Cool sensation

Abstract

To extend the time during which a solid-phase heat absorbing material exists during use of a cooling sensation body. [Solution] The cooling element 1 of the present invention is a cooling element with a multi-layer structure that is used in contact with an object to be cooled, and includes a resin layer 4, a plurality of heat absorbing materials dispersed and disposed within the resin layer 4, and a water absorbing layer 7. The resin layer 4 is disposed on the cooling element's side facing the object to be cooled. The plurality of heat absorbing materials undergo a phase change from solid to liquid in a temperature range lower than the temperature of the object to be cooled. The water absorbing layer 7 is disposed on the side farther from the object to be cooled than the resin layer 4 so as to absorb moisture from the plurality of heat absorbing materials to absorb heat. The water absorbing layer 7 has a facing portion that faces the object to be cooled without the resin layer 4 in between.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a cooling sensation body that is used by contacting an object for cooling, and a method for producing the same. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, as this type of cooling sensation body, for example, the one described in Patent Document 1 (JP Patent Publication No. 2006-161226) is known. Patent Document 1 discloses a fiber structure having fibers to which latent heat storage material is fixed. The latent heat storage material is in a solid phase at the environmental temperature in which the fiber structure is used, and changes to a liquid phase when the fiber structure comes into contact with the skin. At this time, the latent heat storage material provides a cooling sensation to the skin by removing heat from the skin as it melts. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2006-161226 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the fiber structure described in Patent Document 1, heat cannot be removed from the latent heat storage material while the fiber structure is in contact with the skin. Therefore, the latent heat storage material is warmed by the heat of the skin and melts in one direction from the solid phase to the liquid phase. Therefore, all the latent heat storage material quickly changes to the liquid phase, so the time that the solid phase latent heat storage material that can provide a cooling sensation exists is short.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned problems and to extend the time during which a solid-phase heat absorbing material exists when a cooling sensation element is in use. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to achieve the above object, the cooling sensation body according to the present invention is A cooling sensation body having a multi-layer structure that is used in contact with a cooling sensation object, A resin layer disposed on the cooling object side; A plurality of heat absorbing materials are dispersed and arranged inside the resin layer, and change from a solid phase to a liquid phase in a temperature range lower than the temperature of the cooling sensation object; a water absorbing layer disposed on a side farther from the cooling object than the resin layer so as to absorb moisture from the plurality of heat absorbing materials in a heat absorbing manner; The device is configured to include: Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the present invention, the time during which the solid-phase heat absorbing material exists can be extended while the cooling sensation element is in use. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a plan view of a cooling sensation body according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] 2 is a cross-sectional view of the cooling sensation body shown in FIG. 1 along line A1-A1. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a partially enlarged view of FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a partially enlarged view of FIG. 1, showing the arrangement of a plurality of heat absorbing materials inside a resin layer. [Diagram 5] 1. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a modified example of the cooling sensation body of FIG. [Figure 6] 1 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a method for manufacturing a cooling sensation body according to the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a step following FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing a step following FIG. 7. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing a step following FIG. 8. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a step following FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing a step following FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view showing a step following FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] A cooling sensation body according to one aspect of the present invention is A cooling sensation body having a multi-layer structure that is used in contact with a cooling sensation object, A resin layer disposed on the cooling object side; A plurality of heat absorbing materials are dispersed and arranged inside the resin layer, and change from a solid phase to a liquid phase in a temperature range lower than the temperature of the cooling sensation object; a water absorbing layer disposed on a side farther from the cooling object than the resin layer so as to absorb moisture from the plurality of heat absorbing materials in a heat absorbing manner; The device is configured to include:

[0010] According to this configuration, when the resin layer comes into contact with the cooling object, the multiple heat absorbing materials absorb heat from the cooling object as they melt, providing a cooling sensation to the cooling object. Also, the moisture absorbed in the water absorption layer absorbs heat from the water absorption layer as it evaporates, lowering the temperature of the water absorption layer. As a result, the heat of the multiple heat absorbing materials is transferred to the water absorption layer with a lower temperature, and the heat is removed from the multiple heat absorbing materials. Therefore, the solidification of the multiple heat absorbing materials is promoted during use of the cooling object, and the time during which the solid phase heat absorbing materials exist can be extended.

[0011] The resin layer may have through holes formed therein for passing moisture from the side of the resin layer facing the object of cooling to the water absorption layer.

[0012] According to this configuration, moisture can be absorbed into the water absorption layer from the side of the resin layer that is the object of cooling. For example, when the object of cooling is the skin of a human or an animal, sweat generated from the object of cooling can be absorbed into the water absorption layer through the through holes during use of the cooling body. This allows the vaporization of moisture in the water absorption layer to continue for a longer period of time, so that the heat of the multiple heat absorption materials can be removed for a longer period of time. Therefore, solidification of the multiple heat absorption materials is promoted for a longer period of time during use of the cooling body, so that the time during which the solid phase heat absorption materials exist can be further extended.

[0013] The water absorption layer may have an extension portion that extends outside the resin layer in a plan view.

[0014] According to this configuration, moisture can be absorbed into the water absorption layer from the side of the resin layer that is the object of cooling. For example, when the object of cooling is the skin of a human or animal, sweat generated from the object of cooling can be absorbed directly into the water absorption layer through the extension portion without going through the resin layer during use of the cooling body. This allows the moisture to continue to evaporate for a longer period in the water absorption layer, so that the heat of the multiple heat absorption materials can be removed for a longer period. Therefore, the solidification of the multiple heat absorption materials is promoted for a longer period during use of the cooling body, so that the time during which the solid phase heat absorption materials exist can be further extended.

