Control or regulating device for a heat cabin

Abstract

Control or regulating device (1) for a heat cabin (2), with a control output (3) for controlling the heating power (H) of an infrared heat radiator (4) of the heat cabin (2), characterized by a memory (5) in which a heating power curve (V gesp ) during a heat treatment of a person (P) in the heat cabin (2) is time-indexed and can be stored on a personal basis, and by a measuring device (12) connected to a control input (11), by which the actual temperature (T ist ) of an irradiated skin area of ​​a person (P) located in the heat cabin (2), wherein the control or regulating device (1) controls the control output (3) as a function of the detected actual temperature (T ist ) of the skin area.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a control or regulating device for a heat cabin, comprising a control output for controlling the heating output of an infrared heat radiator of the heat cabin. Furthermore, the invention relates to a heat cabin with an infrared heat radiator and such a control or regulating device. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for controlling or regulating a control or regulating device of a heat cabin.

[0002] For some time now, heat cabins have been used alongside saunas. Low-temperature infrared cabins, in particular, are designed to achieve optimal body warming through direct irradiation of a skin area in a thermally neutral environment. To prevent excessive or insufficient heat buildup on the skin, various control devices for infrared heat cabins are already known. For example, reference is made to the applicant's own AT 010 566 U1. According to this document, a radiation change can be implemented depending on the measured temperature of an irradiated skin area.

[0003] US 2010 / 0017953 A1 discloses a system and method for controlling infrared radiation in a sauna or heat cabin. This sauna comprises a control unit that can be operated by a sauna user. Various heat sources are arranged behind the seating. A monitoring unit in the form of a sensor is mounted on the seating. This sensor is in turn connected to a computer unit, which in turn is connected to the control unit. The monitoring unit is designed to collect biological data from a sauna user. This data includes, for example, core body temperature. Furthermore, inputs in the form of temperature settings based on the collected biological data can be made via the computer unit. It is also stated that settings related to sauna user profiles can be saved.Treatment types or other parameter settings can also be stored here. Furthermore, biological data related to the sauna user's physiological feedback during the sauna session can be recorded and analyzed. A storage unit is provided for storage, in which the biological data is collected. An analysis module can be used to process any factors related to the user's health. A diagnostic module is also provided. Overall, the biological data is analyzed to generate conclusions about the sauna user's well-being.

[0004] To avoid endangering the health of those using a heat cabin, it is recommended not to use a heat cabin if you are suffering from certain illnesses, as heat application in these cases can have a negative impact on the course of the disease. Especially in cases of illness or general deterioration (e.g., circulatory problems, reduced metabolism, etc.), the heat applied to the skin's surface may be less well absorbed.

[0005] The object of the present invention is therefore to create a control or regulating device that is improved compared to the prior art. In particular, it should be possible to react more effectively to possible illnesses of a person in the heat cabin, or to alert the user to a possible illness or disease.

[0006] This is achieved for a control or regulating device having the features of the preamble of claim 1 by a memory in which a heating power curve during heat treatment of a person in the heat cabin can be stored in a time-indexed and personalized manner, and by a measuring device connected to a control input by which the actual temperature of an irradiated skin area of ​​a person in the heat cabin can be recorded, wherein the control or regulating device controls or regulates the control output depending on the recorded actual temperature of the skin area. This enables targeted, individual use of the heat cabin. Feedback is provided not only during a single treatment but also over a longer period and across multiple treatments.The temporally and individually stored treatment processes allow conclusions to be drawn about the health status and health history of a person who has been heat-treated.

[0007] In contrast, according to US 2010 / 0017953 A1, although various data are collected, no specific data regarding a heating output curve or a temperature curve measured on the skin is recorded or stored. This data is certainly not stored with a time index or personal reference.

[0008] A particular advantage is provided if a comparison device is provided by which the stored time-indexed and person-specific heating power curves and / or temperature curves can be compared with a current heating power curve and / or temperature curve and a signal can be output depending on the current heating power curve and / or temperature curve and the stored heating power curve and / or temperature curve.

