Clothing with blower function
The clothing with a blowing function addresses the issues of swelling and reduced cooling efficiency in existing air-conditioned garments by using a fan to release air from the collar and incorporating Peltier elements with a flow path made of double russell fabric, enhancing both comfort and cooling efficiency.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- JP2023180486
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2023-10-19
- Publication Date
- 2025-05-02
- Estimated Expiration
- 2043-10-19
AI Technical Summary
Existing air-conditioned clothing expands when air is absorbed via a fan, interfering with work in narrow spaces and appearing bulky, while heating and cooling suits with Peltier elements suffer from reduced cooling efficiency due to trapped warm air.
A clothing with a blowing function that includes a fan attached to the clothing, releasing air from the collar, and incorporates Peltier element units with a cooling surface and heat exchange surface, along with passage restricting portions and a flow path made of double russell fabric to guide air and prevent swelling.
The clothing effectively cools the wearer by directing air through a flow path with double russell fabric, preventing bulging and discomfort, and maintaining the cooling efficiency of the Peltier elements by ensuring air is released rather than trapped.
Smart Images

Figure 2025070282000001_ABST
Abstract
Description
[Technical field]
[0001] The present invention relates to clothing with an air-blowing function for expelling air taken in from the outside. [Background technology]
[0002] In recent years, there have been many extremely hot days throughout the year that are uncomfortable for people, and on such extremely hot days, frequent hydration and moderate use of air conditioners are encouraged as measures to prevent heatstroke. However, due to reasons such as the lack of air conditioner equipment or insufficient air conditioner effectiveness, workers who work outdoors in the heat of the day, workers who work in humid indoor environments, and people who engage in recreational activities, sports, or watching games under the blazing sun cannot cool down with air conditioners. Therefore, in order to solve this problem, various clothing has been developed in recent years. Examples are disclosed in Patent Documents 1 and 2.
[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses an air-conditioned garment in which two fans are fitted into fan openings provided at the lower rear of the air-conditioned garment main body. In the air-conditioned garment disclosed in Patent Document 1, air taken in through the fans is taken into the air-conditioned garment main body, causing the garment to inflate, forming a flow path between the air-conditioned garment main body and the wearer's body or underwear for directing the air taken in through the fans toward the collar. The air taken in through the fans is then directed by the flow path toward the collar and released from the collar.
[0004] Patent Document 1 also discloses that air taken in through a fan evaporates sweat from the wearer's body while being guided toward the collar along a flow path between the garment body and the wearer's body or underwear, and the body is cooled by the heat of vaporization that occurs during evaporation.
[0005] Patent document 2 discloses a cooled and heated garment that includes multiple Peltier elements, one end of which becomes cold and the other end becomes hot, a controller connected to each Peltier element, and a power source that passes current through each Peltier element.
[0006] Furthermore, Patent Document 2 discloses that multiple Peltier elements are embedded between the outer and inner linings of the chest, abdomen, and back, and each Peltier element can regulate the temperature of the wearer's chest, abdomen, and back by cooling or warming them. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]
[0007] [Patent Document 1] JP 2022-168286 A [Patent Document 2] JP 2004-263325 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]
[0008] However, an air-conditioned garment like that in Patent Document 1 has a problem in that if air is taken into the garment via a fan and the garment inflates, it may cause problems when working in a narrow space.In addition, there is also a problem in that the inflated air-conditioned garment like that in Patent Document 1 looks bad.
[0009] In recent years, the daytime temperature on extremely hot days has been rising year by year, and it is difficult for workers who work outdoors in the extreme heat or in a humid indoor environment to just wear air-conditioned clothing such as that in Patent Document 1. Therefore, it is possible to have workers who work outdoors in the extreme heat wear air-conditioned clothing such as that in Patent Document 2, and cool one end of the Peltier element by lowering the temperature, thereby cooling the wearer's body. However, when one end of the Peltier element becomes cold, the other end of the Peltier element becomes hot, and the air warmed by the other end of the Peltier element that has become hot remains in the temperature-regulating clothing. This not only causes discomfort to the wearer of the temperature-regulating clothing, but also causes problems in that heat exchange becomes insufficient, reducing the cooling efficiency of the Peltier element and making it difficult to sufficiently cool the wearer's body.
[0010] The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide clothing with a ventilation function that suppresses inflation due to the air taken in by the fan and prevents a decrease in the cooling efficiency of the Peltier element. [Means for solving the problem]
[0011] In order to achieve the above object, the clothing with air-blowing function according to the present invention has the following configuration. (1) A garment with an air-blowing function in which a fan is attached to the garment and air taken in by the fan is released from the collar of the garment, the garment comprising: one or more Peltier element units having Peltier elements and having a cooling surface and a heat exchange surface opposite the cooling surface; and a control means capable of electrically controlling the Peltier element units, wherein a first of the Peltier element units is disposed in a position where it comes into contact with the neck of a wearer when the garment is worn; the lining of the back of the garment is provided with a pair of air-passage restriction sections through which at least a part of the fan is interposed and which restrict the passage of the air taken in from the fan; the lining of the back of the garment is formed with a flow path that guides the air taken in from the fan toward the collar of the garment by the pair of air-passage restriction sections extending toward the collar of the garment, the flow path comprising a polygonal pore structure formed of thread-like fibers and including a double russell fabric having a certain thickness. (2) In the clothing with air-blowing function described in (1), the clothing is configured to release the air taken in by the fan from the armhole of the clothing, the second Peltier element unit is arranged near the armhole of the clothing, and another pair of air-passage control parts that regulate the passage of the air taken in from the fan is provided on the lining of the back of the clothing, and another flow path is formed in the lining of the back of the clothing by the other pair of air-passage control parts extending toward the armhole of the clothing, which guides the air taken in from the fan toward the armhole of the clothing and branches off from the flow path, and it is preferable that the other flow path includes the double russell fabric. (3) In the clothing with air-blowing function described in (2), a specific pair of air-passage control sections that regulate the passage of air taken in from the fan are provided on the lining of the back of the clothing, and a specific flow path that guides the air taken in from the fan toward the collar of the clothing and branches off from the flow path is formed in the lining of the back of the clothing by the specific pair of air-passage control sections that extend toward the collar of the clothing, and it is preferable that the specific flow path includes the double russell fabric. (4) In the garment with an air-blowing function described in (3), it is preferable that the flow path be cross-branched into the other flow paths and the specific flow path. (5) In the clothing with air-blowing function described in (1), the first Peltier element unit may be surrounded by an impermeable fabric. (6) In the clothing with an air-blowing function described in any one of (1) to (5), the clothing may further include a battery that supplies power to the motor of the fan, and a driving means that drives the motor of the fan based on a predetermined voltage supplied from the battery, the predetermined voltage being between 5 volts and 12 volts. Effect of the Invention
[0012] The operation and effect of the air-blowing garment according to the present invention having the above-mentioned configuration will now be described.
[0013] (1) In a garment with an air blowing function in which air taken in from a fan is discharged from the collar of the garment, for example, the cooling surface of the first Peltier element unit comes into contact with the neck of the wearer when the garment is worn, thereby cooling the lymph nodes in the neck of the wearer. In addition, a flow path is formed in the lining of the back of the garment, which restricts the passage of air taken in from the fan and guides the air taken in from the fan toward the collar of the garment by a pair of passage restriction parts extending toward the collar of the garment, with at least a part of the fan being interposed therebetween, so that the air taken in from the fan is guided toward the collar of the garment and discharged from the collar of the garment. Furthermore, the flow path is made of a polygonal pore structure formed of thread-like fibers, and the double raschel fabric having a certain thickness is included, so that the air that has undergone heat exchange by the heat exchange surface of the Peltier element unit is not allowed to remain inside the garment, but is guided toward the collar of the garment by the flow path.
[0014] With this feature, the wearer's body is cooled by the heat of vaporization while the air is guided toward the collar of the garment through the flow path including the double raschel fabric, and the air is released from the collar of the garment to suppress the garment from swelling, thereby preventing the garment from interfering with work in a narrow space and suppressing the garment from looking bad due to swelling. In addition, the air taken in from the fan is guided to the collar of the garment and the air that has undergone heat exchange by the heat exchange surface is released from the collar of the garment, thereby reducing discomfort to the wearer, preventing a decrease in the cooling efficiency of the Peltier element by allowing sufficient heat exchange by the heat exchange surface, and cooling the lymph nodes in the neck with the cooling surface of the Peltier element unit to sufficiently suppress an increase in the wearer's body temperature.
[0015] (2) Due to the features of the present invention, the cooling surface of the second Peltier element unit cools the lymph nodes near the armhole of the clothing, i.e., under the arm. Also, the air is guided toward the armhole of the clothing by another flow path branched from the flow path, which is formed by another pair of flow restriction parts that restrict the passage of air taken in from the fan and extend toward the armhole of the clothing, and includes a double raschel fabric, and the air is released from the armhole of the clothing.
[0016] With this feature, air is led from the flow path to another flow path including the double raschel fabric branched off from the flow path and released from the armhole of the garment, which further suppresses the bulging of the garment, preventing hindrance to work in a narrow space and further suppressing the poor appearance caused by the bulging of the garment. In addition, air taken in from the fan is led to the collar of the garment and heat exchanged by the heat exchange surface and released from the armhole, which further reduces discomfort to the wearer, prevents a decrease in the cooling efficiency of the Peltier element installed near the armhole, and sufficiently suppresses the rise in the wearer's body temperature by cooling the lymph nodes under the armpits with the cooling surface of the second Peltier element unit.
[0017] (3) Due to the features of the present invention, the air intake from the fan is restricted by a specific pair of passage restriction parts extending toward the collar of the garment, and the air is guided toward the collar of the garment through a specific flow path branched off from the flow path, which includes a double russell fabric, and is released from the collar of the garment.
[0018] With this feature, the air guided through the flow path is guided through a specific flow path formed by a specific pair of flow restriction parts and efficiently released from the collar of the garment, thereby reducing discomfort to the wearer, and preventing a decrease in the cooling efficiency of the Peltier element by allowing sufficient heat exchange by the heat exchange surface of the first Peltier element unit arranged at a position in contact with the wearer's nape, and cooling the lymph nodes at the nape of the neck by the cooling surface of the first Peltier element unit, thereby sufficiently suppressing an increase in the wearer's body temperature.
[0019] (4) Due to the features of the present invention, the air taken in by the fan is cross-branched from a flow path into other flow paths and a specific flow path.
