Portable body temperature adjusting device

Abstract

To provide a portable body temperature adjusting device capable of temporarily and efficiently warming or cooling a desired body part while being held by a hand, under a stable heat condition, in the case that it is desired to adjust a temperature of the body part partially, such as desiring to warm cold hands or cool a feverish forehead.SOLUTION: A portable body temperature adjusting device includes: a heat transfer plate for transferring heat absorbed or generated by energization on one side of a Peltier element and formed with a vertical width being equal to or larger than a horizontal width; a heat sink formed on the other side of the Peltier element; a blower fan; a housing; an air suction part; and an exhaust part. The housing includes: a peripheral side part erected along an outer peripheral edge throughout an entire circumference relative to the heat transfer plate disposed with an outer surface exposed outward on a bottom side of the housing; and a grip part to be gripped by a hand, between the peripheral edge side part and a ceiling part closing an internal space surrounded by the peripheral edge side part on an opposite side of the heat transfer plate. The air suction part is disposed on the peripheral edge side part, occupying 30% or more of the entire circumference along the outer peripheral edge.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a device that houses a Peltier element unit in a housing and cools the body via a heat transfer plate using the cold heat presented on the cooling surface that has become heat-absorbing by the Peltier element, or warms the body via the heat transfer plate using the warm heat presented on the heating surface that has become heat-generating. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, there have been many extremely hot days throughout the year that are uncomfortable for people, and as a measure to prevent heatstroke caused by extreme heat, people are encouraged to drink fluids frequently and use air conditioners in moderation.However, it is not easy to beat the heat, for example, for workers working in humid environments, young people walking on streets that have become heat islands, and people who are engaged in outdoor activities such as recreation, sports, or watching games under the scorching sun.

[0003] Therefore, the temperature control device disclosed in Patent Document 1 has been developed as an example of a portable body temperature adjustment device that can be easily carried outdoors by people seeking to escape the heat. Patent Document 1 describes a thin temperature control device in which a Peltier element is housed in a housing formed in a substantially rectangular shape with a bow-shaped contour, with one main surface of the Peltier element being placed on the inner circumferential surface of the housing in a manner exposed to the outside as a heat transfer surface, and a heat dissipation member formed on the other main surface being placed on the outer circumferential surface of the housing in a manner exposed to the outside.

[0004] The temperature control device in Patent Document 1 is attached to clothing, either in a breast pocket to cool or warm the user's chest area, or in a collar to cool or warm the user's neck area. Therefore, Patent Document 1 is configured in a suitably thin and compact form so as not to get in the way of the user when wearing the clothing, making it a temperature control device suitable for carrying by the user.

[0005] In Patent Document 1, a thin fan draws in outside air through an air intake port to cool a heat dissipation member, and the cooled air is then exhausted through an exhaust port located near the heat dissipation member. The air intake port is located in front of the fan, and in addition, small openings are provided locally in several stepped areas around the outside of the fan in case air cannot be drawn in due to close contact between the front of the fan and clothing. The exhaust port is provided as small openings in several locations on one end surface of the housing. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2020 / 066564 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] However, Patent Document 1 has the following problems.

[0008] (1) The cooling efficiency of the Peltier element's heat transfer surface decreases over time. Because the temperature control device is compact and thin, the intake port in the stepped portion around the outside of the fan and the exhaust port on one end of the housing can only be formed as small openings. Moreover, this temperature control device is used by being stored and worn in a clothing pocket.

[0009] Therefore, it is difficult to ensure an air circulation path within the narrow internal space of the pocket, and the exhaust port on one end of the housing and the intake port on the stepped part around the outside of the fan are easily blocked by parts of clothing, and there is a risk that the inflow of air may be blocked by clothing, especially at the intake port.

[0010] In other words, the technology of Patent Document 1 not only fails to sufficiently cool the heat dissipation member with the outside air supplied through the air intake when dissipating the heat generated by the Peltier element to the outside, but also makes it difficult to exhaust the air that has been drawn in and come into contact with the heat dissipation member after heat exchange to the outside through the exhaust port.

[0011] A Peltier element has the characteristic that, due to heat transfer that occurs between the heat absorption side and the heat generation side on both heat transfer surfaces, it exhibits low-temperature heat on the heat absorption side heat transfer surface and high-temperature heat on the heat generation side heat transfer surface. For this reason, in Patent Document 1, in the Peltier element, the heat generated on the heat generation side is not efficiently released to the outside, and heat absorption gradually becomes more difficult on the heat absorption side heat transfer surface, which not only reduces the cooling efficiency of the heat transfer surface of the Peltier element over time, but also may cause damage or burnout to the Peltier element.

[0012] (2) The problem that the heat transfer surface of the Peltier element cannot sufficiently warm cold hands, etc. For example, when a person is active despite feeling cold in their hands, such as when doing water work with their hands in winter, when doing manual work outdoors while exposed to the cold wind, or when walking on the street in low temperatures with a load in their hands, their fingers and palms may become cold, and the hands may become numb due to the cold, making it difficult to move their fingers as desired.

[0013] Under these circumstances, if the cold hands are warmed, the movement of the fingers will return to normal, so there is a potentially high need for a heating device to warm cold hands, and generally, many people use disposable hand warmers to warm their palms and fingers.

[0014] However, commercially available disposable hand warmers continue to generate heat from the time they start to the time they stop generating heat, and it is not possible to stop the heat midway, so the hand warmer may continue to generate heat even after the user's fingers have returned to normal. As a result, disposable hand warmers are not only inconvenient for the user, but also have to be disposed of after heating has stopped, which is undesirable from an environmental standpoint.

[0015] On the other hand, in Patent Document 1, the temperature control device is intended to be stored and worn in a clothing pocket, so the main surface, which is the heat transfer surface of the Peltier element, is made small, making the entire device compact and thin.

[0016] Therefore, even if a person tries to warm up their cold fingers or palms using this temperature control device, the main surface of the Peltier element, which is the heat transfer surface, can only come into local contact with the entire area of ​​the fingers or part of the entire palm that they want to warm, and there is a risk that the heat transfer surface of the Peltier element will not be able to warm up the cold fingers or palms efficiently and sufficiently.

[0017] The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and aims to provide a portable body temperature regulation device that can be held in the hand and can temporarily and efficiently warm or cool a desired body part under stable thermal conditions when it is desired to regulate the temperature of a specific body part, such as heating cold hands or cooling a feverish forehead. [Means for solving the problem]

[0018] The portable body temperature regulating device of one aspect of the present invention, which has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, comprises a Peltier element, a heat transfer plate which is a plate that transfers heat absorbed or generated by one surface of the Peltier element when current is applied, the heat transfer plate being formed so that its width in the horizontal direction is equal to or greater than its length in the vertical direction, a heat sink formed on the other surface of the Peltier element opposite the one surface, a blower fan which blows air, a housing, an intake section consisting of a plurality of intake ports, and an exhaust section consisting of a plurality of exhaust ports, wherein the housing has a peripheral side section which stands along the outer periphery of the heat transfer plate, one side of which is exposed to the outside, and a ceiling section which closes the internal space surrounded by the peripheral side section on the opposite side of the heat transfer plate, and a grip section which is held by the user's hand between the peripheral side section and the ceiling section, and the intake section is arranged over an area which occupies 30% or more of the entire circumference of the peripheral side section which follows the outer periphery.

[0019] According to this aspect, the portable body temperature regulation device can adjust the temperature of a body surface part by using one side of the heat transfer plate as a cooling surface that provides cold heat or a heating surface that provides warm heat, and by bringing one side of the heat transfer plate into contact with a body surface part on a part of the user's body, such as the fingers, palm, or forehead, for example.

[0020] In addition, in the portable body temperature regulating device, the intake section is disposed over an area that occupies at least 30% of the entire circumference of the peripheral side along the outer periphery, so that the intake section can ensure that the flow rate of outside air is sufficient to efficiently dissipate the waste heat generated on the other surface of the Peltier element to the outside through the heat sink, and can draw the air into the interior space of the housing.

[0021] As a result, the portable body temperature regulation device is able to suppress damage to the Peltier element caused by the inability to continuously dissipate the waste heat generated on the other side of the Peltier element, making it easier for the cold or warm heat present on one side of the Peltier element to be transferred to the surface of the heat transfer plate in a sustained and stable manner.