[0009] Particularly preferred is the heat output curve from the comparison device, which means that the comparison is not based solely on the temperatures measured on the surface of the person being irradiated, but rather on the actual heat output radiated by the infrared radiant heater relative to the specified target temperature curve. If the radiated intensity (heat output) deviates from the stored heat output curves for the same target value, this can indicate a health impairment (e.g., infection, flu, etc.).

[0010] Particularly preferably, an output unit is provided, from which the stored heating power curve and / or the stored temperature curve and / or the current heating power curve and / or the current temperature curve can be output, preferably on a screen. In order to also immediately alert a user of the heat cabin to a possible illness, a warning device is preferably additionally provided, by which a warning signal can be output if the current heating power curve deviates from the corresponding, time-indexed and personally stored heating power curve by more than a threshold value. The warning signal can be output as a sound or as a display on a screen.

[0011] Although it can be provided that only one specific stored heating power curve serves as a reference value, it is preferably provided that from a plurality of stored heating power curves or temperature curves related to a person, an average value can be determined from the heating power or temperature curves not identified as deviating, which can be fed to the comparison device.

[0012] For the observation of the person in the heat cabin, a measuring device connected to a control input is provided according to the invention, by means of which the actual temperature of an irradiated skin area of ​​a person in the heat cabin can be detected, wherein the control or regulating device controls or regulates the control output depending on the detected actual temperature of the skin area.

[0013] Furthermore, it is preferred that a target temperature or a target temperature curve be stored in the memory. This target temperature can be set to 43° Celsius, for example. However, the desired temperature can also be changed or adjusted manually.

[0014] The heating output generally corresponds to the intensity of the energy radiated by the infrared radiant heater. In concrete terms, the heating output at any given time corresponds to a percentage of the maximum output of the infrared radiant heater. In order to be able to react to changes at all, it is preferably provided that the threshold value corresponds to a deviation of the current heating output of 2 to 15%, preferably 5%, from the heating output stored at the corresponding time in the heating output curve. Since short-term deviations can also occur in a healthy body, it is preferably provided that the warning device can only issue the warning signal when the threshold value is exceeded or undercut for a specific period of time, for example for at least three minutes, for at least 80% of the specific period. The comparison is preferably carried out from the time at which the target temperature is reached.

[0015] Protection is also sought for a heat cabin with an infrared heat radiator and a control or regulating device according to the invention.

[0016] Protection is also sought for a method. To achieve the object according to the invention, the steps of irradiating a person in the heat cabin with an infrared heat emitter during a heat treatment and storing the heating output of the infrared heat emitter during the heat treatment and / or storing the temperature profile of a temperature measured on the skin of a heat-treated person are provided for, wherein the heating output profile and / or the temperature profile are stored for each individual and in a time-indexed manner. It is provided that when the person is irradiated in the heat cabin, a measuring device measures the actual temperature of an irradiated area of ​​the person's skin, and the heating output of the infrared heat emitter is regulated depending on this actual temperature, preferably also depending on an adjustable or stored target temperature.

[0017] Further advantageous steps may include: re-irradiating the same person in the heat cabin with the infrared heat emitter during another heat treatment, comparing the current heat output curve and / or current temperature curve during the re-irradiation with the stored heat output curve and / or stored temperature curve, and outputting a signal depending on the current heat output curve and / or current temperature curve and the stored heat output curve and / or stored temperature curve. The signal can also be output depending on the setpoint value.

[0018] In order to draw the attention of the user of the heat cabin or, if necessary, another person, e.g. a doctor, to a particularity, the further step of issuing a warning signal is provided if the current heating power curve and / or current temperature curve deviates from the stored heating power curve and / or stored temperature curve by a certain threshold value.

[0019] Further details and advantages of the present invention are explained below with reference to the embodiments shown in the drawings. Fig. 1 schematically shows a control or regulating device and a heat cabin and Fig. 2 an example comparison of a temperature and heating power curve.