[0020] With this feature, the flow path is cross-branched into other flow paths and a specific flow path, so that the air taken in from the fan can be efficiently discharged from the armholes of the garment after being guided from the flow path to another flow path, and the air taken in from the flow path to a specific flow path can be efficiently discharged from the collar of the garment. This allows the air taken in from the fan to be discharged from the collar and armholes of the garment without remaining inside the garment, improving comfort for the wearer wearing the garment.
[0021] (5) Due to a feature of the present invention, the first Peltier element unit, which is arranged in a position that comes into contact with the wearer's neck when the garment is worn, is surrounded by an impermeable fabric, thereby preventing the air taken in by the fan from passing around the first Peltier element unit.
[0022] This feature allows the air taken in by the fan to be properly released from the collar of the garment without passing around the first Peltier element unit disposed at a position that contacts the wearer's neck when the garment is worn. This means that the air taken in by the fan does not remain inside the garment, improving comfort for the wearer wearing the garment.
[0023] (6) According to a feature of the present invention, the driving means drives the fan motor based on a predetermined voltage of 5 volts or more and 12 volts or less supplied from the battery that supplies power to the fan motor.
[0024] This feature makes it possible to provide clothing that is easy for general use to use, using a versatile battery that drives the fan motor via a drive means based on a low voltage of between 5 volts and 12 volts, rather than requiring a battery specifically for the clothing, which makes it difficult for general use, as is the case with clothing that drives the fan motor based on a battery that supplies a voltage above 12 volts. [Brief description of the drawings]
[0025] [Figure 1]FIG. 2 is a front view of the outer surface of the air-conditioning temperature regulating vest according to the first embodiment, viewed from the front body side. [Diagram 2] 2 is a rear view of the outer surface of the air-conditioning temperature regulating vest shown in FIG. 1, seen from the rear body side. FIG. [Diagram 3] 11 is a front view of the inside of the air-conditioning temperature regulating vest when a Peltier element unit is not attached, as viewed from the front body side. FIG. [Figure 4] 2 is a front view of the inside of the air-conditioning temperature regulating vest shown in FIG. 1, viewed from the front body side. FIG. [Diagram 5] 3 is a front view showing the blower unit main body shown in FIG. 2. [Figure 6] 3 is a rear view showing the blower unit main body shown in FIG. 2. [Figure 7] 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA shown in FIG. 4. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a partial cross-sectional view of the air blower unit when attached to an air-conditioning temperature regulating vest according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a Peltier element unit from the exhaust section side in the air-conditioning temperature regulating vest according to the first embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a Peltier element unit from the heat dissipation surface side in the air-conditioning temperature regulating vest according to the first embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of the Peltier element unit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a method for attaching the Peltier element unit according to the first embodiment to an air-conditioning temperature regulating vest. [Figure 13] 5 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along lines BB and CC in FIG. 4. [Figure 14] FIG. 5 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along the line DD in FIG. [Figure 15] 4 is a cross-sectional view of a Peltier element unit attached to an element mounting portion. FIG. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the inner flange and the outer flange shown in FIG. 15. [Figure 17A] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing the flow of air flowing into an air hole of a comparative example. [Figure 17B]FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing the flow of air flowing into an air hole in the first embodiment. [Figure 18A] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing the velocity distribution of air flowing into an air hole of a comparative example. [Figure 18B] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing the velocity distribution of air flowing into an air hole in the first embodiment. [Figure 19] 8 is a view of the lining shown in FIG. 7 taken along the arrow F. [Figure 20] An enlarged cross-sectional view of double russell fabric. [Figure 21] 5 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the flow of air sent from the blower unit of the air-conditioning temperature regulating vest shown in FIG. 4. [Figure 22] 10 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the flow of air sent from the blower unit when the air-conditioning temperature regulating vest is being worn. FIG. [Figure 23] 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line EE in FIG. 4 when air is being blown in from the air blowing unit of the air-conditioning temperature regulating vest. FIG. [Figure 24] 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an air blowing operation unit provided in the air-conditioning temperature regulating vest according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Diagram 25] 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a temperature adjustment operation unit provided in an air-conditioning temperature regulating vest according to a first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 26] FIG. 11 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of an inner flange and an outer flange according to a second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0026] First Embodiment A first embodiment of the clothing with air-blowing function according to the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings. In the first embodiment, the clothing with air-blowing function according to the present invention will be described below with reference to a case in which the clothing is a vest worn on the upper body of a wearer.
[0027] Fig. 1 is a front view of the outer surface of an air-conditioning temperature control vest according to the first embodiment, as seen from the front body side, and Fig. 2 shows a back view as seen from the rear body side. Fig. 3 is a front view of the inside of the air-conditioning temperature control vest according to the first embodiment, as seen from the front body side when a Peltier element unit is not attached. Fig. 4 is a front view of the inside of the air-conditioning temperature control vest shown in Fig. 1, as seen from the front body side. In this embodiment, the garment with air-blowing function according to the present invention is referred to as air-conditioning temperature control vest 1.
[0028] 1 to 3, the air-conditioning temperature control vest 1 includes a vest body 2, an air blowing unit 30, a Peltier element unit 40, an air blowing operation unit 50, a temperature control operation unit 60, a portable battery 54, etc. In the first embodiment, one air blowing operation unit 50 is provided, as an example.
[0029] <About the Best Body 2> First, the vest body 2 will be described with reference to Fig. 1 to Fig. 3. As shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, the vest body 2 is a garment with an air-blowing function according to the present invention, which is formed in the form of a vest (work clothes without cuffs) having a front body 4 and a back body 5. However, this garment with an air-blowing function may also be work clothes with long sleeves or short sleeves.
[0030] The vest body 2 has a fabric 3 formed into a vest shape by an outer fabric 3A and an inner fabric 3B. Both the outer fabric 3A and the inner fabric 3B are made of synthetic resin fibers with excellent heat resistance, strength resistance, and transpiration properties, such as nylon or polyester. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and both the outer fabric 3A and the inner fabric 3B may be made of leather. The vest body 2 has a collar 9 at its upper part that forms a neckline where the wearer's neck will be positioned when worn. The vest body 2 has armholes 10 (10A, 10B) at the left and right positions through which the wearer's arms pass when worn.
[0031] 1, a first storage section 6 and a second storage section 7, which are, for example, pockets, are provided in the outer fabric 3A of the vest body 2. The first storage section 6 and the second storage section 7 are provided in an internal space formed between the outer fabric 3A and the lining of the front body 4 of the vest body 2. As a result, the air blowing wiring 55 connected to the air blowing unit 30, the temperature control wiring 65 connected to the Peltier element unit 40, and the portable battery 54 are taken in and out of the first storage section 6 and the second storage section 7.
[0032] 2 to 4, the first storage section 6 is provided with a storage section opening 11, which is an opening between the outer fabric 3A and the lining of the front body 4 of the vest body 2, through which the air supply wiring 55 and the temperature control wiring 65 can be inserted. As a result, even when the air supply wiring 55 and the temperature control wiring 65 are stored in the first storage section 6 with one end thereof on the portable battery 54 side, they can be exposed to the inside of the air and temperature regulating vest 1 through the storage section opening 11.
[0033] As shown in Figs. 2 to 4, the vest body 2 is provided with two wiring openings 8 at the left and right of the waist region 16 of the back body 5. The wiring openings 8 are formed by partially opening the edge of the back fabric 3B and the edge of the lining 12 without bonding them together so that the air-blowing wiring 55 can be inserted between the back fabric 3B and the lining 12. As a result, even when the air-blowing wiring 55 is stored in the first storage section 6 with one end of the air-blowing wiring 55 on the portable battery 54 side, it can be exposed to the internal space formed between the back fabric 3B and the lining 12 of the air-conditioning temperature control vest 1 through the wiring openings 8. As shown in Fig. 2, a fastener 13 is provided above the portion of the back fabric 3B where the air-blowing unit 30 is provided. By opening the fastener 13, the internal space formed between the back fabric 3B and the lining 12 of the air-conditioning temperature control vest 1 can be exposed.
[0034] The air conditioning temperature regulating vest 1 is configured such that when a fastener (not shown) on the front body 4 is opened, the entire lining 12 of the back body 5 of the vest body 2 can be seen from the front body 4 side, as shown in Figures 3 and 4. A single piece of lining 12 is sewn to the back fabric 3B.
[0035] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the lining 12 of the back body 5 of the vest body 2 includes a double raschel fabric. The double raschel fabric is a fabric knitted by a method called warp knitting, and has a honeycomb structure on the front and back layers, making it highly breathable, with many threads connecting the front and back layers. The double raschel fabric is highly breathable, and because it is double-layered, it has strong elasticity and dries quickly, reducing discomfort to the wearer.
[0036] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the lining 12 is formed with air guide channels 14 for guiding the wind generated by the rotation of the fan 32 by the blower unit 30, i.e., the air taken in from the blower unit 30, toward the collar 9 and the armholes 10 (10A, 10B). The air guide channels 14 are composed of a first air guide channel 14A, a second air guide channel 14B, a third air guide channel 14C, and a fourth air guide channel 14D. The air guide channels 14 are formed in a cross shape in the lining 12 of the air-conditioning temperature regulating vest 1, as shown in Figures 3 and 4.
[0037] The lining 12 is provided with four pairs of air passage regulating parts 15 (a first pair of air passage regulating parts 15A, a second pair of air passage regulating parts 15B, a third pair of air passage regulating parts 15C, and a fourth pair of air passage regulating parts 15D). The four pairs of air passage regulating parts 15 regulate the air sent in by the blower unit 30 in association with the rotation of the fan 32 from passing through the pair of air passage regulating parts 15 themselves and moving out of the pair of air passage regulating parts 15. The four pairs of air passage regulating parts 15 (the first pair of air passage regulating parts 15A, the second pair of air passage regulating parts 15B, the third pair of air passage regulating parts 15C, and the fourth pair of air passage regulating parts 15D) are formed by thermocompression bonding the lining 12 of the air-conditioning temperature regulating vest 1.
[0038] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the first pair of air passage restriction parts 15A are formed by thermocompression bonding the lining 12 so that the entire air blowing unit 30 provided on the lining fabric 3B is interposed therebetween. Furthermore, as shown in Figures 3 and 4, the first pair of air passage restriction parts 15A are formed to extend from the vicinity of the waist region 16 of the air-conditioning temperature regulating vest 1 to the vicinity of the central back region 17 toward the collar region 9. As a result, air sent in with the rotation of the fan 32 by the air blowing unit 30 is guided toward the collar region 9 through the first air guide channel 14A formed between the first pair of air passage restriction parts 15A.
