Immersion bath for cryotherapy

Abstract

The invention relates to an immersion bath for cryotherapy. The immersion bath comprises an immersion tank, which can be filled with water, for immersing a substantial portion of the body of a person, and a temperature-control device which is designed to control the temperature of a temperature-control medium and to transfer heat energy between the temperature-control medium and the immersion tank and / or the water in a heat transfer region. The temperature-control device includes a temperature-control unit which controls the temperature of the temperature-control medium, and a control device which controls the temperature-control unit. The temperature-control unit has an ice-generation mode, in which the temperature-control unit controls the temperature of the temperature-control medium in the heat transfer region to a temperature of less than or equal to 0°C, and a defrost mode, in which the temperature-control unit controls the temperature of the temperature-control medium in the heat transfer region to a temperature of greater than 0°C. The control device is designed such that it operates the temperature-control unit, upon start-up, in a repetitive temperature-control cycle in which the temperature-control unit operates alternately in the ice-generation mode and in the defrost mode.

Description

[0001] title

[0002] DIVING POOL FOR CRYOTHERAPY

[0003] Field of invention

[0004] The invention relates to an immersion bath for cryotherapy, also known as cold therapy, in which a substantial part of the human body is immersed for a limited time in a cold water bath at a temperature close to freezing for therapeutic purposes.

[0005] Background of the invention

[0006] Cryotherapy, also known as cold therapy, refers to the targeted use of cold stimuli to produce a therapeutic effect.

[0007] Cryotherapy is used, among other things, as a subfield of contrast therapy. Contrast therapy refers to measures in which the body is alternately exposed to warm and cold temperatures. This can be localized to individual body parts or applied as a generalized measure to the whole body or a large part of the body. Perhaps the best-known form of generalized heat exposure is the sauna. For generalized cold treatment of the whole body ("whole-body cryotherapy"), immersion baths with a water temperature between approximately -1°C and approximately 10°C, hereinafter referred to as cold baths, are widely used. A special form of cold bath is the ice bath, in which a portion of the water is frozen; hereinafter also referred to as ice water or an ice-water mixture.Ice baths are based on a plunge pool filled with ice water, sized so that a person can remain in a crouched position with most of their body submerged for a limited time. The therapeutic effects of an ice bath can include, among many other positive effects, accelerated physical and mental regeneration, reduction of delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) and physical fatigue, and strengthening of the immune system. Furthermore, ice bath therapy can contribute to increased hedonic and eudaimonic well-being.

[0008] Cryotherapy is becoming increasingly popular worldwide. There is a growing demand for flexible solutions for setting up ice baths in both private and commercial settings.

[0009] A common way to create an ice bath is to fill a sufficiently large container, usually barrel- or canister-shaped, with water and ice. This allows for the preparation of a simple ice bath for whole-body cryotherapy. The disadvantage is that the ice bath is prepared manually and depends on the availability of large quantities of ice. Furthermore, this type of ice bath is only suitable for short-term, intermittent use and is therefore resource-intensive and not very sustainable with regular application.

[0010] Another solution is to use an industrial chiller, also called a "chiller" as used in hydroponics and aquaculture, to cool water in a suitable immersion tank. A chiller is a device that cools water down to 6-7 degrees Celsius via a cooling circuit. It consists of a refrigeration unit with a condenser cooled by a fan and an evaporator located in the cooling water circuit. The cooling water circuit is hydraulically separated from the refrigeration circuit by a heat exchanger. The advantage of chillers is their ability to provide locally available cold water. A disadvantage is that the water to be cooled circulates through the device and therefore cannot be cooled to temperatures lower than 0 degrees Celsius, as this would cause freezing and damage. Thus, the cold water immersion bath produced by this system is not an ice bath as defined in the present invention.Furthermore, these systems are of limited use in warm climates.

[0011] There are also approaches involving filling large freezers with water to create a very cold water bath. This poses safety problems, especially the risk of electric shock, as freezers are generally not designed to contain water and people. Furthermore, the water in a freezer can form a solid sheet of ice and freeze into a solid monolith, thus limiting its use as an ice bath.

[0012] US 2023 / 0293386 describes an ice bath with a container that can be cooled by a cooling unit. The cooling unit is arranged to cool the container and create ice on an inner surface of the container. After a layer of ice has formed on the inner surface of the container, a heating module is used to raise the temperature of the inner surface of the container, causing the ice to detach from the inner surface. As a result, an ice sheet is formed that floats on the surface of the ice bath. Before using the ice bath, the ice sheet usually has to be broken up by hand, resulting in sharp-edged shards of ice that can be unpleasant to the touch when ice bathing.

[0013] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an improved immersion bath for cryotherapy, in particular for whole-body cryotherapy, which overcomes the aforementioned disadvantages of conventional solutions. In particular, it is an object of the present invention to provide an immersion bath that can cool a volume of water suitable for whole-body cryotherapy to a temperature of 0° Celsius and independently generate ice, even at high ambient temperatures.

[0014] We have solved this problem through the subject matter of the independent claims. Preferred embodiments of the invention are the subject matter of the dependent claims.

[0015] Description of the invention

[0016] The invention relates to an immersion bath for cryotherapy.