[0020] In Fig. 1 schematically shows a heat cabin 2 in which a person P is located. Infrared rays with a specific intensity (heating power H) are emitted onto the back of this person P via the infrared heat radiator 4. The energy required to generate these infrared rays is provided by the power electronics 13. This receives the necessary information to control the infrared heat radiator 4 from the control or regulating device 1. This control or regulating device 1 is connected to the power electronics 13 via the control output 3 and thus controls and regulates the heat irradiation. In order to generate a desired temperature on the skin surface of the irradiated person P, a target temperature profile T soll To create a control loop, the actual temperature T istvia, in this case four, sensors of a measuring device 12 at different locations on the skin surface of the person P. Such a sensor or such a measuring device 12 preferably measures a measuring spot with a diameter of approximately 4 to 6 cm on the skin. In order to always achieve a specific temperature development corresponding to the target temperature T soll To ensure a constant temperature on the skin surface, the radiation intensity (heating power H) of the infrared heat radiator 4 is constantly regulated accordingly. It is to be expected that the better the blood supply to the irradiated skin area (thus better dissipation of the heat generated at the irradiated skin area), the higher the radiated heating power H will be set by the control system for the same setpoint. The control system determines the course of the measured skin temperature T istFor the same person, the heating output H will always be approximately the same, even with the same setpoint. In contrast, the heating output H will be lower in cases of poor heat processing. This usually indicates poor circulation or metabolism, and consequently, a health impairment.

[0021] In order to improve the control or regulating device 1, a memory 5 is provided in which the heating power curve V gesp and / or the temperature curve T gesp during a heat treatment of a person P in the heat cabin 2 is time-indexed and stored on a personal basis. For this purpose, Fig. 1, this memory 5 is shown in tabular form for illustration purposes, whereby at each time point t1 to t7, a specific heating power H (and possibly also the temperature T) is stored for a specific person P1 to P3. Thus, for each person P1 to P3, a heating power curve V is stored in the memory. gespIn addition, the control or regulating device 1 also determines the current heating output H akt the power electronics 13 of the infrared heat radiator 4 and is used as the current heating power curve V akt the comparison device 6. In this comparison device 6, the current heating power H akt with the stored heating power H gesp compared. Depending on this comparison, a signal 7 is output. In this specific case, this signal 7 is transmitted to the output unit 8. If by comparing the current heating power H akt and the stored heating power H gespa certain threshold value S is exceeded, a warning signal W is preferably output on the screen 9 of the output unit 8. Thus, in this variant, the screen 9 forms the warning device 10. In concrete terms, it can be provided, for example, that if there is no deviation or only a slight deviation between the stored heating power H gesp and the current heating output H akt a green lamp lights up and when the threshold value S is reached a red lamp starts flashing (warning signal W).

[0022] In Fig. 2 shows a diagram on a time axis t showing the temperature T in degrees Celsius and, superimposed, the heating power H (intensity) in percent of the maximum power of the infrared heat radiator 4. The temperature T is represented by a curve which corresponds to the measured maximum actual temperature T istof the sensors integrated in the radiator of the measuring device 12. The heating power H corresponds to the intensity of the infrared heat radiator 4 at a specific time t, while the entire curve or the individual control stages correspond to the heating power curve V akt or V gesp are equivalent to.

[0023] In this Fig. 2 is the average stored temperature curve T gesp , the stored heating output curve V gesp , the current temperature curve T akt and the current heating output curve V akt of the current application. Instead of heating power curve, the term intensity curve can also be used. The temperature and heating power curves show that the control or regulating device 1 regulates the skin temperature on the user's back to the desired target temperature T soll(approximately 43°C). This occurs essentially independently of the user's current constitution. In the current heating output curve V akt It can be seen that in the current application a significantly lower intensity curve or a lower heating power curve V akt (= less energy) to reach the set T soll This deviation may indicate an abnormality in the user's physical condition.

[0024] As soon as the heating output curve V akt from a stored heating output curve V serving as a reference gesp a warning signal W can be issued. However, it is also possible that the two curves are shown on screen 9 according to Fig.2 so that a person P in the heat cabin 2 can see for himself any deviation of the current heating output curve V akt from a stored and preferably averaged heating output curve V gesp can do.

