air conditioning unit

Abstract

To provide an air conditioning unit capable of efficiently cooling or heating a user's body over a wider range as compared with a conventional one without increasing unit weight or enlarging a unit size.SOLUTION: An air conditioning unit 1 comprises a Peltier element 4, a heat exchange plate 23 for cooling or heating a user's body by conduction of heat of the Peltier element 4, a heat sink 10 which is arranged to be joined to the Peltier element 4 on the opposite side of the heat exchange plate 23, and a fan 9 for blowing air toward the heat sink 10 to radiate heat of the heat sink 10. An opening 13 for sending a wind generated by the fan toward the heat exchange plate 23 is disposed at a peripheral edge of the heat sink 10. The wind sent through the opening 13 is cooled or heated by the heat exchange plate 23, and is discharged to the outside from a ventilation port 231 disposed in the heat exchange plate 23 or a ventilation port 26 disposed around the exchange plate 23.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to air conditioning units for cooling or heating a user's body. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, air conditioning units for cooling or heating the user's body have been proposed, for example, as disclosed in Patent Documents 1 and 2. These conventional air conditioning units are all configured to cool or heat the user's body using a Peltier element.

[0003] For example, the conventional technology of Patent Document 1 attaches a Peltier element to a partition plate that separates the inside and outside of the clothing, and provides fans on both the inside and outside of the clothing to increase the heat exchange efficiency of the Peltier element.

[0004] Furthermore, the conventional technology of Patent Document 2 is configured to place a metal heat exchange plate that is larger than the Peltier element inside the clothing, and to conduct heat from the Peltier element to the heat exchange plate, thereby cooling or heating a wide area of the user's body. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-97799 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2021-113371 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] However, in the conventional technology of Patent Document 1, two fans are installed in the air conditioning unit, which increases the weight of the unit itself and also increases the size of the unit, resulting in a problem of poor usability when attached to clothing.

[0007] On the other hand, the prior art of Patent Document 2 does not have a fan installed inside the clothing, improving the user experience. However, with the prior art of Patent Document 2, while the part of the clothing that comes into contact with the heat exchange plate installed inside the clothing can enjoy the cooling or heating effect of the Peltier element, the part that does not come into contact with the heat exchange plate cannot enjoy the cooling or heating effect. Therefore, for example, when the air conditioning unit is attached to the back of the clothing, the prior art of Patent Document 2 has the problem that it can only cool or heat a part of the user's back, and cannot cool or heat the entire back of the user.

[0008] Therefore, the present invention aims to provide an air conditioning unit and clothing equipped with the same that can efficiently cool or heat the user's body over a wider area than conventional units without increasing the unit weight or size. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] To achieve the above object, first, the present invention provides an air conditioning unit (1) for cooling or heating a user's body, comprising: a Peltier element (4); a heat exchange plate (23) having an area larger than that of the Peltier element (4), arranged to be directly or indirectly joined to one surface of the Peltier element (4), and cooling or heating the user's body by heat conduction from the Peltier element (4); a heat sink (10) arranged to be joined to the other surface of the Peltier element (23) on the opposite side of the heat exchange plate (23); and a fan (9) arranged opposite to the heat sink (10), blowing air toward the heat sink (10) and dissipating heat from the heat sink (10). a fan cover (3) that covers the heat sink (10) and the fan (9); The heat sink (10) has an opening (13) at its periphery for blowing air generated by the fan (9) toward the heat exchange plate (23), and the air blown through the opening (13) is cooled or heated by the heat exchange plate (23), and is blown through an air outlet (231) provided in the heat exchange plate (23) or heatThe air is discharged from the air outlet (26) provided around the exchange plate (23). The fan cover (3) has a bottom (31) provided with an intake section (34) for introducing outside air, and the intake section (34) has an intake port in which a bottom opening (34a) and a side opening (34b) are integrally formed by arranging a plurality of guide plates (32) radially at predetermined angular intervals and opening a space between a pair of adjacent guide plates (32, 32), and the guide plates (32) protrude outward from the peripheral wall (30) of the fan cover (3). The configuration is characterized by the above. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] According to the present invention, it is possible to efficiently cool or heat the user's body over a wider area than before, without increasing the weight or size of the air conditioning unit. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the air conditioning unit. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the air conditioning unit with the fan cover removed from the unit body. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing each component of the unit body. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of the air conditioning unit. [Figure 5] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing examples of attachment of auxiliary members for attaching the air conditioning unit to the user's body. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of an air conditioning unit attached to a user's body. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the air conditioning unit attached to the user's body. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which a jacket is worn on the outside of the air conditioning unit. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a control mechanism of the air conditioning unit. [Figure 10] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating an example of a configuration in which a protruding portion is provided on a guide plate of a fan cover. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that common members in the embodiments described below are designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant description thereof will be omitted.

