Clothing temperature control device and work support suit equipped with the same.
The detachable garment temperature control device with Peltier elements, attachable to mesh or porous fabric work suits, addresses the limitations of repositioning and modification issues, offering adjustable and damage-free temperature control with efficient exhaust performance.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2024-09-03
- Publication Date
- 2026-03-13
AI Technical Summary
Existing work clothes with embedded Peltier elements are difficult to reposition, require modification of the garment, and have limited adjustability, leading to inconvenience and potential damage to the clothing.
A detachable garment temperature control device using a Peltier element that can be attached to any position on a thin mesh or porous fabric work suit without modification, featuring a first and second mounting structure that securely fit together, allowing for easy attachment and detachment, and includes a configuration for efficient heat or cold air exhaust.
The solution provides adjustable and damage-free temperature control, ensuring effective heat or cold air exhaust, enhancing comfort and usability in varying environmental conditions without damaging the work suit.
Smart Images
Figure 2026046546000001_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present invention relates to a temperature control device for clothing using a Peltier element and a work support suit with a temperature control function equipped with the temperature control device for clothing.
Background Art
[0002] In recent years, the global environment has been changing, and the summer climate has been tending to be hot and humid, increasing the burden on the bodies of workers. With the decrease in the younger generation, the age of workers engaged in work is tending to increase, further increasing the burden on workers. These various types of work, such as transportation and handling work in logistics, caregiving, and agricultural work, impose a large burden on the body. If dehydration symptoms occur and excessive exertion is continued, there is a risk of heat stroke. In the prior art, various work support suits for preventing heat stroke in summer and cold sensitivity in winter, which aim to reduce the burden on the body of workers due to the climate, are known. In recent years, work clothes equipped with a small blower have begun to spread. Also, work clothes incorporating a Peltier element have begun to spread. A small blower releases the heat trapped inside the work clothes by blowing air to the outside, but the air itself used for blowing is outside air. When the outside air is hot and humid, the cooling effect is small, and the noise generated by the small blower may be felt unpleasant by the worker. In that regard, it can be said that work clothes equipped with a Peltier element are excellent because a temperature different from the outside air can be forcibly obtained and no noise is generated.
[0003] As a conventional work clothes equipped with a Peltier element, the one disclosed in Patent Document 1 (Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-031581) shown in FIG. 10 is known. This Patent Document 1 discloses a piece of clothing in which a Peltier element is directly embedded in the fabric of the clothing and temperature control is achieved by utilizing the Peltier effect. As shown in Figure 10, the heating and cooling unit 20 is a heating and cooling unit 20 that is attached to clothing to provide cooling and heating to the wearer of the clothing, and comprises a Peltier element 23 having two ends 23a and 23b that generate heat on one end and cool on the other when an electric current is passed through it, and an insulating substrate 21, wherein the insulating substrate 21 has a surface 21a that is positioned on the wearer's body side and a surface 21b that is opposite to surface 21a, and the Peltier element 23 is supported in a state in which the temperature changes of the two ends 23a and 23b of the Peltier element 23 are separated on the surface 21a side and the surface 21b side. By embedding the Peltier element directly into the fabric of the clothing in this configuration, the user wearing the garment can experience a cooling effect.
[0004] Furthermore, a work suit equipped with a conventional Peltier element is known, as shown in Patent Document 2 (Japanese Patent Publication No. 2024-113621) in Figure 11. Patent Document 2 aims to provide a temperature control device for clothing that allows a temperature control member having a Peltier element to be easily attached to clothing. The structure disclosed includes a temperature control member 10 having a Peltier element 12 that generates or absorbs heat when an electric current flows through it, a holding member 20 that holds the temperature control member 10 having the Peltier element 12, a locking member 31 provided on the holding member 20 that holds the temperature control member 10, and a locking member 32 provided on the clothing side by processing the clothing, and the locking member 31 on the clothing temperature control device side and the locking member 32 provided on the clothing side are attached and held together.
[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2008-031581 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2024-113621 [Disclosure of the Invention] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]
[0006] According to the work clothes equipped with a Peltier element disclosed in Patent Document 1, the Peltier element is directly embedded in the fabric of the clothing, so the user can obtain a cooling effect by operating the Peltier element. However, with the work clothes disclosed in Patent Document 1, removing the Peltier element is extremely difficult, and changing its mounting position is not easy. The area where the user wants to obtain a cooling effect may change from moment to moment, so the inability to change the mounting position of the Peltier element is inconvenient and is a problem that needs to be solved.
