue, and improving work safety and efficiency. Simultaneously, this device can serve as an emergency measure for heat stress: when underground workers experience sudden fainting, dizziness, weakness, or other acute symptoms due to heat stress, its characteristics of requiring no power, rapid start-up, and simple operation can quickly provide a comfortable low-temperature and low-humidity breathing environment, rapidly alleviating discomfort caused by heat stress and buying valuable time for subsequent professional emergency treatment.
[0030] This invention features a lightweight and portable structure, equipped with a dedicated insulation layer and carrying system, which does not affect the flexibility of downhole operations. It requires no complex engineering investment, and the installation and activation process is simple and quick, allowing for rapid deployment. It is particularly suitable for scenarios such as multi-point, dispersed downhole operations, overcoming the shortcomings of traditional large-scale cooling equipment, which is characterized by its massive engineering scale and inability to respond quickly. Furthermore, this invention employs a self-breathing design, achieving cooling only during inhalation, rather than a conventional high-frequency air supply design. Compared to the previous generation of air-supply masks, this minimizes the loss of cooling capacity during the cooling process, achieving efficient utilization of cooling energy, extending the duration of a single use, and further enhancing the practical value of the device.
[0031] In summary, this invention provides a safe, economical, and efficient personal protective equipment solution for working in high-temperature and high-humidity environments in deep wells. It is targeted, economical, safe, and convenient, and has significant practical value and broad application prospects. Attached Figure Description
[0032] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort. Wherein:
[0033] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the portable cooling device and method for high temperature and high humidity environments provided by the present invention.
[0034] Figure 2 An exploded view of the portable cooling device and method for high temperature and high humidity environments provided by the present invention.
[0035] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the portable cooling device and method for high temperature and high humidity environments provided by the present invention.
[0036] Figure 4 This is an exploded view of the portable cooling device and method for high temperature and high humidity environments provided by the present invention.
[0037] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating the preliminary preparations for the portable cooling device and method for high-temperature and high-humidity environments provided by the present invention.
[0038] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating the usage process of the portable cooling device and method for high temperature and high humidity environments provided by the present invention.
[0039] Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating the collaborative operation of the portable cooling device and method for high-temperature and high-humidity environments provided by the present invention.
[0040] Reference numerals in the attached drawings: 1. Main structural component; 2. Outer shell; 3. Radiator; 4. Breathing mask; 5. Breathing valve; 6. Upper cover; 7. Lower cover; 8. Filter element; 9. Guide tube. Detailed Implementation
[0041] To make the above-mentioned objects, features and advantages of the present invention more apparent and understandable, the specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0042] Many specific details are set forth in the following description in order to provide a full understanding of the invention. However, the invention may also be practiced in other ways different from those described herein, and those skilled in the art can make similar extensions without departing from the spirit of the invention. Therefore, the invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.
[0043] Secondly, the term "one embodiment" or "embodiment" as used herein refers to a specific feature, structure, or characteristic that may be included in at least one implementation of the present invention. The phrase "in one embodiment" appearing in different places in this specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor is it a single or selective embodiment that is mutually exclusive with other embodiments.
[0044] Example 1
[0045] Reference Figure 1-7 This is the first embodiment of the present invention, which provides a portable cooling device and method for high-temperature and high-humidity environments. The device includes a main structural component 1, a breathing mask 4, and a flow guide pipe 9. Addressing the problems of poor local cooling effect, high energy consumption, and inability to effectively reduce the temperature of the breathing zone in traditional cooling equipment used in deep high-temperature mines, this embodiment utilizes the synergistic effect of a refrigerant chamber and a radiator to cool and dehumidify the high-temperature and high-humidity gas to 26±2℃ and below 60% humidity without the need for an external power source. This significantly increases the effective volume fraction of oxygen in the breathing zone, fundamentally solving the problems of heat stress, respiratory discomfort, and low efficiency for underground workers. It provides a safe and efficient personal protective solution for working in high-temperature environments in deep mines.