[0015] The cooling body may be provided with a coating layer that is disposed closer to the cooling object than the resin layer and allows moisture to pass through to the water absorption layer.

[0016] According to this configuration, moisture can be absorbed into the water absorption layer from the side of the resin layer that is the object of cooling. For example, when the object of cooling is the skin of a human or an animal, sweat generated from the object of cooling can be absorbed into the water absorption layer through the coating layer during use of the cooling device. This allows the moisture to continue to evaporate for a longer period in the water absorption layer, so that the heat of the multiple heat absorption materials can be removed for a longer period. Therefore, solidification of the multiple heat absorption materials is promoted for a longer period during use of the cooling device, so that the time during which the solid phase heat absorption materials exist can be further extended.

[0017] In addition, since the surface of the resin layer facing the cooling sensation object is covered, the resin layer is less likely to be damaged even if the cooling sensation object is used or washed repeatedly. Therefore, the heat absorbing materials are less likely to fall off from the resin layer, so that the cooling sensation performance of the cooling sensation object can be maintained for a long period of time.

[0018] The surface of the resin layer facing the cooling object may be smoother than the surface facing the water absorption layer.

[0019] According to this configuration, when the cooling object is something that is difficult to follow the minute unevenness of the surface of the resin layer, such as the skin of a human or animal, the contact area between the resin layer and the cooling object can be increased compared to when the surface of the resin layer facing the cooling object is rougher than the surface of the water absorption layer. As a result, when the resin layer comes into contact with the cooling object, more heat can be transferred from the cooling object to the multiple heat absorption materials. Therefore, the qmax value of the cooling object can be improved.

[0020] The resin layer and the water-absorbing layer may be disposed via a fabric that constitutes at least a part of a fabric product.

[0021] According to this configuration, it is possible to realize a cooling sensation integrated into a cloth product such as clothing. Even if a through hole is formed in the resin layer, the water absorption layer is covered by the fabric, so it is unlikely to be damaged by use or washing of the cooling sensation. Therefore, the water absorption performance of the water absorption layer is unlikely to be lost, so the cooling sensation performance of the cooling sensation body can be maintained for a long period of time.

[0022] The resin layer may have a laminated structure including a plurality of laminated sections, and the plurality of heat absorbing materials may be dispersed in each of the plurality of laminated sections.

[0023] According to this configuration, uneven distribution of the plurality of heat absorbing materials in the thickness direction of the resin layer can be suppressed, and thus, there is no localized resin shortage due to uneven distribution of the plurality of heat absorbing materials, and therefore, it is possible to prevent a decrease in the robustness of the resin layer.

[0024] Furthermore, by stacking a plurality of laminated parts each having a plurality of heat absorbing materials, the amount of heat absorbing material relative to the surface area of ​​the resin layer facing the cooling object can be increased. This allows more heat to be transferred from the cooling object to the plurality of heat absorbing materials when the resin layer comes into contact with the cooling object. This improves the qmax value of the cooling object. This makes it possible to realize a cooling object with a higher qmax value while preventing a decrease in the robustness of the resin layer.

[0025] A method for producing a cooling sensation according to one aspect of the present invention includes the steps of: a preparation step of preparing a binder in which the plurality of heat absorbing materials and a resin for holding the plurality of heat absorbing materials are mixed; a first lamination step of disposing the binder on a substrate and curing the binder to form a first laminate; and a second lamination step of arranging the binder in a laminating manner on the first laminated portion and curing the binder to form a second laminated portion.

[0026] According to this manufacturing method, the binder that forms the second laminated portion is disposed after the first laminated portion is cured, so that the heat absorbing materials contained in the binder are unlikely to move to the first laminated portion. Therefore, it is possible to suppress uneven distribution of the heat absorbing materials in the thickness direction of the resin layer. As a result, there is no localized shortage of resin due to uneven distribution of the heat absorbing materials, and it is possible to prevent a decrease in the robustness of the resin layer.

[0027] In addition, in this manufacturing method, the thickness of the binder that is cured at one time is smaller than when all the binders that form the resin layer are cured at once, so the binder is cured more reliably up to the center, preventing a decrease in the robustness of the resin layer due to insufficient curing.

[0028] Furthermore, by stacking a plurality of laminated parts each having a plurality of heat absorbing materials, the amount of heat absorbing material relative to the surface area of ​​the resin layer facing the cooling object can be increased. This allows more heat to be transferred from the cooling object to the plurality of heat absorbing materials when the resin layer comes into contact with the cooling object. This improves the qmax value of the cooling object. This makes it possible to realize a cooling object with a higher qmax value while preventing a decrease in the robustness of the resin layer.

[0029] In addition, in the preparation step of the manufacturing method, no water-absorbing material capable of absorbing moisture may be added, and the binder may be prepared by mixing the multiple heat-absorbing materials and the resin for holding the multiple heat-absorbing materials.

[0030] According to this manufacturing method, since no water-absorbing material capable of absorbing moisture is added to the binder, more resin and heat-absorbing material can be added to the resin layer compared to a manufacturing method in which a water-absorbing material is added to the binder. By adding more resin to the resin layer, the robustness of the resin layer can be improved. Also, by adding more heat-absorbing material to the resin layer, the amount of heat-absorbing material relative to the surface area of ​​the resin layer facing the cooling object can be increased. This allows more heat to be transferred from the cooling object to the multiple heat-absorbing materials when the resin layer and the cooling object come into contact with each other. Therefore, the qmax value of the cooling object can be improved.