[0007] Next, according to the work clothes equipped with a Peltier element disclosed in Patent Document 2, the Peltier element 12 is attached to a base holding member 20, and the position of the Peltier element can be moved by moving the entire holding member 20. However, even with the work clothes equipped with a Peltier element disclosed in Patent Document 2, the problem that the mounting location of the Peltier element cannot be changed remains unresolved. In the configuration of Patent Document 2, the Peltier element 12 needs to be attached to the work clothes via a base holding member 20. In other words, the configuration requires a locking member 31 on the base holding member 20 side and a lockable member 32 provided on the work clothes side, and the Peltier element is attached by locking the locking member 31 on the base holding member 20 side to the lockable member 32 provided on the work clothes side. Even in the work clothes equipped with a Peltier element disclosed in Patent Document 2, the Peltier element itself is not structured to be mounted at any position on the garment, but is limited to being attached to a locking member 32 provided on the work clothes. By changing the shape, length, and width of the base holding member 20, the relative position of the Peltier element within the garment can be changed, but it is necessary to replace the base holding member 20 with a different one each time, which is practically very inconvenient. Thus, even with the work clothes equipped with a Peltier element disclosed in Patent Document 2, it is difficult to equip the Peltier element 12 at any desired location to obtain the Peltier effect, and it should be considered that the positions in which the Peltier element can be equipped are effectively fixed.
[0008] Furthermore, the configuration described in Patent Document 2 presents the problem of requiring work clothes to be modified. Because the attachment member 32, which is attached to the work clothes, is an essential component, the work clothes themselves must be modified. Even if a worker obtains their favorite work clothes, they will need to sew on and attach the attachment member 32. After the summer months, when the need for the Peltier effect decreases, the attachment member 32 on the work clothes becomes a nuisance, and repeatedly sewing on and removing the attachment member 32 damages the work clothes themselves.
[0009] The inventors of the present invention have developed a temperature control device for clothing and a work support suit equipped with the same, taking the following points into consideration. (1) The attachment position of the Peltier element to the work clothes is adjustable, allowing it to be attached to any desired position. (2) Do not damage the user's work clothes themselves. (3) The structure shall ensure that hot exhaust air is released when the Peltier element is being cooled, or cold exhaust air is released when it is being heated. The present invention aims to provide a "clothing temperature control device" and a "work support suit with temperature control function" that allow the Peltier element to be attached to work clothes at any position, can be easily attached to and detached from the user's work clothes as an external attachment, and ensures the exhaust of the Peltier element. [Means for solving the problem]
[0010] To solve the above problems, the present invention has the following configuration. The components described below can be adopted in any combination as much as possible. Furthermore, it should be understood that the aspects or technical features of the present invention are not limited to those described below, but are recognized based on the inventive concept described in the entire specification and drawings, or as can be grasped by those skilled in the art from such descriptions.
[0011] The present invention relates to a garment temperature control device in which all or part of the material of a worker's work support suit is a thin mesh fabric or a thin porous fabric with good ventilation, and the garment temperature control device can be attached externally to any position on the work support suit without any processing for attachment to the work support suit, and comprises a temperature control main body that supports a Peltier element body that generates or absorbs heat by electric current so that it is exposed on the surface side, and a second mounting structure that detachably fits or screws into the first mounting structure with at least a part of the work support suit in between, and is attached by applying the temperature control main body from the inside of the work support suit and applying the second mounting structure from the outside of the work support suit, and fitting or screwing the first mounting structure and the second mounting structure of the temperature control main body into each other so as to sandwich at least a part of the work support suit. Furthermore, a work support suit with temperature control functionality is a work support suit equipped with a garment temperature control device, and made entirely or partially of a thin mesh or porous fabric that ensures breathability.
