Body temperature-regulating device and body temperature-regulating garment

Abstract

The present invention addresses the problem of providing: a body temperature-regulating device with which it is possible to prevent damage to the fabric constituting a garment to which the body temperature-regulating device is attached, and to improve the ease of use of the body temperature-regulating garment; and a body temperature-regulating garment to which the body temperature-regulating device is attached. The body temperature-regulating device can be attached to and detached from an element insertion hole (32) formed in the fabric of a temperature-regulating vest (1), includes a Peltier element (PE), and has a heat dissipation surface (61) formed thereon. The body temperature-regulating device comprises a body (71) and a ring fastener (150). The body (71) comprises a small-diameter portion 75 and a large-diameter portion (200). The large-diameter portion (200) has a stepped surface (76) formed on the small-diameter portion (75) side thereof and extending radially outward from an axis (AX) of the body (71). A side surface portion (72) of the large-diameter portion (200) is formed extending from the outer peripheral end of the stepped surface (76) toward the heat-dissipating surface (61). The ring fastener (150) has a sandwiching surface (154) formed to sandwich the fabric between the ring fastener (150) and the stepped surface (76).

Description

Body temperature regulating device and body temperature regulating clothing

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a clothing attachment structure for a body temperature regulating device intended for body temperature regulating clothing, such as a jacket, vest, or pants, in which the body temperature regulating device is attached to clothing worn on the body, and to body temperature regulating clothing constructed with this structure.

[0002] In recent years, there have been many extremely hot days throughout the year that are uncomfortable for people. On such extremely hot days, measures to prevent heatstroke, such as frequent hydration and moderate use of air conditioners, are encouraged. However, due to reasons such as the lack of air conditioners or insufficient air conditioning, workers working outdoors in extremely hot weather, workers working in humid indoor environments, and people participating in recreational activities, sports, or watching events under the blazing sun cannot cool down with air conditioners. Therefore, in recent years, many body temperature regulating garments equipped with body temperature regulation units have been developed for people seeking to escape the heat. Patent Document 1 discloses cooling garments, an example of such body temperature regulating garments.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a cooling garment having a Peltier element, a Peltier element unit including a heat transfer plate cooled by the Peltier element and a heat dissipation plate that dissipates heat generated on the other side of the Peltier element, attached via an insertion hole into which the Peltier element unit is inserted.

[0004] Patent Document 1 discloses that the Peltier element unit can be attached to the cooling clothing in a state in which the inner peripheral edge of the insertion hole is sandwiched between a flange that extends radially in the shape of an annular plate from the outer peripheral end of the Peltier element mounting portion that constitutes the Peltier element unit and a circular piece of a ring body.

[0005] Patent No. 7365067

[0006] The technology disclosed in Patent Document 1 has the following problems. The first problem is that, because the flange and the annular piece of the ring body as in Patent Document 1 are thin plate-shaped, when the fabric of the cooling clothing (body temperature regulating clothing) is pulled, friction with the flange of the Peltier element attachment portion can damage the sandwiched fabric. The second problem is that if the wearer drops the Peltier element unit (body temperature regulating device) and the flange of the Peltier element attachment portion is damaged, it becomes difficult to attach the Peltier element unit to the cooling clothing, making it difficult for the worker to use.

[0007] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above problems, and aims to provide a body temperature regulating device that can prevent damage to the fabric of clothing to which the body temperature regulating device is attached and improve the ease of use of the body temperature regulating clothing, and body temperature regulating clothing equipped with the body temperature regulating device.

[0008] In one aspect of the present disclosure, which has been made to solve the above problems, there is provided a body temperature regulating device that is detachable from an insertion hole formed in a fabric constituting clothing, has a Peltier element, and has a heat exchange surface formed on the opposite side of a cooling surface or a heating surface, the body temperature regulating device comprising: a main body that houses the Peltier element; and a fixing member that can be attached to the end side opposite the cooling surface or the heating surface, the main body comprising a small diameter portion and a large diameter portion, the cooling surface or the heating surface being formed on the opposite side of the small diameter portion, the small diameter portion having a first opening at an end surface thereof for allowing air to flow out of the main body, the large diameter portion having a side surface and a stepped surface formed on the small diameter portion side and extending radially outward from the axial line of the main body, the side surface having a second opening at an end surface thereof for allowing air to flow into the main body, the stepped surface being formed from the outer peripheral edge of the stepped surface towards the cooling surface or the heating surface, and the fixing member having a clamping surface formed to clamp the stepped surface and the fabric.