[0022] Therefore, in the portable body temperature regulating device, the cooling efficiency or heat generation efficiency on one surface and the other surface of the Peltier element can be prevented from decreasing over time.

[0023] In the above aspect, it is preferable that the exhaust section is arranged in the ceiling section of the housing, and that the total intake section area S1 constituting the intake section is equal to or larger than the total exhaust section area S2 (S2≦S1) constituting the exhaust section.

[0024] According to this aspect, in order to efficiently dissipate the exhaust heat generated on the other surface of the Peltier element to the outside through the heat sink, the first air intake section can draw a sufficient amount of outside air into the internal space of the housing, while the blower fan in the internal space of the housing can forcibly discharge the exhaust air accompanying the intake air to the outside through the exhaust section.

[0025] Therefore, even if the exhaust section total area S2 is smaller than the intake section total area S1, the exhaust section can prevent the exhaust air from stagnating in the internal space of the housing. Moreover, by making the exhaust section total area S2 smaller than the intake section total area S1 and arranging the exhaust section on the ceiling of the housing, it is possible to prevent the exhaust section from getting in the way of the hand holding the handle of the portable body temperature regulating device when the user is using the portable body temperature regulating device.

[0026] In the above aspect, it is preferable that the intake section comprises a first intake section formed in a position on the peripheral side that avoids being adjacent to the grip section, and a second intake section formed in a position adjacent to the grip section, and that the proportion of the area of ​​the first intake section in the entire intake section is at least 30%.

[0027] According to this aspect, when a user holds the portable body temperature regulating device in their hand, even if the second intake section, for example, is blocked by the user's fingers, the outside air can be sufficiently taken in through the first intake section. This allows the heat sink to exchange heat between the exhaust heat generated from the other surface of the Peltier element and a sufficient amount of air taken in through the first intake section without reducing efficiency.

[0028] Therefore, even if the Peltier element is continuously energized, the adverse effects on the heat absorption or heat generation occurring on one surface of the Peltier element can be suppressed.

[0029] In the above aspect, it is preferable that the grip portion is a portion that connects the peripheral side portion and the ceiling portion, and is formed in a shape that is recessed toward the bottom side of the housing.

[0030] According to this aspect, when placing one side of the heat transfer plate on a desired body surface area, such as the fingers, palm, or forehead, and maintaining contact with it, the user can hold the portable body temperature regulation device with the fingers placed on the gripping portion, thereby ensuring stable contact of one side of the heat transfer plate with the body surface area.

[0031] In the above aspect, it is preferable that the peripheral side portion includes a vertical side portion extending along the vertical direction and a horizontal side portion extending along the horizontal direction, and that on at least one side in the horizontal direction, the portion between the vertical side portion and the horizontal side portion is formed by a curved surface.

[0032] According to this aspect, when placing one side of the heat transfer plate on a desired body surface area, such as the fingers, palm, or forehead, and maintaining contact with it, the user can easily hold the gripping portion with their fingers and have their palm enveloped by the curved surface formed between the vertical side portion and the horizontal side portion.

[0033] Therefore, the user can hold the portable body temperature regulating device stably on the desired body surface part in a natural, relaxed position.

[0034] In the above aspect, it is preferable that a power source that supplies power to the Peltier element is disposed in the internal space of the housing.

[0035] According to this aspect, the power supply is electrically connected to the Peltier element, the blower fan, etc. via the control unit by electrical wiring, but this electrical wiring connecting to the power supply exists in the internal space of the housing and is not exposed to the outside of the housing.

[0036] Therefore, when a user uses the portable body temperature adjustment device to warm or cool a desired body surface part, such as the fingers, palm, or forehead, such electrical wiring will not get caught on external objects and will not get in the way of the user.

[0037] In the above aspect, it is preferable that a control unit be provided, and that the control unit be able to reverse the polarity of the direct current supplied to the Peltier element, thereby switching between heat absorption and heat generation on the one surface of the Peltier element.

[0038] According to this aspect, the portable body temperature regulation device can easily select, using the control unit, whether one side of the heat transfer plate serves as a cooling surface that provides cold heat to cool the body, or a heating surface that provides warm heat to warm the body.

[0039] This allows the portable body temperature regulation device to be used flexibly and freely depending on the user's needs, for example, by cooling the body with cold heat from one side of the heat transfer plate that forms the cooling surface, or by warming the body with warm heat from one side of the heat transfer plate that forms the heating surface, on a desired body surface area such as the fingers, palms, or forehead.

[0040] In the above aspect, it is preferable that the housing is formed with an attachment portion for attaching carrying aid means for assisting a person in carrying the device when carrying it.

[0041] According to this aspect, when the user is not using the portable body temperature regulating device, the user can wear the portable body temperature regulating device by using the carrying aid, for example, by hanging the device around the neck, by draping it around the wrist, or by hooking it onto a trouser pocket or belt.

[0042] This allows the user to store the portable body temperature regulating device in an unobtrusive manner when the portable body temperature regulating device is not in use. [Effects of the Invention]

[0043] Therefore, the portable body temperature regulation device, which is one aspect of the present invention, has the excellent effect of being able to temporarily and efficiently warm or cool the desired body part while holding it in the hand and keeping the heat stable, when it is desired to regulate the temperature of a specific part of the body, such as heating cold hands or cooling a feverish forehead. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0044] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing a portable body temperature regulation device according to a first embodiment as viewed from one side in the vertical direction. [Figure 2] 2 is a perspective view showing the portable body temperature regulating device shown in FIG. 1 as viewed from the other vertical side. FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a front view of the portable body temperature regulation device shown in FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a rear view of the portable body temperature regulation device shown in FIG. [Figure 5] 2 is a side view of the portable body temperature regulating device shown in FIG. 1, viewed from the other vertical side. FIG. [Figure 6] 2 is a side view of the portable body temperature regulating device shown in FIG. 1 as viewed from one side in the vertical direction. [Figure 7] 2 is a side view of the portable body temperature regulating device shown in FIG. 1, viewed from the lateral direction. [Figure 8] 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA in FIG. 3. [Figure 9] 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line BB in FIG. 3. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the portable body temperature regulation device shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 11] 1 is a view of the portable body temperature regulation device according to the first embodiment, seen from the thumb side, showing how the device is held in a hand when in use. [Figure 12] 12 is a view similar to that of FIG. 11, seen from the index finger side. [Figure 13] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a state in which the portable body temperature regulation device according to the first embodiment is carried around by hanging it from the neck. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a portable body temperature regulation device according to a second embodiment, viewed from the ceiling side. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the portable body temperature regulating device shown in FIG. 14, viewed from the heat transfer plate side. [Figure 16] FIG. 15 is a front view of the portable body temperature regulation device shown in FIG. [Figure 17] FIG. 15 is a side view of the portable body temperature regulating device shown in FIG. 14, viewed from the lateral direction. [Figure 18] FIG. 15 is a side view of the portable body temperature regulating device shown in FIG. 14, viewed from the vertical direction. [Figure 19] 17 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line CC in FIG. 16. [Figure 20] 17 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line DD in FIG. 16. [Figure 21] FIG. 15 is an exploded perspective view of the portable body temperature regulation device shown in FIG. [Figure 22] 10 is a plan view of a heat transfer plate configured in a portable body temperature regulating device according to a modified example of the first and second embodiments, viewed from the front side. FIG. [Figure 23] 23 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line EE in FIG. 22. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0045] The portable body temperature regulating device of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings in relation to first and second embodiments. The portable body temperature regulating device of the present invention is a device that uses a Peltier element to cool the body via a heat transfer surface by using cold heat on a cooling surface that has become heat-absorbing, or to warm the body via a heat transfer surface by using warm heat on a heating surface that has become heat-generating.

[0046] This portable body temperature regulating device is designed to be easily portable and can be used to regulate the temperature of desired body parts, for example, to warm cold hands, to warm the abdomen or lower back, or to cool the forehead of a person with a fever.

[0047] (Embodiment 1) First, the portable body temperature regulation device according to embodiment 1 will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 13. Figure 1 is a perspective view of the portable body temperature regulation device according to embodiment 1 as seen from one vertical side, and Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the portable body temperature regulation device as seen from the other vertical side.