[0012] With the above configuration, the garment temperature control device has a structure in which the first mounting structure and the second mounting structure are detachably fitted or screwed together with at least a part of the work support suit equipped with a Peltier element in between, and it is assumed that the work support suit is made of a thin mesh fabric or porous fabric, so it can be attached to any position on the work support suit. In the summer, for outdoor work, wearing a work support suit made of a thin mesh fabric or porous fabric over a T-shirt or polo shirt and being equipped with the garment temperature control device of the present invention will be comfortable. Furthermore, no support members are attached to the work support suit, and in that sense, the work support suit itself is not damaged. In addition, the heat generated during cooling or the cold air generated during heating on the back surface of the Peltier element can be released to the outside of the work support suit through the first mounting structure - the mesh fabric or porous fabric of the work support suit - the second mounting structure.
[0013] Next, in the garment temperature control device having the above configuration, it is preferable that the material of both or either the fitting structure or screw structure of the first mounting structure and the fitting structure or screw structure of the second mounting structure is made of a flexible material. With the above configuration, a suitable margin can be secured between the fitting or screwing structure of the first mounting structure and the fitting or screwing structure of the second mounting structure, and this margin allows the mesh fabric or porous fabric to be attached while being sandwiched between them.
[0014] Furthermore, in the garment temperature control device with the above configuration, it is preferable that, as a structure to improve exhaust performance, the back structure of the first mounting structure has a structure in which a number of holes or openings are provided on the back side of the area where the Peltier element is attached, and the structure of the second mounting structure has an opening or hole in the area opposite to the area where the holes or openings are provided on the back structure of the first mounting structure. The above configuration ensures the performance of thermal exhaust during cooling or cold exhaust during heating.
[0015] Specific structural examples for improving exhaust performance include a first mounting structure having an overall shape of a disc or plate with numerous small holes and a circumferential flange erected on its back side, and a second mounting structure having an overall shape of a ring, in which the outer edge of the first mounting structure or the outer edge of the circumferential flange fits or screws into the inner edge of the second mounting structure. The number, shape, diameter of the small holes, and their position on the cover are not particularly limited. Thus, the mounting structures of the first and second mounting structures themselves do not obstruct exhaust, the first mounting structure has numerous small holes to prevent obstruction of exhaust, and the second mounting structure has a large opening in the center of the ring to prevent obstruction of exhaust, resulting in an example of a structure that improves exhaust performance.
[0016] In order to further improve the exhaust performance, it is also preferable to adopt a configuration in which a Peltier element body and a small blower such as a small fan or a small fan device provided on the back side of the Peltier element body are housed in the space generated by the attachment of the first attachment structure and the second attachment structure. With the above configuration, the warm exhaust gas generated during cooling or the cold exhaust gas generated during heating on the back of the Peltier element body can be forcibly discharged to the outside through the small holes of the first attachment structure by the small blower.
[0017] Since the Peltier element is an electrical product and is accompanied by a heat generation phenomenon and a heat absorption phenomenon, the power consumption is also large. Therefore, since the operation time is short only with the built-in battery of the temperature adjustment main body, it is preferable to adopt an external power supply unit. Therefore, it is preferable to adopt a structure including an external power supply unit including a current control circuit and a built-in battery, and a cable connecting the external power supply unit and the temperature adjustment main body, and to externally supply power from the external power supply unit to the temperature adjustment main body. In addition, since the outside air temperature can vary depending on time and day, it is also preferable to provide a gain / loss changeover switch in the external power supply unit for increasing or decreasing the amount of current flowing through the Peltier element with respect to the current control circuit. Also, in the case of a configuration including a small blower, power is also supplied to the small blower from the external power supply unit. In this case as well, a configuration that enables on / off and adjustment of the blowing amount by the gain / loss changeover switch is preferable.
[0018] In the use of the work support suit with a temperature adjustment function according to the present invention, as an arbitrary position for externally attaching the clothing temperature adjustment device, for example, an arbitrary edge at the neck of the work support suit, an arbitrary position on the back body of the back of the work support suit, an arbitrary position on the front body of the abdomen of the work support suit, an arbitrary position under the armpit of the work support suit, etc. can be assumed. Furthermore, in the work support suit with a temperature adjustment function, it is also preferable to provide a pocket capable of storing a cold storage agent or a heat preservation agent.
