Garment fan control device

Abstract

To provide a garment with a fan that enables switching of an air blowing mode without an operation error.SOLUTION: A garment fan control device includes: an operation unit 2 consisting of one switch for detecting ON and OFF associated with pressing with a finger; a control unit connected to the operation unit 2 via an internal connection cable; and a battery unit connected to the control unit and supplying electric power to the control unit and an air blower. When a pressing duration ta exceeds a first pressing set time T1, a wearer can perceive a change in wind strength due to an intermediate maximum fan mode M2. Upon recognizing a change to a wind strength different from that in a normal mode M, the wearer moves their finger pressing on the operation unit 2 away from the operation unit 2 to change to the maximum fan mode M3. That is to say, depending on whether the wearer perceives the intermediate maximum fan mode M2, the wearer can select one-stage switching control from the normal mode M1 to an air blowing mode M, and switching control of the maximum fan mode M3.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a clothing fan control device that is attached to fan-equipped clothing that draws outside air into the clothing using a fan. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a fan-equipped garment that can temporarily switch the fan speed to a maximum airflow mode in which outside air is drawn in at the highest speed when the worker feels particularly hot.

[0003] The operating part of the fan-equipped clothing in Patent Document 1 includes a wind power switching switch that can switch between strong, medium, and weak airflow modes, and a separate switch for maximum airflow mode. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-144700 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The operating parts of fan-equipped clothing are located in hidden places inside the clothing or in places that cannot be seen directly, and the wearer must operate the operating switches of the operating parts in such places by feel, which can lead to the problem of operating the operating switches by mistake, resulting in unexpected behavior.

[0006] In particular, in the maximum fan speed mode, the fan rotation noise is loud and creates noise in the surrounding area. Therefore, depending on the work environment, it may not be possible to select the maximum fan speed mode.

[0007] In such a working environment, the operating switch may be operated by mistake, causing the maximum airflow mode to be activated unintentionally, and furthermore, it may take time to stop the airflow mode.

[0008] The object of the present invention is to solve the above problem by providing a clothing fan control device that allows the wearer to switch the airflow mode without making any mistakes, even when the wearer cannot see the operating unit. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The clothing fan control device according to the present invention, which is intended to achieve the above object, is a clothing fan control device connected to a clothing-attachable air blower, and comprises an operation unit that detects on / off by pressing with a finger and can operate the airflow of the air blower, and a control unit that is connected to the operation unit and the air blower and controls the airflow of the air blower based on operation from the operation unit, the control unit storing a first pressing setting time and capable of measuring a pressing measurement time that is the total time that the operation unit is pressed, and includes a normal mode consisting of a plurality of air blowing modes with gradually different strengths of airflow, and a second mode that is stronger than the normal mode. The blower can be selectively controlled to one of an intermediate maximum blowing mode and a maximum blowing mode, in which the wind power increases sequentially, and after starting to supply power to the blower, the control unit controls the blower to change the blowing mode from the normal mode by one step if a pressing measurement time less than the first pressing setting time is measured, controls the blower to change to the intermediate maximum blowing mode if the pressing of the operating unit continues for more than the first pressing setting time, and controls the blower to change to the maximum blowing mode if a pressing measurement time equal to or greater than the first pressing setting time is measured.