[0016] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of an air conditioning unit 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention, with (a) and (b) showing the air conditioning unit 1 viewed from different directions. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the air conditioning unit 1 with the unit body 2 and fan cover 3 removed. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the components of the unit body 2 disassembled. The air conditioning unit 1 of this embodiment shown in these drawings is a device that performs heat exchange using a Peltier element 4 to cool or heat the body (e.g., the back) of the wearer. This air conditioning unit 1 includes a unit body 2 and a fan cover 3. The fan cover 3 is detachable from the front side of the unit body 2. This air conditioning unit 1 is worn on the user's body with the heat exchange plate 23 provided on the back side of the unit body 2 facing the user's body. As shown in FIG. 3, a Peltier element 4 is provided inside the unit body 2. The air conditioning unit 1 cools or heats the heat exchange plate 23 by passing an electric current through the Peltier element 4, thereby cooling or heating the user's body.

[0017] As shown in FIG. 3 , the unit body 2 is configured to include a fan 9, a heat sink 10, a Peltier element 4, a support member 5, a metal plate 6, a first holding member 21, a second holding member 22, and a heat exchange plate 23. The first holding member 21 is disposed on the rear side of the unit body 2, and the second holding member 22 is disposed on the front side of the unit body 2. The first holding member 21 and the second holding member 22 are paired members that form a housing for the unit body 2 by engaging their peripheral portions with each other while accommodating the Peltier element 4, the support member 5, and the metal plate 6 inside. The first holding member 21 and the second holding member 22 hold the Peltier element 4, the support member 5, the metal plate 6, the heat exchange plate 23, the heat sink 10, and the fan 9 in an integrally assembled state. The unit body 2 has the heat sink 10 and fan 9 assembled to the front side of the second holding member 22, and holds the heat sink 10 and fan 9 protruding from the front side of the housing of the unit body 2 formed by the first holding member 21 and the second holding member 22.

[0018] The first holding member 21 holds a heat exchange plate 23 on its back surface side. The heat exchange plate 23 is made of a thin metal plate, and its upper part has a semi-cylindrical shape. A hole 232 for inserting a screw 233 is formed in the center of the heat exchange plate 23. The heat exchange plate 23 also has air outlets 231 of a predetermined size formed in multiple locations around the hole 232 for inserting the screw 233. In this embodiment, an example is shown in which the air outlets 231 are formed in a total of three locations: two above the hole 232 and one below the hole 232. However, the number of air outlets 231 is not limited to three, and may be two, or four or more.

[0019] The first holding member 21 is configured as a resin holding frame 25 capable of holding the outer periphery of the heat exchange plate 23. The outer periphery of the heat exchange plate 23 is fitted into the holding frame 25 to hold the heat exchange plate 23. The first holding member 21 also has a holding frame 251 in the center of the holding frame 25 that holds a rectangular metal plate 6. The holding frame 251 has a rectangular opening 252 in its center for fitting the metal plate 6. The metal plate 6 is fitted into the opening 252 so as to be bonded to the front surface of the heat exchange plate 23 fitted into the holding frame 25. That is, the first holding member 21 holds the heat exchange plate 23 and the metal plate 6 in a bonded state. Then, screws 233 are inserted into the holes 232 from the back side of the heat exchange plate 23 and screwed into the back side of the metal plate 6, thereby fixing the heat exchange plate 23 and the metal plate 6 in a bonded state.

[0020] Moreover, first holding member 21 has engagement pieces 25a formed on the periphery of holding frame 25 and protruding toward the front side. These engagement pieces 25a are provided at multiple locations on the periphery of holding frame 25. Furthermore, first holding member 21 has recesses 26a formed on the periphery of holding frame 25 in portions facing second holding member 22. These recesses 26a are provided at multiple locations on the periphery of holding frame 25.

[0021] The second holding member 22 is disposed on the front side of the first holding member 21, and its peripheral edge can be joined to the peripheral edge of the first holding member 21. The second holding member 22 includes a plate member 27 that joins to the first holding member 21. A mounting seat 28 for mounting the heat sink 10 is formed in the center of the plate member 27. For example, the mounting seat 28 is formed as a ring-shaped base with the central portion of the plate member 27 protruding toward the front side. The outer diameter of the mounting seat 28 is preferably larger than the outer diameter of the heat sink 10. A circular hole 281 with a diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the heat sink 10 is formed in the center of the mounting seat 28. The rear side of the heat sink 10 and the front side of the Peltier element 4 can be joined to each other through the hole 281. In addition, four notches 282 are provided around the circular hole 281 at positions corresponding to the positions of the openings 13 formed in the four peripheral edges of the heat sink 10. For example, the notches 282 are formed around the hole 281 at equal angular intervals of 45 degrees.