Advantages of the Invention
[0019] The present invention provides a garment temperature control device in which a first mounting structure and a second mounting structure are detachably fitted or screwed together with at least a part of a work support suit equipped with a Peltier element in between, and is based on the premise that the work support suit is made of a thin mesh fabric or porous fabric. Therefore, it can be attached to any position on the work support suit, and no support members are attached to the work support suit, thus not damaging the work support suit itself. Furthermore, the heat generated during cooling or the cold air generated during heating on the back surface of the Peltier element can be released to the outside of the work support suit via the first mounting structure - the mesh fabric or porous fabric of the work support suit - the second mounting structure. Furthermore, with the work support suit with temperature control function of the present invention, the garment temperature control device of the present invention can be attached to any edge of the neck of the work support suit, any part of the back of the work support suit, any part of the front of the abdomen of the work support suit, or any part of the armpit of the work support suit, thereby reducing the burden on the worker's body caused by hot and humid environments such as outdoor work, even in summer. [Brief explanation of the drawing]
[0020] [Figure 1] This figure shows a front view, rear view, right side view, and cross-sectional view along line AA of the garment temperature control device 100 according to Example 1. [Figure 2] This figure shows a front view, rear view, right side view, and cross-sectional view along line BB of the first mounting structure 110 of the temperature control main unit 101 according to Example 1. [Figure 3] This figure shows a front view, rear view, right side view, and cross-sectional view along the CC line of the second mounting structure 120 of the temperature control main unit 101 according to Example 1. [Figure 4] This figure shows a front view, rear view, right side view, and DD line cross-sectional view of the Peltier element body 130 of the temperature control main unit 101 according to Example 1. [Figure 5] This diagram shows how a clothing temperature control device 100 is attached to a work support suit 200 with a temperature control function. [Figure 6]This is a diagram (part 1) showing an example of attaching a clothing temperature control device 100 to a work support suit 200 with a temperature control function. [Figure 7] This is Figure (2) showing an example of attaching the clothing temperature control device 100 to a work support suit 200 with a temperature control function. [Figure 8] This is Figure (3) showing an example of attaching the clothing temperature control device 100 to a work support suit 200 with a temperature control function. [Figure 9] This diagram simply illustrates an optional configuration in which a small blower 118 is incorporated into a recess 113 of the first mounting structure 110 to exhaust air by forced mechanical airflow. [Figure 10] This is a simplified diagram showing a work suit equipped with a conventional Peltier element as described in Patent Document 1 (Japanese Patent Publication No. 2008-031581). [Figure 11] This is a simplified diagram showing a work suit equipped with a conventional Peltier element as described in Patent Document 2 (Japanese Patent Publication No. 2024-113621). [Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention]
[0021] The following describes embodiments of the clothing temperature control device and work support suit with temperature control function of the present invention with reference to the drawings. However, it goes without saying that the scope of the present invention is not limited to those shown in the following embodiments. [Example 1]
[0022] First, the garment temperature control device 100 according to Example 1 will be described. Figures 1 to 4 are diagrams that briefly show an example configuration of the clothing temperature control device 100 according to Example 1. Figure 1 shows (a) a front view, (b) a rear view, (c) a right side view, and (d) a longitudinal section of the clothing temperature control device 100 along line AA. Figure 2 shows (a) a front view, (b) a rear view, (c) a right side view, and (d) a vertical cross-sectional view along line BB, with the first mounting structure 110 of the temperature control main unit 101 removed. Figure 3 shows (a) a front view, (b) a rear view, (c) a right side view, and (d) a longitudinal section along the CC line of the second mounting structure 120. Figure 4 shows (a) a front view, (b) a rear view, (c) a right side view, and (d) a vertical cross-sectional view along the DD line, with the Peltier element 130 removed from the temperature control main unit 101. Figure 4(e) is a simplified diagram showing the configuration of the external power supply unit 150.
[0023] As shown in Figure 1, the garment temperature control device 100 according to Embodiment 1 is formed by attaching a second mounting structure 120 to a first mounting structure 110 of the temperature control main body 101. When equipping the temperature control device to the work support suit 200, at least a portion of the mesh fabric or porous fabric 220 of the work support suit 200 is sandwiched between the first mounting structure 110 and the second mounting structure 120 of the temperature control main body 101. As shown in Figure 1, the Peltier element 130 is housed inside the first mounting structure 110 of the temperature control main body 101 of the clothing temperature control device 100, and is attached by the second mounting structure 120. The attachment method may include fitting or screwing. Also, although only a very simplified illustration shows, in this embodiment, power is supplied from an external power supply unit 150 (not shown), so a cable 140 (only partially shown) is connected. As shown in the front view of the temperature control main unit 101 in Figure 1(a), the surface 131 of the Peltier element 130 is exposed in the center of the front side of the housing 111 of the first mounting structure 110 of the temperature control main unit 101, and a Peltier effect of heat absorption or heat generation occurs on this surface 131. In principle, the opposite thermal effect, i.e., a Peltier effect of heat generation or heat absorption, occurs on its back surface 132.