[0039] 3 and 4, the second pair of air passage restriction portions 15B are formed by thermocompression bonding the lining 12 so that it extends from near the back center 17 of the air-conditioning temperature regulating vest 1 toward the first armhole portion 10A. As a result, air sent in as the fan 32 of the blower unit 30 rotates is guided toward the first armhole portion 10A through the second air guide passage 14B formed between the second pair of air passage restriction portions 15B.
[0040] 3 and 4, the third pair of air passage restriction portions 15C are formed by thermocompression bonding the lining 12 so that it extends from near the back center 17 of the air-conditioning temperature regulating vest 1 toward the second armhole portion 10B. As a result, air sent in as the fan 32 of the blower unit 30 rotates is guided toward the second armhole portion 10B through the third air guide passage 14C formed between the third pair of air passage restriction portions 15C.
[0041] 3 and 4, the fourth pair of air passage restriction sections 15D are formed by thermocompression bonding the lining 12 so that it extends from near the back center 17 of the air conditioning temperature regulating vest 1 toward the collar 9. As a result, air sent in as the fan 32 by the blower unit 30 rotates is guided toward the collar 9 through the fourth air guide channel 14D formed between the fourth pair of air passage restriction sections 15D.
[0042] 3, element mounting parts 20 to which Peltier element units 40 can be attached are provided at multiple locations on the lining 12, and in this embodiment, three are provided on the back body 5. On the back body 5, the element mounting parts 20 are provided at one location at the neck part 18, one location near the first armhole 10A, and one location near the second armhole 10B.
[0043] As shown in Fig. 3, the element mounting part 20 has an element insertion hole 22 formed in the element mounting part 20, and an element outer peripheral edge part 21 around the element insertion hole 22. As shown in Figs. 3 and 4, the element mounting part 20 is made of a material (e.g., leather) that is more rigid than the double raschel fabric of the lining 12, and is made of fabric that does not allow air to pass through. The element outer peripheral edge part 21 is also made of fabric that does not allow air to pass through. The element mounting part 20 may be made of fabric such as rubber or resin. Since the element mounting portion 20 having the element outer peripheral edge portion 21 is made of a fabric that does not allow air to pass through, the air sent in with the rotation of the fan 32 does not pass around the element mounting portion 20 or the element outer peripheral edge portion 21, i.e., the Peltier element units 40 (first Peltier element unit 40A, second Peltier element unit 40B, third Peltier element unit 40C), but is guided toward the collar portion 9, armhole portions 10 (first armhole portion 10A, second armhole portion 10B) and air hole 47. The element mounting portion 20 is sewn onto the lining 12 made of double raschel fabric.
[0044] <About the blower unit 30> Next, the air blowing unit 30 will be described with reference to Figs. 5 to 8. Fig. 5 is a front view showing the main body of the air blowing unit shown in Fig. 2, and Fig. 6 is a rear view of the main body of the air blowing unit shown in Fig. 2. Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the air-conditioning temperature control vest shown in Fig. 4 along line AA. Fig. 8 is a partial cross-sectional view of the air blowing unit attached to the air-conditioning temperature control vest.
[0045] 5 and 6, the blower unit 30 of the first embodiment includes a fan 32 that blows air, a drive unit 33 that controls the rotation of the fan 32 with a motor (not shown), and a casing 34 that covers the periphery of the fan 32 and the drive unit 33 to allow ventilation. The fan 32 of the first embodiment is, for example, a propeller-type fan having a propeller.
[0046] The air blower unit 30 requires a portable battery 54, which may be a storage battery such as a primary battery or a secondary battery, as a power source for the motor of the drive unit 33. In the air-conditioning temperature regulating vest 1, the portable battery 54 is stored in the first storage unit 6 or the like. The portable battery 54 according to the first embodiment is a general-purpose power source configured with specifications such as an output of 5V (volts) and a battery capacity of 5200mA.
[0047] The portable battery 54 and the airflow wiring 55 are freely detachable by connection via a connector such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus) connection. The power of the portable battery 54 is supplied to the drive unit 33 and the motor of the drive unit 33 through the airflow wiring 55.
[0048] When a voltage of 5V is supplied through air-blowing wiring 55, drive unit 33 is driven under the control of air-blowing control unit 51, and propeller-type fan 32 is rotated. As propeller-type fan 32 rotates, air outside the air-conditioning temperature regulating vest 1 is taken in from the back surface of air-blowing unit 30 main body shown in FIG. 6, and the air is blown out from the front surface of air-blowing unit 30 main body shown in FIG.
[0049] For example, some air-conditioned garments cool the wearer's body by the heat of vaporization by inflating the garment itself to form an air flow path. In order to inflate the air-conditioned garment, the maximum air volume associated with the rotation of the propeller of the fan of the air-blowing unit based on a large voltage (for example, 17 V) supplied from a battery dedicated to the air-conditioned garment is about 50 to about 90 L / sec. On the other hand, the air-conditioned temperature control vest 1 of the first embodiment is configured to cool the wearer's body by the heat of vaporization by guiding air to the air guide path 14 formed in the lining 12 including the double raschel fabric. As a result, there is no need to inflate the air-conditioned temperature control vest 1 of the first embodiment itself, and therefore the maximum air volume associated with the rotation of the propeller-type fan 32 based on a voltage of 5 V (volts) supplied from a versatile portable battery 54 is about 25 L / sec.
[0050] The air blowing unit 30 is provided on the back fabric 3B of the air-conditioning temperature control vest 1, as shown in Fig. 7. As shown in Fig. 7, the lining 12 forming the first pair of air passage restricting portions 15A is not sewn to be in contact with the back fabric 3B. Air blown in with the rotation of the fan 32 by the air blowing unit 30 passes through the lining 12 and heads toward the body surface BS of the wearer HM of the air-conditioning temperature control vest 1. The air that passes through the lining 12 and heads toward the body surface BS of the wearer HM of the air-conditioning temperature control vest 1 moves toward the collar portion 9 through the first air guide channel 14A.
[0051] When attaching the air blower unit 30, the main body 31 (see Figs. 5 and 6) is inserted from the back fabric 3B into the air blower unit opening formed in the back fabric 3B of the air-conditioning temperature regulating vest 1. Then, with the flange 36 abutting against the outer peripheral edge of the air blower unit in the air blower unit opening, the outer case 35 is placed in the air blower unit opening.
[0052] Next, the pressing member 37 is placed near the outer peripheral edge of the air blowing unit of the air blowing unit opening from inside the back fabric 3B, and assembled by rotating the main body 31 and the pressing member 37 relatively. Then, the outer peripheral edge of the air blowing unit of the back fabric 3B is sandwiched between the flange 36 and the pressing part 38 by screwing the male thread of the main body 31 and the female thread of the pressing member 37 together. The main body 31 and the pressing member 37 are fixed to the back fabric 3B with the outer peripheral edge of the air blowing unit of the back fabric 3B sandwiched between the flange 36 and the pressing part 38. By fixing in this way, the air blowing unit 30 is fixed to the back fabric 3B, as shown in FIG. 8.
[0053] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, the air blowing unit 30 is electrically connected to a portable battery 54 by air blowing wiring 55 through the air blowing operation unit 50.
[0054] <About the Peltier element unit 40> Next, the Peltier element unit 40 will be described with reference to Figs. 9 to 11. Fig. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing the Peltier element unit from the exhaust side of the air-conditioning temperature control vest according to the first embodiment. Fig. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing the Peltier element unit from the heat dissipation side of the air-conditioning temperature control vest 1 according to the first embodiment. Fig. 11 is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of the Peltier element unit according to the first embodiment.
[0055] As shown in Figs. 9 and 10, the Peltier element unit 40 has a Peltier element built in a cover member. The Peltier element is a type of plate-shaped semiconductor thermoelectric element. When a direct current is supplied to the Peltier element, one surface of the flat plate portion of the Peltier element absorbs heat to, for example, about 10°C and becomes an absorbing state (cooling surface) due to the Peltier effect, and at the same time, the other surface on the opposite side generates heat to, for example, about 30°C and becomes a heating state (heating surface). The Peltier element is an element that transfers heat from the cooling surface to the heating surface side, generating a large amount of heat on the heating surface side.
[0056] As shown in Figs. 9 to 11, the Peltier element unit 40 has a heat dissipation surface 41, which is one surface thereof, an air hole 47 for introducing air from the air-conditioning temperature control vest 1, a cylindrical air cylinder portion 48 having four air holes 47 formed on its circumference, and a protruding portion 42 having a male thread. The Peltier element unit 40 further has a heat exchange surface 49 for taking in heat from the Peltier element and dissipating it into the air to exchange heat, and a lid portion 43 forming an exhaust portion 43a for exhausting the air that has been heat exchanged by the heat exchange surface 49 to the outside of the Peltier element unit 40. The Peltier element unit 40 further has an air blower 70 for blowing the air that has been heat exchanged by the heat exchange surface 49 to the exhaust portion 43a, an inner flange 44 formed on the cover member, a ring fastener 45, and the like.
[0057] The heat dissipation surface 41 is exposed to the outside, and in the Peltier element unit 40 (Peltier element unit), the heat dissipation surface 41 and the exhaust portion 43a are disposed on opposite sides to each other.
[0058] The heat exchange surface 49 formed on the back side of the heat dissipation surface 41 is made of a metal with excellent thermal conductivity, such as aluminum or copper. The heat exchange surface 49 has a plurality of (for example, 117) cooling fins 49a each having a protruding shape. Since the cooling fins 49a are each configured in a protruding shape, the surface area of the cooling fins 49a is increased, thereby expanding the area that comes into contact with the air, and this makes it possible to efficiently release heat from the Peltier element.
[0059] 11, there is provided a protruding portion 42 which is an end portion opposite to the heat dissipation surface 41 (cooling surface 41A, heating surface 41B) in the direction of the axis AX of the air cylindrical portion 48. The protruding portion 42 is formed in a cylindrical shape and is provided with an inner flange 44 which protrudes in the shape of an annular plate from the outer circumferential end portion.