[0046] This device is specifically designed for workers in high-temperature and high-humidity environments such as mines and tunnels, where the temperature is 32-35℃ and the humidity is close to 100%. It is particularly suitable for areas in deep, high-temperature mines where ventilation cannot effectively reduce the temperature, such as working faces, roadways, and chambers, to reduce the humidity and temperature of the air breathed by personnel.
[0047] Even better, this invention is a purely autonomous breathing-type cooling system that achieves cooling during breathing. Its unconventional air supply design effectively reduces the loss of cooling capacity during the cooling process. As a small and easy-to-start cooling device, it can provide rapid first aid for people experiencing symptoms such as fainting due to heatstroke.
[0048] Preferably, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the main structural component 1 includes an outer shell 2, inside which a refrigerant compartment is provided. The refrigerant compartment and the outer shell 2 form a heat exchange zone, and a radiator 3 is provided in the heat exchange zone.
[0049] The refrigerant compartment is used to store refrigerant. The outer shell 2 is fitted with an insulated bag (not shown in the figure) to keep the gas inside the shell warm, reduce cold loss, and extend the service life. The insulated bag is equipped with a shoulder strap (not shown in the figure) for users to carry.
[0050] Even better, the bottom of the outer casing 2 has an air inlet for gas exchange with the outside, and the top has an air outlet with a filter 8 to filter out dust and other impurities in the outside air, preventing impurities from being inhaled by the user and ensuring respiratory safety.
[0051] Preferably, in other embodiments, the air inlet can also be opened at the bottom of the housing 2, and the air outlet is opened at the top of the housing 2; the filter element 8 can be set at any position inside the housing 2, and the distance from the air outlet or the distance from the air inlet can be set according to the needs of the site environment.
[0052] Preferably, in a mining environment, the filter element 8 adopts a multi-layer filtration structure, which can effectively filter harmful particulate matter such as dust and coal ash in the mine.
[0053] In this embodiment, as Figure 2 As shown, the top of the outer shell 2 is detachably fitted with an upper cover 6, and the bottom is detachably fitted with a lower cover 7; in this embodiment, the refrigerant is ice, which is pre-prepared by an underground ice-making freezer; the filter element 8 is mining filter cotton, which meets coal mine safety standards.
[0054] When replacing the refrigerant, simply replace the refrigerant compartment. There are various sizes of refrigerant compartments available, and you can choose the appropriate size based on the site space and operation time requirements. The longer the operation time, the larger the refrigerant compartment should be.
[0055] In this embodiment, the upper cover 6 and the lower cover 7 are screwed onto the top and bottom of the outer shell 2, respectively, and adopt a mining explosion-proof sealing structure to ensure safe use in underground coal mines.
[0056] Example 2
[0057] Reference Figures 1-7 This is the second embodiment of the present invention, which is based on the previous embodiment, but differs in that, as follows: Figure 2 As shown, the radiator 3 includes multiple heat sinks arranged at intervals along the outer periphery of the refrigerant compartment.
[0058] The multiple heat sinks spaced along the outer periphery of the refrigerant compartment significantly increase the total contact area between the radiator 3 and the gas, improving the heat exchange efficiency between the refrigerant and the hot gas, thereby achieving rapid cooling and dehumidification. Secondly, the independent airflow channels formed between adjacent heat sinks guide the airflow between the heat sinks, preventing heat accumulation caused by tight contact between them. Finally, compared to a single large heat sink, the multiple heat sinks spaced along the outer periphery of the refrigerant compartment can better adapt to the contours of the refrigerant compartment and the heat exchange area, achieving efficient heat dissipation in a limited space, reducing the overall volume of the radiator 3, and improving the portability of the cooling device.
[0059] Field verification showed that this patented technology enables high-temperature and high-humidity gas (35°C, 100% humidity) to be rapidly cooled to 26±2°C and its humidity to drop below 60% when it enters the heat exchange zone.
[0060] Preferably, such as Figure 1As shown, the breathing mask 4 has an flared structure, with the end facing the user's face being the flared end, which can better cover the mouth and nose area and ensure that the user inhales only air that has been cooled and dehumidified; a breathing valve 5 is installed at the bottom of the breathing mask 4.
