Neck cooler

Abstract

To reduce exhaust sound from a heat radiation fan of a neck cooler, and to smoothly perform exhaustion by the heat radiation fan.SOLUTION: In a neck cooler, exhaust heat from a heat radiation surface is discharged from an exhaust passage by driving a fan in cooling by Peltier elements. Due to that a heat radiation fan is adjacent to the ear, a noise measurement is required. Especially, in a type in which a plurality of Peltier elements are provided and cooling effect is enhanced by the alternate operation, eliminating noise is required. The operation sound of the heat radiation fan is reduced for instance, by keeping a position of the fan to be a sound source away from the ear. The noise is reduced by about 70 to 90% for instance, by making a height of a heat sink from a heat radiation surface higher for 3 to 4 cm than a conventional one. Furthermore, a noise canceller is arranged in the exhaust passage from the fan, or a sound absorption material is stuck to an exhaust passage inner wall. A centrifugal fan is attached so as to enhance exhaust efficiency, and realise cooling effect and low noise.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a neck cooler using a Peltier element, and more particularly to a neck cooler that reduces the noise of its heat dissipation fan. [Background technology]

[0002] A known conventional neck cooler uses a Peltier element. As described in the document below, this is a cooling device that includes a housing attached to the neck, a cooling plate attached to the housing and in contact with the neck when the housing is attached to the neck, a Peltier element joined to the cooling plate to cool the cooling plate, and an operating unit that operates this element, with the operating unit equipped with a control IC that controls the power supplied to the Peltier element. When direct current is passed through a Peltier element in one direction, the top surface of the element absorbs heat (cools) and the bottom surface generates heat. To dissipate this heat, a heat sink is placed on the heat-dissipating surface of the element. A heat sink absorbs heat generated by the heat-generating element and dissipates it into the air. Based on this principle, the larger the surface area of ​​the heat sink that dissipates heat into the air, the better its cooling performance. Electronic components and semiconductor chips have an operating temperature limit of around 100°C. Chips heat up when electricity flows through them. Components other than chips can also experience malfunctions and other problems when they reach high temperatures due to prolonged operation, leakage current, or wiring resistance. This not only reduces the performance of the component, but can also lead to the failure of the entire device. To ensure stable long-term use of these components, heat must be properly dissipated using a heat sink or other device. A heat sink is a simple mechanism that utilizes the thermal conductivity and large surface area of ​​the material, making it quiet and requiring no power. It effectively dissipates heat through forced convection. In other words, an air-cooled fan promotes heat dissipation. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Utility Model Registration No. 3224564 DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, when trying to increase the cooling effect of a Peltier element, heat dissipation from the heat dissipation surface becomes an issue. When a fan is driven to dissipate heat, the noise generated by the fan becomes a problem. In particular, in neck coolers, the fan is located close to the ear, and noise reduction measures are required. This problem becomes more pronounced when multiple Peltier elements are installed and the cooling effect is increased through alternating operation. Therefore, noise can be reduced by moving the cooling fan, which is the source of the noise, away from the ear. By increasing the distance between the ear and the fan (sound source), for example by increasing the height of the heat sink by 3 to 4 cm compared to conventional models, noise can be reduced by approximately 70 to 90%.

[0005] As a result of extensive research, the inventor discovered that all of the above problems could be solved by silencing or reducing the noise caused by the neck cooler fan, and thus completed this invention.

[0006] That is, the present invention has been made to solve these problems, and has as its object to provide a neck cooler having a sound-deadening means. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The invention described in claim 1 is a neck cooler comprising a neck-hanging support member, a Peltier element placed on the support member to cool the nape of the neck, a heat sink attached to the Peltier element, a heat dissipation fan arranged close to the protruding end of the heat sink, and an exhaust path provided on the support member for releasing exhaust air from the heat dissipation fan, wherein the exhaust path is provided with sound-absorbing means for reducing the noise emitted by the heat dissipation fan. The noise reduction means may include providing a noise canceller, attaching a sound absorbing sheet to the inner wall of the exhaust passage, or increasing the distance between the heat dissipation fan and the ears of the person wearing the cooler. The support member may have multiple Peltier elements. The device is designed to be worn around the neck and provides efficient cooling by cooling the carotid artery and other areas.

[0008] A second aspect of the present invention is the neck cooler according to the first aspect, wherein the noise silencing means includes a noise canceller provided in the exhaust path in the vicinity of the heat dissipation fan. The noise canceller uses a built-in microphone to pick up fan noise and emits an inverse phase sound to cancel it out, effectively eliminating low frequency components.