[0024] As shown in Figure 2, the housing 111 of the first mounting structure 110 has an overall disc shape, with a flange 112 and a recess 113 within the flange 112 provided in the center, where the Peltier element 130 is housed. In other words, when the clothing temperature control device 100 is brought into contact with the user from the front, the Peltier element 130 is exposed, and the Peltier effect allows for cooling in the summer and warming in the winter towards the user. As shown in Figure 2(b), the rear view, a flange 114 and a cover 115 on the top surface of the flange 114 are provided in the central part of the rear side of the housing 111 of the first mounting structure 110. The Peltier element 130 is housed inside the flange 114, and its back surface 132 is visible. The cover 115 on the top surface has a number of small holes 116 in the center, and the back surface 132 of the Peltier element 130 housed inside the flange 114 is electrically connected to the outside air through the number of small holes 116. The number, shape, diameter, and position of the small holes 116 on the cover are not particularly limited. Furthermore, a mounting structure 117 is provided on the outer circumference of the flange 114 of the housing 111 of the first mounting structure 110. This mounting structure 117 can be attached to a mounting structure 123 located on the inner circumference of the ring-shaped housing 121 of the second mounting structure 120. This point will be described later.
[0025] As shown in Figure 3, the housing 121 of the second mounting structure 120 has a ring shape, with a large opening 122 in the center. A mounting structure 123 is provided on the inner circumference of the housing 121. This mounting structure 123 is designed to be mutually attachable to the mounting structure 117 on the outer circumference of the flange 114 of the housing 111 of the first mounting structure 110.
[0026] Examples of mounting structures include interlocking or screw-type structures. A mating structure is a structure where the shapes of the protruding and concave parts correspond to each other, and the parts are attached by the convex part fitting into the concave part. For example, a typical example is a structure in which a claw is provided on part of the convex part, and a groove is provided on part of the concave part for the claw to fit into, and the claw fits into the groove. Another typical example is a structure in which a pestle-shaped convex part fits snugly into a mortar-shaped concave part. Furthermore, the mounting structure 117 of the first mounting structure 110 may be a concave structure and the corresponding mounting structure 123 of the second mounting structure 120 may be a convex structure, or the mounting structure 117 of the first mounting structure 110 may be a convex structure and the corresponding mounting structure 123 of the second mounting structure 120 may be a concave structure. A screw-type structure is a screw-type structure whose shapes correspond to each other, and is attached by screwing a male screw-type structure into a female screw-type structure. In this example, however, the mounting structure 117 of the first mounting structure 110 may be a female screw-type structure and the corresponding mounting structure 123 of the second mounting structure 120 may be a male screw-type structure, or the mounting structure 117 of the first mounting structure 110 may be a male screw-type structure and the corresponding mounting structure 123 of the second mounting structure 120 may be a female screw-type structure. In addition, since at least a part of the mesh fabric or porous fabric 220 of the temperature-controlled work support suit 200 is sandwiched between the two, it is often sufficient to rotate the screws slightly to ensure a secure attachment.
[0027] Here, it is assumed that both or either of the fitting or screw structure of the mounting structure 117 of the first mounting structure 110 and the fitting or screw structure of the mounting structure 123 of the second mounting structure 120 are made of a material with appropriate flexibility. For example, this could be a flexible resin material, silicone material, etc., but is not particularly limited. In the example of the interlocking structure described above, if a part of the convex structure has claws made of a flexible material, and the claws are soft and their angle of uprightness changes when they fit into the groove of the concave structure, it becomes easier for them to fit into the groove, and a margin is more easily secured between the two. In the example of the screw structure described above, if the male screw structure is made of a flexible material and the groove of the female screw structure is also made of a flexible material, the screwing will be less tight, and a margin will be more easily secured between the two.