[0061] As a preferred embodiment, the breathing valve 5 is a one-way valve, which controls the one-way flow of fluid in two different directions while preventing the flow in opposite directions. In this embodiment, one-way valves are provided at both the inhalation inlet and the exhalation outlet of the mask. One of the one-way valves allows the low-temperature and low-humidity gas in the heat exchange zone to flow into the mask, and the other one-way valve allows the gas exhaled by the user to be discharged.
[0062] Specifically, the two one-way valves work together to ensure that breathing gases do not mix, thus improving breathing comfort. This one-way valve design is particularly important in the high humidity environment of deep wells, as it effectively prevents the re-inhalation of exhaled hot and humid air, maintaining a comfortable environment in the breathing zone.
[0063] Better, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the first end of the guide tube 9 is connected to the breathing mask 4, and its second end is installed on the outer shell 2 and communicates with the heat exchange zone. In this embodiment, the first end, i.e. the upper end, of the guide tube 9 is threadedly connected to the bottom of the breathing mask 4, and its second end is screwed onto the upper cover 6; the guide tube 9 is a corrugated hose, with an outer layer covered with heat insulation material, an inner diameter of 15-20mm, and a length of 300-500mm, which ensures smooth gas flow, reduces cold loss, and has good flexibility to adapt to various working postures downhole.
[0064] Specifically, a one-way valve is also installed at the air inlet of the lower cover 7. This one-way valve allows outside gas to enter the heat exchange zone but prevents the cooled gas in the heat exchange zone from leaking out, thus improving the heat exchange efficiency of the device. When used downhole, this one-way valve can effectively prevent dust backflow and extend the service life of the filter elements.
[0065] The working principle of the portable cooling device and method for high-temperature and high-humidity environments provided by this invention is as follows: When working in a high-temperature and high-humidity environment, the user carries the portable cooling device and method through a shoulder strap. During the use of the cooling device, the user's exhaled air is discharged into the external environment through the breathing valve 5. The external air enters the heat exchange zone through the air inlet. During the phase change of the refrigerant, it absorbs heat from the hot air in the heat exchange zone, thereby lowering the temperature of the gas in the heat exchange zone. At the same time, the decrease in gas temperature leads to a decrease in its saturated moisture content, causing the excess water vapor contained in the gas to precipitate out and condense into liquid water, which flows out from the drain hole of the lower cover 7, achieving a dehumidification effect. When the user breathes autonomously, the low-temperature and low-humidity gas in the heat exchange zone is filtered by the filter element 8 set at the air outlet at the top of the outer shell 2 and then enters the guide pipe 9. The guide pipe 9 delivers the filtered low-temperature and low-humidity gas to the breathing mask 4 and then into the user's body through the breathing mask 4, thereby achieving cooling of the user's face and breathing area.
[0066] In existing technologies, the oxygen partial pressure is generally required to be ≥16 kPa (basic standard) for a comfortable human environment, and the comfort zone for deep well operations needs to reach ≥19.5 kPa (volume fraction ≥20%). When the equipment is not used, the oxygen partial pressure is only 19.43-19.47 kPa, which is close to the hypoxia line, causing fatigue and weakness in workers. Long-term exposure will aggravate the burden on the cardiopulmonary system and increase the risk of safety accidents.
[0067] After using the device, the oxygen partial pressure increased to 20.46 kPa, which not only met the comfort standard, but also directly improved the hypoxic state by optimizing the gas exchange efficiency, enhanced the physical strength and endurance of the workers, and indirectly improved the production efficiency.
[0068] This device indirectly increases the effective volume fraction and partial pressure of oxygen through physical cooling and dehumidification, transforming the oxygen supply from near-oxygen deficiency to good oxygen supply. It solves the core problem of oxygen concentration being squeezed in high humidity environments and addresses the long-term harm to the human body caused by the "heat" problem in deep well operations. The device is small in size and easy to carry, making it suitable for mobile operation scenarios and compensating for the shortcomings of centralized cooling systems in terms of insufficient coverage of mobile areas.