[0009] A third aspect of the present invention is a neck cooler according to the second aspect, wherein the sound absorbing means includes a sheet-like sound absorbing material arranged to cover the inner wall of the exhaust passage. Sound-absorbing materials are generally sheet-shaped materials that absorb sound energy, such as glass wool and foamed resin. These materials have many small holes and spaces inside. The holes and cavities form small resonators that absorb sound. Sound energy is converted into heat energy, which silences the sound. Other sound-absorbing materials that can be used include roughly sheet-shaped felt, tex, and glass fiber.

[0010] The invention described in claim 4 is a neck cooler described in claim 2 or claim 3, in which the heat sink has a base end that abuts the heat dissipation surface of the Peltier element and protrudes a predetermined height in a direction away from the heat dissipation surface, and the heat dissipation fan is positioned on the support member at a position opposite this protruding end. By adjusting the heat sink height, the distance between the heat absorption surface of the Peltier element of the cooler (the surface that contacts the neck) and the fan is increased, which has the effect of reducing noise.

[0011] The invention described in claim 5 is a neck cooler comprising a support member curved in a roughly U-shape, a pair of Peltier elements respectively placed at both ends of the support member, a pair of heat sinks respectively attached to the Peltier elements, a pair of heat dissipation fans respectively arranged close to the protruding ends of the heat sinks, and an exhaust passage provided in the support member for discharging exhaust from the heat dissipation fan, wherein the exhaust passage is provided with sound-absorbing means for reducing the noise emitted by the heat dissipation fan. This is effective when silencing the heat dissipation fan in a neck cooler that has at least one pair of Peltier elements. Note that the multiple Peltier elements must be of the same specifications. If elements with different specifications are used, the frequency components of the fan noise will differ, so a silencing method that corresponds to this will be selected. For example, silencing using a noise canceller.

[0012] A sixth aspect of the present invention is the neck cooler of the fifth aspect, wherein the noise silencing means includes a noise canceller provided in the exhaust path in the vicinity of the heat dissipation fan.

[0013] The invention as set forth in claim 7 is the neck cooler as set forth in claim 5 or claim 6, wherein the sound absorbing means includes a sheet-like sound absorbing material arranged so as to cover the inner wall of the exhaust passage. It is effective to place sound-absorbing material on the inner wall of the exhaust passage, especially on the inner wall near the heat-dissipating fan. It is also effective to use it in combination with a noise canceller.

[0014] The invention described in claim 8 is a neck cooler described in claim 6 or claim 7, wherein the heat sink has a base end that abuts the heat dissipation surface of the Peltier element and protrudes a predetermined height in a direction away from the heat dissipation surface, and the heat dissipation fan is positioned on the support member at a position opposite this protruding end. By increasing the length of the heat sink's protrusion and placing the heat dissipation fan opposite the protruding end, it is possible to keep a considerable distance from the wearer's ears, thereby reducing fan noise.

[0015] For example, the heat sink has its base end abutting the heat dissipation surface of the Peltier element and protruding a predetermined height (3 cm to 4 cm) away from the heat dissipation surface, and the heat dissipation fan is positioned on a support member at a position opposite this protruding end. When the neck cooler is worn, the distance (approximately 7 cm) between the heat dissipation fan and the wearer's ear is set to be greater than the protruding height of the heat sink and also greater than the distance between the Peltier element and the ear.

[0016] The invention described in claim 9 is a neck cooler described in claim 5, in which the pair of Peltier elements operate with a rest period, and when one of them is in the rest period, the other operates normally, adopting an alternating operation method. The alternating operation method provides sufficient cooling effect while also reducing the overall noise generated by the fan. The fan drive noise of a single element is lower than that of a two-element fan. Alternating operation of multiple Peltier elements (alternate operation) enables continuous cooling, and the overall cooling capacity can be improved. When using multiple Peltier elements, it is effective to increase the capacity of each fan (for example, by using a fan with a larger diameter).

[0017] The invention as set forth in claim 10 is the neck cooler as set forth in claim 8, wherein the heat dissipation fan includes a centrifugal fan. A centrifugal fan is a type of multi-blade fan that consists of a disk with many blades set up vertically at a specific angle to form a drum shape. It is a type of multi-blade fan that emits exhaust gas perpendicular to the axis of rotation. Propeller fans are axial flow fans that exhaust air in the axial direction, while centrifugal fans are centrifugal fans that push air out by generating centrifugal force with their spoon-shaped blades. They are highly durable. Sirocco fans have a strong air-exhausting power, so they are not inferior in terms of overall ventilation power. They have excellent air-exhausting power, can stably exhaust air even in narrow spaces, and are quiet when rotating. In addition, turbo fans, which are centrifugal fans, are cylindrical with a small number of wide blades that are set at an angle facing backward. Because they rotate faster, they have a stronger airflow than sirocco fans and are more efficient at ventilation. The Sirocco fan can prevent the reduction in fan capacity when the fan touches the clothing because it emits exhaust air along the clothing.