[0022] The second holding member 22 also has engagement protrusions 24 that protrude toward the front side around the mounting seat 28, and a connector 29. For example, the engagement protrusions 24 are provided at three positions around the mounting seat 28. The connector 29 is provided below the mounting seat 28. A cable (not shown) is attached to the connector 29, and the cable is connected to the Peltier element 4 and the fan 9.

[0023] Additionally, the second holding member 22 has engagement holes 27a at multiple locations on the periphery of the plate member 27, which engage with the engagement pieces 25a provided on the first holding member 21. The first holding member 21 and the second holding member 22 are assembled together by engaging the engagement pieces 25a with the engagement holes 27a. When the first holding member 21 and the second holding member 22 are assembled together, a certain gap is created between the heat exchange plate 23 held by the first holding member 21 and the plate member 27 of the second holding member 22 around the support member 5 that supports the Peltier element 4.

[0024] Additionally, the second holding member 22 is provided with recesses 26b in a portion of the peripheral edge of the plate member 27 that faces the first holding member 21. These recesses 26b are provided in a plurality of locations on the peripheral edge of the plate member 27. Specifically, the plurality of recesses 26b are formed at positions that face the plurality of recesses 26a provided in the first holding member 21. When the first holding member 21 and the second holding member 22 are integrally assembled, both ends of the recesses 26a provided in the first holding member 21 and both ends of the recesses 26b provided in the second holding member 22 join together, thereby forming the air outlet 26 in the peripheral edge of the unit body 2 (see FIGS. 1 and 2).

[0025] The Peltier element 4 is a thin, roughly rectangular element with two different metals arranged on its front and back sides. When a current is passed through the junction between the two metals, heat is transferred from one metal to the other, utilizing the Peltier effect. For example, when a direct current is passed from one metal to the other, one side of the Peltier element 4 absorbs heat and the other side generates heat. Reversing the polarity of the direct current reverses the sides that absorb and generate heat. The air conditioning unit 1 utilizes these characteristics of the Peltier element 4 to cool or heat the user's body. For example, when the air conditioning unit 1 cools the user's body, it causes the back side of the Peltier element 4 to absorb heat and the front side to generate heat. Conversely, when the air conditioning unit 1 heats the user's body, it causes the back side of the Peltier element 4 to generate heat and the front side to absorb heat.

[0026] The support member 5 is formed from a circular resin plate with the same thickness as the Peltier element 4. This support member 5 has a rectangular support hole 5a in the center that corresponds to the outer shape of the Peltier element 4, and supports the Peltier element 4 in a fitted state in the support hole 5a. Because the thickness of the support member 5 is the same as that of the Peltier element 4, the support member 5 can support the Peltier element 4 fitted in the support hole 5a in a state where both the front and back surfaces of the Peltier element 4 are exposed on both the front and back sides of the support member 5. The thickness of the support member 5 may be thinner than that of the Peltier element 4.

[0027] The outer diameter of the support member 5 is the same as or slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the circular hole 281 formed in the mounting seat 28 of the second holding member 22. Therefore, the support member 5 can support the Peltier element 4 in a state where the front surface thereof is joined to the rear surface of the heat sink 10. The support member 5 can also support the Peltier element 4 in a state where the rear surface thereof is joined to the front surface of the metal plate 6. For example, the support member 5, metal plate 6, and heat sink 10 are integrally assembled with screws or the like (not shown).

[0028] A heat sink 10 and a fan 9 are arranged on the front side of the Peltier element 4. The heat sink 10 is arranged with its rear surface bonded to the front surface of the Peltier element 4. The heat sink 10 includes a disk-shaped flat plate 11, a plurality of fins 12 arranged on the periphery of the flat plate 11 and extending upright on the front side of the flat plate 11, and four openings 13 formed between the fins 12. For example, the openings 13 are formed as holes penetrating the front and back of the flat plate 11, with a roughly U-shaped wall extending upright around the hole on the front side. The U-shaped wall is open on the side facing the center of the flat plate 11, and is configured so that when the fan 9 is activated, air flowing from the center of the flat plate 11 toward the periphery can flow inside the wall. The air flowing inside the U-shaped wall is then guided to the rear side of the heat sink 10 via the openings 13. Such opening 13 is positioned to match the position of notch 282 formed in mounting seat 28 of second holding member 22. Therefore, the air guided to the rear side of heat sink 10 through opening 13 of heat sink 10 enters the inside of the housing of unit main body 2 through notch 282.