[0009] According to this aspect, the body temperature regulating device is detachably attached to an insertion hole formed in the fabric of the clothing, has a Peltier element, and has a heat exchange surface formed on the side opposite the cooling or heating surface. The body temperature regulating device is composed of a main body that houses the Peltier element and a fixing member that can be attached from the end side opposite the cooling or heating surface. The cooling or heating surface formed on the side opposite the small diameter section of the main body cools or warms the wearer's body. The large diameter section of the main body is on the small diameter section side and has a stepped surface formed that extends radially outward from the axis of the main body. A side portion formed on the large diameter section has a second opening for allowing air to flow into the main body, and is formed from the outer peripheral edge of the stepped surface toward the cooling or heating surface. The fixing member has a clamping surface formed to clamp the stepped surface and the fabric of the clothing. As a result, even if the fabric of the clothing is sandwiched between the stepped surface of the body temperature regulating device and the sandwiching surface of the fixing member, the high rigidity of the main body prevents damage to the sandwiched fabric by the stepped surface. Furthermore, by sandwiching the fabric of the clothing between the stepped surface of the main body and the sandwiching surface of the fixing member, the body temperature regulating device can be attached to the fabric of the clothing. This prevents a situation in which, even if a person drops the body temperature regulating device, the flange of the Peltier element attachment portion disclosed in Patent Document 1 breaks, making it impossible to attach the Peltier element unit to the cooling clothing. Therefore, it is possible to provide a body temperature regulating device that prevents damage to the fabric of the clothing to which the body temperature regulating device is attached and improves the ease of use of the body temperature regulating clothing, and a body temperature regulating clothing equipped with the body temperature regulating device.

[0010] The clothing in this disclosure is a general term that includes each of the concepts (a), (b), and (c), which can be broadly categorized into outerwear such as jackets, jumpers, suits, and vests, (b) underwear such as pants and trousers, and (c) socks worn on the feet or legs such as socks and foot warmers.

[0011] In the above aspect, it is preferable that the fixing member has an annular flange that protrudes outward from the fixing member.

[0012] According to this aspect, the fixing member has an annular flange that protrudes outward, but the main body does not have a flange. As a result, even if only the fixing member has an annular flange, the main body has high rigidity, preventing damage to the fabric sandwiched by the stepped surface, and allowing the body temperature regulating device to be attached to the fabric of clothing.

[0013] In the above aspect, it is preferable that the heat exchange surface has cooling fins, and the body temperature regulation device is provided with a fan that blows air inside the main body to cause it to flow out through the first opening, and the main body accommodates the heat exchange surface within the main body, and a flow guide member is formed around the heat exchange surface to guide the air flowing in from the second opening toward the cooling fins as the fan rotates.

[0014] According to this aspect, the fan provided in the body temperature regulating device can cause air that has come into contact with the cooling fins of the heat exchange surface inside the body and exchanged heat to flow out through the first opening. The flow guide member formed around the heat exchange surface can guide the cooling air that flows in through the second opening toward the cooling fins as the fan rotates. As a result, the cooling air that flows in through the second opening is guided toward the cooling fins as the fan rotates. This allows the cooling air inside the body to efficiently come into contact with the cooling fins and the air that has exchanged heat to flow out through the first opening, thereby improving the cooling efficiency of the body temperature regulating device.

[0015] In the above aspect, it is preferable that the flow guide member extends in an arc shape toward the heat exchange surface.

[0016] According to this aspect, the air guide members formed around the heat exchange surface extend in an arc shape toward the heat exchange surface, so that the cooling air flowing in from the second openings can come into contact with the air guide members and be guided toward the cooling fins, thereby increasing the amount of cooling air that flows in from the second openings and is guided to the cooling fins as the fan rotates, making it easier for the cooling air to come into contact with the cooling fins on the heat exchange surface.

[0017] In the above aspect, it is preferable that the air guide member restricts the air flowing in from the second opening from remaining around the heat exchange surface.