[0060] 11, the blower 70 of the first embodiment includes a heat exhaust fan 71 that blows air, and a heat exhaust fan drive unit 72 that is controlled by a motor (not shown) that rotates the heat exhaust fan 71. As a result, the air that has undergone heat exchange on the heat exchange surface 49 is discharged from the exhaust unit 43a by the wind generated by the rotation of the heat exhaust fan 71.
[0061] The ring fastener 45 is formed so as to be freely fastened to or released from the protrusion 42 which is the end portion opposite the heat dissipation surface 41 (cooling surface 41A, heating surface 41B). The ring fastener 45 has an annular outer flange 46 which protrudes in the shape of a circular ring. In the air conditioning temperature control vest 1, the three Peltier element units 40 (first Peltier element unit 40A, second Peltier element unit, third Peltier element unit 40C) are attached to three element mounting portions 20 on the vest body 2.
[0062] In the Peltier element unit 40, the Peltier element is electrically connected to the portable battery 54 by a temperature control wiring 65 via the temperature control operation unit 60, as shown in Figs.
[0063] For example, when three Peltier element units 40 are attached to the air conditioning temperature control vest 1, the temperature control wiring 65 takes the form of three temperature control branch lines 66A, 66B, and 66C extending from a single temperature control main line 66 that is divided at a temperature control branch section 67. In other words, the number of temperature control branch lines 66A, 66B, and 66C matches the number of Peltier element units 40.
[0064] The temperature control main line 66 of the temperature control wiring 65 is connected to the portable battery 54. For example, the temperature control branch line 66A is connected to the first Peltier element unit 40A. For example, the temperature control branch line 66B is connected to the second Peltier element unit 40B. For example, the temperature control branch line 66C is connected to the third Peltier element unit 40C. However, this is not limited to this. The temperature control branch lines 66A, 66B, 66C may be arbitrarily connected at the discretion of the wearer HM, particularly by simplifying the wiring path, as long as there is a one-to-one connection relationship with the three Peltier element units 40 (the first to third Peltier element units 40A, 40B, 40C).
[0065] <Installation of the Peltier element unit 40> A method of mounting the Peltier element unit 40 to the element mounting portion 20 will be described with reference to Figs. 12 to 14. Fig. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing a method of mounting the Peltier element unit according to the first embodiment to an air-conditioning temperature control vest. Fig. 13 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along lines BB and CC in Fig. 4. Fig. 14 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along line DD in Fig. 4.
[0066] 12, when wearing the Peltier element unit 40, the convex portion 42 side of the Peltier element unit 40 is inserted into the element insertion hole 22 formed in the element mounting portion 20 of the air conditioning temperature control vest 1 from the inside 20a of the element mounting portion 20. The Peltier element unit 40 is placed in the element insertion hole 22 with the inner flange 44 abutting against the element outer peripheral edge portion 21 of the element insertion hole 22. The element insertion hole 22 is a hole for mounting the Peltier element unit 40 so that the heat dissipation surface 41 (cooling surface 41A or heating surface 41B) is in close contact with the body of the wearer HM of the air conditioning temperature control vest 1.
[0067] Next, the outer flange 46 is brought into contact with the element outer peripheral edge 21 of the element insertion hole 22 from the outer side 20b of the element attachment part 20. The ring fastener 45 is inserted into the internal space between the lining 12 and the back fabric 3B. The element outer peripheral edge 21 is sandwiched between the inner flange 44 of the protrusion 42 and the outer flange 46 of the ring fastener 45.
[0068] The male thread of the protrusion 42, which is inserted into the internal space between the lining 12 and the back fabric 3B, is screwed into the female thread of the ring fastener 45, whereby the element mounting part 20 is sandwiched between the inner flange 44 and the outer flange 46. Thus, as shown in FIG. 4, the Peltier element unit 40 is attached in a fixed state to the element mounting part 20.
[0069] The Peltier element units 40 (second Peltier element unit 40B, third Peltier element unit 40C) are attached to the element attachment parts 20 near the armholes 10 (first armholes 10A, second armholes 10B). In this case, as shown in Fig. 13, the heat dissipation surface 41 (cooling surface 41A or heating surface 41B) faces the body side (near the armpits) of the wearer HM of the air-conditioning temperature control vest 1 and is in a state where it can be contacted. As a result, the heat dissipation surface 41 (cooling surface 41A or heating surface 41B) can be brought into contact with the body surface of the wearer HM himself / herself directly or indirectly via underwear or the like to cool the armpits.
[0070] As shown in Fig. 13, the two Peltier element units 40 (second Peltier element unit 40B, third Peltier element unit 40C) are attached to an element mounting portion 20 provided in the air guide passage 14 (second air guide passage 14B, third air guide passage 14C). As shown in Fig. 13, the heat dissipation surfaces 41 (cooling surface 41A or heating surface 41B) and air cylindrical portion 48 of the two Peltier element units 40 (second Peltier element unit 40B, third Peltier element unit 40C) are attached to the body side of the air-conditioning temperature control vest 1.
[0071] As shown in Fig. 13, the lining 12 forming one of the second pair of air passage regulating parts 15B located above the second Peltier element unit 40B attached to the element mounting part 20 is sewn to contact the back fabric 3B. As shown in Fig. 13, the lining 12 forming one of the third pair of air passage regulating parts 15C located above the third Peltier element unit 40C attached to the element mounting part 20 is sewn to contact the back fabric 3B.
[0072] As shown in Fig. 13, the lining 12 forming one of the second pair of air passage regulating parts 15B located below the second Peltier element unit 40B attached to the element mounting part 20 is not sewn to contact the back fabric 3B. As shown in Fig. 13, the lining 12 forming one of the third pair of air passage regulating parts 15C located below the third Peltier element unit 40C attached to the element mounting part 20 is not sewn to contact the back fabric 3B.
[0073] The first Peltier element unit 40A is attached to the element attachment portion 20 of the neck portion 18. In this case, as shown in Fig. 14, the heat dissipation surface 41 (cooling surface 41A or heating surface 41B) faces and is in contact with the body side (neck) of the wearer HM of the air-conditioning temperature control vest 1. This allows the heat dissipation surface 41 (cooling surface 41A or heating surface 41B) to come into contact with the body surface of the wearer HM himself / herself directly or indirectly via underwear or the like, thereby cooling the wearer's neck.
[0074] As shown in Fig. 14, the first Peltier element unit 40A is attached to an element mounting portion 20 provided in a fourth air guide passage 14D formed by a fourth pair of air passage restriction portions 15D. As shown in Fig. 14, the heat dissipation surface 41 (cooling surface 41A or heating surface 41B) and the air cylinder portion 48 of the first Peltier element unit 40A are attached to the body side of the air conditioning temperature control vest 1. As shown in Fig. 14, the lining 12 forming the fourth pair of air passage restriction portions 15D is sewn so as to be in contact with the lining fabric 3B.
[0075] <Flange inclination angle> The inclination angles of the inner flange 44 and the outer flange 46 will be described with reference to Figs. 15 and 16. Fig. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the Peltier element unit attached to the element mounting portion. Fig. 16 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the inner flange and the outer flange shown in Fig. 15. Note that Figs. 15 and 16 are drawings showing a state in which the Peltier element units 40 (first Peltier element unit 40A, second Peltier element unit 40B, third Peltier element unit 40C) are attached to the element mounting portion 20.
[0076] 15 and 16 , the surface 44a of the inner flange 44 and the surface 46a of the outer flange 46 of the Peltier element unit 40 are in contact, i.e., surface contact, with the element mounting portion 20. The surface contact between the surface 44a of the inner flange 44 and the surface 46a of the outer flange 46 can prevent the Peltier element unit 40 from coming off the element mounting portion 20.
[0077] As shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, the back surface 44 b of the inner flange 44 and the back surface 46 b of the outer flange 46 are not in contact with the element mounting portion 20 .
[0078] 15 and 16, the front surface 44a and the back surface 44b of the inner flange 44 are inclined toward the discharge portion 43a formed in the lid portion 43 with respect to a plane parallel to the heat dissipation surface 41 (the cooling surface 41A or the heating surface 41B). The inclination angle θ of the front surface 44a and the back surface 44b of the inner flange 44 in the first embodiment is 20°.
[0079] 15 and 16, the front surface 46a and the back surface 46b of the outer flange 46 are inclined toward the discharge portion 43a formed in the lid portion 43 with respect to a plane parallel to the heat dissipation surface 41 (cooling surface 41A or heating surface 41B), similar to the inner flange 44. The inclination angle θ of the front surface 46a and the back surface 46b of the outer flange 46 in the first embodiment is 20°.
[0080] <Flange air flow change function> The inclination angle θ of the front surface 44a and the back surface 44b of the inner flange 44 of the Peltier element unit 40 of the first embodiment is 20° with respect to the heat dissipation surface 41 (the cooling surface 41A or the heating surface 41B). As a result, the inner flange 44 of the Peltier element unit 40 has a function of changing the flow of air flowing into the air hole 47 of the Peltier element unit 40 downward. The function of the inner flange 44 of the Peltier element unit 40 of the first embodiment to change the flow of air flowing into the air hole 47 of the Peltier element unit 40 downward will be described with reference to Figs. 17 and 18.
[0081] Fig. 17A is an explanatory diagram showing the flow of air flowing into an air hole of a comparative example. Fig. 17B is an explanatory diagram showing the flow of air flowing into an air hole of the first embodiment. Fig. 18A is an explanatory diagram showing the speed distribution of air flowing into an air hole of a comparative example. Fig. 18B is an explanatory diagram showing the speed distribution of air flowing into an air hole of the first embodiment.
[0082] The inclination angle θ of the front surface 44a and the back surface 44b of the inner flange 44 of the Peltier element unit 40 in the comparative example is 0° with respect to the heat dissipation surface 41 (cooling surface 41A or heating surface 41B). That is, as shown in Fig. 17A, the inner flange 44 of the Peltier element unit 40 is parallel to the heat dissipation surface 41 (cooling surface 41A or heating surface 41B). As a result, the inner flange 44 of the Peltier element unit 40 in the comparative example does not have the function of changing the flow of air flowing into the air hole 47 of the Peltier element unit 40 downward.