[0029] Such a heat sink 10 is disposed with its rear surface joined to the front surface of the Peltier element 4, and therefore absorbs heat generated on the front surface of the Peltier element 4 as current flows through the Peltier element 4. The heat absorbed from the Peltier element 4 is then dissipated via the multiple fins 12.

[0030] A fan 9 is disposed further in front of the heat sink 10 so as to face the heat sink 10. The fan 9 has the function of dissipating heat from the heat sink 10 by blowing outside air toward the heat sink 10, and also blowing outside air into the housing of the unit main body 2 through openings 13 provided on the periphery of the heat sink 10. The fan 9 is attached to the front side of the heat sink 10 by, for example, a holding mechanism (not shown) provided on the flat plate portion 11 of the heat sink 10. For example, it is preferable that the outer diameter of the fan 9 is approximately the same as or slightly larger than the outer diameter of the heat sink 10.

[0031] Next, the fan cover 3 will be described. As shown in Fig. 2, the fan cover 3 is attached so as to cover the peripheral edges of the heat sink 10 and fan 9 that protrude from the front side of the unit body 2, and protects the fan 9 so that it can operate normally. For example, the fan cover 3 has a generally cylindrical shape with a bottom, and has a peripheral wall 30 that covers the lateral periphery of the heat sink 10 and fan 9, and a bottom 31 that covers the end face of the peripheral wall 30. For example, the cylindrical peripheral wall 30 is formed so that its inner diameter is larger than the outer diameters of the heat sink 10 and fan 9.

[0032] As shown in FIG. 2, an engaging portion 28a that engages with an end surface 30a of the fan cover 3 is formed on the periphery of a mounting seat 28 provided in the center of the second holding member 22 of the unit body 2. Meanwhile, a protrusion (not shown) that engages with the engaging portion 28a is provided on the inner side of the end surface 30a of the peripheral wall 30 of the fan cover 3. The fan cover 3 is attached to the unit body 2 by rotating the end surface 30a of the peripheral wall 30 in a predetermined direction by a predetermined angle while pressing the end surface 30a against the surface of the second holding member 22, whereby the protrusion on the inner side of the end surface 30a engages with the engaging portion 28a. Furthermore, the fan cover 3 can be easily removed from the unit body 2 by rotating it in the opposite direction by a predetermined angle while attached to the unit body 2.

[0033] The fan cover 3 has a small bottom plate 33 provided in the center of the bottom 31. For example, the bottom plate 33 is formed as a circular plate with a diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the peripheral wall 30. The bottom 31 of the fan cover 3 also has a plurality of guide plates 32 provided to connect the peripheral edge of the bottom plate 33 and the end of the peripheral wall 30. The guide plates 32 are formed as thin plates. The guide plates 32 are arranged radially from the bottom plate 33. Therefore, an intake section 34 that introduces outside air into the inside of the fan cover 3 is formed between a pair of adjacent guide plates 32. For example, the guide plate 32 is formed as a right-angled triangular plate, with one of two acute vertices connected to the bottom plate 33 and the other connected to the end of the peripheral wall 30. Therefore, the air intake section 34 formed on the bottom 31 of the fan cover 3 has an air intake port that is integrally formed by opening the space between a pair of adjacent guide plates 32, 32, and connecting a bottom opening 34a provided on the bottom surface of the fan cover 3 with a side opening 34b provided on a side surface of the fan cover 3. Therefore, even when a jacket or the like is worn on the outside of the air conditioning unit 1, the air intake section 34 can be prevented from being completely blocked by the jacket or other clothing, and the structure allows outside air to be taken into the fan cover 3.

[0034] The fan cover 3 also has exhaust windows 35 in the peripheral wall 30 for discharging the air inside the cover to the outside. The exhaust windows 35 are formed in positions corresponding to the outside of the fins 12 of the heat sink 10, and exhaust the air that has absorbed heat from the fins 12 to the outside of the fan cover 3.

[0035] In the above-described configuration, the temperature of the metal plate 6 increases or decreases due to the heat absorption or heat generation of the Peltier element 4. The metal plate 6 is made of, for example, aluminum. Aluminum has a relatively high thermal conductivity and is lightweight, making it suitable for use as a device worn on the user's body. However, the metal plate 6 is not limited to aluminum, and any metal with a relatively high thermal conductivity may be used. For example, the metal plate 6 may be made of copper, tin, or the like.

[0036] It is preferable to use a metal plate 6 whose area is larger than that of the Peltier element 4. By joining a metal plate 6 larger than the area of the Peltier element 4 to one surface of the Peltier element 4, the Peltier element 4 can be joined to approximately the center of one surface of the metal plate 6, and the heat absorption or heat generation occurring on one surface of the Peltier element 4 can be efficiently transmitted to the metal plate 6.