[0018] According to this aspect, the air guide members around the heat exchange surface can prevent the cooling air flowing in from the second opening from accumulating around the heat exchange surface instead of heading towards the cooling fins, thereby further improving the cooling efficiency of the body temperature regulating device.

[0019] In the above aspect, the outer peripheral surface of the small diameter portion is provided with a plurality of guide rails extending in an arc shape along the outer peripheral surface of the small diameter portion between one end and the other end, the fixing member has a plurality of protrusions connectable to the plurality of guide rails, each of the plurality of guide rails has a plurality of restricting portions that restrict movement of the protrusions and are provided intermittently on a sliding surface connecting the one end and the other end, the plurality of restricting portions having a first restricting portion and a second restricting portion provided closer to the other end than the first restricting portion, It is preferable that a plurality of gaps extending in the axial direction of the main body are provided between the idle rails, and the body temperature regulating device is attached to the fabric by inserting each of the protrusions constituting the plurality of protrusions into each of the gaps constituting the plurality of gaps in the axial direction of the main body, sandwiching the fabric between the main body and the fixing member, rotating the main body and the fixing member relative to each other, and, with the fabric sandwiched between the main body and the fixing member, each of the protrusions constituting the plurality of protrusions engages with the first regulating portion or the second regulating portion.

[0020] According to this aspect, when attaching the body temperature regulating device to the fabric of clothing, a person inserts each of the multiple protrusions into the axial direction of the body, passing through each of the gaps, sandwiching the fabric between the body and the fixing member. The person then rotates the body and the fixing member relative to each other, sandwiching the fabric between the body and the fixing member. When each of the multiple protrusions on the fixing member overcomes each of the multiple restricting portions, the restricting portions restrict movement and the protrusions engage with the restricting portions. This allows the person to attach the body temperature regulating device to the fabric of clothing with a single, easy touch. This prevents the fixing members from becoming loose or inadequately fastened, preventing the body temperature regulating device from falling off the clothing or losing the fixing members.

[0021] In the above aspect, it is preferable that each of the plurality of guide rails is formed in an inclined manner with a difference in height in the axial direction of the main body between the one end and the other end.

[0022] According to this aspect, when the fabric of the garment is thick, each of the plurality of protrusions engages with the first restricting portion when the fabric is sandwiched between the main body and the fixing member. On the other hand, when the fabric of the garment is thin, each of the plurality of protrusions engages with the second restricting portion when the fabric is sandwiched between the main body and the fixing member. This allows the body temperature regulating device to be worn with the fabric firmly sandwiched between the main body and the fixing member so that it does not fall off the body temperature regulating garment, regardless of the thickness of the fabric. Furthermore, even if each of the plurality of protrusions engages with the first restricting portion or the second restricting portion when the fabric of the garment is sandwiched between the main body and the fixing member, plastic deformation of the fabric around the insertion hole is unlikely. This prevents the body temperature regulating device sandwiched between the fabric from rattling and the fabric from being damaged.

[0023] It is preferable that the body temperature regulating garment is configured by detachably attaching the body temperature regulating device of the above aspect to the garment.

[0024] According to this aspect, it is possible to prevent damage to the fabric of the clothing to which the body temperature regulating device of the present disclosure is attached, and to provide the wearer with easy-to-use body temperature regulating clothing in which the body temperature regulating device can be attached by inserting it into an insertion hole in the fabric of the body temperature regulating clothing that uses the body temperature regulating device.

[0025] Therefore, the present disclosure has the excellent effect of providing a body temperature regulating device that can prevent damage to the fabric of clothing to which the body temperature regulating device is attached and can improve the ease of use of the body temperature regulating clothing, and body temperature regulating clothing equipped with the body temperature regulating device.

