Thermal element

Abstract

Thermal element (1) for maintaining the body temperature of a living being, in particular a human being, comprising - at least one sleeve (2), - at least one, preferably flat, heating element (3) arranged inside the sleeve (2), and - at least one energy source (4) arranged inside the sleeve (2) for supplying electrical energy to the at least one heating element (3), the sleeve (2) being designed in such a way that it substantially fully encloses the at least one heating element (3) and the at least one energy source (4) so that the at least one heating element (3) and the at least one energy source (4) cannot be removed from the sleeve (2) without destroying the sleeve (2).

Description

[0001] Heat element

[0002] The present invention relates to a heating element for maintaining the body temperature of a living being, in particular a human being, comprising at least one casing, at least one, preferably planar, heating element arranged within the casing, and at least one energy source arranged within the casing for supplying the at least one heating element with electrical energy. Furthermore, the invention also relates to a device with such a heating element, an arrangement of such a heating element and a support device for a living being, and the use of such a heating element as a thermal blanket for a living being.

[0003] Heating elements of this type are already well known from the prior art, for example from DE 10 2015 007 526. This patent discloses a temperature-regulating support pad with a cover that can be opened via a zipper to allow for the replacement of components inside the cover. A charging port for the battery is also provided.

[0004] This is disadvantageous in several respects. Firstly, thorough cleaning of the heating element is not readily possible. While the zipper in DE 10 2015 007 526 may be waterproof, even such a waterproof zipper is by no means gas-tight or resistant to chemical cleaning processes. Therefore, chemical cleaning processes or steam cleaning cannot be used without risking damage to the components inside the casing. However, such cleaning processes are particularly desirable in the medical field, as they offer superior cleaning performance compared to cleaning with water or conventional methods.

[0005] On the other hand, it is also not possible to evacuate the interior of a heating element according to DE 10 2015 007 526. However, this can offer some advantages, which will be described in more detail below.

[0006] The object of the present invention is to provide a heating element improved compared to the prior art, which at least partially avoids the aforementioned disadvantages, as well as a device with such a heating element, an arrangement of such a heating element and a support device for a living being, and the use of such a heating element as a thermal blanket for a living being.

[0007] These problems are solved by the features of claims 1, 16, 17 and 18.

[0008] According to the invention, in a heating element as described above, the casing is designed in such a way that it essentially completely encloses the at least one heating element and the at least one energy source, so that the at least one heating element and the at least one energy source cannot be removed from the casing without destroying the casing.

[0009] In other words, the shell is free of openings that would allow the removal of the at least one heating element and the at least one energy source. The shell can therefore be essentially completely closed, with the exception of smaller openings, for example, for a valve to evacuate an interior space within the shell.

[0010] This makes it possible to provide a shell that is watertight, gas-tight, and evacuatable, since no openings or the like need to be provided for the possible removal of the heating element, the energy source, or any other component located inside the shell.

[0011] With regard to a device according to the invention, it is provided that the heating element is arranged within the device. The heating element is thus integrated into the device, which results in simple handling of the device.

[0012] In an arrangement according to the invention, the heating element is arranged on a side of the support device facing the living being. The heating element thus serves as a support between the living being and the support device.

[0013] Protection is also sought for the use of a heating element according to the invention as a thermal blanket for a living being, in particular for a human being.

[0014] Further preferred embodiments are defined in the dependent claims.

[0015] According to one embodiment of the invention, the casing can be provided with at least two planar material webs, between which at least one interior space is formed, wherein the at least two material webs are inseparably connected to one another, preferably welded, at least along their respective outer edges. This represents a simple and cost-effective way to implement a casing according to the invention.

[0016] The material webs can be made of a plastic or similar material. It is also conceivable that the material webs consist of a composite material, for example, coated fabric.

[0017] In any case, the materials should be suitable for use in the medical field and / or be water- and gas-tight.

[0018] Advantageously, at least one heating element can be arranged directly on one of at least two material webs. Thus, only one of the material webs is located between the heating element and a living organism, ensuring good heat transfer from the heating element to the organism.

[0019] It may also be provided that the shell is designed to be watertight and / or gas-tight and / or elastic.

[0020] The waterproof and gas-tight design of the casing allows for easy and thorough cleaning. Furthermore, components inside the casing are optimally protected from harmful environmental influences.

[0021] An elastic design of the casing allows it to adapt well to the shape of a living organism. Accordingly, it can also be advantageous for the heating element to be elastic. Furthermore, it can also be provided that the heating element has insulation, preferably in the form of granules and / or a spacer fabric or woven material.