[0037] However, it is not preferable that the area of the metal plate 6 is too large compared to the area of the Peltier element 4. This is because the temperature of the metal plate 6 as a whole increases or decreases due to the heat absorption or heat generation action of the Peltier element 4, and therefore if the heat capacity of the metal plate 6 becomes too large, a load is placed on the Peltier element 4, increasing the current consumption of the Peltier element 4. Therefore, it is preferable that the area of the metal plate 6 be kept within the range of 1.5 to 4 times the area of the Peltier element 4.

[0038] The heat exchange plate 23 is disposed so as to be joined to the rear surface of the metal plate 6. The heat exchange plate 23 is a plate that cools or heats the user's body. For example, the heat exchange plate 23 is formed to be larger than the metal plate 6. Therefore, the heat capacity of the heat exchange plate 23 is larger than that of the metal plate 6. The heat exchange plate 23 is formed using, for example, a copper plate, a tin plate, an aluminum plate, or the like.

[0039] For example, when a copper plate is used as the heat exchanger plate 23, its relatively high thermal conductivity allows for efficient heat exchange. In this case, the heat exchanger plate 23 is preferably made of a copper plate having a thickness of, for example, about 0.3 to 0.8 mm as the base material, and the plate surface (including both the front and back surfaces) excluding the portion that joins with the metal plate 6 is plated with tin. By setting the plate thickness to about 0.3 to 0.8 mm, appropriate hardness for use in clothing can be obtained. Furthermore, because copper is prone to oxidation, tin plating the plate surface can prevent oxidation. Furthermore, by not providing tin plating at the joint with the metal plate 6, heat from the metal plate 6 can be efficiently conducted to the heat exchanger plate 23.

[0040] Furthermore, for example, when a tin plate is used as the heat exchanger plate 23, it has the advantage of being softer than copper or aluminum, thereby providing a closer fit to the user's body. In this case, the heat exchanger plate 23 is preferably made of a tin plate having a thickness of, for example, about 0.5 to 1.0 mm as the base material, with the plate surface (including both the front and back surfaces) plated with silver or copper, excluding the portion that joins with the metal plate 6. By setting the plate thickness to about 0.5 to 1.0 mm, appropriate hardness can be achieved. Furthermore, because tin has a lower thermal conductivity than copper, plating the plate surface with silver or copper can significantly improve the low thermal conductivity. Furthermore, by not plating with silver or copper at the joint with the metal plate 6, heat from the metal plate 6 can be efficiently conducted to the heat exchanger plate 23.

[0041] Furthermore, when an aluminum plate is used as the heat exchange plate 23, for example, an aluminum plate with a thickness of about 0.5 to 0.8 mm is used as the base material. In this case, the aluminum plate is anodized in advance. The anodized aluminum prevents corrosion due to oxidation of the aluminum. Furthermore, it is preferable to use an aluminum plate in which the surface (including both the front and back surfaces) of the plate, excluding the portion that joins with the metal plate 6, is plated with silver. Silver has the highest thermal conductivity of all metals, and therefore can efficiently cool or heat the user's body.

[0042] Such a heat exchange plate 23 comes into direct or indirect contact with the user's back, and can efficiently cool or heat the contacted area.

[0043] Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of the air conditioning unit 1. Note that the fan 9 is not shown in Fig. 4. In the air conditioning unit 1 configured as described above, a heat sink 10 is joined to the front side of the Peltier element 4 inside the unit body 2, and a metal plate 6 is joined to the back side of the Peltier element 4. In addition, a heat exchange plate 23 is joined to the back side of the metal plate 6.

[0044] Furthermore, a space 2c that allows air to flow is formed inside the unit body 2 between the second holding member 22 and the heat exchange plate 23, except for the central portion where the Peltier element 4 is held. This space 2c communicates with the inside of the fan cover 3 via an opening 13a provided in the opening 13 of the heat sink 10. This space 2c also communicates with the outside of the unit body 2 via an air outlet 231 provided in the heat exchange plate 23 and an air outlet 26 provided in the peripheral edge of the unit body 2. Therefore, when the fan 9 is operated, the air conditioning unit 1 is configured to take in outside air into the inside of the fan cover 3, guide the air into the space 2c inside the unit body 2 via the opening 13a provided in the opening 13 of the heat sink 10, and further release the air around the unit body 2 via the air outlets 231 and 26.