[0048] Fig. 3 is a front view of the portable body temperature regulation device according to embodiment 1, Fig. 4 is a rear view, Fig. 5 is a side view seen from the other vertical side, Fig. 6 is a side view seen from one vertical side, and Fig. 7 is a side view seen from the horizontal direction. Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA in Fig. 3, and Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line BB in Fig. 3. Fig. 10 is an exploded perspective view of the portable body temperature regulation device according to embodiment 1.

[0049] In the portable body temperature regulating device 1 according to the first embodiment, the direction from the upper left to the lower right in Fig. 1 is defined as the vertical direction L, the direction from the lower left to the upper right in Fig. 1 is defined as the horizontal direction W, and the up and down direction in Fig. 1 is defined as the height direction H, and Fig. 2 and subsequent figures also follow the directions defined in Fig. 1. Furthermore, electrical wiring, connectors, etc. necessary for the portable body temperature regulating device 1 are omitted from the figures.

[0050] 1 to 10, the portable body temperature regulating device 1 includes a Peltier element 2, a heat transfer plate 3, a heat sink 4, a blower fan 5, an operation control unit 6 (control unit), a power supply 7, a USB plug connection unit 8, an illumination lamp 9, and a housing 10. The Peltier element 2, the heat sink 4, the blower fan 5, and the power supply 7 are housed inside the housing 10.

[0051] The operation control unit 6, USB plug connection unit 8, and lighting lamp 9 are disposed in a housing 10. A heat transfer plate 3 is disposed as the bottom of the housing 10. The lighting lamp 9 is an illumination light that uses a LGD (Light Emitting Diode) and functions as a flashlight.

[0052] (About Peltier element 2) First, we will explain the Peltier element 2. The Peltier element 2 is a type of plate-shaped semiconductor thermoelectric element. When a direct current is supplied to the Peltier element 2 from the power source 7, one surface 2a of the Peltier element 2 absorbs heat and becomes an absorbing state (cooling surface) due to the Peltier effect, and at the same time, the opposite surface 2b generates heat and becomes a heating state (heating surface).

[0053] In this embodiment, the Peltier element 2 has the property of absorbing heat and generating heat simultaneously within a temperature range of, for example, about 20 to 30° C. relative to the outside air temperature.

[0054] That is, for example, when the Peltier element 2 operates in summer at an outside temperature of 35°C, the cooling surface generates heat of 15 to 5°C, which is used as cold heat to cool the body. At the same time, the heating surface generates heat of 55 to 65°C, which is used as exhaust heat.

[0055] On the other hand, when Peltier element 2 is operated in winter at an outside temperature of 5°C, the cooling surface generates heat of -15 to -25°C, which is used as exhaust heat. At the same time, the heating surface generates heat of 25 to 35°C, which is used as warmth to warm the body.

[0056] In this embodiment, the Peltier element 2 has temperature characteristics of absorbing heat and generating heat simultaneously in a temperature range of about 20 to 30° C. relative to the outside air temperature.

[0057] However, the Peltier element is not limited to the temperature characteristics described in this embodiment, and may be configured with appropriate modifications as long as it has temperature characteristics that can cool the body with cold enough not to cause frostbite and warm enough not to cause burns. As an example, the temperature characteristics of the Peltier element are a temperature range of about 30 to 40°C or about 10 to 20°C relative to the outside air temperature.

[0058] (About heat transfer plate 3) Next, we will explain the heat transfer plate 3. The heat transfer plate 3 is a metal plate that transfers heat absorbed or generated on one surface 2a of the Peltier element 2 when electricity is applied. The heat transfer plate 3 is made of a material that has a relatively high thermal conductivity among metals, a relatively low specific gravity, and is lightweight and inexpensive, such as aluminum.

[0059] As shown in Figures 4 and 10, in this embodiment, the heat transfer plate 3 has a vertical width m along the vertical direction L that is larger than its horizontal width n, and is formed in an approximately track-like shape with the four corners of the rectangular shape replaced with R shapes.

[0060] As shown in Fig. 10, the heat transfer plate 3 is attached to a mounting plate portion 12 that separates the inside of the housing 10. The front surface 3a and back surface 3b of the heat transfer plate 3 are finished so that the average roughness of the surface shape is about several to several tens of micrometers, and the height difference of minute irregularities on the surface is kept small.

[0061] In particular, it is preferable that the average surface roughness of the surface 3a has a high surface precision of, for example, about 5 to 30 μm. As shown in Figures 11 and 12, when the portable body temperature regulating device 1 is in use, when the surface 3a of the heat transfer plate 3 is in direct contact with a body surface part BS of the user HM, such as the fingers, palm, or forehead, the tactile sensation and the feel on the skin are not uncomfortable for the user HM and are therefore favorable.

[0062] 8 to 10, in the portable body temperature regulating device 1, the heat transfer plate 3 is disposed in close contact with one surface 2a of the Peltier element 2 inserted through the opening 13 of the mounting plate portion 12 via a grease layer (not shown). The grease layer has relatively high thermal conductivity, for example, a thermal conductivity of at least 5 W / m·K, and maintains relatively high viscosity within a temperature range from 0°C to approximately 80°C. Specifically, the back surface 3b of the heat transfer plate 3 and one surface 2a of the Peltier element 2 are disposed opposite each other so as to be in surface contact with each other.

[0063] However, strictly speaking, there is a small gap (air gap) between the back surface 3b and the first surface 2a due to a difference in precision between the surface shape of the back surface 3b of the heat transfer plate 3 and the surface shape of the first surface 2a of the Peltier element 2. Therefore, by providing a grease layer between the back surface 3b and the first surface 2a, which fills this gap with grease, the heat generated on the first surface 2a of the Peltier element 2 is transferred to the front surface 3a (one side) of the heat transfer plate 3, suppressing heat transfer loss.

[0064] (About Heatsink 4) Next, the heat sink 4 will be described. As shown in Fig. 10, the heat sink 4 is made up of a flat plate 4a formed in a size that allows it to come into contact with almost the entire other surface 2b of the Peltier element 2, with numerous fins 4b arranged vertically with gaps provided between adjacent fins 4b. The heat sink 4 is arranged with the flat plate 4a in close contact with the other surface 2b of the Peltier element 2 via a grease layer (not shown).

[0065] As shown in FIGS. 8 to 10, the portable body temperature regulating device 1 is arranged so that the surface of the flat plate 4a of the heat sink 4 and the other surface 2b of the Peltier element 2 are in surface contact with each other and face each other.

[0066] However, strictly speaking, due to the difference in accuracy between the surface shape of the surface of the flat plate 4a of the heat sink 4 and the surface shape of the other surface 2b of the Peltier element 2, there is a small gap (air gap) between the surface of the flat plate 4a and the other surface 2b.

[0067] Therefore, by providing a grease layer between the surface of the flat plate 4a and the other surface 2b, with the gap filled with grease, the heat generated on the other surface 2b of the Peltier element 2 is transferred to the heat sink 4 while suppressing heat transfer loss.

[0068] (About Housing 10) Next, the housing 10 will be described. As shown in Figures 1 to 10, the housing 10 is broadly composed of a peripheral side portion 40, a ceiling portion 50, and a grip portion 60. The peripheral side portion 40 is erected along the entire periphery of the outer peripheral edge 3c on the bottom side of the housing 10 (the lower side in the vertical direction in Figure 6) and on the heat transfer plate 3 which is formed in a substantially track-shaped flat plate shape and is arranged with its surface 3a (one side) exposed to the outside.

[0069] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the peripheral side portion 40 includes vertical side portions 41 extending along the vertical direction L, on both sides of the horizontal direction W, and horizontal side portions 42 extending along the horizontal direction W, on both sides of the vertical direction L. In the peripheral side portion 40, the portion between the vertical side portion 41 and the horizontal side portion 42 forms a corner portion 43 formed by a curved surface.

[0070] That is, the peripheral side portion 40 is formed by two opposing vertical side portions 41, two opposing horizontal side portions 42, and four corner portions 43. As shown in Figures 1 to 3, of the four corner portions 43, the two first corner portions 43A on the other side in the vertical direction L (the right side in Figure 3) have curved surfaces with a larger radius of curvature than the two second corner portions 43B on one side in the vertical direction L (the left side in Figure 3).

[0071] This is because, as shown in Figures 11 and 12, when the user HM holds the portable body temperature regulating device 1 in the hand HD to use it, the user HM can easily wrap the palm of their hand around the first corner portion 43A and hold it, allowing them to hold the portable body temperature regulating device 1 in a natural position.