[0069] In open underground spaces, large cooling equipment needs to operate at high power continuously to achieve full cooling coverage, resulting in excessive energy consumption. According to statistics, the average cooling power consumption per mine is 1000 kWh / hour. This product uses pure physical cooling media, which is portable, fast, and precise. The power consumed by a single refrigerant compartment to restore cold in the freezer is equivalent to cooling a box of ice cubes, with negligible cost, greatly reducing the cost of underground mining.
[0070] In summary, the steps of using this invention are as follows:
[0071] S1: Fill the refrigerant compartment into the main structural component 1, install the upper cover 6 and the lower cover 7 on the top and bottom of the outer shell 2 respectively, and connect the breathing mask 4 with the heat exchange area formed by the outer shell 2 and the refrigerant compartment through the guide tube 9. The user carries the device through the strap on the heat preservation bag attached to the outer shell 2, and makes the flared breathing mask 4 fit the mouth and nose area of the face.
[0072] S2: Under the negative pressure generated by the user's own inhalation, the gas enters the heat exchange zone through the one-way valve at the air inlet of the lower cover 7. At the same time, the one-way valve prevents the gas in the heat exchange zone from leaking to the outside.
[0073] S3: The gas in the heat exchange zone exchanges heat with the refrigerant in the refrigerant compartment. The refrigerant absorbs heat from the gas through phase change to achieve cooling. At the same time, the gas temperature decreases, causing its saturated moisture content to decrease. Excess water vapor is released and condensed, thus achieving dehumidification.
[0074] S4: After being cooled and dehumidified, the gas passes through the filter element 8 inside the outer shell 2 to filter impurities, and then is delivered to the breathing mask 4 along the guide tube 9.
[0075] S5: The breathing valve 5 on the breathing mask 4 is a one-way valve. The inlet one-way valve allows the low-temperature and low-humidity gas delivered by the guide tube 9 to enter the breathing mask 4 for the user to inhale, and the outlet one-way valve discharges the gas exhaled by the user to the outside, completing one breathing cooling cycle.
[0076] S6: When the refrigerant is depleted, remove the lower cover 7 or the upper cover 6, replace the refrigerant compartment or add refrigerant, and repeat steps 2-4 to achieve continuous cooling.
[0077] In summary, in a deep well environment of 35℃ and 100% humidity, using this device can achieve a gas environment of 26±2℃ and humidity below 60% in the user's breathing area. This increases the effective volume fraction of oxygen from approximately 19.6% to approximately 20.7%, and the partial pressure of oxygen from approximately 19.43 kPa to approximately 20.46 kPa, significantly improving the user's breathing comfort, alleviating heat stress, reducing fatigue, and enhancing operational safety and work efficiency. This device effectively lowers airway temperature and slows the rate of core body temperature rise. Simultaneously, the approximately 60% humidity environment helps to expel pulmonary secretions, maintain normal mucosal moisture, and reduce the risk of respiratory infections. Furthermore, the low temperature and low humidity environment reduces the adhesion of irritants to the respiratory epithelium, which is beneficial for long-term protection of respiratory health.
[0078] Example 3
[0079] Reference Figure 1-7This is the third embodiment of the present invention. This embodiment is based on the previous embodiment. The difference is that in embodiment 2, the breathing mask and the main structural component are connected by a flow guide tube. Specifically, the first end, i.e. the upper end, of the flow guide tube is threaded to the bottom of the breathing mask, and its second end is screwed onto the upper cover.
[0080] In this embodiment, such as Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the breathing mask is directly connected to the main structural component, eliminating the need for a flow guide tube, thus further simplifying the structure and reducing weight. To ensure heat exchange efficiency, a dedicated interface is provided on the side of the outer shell 2 in this embodiment. The breathing mask 4 is directly installed on this interface, which has a gas guiding structure inside to guide the cooled gas directly to the breathing mask 4.