[0017] A generic immersion bath comprises a water-fillable immersion pool, designed in terms of shape and capacity such that a person can immerse most of their body, preferably their entire body, in the water. The immersion pool may include a bottom extending at least partially along a horizontal axis and a wall extending at least partially from the bottom along a vertical axis. The bottom and the wall may together form or enclose a water-fillable interior space, which may have, for example, a capacity of at least 200 liters, at least 250 liters, at least 300 liters, at least 350 liters, at least 400 liters, at least 450 liters, or at least 500 liters of water. In preferred embodiments, the interior space of the immersion pool has a capacity of at least 300 liters.

[0018] In preferred embodiments, the immersion tank or interior has a horizontal inner diameter of at least 50 centimeters, at least 55 centimeters, at least 60 centimeters, at least 65 centimeters, at least 70 centimeters, or at least 75 centimeters in each direction. A horizontal inner diameter of at least 60 centimeters is preferred.

[0019] In preferred embodiments, the immersion tank or the interior and / or the wall of the immersion tank has a vertical height of at least 70 centimeters, at least 75 centimeters, at least 80 centimeters, at least 85 centimeters, at least 90 centimeters or at least 95 centimeters. A clear height of at least 80 centimeters is preferred.

[0020] These design features allow for comfortable, complete immersion of the body and effective whole-body cryotherapy.

[0021] Furthermore, a generic immersion bath comprises a temperature control device designed to temper a temperature control medium and to transfer heat energy between the temperature control medium and the immersion bath or the water contained in the immersion bath in a heat transfer area.

[0022] The problem underlying the invention is solved by the fact that the temperature control device comprises a temperature control unit, which tempers the temperature control medium, and a control device for controlling the temperature control unit. The temperature control unit has an ice-generation mode, in which the temperature control unit tempers the temperature control medium in the heat transfer area to a temperature of less than or equal to 0°C, and an ice-removal mode, in which the temperature control unit tempers the temperature control medium in the heat transfer area to a temperature of greater than 0°C. The control device is configured to operate the temperature control unit in a repetitive, i.e., repeatedly, temperature control cycle upon commissioning, in which the temperature control unit operates alternately in the ice-generation mode and the ice-removal mode.

[0023] The inventors realized that this method allows water to be efficiently cooled to, for example, 0°C or -1°C, while simultaneously becoming automatically enriched with small, freely moving ice particles, thus enabling user-friendly and effective whole-body cryotherapy. Surprisingly, it has also been found that, unlike conventionally produced flake ice, these ice particles have no sharp edges, resulting in pleasant skin contact. This also eliminates the risk of injury from sharp-edged flake ice and enhances the ice bathing experience.

[0024] In principle, all temperature control units known and suitable to those skilled in the art, such as refrigeration systems, are eligible for consideration for the invention, which are capable of cooling a suitably suitable temperature control medium, in particular a working medium such as a refrigerant, to 0 degrees Celsius or less.

[0025] As the term is used here, a refrigerant is a

[0026] Fluid used for heat transfer in a refrigeration system, which absorbs heat at low temperature and low pressure and releases heat at higher temperature and higher pressure, usually involving changes in the fluid's state.

[0027] In preferred embodiments, the temperature control unit is a refrigeration unit or a refrigeration machine, in particular a compression refrigeration machine. Suitable refrigeration machines or compression refrigeration machines are known to those skilled in the art, for example, from food freezing technology. The temperature control unit can include a compressor configured to move the temperature control medium or refrigerant in fluidic form in a closed temperature control medium circuit, which can at least partially include or form the heat transfer zone. In particular, the heat transfer zone can be configured to evaporate the temperature control medium during the cooling phase by absorbing heat.

[0028] The heat transfer area can be configured to transfer thermal energy between the temperature control medium and the base and / or the wall. In preferred embodiments, at least a section of the heat transfer area is configured to transfer thermal energy between the temperature control medium and the wall. In further preferred embodiments, a larger part of the heat transfer area is configured to transfer thermal energy between the temperature control medium and the wall, and a smaller part of the heat transfer area is configured to transfer thermal energy between the temperature control medium and the base. The heat transfer area can also be configured to transfer thermal energy exclusively between the temperature control medium and the wall. Preferably, the heat transfer area extends along the vertical axis.In this respect, from a lower half of the wall to an upper half of the wall, in particular from a lower third of the wall to an upper third of the wall. In particular, the heat transfer area can extend along the vertical axis over at least 20% of the wall height, at least 30% of the wall height, at least 40% of the wall height, at least 50% of the wall height, at least 60% of the wall height, or at least 70% of the wall height.

[0029] In preferred embodiments, the heat transfer zone comprises a heat transfer element through which the temperature control fluid flows. This element is arranged on the outside of the immersion tank in such a way that it is thermally connected to, or in thermally conductive contact with, the immersion tank. The heat transfer element can, for example, be a pipe designed for evaporating the temperature control fluid, also referred to as an "evaporator coil." The heat transfer element can be arranged on the outside of the immersion tank in a serpentine, S-shaped, and / or spiral configuration. The heat transfer zone can further comprise a cooling profile with an enlarged surface area, such as a cooling fin element or the like, arranged between the heat transfer element or evaporator coil and the immersion tank to promote heat exchange between the immersion tank and the temperature control fluid within the heat transfer zone.