[0072] FIG. 11 is a view of the portable body temperature regulating device of this embodiment held in the hand for use, viewed from the thumb side, and FIG. 12 is a view of the same device viewed from the index finger side.

[0073] The ceiling portion 50 is connected to the peripheral side portion 40 in a state in which the internal space 10S surrounded by the peripheral side portion 40 is closed on the side opposite the heat transfer plate 3. As shown in Figures 1 to 3 and 7, the ceiling portion 50 bulges out in a complex curved shape that is convex upward (upward in Figure 7), and is provided with an exhaust portion 30 consisting of multiple exhaust ports 31 at its highest position.

[0074] A pair of gripping portions 60 are formed between the peripheral side portion 40 and the ceiling portion 50, on both sides in the lateral direction W. As shown in Figs. 1 to 3 and 7, the gripping portions 60 are portions that connect the peripheral side portion 40 and the ceiling portion 50, and are formed in a shape that is recessed toward the heat transfer plate 3 located on the bottom side of the housing 10, and have a smoothly curved surface shape.

[0075] When the user HM holds the portable body temperature adjustment device 1 during use, as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the fingers (thumb TB, index finger NF, middle finger MF) of the hand HD used for gripping can be placed in a wrapping manner on the gripping portion 60.

[0076] As shown in FIGS. 7 to 9, an intake portion 20 composed of a plurality of intake ports 23 is formed in the peripheral side portion 40. The intake portion 20 takes in outside air (air) through the intake ports 23 into the internal space 10S surrounded by the peripheral side portion 40.

[0077] In the portable body temperature adjustment device 1, the total intake area S1 of the intake portion 20 is, for example, 1 to 3 times the size of the total exhaust area S2 of the exhaust portion 30. In this embodiment, it is about 2.1 times the size. Also, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, FIGS. 7 to 10, this intake portion 20 is disposed over a range occupying 30% or more of the entire circumference of the peripheral side portion 40 along the outer peripheral edge 3c of the heat transfer plate 3.

[0078] Specifically, the intake portion 20 is provided on the vertical side portions 41 of the peripheral side portion 40 on both sides in the horizontal direction W. The range of the intake portion 20 is a distance Q (Q < m) on one side and a distance 2×Q on both sides. In this embodiment, the ratio of the total range length 2×Q of the intake portion 20 to the perimeter P of the peripheral side portion 40 is about 45%.

[0079] Also, as shown in FIG. 7, this intake portion 20 is composed of a first intake portion 21 formed at a position in the peripheral side portion 40 avoiding adjacent to the gripping portion 60 and a second intake portion 22 formed at a position adjacent to the gripping portion 60. In the intake portion 20, the first intake portion 21 is disposed adjacent to the second intake portion 22 on both sides sandwiching the second intake portion 22 with respect to the vertical direction L.

[0080] Here, regarding the positional relationship between the hand HD of the user HM who holds the portable body temperature adjustment device 1 and the first intake portion 21 and the second intake portion 22 during use of the portable body temperature adjustment device 1, it will be briefly described using FIGS. 11 and 12.

[0081] As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, when the user HM holds and uses the portable body temperature adjustment device 1 with the hand HD, the user HM holds the grip portion 60 in such a manner that it is wrapped by the fingers (thumb TB, index finger NF, middle finger MF) of the hand HD.

[0082] At this time, as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, among the intake portions 20, particularly the second intake portion 22 is likely to be blocked by the thumb TB, index finger NF, and middle finger MF, and it is assumed that it may hinder the intake of air into the internal space 10S through the second intake portion 22. However, the first intake portion 21 is formed at a position avoiding adjacent to the grip portion 60.

[0083] Thereby, even if the second intake portion 22 is blocked by the hand HD of the user HM, the first intake portion 21 is arranged at a position hardly affected by the hand HD of the user HM. Therefore, external air can be sufficiently intake through the first intake portion 21 without adversely affecting the cooling of the heat sink 4 in the internal space 10S.

[0084] Moreover, as shown in FIG. 7, for the intake portion 20 on one side, the range of the first intake portion 21 is the distance (q1 + q2) (q1 < Q, q2 < Q), and the range of the second intake portion 22 is the distance q3 (q3 < Q). On both sides in the lateral direction W, the entire range of the first intake portion 21 is the distance 2×(q1 + q2), and the range of the second intake portion 22 is the distance 2×q3.

[0085] And as the ratio (q1 + q2) / Q of the entire range length 2×(q1 + q2) of the first intake portion 21 to the entire range length 2×Q of the intake portion 20, in this embodiment, it is about 38%.

[0086] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a state in which the portable body temperature adjustment device according to Embodiment 1 is suspended from the neck and carried. As shown in FIG. 13, the portable body temperature adjustment device 1 includes carrying assistance means 70 for assisting the user HM in carrying when in use. The carrying assistance means 70 is a neck hanging strap for hanging the portable body temperature adjustment device 1 from the neck as illustrated in FIG. 13, a hand strap for winding around the wrist, or the like.

[0087] 2 and 5, the housing 10 has attachment portions 11 disposed at corner portions 43 on both sides of the peripheral side portion 40 in the lateral direction W. The attachment portions 11 have a pair of holes that open up part of the peripheral side portion 40, and are arranged so that a string can be inserted from one hole to the other, and are formed in a manner that allows them to be freely attached to and detached from the carrying aid 70.

[0088] By attaching the carrying aid means 70 with string materials connected to the mounting parts 11 on both sides in the lateral direction W, the user HM can carry the portable body temperature regulating device 1 by hanging it from his / her neck when not in use.

[0089] (About Blower Fan 5) Next, we will explain the blower fan 5. The blower fan 5 is a fan that draws in outside air through the intake section 20, introduces it from the adjacent heat sink 4 side, and blows the air toward the exhaust port 31 of the exhaust section 30. In this embodiment, the blower fan 5 is a multi-blade blower (sirocco fan), which is a type of centrifugal blower.

[0090] A sirocco fan is a roughly cylindrical blower with multiple blades arranged in a ring shape around a central axis of rotation, and blows air drawn in along the central axis outward from between the rotating blades.

[0091] In the portable body temperature regulation device 1, when the surface 3a of the heat transfer plate 3 is a cooling surface that provides cold heat to cool the body, as an example, the heat sink 4, which has become hot due to the heat exhausted from the back surface 3b of the Peltier element 2, is air-cooled by exchanging heat with the air drawn in by the blower fan 5.

[0092] The air heated by heat exchange with the heat sink 4 becomes much lower than the heat generation temperature on the other surface 2b of the Peltier element 2 and closer to the temperature of the intake air (for example, a temperature about 5°C higher than the temperature of the intake air), and is exhausted by the blower fan 5 to the outside of the housing 10 through the exhaust port 31 of the exhaust section 30 in a state that does not cause discomfort even when exposed to the user HM.

[0093] At this time, the blower fan 5 draws in low-temperature outside air from the outside through the intake section 20 with a large air volume that does not cause air to stagnate in the internal space 10S of the housing 10, and forcibly exhausts the air that has been heated in the internal space 10S to the outside of the housing 10 through the exhaust section 30.

[0094] Furthermore, when the surface 3a of the heat transfer plate 3 is a heating surface that generates heat to warm the body, as an example, the heat sink 4, which has been cooled by the exhaust heat from the back surface 3b of the Peltier element 2, is temperature-adjusted by the blower fan 5 through heat exchange with the intake air.

[0095] The air whose temperature has been adjusted by heat exchange with the heat sink 4 becomes considerably higher than the heat absorption temperature on the other surface 2b of the Peltier element 2 and closer to the temperature of the intake air (for example, a temperature that is about 5°C lower than the temperature of the intake air), and is exhausted by the blower fan 5 to the outside of the housing 10 through the exhaust port 31 of the exhaust section 30 in a state that does not cause discomfort even when exposed to the user HM.

[0096] At this time, the blower fan 5 draws in outside air from the outside through the intake section 20 with a large air volume that does not cause air to stagnate in the internal space 10S of the housing 10, and forcibly exhausts the air that has been cooled in the internal space 10S to the outside of the housing 10 through the exhaust section 30.

[0097] In the portable body temperature regulating device 1, when the surface 3a of the heat transfer plate 3 is used as a heating surface that generates heat to warm the body, the blower fan 5 does not need to blow air while the Peltier element 2 is energized. In addition to a sirocco fan, the blower fan may be, for example, a propeller fan (axial flow), a turbo fan, or the like.