[0018] The invention described in claim 11 is the neck cooler described in claim 8, in which an axial fan is provided at the protruding end of the heat sink, and a centrifugal fan is arranged coaxially adjacent to the axial fan. The axial fan releases heat from the heat sink, and the centrifugal fan redirects the direction of the released exhaust air toward the surface of the clothing, resulting in improved exhaust efficiency, heat dissipation efficiency, and cooling efficiency. [Effects of the Invention]

[0019] According to the inventions described in claims 1 to 11, the noise generated by the heat dissipation fan of the neck cooler can be reduced, making it comfortable to wear (use) as a neck-worn cooling device. A similar noise-reduction effect can also be achieved with a neck cooler equipped with a pair of Peltier elements. The pair of Peltier elements operate with periods of inactivity, and by adopting an alternating operation method in which one of the elements operates normally when the other is in the period of inactivity, the cooling effect can be maintained for a long period of time. Furthermore, the heat dissipation (exhaust) by the heat dissipation fan is performed by a centrifugal fan, so the exhaust can be quiet and efficient. In particular, by exhausting the air along the clothing, the cooling can be performed efficiently. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0020] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic front view showing a neck cooler according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 1 is a plan view of a neck cooler according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3]1A and 1B are cross-sectional views of a neck cooler according to a first embodiment of the present invention, showing two examples: a configuration in which an exhaust port is discharged in the radial direction of a support material (a), and a configuration in which exhaust gas is discharged downward (b). [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a schematic overall view showing a neck cooler having a configuration including a sirocco fan according to a second embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0021] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. [Example]

[0022] "Example 1" The present invention will be specifically explained using Example 1, but the scope of the present invention is not limited to this Example. 1 to 3 are schematic diagrams showing the overall configuration of a neck cooler having a substantially circular (C-shaped) support member.It is a neck-hanging type. This embodiment is equipped with a neck-hanging member (supporting member for Peltier elements) that is C-shaped in plan view. Neck-hanging member (supporting member) 11 has three Peltier elements 21, 22, and 23 fixed to it so that they protrude inward. All of these elements protrude inward by the same height. The tip surface of each element acts as a heat-absorbing surface and comes into contact with the wearer's neck. The overall shape of the support member 11 is a half-cut disk, resembling a so-called helmet or a flat bowl placed upside down. The support member 11 is an inverted bowl-shaped member with a stepped outer surface and is made of an aluminum alloy with a certain degree of flexibility so that it can be worn around the neck through the C-shaped opening. The support member 11 is separated in the radial direction and has internal passages 31 and 32 arranged therein.

[0023] The heat dissipation surfaces (heat sinks) 21A-23A of the Peltier elements 21-23 are arranged on the outer surface of the support member 11 in the radially inward direction, and three heat sinks (made of aluminum alloy) 24 are attached to each heat dissipation surface in close contact (abutment). The heat sinks protrude a predetermined height in the radially outward direction, and a propeller fan 25 is disposed at the tip of each protruding end. The axes of the propeller fans 25 fixed to the support member 11 are also arranged in the radial direction, and exhaust air, which is an axial flow, is discharged together with exhaust heat into the external exhaust path 32. The inner wall of the outer exhaust passage 32 is covered with a predetermined thickness of sound-absorbing material (such as urethane foam resin) 42. The inner passage 31 communicates with the entire internal space of the support member 11, and has an opening 44 at the lower end (bottom) to ensure air intake. Furthermore, a noise canceller 41 is installed on the inner wall facing the fan in close proximity as a sound-deadening material, and is controlled by a control circuit (not shown) to cancel the fan noise generated.

[0024] Although a noise canceller is not shown in FIG. 3(a), it is effective to place one close to the fan. In the same figure (b), the protruding height (protruding length) of the heat sink 26 is extended from that 24 in the case of (a) (twice as long as the conventional case), and the inner passage 31 is widened accordingly, so that the amount of intake air is increased and the cooling effect of the heat dissipation surface is improved. The roughly C-shaped exhaust passage 32 located on the outer side in the radial direction extends downward, and the exhaust hole 43 is located at the lowest end on the outer side in the radial direction. Hot air is discharged from this opening 43. Another effect is that exhaust noise is reduced by discharging the air from the lower opening 43 of the support member. The support member (neck strap member) 11 can also be curved in an approximately U-shape, but by making it C-shaped, the direction of the heat dissipation fans 25, 27, i.e., the direction of the heat sink 11, can be arranged in the radial direction when worn around the neck, and the distance from the ear to the fan can be made sufficiently long when the device is worn.