[0010] The clothing fan control device according to the present invention, which is intended to achieve the above object, is a clothing fan control device connected to a clothing-attachable air blower, and comprises an operation unit that detects on / off when pressed by a finger and can operate the airflow of the air blower, and a control unit that is connected to the operation unit and the air blower and controls the airflow of the air blower based on operation from the operation unit, the control unit storing a first pressing setting time and capable of measuring a pressing measurement time that is the total time that the operation unit is pressed, and has a normal mode consisting of a plurality of air blowing modes with gradually different airflow strengths, and a front and a maximum airflow mode having a stronger wind force than the normal mode. After starting to supply power to the blower, the control unit controls the blower to change the normal mode airflow mode by one step if a pressure measurement time less than the first pressure setting time is measured, to change the normal mode airflow mode by a step other than the one step if pressure on the operating unit continues for at least the first pressure setting time, and to change to the maximum airflow mode if a pressure measurement time equal to or greater than the first pressure setting time is measured. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] The clothing fan control device of the present invention has a single operating switch, which prevents the wearer from accidentally switching between different modes, and also contributes to the miniaturization and cost reduction of the device. Furthermore, even when the wearer cannot see the operating unit, they can sense the changes caused by the increase in wind power and fan noise, allowing them to switch between different fan modes without making a mistake. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of the fan-equipped garment of the embodiment as seen from the back. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a clothing fan control device. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a block circuit diagram of a blower and clothing fan control device. [Figure 4]FIG. 10 is a flowchart of an operation for starting power supply to a blower. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a flowchart of the operation for switching the blowing mode of the blower. [Figure 6] 10A and 10B are explanatory diagrams of the operation of switching the air blowing mode in the normal mode. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of the relationship between the strength of the wind force and the pressing time in the air blowing mode. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between the elapsed time and the wind power after switching to the maximum airflow mode. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] The present invention will be described in detail based on the illustrated embodiment. Figure 1 is an explanatory diagram of a fan-equipped garment W viewed from the back, Figure 2 is an oblique view of a clothing fan control device 1 attached to the fan-equipped garment W, and Figure 3 is a block circuit diagram of the blower S and the clothing fan control device 1.

[0014] The jacket W2 has a zipper W1 for opening and closing on the front, and is equipped with a blower S consisting of multiple fan units F, for example, two, fixed to mounting holes (not shown) on the back, and a clothing fan control device 1 stored in an inner pocket of the jacket W2 or the like and connected to the blower S via a connection cable C.

[0015] A disk-shaped fan unit F consisting of blades F1 inside the housing is arranged symmetrically with respect to the jacket W2 as a blower S. Power is supplied to the motor that rotates the blades F1 from the clothing fan control device 1 via a connection cable C, and by rotating the blades F1, outside air is drawn into the jacket W2.

[0016] When the zipper W1 is closed, an air current K is generated by the outside air in the direction of the arrow inside the jacket W2, and the outside air drawn into the jacket W2 is expelled to the outside through gaps at the neck and wrists.

[0017] In this way, the temperature inside the jacket W2 is maintained at a reduced level by driving the motor of the fan section F. Note that the fan section F can be an axial fan that operates on direct current, or any other suitable type of fan such as a centrifugal fan.

[0018] The housing of the fan unit F consists of a main body and a fixed frame, and is fixed by clamping the periphery of the mounting hole in the jacket W2. In the event of a malfunction of the fan unit F, the fixed frame can be separated from the main body, making it easy to remove the fan unit F from the jacket W2.

[0019] One end of the connection cable C, which is wired for each fan unit F, is provided with a connection terminal C1 that connects to the terminal connector of the clothing fan control device 1. The other end of the connection cable C is shown connected to each fan unit F, but may be detachable in the same way as the terminal connector and connection terminal C1.

[0020] The housing 1a of the clothing fan control device 1 shown in Fig. 2 is composed of a box-shaped base 1b with an open top and a top cover 1c that covers and seals the base 1b from above. On the outer circumferential side of the housing 1a are arranged an operation unit 2 consisting of switches for operating the fan unit F, a remaining battery level indicator 1d adjacent to the operation unit 2, and a terminal connection unit 1e into which the connection terminal C1 of the connection cable C can be inserted. Also arranged within the housing 1a are a control unit 3 and a battery unit 4.

[0021] As shown in the block circuit diagram of Figure 3, the clothing fan control device 1 includes an operation unit 2 consisting of a switch that detects on / off when pressed with a finger, a battery remaining capacity display unit 1d, and a control unit 3 that connects to the terminal connection unit 1e, and a battery unit 4 that connects one electrode to the control unit 3 and the other electrode to the terminal connection unit 1e and supplies power to the control unit 3 and the blower S.