[0045] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of attachment of an auxiliary member 40 for attaching the air conditioning unit 1 described above to the user's body. As shown in FIG. 5(a), the air conditioning unit 1 is provided with an auxiliary member 40 that is detachable from the unit main body 2. The auxiliary member 40 is formed of a thin plate-like member 41 made of, for example, resin, and has a hole 42 in the center of the plate-like member 41 through which the fan cover 3 can be inserted. The auxiliary member 40 also has engagement holes 43 at three positions around the hole 42 in the plate-like member 41 that can be engaged with and detached from the engagement protrusions 24 of the unit main body 2. The auxiliary member 40 also has a cover portion 44 below the hole 42 in the plate-like member 41 that covers the connector 29 of the unit main body 2. The auxiliary member 40 also has belt attachment holes 45 at three positions around the plate-like member 41 through which a belt can be inserted.

[0046] The auxiliary member 40 as described above is attached from the front side of the unit body 2, as shown in Fig. 5(a). When the engaging protrusion 24 of the unit body 2 is fitted into the engaging hole 43, the auxiliary member 40 is attached to the unit body 2, as shown in Fig. 5(b).

[0047] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the air conditioning unit 1 worn on the user's body. When the belt 48 is attached to the belt attachment hole 45 of the auxiliary member 40 described above, the air conditioning unit 1 can be worn on the user's back as shown in FIG. 6. In this case, the belt 48 is configured as a shoulder belt that is worn from the user's left and right shoulders to the waist. FIG. 6 shows a state in which the user is wearing clothing 210, such as underwear, and has worn the air conditioning unit 1 on the outside of the clothing 210. When the air conditioning unit 1 is operated in this state, it cools or heats the user's back.

[0048] Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing the air conditioning unit 1 attached to the user's body (for example, the back). For example, as described above, when the air conditioning unit 1 is attached to the outside of clothing 210 such as underwear, the heat exchange plate 23 is positioned in close proximity to the user's body 200, with the clothing 210 sandwiched between them. Note that Fig. 7 illustrates a state in which there is a gap between the heat exchange plate 23 of the air conditioning unit 1 and the user's body 200, but in practice it is preferable that the heat exchange plate 23 of the air conditioning unit 1 be attached in close contact with the user's body 200.

[0049] When the fan 9 is driven in the state shown in FIG. 7 , outside air is drawn into the fan cover 3 through the intake port 34 provided on the bottom 31 of the fan cover 3, as indicated by arrow F1. The fan 9 then blows the air inside the fan cover 3 toward the heat sink 10. The airflow generated by the fan 9 includes an airflow toward the center of the heat sink 10 and an airflow toward the periphery of the heat sink 10. The airflow toward the center of the heat sink 10 strikes the flat portion 11 of the heat sink 10 and removes heat from the flat portion 11. The airflow that strikes the flat portion 11 then bends toward the periphery of the heat sink 10, removes heat from the fins 12, and is released to the outside of the fan cover 3 through the exhaust window 35, as indicated by arrow F2. The airflow toward the periphery of the heat sink 10 removes heat from the fins 12 of the heat sink 10 and is released to the outside of the fan cover 3 through the exhaust window 35, as indicated by arrow F2. Therefore, the outside air circulates between the inside and outside of the fan cover 3 and exchanges heat with the heat sink 10 .

[0050] Furthermore, a portion of the airflow generated by the fan 9 passes through the opening 13 of the heat sink 10 as indicated by arrow F3 and is guided into the space 2c between the heat exchanger plate 23 and the second holding member 22 of the unit body 2. When this airflow enters the space 2c, it is cooled or heated by the heat exchanger plate 23, becoming temperature-controlled air. For example, when the air conditioning unit 1 cools the user's body 200, the heat exchanger plate 23 is cooled to a temperature lower than the outside air temperature. Therefore, air that enters the space 2c between the heat exchanger plate 23 and the second holding member 22 through the opening 13 of the heat sink 10 is cooled to a temperature lower than the outside air temperature by the heat exchanger plate 23. The cooled air is then discharged from the air outlet 26 formed on the periphery of the unit body 2 toward the periphery of the unit body 2 as indicated by arrow F4. The air cooled in the space 2c is then discharged from the air outlet 231 formed in the heat exchanger plate 23 toward the user's body 200 as indicated by arrow F5.

[0051] Therefore, the user not only receives the cooling or heating effect of the heat exchange plate 23 by contacting the body 200 with the clothing 210, but also receives the cooling or heating effect of the temperature-controlled air discharged around the unit body 2. In other words, the air conditioning unit 1 can effectively cool or heat not only the portion of the user's body 200 facing the heat exchange plate 23 but also a wide area around the heat exchange plate 23, thereby providing the user with excellent comfort. Furthermore, the air outlets 231 provided on the heat exchange plate 23 blow temperature-controlled air toward the user's body 200, thereby removing the heat of vaporization from the user's body and providing the user with comfort. The temperature-controlled air discharged from the air outlets 26, 231 can also dry, for example, the clothing 210 to a comfortable state. Therefore, the air conditioning unit 1 can keep the user's entire back comfortable.