[0098] (Regarding the operation control unit 6) Next, we will explain the operation control unit 6. The operation control unit 6 is electrically connected to the Peltier element 2, the blower fan 5, and the lighting lamp 9 by electrical wiring (not shown), and has a function to operate the Peltier element 2, the blower fan 5, the power source 7, and the lighting lamp 9, and a function to control the power supply.

[0099] Specifically, the operation control unit 6 controls one surface 2a of the Peltier element 2 to switch between heat absorption and heat generation by reversing the polarity of the direct current supplied to the Peltier element 2. When the direction of the direct current supplied to the Peltier element 2 is reversed by operating the operation control unit 6, the current supplied to the Peltier element 2 flows in the other direction opposite to the one direction.

[0100] That is, when a direct current is supplied in one direction, one surface 2a of the Peltier element 2 absorbs heat, and the surface 3a of the heat transfer plate 3 becomes a cooling surface and exhibits cold heat. On the other hand, when a direct current is supplied in the opposite direction to the one direction, one surface 2a of the Peltier element 2 generates heat. As a result, the surface 3a of the heat transfer plate 3 becomes a heating surface and exhibits hot heat, and the surface 3a of the heat transfer plate 3 alternates between being a cooling surface and a heating surface.

[0101] In addition, the operation control unit 6 has the function of turning the power on / off, turning the lighting lamp 9 on / off, turning the Peltier element 2 on / off in conjunction with the blower fan 5, and switching the operation mode between turning the lighting lamp 9 on / off and turning the Peltier element 2 on / off.

[0102] The operation control unit 6 may have the function of operating the blower fan 5 in conjunction with the Peltier element 2 when the surface 3a of the heat transfer plate 3 is used as a cooling surface for absorbing heat, and on the other hand, disengaging the operation from the Peltier element 2, stopping the operation of the blower fan 5, and operating only the Peltier element 2 when the surface 3a of the heat transfer plate 3 is used as a heating surface for generating heat.

[0103] (About power supply 7) Next, the power supply 7 will be described. The power supply 7 is disposed on the mounting plate portion 12 in the internal space 10S of the housing 10. The power supply 7 supplies power to the Peltier element 2 as well as the blower fan 5 and the illumination lamp 9. The power supply 7 is a primary battery or a secondary battery, and in this embodiment is, for example, a storage battery such as a lithium-ion battery. The power supply 7 is electrically connected to the operation control unit 6 and the USB plug connection portion 8, which is a USB connector receptacle, by electrical wiring (not shown).

[0104] A USB connector plug (not shown) can be freely attached and detached to the USB plug connection section 8. When a USB connector plug (not shown) that is connected to an external power supply source is connected to the USB plug connection section 8, power is charged into the power supply 7.

[0105] (About the survey) When arranging the intake section 20 on the peripheral side section 40, the applicant conducted a study to verify the relationship between the position of the hand HD of the user HM holding the gripping section 60 and the effect on the intake air supplied from the intake section 20 to the internal space 10S.

[0106] In the investigation, from the viewpoint of maintaining appropriate heat absorption and heat generation for the Peltier element 2 during operation, the minimum required ratios were confirmed for the ratio of the total range length 2×Q of the intake section 20 to the perimeter P of the peripheral side section 40 (first ratio) and the ratio of the total range length 2×(q1+q2) of the first intake section 21 to the total range length 2×Q of the intake section 20 (second ratio) using multiple types of samples with different ratio sizes.

[0107] As will be described later, the portable body temperature regulating device 1 and each sample are configured such that the other surface of the Peltier element becomes heated when power is applied, and a heat sink is provided on the other surface of the Peltier element.

[0108] In addition, in order to shorten the air flow path from when air is drawn in through the intake section to when it is exhausted through the exhaust section and to improve the efficiency of the air flow associated with intake and exhaust, the sample, like the portable body temperature regulating device 1, is configured with the intake section located closer to the heat sink on the peripheral side.

[0109] The survey results showed that a problem would occur if both the first and second ratios were less than 30%. That is, if both the first and second ratios were less than 30%, when a user HM holds the portable body temperature regulating device 1 in their hands HD, most of the air intake portion 20 would be blocked by the hands HD, mainly the thumb TB, index finger NF, and middle finger MF.

[0110] As a result, it becomes more difficult over time for low-temperature air (outside air) to be drawn into the internal space 10S of the housing 10 from the outside, which could result in the outside air not being able to sufficiently cool the heat sink 4, which has become hot.

[0111] Therefore, the investigation revealed that the intake section 20 must be arranged over an area that occupies at least 30% of the entire circumference of the peripheral side portion 40 along the outer edge 3c of the heat transfer plate 3, and that the proportion (q1+q2) / Q of the total range length 2×(q1+q2) of the first intake section 21 to the total range length 2×Q of the intake section 20 must be at least 30%.

[0112] (Embodiment 2) Next, a portable body temperature regulation device according to a second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0113] Fig. 14 is a perspective view of the portable body temperature regulation device according to embodiment 2 as seen from the ceiling side, and a perspective view as seen from the heat transfer plate side is shown in Fig. 15. Fig. 16 is a front view of the portable body temperature regulation device shown in Fig. 14, and Fig. 17 and Fig. 18 show side views as seen from the horizontal and vertical directions, respectively.

[0114] Fig. 19 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line CC in Fig. 16, and Fig. 20 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line DD in Fig. 16. Fig. 21 is an exploded perspective view of the portable body temperature regulating device shown in Fig. 14.

[0115] In the portable body temperature regulating device 1 according to the first embodiment, the ceiling portion 50 is formed into a complex geometrically curved shape, and the air intake portion 20 is disposed on the vertical side portion 41 of the peripheral side portion 40. In contrast, in the portable body temperature regulating device 101 according to the second embodiment, the ceiling portion 50 is formed as a flat surface, and the air intake portion 20 is formed along almost the entire periphery of the peripheral side portion 40 which is erected along the outer periphery 3c of the heat transfer plate 3 which is approximately track-shaped.

[0116] In the second embodiment, the description will be centered on the parts that are different from the first embodiment, and the description of the parts that are common to the first embodiment will be simplified or omitted by using the same reference numerals.

[0117] As shown in Figures 14 to 21, the portable body temperature regulating device 101 includes a Peltier element 2, a heat transfer plate 3, a heat sink 4, a blower fan 5, an operation control unit 6 (control unit), a power source 7, a USB plug connection unit (not shown), and a housing 10.

[0118] The Peltier element 2, heat sink 4, blower fan 5, and power supply 7 are housed inside the housing 10. The operation control unit 6, USB plug connection unit, and illumination light 9 are disposed in the housing 10. The heat transfer plate 3 is disposed as the bottom of the housing 10.

[0119] 14 to 21, the housing 10 is broadly composed of a peripheral side portion 40, a ceiling portion 50, and a grip portion 60. The peripheral side portion 40 is erected along the entire periphery of the outer peripheral edge 3c on the bottom side of the housing 10 (the lower side in the vertical direction in FIG. 14) and on the heat transfer plate 3 which is formed in a generally track-shaped flat plate shape and is arranged with its surface 3a (one side) exposed to the outside.

[0120] The ceiling portion 50 is connected to the peripheral side portion 40 in a state in which the interior space 10S surrounded by the peripheral side portion 40 is closed on the side opposite to the heat transfer plate 3. As shown in FIGS. 16 to 18, the ceiling portion 50 is formed flat and has an exhaust portion 30 consisting of a plurality of exhaust ports 31 in the center.

[0121] As shown in Figures 14 and 15, the peripheral side portion 40 is formed with an intake section 20 consisting of a plurality of intake ports 23. The intake section 20 takes in outside air through the intake ports 23 into the internal space 10S surrounded by the peripheral side portion 40. In the portable body temperature regulating device 101, the total intake section area S1, which is the entire intake section 20, is approximately twice as large as the total exhaust section area S2, which is the entire exhaust section 30, in this embodiment.

[0122] 14 to 21, the intake section 20 is disposed over an area occupying 30% or more of the entire periphery of the peripheral side section 40 along the outer periphery 3c of the heat transfer plate 3. As shown in FIG.