[0022] The insulation serves, on the one hand, to prevent unwanted heat radiation in a direction where no living being is in contact with the heating element. On the other hand, the insulation can also serve to stabilize the heating element.

[0023] Particularly preferably, it can be provided that at least one interior space of the casing is evacuatable, preferably via a valve arranged on the casing. In other words, a vacuum can be generated in the interior space of the casing.

[0024] This results in several advantages over conventional heating elements. Firstly, due to the evacuation of the interior, the heating element is essentially molded to the casing across its entire surface, ensuring good heat transfer between the heating element and the casing, and consequently between the casing and the living being. Secondly, this allows the heating element to be precisely molded to the contours of a living being (for example, the head or shoulders). This achieves maximum direct contact between the heating element and the living being, resulting in effective warming. This effect is further enhanced by the inclusion of insulation, which prevents or reduces heat loss from the living being. Furthermore, molding the heating element to the living being leads to an even pressure distribution across the area of ​​the heating element, thus preventing pressure sores.The molding process can be analogous to vacuum mattresses. That is, the organism is placed on the non-evacuated heating element, which then adapts to the organism's contours via the insulation (in the form of granules or a spacer fabric). When the heating element is evacuated, the insulation then fixes it in this adapted shape.

[0025] Advantageously, a suitable valve is provided for evacuation, through which the interior of the shell can also be ventilated again. The vacuum can be generated using a device that is already well known.

[0026] According to a further embodiment, it can be provided that the heating element has at least one temperature sensor, wherein the electrical energy supplied to the at least one heating element is controllable depending on measured values ​​of the at least one temperature sensor.

[0027] This ensures that the living being is always ideally heated via the heating element.

[0028] Particularly preferred is at least one control device for controlling the electrical energy supplied to the at least one heating element as a function of measured values ​​from the at least one temperature sensor.

[0029] The control device can also perform other tasks, such as regulating or controlling the energy source.

[0030] Advantageously, the control device can be designed to regulate the electrical energy supplied to the at least one heating element in such a way that the temperature at the heating element does not exceed 60 °C, preferably 42 °C.

[0031] When using a heating element, it is crucial to ensure that the heat does not cause harm to the living being, such as burns. Therefore, it is important to regulate the maximum temperature of the heating element. The relevant literature cites a maximum skin contact temperature of 60°C for 5 seconds to prevent burns in humans. However, direct contact with the skin or tissue can cause cell damage even at temperatures as low as 45°C. It can therefore be advantageous to limit the temperature to below 45°C. Based on clinical studies, a maximum temperature of 42°C is recommended.

[0032] Regardless, any desired temperature can be achieved via the heating element.

[0033] It can also be provided that the heating element has a side facing a living being and a side facing away from a living being, wherein the temperature sensor is arranged on the side facing the living being and / or wherein the insulation is arranged on the side facing away from the living being.

[0034] As previously explained, this ensures that the largest possible portion of the heat generated by the heating element can be delivered directly to the living being. This minimizes losses and increases the efficiency of the heating element. This is particularly advantageous when the heating element is operated far from external energy sources and thus relies solely on the energy stored in the energy storage unit.

[0035] It is particularly preferred that the at least one energy source is designed in the form of a battery and / or is rechargeable, preferably inductively.

[0036] Designing it as a rechargeable battery represents a simple implementation of an energy storage device. Inductive charging eliminates the need for external connections or similar components to charge the battery, allowing the housing to be designed as completely sealed and with as few openings as possible.

[0037] The heating element may also be provided with an actuating element, preferably in the form of a switch or push button, for switching the heating element on and / or off. The actuating element thus allows the heating element to be switched on or off as needed.

[0038] Preferably, it can be provided that the at least one energy source, and / or the at least one temperature sensor, and / or the at least one control device, and / or the at least one actuating element, and / or the insulation, are arranged inside the casing.

[0039] Advantageously, however, all components of the heating element are arranged within the casing, so that it constitutes a closed system and is essentially isolated from the environment. According to a further embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that two or more heating elements are provided and / or wherein the at least one heating element extends over at least 30%, preferably over at least 50%, of the surface of the base element.

[0040] Multiple heating elements increase the reliability of the heating element. Furthermore, different heating zones can be provided, each capable of varying heat output. These heating zones can be controlled, for example, via the control device.

[0041] It may also be provided that the heating element has at least one fastening element for attaching the heating element to a support device separate from the heating element for a living being, in particular a stretcher.