[0028] Thus, if the fitting structure or screw structure of the mounting structure 117 of the first mounting structure 110 and the fitting structure or screw structure of the mounting structure 123 of the second mounting structure 120 are made of a flexible material, it becomes easier to secure a margin when attaching them together, making it easier to attach at least a portion of the mesh fabric or porous fabric 220 of the temperature-controlled work support suit 200 between them, and reducing damage to the mesh fabric or porous fabric.
[0029] As shown in Figure 4, the Peltier element 130 is depicted as roughly cylindrical in this example. Detailed illustrations of the internal electrical connections are omitted. The Peltier element 130 obtains the Peltier effect, which involves both heat absorption and heat generation, when subjected to electric current. In this example, the surface 131 faces the user, and it is assumed that heat absorption occurs on this surface 131, resulting in a cooling effect.
[0030] Next, we will discuss the external power supply unit 150. The Peltier element 130 obtains the Peltier effect, which involves both heating and heat absorption, in response to electric current, and therefore consumes a large amount of electricity. The built-in battery of the temperature control unit 110 alone would result in a short operating time, and frequent replacement or charging would not be practical, so it is preferable to use an external power supply unit. Therefore, in this embodiment 1, as shown in Figure 4(e), an external power supply unit 150 is used.
[0031] The external power supply unit 150 includes a current control circuit 151, a built-in battery 152, and an increase / decrease switch 153, and is equipped with a cable 140 that connects the external power supply unit 150 to the temperature control main unit 101. The temperature control main unit 101 is powered externally from the external power supply unit 150 via this cable 140. Since the outside temperature can vary depending on the time of day and the day, it is also preferable to provide an increase / decrease switch 153 on a portion of the cable 140 of the external power supply unit 150 to increase or decrease the amount of current flowing to the Peltier element body 130. The increase / decrease switch 153 enables switching control of the current to the current control circuit 151 to increase or decrease the amount of current, allowing the user to adjust the degree of cooling. Although not shown in the diagram, in order to ensure the portability of the external power supply unit 150, the work support suit 210 of the temperature-controlled work support suit 200 can be configured to have an external power supply unit storage pocket 240. The external power supply unit storage pocket 240 may be provided on the surface side or the inner side of the work support suit 210.
[0032] Figure 5 shows how the garment temperature control device 100 is attached to the temperature-controlled work support suit 200. In Figure 5, the attachment is shown from the side, and the temperature-controlled work support suit 200 is a thin mesh fabric or porous fabric viewed from the side. As shown in Figure 5, the garment temperature control device 100 is installed by placing the temperature control main unit 101 against the inside of the work support suit at any position on the work support suit that the worker wishes to attach it to, and placing the second mounting structure 120 against the outside of the work support suit, and fitting or screwing the first mounting structure 110 and the second mounting structure 120 of the temperature control main unit 101 together so as to sandwich at least a part of the work support suit 210. For example, if the attachment is to any edge of the neck of the work support suit 210, it will be attached by being sandwiched between the first attachment structure 110 and a part of the second attachment structure 120, but if it is to the center of the back, it will be sandwiched between the entire first attachment structure 110 and the second attachment structure 120.
[0033] Figures 6 to 8 show an example in which a clothing temperature control device 100 is attached to a work support suit 210 to create a work support suit 200 with a temperature control function. Figure 6 shows an example of a work support suit 200 with a temperature control function, in which the garment temperature control device 100 is attached to the back of the collar at the neck of the work support suit 210. Figure 7 shows an example of a work support suit 200 with a temperature control function, in which the garment temperature control device 100 is attached to the work support suit 210, slightly above the center of the back. Figure 8 shows an example of a work support suit 200 with a temperature control function, in which a clothing temperature control device 100 is attached near the armpit of the work support suit 210.
[0034] In all of the mounting examples shown in Figures 6 to 8, the work support suit 210 is attached externally to any position on the suit without any modifications being made to the suit for attachment. In the examples shown in Figures 6 to 8, the work support suit 210 is a vest-like work garment, but its shape can vary. Furthermore, workers may wear other clothing, such as a T-shirt or polo shirt, underneath the work support suit 210.