[0030] The heat transfer element or evaporator coil can be thermally connected to the bottom and / or wall of the immersion tank, or can make thermally conductive contact with the bottom and / or wall. In preferred configurations

[0031] In some embodiments, the heat transfer element or evaporator coil extends horizontally and vertically along the outside of the wall. In further preferred embodiments, a larger portion of the heat transfer element or evaporator coil extends along the wall and a smaller portion along the bottom. The heat transfer element or evaporator coil can also extend exclusively along the wall. In particularly preferred embodiments, the heat transfer element or evaporator coil extends along the vertical axis from a lower half of the wall to an upper half of the wall, in particular from a lower third of the wall to an upper third of the wall. In particular, the heat transfer element or evaporator coil can extend...The evaporator coil extends along the vertical axis over at least 20% of the wall height, at least 30% of the wall height, at least 40% of the wall height, at least 50% of the wall height, at least 60% of the wall height, or at least 70% of the wall height. The inventors have surprisingly found that this heat transfer according to the invention leads to an advantageous formation and enrichment of small ice particles in the water body in the upper layers compared to heat transfer near the bottom, which has a beneficial effect on whole-body cryotherapy, as will be explained in more detail below.

[0032] In preferred embodiments, the heat transfer element or the evaporator coil extends horizontally over at least 20%, at least 30%, at least 40%, at least 50%, at least 60%, or at least 70% of the outer circumference of the wall or the

[0033] Immersion tank. Preferably, the heat transfer element or evaporator coil consists essentially of a metal material, preferably copper, aluminum, or stainless steel. The evaporator coil preferably has a cross-sectional diameter in the range of approximately 5 to 20 millimeters, more preferably in the range of approximately 7 to 16 millimeters. The inventors have discovered that in this way, the water in the immersion tank can be cooled very quickly and efficiently to the freezing point, with small ice particles forming locally on the inner wall of the immersion tank.

[0034] The temperature control fluid circuit can further include a heat dissipation area designed to liquefy the temperature control fluid while releasing heat. Reference is also made to the exemplary illustrations in this regard.

[0035] In preferred embodiments, the temperature control unit is configured to temper the temperature control medium or refrigerant in the ice-removal mode within the heat transfer zone to a temperature greater than 0° Celsius, for example, to a temperature in the range of approximately 1° Celsius to at least approximately 40° Celsius, particularly to a temperature in the range of approximately 10° Celsius to approximately 42° Celsius, preferably to a temperature in the range of approximately 20° Celsius to approximately 42° Celsius, and most preferably to a temperature in the range of approximately 30° Celsius to approximately 42° Celsius. In this way, ice forming on the inner wall of the immersion tank is quickly and selectively removed by a short heat pulse without causing undesirable heating of the water.This allows the inventors to increase the frequency of the temperature control cycle and thereby enrich the immersion pool with small ice particles that form a kind of ice slurry with a high specific heat transfer coefficient. At the same time, the ice slurry improves direct body contact and thus cools faster and more gently than conventional crushed ice, enabling the inventors to achieve a significant improvement in whole-body cryotherapy compared to conventional ice baths. Here, "ice slurry" or "ice slurry-like" refers to an ice-water mixture in which the ice particles have a particle diameter of 10 millimeters or less, preferably 5 millimeters or less, more preferably 2 millimeters or less, and most preferably 1 millimeter or less than or equal to approximately 0.5 millimeters.

[0036] Of course, it is also possible, although not preferred, to cause or assist the detachment of the ice from the inner wall of the immersion pool by means of a separate heating device, which, for example, directly heats the wall and / or the floor of the immersion pool.

[0037] In preferred embodiments, the control device comprises a sensor device configured to detect a temperature signal from the water-filled immersion tank and / or the heat transfer area or the temperature control medium. The sensor device may, for example, comprise a thermometer or a thermocouple arranged to measure the temperature of the immersion tank, the water contained therein, the heat transfer area, or the temperature control medium. Furthermore, the control device may include a control unit for the temperature control unit, which is configured to receive the temperature signal from the sensor device.In this way, the sensor device and the control device together form a control loop that automatically controls a time-dependent and / or temperature-dependent change of the tempering unit between the ice production mode and the ice removal mode in the tempering cycle, depending on the detected temperature signal.

[0038] In preferred embodiments, the control device comprises a timer configured such that, after receiving the temperature signal, for example, after reaching a predefined temperature, the temperature control unit operates in ice generation mode and / or ice removal mode for a predefined period. This allows the inventors to achieve automatic oscillation of the temperature control unit between ice generation mode and ice removal mode, so that the ice layer forming during operation in ice generation mode does not accumulate on the inner wall of the immersion tank, but is released into the water in small ice particles. This ensures that the ice does not freeze into a solid block or a closed layer, thereby impairing the use or effectiveness of the ice bath. The control loop can be configured, for example, such that after reaching a predefined cooling temperature, e.g.,At 0°C, the temperature control unit operates in ice-making mode for a predefined period. After this period, the unit automatically switches to ice-removal mode. Upon reaching a predefined heating temperature, e.g., 40°C, the unit operates in ice-removal mode for a predefined period. Afterward, it returns to ice-making mode, and the temperature control cycle begins again. The length of the predefined period during which the unit operates in ice-making or ice-removal mode can depend on the area of ​​the heat transfer zone, the desired ice thickness, the unit's power output, and / or other factors such as ambient temperature, specific heat transfer coefficients, and the like.