[0031] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. In addition, in the drawings, substantially the same members are denoted by the same reference numerals and descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0032] [Embodiment] A cooling sensation element according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 1 to Fig. 4. Fig. 1 is a plan view of a cooling sensation element according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the cooling sensation element of Fig. 1 taken along line A1-A1. Fig. 3 is a partially enlarged view of Fig. 2. Fig. 4 is a partially enlarged view of Fig. 1, showing the arrangement of a plurality of heat absorbing materials inside a resin layer.

[0033] The cooling sensation body 1 according to this embodiment provides a cooling sensation to a cooling sensation object. In this embodiment, the cooling sensation object is the skin of the neck of a user (human). As shown in FIG. 1, the cooling sensation body 1 is configured to function as a neck cooler that provides a cooling sensation to the skin of the neck of the user.

[0034] As shown in Fig. 2, the cooling sensation body 1 comprises an inner cloth 2 arranged on the skin side of the user, and an outer cloth 3 arranged on the side of the inner cloth 2 that is further from the skin of the user. The inner cloth 2 is an example of a "fabric" in the present invention. A resin layer 4 is arranged on the user side of the inner cloth 2. In addition, a water-absorbing layer 7 is arranged on the side of the inner cloth 2 that is further from the user so as to face the resin layer 4 with the inner cloth 2 interposed therebetween.

[0035] The cooling sensation body 1 is used by being wrapped around the neck of the user. At this time, the resin layer 4 comes into contact with the skin of the user's neck. The resin layer 4 may come into direct contact with the skin of the user's neck, or may come into indirect contact with the skin of the user's neck via another member.

[0036] 2, the inner cloth 2 is used as a base material for disposing the resin layer 4. In this embodiment, the resin layer 4 is bonded to the inner cloth 2 via a thermal adhesive.

[0037] The inner cloth 2 is preferably configured to allow moisture to pass from the resin layer 4 side of the cooling sensation body 1 to the water absorption layer 7. With the inner cloth 2 configured in this manner, for example, when the object to feel cool is the skin of a human or animal, sweat generated from the object to feel cool can be absorbed by the water absorption layer 7 during use of the cooling sensation body.

[0038] The inner cloth 2 is, for example, a woven fabric, a knitted fabric, a nonwoven fabric, etc. The inner cloth 2 is made of fibers such as cotton, linen, silk, rayon, nylon, polyester, acrylic, etc.

[0039] 2, the outer cloth 3 is joined to the inner cloth 2 and surrounds the water absorbent layer 7 together with the inner cloth 2. In this embodiment, the inner cloth 2 and the outer cloth 3 are sewn together at their outer edges.

[0040] The inner cloth 2 and the outer cloth 3 each cover the surface of the water-absorbent layer 7, thereby preventing damage to the water-absorbent layer 7 during use or washing of the cool sensation body 1. Furthermore, when the cool sensation body 1 is used by a human being, the feeling of use of the cool sensation body 1 can be improved by covering the water-absorbent layer 7 with the inner cloth 2 and the outer cloth 3, which have a better feel and appearance.

[0041] 2 and 3, the resin layer 4 has a contact side surface 4a that contacts the skin of the user and a water absorption layer side surface 4b that faces the contact side surface 4a. In this embodiment, the contact side surface 4a is formed smoother than the water absorption layer side surface 4b. This makes it possible to increase the contact area between the resin layer 4 and the skin of the user compared to when the contact side surface 4a is rougher than the water absorption layer side surface 4b.

[0042] The resin layer 4 has a plurality of heat absorbing materials 5 dispersedly disposed therein, and a resin 6 for holding the plurality of heat absorbing materials 5. The resin layer 4 has a thickness of, for example, 20 to 1000 μm.

[0043] When the resin layer 4 comes into contact with the skin of the user, each heat absorbing material 5 melts and removes heat from the skin, thereby providing a cooling sensation to the skin. For this purpose, the heat absorbing material 5 is made of a material that melts in a temperature range lower than the skin temperature of the user. For example, when the object to be cooled is human skin as in this embodiment, a material that melts in a temperature range lower than the normal human body temperature of about 36 to 37°C, for example, 35°C or lower, is selected for the heat absorbing material 5.

[0044] At the same time, it is preferable that the endothermic material 5 solidifies at a temperature equal to or higher than the temperature range of the environment where humans feel comfortable (for example, 25 to 28°C). Such an endothermic material 5 solidifies in an environment where humans feel comfortable, and changes into a solid phase. This allows the endothermic material 5 to provide a cool feeling again.

[0045] Examples of the endothermic material 5 that satisfies such a range of melting point (freezing point) include sodium sulfate decahydrate, calcium chloride hexahydrate, sodium carbonate decahydrate, paraffin, aromatic hydrocarbon, fatty acid, ester compound, etc. In this embodiment, the endothermic material 5 is normal paraffin (n-paraffin) with a melting point of 32°C.

[0046] In this embodiment, each heat absorbing material 5 is encapsulated in a spherical microcapsule 51 and held by the resin 6. The material of the microcapsules 51 may be, for example, melamine resin, urea-formalin resin, polyethylene resin, acrylic resin, or the like. The average spherical diameter of the microcapsules 51 is, for example, 20 μm.