[0026] 1 is a front view of the outer surface of a temperature control vest according to a first embodiment, as seen from the front body side. FIG. 2 is a back view of the outer surface of the temperature control vest shown in FIG. 1, as seen from the back body side. FIG. 3 is a front view of the inside of the temperature control vest when the air blowing unit and the Peltier element unit are not attached, as seen from the front body side. FIG. 4 is a front view of the inside of the temperature control vest shown in FIG. 1, as seen from the front body side. FIG. 5 is a front view of the air blowing unit main body shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 6 is a back view of the air blowing unit main body shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 7 is an explanatory view showing the air blowing unit according to the first embodiment disassembled into a main body and a pressing member. FIG. 8 is an explanatory view showing a method of attaching the air blowing unit according to the first embodiment to a temperature control vest. FIG. 9 is a partial cross-sectional view of the air blowing unit attached to a temperature control vest according to the first embodiment. FIG. 10 is an explanatory view showing the Peltier element unit from the emission surface side in a temperature control vest according to the first embodiment. FIG. 11 is an explanatory view showing the Peltier element unit from the heat dissipation surface side in a temperature control vest according to the first embodiment. FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of the Peltier element unit according to the first embodiment. FIG. 13 is a development view in which the outer peripheral surface of the main body according to the first embodiment is developed onto a plane. FIG. 14 is an explanatory view showing a method of attaching the Peltier element unit according to the first embodiment to a temperature control vest. 19 is an explanatory diagram showing the state where the inner flange and the outer flange are engaged at a first stage. FIG. 19 is a side view of the Peltier element unit according to the first embodiment, and is an explanatory diagram showing the state where the inner flange and the outer flange are engaged at a second stage. FIG. 19 is a side view of the Peltier element unit according to the first embodiment, and is an explanatory diagram showing the state where the inner flange and the outer flange are engaged at a third stage. FIG. 19 is a partial cross-sectional view of the Peltier element unit attached to the element mounting portion. FIG. 19 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the inner flange and the outer flange shown in FIG. 18. FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram showing the flow of air flowing into the air hole of the comparative example. FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram showing the flow of air flowing into the air hole of the first embodiment. FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram showing the velocity distribution of air flowing into the air hole of the comparative example. FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram showing the velocity distribution of air flowing into the air hole of the first embodiment.32. FIG. 33 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a temperature control operation unit provided in a temperature control vest according to a first embodiment. FIG. 34 is an explanatory diagram showing an air blower unit according to a second embodiment disassembled into a main body and a pressing member. FIG. 35 is a development view showing an inner case peripheral wall according to a second embodiment unfolded on a plane. FIG. 36 is an explanatory diagram showing a method for attaching an air blower unit according to a second embodiment to a temperature control vest. FIG. 37 is a partial cross-sectional view of an air blower unit attached to a temperature control vest according to a second embodiment. FIG. 38 is a side view of an air blower unit according to a second embodiment, showing an explanatory diagram of a case where the flange and the pressing portion are engaged in a first stage. FIG. 39 is a side view of an air blower unit according to a second embodiment, showing an explanatory diagram of a case where the flange and the pressing portion are engaged in a second stage. FIG. 39 is a side view of an air blower unit according to a second embodiment, showing an explanatory diagram of a case where the flange and the pressing portion are engaged in a third stage. FIG. 39 is a front view of the outer surface of a temperature control vest according to a third embodiment, seen from the front body side. FIG. 39 is a back view of the outer surface of the temperature control vest shown in FIG. 32, seen from the back body side. FIG. 39 is a perspective view showing a fourth Peltier element unit according to a third embodiment, seen from the heat dissipation surface side. 35A-35C are schematic diagrams showing the influence of air flowing in from the second opening of the fourth Peltier element unit of the comparative example due to the rotation of a heat exhaust fan. 35B are schematic diagrams showing the influence of air flowing in from the second opening of the fourth Peltier element unit of the comparative example due to the rotation of a heat exhaust fan. 35C are schematic diagrams showing the influence of air flowing in from the second opening of the fourth Peltier element unit of the comparative example due to the rotation of a heat exhaust fan. 35D are schematic diagrams showing the influence of air flowing in from the second opening of the fourth Peltier element unit of the comparative example due to the rotation of a heat exhaust fan. 35E are schematic diagrams showing the influence of air flowing in from the second opening of the fourth Peltier element unit of the comparative example due to the rotation of a heat exhaust fan. 35F are schematic diagrams showing the influence of air flowing in from the second opening of the fourth Peltier element unit of the comparative example due to the rotation of a heat exhaust fan. 35F are schematic diagrams showing the influence of air flowing in from the second opening of the fourth Peltier element unit of the comparative example due to the rotation of a heat exhaust fan.