[0039] The temperature control cycle is repeated multiple times, referred to here as "repetitive." In particular, the temperature control cycle can be repeated until the desired amount of ice freely suspended in the water has been produced. In preferred embodiments, the control device is therefore configured such that the temperature control unit performs an unlimited or undefined number of temperature control cycles during operation; that is, the cooling or ice formation process is terminated by a user shutting down the temperature control unit. Of course, the control device can also be configured such that the temperature control unit performs a limited or predefined number of temperature control cycles, which may, for example, be in the range of 10 to 100 temperature cycles. Preferably, the control device is configured such that the temperature control cycle is repeated at least three times, preferably at least five times, and most preferably at least ten times.

[0040] Typically, the tempering cycle comprises a preferably longer ice-making phase, in which the tempering unit operates in ice-making mode, and a preferably shorter ice-removal phase, in which the tempering unit operates in ice-removal mode. For example, the duration of the ice-making phase can be several times, e.g., at least twice, three times, four times, or five times the duration of the ice-removal phase. Preferably, the ice-making phase has a duration of at most about 150 minutes, more preferably a duration of at most about 120 minutes, and particularly preferably a duration of at most about 90 minutes or at most about 60 minutes. Preferably, the ice-removal phase has a duration of at most about 40 minutes, more preferably a duration of at most about 30 minutes, and particularly preferably a duration of at most about 20 minutes.In preferred embodiments, the ice-making phase lasts from about 10 minutes to about 150 minutes, preferably from about 20 minutes to about 120 minutes, and particularly from about 30 minutes to about 100 minutes. In further preferred embodiments, the ice-dissolving phase lasts from about 1 minute to about 10 minutes.

[0041] 30 minutes, preferably a duration of about 5 minutes to about

[0042] 25 minutes, in particular a duration of about 10 minutes to about

[0043] 20 minutes on .

[0044] The aforementioned designs produce an ice slush-like ice-water mixture in the immersion pool by enriching the water body with small ice particles, which, according to the inventors' findings outlined above, has advantageous effects for whole-body cryotherapy.

[0045] In preferred embodiments, the temperature control unit additionally has a heating mode in which it heats the temperature control medium in the heat transfer area to a temperature of at least 36° Celsius, preferably to a temperature of at least 36° Celsius, and particularly preferably to a temperature of at least 40° Celsius. In this way, the immersion bath can also be advantageously used as a bathing pool or "hot tub".

[0046] In preferred embodiments, the control device has a user interface that allows a user to operate the control device, for example, setting a target water temperature, specifying the number of temperature control cycles to be performed, and / or starting or stopping the temperature control device. The user interface may include an input device or be connected to or connectable to an input device by means of which the operating function is implemented. The input device may include, for example, a rotary knob and / or an electronic visualization system with a touchscreen. In other embodiments, the input device may be a mobile device such as a smartphone.A tablet computer or mobile phone is provided, which implements the operating function using application software ("app"). The user interface may include a wireless transmitter and / or a wireless receiver configured to send information to the input device or to receive information from the input device.

[0047] In preferred embodiments, the immersion tank is at least partially, and preferably entirely, made of stainless steel. It has been shown that stainless steel particularly promotes energy-efficient water cooling and rapid ice crystal growth on the inner wall of the immersion tank. Of course, it is also possible, in principle, for the immersion tank to be made of another metal or a plastic such as acrylic.

[0048] In preferred embodiments, the immersion tank is equipped with a vibration device designed to impart ultrasonic waves to the water. The inventors have recognized that this method, through improved mixing and local nucleation, surprisingly enhances the speed and efficiency of cooling and ice formation, and can even lead to the spontaneous formation of ice crystals within the water. Simultaneously, it has been shown that the ultrasonic vibration promotes the formation of homogeneously shaped ice crystals, which facilitate rapid and gentle cooling of the body. The vibration device can be, for example, an ultrasonic loudspeaker or another suitable ultrasonic transducer, positioned on the outside of the immersion tank and transmitting ultrasonic waves into the water via the tank wall and / or floor.Another option is the so-called submersible vibrator, which is suspended directly in the water or mounted on the inside of the immersion pool. In yet another design, the vibration device is a plate vibrator, which is, for example, flanged to an opening in the wall or floor of the immersion pool.

[0049] In preferred embodiments, the ultrasonic waves have a frequency in the range of approximately 20 kHz to approximately 100 kHz, particularly in the range of approximately 25 kHz to approximately 50 kHz. These frequencies have proven to be particularly advantageous for the desired ice crystal formation.

[0050] In preferred embodiments, the immersion tank is provided with a bypass circuit for the flow of water. The bypass circuit can be equipped with a bypass unit, for example, a pump such as an electrically operated filter or circulation pump, to circulate the water in the immersion tank through the bypass circuit. In preferred embodiments, the bypass circuit includes a water treatment unit for disinfecting the water flowing through it. The water treatment unit can, in particular, be configured for physical and / or chemical disinfection of the water flowing through it. Preferably, the water treatment unit is selected from the group consisting of a UV filter unit, a particle filter unit, and an ozone injection unit, as well as any combination thereof.

[0051] In preferred embodiments, the immersion bath comprises a vital sign sensor device configured to automatically detect a loss of consciousness in a person immersed in the bath and, upon detection of the loss of consciousness, to trigger an alarm signal, such as an audible alarm or an emergency call. The vital sign sensor device may also be configured to drain or pump the water out of the immersion bath upon detection of the loss of consciousness. In further preferred embodiments...

[0052] In its various forms, the immersion bath includes a panic switch which, when activated, triggers an alarm signal, such as an audible alarm or an emergency call. This increases the operational safety of the immersion bath.