[0035] The work support suit 210 for workers is made entirely or partially of a thin mesh fabric or porous fabric 220 that ensures breathability. The fineness of the weave of the fabric is not limited, but it is preferable that breathability is ensured. Regarding the mesh fabric, for example, a coarse mesh fabric (10 mesh to 50 mesh) in which the openings of the weave are visible to the human eye is acceptable. Alternatively, a mesh with a fineness similar to that of a T-shirt (80 mesh to 120 mesh) is also acceptable. In the case of porous fabric, it is acceptable to have many small-diameter holes similar to those of the mesh fabric. Furthermore, the work support suit 210 of the temperature-controlled work support suit 200 shown in Figures 6 to 8 is an example in which a left and right opening zipper 230 is provided on the front. By fastening the zipper 230, the suit can be fitted snugly to the worker's body, and by loosening the zipper 230, the degree of contact with the worker's body can be reduced, allowing for a more relaxed fit.
[0036] Here, we will describe the excellent exhaust performance of the temperature-controlled work support suit 200 according to the present invention. The exhaust performance referred to here means that the hot air generated during cooling or the cold air generated during heating on the back surface 132 of the Peltier element body 130 can be released to the outside of the work support suit 210 via the first mounting structure 110, the mesh fabric 220 of the work support suit 210, and the second mounting structure 120. The lid 115 on the top surface of the first mounting structure 110 has numerous small holes 116 in the center, and the back surface 132 of the Peltier element 130 is in contact with the outside air through these numerous small holes 116. In addition, the mesh fabric 220 of the work support suit 210 has sufficient ventilation for exhaust, and the second mounting structure 120 has a large opening 122. As a result, the structure is designed to easily discharge the hot air generated during cooling or the cold air generated during heating from the back surface 132 of the Peltier element body 130 to the outside. In Figures 6(c), 7(c), and 8(b), arrows indicate how the hot or cold air generated by the Peltier element body 130 of the garment temperature control device 100 of the work support suit 200 with temperature control function according to the present invention is released to the outside. In the temperature-controlled work support suit 200 of the present invention, the exhaust gas may be released naturally to the outside, and does not necessarily have to be released by forced mechanical airflow.
[0037] Additionally, an optional configuration is available that uses forced mechanical airflow for exhaust. Figure 9 is a simplified diagram illustrating an optional configuration in which a small blower 118 is incorporated into a recess 113 of the first mounting structure 110 to exhaust air by forced mechanical airflow. Figure 9 is shown as a vertical cross-sectional view for simplicity, and the small blower 118 is not shown in cross-section. The small blower 118 may be a small electric fan or a small fan device. Electrical circuits and other components are omitted from the illustration. The power supply may be the built-in battery 152 of the external power supply unit 150. As shown in Figure 9, the depth of the recess 113 in the first mounting structure 110 of the temperature control main body 101 is made slightly larger than the thickness of the Peltier element body 130, and a small blower 118 that enables mechanical airflow is attached between the bottom surface of the recess 113 and the back surface of the Peltier element body 130. The direction of airflow from this small blower 118 is outward, that is, in the direction of exhaust to the outside through the numerous small holes 116 provided in the lid 115, that is, in the direction of exhaust to the outside away from the user.
[0038] Thus, if the garment temperature control device 100 according to the present invention is configured to incorporate a small blower 118 that mechanically exhausts air outward (i.e., towards the back), the mechanical airflow in the temperature-controlled work support suit 200 will allow the heat generated by the Peltier element body 130 during cooling or the cold air generated during warming to be forcibly and efficiently discharged to the outside of the work support suit 210 through the Peltier element body 130 of the temperature control main unit 101 - small blower 118 - mesh fabric 220 of the work support suit 210 - small holes 116 of the second mounting structure 120. Furthermore, if the internal battery 152 of the external power supply unit 150 is used as the power source for the small blower 118, the power consumption will increase accordingly, shortening the battery life of the internal battery 152. Therefore, it is preferable to provide an on / off switch for the small blower 118 on the increase / decrease switch 153. As a further optional configuration, the work support suit 210 may be equipped with a pocket 250 for storing a cooling or warming pack, enabling temperature regulation using the cooling or warming pack.