[0042] This allows the heating element to be easily attached to a support device. The at least one fastening element can be, for example, eyelets, a strap, or other suitable means.

[0043] A heating element according to the invention can be used in a wide variety of ways, for example as a pillow, heating pad, or seat cushion. The heating element can also be integrated into such products. Furthermore, vacuum mattresses and neck braces with an integrated heating element are conceivable.

[0044] Further details and advantages of preferred embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to the figures and the drawings. Figure 1 shows a schematic sectional view of a

[0045] From an example of a heating element,

[0046] Fig. 2 shows a schematic sectional view of another exemplary embodiment of a heating element.

[0047] Fig. 3 shows a schematic view of the underside of the heating element according to Fig. 1 or 2.

[0048] Fig. 4 shows a schematic view of an exemplary embodiment of a device, and

[0049] Fig. 5 shows a schematic view of an exemplary embodiment of an arrangement.

[0050] Figure 1 shows a schematic sectional view of an embodiment of a heating element 1. A sleeve 2 is visible, which is completely closed except for the valve 9. The sleeve 2 comprises a first material web 5 and a second material 6, which are permanently joined together along their outer edges 5a, 6a. In this embodiment, this permanent connection can be made by welding the two material webs 5, 6 together. The heating element 1 has a side 1a facing a living being and a side 1b facing away from a living being.

[0051] It is evident that all other components of the heating element 1 are arranged within an interior space 7 of the casing 2. The heating element 1 is therefore a self-contained system which is protected from environmental influences due to the watertight and gas-tight design of the casing 2.

[0052] A connection to the interior 7 can only be established via valve 9, in order to evacuate it or to ventilate it again after evacuation. Removing a component of the heating element 1 from the interior 7 via valve 9 is obviously not possible.

[0053] The following can also be seen in the interior 7: an energy source 4 in the form of an accumulator, a charging device 4a for inductively charging the accumulator, a control device 11 for regulating or controlling the heating element 1, an actuating element 12 for switching the heating element 1 on and / or off, and a heating element 3.

[0054] The heating element 3 is arranged directly on the first material web 5 in order to enable the best possible heat transfer from the heating element 3 to a living being.

[0055] Furthermore, insulation 8 in the form of granules is visible, which at least partially fills the interior 7; the granules can, for example, consist of polystyrene. The insulation 8 reduces heat transfer from the heating element 3 towards the side 1b facing away from a living organism, thus making more heat energy available on the side 1a facing the living organism.

[0056] The interior 7 can be evacuated via the valve 9. The heating element 1 can then be molded to the contours of a living being via the insulation 8, similar to a vacuum mattress.

[0057] Figure 2 shows a schematic sectional view of another embodiment of a heating element 1. This differs from the embodiment according to Figure 1 essentially in that the insulation 8 is designed in the form of a spacer fabric or woven material. A temperature sensor 10 is also visible, which can measure the temperature at the heating element 1. Based on these measured values, the control device 10 can then regulate the energy supplied to the heating element 3 in order to maintain a specific temperature or not exceed it.

[0058] Furthermore, this exemplary embodiment also shows how a charger 4b is arranged on the heating element 1. Together with the charging device 4a, this enables inductive charging, as is already widely known. The charger 4b can, for example, be held on the heating element 1 by means of magnets.

[0059] Figure 3 shows a schematic view of the underside of the heating element 1 according to Figure 1 or 2. The charger 4b is again visible. A transparent viewing window 6b is also visible, beneath which the actuating element 12 is located. It is also conceivable that no such viewing window 6b is present and the actuating element 12 is made visible in another way.

[0060] It is also conceivable that the location where the charger 4b is to be positioned is marked on the second material track 6.

[0061] In general, it should also be noted that, with the exception of the direct placement of the heating element 3 on one of the material webs 5, 6, the arrangement of the components within the shell can be arbitrary. The individual components do not even have to be fixed within the shell 2.

[0062] The shape and dimensions of the shell 2 are also essentially freely selectable, as long as the components fit inside the interior 7. Figure 4 shows a schematic view of a

[0063] From an exemplary embodiment of a device 100. The device 100 is designed as a vacuum mattress. It is evident that a person is contained within the vacuum mattress. Furthermore, a

[0064] A heating element 1 is indicated, which is arranged within the device 100 and through which heat can be supplied to the person in the device 100. Fig. 5 shows a schematic view of an embodiment of an arrangement 200. A support device 201 can, for example, be designed as a stretcher and have carrying handles 202. A heating element 1 is arranged on the support device 201, on which a person can lie. Heat can be supplied to the person on the support device 200 via the heating element 1.