[0053] In preferred embodiments, the immersion bath comprises an enclosure into which the immersion tank is recessed, thus decoupling the immersion tank from the substrate. The immersion tank may have a radially extending, e.g., flange-like, circumferential edge at the upper end of its wall, which rests on the enclosure. The enclosure may further include a receiving space in which the temperature control device or unit is arranged. A space may exist between the enclosure and the immersion tank, in which a thermal insulation material, such as a thermally insulating polyurethane foam (PUR foam) and / or a metallized plastic film, is arranged. Preferably, the thermal insulation material is arranged on a side of the heat transfer area facing away from the immersion tank.

[0054] In preferred embodiments, the immersion bath comprises a grounding device that forms an electrically conductive contact between the immersion basin or the water and the earth's surface.

[0055] Preferably, the immersion bath as described above is used for cryotherapy, particularly in the field of physiotherapy.

[0056] Accordingly, a further object of the invention relates to a method for operating an immersion bath for the cryotherapeutic treatment of a person. The method comprises the following steps: A) Providing an immersion bath with a water-fillable immersion pool for immersing a large part of a person's body and a temperature control device configured to temper a temperature control medium and to transfer thermal energy in a heat transfer area between the temperature control medium and the immersion pool and / or the water, wherein the temperature control device comprises a temperature control unit that tempers the temperature control medium and a control device that controls the temperature control unit; B) Filling the immersion pool with water; C) Commissioning the temperature control device;D) Operating the temperature control unit with a repetitive temperature control cycle, in which the temperature control unit operates alternately in an ice-making mode, in which the temperature control unit tempers the tempering medium in the heat transfer area to a temperature of less than or equal to 0° Celsius, and in an ice-removal mode, in which the temperature control unit tempers the tempering medium in the heat transfer area to a temperature of greater than 0° Celsius.

[0057] In preferred process embodiments, the immersion bath is designed according to the above description.

[0058] Preferably, in step D) an ice-water mixture, in particular an ice slush-like ice-water mixture, is produced in the immersion tank.

[0059] In preferred embodiments of the process, step D) comprises subjecting the water to ultrasonic vibrations. In particular, the water can be subjected to ultrasonic vibrations while the tempering unit is operating in ice-making mode.

[0060] In certain process implementations, the immersion tank is filled with water in step B) to a fill level dimensioned such that at least part of the heat transfer zone is located vertically above the fill level. The heat transfer zone above the fill level causes a frost-like formation of fine ice particles on the inner wall of the immersion tank, which lies outside the water body. When the temperature control unit operates in ice removal mode, these ice particles are moved into the water by gravity. In this way, the water can be enriched with fine ice particles through repeated temperature control cycles, preventing undesirable sheet ice formation.

[0061] The procedure can be used for cryotherapeutic treatment of a

[0062] person can be used, e.g. by following step D) with a therapeutic treatment step E), which involves immersing the person with a large part of their body in the ice-water mixture.

[0063] Furthermore, it is understood that the preferred and advantageous embodiments of the immersion bath according to the invention may, insofar as applicable, also relate to the methods and uses according to the invention. Features that are disclosed above and below in connection with the immersion bath according to the invention may therefore also relate to the methods and uses according to the invention, and vice versa.

[0064] As the term is used here, "bzw. " in case of doubt stands for an and / or relationship.

[0065] For the purposes of the present invention, the term "includes tolerances of up to 10% that are customary in the industry".

[0066] Brief description of the characters

[0067] The invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to exemplary embodiments and figures. These figures represent only schematic and not necessarily to scale or proportion, and are to be understood as examples only. Identical features in the figures are designated with the same reference numerals, whereby recurring features are sometimes not designated with a reference numeral multiple times. The invention is in no way limited to the figures shown. They show:

[0068] Fig. 1 is a schematic sectional view of a device according to the invention.

[0069] Immersion bath; Fig. 2 a schematic view of the immersion bath according to the invention from Fig. 1 from below;

[0070] Fig. 3 shows a flowchart of a method according to the invention for operating the immersion bath.

[0071] Detailed description of application examples

[0072] Fig. 1 shows an exemplary construction of an immersion bath 1 according to the invention in a schematic sectional view.

[0073] The immersion bath 1 shown in Fig. 1 comprises a stainless steel immersion tank 2, which is inserted into a support housing 3 for stability and decoupling from the ground. The immersion tank 2 consists of a horizontally extending base 2a and a vertically extending wall 2b, which enclose an open-topped, water-fillable interior with a capacity of approximately 530 liters.

[0074] For flexible use, the diving pool 2 is divided into a deeper diving area TB and a shallower seating area SB. In the diving area TB, the diving pool 2 has a horizontal cross-section near the bottom with a clear inner diameter in the longitudinal direction di (see Fig. 2) of 85.5 centimeters and a clear inner diameter in the transverse direction d. q(cf. Fig. 2) of 75.5 centimeters and a vertical height h of 85 centimeters, which allows for comfortable, complete immersion of a person with their entire body in a squatting position. A projection 22 formed in the immersion pool 2 forms an integrated seat. In the space 24 between the immersion pool 2 and the support housing 3, a thermal insulation material in the form of polyurethane foam is arranged around the immersion pool 2 (not shown in Fig. 1), which ensures high thermal efficiency of the immersion bath 1.