[0047] The resin 6 is configured to continue to hold the plurality of heat absorbing materials 5 even if the cool sensation body 1 is repeatedly used and washed. For the resin 6, for example, an acrylic resin, a urethane resin, an acrylic-urethane resin, or the like is used.

[0048] 2, the resin layer 4 has through holes 42 extending from the contact side surface 4a to the water absorption layer side surface 4b. This allows the water absorption layer 7 to absorb moisture from the contact side surface 4a of the resin layer 4 through the through holes 42.

[0049] In this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, two through holes 42 are formed. Each through hole 42 has a notch shape recessed from the outer edge of the resin layer 4 in the plan view shown in Fig. 1. The number of through holes 42 and their shape in the plan view are not limited to these. For example, the number of through holes 42 may be one, or three or more. The shape of the through hole 42 in the plan view may be a circle, an ellipse, a polygon, or the like.

[0050] 3, the resin layer 4 has a laminated structure composed of a plurality of laminated parts 41. In this embodiment, the resin layer 4 has five laminated parts 41A to 41E. In this manner, by laminating a plurality of laminated parts 41, the qmax value of the cooling sensation 1 can be improved.

[0051] The qmax value is an index indicating the strength of the cool sensation felt by humans and animals when they come into contact with an object. Humans and animals feel a cool sensation when the heat of the skin is transferred to the object they are in contact with. At this time, the greater the amount of heat transferred per unit time and unit area, the stronger the cool sensation felt by humans and animals. The qmax value evaluates this amount of heat transfer, and is measured, for example, using a precision rapid thermal property measuring device (KES-F7, manufactured by Kato Tech Co., Ltd.). In the measurement using the device, the rate of heat transfer from the measuring part to the sample immediately after contacting a sample at room temperature with a measuring part that is 20°C higher than the sample is measured. The qmax value is the maximum value of this heat transfer rate. Therefore, the higher the qmax value, the greater the amount of heat transferred per unit time and unit area, and the stronger the cool sensation felt.

[0052] In order to realize a cooling sensation body 1 with a high qmax value, it is essential to increase the amount of heat absorbing material 5 relative to the area of ​​the contact side surface 4a of the resin layer 4. However, since there is a limit to the amount of heat absorbing material 5 that the resin 6 can hold, it is difficult to increase the density of the heat absorbing material 5 in the resin layer 4.

[0053] On the other hand, in this embodiment, by laminating a plurality of laminated portions 41, the amount of heat absorbing material 5 is increased without increasing the density of the heat absorbing material 5 in the resin layer 4. FIG. 4 is a plan view of a part of the resin layer 4 seen from the contact side surface 4a side, and is a diagram showing the arrangement of a plurality of heat absorbing materials 5 inside the resin layer 4. For ease of understanding, the resin layer 4 will be described as having ten pieces of heat absorbing material 5 as shown in FIG. 4. Within the range shown in FIG. 4, the first to fifth laminated portions 41A to 41E each have two pieces of heat absorbing material 5A to 5E.

[0054] For example, when the resin layer 4 has a single-layer structure having only the fifth laminated portion 41E, only two pieces of heat absorbing material 5 (heat absorbing material 5E) are arranged on the contact side surface 4a of the resin layer 4 shown in Fig. 4. Furthermore, when the heat absorbing material 5 is added to the fifth laminated portion 41E, the resin 6 cannot hold all of the heat absorbing materials 5E.

[0055] On the other hand, in this embodiment, ten pieces of heat absorbing material 5 (heat absorbing materials 5A to 5E) are distributed among five laminated parts 41A to 41E on the contact side surface 4a of the resin layer 4 shown in Fig. 4. The density of the heat absorbing material 5 in each of the laminated parts 41A to 41E is equal to that of the resin layer 4 having the single-layer structure. In this way, in the cooling sensation body 1, the amount of heat absorbing material 5 is increased relative to the area of ​​the contact side surface 4a of the resin layer 4 without increasing the density of the heat absorbing material 5 in the resin layer 4.

[0056] By providing the resin layer 4 with such a laminated structure, a cooling sensation body exhibiting a high qmax value is realized. In one example, a cooling sensation body was produced that had an inner cloth 2 made of a blended fabric containing 85% by mass of polyester and 15% by mass of polyurethane, and a resin layer 4 having a laminated structure and bonded to the inner cloth 2, and the qmax value was measured by the above-mentioned method. As a result, the cooling sensation body had a qmax value of 1.098 W / cm 2 A high qmax value was obtained.

[0057] Next, the water absorption layer 7 will be described. As shown in Fig. 2 and Fig. 3, the water absorption layer 7 is disposed on the side farther from the skin of the user than the resin layer 4 so as to absorb heat from the plurality of heat absorption materials 5 provided in the resin layer 4. The water absorption layer 7 is also configured so as to be able to absorb moisture and evaporate the moisture.

[0058] The water absorption layer 7 is, for example, a woven fabric, a knitted fabric, a nonwoven fabric, etc. The water absorption layer 7 is also made of fibers such as cotton, hemp, silk, rayon, nylon, polyester, acrylic, polyethylene, acetate, etc. The water absorption layer 7 may also contain, for example, a highly water-absorbent polymer that does not easily release water even when pressure is applied, particles having moisture absorption and release properties, etc.