[0022] The control unit 3 is connected to the operation unit 2 and the battery remaining capacity display unit 1d via an internal connection wire 1f, and the control unit 3 and the terminal connection unit 1e, the control unit 3 and the battery unit 4, and the battery unit 4 and the terminal connection unit 1e are connected via electric wires 1g.

[0023] The control unit 3 is equipped with a variable power supply circuit, which converts a predetermined voltage input from the battery unit 4 into a set voltage according to the operation of the operating unit 2 and outputs the converted voltage via the terminal connection unit 1e.

[0024] Furthermore, the remaining battery capacity display section 1d is configured so that a plurality of LED elements light up according to the remaining capacity of the battery section 4, but this remaining capacity display section 2e does not necessarily have to be provided.

[0025] For example, a plurality of lithium-ion batteries having a nominal voltage of 3.7 V and a rated capacity of 1.88 Ah are connected together to form the battery unit 4. By using a rechargeable battery as the battery unit 4, the battery unit 4 can be charged by connecting it to the terminal connector 1e or a charging connector (not shown) from an external commercial power source (not shown) via an AC / DC converter. When charging via the terminal connector 1e, the power supply circuit of the control unit 3 uses a bidirectional power supply circuit.

[0026] Also, instead of a rechargeable battery, a disposable dry cell battery can be used as the battery unit 4, and the dry cell battery can be replaced by removing the top cover 1c from the base 1b.

[0027] 4 is a flowchart showing the process of operating the operation unit 2 to start the power supply from the clothes fan control device 1 to the blower S. The control unit 3 is constantly supplied with power from the battery unit 4 so that it can process input from the operation unit 2, and applies a predetermined voltage to the fan unit F to switch the blower S from a stopped state to an operating state.

[0028] 4, when the operation of the control unit 3 starts, the control unit 3 detects in step ST11 whether the operation unit 2 is pressed, i.e., whether or not an ON signal is present. If the operation unit 2 is not pressed, step ST11 is repeated, and if it is pressed, the process proceeds to step ST12.

[0029] In step ST12, measurement of the pressing duration ta of the ON signal is started, and the process proceeds to step ST13, where it is determined whether or not the pressing of the operation unit 2, i.e., whether or not the ON signal is continuing. If the pressing from the operation unit 2, i.e., the ON signal, is continuing, the process proceeds to step ST14, and if the pressing state of the operation unit 2 is turned OFF in step ST13, i.e., if the ON signal is discontinued, the pressing duration ta is reset and the process returns to step ST11.

[0030] In step ST14, it is determined whether the pressure duration ta is equal to or greater than the first pressure setting time T1, for example, 1 second. If the pressure duration ta is less than the first pressure setting time T1, the pressure duration ta is reset and the process returns to step ST13, and steps ST11 to ST13 are repeated.

[0031] In step ST14, when the pressure duration time ta becomes equal to or longer than the first pressure setting time T1, the process proceeds to step ST15. In step ST15, a predetermined voltage is applied from the battery unit 4 to the fan unit F, and air blowing from the blower S begins.

[0032] The rotation speed of the fan unit F varies depending on the voltage applied from the clothes fan control device 1. When power supply from the clothes fan control device 1 starts in step ST15, a voltage corresponding to the weak airflow mode M11 of the normal mode M1 is applied as the standard voltage, and the fan unit F rotates.

[0033] 5 is a flowchart of the control unit 3 in response to the operation of switching the air blowing mode M by the operation unit 2 after the start of air blowing by the above-mentioned air blower S. B shown in FIG. 4 and B shown in FIG. 5 are continuous.

[0034] In step ST21, it is detected whether or not the operation unit 2 is being pressed, i.e., whether or not an ON signal is being sent. If the operation unit 2 is not being pressed, the detection in step ST21 is repeated, and the weak airflow mode M11 with the standard voltage at the start of airflow of the blower S is maintained, and airflow continues.

[0035] If the operation unit 2 is pressed in step ST21, the process proceeds to step ST22, where measurement of the pressing duration time ta is started, and the process proceeds to step ST23.