[0075] A temperature control device 4 for temperature control of the immersion bath 1 is housed in the support enclosure 3. In the example shown, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the temperature control device 4 comprises a compression refrigeration machine as a temperature control unit 8, which is formed from the four components in fluidic communication: compressor 8a, condenser 11, expansion device 12, and heat transfer element 7, here an evaporator coil. The compressor 8a (e.g., GMCC, China) circulates a temperature control medium, in this example the natural refrigerant R290, in the closed temperature control medium circuit formed by the condenser 11, expansion device 12, and evaporator coil 7.

[0076] The gaseous refrigerant is first compressed by the compressor 8a, thereby increasing its boiling point. In the subsequent condenser 11, in the form of a tube arrangement whose surface area can be increased, for example, by shrunk-on copper or aluminum fins (not shown in Fig. 1), the refrigerant condenses, releasing heat, which is dissipated to the outside in the heat dissipation area 14 indicated by the dashed outline. Several ventilation openings 26 in the support housing 3 promote heat dissipation to the environment. The liquid refrigerant is then discharged via the

[0077] Throttle device 12, e.g. an expansion valve or a capillary tube, is depressurized, causing the boiling temperature to decrease.

[0078] In the downstream heat transfer element 7, in the form of an evaporator coil (here, for example, a copper tube extending serpentine-like along the bottom 2a and the wall 2b of the immersion tank 2 and thermally connected to them), the refrigerant evaporates at a low temperature, absorbing heat. In the heat transfer zone 6, indicated by the dashed outline, heat is extracted from the immersion tank 2, or the water it contains, by evaporative cooling. In this way, the inventors achieve a highly efficient energy transfer, which, for example, makes it possible to cool water in the immersion tank 2 down to 0° Celsius within a short time and to produce ice in the immersion tank 2. The cycle then begins again.

[0079] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the heat transfer element 7 in the example shown extends vertically over approximately 70% of the height of the immersion tank wall 2b. It has been shown that this arrangement of the heat transfer element 7 promotes a heat exchange which, compared to heat transfer near the bottom, causes the formation of small particles on the inside of the wall 2b and leads to the formation of an ice slurry in the immersion tank 2 that is advantageous for cryotherapy.

[0080] It is understood that the above-described cycle of the temperature control device 4, as provided in certain embodiments of the invention, can also be used in reverse as a heat pump to supply heat to the immersion tank 2 or the water contained therein, and thereby to achieve water temperatures of, for example, at least about 36° Celsius, preferably at least about 38° Celsius, preferably at least about 40° Celsius, e.g., about 42° Celsius.

[0081] The temperature control unit 8 is controlled by the control device 10. In the example shown, the control device 10 includes a temperature sensor 16 for detecting a temperature signal from the water-filled immersion tank 2, here the wall 2b, and a control device 18, here a timer, which controls the temperature control unit 8 and receives the temperature signal from the sensor device 16. The sensor device 16 and the control device 18 together form a control loop 106 (see Fig. 3), which, depending on the detected temperature signal, controls a change in the temperature control unit 8 between ice production mode 102 and ice removal mode 104. For this purpose, the timer 18 causes the temperature control unit 8 to operate in ice production mode 102 and / or ice removal mode 104 for a predefined period when a predetermined temperature threshold is reached.

[0082] By means of a vibration device 20 in the form of an ultrasonic loudspeaker flanged to an opening in the wall of the immersion tank 2, the water in the immersion tank 2 is subjected to ultrasonic waves at a frequency of approximately 25 kHz to approximately 40 kHz during operation of the temperature control unit 8 in ice generation mode 102. In this way, the nucleation temperature of the water is selectively increased and the ice crystal formation in the immersion tank 2 is accelerated. At the same time, a high homogeneity of the ice crystals is achieved, which has a favorable effect on the heat transfer coefficient and the specific heat transfer surface area in the produced ice-water mixture.

[0083] In addition, Fig. 2 shows an exemplary setup of the immersion bath 1 according to the invention from Fig. 1 in a schematic bottom view. The bottom view illustrates the serpentine arrangement of the evaporator coil 7 along the bottom 2a of the immersion tank 2, which enables highly efficient energy transfer between the immersion tank 2 and the temperature control device 4. Furthermore, Fig. 2 shows a bypass circuit 28 in fluidic communication with the interior of the immersion tank 2, which is driven by a bypass unit 30, for example, an electrically operated filter or circulation pump. The bypass circuit 28 promotes the mixing of the water in the immersion tank 2 and thus ensures uniform and efficient temperature control of the immersion bath 1.

[0084] A water treatment unit 32, also referred to here as a "UV filter," is integrated into the bypass circuit 28. This unit is a chamber illuminated with UV-C light, in which the flowing water is irradiated with UV-C light for disinfection purposes. The water treatment unit 32 can also include an ozone infusion cell, in which ozone is introduced into the flowing water for disinfection purposes, and / or a particle filter, such as a microfilter with a cutoff size of less than one micrometer, preferably less than 0.5 micrometers, preferably less than 0.25 micrometers, for mechanical germ removal. Alternatively, the particle filter can also be integrated into the bypass unit 30. For further details, please refer to the explanations accompanying Fig. 1. Finally, Fig. 3 shows a flow diagram of an exemplary method 100 for operating the immersion bath 1 according to the invention from Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 for the cryotherapeutic treatment of a person.After commissioning 101 of the temperature control device 4, the control device 10 puts the temperature control unit 8 into a repetitive temperature control cycle 108. The repetitive temperature control cycle 108 consists of alternating operation of the temperature control unit 8 in ice-making mode 102, in which the temperature control unit 8 tempers the tempering medium in the heat transfer area 6 to a temperature of less than or equal to 0° Celsius, e.g., -20° Celsius, and in ice-removal mode 104, in which the temperature control unit 8 tempers the tempering medium in the heat transfer area 6 to a temperature of greater than 0° Celsius, e.g., approximately 20° Celsius to approximately 42° Celsius.