[0027] First Embodiment Below, first, second, and third embodiments of a clothing attachment structure for a body temperature regulating device and body temperature regulating clothing according to the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Hereinafter, the body temperature regulating clothing according to the present disclosure is configured by attaching a body temperature regulating device capable of regulating body temperature by a temperature regulation unit to an insertion hole in the fabric of the clothing using the clothing attachment structure for the body temperature regulating device according to the present disclosure. Note that the body temperature regulating clothing will be described in the first to third embodiments by taking the example of a vest worn on the wearer's upper body. In the first embodiment, the temperature regulation unit will be a Peltier element, and the body temperature regulating device will be a Peltier element unit.

[0028] In the first to third embodiments, the up-down direction is defined as the axial direction L along the axial line AX, the upper side in the up-down direction is defined as the upper side Lp, the lower side is defined as the lower side Lw, and the left-right direction is defined as the radial direction RD. In the first to third embodiments, the circumferential direction centered on the axial line AX is defined as the circumferential direction CR, and the anti-circumferential direction centered on the axial line AX is defined as the ACR.

[0029] <Regarding the Temperature Control Vest 1> Fig. 1 is a front view of the outer surface of a temperature control vest according to the first embodiment, as seen from the front body side, and Fig. 2 shows a back view as seen from the back body side. Fig. 3 is a front view of the inside of the temperature control vest according to the first embodiment, as seen from the front body side, when the air blowing unit and Peltier element unit are not attached. Fig. 4 is a front view of the inside of the temperature control vest shown in Fig. 1, as seen from the front body side. Note that the body temperature regulating garment according to the present disclosure is referred to as a temperature control vest 1 in this embodiment.

[0030] 1 to 4, the temperature control vest 1 includes a vest body 2, an air blowing unit 40, a Peltier element unit 60, an air blowing operation unit 80, a temperature control operation unit 90, a portable battery 84, etc. In the first to third embodiments, for example, one air blowing unit 40 and one air blowing operation unit 80 are provided.

[0031] <Regarding the Vest Body 2> First, the vest body 2 will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 4. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the vest body 2 is formed in the form of a vest (workwear without cuffs) having a front body section 4 and a back body section 5. However, this body temperature regulating garment may also be workwear with long sleeves, short sleeves, or the like.

[0032] The vest body 2 has a fabric 3 formed into a vest shape by a front fabric 3A and a back fabric 3B. Both the front fabric 3A and the back fabric 3B are made of synthetic resin fibers, such as nylon or polyester, that have excellent heat resistance, strength, and transpiration properties. However, this is not limited to this, and both the front fabric 3A and the back fabric 3B may be made of leather. The vest body 2 has a collar 9 at its upper part, which forms a neckline where the wearer's neck will be positioned when worn. Armholes 10 (10A, 10B) are provided on the left and right sides of the vest body 2, through which the wearer's arms are passed when worn. The first armhole 10A is the armhole through which the wearer's left arm is passed when worn. The second armhole 10B is the armhole through which the wearer's right arm is passed when worn.

[0033] 1, a first storage section 6 and a second storage section 7, which may be pockets, are provided in the outer fabric 3A of the vest body 2. The first storage section 6 and the second storage section 7 are provided in an internal space formed between the outer fabric 3A and the lining of the front body 4 of the vest body 2. As a result, the air supply wiring 85 connected to the air supply unit 40, the temperature control wiring 95 connected to the Peltier element unit 60, and the portable battery 84 can be taken in and out of the first storage section 6 and the second storage section 7.

[0034] 1 to 4, the first storage section 6 is provided with a storage opening 8, which is an opening that allows the air supply wiring 85 and the temperature control wiring 95 to be inserted between the outer fabric 3A and the lining of the front body 4 of the vest body 2. As a result, even when the air supply wiring 85 and the temperature control wiring 95 are stored in the first storage section 6 with one end on the portable battery 84 side, they can be exposed to the inside of the temperature control vest 1 through the storage opening 8.

[0035] The temperature regulating vest 1 is configured so that when a fastener (not shown) on the front body 4 is opened, the entire lining 11 of the back body 5 of the vest body 2 can be seen from the front body 4 side, as shown in Figures 3 and 4. Note that one piece of lining 11 is sewn to the back fabric 3B.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 2, the fan mounting portion 20 to which the air blowing unit 40 can be attached is disposed near the waist region 12 of the back body 5 of the temperature regulating vest 1, and in this embodiment, is provided at one location on the back body 5.