[0065] Reference character list:

[0066] 1 heating element, side facing a living being

[0067] 1b side to be turned away from a living being

[0068] 2 cases

[0069] 2a Welding

[0070] 3 heating elements

[0071] 4 Energy source

[0072] 4a Charging device

[0073] 4b charger

[0074] 5 first material track

[0075] 5a Outer edge

[0076] 6 second material track

[0077] 6a Outer edge

[0078] 6b Viewing window

[0079] 7 Interior

[0080] 8 I insulation

[0081] 9 valve

[0082] 10 Temperature sensor

[0083] 11 Control device

[0084] 12 Actuating elements

[0085] 100 Device

[0086] 200 arrangement

[0087] 201 Support device

[0088] 202 carrying handles

Claims

1. Patent claims:

1. Heating element (1) for maintaining the body temperature of a living being, in particular a human being, comprising at least one shell (2), at least one, preferably planar, heating element (3) which is arranged within the shell (2), and at least one energy source (4) arranged within the shell (2) for supplying the at least one heating element (3) with electrical energy, characterized in that the shell (2) is designed such that it substantially completely encloses the at least one heating element (3) and the at least one energy source (4), so that the at least one heating element (3) and the at least one energy source (4) cannot be removed from the shell (2) without destroying the shell (2).

2. Heating element (1) according to claim 1, wherein the casing (2) has at least two planar material webs (5, 6) between which at least one interior space (7) is formed, wherein the at least two material webs (5, 6) are inseparably connected to each other, preferably welded, at least along their respective outer edges (5a, 6a).

3. Heating element (1) according to claim 2, wherein the at least one heating element (3) is arranged directly on a first material web (5) of the at least two material webs (5, 6).

4. Heating element (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the casing (2) is waterproof and / or gas-tight and / or elastic.

5. Heating element (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the heating element (1) comprises insulation (8), preferably in the form of granules and / or a spacer fabric or woven material.

6. Heating element (1) according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein at least one interior space (7) of the casing (2) is evacuatable, preferably via a valve (9) arranged on the casing (2).

7. Heating element (1) according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the heating element (1) has at least one temperature sensor (10), wherein the electrical energy supplied to the at least one heating element (3) is controllable depending on measured values ​​of the at least one temperature sensor (10).

8. Heating elements (1) according to claim 7, wherein the heating element (3) has at least one control device (11) for controlling the electrical energy supplied to the at least one heating element (3) as a function of measured values ​​of the at least one temperature sensor (10).

9. Heating element (1) according to claim 8, wherein the control device (11) is configured to regulate the electrical energy supplied to the at least one heating element (3) in such a way that the temperature of the heating element (1) does not exceed 60°C, preferably 42°C.

10. Heating element (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the heating element (1) has a side (1a) facing a living being and a side (1b) facing away from a living being, wherein the temperature sensor (10) and / or the heating element (3) is arranged on the side (1a) facing the living being and / or wherein the insulation (8) is arranged on the side (1b) facing away from the living being.

11. Heating element (1) according to one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the at least one energy source (4) is designed in the form of an accumulator and / or is, preferably inductively, rechargeable.

12. Heating element (1) according to one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the heating element (1) has an actuating element (12), preferably in the form of a switch or push button, for switching the heating element (1) on and / or off.

13. Heating element (1) according to one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the at least one temperature sensor (10) , and / or the at least one control device (11) , and / or the at least one actuating element (12) , and / or the insulation (8) , is / are arranged within the casing (2).

14. Heating element (1) according to one of claims 1 to 13, wherein two or more heating elements (3) are provided and / or wherein the at least one heating element (3) extends over at least 30%, preferably over at least 50%, of the surface of the casing (2).

15. Heating element (1) according to one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the heating element (1) has at least one fastening element for fastening the heating element (1) to a support device separate from the heating element for a living being, in particular a stretcher.

16. Device (100), in particular a vacuum mattress, for supporting and / or stabilizing at least one living being, in particular a human being, with a heating element (1) according to one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the heating element (1) is arranged within the device.

17. Arrangement (200) comprising a support device (201) for a living being, in particular a stretcher, and a heating element (1) according to one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the heating element (1) is arranged on a side of the support device facing the living being.

18. Use of a heating element (1) according to one of claims 1 to 15 as a thermal blanket for a living being, in particular for a human being.

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