[0085] The control unit 10, with the aid of the temperature sensor 16 and the control unit 18, forms a control loop 106 which causes the temperature control unit 8 to alternate between ice generation mode 102 and ice removal mode 104 depending on temperature and / or time. The duration of operation in ice generation mode 102 or ice removal mode 104 can depend, among other things, on the material properties of the immersion tank 2, the power of the compressor 8a, the surface area of ​​the heat transfer zone 6, and / or the desired ice particle size or ice layer thickness.

[0086] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, a predefined period T can be f for the operation of the temperature control unit 8 in ice production mode 102 according to equation T f = c - A- D E - P must be determined. Here, A is the area of ​​the heat transfer zone 6 in square meters, D Ethe desired ice layer thickness or the desired ice particle diameter, P the power of the temperature control unit 8 or of the compressor 8a in watts and c a system-specific energy transfer constant .

[0087] A predefined period T r The operation of the temperature control unit 8 in the ice removal mode 104 can be analogously determined using the equation T r = c - A- D s - P is determined, where D s the thickness of the ice layer that needs to be melted to detach the ice, and the other parameters are defined as above.

[0088] According to this calculation, the duration of the operation in ice generation mode 102 can be about 30 to about 35 minutes for a desired ice layer thickness of about 1 millimeter, about 60 to about 70 minutes for a desired ice layer thickness of about 2 millimeters, and about 90 to about 105 minutes for a desired ice layer thickness of about 3 millimeters.

[0089] The ice typically melts automatically once an ice layer of approximately 0.5 millimeters has thawed. Therefore, the duration of the operation in ice removal mode 104 can, for example, range from approximately 14 to approximately 19 minutes.

[0090] In this way, during operation in ice-generation mode 102, ice forms on the inner wall of the immersion tank 2, which is then automatically and selectively detached by alternating operation in ice-removal mode 104 and subsequently floats freely in the water. Through the repetitive temperature control cycle 108, an ice-slurry-like ice-water mixture forms automatically in the immersion tank 2 within a short time. This mixture has a high heat transfer coefficient and, compared to conventional flake ice and the like, significantly increases the contact area with the body due to its large specific surface area. In this way, the immersion bath 1 according to the invention cools faster and more gently than conventional ice baths.

[0091] Once the desired amount of ice has accumulated in immersion pool 2, or the water has reached the desired or a predefined temperature, the temperature control cycle 108 is interrupted either manually or automatically by the control unit 10. The therapy phase 110 then follows, in which the person being treated immerses a significant portion of their body, for example from their feet to their neck, in the ice-water mixture in immersion pool 2 for a limited period of time.

[0092] In this way, the inventors achieve a surprising improvement in whole-body cryotherapy compared to conventional ice baths, which was not expected by the expert.

[0093] The invention is not limited to the description provided by the selected exemplary embodiments. Rather, the invention encompasses every feature and every combination of features, which in particular includes every combination of features in the claims and the description, even if that feature or combination of features is not explicitly stated in the claims or the exemplary embodiments. Reference to symbols

[0094] 1 immersion bath

[0095] 2 plunge pools

[0096] 2a Floor

[0097] 2b wall

[0098] 3 Carrier housing

[0099] 4. Temperature control device

[0100] 6 Heat transfer area

[0101] 7 Heat transfer element / evaporator coil

[0102] 8 temperature control unit

[0103] 8a Compressor

[0104] 10 Control unit

[0105] 11 liquefiers

[0106] 12 Throttle device

[0107] 14 Heat emission area

[0108] 16 Sensor device

[0109] 18 Control device

[0110] 20 vibration device

[0111] 22 lead

[0112] 24 spaces

[0113] 26 Ventilation opening

[0114] 28 Side circuit

[0115] 30 Auxiliary generator

[0116] 32 Water treatment plant

[0117] 100 procedures

[0118] 101 Commissioning

[0119] 102 Ice Production Mode

[0120] 104 Ice Breakdown Mode

[0121] 106 Control loop

[0122] 108 Tempering cycle

[0123] 110 Therapy phase

[0124] TB diving area SB seating area h internal height di internal diameter longitudinal direction dq internal diameter transverse direction

Claims

Patent claims 1. A cryotherapy immersion bath (1) comprising a water-fillable immersion pool (2) for immersing a large part of a person's body and a temperature control device (4) configured to temper a temperature control medium and to transfer thermal energy between the temperature control medium and the immersion pool (2) and / or the water in a heat transfer area (6), characterized in that the temperature control device (4) comprises a temperature control unit (8) that tempers the temperature control medium and a control device (10) that controls the temperature control unit (8), wherein the temperature control unit (8) has an ice generation mode (102) in which the temperature control unit (8) tempers the temperature control medium in the heat transfer area (6) to a temperature of less than or equal to 0 °Celsius, and an ice removal mode (104) in which the temperature control unit (8) tempers the temperature control medium in the heat transfer area (6) to a temperature greater than 0 “Celsius tempered, exhibits,wherein the control device (10) is configured to operate the temperature control unit (8) in a repetitive temperature control cycle (108) upon commissioning (101), in which the temperature control unit (8) operates alternately in the ice production mode (102) and in the ice removal mode (104).