[0083] 17A, when the inclination angle θ of the inner flange 44 of the comparative example is 0°, air AR (air AR1, air AR2, air AR3, air AR4), which is a part of the air sent by the blower unit 30 in conjunction with the rotation of the fan 32, flows toward the air hole 47. The air AR (air AR1, air AR2, air AR3, air AR4) flows into the air hole 47 without colliding with the inner flange 44, and into the inside of the Peltier element unit 40. The air AR (air AR1, air AR2, air AR3, air AR4) that flows into the inside of the Peltier element unit 40 comes into contact with a plurality of cooling fins 49a and the heat exchange surface 49.
[0084] As shown in Fig. 17B, when the inclination angle θ of the inner flange 44 is 20°, part of the air AR (air AR4, air AR5, air AR6, and air AR7) sent by the blower unit 30 in association with the rotation of the fan 32 flows toward the air hole 47. Thereafter, as shown in Fig. 17B, the air AR4 collides with the inner flange 44. This increases the speed of the air AR4, and the pressure of the air AR4 decreases. As shown in Fig. 17B, the air AR4 flows toward the base of the cooling fin 49a of the heat exchange surface 49 along the inner flange 44 with the inclination angle θ of 20°.
[0085] 17B, the air AR5 flowing toward the air hole 47 is compressed downward by the air AR4 flowing toward the air hole 47 along the inner flange 44 having an inclination angle θ of 20°. As a result, the flow of the air AR5 is diverted toward the root side of the cooling fin 49a.
[0086] As shown in Fig. 17B, the air AR4 that has passed through the air hole 47 flows into the inside of the Peltier element unit 40. As shown in Fig. 17B, the air AR6 that has passed through the air hole 47 and flowed into the inside of the Peltier element unit 40 is compressed downward by the air AR4 that has flowed into the inside of the Peltier element unit 40. As a result, the flow of the air AR6 is diverted toward the base side of the cooling fin 49a.
[0087] As shown in FIG. 17B, the inner flange 44 of the first embodiment has the function of directing the flow of air AR4 that collides with the inner flange 44 downward, thereby changing the flows of air AR5 and air AR6 heading toward the air hole 47 so that they flow toward the base of the cooling fin 49a.
[0088] Next, a change in air velocity distribution when inner flange 44 of the comparative example is parallel to heat dissipation surface 41 (cooling surface 41A or heating surface 41B) will be described with reference to FIG. 18A.
[0089] 18A is a velocity distribution of a portion of the air sent in conjunction with the rotation of the fan 32 by the blower unit 30. As shown in Fig. 18A, the peak of the first comparative velocity distribution HP1 near the inner flange 44 of the comparative example faces the cooling fin 49a of the heat exchange surface 49. The first comparative velocity distribution HP1 moves toward the cooling fin 49a of the heat exchange surface 49.
[0090] When the air sent with the rotation of the fan 32 by the blower unit 30 moves below the inner flange 44 of the Peltier element unit 40, the velocity distribution of a portion of the air is the second comparative velocity distribution HP2 shown in Fig. 18A. As shown in Fig. 18A, the peak of the second comparative velocity distribution HP2 near the inner flange 44 of the Peltier element unit 40 faces the cooling fin 49a of the heat exchange surface 49, similar to the first comparative velocity distribution HP1. The second comparative velocity distribution HP2 moves toward the cooling fin 49a of the heat exchange surface 49.
[0091] When the air sent with the rotation of the fan 32 by the blower unit 30 moves into the inside of the Peltier element unit 40, the velocity distribution of a portion of the air is the third comparative velocity distribution HP3 shown in Fig. 18A. As shown in Fig. 18A, the peak of the third comparative velocity distribution HP3 that has moved into the inside of the Peltier element unit 40 faces the cooling fins 49a of the heat exchange surface 49. When the inner flange 44 of the comparative example is parallel to the heat dissipation surface 41 (the cooling surface 41A or the heating surface 41B), the flow of air toward the air hole 47 is not changed by the inner flange 44, and the air moves toward the cooling fins 49a.
[0092] Next, a change in air velocity distribution when the inner flange 44 of the first embodiment is inclined at an inclination angle of 20° with respect to the heat dissipation surface 41 (cooling surface 41A or heating surface 41B) will be described with reference to FIG. 18B.
[0093] The first inclined velocity distribution ZP1 shown in Fig. 18B is a velocity distribution of a portion of air sent in association with the rotation of the fan 32 by the blower unit 30 near the inner flange 44 of the first embodiment. As shown in Fig. 18B, the peak of the first inclined velocity distribution ZP1 near the inner flange 44 of the first embodiment faces the cooling fin 49a of the heat exchange surface 49. The first inclined velocity distribution ZP1 moves toward the cooling fin 49a of the heat exchange surface 49.
[0094] Next, the velocity distribution of a part of the air sent with the rotation of the fan 32 by the blower unit 30 when it moves downward by the inner flange 44 of the first embodiment is the second inclined velocity distribution ZP2 shown in FIG. 18B. A part of the air sent with the rotation of the fan 32 by the blower unit 30 flows toward the base of the cooling fin 49a of the heat exchange surface 49 along the inner flange 44 with an inclination angle θ of 20° (see FIG. 17B). As a result, the apex of the second inclined velocity distribution ZP2 moves toward the base side of the cooling fin 49a and faces the base of the cooling fin 49a of the heat exchange surface 49. The second inclined velocity distribution ZP2 moves toward the base of the cooling fin 49a of the heat exchange surface 49.
[0095] Next, the velocity distribution of the air when the air sent with the rotation of the fan 32 by the blower unit 30 moves into the inside of the Peltier element unit 40 is the third inclined velocity distribution ZP3 shown in FIG. 18B. The air accompanied by the rotation of the fan 32 flows toward the base of the cooling fin 49a of the heat exchange surface 49 along the inner flange 44 with an inclination angle θ of 20° (see FIG. 17B). As a result, the peak of the third inclined velocity distribution ZP3 faces the base of the cooling fin 49a of the heat exchange surface 49, similar to the second inclined velocity distribution ZP2. As a result, the air flowing toward the air hole 47 of the first embodiment collides with the inner flange 44 of the first embodiment, increases in velocity, and decreases in pressure, so that the air flow changes to move toward the base of the cooling fin 49a, as shown in FIG. 18B.
[0096] A part of the air sent by the rotation of the fan 32 by the blower unit 30 flows along the inner flange 44 with an inclination angle θ of 20° toward the base of the cooling fin 49a of the heat exchange surface 49 (see Fig. 17B and Fig. 18B). As a result, the inner flange 44 of the first embodiment can redirect the flow of air flowing in below the inner flange 44 toward the base of the cooling fin 49a. Therefore, when the cooling fin 49a is viewed in plan, the entire cooled air (for example, 35°C) present in the air-conditioning temperature control vest 1 reaches the cooling fin 49a located directly below the blower device 70, which the air flowing in from the air hole 47 of the comparative example could not contact. Therefore, the cooling efficiency of the Peltier element unit 40 of the first embodiment can be increased by about 10% compared to the case where the inner flange 44 is parallel (see Fig. 17A and Fig. 18A). By increasing the cooling efficiency of the Peltier element unit 40 by about 10%, the power consumption of the motor that rotates the heat exhaust fan 71 can be reduced by about 10%, and the effective cooling time of the air conditioning temperature control vest 1 can be extended from 120 minutes to 132 minutes, for example.
[0097] <About double russell fabric> Next, the double russell fabric included in the lining 12 of the air-conditioning temperature regulating vest 1 of the first embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 19 and Fig. 20. Fig. 19 is a view of the lining as seen from the arrow F shown in Fig. 7. Fig. 20 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the double russell fabric.
[0098] The double russell fabric included in the lining 12 has a surface layer 81, a back layer 82, and a large number of connecting threads 83. As shown in Fig. 19, when the lining 12 shown in Fig. 7 is viewed in the direction indicated by the arrow from F (as viewed from arrow F), the surface layer 81 of the double russell fabric included in the lining 12 is formed from thread-like fibers and has a structure in which regular hexagonal columns of holes with an extremely high porosity are lined up without any gaps.
[0099] The back layer 82 of the double russell fabric is made of thread-like fibers similar to those of the front layer 81, and has a structure in which regular hexagonal columns with extremely high porosity are arranged without gaps. As shown in Fig. 20, the front layer 81 and the back layer 82 of the double russell fabric are connected by connecting threads 83, and have a structure with extremely high porosity.
[0100] For example, if the thickness of the lining 12 is small (e.g., about 1 cm), it becomes difficult for the air guide passage 14 to guide the air sent by the blower unit 30 with the rotation of the fan 32 toward the collar 9 and the armholes 10 (first armhole 10A, second armhole 10B). On the other hand, if the thickness of the lining 12 is too large (e.g., 10 cm), it becomes difficult for the air taken in by the blower unit 30 to pass through the lining 12. Therefore, the thickness of the double raschel fabric included in the lining 12 of the first embodiment is set to about 2 cm in order to guide the air taken in by the blower unit 30 through the lining 12 to the collar 9 and the armholes 10 (first armhole 10A, second armhole 10B).
[0101] <Air flow inside the Air Conditioning Temperature Control Vest 1> Next, the flow of air inside the air-conditioning temperature control vest 1 will be described with reference to Figs. 21 to 23. Fig. 21 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the flow of air sent from the air-blowing unit of the air-conditioning temperature control vest shown in Fig. 1. Fig. 22 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the flow of air sent from the air-blowing unit when the air-conditioning temperature control vest is being worn. Fig. 23 is a cross-sectional view taken along line EE in Fig. 4 when air is sent from the air-blowing unit of the air-conditioning temperature control vest.
[0102] 21, the air AR sent in by the rotation of the fan 32 by the blower unit 30 is guided to the first air guide passage 14A and flows to the back central portion 17. The air AR that has flowed to the back central portion 17 cross-branches into any one of the air guide passages, the second air guide passage 14B, the third air guide passage 14C, or the fourth air guide passage 14D.
[0103] As shown in FIG. 21, air AR branched from the first air guide path 14A to the second air guide path 14B is guided by the second air guide path 14B toward the first armhole portion 10A and is released from the first armhole portion 10A to the outside of the air-conditioning temperature regulating vest 1.
[0104] As shown in FIG. 21, the air AR that branches off from the first air guide path 14A to the third air guide path 14C is guided by the third air guide path 14C toward the second armhole portion 10B and is released from the second armhole portion 10B to the outside of the air-conditioning temperature regulating vest 1.
[0105] As shown in FIG. 21, the air AR branched from the first air guide path 14A to the fourth air guide path 14D is guided by the fourth air guide path 14D toward the collar portion 9 and is released from the collar portion 9 to the outside of the air-conditioning temperature regulating vest 1.