[0036] In step ST23, it is determined whether or not the pressing of the operation unit 2, i.e., whether or not the ON signal is continuing. If the pressing of the operation unit 2, i.e., whether or not the ON signal is continuing, the process proceeds to step ST24, where it is determined whether or not the pressing duration time ta is less than the first pressing set time T1.

[0037] If the pressure duration ta is less than the first pressure setting time T1, the process returns to step ST23, but if it is equal to or greater than the first pressure setting time T1, the process proceeds to step ST25. In step ST25, the operating state of the normal mode M1 is changed to the intermediate maximum airflow mode M2, and a voltage corresponding to the intermediate maximum airflow mode M2, which is higher than the applied voltage of the normal mode M1, is applied to the fan unit F.

[0038] The process proceeds to step ST26, where it is determined whether the pressure duration ta is equal to or greater than a second pressure setting time T2, which is longer than the first pressure setting time T1. If the pressure duration ta is equal to or greater than the second pressure setting time T2, for example, 3 seconds, the process proceeds to step ST27, where the power supply from the battery unit 4 to the blower S is cut off and the fan unit F is stopped. The subsequent step A is continuous with A: Start shown in FIG.

[0039] In this way, if the pressing duration time ta is less than the second pressing set time T2, the process returns to step ST23, and the processes of steps ST24 to ST26 are repeated while the operating unit 2 continues to be pressed.

[0040] In step ST23, if the pressure on the operation unit 2 is released, that is, if the ON signal is discontinued, the process proceeds to step ST28. By detecting the pressure on the operation unit 2 in step ST21 and detecting the non-pressing of the operation unit 2 in step ST23, the pressure measurement time tb, which is the total time from when the output of the operation unit 2 becomes an ON signal until it becomes an OFF signal, is measured.

[0041] In step ST28, the control unit 3 determines whether the measured pressure measurement time tb is shorter than the first pressure setting time T1, for example, shorter than one second. If the pressure measurement time tb is shorter than the first pressure setting time T1, the control unit 3 proceeds to step ST29 and changes the air blowing mode M from the normal mode M1 by one stage.

[0042] Fig. 6 is an explanatory diagram of the switching operation of the fan mode M in the normal mode M1, and Fig. 7 is an explanatory diagram of the relationship between the strength of the wind power and the set time T in the fan mode M. Note that the strength of the wind power is proportional to the rotation speed of the fan unit F, and as the wind power increases, the air volume also increases.

[0043] In the case where the normal mode M1 has three stages, for example, weak airflow mode M11, medium airflow mode M12, and strong airflow mode M13, and the wind power is set to increase stepwise, the change by one stage in step ST29 will be as shown in Fig. 6. Then, the control unit 3 performs control to switch from the strong airflow mode M13, which is the strongest airflow mode M of the normal mode M1, to the weakest weak airflow mode M11 when changing by one stage.

[0044] Similarly, when the airflow power is set to be gradually weakened, the control unit 3 controls the mode to be switched from the weak airflow mode M11 to the strong airflow mode M13 by one step. Alternatively, the normal mode M1 may be switched in stages in accordance with the operation of the operation unit 2 in the order of weak airflow mode M11, medium airflow mode M12, strong airflow mode M13, medium airflow mode M12, and weak airflow mode M11.

[0045] In step ST28, if the pressure measurement time tb is equal to or longer than the first pressure setting time T1, the process proceeds to step ST30, where control is performed to change to the maximum airflow mode M3.

[0046] The control unit 3 is configured with a normal mode M1, which is composed of multiple airflow modes M with gradually varying wind strengths as described above, and an intermediate maximum airflow mode M2 ​​and a maximum airflow mode M3, which have wind strengths that are stronger than any of the wind strengths in the normal mode M1 and increase in order of strength, as shown in Figure 7.

[0047] 7 is an explanatory diagram showing the stepwise wind force when the pressure measurement time tb is equal to or longer than the second pressure setting time T2 when the airflow mode M is in the weak airflow mode M11. For example, the first pressure setting time T1 is 1 second, the second pressure setting time T2 is 3 seconds, and the pressure measurement time tb is 2 seconds.