[0037] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the fan mounting portion 20 has a fan insertion hole 22 formed therein and a fan outer peripheral edge 21 around the fan insertion hole 22. As shown in Figure 2, the fan mounting portion 20 is made of a material (e.g., leather) that is more rigid than the lining 11 and is also made of a fabric that does not allow air to pass through. The fan mounting portion 20 may also be made of a fabric such as rubber or resin. This allows a portion of the air blown in by the rotation of the fan 42 by the blower unit 40 to be directed toward the Peltier element unit 60 attached to the fan mounting portion 20. The fan mounting portion 20 is sewn onto the back fabric 3B.

[0038] 3, element mounting sections 30 to which Peltier element units 60 can be attached are arranged in multiple locations on the lining 11, and in this embodiment, are provided in three locations on the back body 5. On the back body 5, the element mounting sections 30 are arranged in one location at the nape of the neck 18, one location near the first armhole 10A, and one location near the second armhole 10B.

[0039] As shown in Fig. 3, the element mounting portion 30 has an element insertion hole 32 formed in the element mounting portion 30 and an element outer peripheral edge portion 31 around the element insertion hole 32. As shown in Figs. 3 and 4, the element mounting portion 30 is made of a material (e.g., leather) that is more rigid than the lining 11 and is also made of a fabric that does not allow air to pass through. The element mounting portion 30 may also be made of a fabric such as rubber or resin. The element mounting portion 30 is sewn onto the lining 11.

[0040] <Regarding the air blower unit 40 of the first embodiment> Next, the air blower unit 40 will be described using Figures 5 to 9. Figure 5 is a front view showing the main body of the air blower unit shown in Figure 2, and Figure 6 is a rear view of the main body of the air blower unit shown in Figure 2. Figure 7 is an explanatory diagram showing the air blower unit according to the first embodiment disassembled into a main body and a pressing member. Figure 8 is an explanatory diagram showing a method for attaching the air blower unit according to the first embodiment to a temperature regulating vest. Figure 9 is a partial cross-sectional view of the air blower unit attached to a temperature regulating vest according to the first embodiment.

[0041] The air blower unit 40 is attached to the temperature control vest 1 so that it can blow either cool air, which is colder than the outside air, or warm air, which is hotter than the outside air, to the body by rotating a fan 42. As shown in Figures 5 to 7, the air blower unit 40 of the first embodiment is broadly composed of a main body 41 and a pressing member 110. The main body 41 includes a fan 42 that blows air, an air blower unit drive unit 43 that controls the rotation of the fan 42 with a motor (not shown), and a casing 44 that covers the fan 42 and the air blower unit drive unit 43 to allow ventilation. The fan 42 of the first embodiment is, for example, a propeller-type fan having a propeller.

[0042] The air blower unit 40 requires a portable battery 84, which may be a storage battery such as a primary battery or a secondary battery, as a power source for the motor of the air blower unit drive part 43. In the temperature regulating vest 1, the portable battery 84 is stored in the first storage part 6 or the like. The portable battery 84 according to the first embodiment is a general-purpose power source configured with specifications such as an output of 5V (volts) and a battery capacity of 5200mA.

[0043] 1 to 4, the air blowing unit 40 is electrically connected to the portable battery 84 via the air blowing operation unit 80 by air blowing wiring 85. When the air blowing unit drive section 43 is electrically connected to the portable battery 84 via the air blowing operation unit 80, the fan 42 rotates. As a result, the air generated by the rotation of the fan 42 is blown toward the body surface BS side (body side) of the wearer HM (see FIG. 9).

[0044] As shown in Figures 5 to 7, the casing 44 is composed of an outer case portion 46 and an inner case portion 45. The outer case portion 46 covers the fan 42 in the radial direction RD on the lower side Lw, which is the side along the axial line AX of the fan 42 that blows air when the fan 42 rotates. The outer case portion 46 has multiple air holes 46a for taking in either cool air that is colder than the outside air or warm air that is hotter than the outside air. The inner case portion 45 is connected to the blower unit drive portion 43 and covers the blower unit drive portion 43 on the Lw side. The inner case portion 45 has multiple outlets 45a for sending air from outside the blower unit 40. In the casing 44 according to the first embodiment, the inner case portion 45 is provided on a cylindrical inner case peripheral wall portion 49 that covers the outer circumferential side of the fan 42 and the outer circumferential side of a part of the blower unit drive portion 43 on the Lw side. A male thread 48 is formed on the outer periphery of this inner case peripheral wall portion 49.