[0052] In this way, the air conditioning unit 1 of this embodiment is capable of keeping the user's entire back comfortable with a single fan 9, and is therefore able to efficiently cool or heat the user's body over a wider area than conventional methods without increasing the weight or size of the unit.

[0053] Next, FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which a jacket 220 is worn on the outside of the air conditioning unit 1. When the jacket 220 is worn on the outside of the air conditioning unit 1, the jacket 220 covers the bottom opening 34a of the air intake section 34 when the fan 9 is operated. However, the air intake section 34 formed in the fan cover 3 is formed as an air intake port in which the bottom opening 34a and the side opening 34b are connected to each other. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 8, even if the jacket 220 covers the bottom opening 34a, the side opening 34b remains open and uncovered. Therefore, even when the jacket 220 is worn on the outside of the air conditioning unit 1, the air intake section 34 can take in outside air into the fan cover 3 through the side opening 34b, as indicated by arrow F1. This allows outside air to circulate normally inside the fan cover 3, preventing a decrease in the cooling or heating efficiency of the air conditioning unit 1. Therefore, the air conditioning unit 1 has the advantage of being able to cool or heat the user's body 200 to a comfortable state even when the user is wearing outer clothing 220.

[0054] In addition, Figure 8 also illustrates a state in which there is a gap between the heat exchange plate 23 of the air conditioning unit 1 and the user's body 200, but in reality, it is preferable that the heat exchange plate 23 of the air conditioning unit 1 be attached in close contact with the user's body 200.

[0055] Next, FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing the control mechanism of the air conditioning unit 1. The air conditioning unit 1 described above includes a Peltier element 4 and a fan 9 as components that require electrical current. Therefore, the air conditioning unit 1 includes a controller 7 and a mobile battery 8 as control mechanisms for electrically controlling the Peltier element 4 and the fan 9, respectively. The mobile battery 8 is, for example, a rechargeable battery, and supplies power to the controller 7. The controller 7 drives the Peltier element 4 and the fan 9 by supplying power from the mobile battery 8 to the air conditioning unit 1. The controller 7 can switch between cooling and heating by switching the polarity of the direct current supplied to the Peltier element 4. However, the driving direction (rotation direction) of the fan 9 remains the same whether the cooling or heating mode is selected. The controller 7 and the mobile battery 8 are carried around, for example, in a pocket (not shown) of the clothing 210 or jacket 220 worn by the user.

[0056] As described above, the air conditioning unit 1 of this embodiment includes the Peltier element 4, the heat exchange plate 23, which has a larger area than the Peltier element 4 and is indirectly connected to one surface of the Peltier element 4 via the metal plate 6. The heat from the Peltier element 4 is conducted to cool or heat the user's body. The heat sink 10 is connected to the other surface of the Peltier element on the opposite side of the heat exchange plate 23. The fan 9 is positioned opposite the heat sink 10 and blows air toward the heat sink 10 to release heat from the heat sink 10. The air conditioning unit 1 is configured such that an opening 13 is provided around the periphery of the heat sink 10 to send air generated by the fan 9 toward the heat exchange plate 23. The air blown through the opening 13 is cooled or heated by the heat exchange plate 23 and then released to the outside through the air outlet 231 provided in the heat exchange plate 23 or the air outlet 26 provided around the heat exchange plate 23. The air conditioning unit 1 configured in this manner can cool or heat the entire back of the user to a comfortable temperature with a single fan 9. Therefore, the air conditioning unit 1 of this embodiment has the advantage that it is possible to reduce the unit weight and size, and also to efficiently cool or heat the user's body over a wider area than conventional units.

[0057] The air conditioning unit 1 of this embodiment also includes a fan cover 3 that covers the heat sink 10 and the fan 9. This allows the fan 9 to operate inside the fan cover 3, preventing the fan 9 from hitting an obstacle and stopping.

[0058] Furthermore, the air conditioning unit 1 of this embodiment is provided with an intake section 34 for introducing outside air at the bottom 31 of the fan cover 3. The intake section 34 has an air intake port formed integrally with a bottom opening 34a and a side opening 34b by arranging a plurality of guide plates 32 radially at predetermined angular intervals and opening the space between a pair of adjacent guide plates 32, 32. With this configuration, even when a jacket 220 is worn on the outside of the air conditioning unit 1, the intake port of the intake section 34 can be prevented from being completely blocked by the jacket 220. This allows outside air to be normally drawn into the fan cover 3, and has the advantage of preventing a reduction in the cooling or heating effect of the air conditioning unit 1.