2. The immersion bath (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the control device (10) comprises a sensor device (16) configured to detect a temperature signal of the heat transfer area (6) and / or the water-filled immersion tank (2), and a control device (18) controlling the temperature control unit (8) and configured to receive the temperature signal from the sensor device (16), wherein the The sensor device (16) and the control device (18) together form a control loop (106) which, depending on the detected temperature signal, initiates a time-dependent and / or temperature-dependent change of the tempering unit (8) between the ice production mode (102) and the Ice release mode (104) controls.

3. The immersion bath (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that the control device (18) comprises a timer configured such that the temperature control unit (8) operates in the ice generation mode (102) and / or in the ice removal mode (104) for a predefined period of time after receiving the temperature signal.

4. The immersion bath (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the immersion tank (2) comprises a bottom (2a) extending along a horizontal axis and a wall (2b) extending from the bottom (2a) along a vertical axis, wherein at least one section of the heat transfer area (6) is configured to transfer heat energy between the temperature control medium and the wall (2b).

5. The immersion bath (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that the heat transfer area (6) extends along the vertical axis from a lower half of the wall (2b) to an upper half of the wall (2b).

6. The immersion bath (1) according to one of claims 4 or 5, characterized in that the heat transfer area (6) extends along the vertical axis over at least 20% of the wall height.

7. The immersion bath (1) according to one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that the heat transfer area (6) extends along the vertical axis over at least 50% of the wall height.

8. The immersion bath (1) according to one of claims 4 to 7, characterized in that the heat transfer area (6) extends over at least 20% of the outer circumference of the wall (2b).

9. The immersion bath (1) according to one of claims 4 to 8, characterized in that the heat transfer area (6) extends along the horizontal axis over at least 50% of the outer circumference of the wall (2b).

10. The immersion bath (1) according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the temperature control unit (8) is a compression refrigeration machine.

11. The immersion bath (1) according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the heat transfer area (6) comprises at least one heat transfer element (7) through which the tempering medium flows, which is the immersion basin (2) on the outside of which is thermally conductive and is designed to evaporate the tempering agent by absorbing heat.

12. The immersion bath (1) according to claim 11, characterized in that the at least one heat transfer element (7) extends at least sectionally in a serpentine and / or spiral shape along the wall (2b).

13. The immersion bath (1) according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the immersion tank (2) consists at least partially or predominantly of stainless steel.

14. The immersion bath (1) according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the immersion pool (2) is equipped with a vibration device (20) which is configured to subject the water in the immersion pool (2) to ultrasonic waves.

15. The immersion bath (1) according to claim 14, characterized in that the ultrasound waves comprise a frequency in the range of 20 kHz to 50 kHz.

16. The immersion bath (1) according to one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that the immersion pool (2) is equipped with a bypass circuit (28) for the passage of water, wherein the bypass circuit (28) comprises a water treatment device (32) which is equipped for disinfecting the water.

17. The immersion bath (1) according to one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that the control device (10) has a user interface which implements an operating function of the control device (10) by a user.

18. The immersion bath (1) according to one of claims 1 to 17, characterized in that the temperature control unit (8) additionally has a heating mode in which the temperature control unit (8) heats the temperature control medium in the heat transfer area (6) to a temperature of at least 40 degrees Celsius.

19. The immersion bath (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 18, characterized in that the tempering cycle consists of an ice generation phase in which the tempering unit operates in the ice generation mode and an ice removal phase in which the tempering unit operates in the ice removal mode, wherein the ice generation phase has a duration of about 10 minutes to about 150 minutes and the ice removal phase has a duration of about 1 minute to about 30 minutes.

20. A method (100) for operating an immersion bath (1) for the cryotherapeutic treatment of a person, comprising the steps A) Providing an immersion bath (1) with a water-fillable immersion pool (2) for immersing a major part of a person's body and a temperature control device (4) configured to temper a temperature control medium and to transfer heat energy between the temperature control medium and the immersion pool (2) and / or the water in a heat transfer area (6), wherein the temperature control device (4) comprises a temperature control unit (8) tempering the temperature control medium and a control device (10) controlling the temperature control unit (8); B) Filling the immersion tank (2) with water; C) Commissioning the temperature control device (4) ; D) Operating the temperature control unit (8) in a repetitive temperature control cycle (108) in which the temperature control unit (10) alternately operates in an ice-making mode (102) in which the temperature control unit (10) tempers the tempering medium in the heat transfer area (6) to a temperature of less than or equal to 0 °Celsius, and in an ice-removal mode (104) in which the temperature control unit (10) cools the tempering medium in the heat transfer area (6) tempered to a temperature greater than 0 “Celsius, operated .

21. The method (100) according to claim 20, characterized in that in step D) an ice slush-like substance is placed in the immersion tank (2). An ice-water mixture is produced.

22. The method (100) according to one of claims 20 or 21, characterized in that step D) comprises subjecting the water to ultrasonic vibrations, while the The temperature control unit (10) operates in the ice production mode (102).

23. The method (100) according to one of claims 20 to 22, characterized in that the immersion bath (1) provided in step A) is designed according to one of claims 1 to 19.

Images