[0045] The outer case portion 46 and the inner case portion 45 are integrally connected via the inner case peripheral wall portion 49. Specifically, the outer case portion 46 is connected to the inner case portion 45 on the upper side Lp of the inner case peripheral wall portion 49. An annular flange 47 that surrounds the outer case portion 46 is formed around the outer case portion 46.

[0046] As shown in FIG. 7 , the pressing member 110 according to the first embodiment is a cylindrical, thin-walled member having a pressing portion 111 at the tip on the Lp side, which can be positioned opposite the flange 47. The inner periphery of the pressing member 110 is formed with a female thread 112 that can be threadedly engaged with the male thread 48 of the inner case peripheral wall 49. The outer periphery of the pressing member 110 is provided with intermittent protrusions that act as anti-slip surfaces. When the male thread 48 of the inner case peripheral wall 49 of the main body 41 is threadedly engaged with the female thread 112 of the pressing member 110, the protrusions firmly grip the pressing member 110, facilitating its rotation. Here, "threaded engagement" refers to the engagement of threads (see the Patent Technical Glossary (Nikkan Kogyo Shimbun, Inc.)). Here, a screw refers to a device with a spiral groove or protrusion for fastening objects (Kojirin, 6th Edition). In other words, "threaded engagement" refers to the engagement of opposing spiral screws or the like to fasten objects.

[0047] 8 , when installing the air blower unit 40 according to the first embodiment, the lower side Lw of the main body 41 is first inserted into the fan insertion hole 22 formed in the fan mounting part 20 and the insertion hole 3b of the lining fabric 3B from the outside 20a of the fan mounting part 20. With the flange 47 abutting the fan outer peripheral edge 21 of the fan mounting part 20, the outer case part 46 is placed in the fan insertion hole 22 and the insertion hole 3b of the lining fabric 3B. Next, a person places the pressing member 110 near the fan outer peripheral edge 21 from the lining 11 side of the temperature control vest 1, and rotates the main body 41 and the pressing member 110 relative to each other to assemble them. Then, a person fastens the male thread 48 of the main body 41 to the female thread 112 of the pressing member 110 by screwing them together, thereby sandwiching the fan outer peripheral edge 21 and the back fabric 3B between the flange 47 and the pressing member 111. The main body 41 and the pressing member 110 are fixed to the fabric 3 with the fan outer peripheral edge 21 and the back fabric 3B sandwiched between the flange 47 and the pressing member 111. In this way, the air blowing unit 40 is fixed to the fabric 3, as shown in Figures 1, 2, 4, and 9.

[0048] The portable battery 84 and the air blower wiring 85 are freely detachable by connection via a connector such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus) connection. Power from the portable battery 84 is supplied to the air blower unit drive section 43 and the motor of the air blower unit drive section 43 through the air blower wiring 85.

[0049] When a voltage of 5 V is supplied through the air blowing wiring 85, the drive unit 33 is driven under the control of the air blowing control unit 81, causing the propeller-type fan 42 to rotate. As the propeller-type fan 42 rotates, air from outside the temperature regulating vest 1 is taken in from the back of the air blowing unit 40 main body shown in Figure 6, and this air is blown out from the front of the air blowing unit 40 main body shown in Figure 5. As shown in Figures 1 to 4, the air blowing unit 40 is electrically connected to the portable battery 84 via the air blowing operation unit 80 by the air blowing wiring 85.

[0050] <Regarding the Peltier element unit 60 of the first embodiment> Next, the Peltier element unit 60 will be described using Figs. 10 to 13. Fig. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing the Peltier element unit from the heat emission surface side of the temperature control vest according to the first embodiment. Fig. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing the Peltier element unit from the heat dissipation surface side of the temperature control vest 1 according to the first embodiment. Fig. 12 is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of the Peltier element unit according to the first embodiment. Fig. 13 is an exploded view showing the outer circumferential surface of the main body according to the first embodiment laid out on a plane.