[0059] 1, when the cooling sensation body 1 is viewed in plan from the resin layer 4 side, the water absorption layer 7 has an extending portion 71 that extends outward beyond the resin layer 4. The water absorption layer 7 has the extending portion 71, and thus can absorb moisture directly from the contact surface 4a of the resin layer 4 without passing through the resin layer 4.

[0060] [Modifications] Next, a modified example of the cooling sensation 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a modified example of the cooling sensation 1 of Fig. 1.

[0061] As shown in Fig. 5, the cooling sensation body 1A, which is a modified example, further includes a coating layer 8. The coating layer 8 is disposed on the contact surface 4a side of the resin layer 4, and is configured to allow moisture to pass through to the water absorption layer 7. In addition, the coating layer 8 is preferably configured to not easily inhibit the transfer of heat from the user's skin to the multiple heat absorption materials 5. With such a coating layer 8, it is possible to inhibit a decrease in the qmax value caused by the coating layer 8 preventing the transfer of heat.

[0062] The covering layer 8 may be, for example, a woven fabric, a knitted fabric, a nonwoven fabric, or the like. In addition, the fibers constituting the covering layer 8 are preferably, for example, polyethylene, nylon, polyester, or the like. By forming the covering layer 8 from these fibers, it is possible to realize a covering layer 8 having a higher qmax value than a covering layer 8 formed from other fibers. In addition, the fibers constituting the covering layer 8 may be, for example, cotton, hemp, silk, rayon, acrylic, or the like.

[0063] The coating layer 8 covers the contact side surface 4a of the resin layer 4, thereby preventing damage to the resin layer 4 due to use or washing of the cooling sensation 1. In addition, the coating layer 8 allows the water absorption layer 7 to absorb moisture from the contact side surface 4a of the resin layer 4. In addition, when the cooling sensation 1 is used by humans, the usability of the cooling sensation 1 can be improved by covering the resin layer 4 with the coating layer 8, which has a better feel and appearance.

[0064] [Action and effect of cooling body 1] The cool sensation body 1 is used, for example, immersed in water and with the water absorbed by the water absorption layer 7. When the cool sensation body 1 is wrapped around the neck of a user and the contact side surface 4a of the resin layer 4 comes into contact with the user's skin, the heat absorbing materials 5 melt and take heat from the user's skin. This provides a cool sensation to the user's skin. If heat is not removed from the heat absorbing materials 5 during use of the cool sensation body 1, the heat absorbing materials 5 melt in one direction from the solid phase to the liquid phase. As a result, all the heat absorbing materials 5 quickly change to the liquid phase. Therefore, the heat absorption associated with the melting of the heat absorbing materials 5 no longer occurs, and the user no longer feels cool.

[0065] On the other hand, the cooling sensation body 1 according to the present invention includes a water absorption layer 7 to remove heat from the plurality of heat absorption materials 5. The moisture absorbed in the water absorption layer 7 removes heat from the water absorption layer 7 as it evaporates, lowering the temperature of the water absorption layer 7. When the temperature of the water absorption layer 7 becomes lower than the temperatures of the resin layer 4 and the plurality of heat absorption materials 5, the heat of the plurality of heat absorption materials 5 is transferred to the water absorption layer 7, which has a lower temperature, via the resin layer 4. This removes heat from the plurality of heat absorption materials 5, accelerating the solidification of the plurality of heat absorption materials 5.

[0066] In this way, in each heat absorbing material 5, heating by the user's skin and heat removal by the water absorption layer 7 are repeated. As a result, in the resin layer 4, the solid-phase heat absorbing material 5 and the liquid-phase heat absorbing material 5 are mixed. This mixed state is maintained as long as the heat removal by the water absorption layer 7 continues. That is, as long as the water absorption layer 7 has moisture and the moisture continues to evaporate, the resin layer 4 is maintained in a state in which the solid-phase heat absorbing material 5 exists. Therefore, in the cool sensation body 1 having the water absorption layer 7, the time during which the solid-phase heat absorbing material 5 exists is longer than in the case without the water absorption layer 7 during use of the cool sensation body. That is, the cool sensation body 1 can provide a cool sensation for a long time.

[0067] Furthermore, when the object of cooling sensation is the skin of a human or animal, sweat generated from the skin can be absorbed in the water absorption layer 7, for example, via the through-holes 42, the extensions 71, or the covering layer 8. As a result, moisture is added to the water absorption layer 7 even during use of the cooling sensation body 1, so that the evaporation of moisture in the water absorption layer 7 can be sustained for a longer period. Therefore, the duration of the cooling sensation provided by the cooling sensation body 1 can be further extended.

[0068] In this embodiment, the cooling body 1 includes a resin layer 4 arranged on the side of the cooling object, and a plurality of heat absorbing materials 5 that are dispersed and arranged inside the resin layer 4 and change phase from solid to liquid in a temperature range lower than the temperature of the cooling object. When the resin layer 4 comes into contact with the cooling object, the plurality of heat absorbing materials 5 absorb heat from the cooling object as they melt, providing a cooling sensation to the cooling object.

[0069] Furthermore, the cooling sensation body 1 includes a water absorption layer 7 arranged on the side farther from the cooling sensation object than the resin layer 4, so as to absorb moisture from the plurality of heat absorption materials 5 in a heat absorbing manner. The moisture absorbed in the water absorption layer 7 absorbs heat from the water absorption layer 7 as it evaporates, lowering the temperature of the water absorption layer 7. As a result, the heat of the plurality of heat absorption materials 5 is transferred to the water absorption layer 7, which has a lower temperature, and the heat is removed from the plurality of heat absorption materials 5. Therefore, during the use of the cooling sensation body 1, the solidification of the plurality of heat absorption materials 5 is promoted, so that the time during which the solid phase heat absorption materials 5 exist can be extended.