[0123] Specifically, the intake section 20 is disposed over the entire area of ​​the peripheral side section 40, avoiding the USB plug connection section, and in this embodiment, the proportion of the total length of the intake section 20 to the perimeter P of the peripheral side section 40 is approximately 93%, and the total length of the intake section 20 is 0.93 x P.

[0124] As shown in Figures 17 and 18, this intake section 20 is composed of a first intake section 21 formed in a position within the peripheral side section 40 that avoids being adjacent to the grip section 60, and a second intake section 22 formed in a position adjacent to the grip section 60.

[0125] In the intake section 20, the first intake section 21 is disposed adjacent to the second intake section 22 on both sides of the second intake section 22 in the vertical direction L, and also extends around in the horizontal direction W.

[0126] In the portable body temperature adjustment device 101, as shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, out of the total range length 0.93×P of the intake part 20, the total range length of the second intake part 22 is K (0<K). Also, the total range length of the first intake part 21 is the difference between the total range length 0.93×P of the intake part 20 and the total range length 2×K of the second intake part 22 (0.93×P - 2×K).

[0127] The ratio (0.93×P - 2×K) / 0.93 / P of the total range length of the first intake part 21 to the total range length 0.93×P of the intake part 20 is approximately 70% in this embodiment. That is, as shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, in the portable body temperature adjustment device 101, the first intake part 21 is provided at a portion corresponding to approximately 65% of the peripheral length P of the peripheral side part 40.

[0128] On the other hand, in the intake part 20, particularly the second intake part 22 is likely to be blocked by the thumb TB, index finger NF, and middle finger MF, and it is assumed that the intake to the internal space 10S through the second intake part 22 may be hindered. However, the first intake part 21 is formed at a position avoiding adjacent to the gripping part 60 and at a portion corresponding to actually approximately 65% of the peripheral length P of the peripheral side part 40.

[0129] Thus, even if the second intake part 22 is blocked by the hand HD of the user HM by chance, the first intake part 21 is arranged at a position hardly affected by the hand HD of the user HM. Therefore, the external air can sufficiently intake through the first intake part 21 without adversely affecting the cooling of the heat sink 4 in the internal space 10S.

[0130] Next, the operations and effects of the portable body temperature adjustment devices 1 and 101 according to Embodiments 1 and 2 will be described.

[0131] The portable body temperature regulating device 1, 101 according to the first and second embodiments includes a Peltier element 2, a heat transfer plate 3, 3X which is a plate that transfers heat absorbed or generated on one surface 2a of the Peltier element 2 when energized and has a vertical width m along the vertical direction L that is equal to or larger than a horizontal width n along the horizontal direction W, a heat sink 4 formed on the other surface 2b of the Peltier element 2 opposite to the one surface 2a, a blower fan 5 which blows air, a housing 10, an intake section 20 consisting of a plurality of intake ports 23, and an exhaust section consisting of a plurality of exhaust ports 31. The housing 10 has a peripheral side portion 40 standing along the outer peripheral edge 3c around the entire periphery of the heat transfer plates 3, 3X, which are arranged on the bottom side of the housing with their surfaces 3a exposed to the outside, a ceiling portion 50 that closes the internal space 10S surrounded by the peripheral side portion 40 on the opposite side of the heat transfer plate 3, and a grip portion 60 that is gripped by the hand HD of the user HM between the peripheral side portion 40 and the ceiling portion 50, and the intake portion 20 is arranged over an area that occupies 30% or more of the entire periphery of the peripheral side portion 40 along the outer peripheral edge 3c.

[0132] Due to this feature, the portable body temperature adjustment device 1,101 can use the surface 3a of the heat transfer plate 3 either as a cooling surface that provides cold heat or as a heating surface that provides warm heat, and can adjust the temperature of a body surface part BS on a part of the user HM's body, such as the fingers, palm, or forehead, by bringing the surface 3a of the heat transfer plate 3 into contact with the body surface part BS.

[0133] That is, for example, when working in a hot and humid environment, when engaging in outdoor activities such as recreation, sports, or watching a game outdoors in the scorching sun, when walking on a street that has become a heat island in the summer, or when a person with a fever wants to cool their forehead, the user HM can simply touch the surface 3a of the heat transfer plate 3 of the portable body temperature adjustment device 1,101 they are carrying to a hot body surface part BS (fingers, palm, forehead, etc.) of the user HM, and the cold heat exerted on the surface 3a of the heat transfer plate 3 can effectively cool the body surface part BS that is in contact with the entire surface 3a.

[0134] This allows the user HM to feel comfortable due to the cold heat transferred from the heat transfer plate 3 of the portable body temperature regulating device 1,101.

[0135] Furthermore, in cases where a person continues to be active despite feeling cold in the hands, for example, when doing water work with their hands in winter, performing manual work outdoors in low temperatures while exposed to the cold wind, or walking on the street in low temperatures while carrying luggage in their hands, the user HM can simply touch the surface 3a of the heat transfer plate 3 of the portable body temperature adjustment device 1,101 they are carrying to a cold body surface part BS of the user HM (fingers, palm, etc.), and the heat provided by the surface 3a of the heat transfer plate 3 can effectively warm the body surface part BS that is in contact with the entire surface 3a.

[0136] In addition, the user HM can warm up his / her cold hands and other parts of his / her body using the heat transferred from the heat transfer plate 3 of the portable body temperature regulating device 1,101, and can also restore the normal movement of fingers that have become immobile due to numbness caused by the cold, thereby providing comfort.

[0137] In particular, when the portable body temperature regulating device 1,101 is used as a warming tool, the portable body temperature regulating device 1,101 is easy for the user HM to carry and convenient to carry, like a commercially available disposable body warmer.

[0138] Furthermore, when a user HM wants to temporarily and effectively warm or cool a body surface part BS, such as the fingers or palms of the hands, the portable body temperature regulating device 1,101 can be used freely, just like a disposable hand warmer, anywhere, at any desired time, for as long as needed, without having to be disposed of, making the portable body temperature regulating device 1,101 extremely easy to use for the user HM.

[0139] Additionally, in the portable body temperature regulating device 1,101, the intake section 20 is disposed over an area that occupies 30% or more of the entire periphery of the peripheral side section 40 along the outer periphery 3c.

[0140] Therefore, in the intake section 20, the outside air AR can be drawn into the internal space 10S of the housing 10 with a flow rate sufficient to efficiently dissipate the exhaust heat generated on the other surface 2b of the Peltier element 2 from the heat sink 4 to the outside.

[0141] As a result, the portable body temperature regulating device 1,101 is able to suppress damage to the Peltier element 2 caused by the inability to continuously dissipate the waste heat generated on the other surface 2b of the Peltier element 2, making it easier for the cold or hot heat present on one surface 2a of the Peltier element 2 to be transferred to the surface 3a of the heat transfer plate 3 in a sustained and stable manner.

[0142] Therefore, in the portable body temperature regulating device 1, 101, the cooling efficiency or heat generation efficiency on the one surface 2a and the other surface 2b of the Peltier element 2 can be prevented from decreasing over time.

[0143] Therefore, the portable body temperature adjustment device 1, 101 according to the first and second embodiments has the excellent effect that when it is desired to adjust the temperature of a specific body surface part BS, such as to heat cold hands or cool a feverish forehead, the desired body surface part BS can be temporarily and efficiently warmed or cooled while being held in the hand HD in a stable thermal state.

[0144] Furthermore, the portable body temperature regulation device 1, 101 according to embodiments 1 and 2 is characterized in that the exhaust section 30 is arranged on the ceiling section 50 of the housing 10, and the total intake section area S1 of the intake section 20 is larger than the total exhaust section area S2 (S2≦S1) of the exhaust section 30.

[0145] Due to this feature, when the exhaust heat generated on the other surface 2b of the Peltier element 2 is efficiently dissipated to the outside from the heat sink 4, as shown in Figures 11 and 12, the first air intake section 21 can intake a sufficient amount of outside air AR into the internal space 10S of the housing 10.

[0146] On the other hand, in the internal space 10S of the housing 10, the exhaust air EX that accompanies the intake of the air AR can be forcibly discharged to the outside by the blower fan 5 through the exhaust section 30. Therefore, in the exhaust section 30, even if the exhaust section total area S2 is smaller than the intake section total area S1, the exhaust air EX does not stagnate in the internal space 10S of the housing 10.