[0106] 22, when a wearer HM is wearing the air-conditioning temperature control vest 1, air is taken in from the outside of the air-conditioning temperature control vest 1, and the air AR sent in with the rotation of the fan 32 by the blower unit 30 is circulated. The air AR then branches in a cross shape from the first air guide channel 14A to any one of the second air guide channel 14B, the third air guide channel 14C, or the fourth air guide channel 14D.
[0107] The air AR that flows through any one of the second air guide channel 14B, the third air guide channel 14C, or the fourth air guide channel 14D is discharged from any one of the collar section 9, the first armhole section 10A, or the second armhole section 10B to the outside of the air-conditioning temperature control vest 1. This allows the air guided by the air guide channel 14 to cool the body, and allows the air to be efficiently discharged from the collar section 9 and the armhole section 10 (the first armhole section 10A or the second armhole section 10B).
[0108] An internal space is formed between the rear fabric 3B and the lining 12 of the air-conditioning temperature regulating vest 1 of the first embodiment. The air blowing unit 30 and the Peltier element units 40 (first Peltier element unit 40A, second Peltier element unit, third Peltier element unit 40C) are provided in the internal space.
[0109] The air-conditioning temperature control vest 1 has a heat exchange function of allowing cooled air present in the air-conditioning temperature control vest 1 to flow in through the air holes 47, cooling the cooling fins 49a with that air, and discharging the air that has undergone heat exchange from the discharge section 43a. The heat exchange function of the air-conditioning temperature control vest 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 23.
[0110] As shown in Fig. 23, the air AR sent in by the rotation of the fan 32 by the blower unit 30 passes through the lining 12 made of double raschel fabric and flows toward the collar 9, and also flows into the internal space formed between the back fabric 3B and the lining 12. The air AR then flows toward the collar 9, the first armhole 10A, and the second armhole 10B.
[0111] For example, air AR flowing toward the collar 9 through the fourth air guide channel 14D and air AR that has flowed into the fourth air guide channel 14D from the internal space between the rear fabric 3B and the lining 12 flows into the air holes 47 of the first Peltier element unit 40A as shown in Fig. 23. The air that has flowed in through the air holes 47 comes into contact with the heat exchange surface 49 and the multiple cooling fins 49a, thereby exchanging heat on the heat exchange surface 49. The air that has been warmed by coming into contact with the heat exchange surface 49 is discharged from the discharge section 43a into the internal space between the rear fabric 3B and the lining 12 by the wind generated by the rotation of the heat exhaust fan 71.
[0112] Thereafter, the air discharged into the internal space between the rear fabric 3B and the lining 12 is released from the collar 9 to the outside of the air-conditioning temperature regulating vest 1 by air AR flowing within the internal space toward the collar 9.
[0113] Similarly to the first Peltier element unit 40A, the second Peltier element unit and the third Peltier element unit 40C are cooled by the air flowing in from the air hole 47 coming into contact with the heat exchange surface 49 and the multiple cooling fins 49a. After that, the air warmed by coming into contact with the heat exchange surface 49 is discharged from the exhaust section 43a into the internal space between the rear fabric 3B and the lining 12 by the wind generated by the rotation of the heat exhaust fan 71. The air discharged into the internal space between the rear fabric 3B and the lining 12 is released from the armhole 10 (first armhole 10A, second armhole 10B) by the air AR flowing in the internal space toward the armhole 10 (first armhole 10A, second armhole 10B).
[0114] Meanwhile, workers who work outdoors in extreme heat may wear air-conditioned clothing with a fan, which takes in outside air through a fan to inflate the air-conditioned clothing, evaporates sweat from the wearer's body while the air is being guided toward the collar along a flow path between the air-conditioned clothing body and the wearer's body or underwear, and cools the body with the heat of vaporization during evaporation. However, if air is taken into the air-conditioned clothing through a fan and the air-conditioned clothing inflates, not only does the inflated air-conditioned clothing make it difficult to work in a narrow space, but it also looks bad. In addition, the daytime temperature on extremely hot days is rising every year, and for workers who work outdoors in extreme heat or in humid indoor environments, simply wearing air-conditioned clothing that takes in outside air through a fan to promote sweating and regulate body temperature is not enough to cool the wearer, which is harsh for the wearer. Therefore, it is difficult to prevent the risk of heatstroke due to the heat.
[0115] Therefore, workers who work outdoors in extreme heat may wear clothing that cools the wearer's body by lowering the temperature of one end of the Peltier element. However, when one end of the Peltier element becomes cold and the other end of the Peltier element becomes hot, the other end of the Peltier element becomes hot, and the warm air remains inside the clothing. In this case, the wearer who wears the clothing that cools the wearer's body by lowering the temperature of one end of the Peltier element feels uncomfortable because the part where the one end of the Peltier element is cold is cold, but the other part is warm. In addition, if the heat exchange with the other end of the Peltier element is insufficient, the cooling efficiency of the Peltier element decreases, and there is a risk that the wearer's body cannot be sufficiently cooled.
[0116] In the air-conditioning temperature control vest 1, the propeller-type fan 32 rotates based on a voltage of 5V, and air is taken into the air-conditioning temperature control vest 1, where it is guided to the air guide channels 14 (first air guide channel 14A, second air guide channel 14B, third air guide channel 14C, and fourth air guide channel 14D) formed in the lining 12, which includes a breathable double raschel fabric. This not only promotes sweating and regulates body temperature, but also makes it easier to work in tight spaces because the air-conditioning temperature control vest 1 itself does not inflate, and prevents the vest from looking bad. There are many lymph nodes in the neck and under the arms, and it is said that cooling the areas where the lymph nodes are located cools the lymph fluid, thereby suppressing an increase in body temperature. Therefore, Peltier element units 40 (first to third Peltier element units 40A, 40B, 40C) are provided in the lining 12 of the air-conditioning temperature control vest 1 at the neck portion 18, the first armhole portion 10A, and the second armhole portion 10B, and the cooling surface 41A of the Peltier element unit 40 cools the neck and armpits of the wearer wearing the air-conditioning temperature control vest 1, thereby efficiently cooling the lymphatic fluid circulating in the body and suppressing an increase in body temperature. Furthermore, air taken in from the propeller-type fan 32 is cooled through the air guide passages 14 (first air guide passage 14A, second air guide passage 14B, third air guide passage 14C, fourth air guide passage 14D), and the cooled air is brought into contact with the cooling fins 49a for heat exchange and discharged from the discharge section 43a. The air discharged from the exhaust section 43a joins with the air being guided toward the collar 9, the first armhole 10A, and the second armhole 10B by the air guide channels 14 (first air guide channel 14A, second air guide channel 14B, third air guide channel 14C, and fourth air guide channel 14D), and is released from the collar 9, the first armhole 10A, and the second armhole 10B. This makes it possible to prevent the wearer wearing the air-conditioning temperature regulating vest 1 from feeling uncomfortable because parts of the body other than the parts in contact with the cooling surface 41A of the Peltier element unit 40 are warm.In addition, air is taken in by the propeller-type fan 32, and the cooled air (e.g., 35°C) present in the air-conditioning temperature regulating vest 1 flows in through the air holes 47 of the Peltier element unit 40, and the flowed-in air comes into contact with the cooling fins 49a and heat exchange takes place, thereby preventing the cooling efficiency of the cooling surface 41A of the Peltier element unit 40 from decreasing and allowing the cooling surface 41A to sufficiently cool the wearer's body.
[0117] <About the air blower operation unit> Fig. 24 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an air blowing operation unit provided in the air-conditioning temperature control vest according to the first embodiment. As shown in Fig. 24, the air blowing operation unit 50 has an air blowing control unit 51, an air blowing operation unit 52, an air blowing display unit 53, etc. In the air blowing operation unit 50, the air blowing operation unit 52 and the air blowing display unit 53 are electrically connected to the air blowing control unit 51.
[0118] The air blowing operation section 52 is configured in such a manner that a push-down section on the top surface of the air blowing operation unit 50 can be lightly pressed with a finger based on a predetermined operation mode to control the on / off switching operation of the power supply to the motor of the drive section 33. The air blowing display section 53 is a display section on the top surface of the air blowing operation unit 50, and is configured in such a manner that it can emit light in white.
[0119] <About the temperature control unit> Fig. 25 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a temperature adjustment operation unit provided in an air-conditioning temperature control vest according to an embodiment. As shown in Fig. 25, a temperature adjustment operation unit 60 has a temperature adjustment control unit 61, a temperature adjustment operation unit 62, a temperature adjustment display unit 63, etc. In the temperature adjustment operation unit 60, the temperature adjustment operation unit 62 and the temperature adjustment display unit 63 are electrically connected to the temperature adjustment control unit 61.
[0120] The temperature adjustment operation section 62 is configured in such a manner that it is possible to perform an operation for controlling the on / off switching operation of the current supply to the Peltier elements for the first to third Peltier element units 40A, 40B, 40C by pressing a press-down portion on the upper surface of the temperature adjustment operation unit 60. Furthermore, the temperature adjustment operation section 62 is configured in such a manner that it is possible to perform an operation for controlling the on / off switching operation of the current supply to the motor (not shown) that rotates the heat exhaust fan 71 by pressing a press-down portion on the upper surface of the temperature adjustment operation unit 60. The temperature adjustment display section 63 is a display section on the upper surface of the temperature adjustment operation unit 60, and is configured in such a manner that it can selectively emit light from a plurality of colors.
[0121] When the temperature adjustment control section 61 has the control to reverse the direction of the direct current supplied from the portable battery 54 to the Peltier element, the temperature adjustment operation section 62 lightly presses a depression on the upper surface of the temperature adjustment operation unit 60 based on a predetermined operation mode different from the operation of switching on / off the current. This makes it possible to switch the polarity of the current flowing to the first to third Peltier element units 40A, 40B, 40C.
[0122] In the Peltier element unit 40, when the direction of the supplied direct current is reversed in the Peltier element, the function of one side and the function of the other side are mutually inverted. Therefore, when the temperature adjustment control unit 61 is configured to be able to reverse the polarity of the current supplied to the Peltier element, the heat dissipation surface 41 can be selectively changed by the temperature adjustment control unit 61 between the cooling surface 41A cooled by heat absorption and the heating surface 41B heated by heat generation. As a result, the cooling surface 41A and the heating surface 41B are mutually interchangeable in the heat dissipation surface 41. Note that, when the temperature adjustment control unit 61 does not have a function of switching the direction of the current to the Peltier element, the heat dissipation surface 41 is either the cooling surface 41A or the heating surface 41B.