[0070] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, since the resin layer 4 has the through holes 42, the water absorption layer 7 can absorb moisture from the cooling object side of the resin layer 4. For example, when the cooling object is the skin of a human or animal, the sweat generated from the cooling object can be absorbed by the water absorption layer 7 through the through holes 42 during use of the cooling body 1. This allows the moisture to continue to evaporate for a longer period in the water absorption layer 7, so that the heat of the multiple heat absorption materials 5 can be removed for a longer period. Therefore, the solidification of the multiple heat absorption materials 5 is promoted for a longer period during use of the cooling body 1, so that the time during which the solid phase heat absorption materials 5 exist can be further extended.

[0071] Further, according to this embodiment, since the water absorption layer 7 has the extension portion 71 extending outside the resin layer 4 in a plan view, the water absorption layer 7 can absorb moisture from the cooling object side of the resin layer 4. For example, when the cooling object is the skin of a human or animal, the sweat generated from the cooling object can be directly absorbed by the water absorption layer 7 through the extension portion 71 without going through the resin layer 4 during use of the cooling body 1. As a result, the evaporation of moisture in the water absorption layer 7 is sustained for a longer period of time, so that the heat of the multiple heat absorption materials 5 can be removed for a longer period of time. Therefore, the solidification of the multiple heat absorption materials 5 is promoted for a longer period of time during use of the cooling body 1, so that the time during which the solid phase heat absorption materials 5 exist can be further extended.

[0072] Further, according to this embodiment, the cooling sensation body 1 is provided with a coating layer 8 that is disposed on the cooling sensation object side of the resin layer 4 and allows moisture to pass through the water absorption layer 7. Therefore, moisture can be absorbed into the water absorption layer 7 from the cooling sensation object side of the resin layer 4. For example, when the cooling sensation object is the skin of a human or animal, sweat generated from the cooling sensation object can be absorbed into the water absorption layer 7 through the coating layer 8 during use of the cooling sensation body 1. As a result, the evaporation of moisture in the water absorption layer 7 is sustained for a longer period of time, so that the heat of the multiple heat absorption materials 5 can be removed for a longer period of time. Therefore, the solidification of the multiple heat absorption materials 5 is promoted for a longer period of time during use of the cooling sensation body 1, so that the time during which the solid phase heat absorption materials 5 exist can be further extended.

[0073] In addition, since the contact side surface 4a of the resin layer 4 is covered with the coating layer 8, the resin layer 4 is unlikely to be damaged even if the cooling sensation body 1 is repeatedly used or washed. Therefore, the multiple heat absorbing materials 5 are unlikely to fall off from the resin layer 4, so that the cooling sensation performance of the cooling sensation body 1 can be maintained for a long period of time.

[0074] Moreover, according to this embodiment, the contact side surface 4a of the resin layer 4 is smoother than the water absorption layer side surface 4b. Therefore, when the cooling sensation object is something that does not easily follow the minute unevenness of the surface of the resin layer 4, such as the skin of a human or animal, the contact area between the resin layer 4 and the cooling sensation object can be increased compared to when the contact side surface 4a of the resin layer 4 is rougher than the water absorption layer side surface 4b. As a result, when the resin layer 4 comes into contact with the cooling sensation object, more heat can be transferred from the cooling sensation object to the multiple heat absorption materials 5. Therefore, the qmax value of the cooling sensation object 1 can be improved.

[0075] Moreover, according to this embodiment, the resin layer 4 and the water absorption layer 7 are arranged via the inner cloth 2 that constitutes at least a part of the fabric product. This makes it possible to realize a cooling sensation 1 that is integrated into a fabric product such as clothing. Furthermore, when the resin layer 4 has through holes 42 formed therein, the water absorption layer 7 is covered by the inner cloth 2, so that it is less likely to be damaged by use or washing of the cooling sensation 1. Therefore, the water absorption performance of the water absorption layer 7 is less likely to be lost, so that the cooling sensation performance of the cooling sensation 1 can be maintained for a long period of time.

[0076] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the resin layer 4 has a laminated structure composed of a plurality of laminated parts 41, and a plurality of heat absorbing materials 5 are distributed in each of the plurality of laminated parts 41. Therefore, it is possible to suppress uneven distribution of the plurality of heat absorbing materials 5 in the thickness direction of the resin layer 4. As a result, there is no local shortage of resin 6 due to uneven distribution of the plurality of heat absorbing materials 5, and therefore it is possible to prevent a decrease in the robustness of the resin layer 4.

[0077] Furthermore, by stacking a plurality of laminated parts 41 each having a plurality of heat absorbing materials 5, the amount of heat absorbing materials 5 relative to the area of ​​the contact side surface 4a of the resin layer 4 can be increased. This allows more heat to be transferred from the cooling object to the plurality of heat absorbing materials 5 when the resin layer 4 comes into contact with the cooling object. This allows the qmax value of the cooling body 1 to be improved. Therefore, a cooling body with a higher qmax value can be realized while preventing a decrease in the robustness of the resin layer.

[0078] [Method for manufacturing cool sensation body] Next, an example of a method for producing a cooling sensation according to the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 6 to Fig. 12. Fig. 6 to Fig. 12 are cross-sectional views showing an example of a method for producing a cooling sensation according to the present invention.