[0081] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the refrigerant compartment capacity is increased by 15% to extend the single-use time and meet the needs of longer-term downhole operations. This embodiment is particularly suitable for space-constrained working environments, such as tunnel faces and narrow tunnels, and its overall weight is kept below 2.5 kg, without affecting the mobility of operators.
[0082] In this embodiment, ice is placed inside the refrigerant compartment, allowing for direct replacement of the refrigerant compartment each time, saving time and improving replacement efficiency.
[0083] Even better, as an extension method, in actual mine applications, ice blocks can be directly filled into the refrigerant tank, which is suitable for shorter working hours and is more flexible and convenient. The ice-making freezer uses the ZLS-4G model, and this device can be used in conjunction with it. Before entering high-temperature areas, workers can obtain pre-prepared ice blocks from the freezer located near the working face and fill the refrigerant tank. A single filling can sustain work for 2-3 hours, meeting the basic needs of a work shift. In critical areas such as monitoring rooms, guard posts, and refuge chambers, it can also be used in conjunction with the ZLF-30 mine explosion-proof refrigeration air conditioner to form a coordinated cooling system for individuals and the environment. Based on real-time monitoring of ambient temperature and humidity parameters in different scenarios, the system adjusts and displays the refrigerant tank usage time in each area, providing timely replacement warnings and offering comprehensive thermal protection for workers.
[0084] In summary, the advantages of this invention are mainly reflected in:
[0085] 1. It utilizes the refrigerant phase change process to absorb heat from the air flowing through it, achieving integrated cooling and dehumidification; when used with a one-way valve breathing mask, it ensures that the inhaled low-temperature and low-humidity air is effectively expelled and that the exhaled air is effectively discharged, providing users with a comfortable and healthy breathing experience.
[0086] 2. Power-free, long-lasting, cooling, autonomous respiratory protective equipment. This equipment requires no electricity, reducing reliance on power resources and making it suitable for workplaces where the power grid is not covered or where wiring is difficult.
[0087] 3. The cooling mask adopts a modular design, and the refrigerant compartment can be quickly replaced to achieve uninterrupted cooling and ensure the continuous cooling needs during long-term operations; it achieves true portability and efficiency, and adapts to the complex and ever-changing production environment and working position underground.
[0088] It is important to note that the constructions and arrangements of this application shown in several different exemplary embodiments are merely illustrative. Although only a few embodiments are described in detail in this disclosure, those who consult this disclosure will readily understand that many modifications are possible (e.g., changes in the size, dimensions, structure, shape, and proportions of various elements, as well as parameter values (e.g., temperature, pressure, etc.), mounting arrangements, use of materials, color, orientation, etc.) without substantially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter described in this application). For example, an element shown as integrally formed may be composed of multiple parts or elements, the position of elements may be inverted or otherwise altered, and the nature or number or position of discrete elements may be changed or altered. Therefore, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the invention. The order or sequence of any process or method steps may be changed or rearranged according to alternative embodiments. In the claims, any "device plus function" clause is intended to cover the structure described herein that performs the function, and not only structurally equivalent but also equivalent in structure. Other substitutions, modifications, alterations, and omissions may be made in the design, operation, and arrangement of the exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments, but extends to various modifications that still fall within the scope of the appended claims.
[0089] Furthermore, in order to provide a concise description of exemplary embodiments, not all features of actual embodiments (i.e., those features that are not relevant to the best mode of carrying out the invention as currently considered, or those features that are not relevant to implementing the invention) may be omitted.
[0090] It should be understood that numerous specific implementation decisions can be made during the development of any practical implementation, such as in any engineering or design project. Such development efforts may be complex and time-consuming, but for those skilled in the art who benefit from this disclosure, the development effort will be a routine work of design, manufacturing, and production without requiring much experimentation.
[0091] It should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention and are not intended to limit it. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications or equivalent substitutions can be made to the technical solutions of the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the present invention, and all such modifications or substitutions should be covered within the scope of the claims of the present invention.