[0025] In addition, in the U-shaped support member, a pair of Peltier elements is placed at least at both ends, and the heat sinks fixed to the heat dissipation surfaces of the Peltier elements placed opposite each other extend outward in a plan view relative to the heat absorption surfaces of the Peltier elements. The longer the heat sink length, the greater the distance from the ears can be extended, which is the same as the C-shaped neck strap member 11. In these cases, axial fans are used for the heat dissipation fans 25 and 27, but centrifugal fans can be used instead. Alternatively, a centrifugal fan can be added coaxially with the axial fan. This is the device configuration shown in Figure 4, which will be described later. The multiple Peltier elements 21, 22, and 23 each operate with a pause, and can be operated alternately so that when one element is in the pause, the other two elements operate normally. The pauses in operation can prevent the temperature from rising. This also has the effect of silencing noise.

[0026] "Example 2" Hereinafter, the neck cooler according to the present invention will be specifically explained using Example 2, but the scope of the present invention is not limited to this Example. That is, as shown in FIG. 4, a propeller fan 25 is provided adjacent to and above the heat dissipation portion (grooved portion) of the heat sink 24 of the Peltier element 21, and a sirocco fan 51 is further provided coaxially on the rotational axis of the propeller fan. Therefore, the heat-dissipating exhaust air flow from the heat sink 24 is directed upward by the axial fan 25 and then redirected horizontally in the figure by the sirocco fan 51 before being discharged. It should be noted that using only a sirocco fan, rather than a propeller fan, is also effective as a heat dissipation fan, as this significantly reduces or eliminates noise. Furthermore, the provision of a noise canceller and sound-absorbing material creates a comfortable cooling environment for the wearer. The Peltier element 21 and fan are controlled via a control device. In the figure, 52 denotes a control device, and 53 denotes a battery. The other configurations are the same as those of the above embodiment. [Industrial Applicability]

[0027] The present invention is useful as an improved technology for neck coolers having a Peltier element, particularly for neck coolers that eliminate the discomfort caused by the noise of the Peltier element's heat dissipation fan when worn. [Explanation of symbols]

[0028] 11 Neck cooler, 21,22,23 Peltier element, 24,26 Heat sink, 25,27 Heat dissipation fan, 32 exhaust duct, 41 Noise canceller, 42 sound-absorbing materials, 51 Sirocco fan.

Claims

1. A neck-hanging type support member; A Peltier element is disposed on the support member to cool the nape of the neck; a heat sink attached to the Peltier element; a heat dissipation fan disposed adjacent to the protruding end of the heat sink; an exhaust passage provided in the support member for discharging exhaust from the heat dissipation fan, The neck cooler is provided with a sound absorbing means in the exhaust path for reducing the noise generated by the heat dissipation fan.

2. 2. The neck cooler according to claim 1, wherein the noise reduction means includes a noise canceller provided in the exhaust path in the vicinity of the heat dissipation fan.

3. 3. The neck cooler according to claim 2, wherein the sound absorbing means includes a sheet-like sound absorbing material arranged to cover the inner wall of the exhaust passage.

4. 4. A neck cooler as described in claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the base end of the heat sink abuts the heat dissipation surface of the Peltier element and protrudes a predetermined height in a direction away from the heat dissipation surface, and the heat dissipation fan is positioned on the support member at a position opposite this protruding end.

5. a support member curved in a generally U-shape; a pair of Peltier elements respectively disposed at both ends of the support member; a pair of heat sinks attached to the Peltier elements, respectively; a pair of heat dissipation fans disposed adjacent to the protruding ends of the heat sinks, respectively; an exhaust passage provided in the support member for discharging exhaust from the heat dissipation fan, The neck cooler is provided with a sound absorbing means in the exhaust path for reducing the noise generated by the heat dissipation fan.

6. 6. The neck cooler according to claim 5, wherein said noise silencing means includes a noise canceller provided in said exhaust path in the vicinity of said heat dissipation fan.

7. 7. The neck cooler according to claim 6, wherein the sound absorbing means includes a sheet-like sound absorbing material arranged to cover the inner wall of the exhaust passage.

8. 8. A neck cooler as claimed in claim 6 or claim 7, wherein the heat sink has a base end that abuts against the heat dissipation surface of the Peltier element and protrudes a predetermined height in a direction away from the heat dissipation surface, and the heat dissipation fan is disposed on the support member at a position opposite this protruding end.

9. 6. The neck cooler according to claim 5, wherein the pair of Peltier elements operate with a rest period, and employ an alternating operation method in which when one of the Peltier elements is in the rest period, the other operates normally.

10. 9. The neck cooler according to claim 8, wherein the heat dissipation fan includes a centrifugal fan.

11. 9. A neck cooler according to claim 8, wherein an axial flow fan is provided at the projecting end of said heat sink, and a centrifugal fan is disposed coaxially adjacent to said axial flow fan.

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