[0079] (preparation process) First, as shown in FIG. 6, a binder 11 for forming each laminated portion 41 is prepared. The binder 11 is a mixture of a plurality of heat absorbing materials 5 and uncured resin 6. No water absorbing material capable of absorbing moisture is added to the binder 11. In this specification and claims, the term "water absorbing material" refers to a material added to the resin layer 4 with the intention of making the resin layer 4 absorb moisture. Such a water absorbing material includes, for example, a resin capable of absorbing moisture 10 times or more its own weight.

[0080] (1st lamination process) 7, a binder 11 for forming a first laminated portion 41A is placed on the substrate 12. When the resin layer 4 is formed directly on the inner cloth 2 or the water absorbent layer 7, the inner cloth 2 or the water absorbent layer 7 is used as the substrate 12. When the formed resin layer 4 is transferred to the inner cloth 2 or the water absorbent layer 7 by a method described later, a material that can be removed from the resin layer 4 after the resin 6 is cured, such as a release film, is used as the substrate 12. More specifically, for example, a PET (polyethylene terephthalate) film or the like that has been given releasability by coating with silicone is used.

[0081] The binder 11 is placed on the substrate 12 by, for example, a textile printing method, a spray method, inkjet printing, or the like. In the textile printing method, the substrate 12 is coated with the binder 11 through a screen with mesh-like openings. In the spray method, the substrate 12 is sprayed onto the binder 11 through a screen with mesh-like openings. In addition, when the substrate 12 is the inner cloth 2, for example, a padding method in which the inner cloth 2 is immersed in the binder 11, or the like, may also be adopted.

[0082] The binder 11 arranged on the base material 12 is cured to such an extent that the heat absorbing materials 5 do not move inside the binder 11. The curing is performed by a method according to the type of the resin 6 contained in the binder 11. For example, when a drying and solidifying type resin 6 is used, the binder 11 is cured by being naturally dried.

[0083] By the above first lamination step, a first laminated portion 41A is formed as shown in FIG.

[0084] (Second lamination process) 9, the binder 11 for forming the second laminated portion 41B is further arranged so as to be laminated on the first laminated portion 41A formed in the first lamination step. For example, the arrangement method may be the method exemplified as the arrangement method of the binder 11 in the first lamination step. The arrangement method may be the same as or different from the arrangement method in the first lamination step.

[0085] The binder 11 placed on the first laminated portion 41A is hardened in the same manner as in the first lamination step, thereby forming a second laminated portion 41B as shown in FIG.

[0086] Here, the second lamination step may be further repeated on the laminated portion 41 disposed on the base material 12 to form three or more laminated portions 41. For example, when the second lamination step is further repeated three times, a third laminated portion 41C, a fourth laminated portion 41D, and a fifth laminated portion 41E are formed as shown in FIG.

[0087] After all the laminated parts 41 are laminated, the laminated parts 41 are further cured. For example, when a dry-solidifying type resin 6 is used, all the laminated parts 41 are naturally dried and then heated at 120 to 130°C to be further cured. This causes the laminated parts 41 to bond together, forming a resin layer 4. When the base material 12 is the inner fabric 2 or the water absorbent layer 7, the resin layer 4 is bonded to the base material 12 as it is cured.

[0088] Alternatively, the resin layer 4 may be formed on the base material 12 such as a release film by the above-mentioned process, and then transferred to the inner fabric 2 or the water-absorbent layer 7.

[0089] When the resin layer 4 is transferred, the adhesive 13 is placed on the surface of the resin layer 4 away from the base material 12. For example, as shown in Fig. 12, in the case of a resin layer 4 composed of five laminated portions 41, the adhesive 13 is placed on a surface 41Ea of a fifth laminated portion 41E. For example, a thermal adhesive or the like is used as the adhesive 13.

[0090] Next, the resin layer 4 is adhered to the inner fabric 2 or the water absorbent layer 7 via the adhesive 13. Thereafter, the base material 12 is removed from the resin layer 4.

[0091] According to this manufacturing method, the binder 11 that forms the second laminated portion 41B is disposed after the first laminated portion 41A is cured, so that the plurality of heat absorbing materials 5 contained in the binder 11 are unlikely to move to the first laminated portion 41A. Therefore, it is possible to suppress uneven distribution of the plurality of heat absorbing materials 5 in the thickness direction of the resin layer 4. As a result, there is no local shortage of the resin 6 due to uneven distribution of the plurality of heat absorbing materials 5, so that it is possible to prevent a decrease in the robustness of the resin layer 4.

[0092] In addition, in this manufacturing method, the thickness of the binder 11 that is cured at one time is smaller than when all the binders 11 that form the resin layer 4 are cured at one time. Therefore, the binder 11 is cured more reliably up to the center, and it is possible to prevent a decrease in the robustness of the resin layer 4 due to insufficient curing.

[0093] Furthermore, by stacking a plurality of laminated parts 41 each having a plurality of heat absorbing materials 5, the amount of heat absorbing materials 5 relative to the area of ​​the contact side surface 4a of the resin layer 4 can be increased. This allows more heat to be transferred from the cooling object to the plurality of heat absorbing materials 5 when the resin layer 4 comes into contact with the cooling object. This allows the qmax value of the cooling body 1 to be improved. Therefore, a cooling body with a higher qmax value can be realized while preventing a decrease in the robustness of the resin layer.