[0147] Furthermore, by making the total area S2 of the exhaust section smaller than the total area S1 of the intake section and arranging the exhaust section 30 on the ceiling section 50 of the housing 10, it is possible to prevent the exhaust section 30 from getting in the way of the hand HD holding the grip section 60 of the portable body temperature regulation device 1 when the user HM uses the portable body temperature regulation device 1.

[0148] Furthermore, in the portable body temperature regulation device 1, 101 according to embodiments 1 and 2, the intake section 20 is characterized in that it comprises a first intake section 21 formed in a position within the peripheral side portion 40 that avoids being adjacent to the grip portion 60, and a second intake section 22 formed in a position adjacent to the grip portion 60, and the proportion of the area of ​​the first intake section 21 in the entire intake section 20 is at least 30%.

[0149] Due to this feature, as shown in Figures 11 and 12, when a user HM holds the portable body temperature adjustment device 1 in their hand HD, even if the intake section 20, mainly the second intake section 22, is blocked by the fingers of the user HM's hand HD (thumb TB, index finger NF, middle finger MF), external air AR can be sufficiently inhaled through the first intake section 21.

[0150] As a result, the heat sink 4 can suppress a decrease in efficiency in heat exchange between the exhaust heat generated from the other surface 2b of the Peltier element 2 and the air AR taken in in sufficient volume from the first air intake section 21. Therefore, even if the Peltier element 2 is continuously energized, adverse effects such as heat absorption or heat generation generated on the one surface 2a of the Peltier element 2 can be suppressed.

[0151] That is, in the Peltier element 2, when one surface 2a is a cooling surface that absorbs heat and the other surface 2b is a heating surface that generates heat, the heat generated on the other surface 2b is exchanged with the air AR that is drawn in in sufficient quantity from the first intake section 21, and can be efficiently discharged to the outside.

[0152] This makes it easier for the heat transfer that occurs between the one surface 2a and the other surface 2b to continue over time, and prevents a significant decrease in the efficiency of the Peltier element 2. Therefore, the heat absorption that occurs on the one surface 2a occurs with constant cooling efficiency over time, and it is possible to prevent the Peltier element 2 from being damaged or burned out.

[0153] Similarly, when one surface 2a is a heating surface that generates heat and the other surface 2b is a cooling surface that absorbs heat, the cold generated on the other surface 2b exchanges heat with air AR that is drawn in in sufficient quantity from the first intake section 21, and can be efficiently discharged to the outside.

[0154] This makes it easier for heat transfer occurring between the one surface 2a and the other surface 2b to continue over time, and prevents a significant decrease in efficiency of the Peltier element 2. Therefore, heat generated on the one surface 2a is generated with constant heat generation efficiency over time, and damage or burnout of the Peltier element 2 can be prevented.

[0155] Furthermore, the portable body temperature regulation device 1, 101 according to embodiments 1 and 2 is characterized in that the grip portion 60 is the portion connecting the peripheral side portion 40 and the ceiling portion 50, and is formed in a shape that is recessed toward the bottom side of the housing 10.

[0156] Due to this feature, when placing the surface 3a of the heat transfer plate 3 on the body surface area BS and maintaining contact therewith, the user HM can hold the portable body temperature adjustment device 1 with the fingers (thumb TB, index finger NF, middle finger MF) of the hand HD placed on the gripping portion 60, as shown in Figures 11 and 12, thereby allowing the surface 3a of the heat transfer plate 3 to be in stable contact with the body surface area BS.

[0157] Furthermore, in the portable body temperature adjustment device 1 of embodiment 1, the peripheral side portion 40 includes a vertical side portion 41 along the vertical direction L and a horizontal side portion 42 along the horizontal direction W, and is characterized in that on at least one side of the horizontal direction W, the corner portion 43 (first corner portion 43A, second corner portion 43B) between the vertical side portion 41 and the horizontal side portion 42 is formed by a curved surface.

[0158] Due to this feature, when the surface 3a of the heat transfer plate 3 is placed on the body surface area BS and maintained in contact with it, as shown in Figures 11 and 12, the user HM can easily have the palm of the user HM wrapped around the corner portion 43 while holding the gripping portion 60 with the fingers of the hand HD (thumb TB, index finger NF, middle finger MF).

[0159] Therefore, the user HM can stably hold the portable body temperature regulating device 1 on the desired body surface part BS in a natural, relaxed manner.

[0160] Furthermore, the portable body temperature regulating device 1, 101 according to the first and second embodiments is characterized in that the power source 7 that supplies power to the Peltier element 2 is disposed in the internal space 10S of the housing 10.

[0161] Due to this feature, the power supply 7 is electrically connected to the Peltier element 2, the blower fan 5, and the lighting lamp 9 via the operation control unit 6 by electrical wiring (not shown), but this electrical wiring connecting to the power supply 7 is present in the internal space 10S of the housing 10 and is not exposed to the outside of the housing 10.

[0162] Therefore, when a user HM uses the portable body temperature regulation device 1, 101 to warm or cool a body surface area BS as shown in Figures 11 and 12, such electrical wiring will not get caught on external objects and will not get in the way of the user HM.

[0163] Therefore, the portable body temperature regulating device 1,101 is not adversely affected by electrical wiring at all, and is easy for the user HM to use when carried around, like a commercially available disposable hand warmer.

[0164] In addition, the portable body temperature regulating device 1, 101 according to the first and second embodiments has an operation control unit 6, and is characterized in that the operation control unit 6 reverses the polarity of the direct current supplied to the Peltier element 2, thereby switching between heat absorption and heat generation on one surface 2a of the Peltier element 2.

[0165] Due to this feature, the portable body temperature regulation device 1 can easily select, using the operation control unit 6, whether the surface 3a of the heat transfer plate 3 is a cooling surface that provides cold heat to cool the body, or a heating surface that provides warm heat to warm the body.

[0166] As a result, the portable body temperature regulation device 1,101 can flexibly respond to the needs of the user HM by cooling the body with cold heat that forms a cooling surface on the surface 3a of the heat transfer plate 3, or by warming the body with warm heat that forms a heating surface on the surface 3a of the heat transfer plate 3, depending on the desired body surface area BS, and can be used freely.

[0167] Furthermore, the portable body temperature regulation device 1 of embodiment 1 is characterized in that the housing 10 is formed with an attachment portion 11 to which a carrying aid 70 is attached, which assists a person in carrying the device when carrying it.

[0168] Due to this feature, when the user HM is not using the portable body temperature regulating device 1, the user HM can wear the portable body temperature regulating device 1 by using the carrying assistance means 70, for example, by hanging the portable body temperature regulating device 1 from the neck, by draping it around the wrist, by hooking it onto a trouser pocket or belt, etc.

[0169] Therefore, the user HM can store the portable body temperature regulating device 1 in an unobtrusive manner even when the portable body temperature regulating device 1 is not in use.

[0170] Furthermore, when using the portable body temperature regulating device 1, the user HM can simply disconnect the carrying auxiliary means 70 from the mounting portion 11 of the housing 10 to easily place the portable body temperature regulating device 1 on the desired body surface area BS, and can then use it by grasping the gripping portion 60 with the hand HD.

[0171] Although the present invention has been described above based on the embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments and can be appropriately modified and applied within the scope of the gist of the present invention.

[0172] For example, in the first and second embodiments, the portable body temperature regulating device is described in which the heat transfer plate is not subjected to antibacterial treatment, but the portable body temperature regulating device may be provided with a heat transfer plate that has been subjected to antibacterial treatment.

[0173] Fig. 22 is a plan view of a heat transfer plate configured in a portable body temperature regulation device according to a modified example of Embodiments 1 and 2, viewed from the front side, and Fig. 23 shows a cross-sectional view taken along the line EE in Fig. 22. As illustrated in Figs. 22 and 23, a coating layer 3d is tightly attached to and covers the front surface 3a of the heat transfer plate 3.

[0174] The coating layer 3d contains, for example, a titanium apatite-based substance and is made of an antibacterial agent that has antiviral and antibacterial virus effects that inactivate viruses and bacteria and inhibit their proliferation.

[0175] In the portable body temperature regulation device according to the modified example, even if the heat transfer plate 3X comes into direct contact with the body surface part BS of the user HM, such as the fingers, palm, or forehead, during use, the coating layer 3d allows the user HM to use the portable body temperature regulation device safely and with peace of mind in terms of safety and hygiene.