[0059] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the contents described in the above embodiments, and various modifications are applicable.

[0060] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a configuration example in which a protruding portion 32a is provided on the guide plate 32 of the fan cover 3. The air conditioning unit 1 shown in FIG. 10 has the protruding portion 32a on the guide plate 32 of the fan cover 3. The protruding portion 32a is formed by making the guide plate 32 protrude outward from the peripheral wall 30 of the fan cover 3. For example, the protruding portion 32a is formed to protrude in the normal direction of the peripheral wall 30 of the fan cover 3. Furthermore, the protruding amount D of the protruding portion 32a is preferably about 5 to 10 mm. This makes it possible to form a gap of about 5 to 10 mm around the peripheral wall 30 even when a jacket 220 made of soft or thin fabric is worn, allowing outside air to be taken into the fan cover 3. Therefore, the air conditioning unit 1 in which the protruding portion 32a is provided on the guide plate 32 of the fan cover 3 as shown in FIG. 10 has the advantage of being able to cool or heat the user's body 200 to a comfortable state, even when a jacket 220 made of thin fabric is worn on the outside. In this way, the air conditioning unit 1 may employ a configuration in which the guide plate 32 of the fan cover 3 protrudes outward from the peripheral wall 30.

[0061] In addition, in the above embodiment, the air conditioning unit 1 is described as being capable of switching between cooling and heating, but this is not limiting. For example, the air conditioning unit 1 may be formed as a cooling-only unit or a heating-only unit.

[0062] In the above embodiment, the air conditioning unit 1 that cools or heats the user's back has been described as an example. However, the part of the body 200 that the air conditioning unit 1 cools or heats is not necessarily limited to the user's back.

[0063] In the above embodiment, an example was described in which the metal plate 6 was disposed between the Peltier element 4 and the heat exchange plate 23, and the heat exchange plate 23 was indirectly joined to one surface of the Peltier element 4. However, this is not limited to this, and the heat exchange plate 23 may be disposed in a state in which it is directly joined to one surface of the Peltier element 4. However, if the heat exchange plate 23 is directly joined to the Peltier element 4, as described above, the current consumption of the Peltier element 4 increases, thereby shortening the operating time of the air conditioning unit 1 powered by the mobile battery 8. To prevent this, it is preferable to dispose the metal plate 6 between the Peltier element 4 and the heat exchange plate 23, as described in the above embodiment, to prevent an increase in the current consumption of the Peltier element 4.

[0064] In the above embodiment, the fan cover 3 has a cylindrical shape with a bottom, but the shape of the fan cover 3 is not necessarily limited to a cylindrical shape.

[0065] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the auxiliary member 40 is attached to the unit main body 2 and the air conditioning unit 1 is worn on the user's body. However, this is not limited to this, and the belt 48 may be attached directly to the unit main body 2 without using the above-mentioned auxiliary member 40. In this case, a belt attachment hole 45 through which the belt 48 can be inserted may be provided at the location of the unit main body 2 where the above-mentioned engagement protrusion 24 is provided. [Explanation of symbols]

[0066] 1...air conditioning unit, 2...unit body, 3...fan cover, 4...Peltier element, 9...fan, 10...heat sink, 13...opening, 23...heat exchange plate

Claims

[Claim 1] An air conditioning unit for cooling or heating a user's body, comprising: A Peltier element, a heat exchange plate having an area larger than that of the Peltier element, arranged to be directly or indirectly joined to one surface of the Peltier element, and configured to cool or heat a user's body by conducting heat from the Peltier element; a heat sink disposed on the opposite side of the heat exchange plate so as to be joined to the other surface of the Peltier element; a fan disposed opposite the heat sink, for blowing air toward the heat sink and dissipating heat from the heat sink; a fan cover that covers the heat sink and the fan; Equipped with an opening is provided at the periphery of the heat sink to send air generated by the fan toward the heat exchange plate, the air sent through the opening is cooled or heated by the heat exchange plate, and is then released from an air outlet provided in the heat exchange plate or an air outlet provided around the heat exchange plate; An intake section for introducing outside air is provided at the bottom of the fan cover, the air intake section has an air intake port in which a bottom opening and a side opening are integrally formed by arranging a plurality of guide plates radially at predetermined angular intervals and opening a space between a pair of adjacent guide plates; The air conditioning unit is characterized in that the guide plate protrudes outward beyond the peripheral wall of the fan cover.

Images