[0094] In addition, according to this manufacturing method, since no water-absorbing material capable of absorbing moisture is added to the binder 11, more resin 6 and heat-absorbing material 5 can be added to the resin layer 4 compared to a manufacturing method in which a water-absorbing material is added to the binder 11. By adding more resin 6 to the resin layer 4, the robustness of the resin layer 4 can be improved. Also, by adding more heat-absorbing material 5 to the resin layer 4, the amount of heat-absorbing material 5 relative to the area of ​​the contact side surface 4a of the resin layer 4 can be further increased. As a result, when the resin layer 4 and the cooling object come into contact with each other, more heat can be transferred from the cooling object to the multiple heat-absorbing materials 5. Therefore, the qmax value of the cooling body 1 can be further improved.

[0095] The present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment, and can be embodied in various other aspects. For example, in the above, the resin layer 4 is disposed on the inner cloth 2, but the present invention is not limited to this. The resin layer 4 may be disposed closer to the object of cooling than the water absorption layer 7, and may be disposed so as to be in direct contact with the water absorption layer 7, for example. Also, the "fabric" in the present invention exemplified as the inner cloth 2 does not have to be provided.

[0096] Furthermore, the cooling body 1 does not necessarily have to include the outer cloth 3. For example, if the water-absorbing layer 7 has a strength sufficient to withstand use and washing of the cooling body 1, the outer cloth 3 is not necessary. From the viewpoint of more efficiently evaporating moisture in the water-absorbing layer 7, it may be advantageous not to include the outer cloth 3.

[0097] In addition, in the above, the melting point range and material of the endothermic material 5 are exemplified in the case where the object of cooling sensation is human skin, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The endothermic material 5 may be configured according to the temperature of the object of cooling sensation and the environment in which the cooling sensation body 1 is used. In addition, the multiple endothermic materials 5 may be a mixture of two or more types of endothermic materials 5 made of different materials.

[0098] In addition, in the above, an example is shown in which the cooling sensation body 1 is used after being immersed in water, but this example does not limit the use state of the cooling sensation body according to the present invention. Even if the cooling sensation body 1 is not immersed in water before use, the water absorption layer 7 can absorb sweat generated from the skin of the cooling sensation object, for example, a human or animal, and thereby achieve the above-mentioned effects.

[0099] In the above description, the adhesive 13 is disposed on the surface of the resin layer 4 away from the base material 12, but the present invention is not limited to this. The adhesive 13 may be disposed in any manner that can be used to bond the resin layer 4 to the inner fabric 2 or the water absorbent layer 7, and may be disposed, for example, in a region of the inner fabric 2 or the water absorbent layer 7 to which the resin layer 4 is bonded.

[0100] Additionally, in this specification and claims, the term "film" is not intended to limit the thickness of the member to a particular range.

[0101] Although the present invention has been fully described in connection with the preferred embodiment with reference to the accompanying drawings, various changes and modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and such changes and modifications should be understood to be included within the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims, unless they depart therefrom. [Industrial Applicability]

[0102] The cooling agent according to the present invention has a longer time during use in which the heat absorbing material remains in a solid phase, and is therefore useful, for example, for clothing to be worn by humans or animals outdoors in summer. [Explanation of symbols]

[0103] 1,1A Cool sensation body 2 Lining 3 Outer cloth 4 Resin layer 4a Contact side surface 4b Water absorption layer side surface 41 Laminated section 41A First Laminated Part 41B Second laminated portion 41C Third stack 41D Fourth layer 41E Fifth stack 41Ea surface 42 Through hole 5,5A~5E Heat absorbing material 51 Microcapsules 6. Resin 7 Water absorption layer 71 Extension 8 Covering layer 11 Binder 12 Base material 13 Adhesive

Claims

1. A cooling sensation body having a multi-layer structure that is used in contact with a cooling sensation object, A resin layer disposed on the cooling object side; A plurality of heat absorbing materials are dispersed and arranged inside the resin layer, and change from a solid phase to a liquid phase in a temperature range lower than the temperature of the cooling sensation object; a water absorbing layer that is disposed on a side farther from the cooling object than the resin layer so as to be capable of absorbing heat from the plurality of heat absorbing materials and that absorbs moisture; Equipped with The water absorption layer has a facing portion facing the cooling sensation object without the resin layer, the facing portion being located inside the outer edge portion of the resin layer in a plan view, In a plan view, the area of ​​the opposing portion of the water absorption layer is smaller than the surface area of ​​the resin layer. Cool sensation.

2. A cooling sensation body having a multi-layer structure that is used in contact with a cooling sensation object, A resin layer disposed on the cooling object side; A plurality of heat absorbing materials are dispersed and arranged inside the resin layer, and change from a solid phase to a liquid phase in a temperature range lower than the temperature of the cooling sensation object; a water absorbing layer that is disposed on a side farther from the cooling object than the resin layer so as to be capable of absorbing heat from the plurality of heat absorbing materials and that absorbs moisture; Equipped with The resin layer is provided with a slit that penetrates the resin layer in a thickness direction and has a shape recessed from the outer edge of the resin layer in a plan view, and allows moisture to pass from the cooling object side of the resin layer to the water absorption layer; In a plan view, the opening area of ​​the slit is smaller than the surface area of ​​the resin layer. Cool sensation.

3. The cooling body according to claim 2 , wherein the resin layer is provided with a plurality of slits having the same or approximately the same shape recessed from different positions of an outer edge portion of the resin layer in a plan view.

Images