[0048] When the pressure duration ta exceeds the first pressure setting time T1, which is 1 second, the mode is changed from normal mode M1 to intermediate maximum airflow mode M2 ​​based on the processing of step ST25, and when the pressure measurement time tb is measured to be 2 seconds, the mode is changed from intermediate maximum airflow mode M2 ​​to maximum airflow mode M3.

[0049] Furthermore, when the pressure duration time ta reaches 3 seconds, the airflow mode M is changed to the intermediate maximum airflow mode M2 ​​when the pressure duration time ta exceeds 1 second, and the air blower S stops after the second pressure setting time T2 of 3 seconds has elapsed without measuring the pressure measurement time tb.

[0050] After the air blowing mode M is changed by the processing of steps ST29 and ST30, the pressing duration time ta is reset in step ST31, and the process returns to step ST21.

[0051] In this way, when the wearer presses the operation unit 2 and the pressing duration ta exceeds the first pressing set time T1, the mode switches to intermediate maximum airflow mode M2, allowing the wearer to feel a change in airflow strength. If the wearer notices that the airflow strength has changed to a different level from normal mode M1, they can change to maximum airflow mode M3 by removing their pressing finger from the operation unit 2. In other words, depending on whether or not they feel the intermediate maximum airflow mode M2, it is possible to select between one-step switching control of the airflow mode M in normal mode M1 and switching control to maximum airflow mode M3.

[0052] Furthermore, if the user senses that the intermediate maximum airflow mode M2 ​​has been selected due to a mistaken press on the operation unit 2, the fan S can be stopped without switching to the maximum airflow mode M3 by continuing to press the operation unit 2.

[0053] Therefore, even in a work environment where the maximum airflow mode cannot be selected as described above, switching to the maximum airflow mode M3 due to an operation error on the operation unit 2 can be avoided.

[0054] 8 is an explanatory diagram of the elapsed time and wind power after switching to maximum airflow mode M3 in step ST30. As shown in FIG. 8, the control unit 3 starts measuring time from the start time to of maximum airflow mode M3 when switching to maximum airflow mode M3, and maintains maximum airflow mode M3 until the elapsed time from the measured start time to exceeds the set time T3.

[0055] After the set time T3 has elapsed, the wind power is reduced so that the relationship between the elapsed time and the wind power is linear as shown in the figure, until the wind power reaches that of normal mode M1, for example, medium airflow mode M12.

[0056] The reason for performing this processing is that the maximum airflow mode M3 consumes a lot of power, so the set time T3 is set to, for example, 3 minutes, and the fan unit F rotates at maximum airflow power only during that time to quickly lower the temperature inside the clothing, and then the airflow power is gradually reduced over the subsequent set time T4, so that the air blower S operates in the normal mode M1, which consumes less power, without the wearer being aware of it.

[0057] In addition, as another embodiment of the clothing fan control device 1, the airflow in the intermediate maximum airflow mode M2 ​​may be omitted, and instead of changing to the intermediate maximum airflow mode M2 ​​in step ST25 in Figure 5, a step control different from the one-step change in step ST29 may be performed.

[0058] As described above, when switching to maximum airflow mode M3, it is sufficient for the wearer to be able to physically sense the change in airflow power and airflow noise, so stepwise control is performed to change the airflow power in, for example, two steps.

[0059] Alternatively, if the wind power is set to be gradually increased or decreased, stepwise control is performed, such as changing to a blowing mode M that is one step weaker, or changing to a blowing mode M that is one step stronger.

[0060] Furthermore, the first pressing setting time T1 used in step ST14 of Figure 4 when starting power supply to the blower S and the first pressing setting time T1 used in step ST24 of Figure 5 when switching to the intermediate maximum blowing mode M2 ​​are described as the same setting time T, but they may also be different setting times.