Claims
1. A portable cooling device for high temperature and high humidity environments, characterized in that: It includes a main structural component (1) and a breathing mask (4), which is fitted to the face; The main structural component (1) includes an outer shell (2), and a refrigerant chamber for storing refrigerant is provided inside the outer shell (2). The refrigerant chamber cools the gas inhaled by the breathing mask (4).
2. The portable cooling device for high temperature and high humidity environments as described in claim 1, characterized in that... The refrigerant compartment and the outer shell (2) form a heat exchange zone, and a radiator (3) is provided in the heat exchange zone. The radiator (3) includes a plurality of heat dissipation fins arranged at intervals along the outer periphery of the refrigerant compartment.
3. The portable cooling device for high temperature and high humidity environments as described in claim 2, characterized in that... The outer shell (2) has an air inlet at one end and an air outlet at the other end, and a filter (8) is provided inside the outer shell (2).
4. The portable cooling device for high temperature and high humidity environments as described in claim 3, characterized in that... The breathing mask (4) is connected to the heat exchange zone through a guide pipe (9). The first end of the guide pipe (9) is connected to the breathing mask (4), and the second end is connected to the heat exchange zone.
5. The portable cooling device for high temperature and high humidity environments as described in claim 4, characterized in that... The breathing mask (4) is equipped with a breathing valve (5), which is a one-way valve.
6. The portable cooling device for high temperature and high humidity environments as described in claim 5, characterized in that... The top of the outer shell (2) is detachably fitted with an upper cover (6) and the bottom is detachably fitted with a lower cover (7). The second end of the guide tube (9) is mounted on the upper cover (6).
7. The portable cooling device for high temperature and high humidity environments as described in claim 6, characterized in that... A one-way valve is also installed at the air inlet of the lower cover (7) so that gas in the external environment can enter the heat exchange zone, while preventing gas in the heat exchange zone from flowing out of the lower cover (7) into the external environment.
8. The portable cooling device for high temperature and high humidity environments as described in claim 7, characterized in that... The breathing mask (4) has an flared structure, with the flared end facing the user's face.
9. The portable cooling device for high temperature and high humidity environments as described in claim 8, characterized in that... The outer shell (2) is fitted with an insulated bag; The insulated bag is equipped with a carrying strap.
10. A cooling method, implemented based on the portable cooling device for high temperature and high humidity environments as described in any one of claims 1-9, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: S1: Fill the refrigerant compartment into the main structural component (1), install the upper cover (6) and lower cover (7) on the top and bottom of the outer shell (2) respectively, and connect the breathing mask (4) with the heat exchange area formed by the outer shell (2) and the refrigerant compartment through the guide tube (9). The user carries the device through the strap on the heat preservation bag on the outer shell (2) and makes the breathing mask (4) with the flared structure fit the mouth and nose area of the face. S2: Under the negative pressure generated by the user's own inhalation, the gas enters the heat exchange zone through the one-way valve at the air inlet of the lower cover (7), and at the same time, the one-way valve prevents the gas in the heat exchange zone from leaking to the outside. S3: The gas in the heat exchange zone exchanges heat with the refrigerant in the refrigerant compartment. The refrigerant absorbs heat from the gas through phase change to achieve cooling. At the same time, the gas temperature decreases, causing its saturated moisture content to decrease. Excess water vapor is released and condensed, thus achieving dehumidification. S4: After being cooled and dehumidified, the gas passes through the filter (8) inside the outer shell (2) to filter impurities and is then transported to the breathing mask (4) along the guide tube (9). S5: The breathing valve (5) on the breathing mask (4) is a one-way valve. The inlet one-way valve allows the low-temperature and low-humidity gas delivered by the guide tube (9) to enter the breathing mask (4) for the user to inhale, and the outlet one-way valve discharges the gas exhaled by the user to the outside, completing one breathing cooling cycle. S6: When the refrigerant is exhausted, remove the lower cover (7) or the upper cover (6), replace the refrigerant compartment or add refrigerant, and repeat steps 2-4 to achieve continuous cooling.
Citation Information
Patent Citations
Air supply mask for filtering dust and cooling underground coal mine
CN211751893U