[0039] While preferred embodiments of the work support suit with temperature control function of the present invention have been illustrated and described above, it will be understood that various modifications are possible without departing from the technical scope of the present invention. [Industrial applicability]
[0040] The clothing temperature control device of the present invention and the work support suit equipped therewith with temperature control can be widely applied as a wearable work support suit with temperature control that can assist with various tasks in factories, cargo handling in logistics, nursing care, agricultural work, and more. [Explanation of symbols]
[0041] 100 Temperature control device for clothes 101 Temperature adjustment main unit 110 First mounting structure 111 cabinets 112 Flange 113 Indentation 114 Flange 115 Lid 116 Small hole 117 Mounting structure 118 Small blower 120 Second mounting structure 121 cabinets 122 Aperture 123 Mounting structure 130 Peltier elements 131 Surface 132 Back side 140 Cable 150 External Power Supply Unit 151 Current control circuit 152 Built-in Battery 153 Increase / Decrease Switch 200 Temperature-Controlled Work Support Suit 210 Work Support Suit 220 Mesh Fabric
Claims
1. A garment temperature control device is provided which all or part of the material of the worker's work support suit is a thin mesh fabric or a thin porous fabric with good ventilation, and which can be attached externally to the work support suit at any position on the work support suit without any processing required for attachment to the suit, A Peltier element body that generates or absorbs heat due to electric current is supported so as to be exposed on the front side, and the temperature control body part including the first mounting structure is on the back side, The work support suit is further provided with a second mounting structure that is detachably fitted or screwed into the first mounting structure, with at least a portion of the suit in between. A garment temperature control device characterized by attaching the temperature control main body to any position on the work support suit that the worker wishes to attach it to, from the inside of the work support suit, and attaching the second mounting structure to the outside of the work support suit, and fitting or screwing the first mounting structure and the second mounting structure of the temperature control main body together so as to sandwich at least a part of the work support suit.
2. The garment temperature control device according to claim 1, characterized in that both or either of the fitting structure or screw structure of the first mounting structure and the fitting structure or screw structure of the second mounting structure are made of a flexible material, and the fitting or screwing is performed while sandwiching at least a portion of the mesh fabric or the porous fabric.
3. In the back structure of the first mounting structure, the back side of the area where the Peltier element body is attached is provided with a number of holes or openings. In the structure of the second mounting structure, an opening or hole is provided at a location on the back surface of the first mounting structure opposite to the location where the hole or opening is provided. The garment temperature control device according to claim 2, characterized in that it has a structure that ensures the exhaust of warm air during cooling or cool air during heating.
4. The garment temperature control device according to claim 3, characterized in that the overall shape of the first mounting structure is a disc shape with a large number of small holes or a plate shape with a large number of small holes and a circumferential flange erected on its back side, the overall shape of the second mounting structure is a ring shape, and the outer peripheral edge of the first mounting structure or the outer peripheral edge of the circumferential flange and the inner peripheral edge of the second mounting structure are fitted or screwed together.
5. The garment temperature control device according to claim 4, characterized in that the Peltier element body and a small blower provided on the back side of the Peltier element body are housed in the space created by the mounting of the first mounting structure and the second mounting structure, and the hot exhaust during cooling or the cold exhaust during heating generated on the back side of the Peltier element body are discharged to the outside through the small holes of the first mounting structure by the small blower.
6. The garment temperature control device according to claim 5, comprising an external power supply unit including a current control circuit and a battery for controlling current, and a cable connecting the external power supply unit and the temperature control main unit, wherein the temperature control main unit is supplied with external power from the external power supply unit.
7. The garment temperature control device according to claim 6, characterized in that the external power supply unit is provided with an increase / decrease switch for increasing or decreasing the amount of current to the current control circuit.
8. A work support suit with a temperature control function, equipped with a garment temperature control device according to any one of claims 1 to 7.
9. The temperature-controlled work support suit according to claim 8, characterized in that the hot air generated on the back surface of the Peltier element during cooling or the cold air generated during heating is released to the outside of the work support suit via the first mounting structure and the mesh fabric or porous fabric of the work support suit and the second mounting structure.
10. The work support suit with temperature control function according to claim 8, wherein the arbitrary position of the work support suit to be attached externally is any of the following: any edge of the neck of the work support suit, any part of the back of the work support suit, any part of the front of the abdomen of the work support suit, or any part under the armpit of the work support suit.
11. The work support suit with temperature control function according to claim 8, characterized in that the work support suit is provided with a pocket capable of storing a cooling pack or a warming pack.