[0061] In this way, according to the clothing fan control device 1 of the present invention, by using only one operating unit 2, the wearer will not make a mistake in selecting the switch, and the device can be made smaller and less expensive.

[0062] Even in a situation where the wearer cannot see the operation unit 2, the wearer can sense the change in the air force and the air blowing sound by bodily sensation, and can switch to the desired air blowing mode M without making a mistake. [Explanation of symbols]

[0063] 1 Clothing fan control device 1a Housing 1d Remaining battery indicator 1e Terminal connection 1f Internal connection cable 2 Control section 3. Control Unit 4 Battery section C Connection cable F Fan Club F1 Blade K Airflow S Blower W Fan-equipped clothing

Claims

1. A clothing fan control device connected to a clothing-attachable air blower, an operation unit that includes a switch that detects whether the switch is turned on or off when pressed by a finger and that can operate the airflow of the blower; a control unit connected to the operation unit and the blower, and configured to control the wind power of the blower based on an operation from the operation unit; the control unit stores a first pressing setting time and is capable of measuring a pressing measurement time, which is a total time during which the operation unit is pressed; The blower can be selectively controlled to select one of a normal mode consisting of a plurality of blowing modes with gradually varying wind power strengths, an intermediate maximum blowing mode and a maximum blowing mode, which are stronger than the normal mode and have wind powers that become stronger in sequence, After starting the supply of power to the blower, the control unit controls the blowing mode of the normal mode to be changed by one step when the pressure measurement time is shorter than the first pressure setting time. When the pressing of the operation unit continues for the first pressing setting time or more, control to change to the intermediate maximum airflow mode is performed. A clothing fan control device characterized in that, when a pressure measurement time equal to or longer than the first pressure setting time is measured, the control unit controls the blower to change to the maximum airflow mode.

2. A clothing fan control device connected to a clothing-attachable air blower, an operation unit that includes a switch that detects whether the switch is turned on or off when pressed by a finger and that can operate the airflow of the blower; a control unit connected to the operation unit and the blower, and configured to control the wind power of the blower based on an operation from the operation unit; the control unit stores a first pressing setting time and is capable of measuring a pressing measurement time, which is a total time during which the operation unit is pressed; The blower can be selectively controlled to select one of a normal mode consisting of a plurality of blowing modes with different levels of wind power, and a maximum blowing mode with a wind power stronger than that of the normal mode, After starting the supply of power to the blower, the control unit controls the blowing mode of the normal mode to be changed by one step when the pressure measurement time is shorter than the first pressure setting time. When the pressing of the operation unit continues for the first pressing setting time or more, a control to change the step to a step different from the first step is performed. A clothing fan control device characterized in that, when a pressure measurement time equal to or longer than the first pressure setting time is measured, the control unit controls the blower to change to the maximum airflow mode.

3. The clothing fan control device described in claim 2, characterized in that the control of changing the blowing mode to a level different from one level is a control of changing the blowing mode by two levels, or, if the setting is such that the wind power gradually becomes stronger, or if the setting is such that the wind power gradually becomes weaker, changing to a blowing mode that is one level weaker, or changing to a blowing mode that is one level stronger.

4. the control unit stores a second pressing set time that is longer than the first pressing set time, A clothing fan control device described in any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that after starting to supply power to the blower, the control unit cuts off the power supply to the blower if the operating unit continues to be pressed for longer than the second pressing setting time.

5. A clothing fan control device as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the control unit starts supplying power to the blower if the operating unit continues to be pressed for a predetermined time before starting to supply power to the blower.

6. A clothing fan control device as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the gradual change operation of the normal mode of the operating unit switches from the strongest airflow mode to the weakest airflow mode in the normal mode when the wind power is set to increase gradually.

7. A clothing fan control device as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that when the airflow mode is changed to the maximum airflow mode, the control unit maintains the maximum airflow mode for a predetermined time, and after the predetermined time has elapsed, controls the airflow to be reduced so that the relationship between the elapsed time and the airflow force becomes linear until the airflow force reaches the normal mode airflow force.

Images