[0123] <Second embodiment> The features of the air-conditioning temperature control vest 1 of the second embodiment will be described in detail below. Unless otherwise stated, the air-conditioning temperature control vest 1 of the first embodiment is also applied to the second embodiment. Of course, the configurations according to the second embodiment may be appropriately combined. Technical features in the first embodiment and the second embodiment described below may be appropriately deleted unless they are described as essential in this specification.
[0124] The inclination angle θ of the surface 44a and the back surface 44b of the inner flange 44 of the Peltier element unit 40 according to the first embodiment is 20°. The inclination angle θ of the surface 46a and the back surface 46b of the outer flange 46 of the Peltier element unit 40 according to the first embodiment is 20°. However, this is not limited to this. The inclination angle θ of the surface 46a and the back surface 46b of the outer flange 46 of the Peltier element unit 40 according to the second embodiment is configured to be larger than the inclination angle θ of the surface 44a and the back surface 44b of the inner flange 44 of the Peltier element unit 40.
[0125] The inner flange 44 and the outer flange 46 of the Peltier element unit 40 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 26. Fig. 26 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the inner flange and the outer flange according to the second embodiment. Note that Fig. 26 is a drawing showing a state in which the Peltier element units 40 (first Peltier element unit 40A, second Peltier element unit 40B, third Peltier element unit 40C) are attached to the element mounting portion 20.
[0126] As shown in FIG. 26, the back surface 44 b of the inner flange 44 and the back surface 46 b of the outer flange 46 are not in contact with the element mounting portion 20 .
[0127] 26, the front surface 44a and the back surface 44b of the inner flange 44 are inclined toward the discharge portion 43a formed in the lid portion 43 with respect to a plane parallel to the heat dissipation surface 41 (the cooling surface 41A or the heating surface 41B). The inclination angle θ of the front surface 44a and the back surface 44b of the inner flange 44 in the second embodiment is 15°.
[0128] 26, the front surface 46a and the back surface 46b of the outer flange 46 are inclined toward the discharge portion 43a formed in the lid portion 43 with respect to a plane parallel to the heat dissipation surface 41 (cooling surface 41A or heating surface 41B), similar to the inner flange 44. The inclination angle θ of the front surface 46a and the back surface 46b of the outer flange 46 in the second embodiment is 20°.
[0129] As shown in FIG. 26, the surface 46a of the outer flange 46 is in surface contact with the element mounting portion 20. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 26, the inclination angle θ of the surface 46a of the outer flange 46 is 5° larger than the inclination angle θ of the surface 44a of the inner flange 44. When the Peltier element unit 40 is attached to the element mounting portion 20, a part of the surface 44a of the inner flange 44 is in contact with the element mounting portion 20 (for example, line contact, point contact). Therefore, the contact area between the element mounting portion 20 and the surface 44a of the inner flange 44 of the second embodiment is smaller than that of the first embodiment, and the surface pressure of the contact surface is larger. Therefore, it is possible to more effectively prevent the Peltier element unit 40 from coming off the element mounting portion 20 than when the surface 44a of the inner flange 44 and the surface 46a of the outer flange 46 are in surface contact with the element mounting portion 20.
[0130] Next, the action and effect of the air conditioning temperature regulating vest 1 according to this embodiment will be described.
[0131] (1) In the air-conditioning temperature control vest 1 according to the first and second embodiments, air taken in from the propeller-type fan 32 is discharged from the collar part 9 of the air-conditioning temperature control vest 1. For example, the cooling surface 41A of the first Peltier element unit 40A controlled by the temperature control operation unit 60 comes into contact with the wearer's neck when the air-conditioning temperature control vest 1 is worn, thereby cooling the lymph nodes distributed in the wearer's neck. In addition, the blower unit 30 is interposed to regulate the passage of air taken in from the propeller-type fan 32, and a first pair of air passage regulation parts 15A extending toward the collar of the garment form a first air guide channel 14A in the lining 12, which guides the air taken in from the propeller-type fan 32 toward the collar part 9. As a result, the air taken in from the propeller-type fan 32 is guided toward the collar part 9 of the air-conditioning temperature control vest 1 and discharged from the collar part 9. Furthermore, the first air guide channel 14A has a structure in which regular hexagonal columns with extremely high porosity formed from thread-like fibers are lined up without any gaps, and the double russell fabric has a thickness of approximately 2 cm, so that the air taken in from the propeller-type fan 32 and heated upon contact with the heat exchange surface 49 of the first Peltier element unit 40A is guided by the first air guide channel 14A towards the collar portion 9 of the air conditioning temperature regulating vest 1 without remaining within the air conditioning temperature regulating vest 1.
[0132] With this feature, while air is being guided toward the collar 9 of the air-conditioning temperature control vest 1 by the first air guide passage 14A including the double raschel fabric, the wearer's body is cooled by the heat of vaporization, and the air is released from the collar 9 of the air-conditioning temperature control vest 1, suppressing the expansion of the air-conditioning temperature control vest 1. This prevents the work in a narrow space from being hindered, and also suppresses the air from looking bad due to the expansion of the air-conditioning temperature control vest 1. In addition, air taken in from the propeller-type fan 32 is guided to the collar 9 of the air-conditioning temperature control vest 1, and the air that has been heated by contacting the heat exchange surface 49 and exchanging heat is released from the collar 9 of the garment. This reduces discomfort to the wearer, and allows sufficient heat exchange by the heat exchange surface 49 of the Peltier element unit 40 to come into contact with the cooling surface 41A of the first Peltier element unit 40A to cool the lymph nodes in the neck, suppressing the rise in the body temperature of the wearer.
[0133] (2) In the air-conditioning temperature control vest 1 according to the first and second embodiments, the cooling surfaces 41A of the second Peltier element unit 40B and the third Peltier element unit 40C cool the lymph nodes near the first and second armholes 10A and 10B, i.e., under the armpits, of the air-conditioning temperature control vest 1. In addition, the passage of air taken in from the propeller-type fan 32 is restricted, and air branched from the second air guide channel 14B formed by the second pair of air passage restricting parts 15B and the third air guide channel 14C formed by the third pair of air passage restricting parts 15C, which extend toward the armholes 10 (first armholes 10A and second armholes 10B) of the air-conditioning temperature control vest 1, via the first air guide channel 14A, is released from the armholes 10 (first armholes 10A and second armholes 10B) of the air-conditioning temperature control vest 1.
[0134] With this feature, the air guided into the second air guide 14B including the double raschel fabric branched off from the first air guide 14A and the third air guide 14C is discharged from the armholes 10 (first armhole 10A, second armhole 10B) of the air-conditioning temperature control vest 1. This further suppresses the expansion of the air-conditioning temperature control vest 1, prevents hindrance to work in a narrow space, and further suppresses the poor appearance caused by the expansion of the air-conditioning temperature control vest 1. In addition, the air taken in from the propeller-type fan 32 comes into contact with the heat exchange surface 49, exchanges heat, and is discharged from the armholes 10 (first armhole 10A, second armhole 10B), further reducing discomfort to the wearer. Furthermore, sufficient heat exchange can be achieved by the heat exchange surfaces 49 of the two Peltier element units 40 (second Peltier element unit 40B, third Peltier element unit 40C) provided near the armholes 10 (first armhole 10A, second armhole 10B), and the cooling surfaces 41A of the two Peltier element units 40 (second Peltier element unit 40B, third Peltier element unit 40C) can be brought into contact with each other to cool the lymph nodes distributed under the armpits, thereby sufficiently suppressing an increase in the wearer's body temperature.
[0135] (3) In the air-conditioning temperature regulating vest 1 according to the first and second embodiments, a fourth air guide channel 14D is formed by a fourth pair of air passage restriction parts 15D that restrict the passage of air taken in from the propeller-type fan 32 and extend toward the collar of the garment. Air is guided toward the collar part 9 of the air-conditioning temperature regulating vest 1 by the fourth air guide channel 14D, which includes a double raschel fabric, and is released from the collar part 9 of the air-conditioning temperature regulating vest 1.
[0136] With this feature, the air guided by the first air guide path 14A is guided by the fourth air guide path 14D formed by the fourth pair of air passage restrictors 15D, thereby efficiently releasing it from the collar part 9 of the air conditioning temperature control vest 1, reducing discomfort to the wearer wearing the air conditioning temperature control vest 1. Furthermore, the air guided by the fourth air guide path 14D is brought into contact with the heat exchange surface 49 of the first Peltier element unit 40A to sufficiently exchange heat, and the cooling surface 41A of the first Peltier element unit 40A is brought into contact with the nape of the wearer's neck to cool the lymph nodes distributed around the neck, thereby more sufficiently suppressing an increase in the wearer's body temperature.
[0137] (4) In the air-conditioning temperature regulating vest 1 according to the first and second embodiments, the air taken in by the propeller-type fan 32 is cross-branched from the first air guide passage 14A to the second air guide passage 14B, the third air guide passage 14C, and the fourth air guide passage 14D.
[0138] With this feature, when the air taken in from the propeller-type fan 32 passes through the first air guide path 14A and branches into the second air guide path 14B and the third air guide path 14C, it can be efficiently released from the armholes 10 (first armholes 10A, second armholes 10B), and when the air taken in from the propeller-type fan 32 passes through the first air guide path 14A and branches into the fourth air guide path 14D, it can be efficiently released from the collar 9. This allows the air taken in from the propeller-type fan 32 to be released from the collar 9 and armholes 10 (first armholes 10A, second armholes 10B) of the air-conditioning temperature regulating vest 1 without remaining therein, thereby improving comfort for the wearer wearing the garment.
[0139] (5) In the air-conditioning temperature regulating vest 1 according to the first and second embodiments, the element outer peripheral edge 21 to which the first Peltier element unit 40A is attached is made of a fabric that does not allow air to pass through, thereby preventing the air taken in from the propeller-type fan 32 from passing through the element outer peripheral edge 21 of the first Peltier element unit 40A.