[0176] Furthermore, for example, in the first and second embodiments, the operation control unit 6 is given as a function for controlling the power supply, including the functions of turning the power supply on / off, turning the lighting lamp 9 on / off, turning the Peltier element 2 on / off in conjunction with the blower fan 5, and switching between the operation modes of turning the lighting lamp 9 on / off and turning the Peltier element 2 on / off.

[0177] However, in the portable body temperature regulation device according to the present invention, the control unit may be configured to have a timer function.

[0178] This allows the control unit to continue supplying power to the Peltier element linked to the blower fan for a certain period of time, for example, 3 to 15 minutes, to keep the operation of the Peltier element in the ON state, and then, when the time is up, automatically cut off the power supply and switch the operation of the Peltier element to the OFF state.

[0179] In this way, by providing a timer function in the control unit, it is possible to prevent unnecessary power consumption by the Peltier element due to the user of the portable body temperature regulating device of the present invention accidentally continuing to energize the Peltier element even though it is not necessary.

[0180] Furthermore, the portable body temperature regulating device of the present invention not only allows for power saving using the power source that supplies the necessary power, but also, in the case of a power source that is made up of a storage battery, allows the user to use the portable body temperature regulating device by extending the life of the electricity stored in the storage battery.

[0181] In addition, the control unit equipped with a timer function may be configured to start supplying power to the Peltier element, which is linked to the blower fan, that has been in an OFF state after a set period of time has elapsed, such as after 1 to 3 hours, and switch it to an ON state.

[0182] This means that even if the user is in a situation where it is difficult to operate the portable body temperature regulating device of the present invention because they cannot use their hands to operate it while working, they can still use the portable body temperature regulating device when they need to energize the Peltier element.

[0183] Furthermore, in embodiments 1 and 2 and the modified examples, the shape, component structure, component arrangement, and other specifications of the portable body temperature regulating device 1, 101 are not limited to the embodiments shown in Figures 1 to 23, but can be modified as appropriate.

[0184] In addition, in the portable body temperature regulation device 101 of embodiment 2, as shown in Figure 17, the gripping portion 60 is formed in a smoothly curved shape at the part connecting the peripheral side portion 40 and the ceiling portion 50, in a shape that is concave toward the heat transfer plate 3 located on the bottom side of the housing 10.

[0185] However, in the portable body temperature regulation device of the present invention, the gripping portion does not have to be partially recessed toward the heat transfer plate 3 as in embodiment 2, but may be configured as the entire portion of the connection between the peripheral side portion erected along the outer periphery of the heat transfer plate and the ceiling portion formed of a flat plane, connected to the peripheral side portion around the entire periphery of the ceiling portion at approximately right angles, with the corners chamfered.

[0186] Furthermore, in the portable body temperature adjustment device 1, 101 according to embodiments 1 and 2, the operation control unit 6 may control the temperature of the cold heat absorbed by the Peltier element and the temperature of the hot heat generated by the Peltier element by changing the power supplied to the Peltier element 2 in multiple stages, for example, three stages, using voltage control or current control, for example.

[0187] That is, in this case, the operation control unit 6 changes the temperature of the heat provided to the one surface 2a of the Peltier element 2 in three stages: a high temperature state, a medium temperature state, and a low temperature state.

[0188] The high temperature state is a state in which full power is supplied from the operation control unit 6 to the Peltier element 2, and the output of the Peltier element 2 is 100%. In this state, the heat provided to the surface 2a is the highest temperature among the three levels, and the cold heat provided to the surface 2a is the lowest temperature among the three levels.

[0189] The low temperature state is a state in which the power supply to the Peltier element 2 is reduced to, for example, about half that of the high temperature state, and the output of the Peltier element 2 is reduced to 50%. In this state, the heat provided to the surface 2a is the lowest temperature of the three stages, and the cold heat provided to the surface 2a is the highest temperature of the three stages.

[0190] The medium temperature state is between the high temperature state and the low temperature state, and is a state in which the power supply from the operation control unit 6 to the Peltier element 2 is limited to a level between the high temperature state and the low temperature state, and the output of the Peltier element 2 is about 70 to 90%, and both the hot and cold heat presented to one surface 2a are at a temperature intermediate between the high temperature state and the low temperature state. [Explanation of symbols]

[0191] 1, 101 Portable body temperature control device 2 Peltier element 2a one side 2b Other side 3,3X Heat Transfer Plate 3a Front (single side) 3c Outer edge 4 Heatsink 5. Blower fan 6 Operation control section (control section) 7 Power supply 10. Housing 10S interior space 11 Mounting part 20 Intake section 21 First intake section 22 Second intake section 23 Air intake 30 Exhaust section 31 Exhaust port 40 Peripheral side 41 Vertical side 42 Lateral side 50 Ceiling 60 Gripping part 70 Carrying aids L Vertical W Horizontal m vertical width n Width

Claims

1. A Peltier element, a heat transfer plate that transfers heat absorbed or generated on one surface of the Peltier element when current is applied, the heat transfer plate having a vertical width equal to or greater than a horizontal width; a heat sink formed on the other surface of the Peltier element opposite to the one surface; A blower fan to blow air, Housing and an intake section consisting of a plurality of intake ports; an exhaust section consisting of a plurality of exhaust ports, The housing has a peripheral side portion that stands along the outer periphery of the heat transfer plate, which is placed on the bottom side of the housing with its outer surface exposed to the outside, a ceiling portion that closes the internal space surrounded by the peripheral side portion on the opposite side of the heat transfer plate, and a grip portion that is held by a user's hand and is located between the ceiling portion where the exhaust portion is placed and the peripheral side portion, the grip portion is disposed at a portion of the entire periphery of the peripheral side portion that connects the portion along the vertical direction and the ceiling portion, and is recessed toward the bottom side of the housing in a plan view of the peripheral side portion, and is formed in a shape in which the ceiling portion is cut out in an arc shape from the outer periphery side toward the exhaust portion in a plan view of the ceiling portion; the intake section is disposed over a range occupying 30% or more of the entire periphery of the peripheral side section along the outer periphery; the air intake section is provided within the peripheral side section and comprises a first air intake section formed at a position that avoids being adjacent to the grip section in a height direction that is perpendicular to the vertical direction and the horizontal direction, and a second air intake section that is arranged at a position adjacent to the grip section in the height direction; Even if the second intake section is blocked by the user's hand during use of the portable body temperature regulating device, the outside air drawn in from the first intake section is heat-exchanged with the exhaust heat generated on the other surface of the Peltier element by the heat sink, and the air drawn in from the first intake section prevents damage or burning of the Peltier element. A portable body temperature regulation device comprising:

2. 2. The portable body temperature regulation device according to claim 1, the exhaust section is disposed in the ceiling section of the housing, The total area S1 of the intake section forming the intake section is equal to or larger than the total area S2 of the exhaust section forming the exhaust section (S2≦S1). A portable body temperature regulation device comprising:

3. 3. The portable body temperature regulating device according to claim 1 or 2, The ratio of the area of ​​the first intake section to the entire intake section is at least 30%. A portable body temperature regulation device comprising:

4. 3. The portable body temperature regulating device according to claim 1 or 2, the grip portion is a portion connecting the peripheral side portion and the ceiling portion, and is formed in a shape recessed toward the bottom side of the housing; A portable body temperature regulation device comprising:

5. 5. The portable body temperature regulating device according to claim 4, the peripheral side portion includes a vertical side portion extending along the vertical direction and a horizontal side portion extending along the horizontal direction, and on at least one side in the horizontal direction, a portion between the vertical side portion and the horizontal side portion is formed by a curved surface; A portable body temperature regulation device comprising:

6. 3. The portable body temperature regulating device according to claim 1 or 2, a power supply for supplying power to the Peltier element is disposed in the internal space of the housing; A portable body temperature regulation device comprising:

7. 3. The portable body temperature regulating device according to claim 1 or 2, a control unit is provided, and the polarity of the direct current supplied to the Peltier element is reversed by the control unit, thereby switching between heat absorption and heat generation on the one surface of the Peltier element; A portable body temperature regulation device comprising:

8. 3. The portable body temperature regulating device according to claim 1 or 2, The housing is formed with an attachment portion for attaching a carrying aid that assists a person in carrying the device when carrying it. A portable body temperature regulation device comprising:

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