[0025] The present invention thus makes it possible to use stored heating power curves V gesp and the recording of a current heating output curve V aktto draw conclusions about the user's well-being. In particular, this can be used to identify illnesses, for example. The goal of the analysis is therefore to detect anomalies in the temperature and / or heating output curve. The data must first be collected in a database (memory 5). In certain cases, it may also occur that the intensity (heating output H) remains the same, but a drop in skin temperature T occurs due to the onset of skin cooling (sweating). This drop can be considered as an alternative or additional parameter for issuing a warning signal W.

Claims

[1] Control or regulating device (1) for a heat cabin (2), with a control output (3) for controlling the heating power (H) of an infrared heat radiator (4) of the heat cabin (2), characterized by a storage tank (5) in which a heating power curve (V gesp ) during a heat treatment of a person (P) in the heat cabin (2) is time-indexed and can be stored on a personal basis, and by a measuring device (12) connected to a control input (11), by which the actual temperature (T ist ) of an irradiated skin area of ​​a person (P) located in the heat cabin (2), wherein the control or regulating device (1) controls the control output (3) as a function of the detected actual temperature (T ist ) of the skin area. [2] Control or regulating device according to claim 1, characterized by that a temperature gradient (T gesp ) a temperature (T ist) during the heat treatment of a person (P) in the heat cabin (2) is time-indexed and can be stored on a person-specific basis. [3] Control or regulating device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by a comparison device (6) by which the stored time-indexed and personal heating power curves (V gesp ) and / or temperature profiles (T gesp ) with a current heating output curve (V akt ) and / or temperature profile (T akt ) are comparable and depend on the current heating output curve (V akt ) and / or temperature curve (T akt ) and the stored heating output curve (V gesp ) and / or temperature curve (T gesp ) a signal (7) can be output. [4] Control or regulating device according to claim 3, characterized by an output unit (8) from which the stored heating power curve (V gesp ) and / or the stored temperature curve (T gesp) and / or the current heating output curve (V akt ) and / or the current temperature curve (T akt ), preferably on a screen (9). [5] Control or regulating device according to claim 3 or 4, characterized by a warning device (10) by which, at a specific time index, if the deviation of the current heating power curve (V) exceeds a threshold value (S) akt ) and / or the current temperature curve (T akt ) from the corresponding, time-indexed and personally stored heating output curve (V gesp ) and / or temperature profile (T gesp ) a warning signal (W) can be issued. [6] Control or regulating device according to claim 5, characterized by that the warning signal (W) can be output as a sound or as a display on a screen (9). [7] Control or regulating device according to one of claims 3 to 6, characterized bythat from a plurality of stored heating power curves (V) related to a person (P) gesp ) and / or temperature gradients (T gesp ) an average value can be determined, which can be fed to the comparison device (6). [8] Control or regulating device according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized by that a target temperature (T soll ) or a target temperature curve is saved. [9] Control or regulating device according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized by that the data in the memory (5) can be transferred to an external device for further processing. [10] Control or regulating device according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized by that the heating output (H) corresponds to a percentage of the maximum output of the infrared heat emitter (4). [11] Control or regulating device according to claim 10, characterized bythat the threshold value (S) of a deviation of the current heating output (H akt ) by 2 to 10%, preferably by 5%, from the corresponding time (t) of the heating power curve (V gesp ) stored heating power (H gesp ) corresponds. [12] Control or regulating device according to claim 11, characterized by that the warning signal (W) can only be output by the warning device (10) when the threshold value (S) is exceeded or undershot for a specific period of time, for example for at least three minutes, during at least 80% of the specific period of time. [13] Control or regulating device according to claim 11 or 12, characterized by that the comparison device (6) only starts operating when the target temperature (T soll ) is activated. [14] Heat cabin (2) with an infrared heat radiator (4) and a control or regulating device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 13.

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