[0140] Due to this feature, the air taken in from the propeller-type fan 32 does not pass through the element outer peripheral edge portion 21 on which the first Peltier element unit A is attached, which is disposed at a position that comes into contact with the wearer's neck when the air-conditioning temperature regulating vest 1 is worn. This allows the air taken in from the propeller-type fan 32 to be appropriately released from the collar portion 9 without passing through the element outer peripheral edge portion 21. Therefore, the air taken in from the propeller-type fan 32 does not remain inside the air-conditioning temperature regulating vest 1, thereby improving the comfort of the wearer wearing the air-conditioning temperature regulating vest 1.
[0141] (6) In the air-conditioning temperature-control vest 1 of this embodiment, the temperature control operation unit 60 drives the motor of the propeller-type fan 32 based on a voltage of 5 volts supplied from a portable battery 54 that supplies power to the motor of the propeller-type fan 32.
[0142] For example, an air-conditioned garment that drives a propeller-type fan motor based on a voltage of 17 volts requires a dedicated battery to supply 17 volts, making it difficult for general use. The features of the first and second embodiments described above allow the drive unit 33 to drive the motor of the propeller-type fan 32 based on a low voltage of 5 volts supplied from a general-purpose battery, making it possible to provide garments that are easy to use for general use.
[0143] Although the present invention has been described above based on the embodiment, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment and can be appropriately modified and applied without departing from the gist of the present invention.
[0144] In the first and second embodiments, the number of blower units 30 attached to the vest body 2 may be two or more, and is not limited to the first and second embodiments, and various modifications are possible. Also, in the first and second embodiments, the number of Peltier element units 40 is three, as an example. Note that the number of Peltier element units 40 attached to the vest body 2 may be four or more or two or less, and is not limited to the first and second embodiments, and various modifications are possible.
[0145] In the first and second embodiments, the first pair of air passage restriction parts 15A are interposed between the entire propeller-type fan 32 provided on the back fabric 3B, but this is not limited thereto. For example, the first pair of air passage restriction parts 15A may be half or one-third of the propeller-type fan 32 as long as at least a part of the propeller-type fan 32 is interposed between the first pair of air passage restriction parts 15A. Also, for example, the first pair of air passage restriction parts 15A may be configured so that at least a part of the propeller-type fan 32 provided on the lining 12 is interposed between the first pair of air passage restriction parts 15A.
[0146] The lining 12 in the first and second embodiments includes a double russell fabric. However, this is not limited to this. For example, the air guide channel 14 in the lining 12 may be made of a double russell fabric, and the portion of the lining 12 other than the air guide channel 14 may be made of a fabric other than the double russell fabric (for example, a fabric such as leather or rubber).
[0147] In the first and second embodiments, the air guide channel 14 is cross-shaped, but is not limited thereto. For example, the air guide channel 14 may be T-shaped or Y-shaped, and may be appropriately changed. Also, for example, the lining 12 may be formed with only the first air guide channel 14A without forming the second air guide channel 14B, the third air guide channel 14C, and the fourth air guide channel 14D. For example, the first air guide channel 14A may be formed in an I-shape extending from the vicinity of the waist 16 of the air-conditioning temperature control vest 1 to the collar 9. In this case, the first Peltier element unit 40A may be provided at the neck portion 18 of the first air guide channel 14A. This allows the air taken in from the propeller-type fan 32 to be guided in a straight line towards the collar portion 9, flowing into the first Peltier element unit 40A, and the air that has flowed in to be brought into contact with the heat exchange surface 49 for heat exchange, and then released from the collar portion 9.
[0148] In the first and second embodiments, the driving unit 33 drives the motor based on 5V (volts) output from the portable battery 54 to rotate the propeller-type fan 32, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the voltage required to drive the driving unit 33 may be 5V or more and 12V or less. If the voltage required to drive the driving unit 33 is less than 5V, it is difficult to properly rotate the propeller-type fan 32, which is not preferable. On the other hand, if the voltage required to drive the driving unit 33 exceeds 12V, the power consumption of the battery increases, and a dedicated battery is required to drive the driving unit 33, which is not preferable.
[0149] The back layer 82 of the double russell fabric is made of thread-like fibers similar to those of the front layer 81, and has a structure in which regular hexagonal columns with extremely high porosity are arranged without gaps. However, this is not limited to this. For example, the size of the regular hexagonal columns of the back layer 82 of the double russell fabric may be different from the size of the regular hexagonal columns of the front layer 81.
[0150] The surface layer 81 and the back layer 82 of the double raschel fabric of the first and second embodiments are made of thread-like fibers and have a structure in which regular hexagonal columns with extremely high porosity are arranged without gaps. However, the structure of the surface layer 81 and the back layer 82 is not limited to regular hexagonal columns, and may be any polygonal column such as a square column or a pentagonal column, and is not limited to the first and second embodiments, but may be variously modified.
[0151] The thickness of the double raschel fabric included in the lining 12 in the first and second embodiments is 2 cm, but is not limited thereto, and may be less than 2 cm or more than 2 cm, and can be changed as appropriate. If the thickness of the lining 12 is small (for example, about 1 cm), it is not preferable because it is difficult to guide the air sent by the blower unit 30 with the rotation of the fan 32 toward the collar part 9 and the armhole part 10 (first armhole part 10A, second armhole part 10B). On the other hand, if the thickness of the lining 12 is too large (for example, 10 cm), it is not preferable because it is difficult for the air taken in from the blower unit 30 to pass through the lining 12.
[0152] For example, in the first and second embodiments described above, a vest body 2 is described in which element attachment portions 23 are provided at a total of three locations on the back fabric 3B of the fabric 3, but the number, placement positions and arrangement of the element attachment portions provided on the fabric are not limited to the embodiments and can be changed as appropriate depending on the specifications of the product, such as the use of the clothing (product) with air-blowing function of the present invention and the physique of the wearer.
[0153] Furthermore, in the above first and second embodiments, an air conditioning temperature regulating vest 1 is described in which three Peltier element units 40 are attached to the vest body 2, but the number of Peltier elements attached is not limited to the embodiments and can be changed as appropriate depending on the application of the clothing (product) with air-blowing function of the present invention, the physique of the wearer, and other product specifications.
[0154] In the first and second embodiments, the temperature of the cooling surface of the Peltier element during heat absorption is set to about 10° C. as an example, but is not limited to such a temperature and may be, for example, a temperature range higher than 0° C. and up to about 10° C., and the heat absorption characteristics of the Peltier element can be changed as appropriate. Similarly, the temperature of the heat exchange surface during heat generation is set to about 30° C. as an example, but is not limited to such a temperature and may be, for example, a temperature of about 40° C. that is slightly higher than body temperature and does not cause burns, and the heat generation characteristics of the Peltier element can be changed as appropriate.
[0155] In the first and second embodiments, one lining 12 is sewn to the lining fabric 3B, but this is not limited to the above. For example, two linings 12 may be sewn to the lining fabric 3B in an overlapping manner. Of the two linings 12, the lining 12 that comes into contact with the body surface of the wearer wearing the air-conditioning temperature regulating vest 1 is provided with the element attachment portion 20. [Explanation of symbols]
[0156] 1. Air-conditioning temperature control vest (clothing with air-blowing function) 2. Vest body 5 Back 12 Lining (Lining) 14 Air guide channel 14A First air guide channel (channel) 14B Second air guide channel (another channel) 14C 3rd air guide channel (other channel) 14D 4th air guide channel (specific channel) 15 Pair of air flow control parts 15A First pair of air passage restriction parts (pair of air passage restriction parts) 15B second pair of air passage restriction parts (another pair of air passage restriction parts) 15C Third pair of air passage restriction parts (another pair of air passage restriction parts) 15D Fourth pair of air passage restriction parts (specific pair of air passage restriction parts) 21 Outer periphery of element 32 Propeller-type fan (fan) 33 Drive unit (drive means) 40 Peltier element unit (Peltier element unit) 41 Heat radiation surface 41A Cooling surface (cooling surface) 41B Heating surface 49 Heat exchange surface 54 Portable battery (battery) 60 Temperature control operation unit (control means) HM wearer BS body surface
Claims
1. A garment with an air blowing function is provided in which a fan is attached to the garment and air taken in by the fan is discharged from the collar of the garment, One or more Peltier element units each having a Peltier element and each having a cooling surface and a heat exchange surface opposite to the cooling surface; a control means capable of electrically controlling the Peltier element unit; the first Peltier element unit is disposed at a position where it comes into contact with a neck of a wearer when the garment is worn, a pair of air passage restriction sections are provided on the lining of the rear body of the garment, the pair of air passage restriction sections being interposed between at least a part of the fan and restricting the passage of air taken in from the fan; a flow path is formed in the lining of the rear body of the garment by the pair of passage restriction parts extending toward the collar of the garment, the flow path directing the air taken in from the fan toward the collar of the garment, The flow paths are formed of polygonal pore structures made of thread-like fibers, and the garment includes a double russell fabric having a certain thickness.
2. The garment with air-blowing function according to claim 1, the garment is configured to expel air drawn in from the fan through armholes of the garment; the second Peltier element unit is disposed near an armhole of the garment, a pair of air passage restriction parts for restricting the passage of the air taken in from the fan are provided on the lining of the rear body of the garment; a lining of a rear body of the garment is provided with another pair of flow restriction parts extending toward an armhole of the garment, the another flow path being formed to guide the air taken in from the fan toward the armhole of the garment and branching off from the flow path; The other flow path is a garment with an air blowing function including the double raschel fabric.
3. In the garment with an air-blowing function according to claim 2, a pair of specific air passage restriction parts for restricting the passage of air taken in from the fan are provided on the lining of the rear body of the garment; a specific flow path is formed in the lining of the rear body of the garment by the specific pair of flow control parts extending toward the collar of the garment, the specific flow path directing the air taken in from the fan toward the collar of the garment and branching off from the flow path; The specific flow path is a garment with an air-blowing function that includes the double raschel fabric.
4. In the garment with an air-blowing function according to claim 3, A garment with an air-blowing function in which the flow path is cross-branched into the other flow paths and the specific flow path.
5. The garment with air-blowing function according to claim 1, The clothing with air blowing function, wherein the periphery of the first Peltier element unit is made of an impermeable fabric.
6. The garment with an air-blowing function according to any one of claims 1 to 5, a battery for powering the fan motor; a driving means for driving a motor of the fan based on a predetermined voltage supplied from the battery, The specified voltage is between 5 volts and 12 volts.
Citation Information
Patent Citations
Air-conditioning garment using peltier device
JP2004263325A
Air-conditioning clothing body and air-conditioning clothing
JP2022168286A