[0051] As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 , the Peltier element unit 60 includes a Peltier element PE built into a cover member. The Peltier element is a type of plate-shaped semiconductor thermoelectric element. When a direct current is supplied to the Peltier element PE, the flat portion of the Peltier element PE absorbs heat to, for example, about 10°C on one side, becoming an endothermic state (cooled surface), due to the Peltier effect, while the opposite side simultaneously generates heat to, for example, about 30°C on the other side, becoming a heated surface (heated surface). The Peltier element transfers heat from the cooled surface to the heated surface, generating a large amount of heat on the heated surface. The Peltier element unit 60 is configured to transfer heat to the body when the Peltier element PE is energized. The heat is either cold, which is presented on the cooled surface that has absorbed heat, or warmth, which is presented on the heated surface on the opposite side of the cooled surface that simultaneously absorbs heat and generates heat.

[0052] As shown in FIGS. 10 to 12 , the Peltier element unit 60 includes a heat dissipation surface 61, a cylindrical main body 62, and a cylindrical air cylinder 64 having air holes 64a for introducing air from the temperature-regulating vest 1. The air cylinder 64 has four air holes 64a formed around its circumference. As shown in FIGS. 10 to 11 , the main body 62 includes a discharge surface 62a. The Peltier element unit 60 also includes a heat exchange surface 65 that absorbs heat from the Peltier element PE and dissipates it into the air to exchange heat. The discharge surface 62a includes a discharge portion 62b that discharges the air that has undergone heat exchange on the heat exchange surface 65 to the outside of the Peltier element unit 60. The Peltier element unit 60 also includes a blower 100 that blows the air that has undergone heat exchange on the heat exchange surface 65 to the discharge portion 62b, an inner flange 63 formed on the cover member of the main body 62, a ring fastener 120, and the like.

[0053] As shown in FIG. 12 , guide rails 66 are provided on the outer peripheral surface of the main body 62. The guide rails 66 extend toward the discharge portion 62b and in an arc shape between one end 66a and the other end 66b along the circumferential direction CR of the main body 62 (see FIGS. 13 and 15 ). A plurality of guide rails 66 (e.g., four) are provided at different positions in the circumferential direction CR of the main body 62. Mounting grooves 69 are provided between each of the guide rails 66 and the inner flange 63. The plurality of mounting grooves 69 (e.g., four) are provided along the circumferential direction CR of the main body 62. Adjacent guide rails 66 in the circumferential direction CR are disposed at the same height in the axial direction L (see FIGS. 15 to 17 ). A gap 70 is provided between each of the four guide rails 66, which are intermittently adjacent to each other. A plurality of (for example, four) gaps 70 are provided on the outer circumferential surface of the main body 62. As shown in FIG.

[0054] As shown in FIG. 13 , the multiple guide rails 66 each connect one end 66 a to the other end 66 b of the guide rail 66 and have a sliding surface 68 that comes into contact with each protrusion 122 of the ring fastener 120. As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13 , multiple (e.g., four) restricting portions 67 are disposed on each of the sliding surfaces 68 of the multiple guide rails 66. Each of the multiple restricting portions 67 restricts the movement of the multiple protrusions 122 that move along the sliding surface 68 toward the counter-circumferential direction ACR of the main body portion 62. The restricting portions 67 are disposed intermittently on the sliding surface 68 connecting one end 66 a to the other end 66 b of each guide rail 66 in the order of a first restricting portion 67 a, a second restricting portion 67 b, a third restricting portion 67 c, and a fourth restricting portion 67 d. Each of the plurality of fourth restriction portions 67d is configured to have a height that each of the plurality of protrusions 122 cannot climb over.

[0055] Next, referring to FIG. 13 , the multiple guide rails 66 provided on the outer peripheral surface of the main body 62, which is unfolded on a plane, will be described. As shown in FIG. 13 , the multiple guide rails 66 are inclined toward the air cylinder 64 having the air holes 64 a with respect to a plane parallel to the axial direction L along the axial line AX of the main body 62. All of the multiple guide rails 66 in the first embodiment have an inclination angle θ of 3° between one end 66 a and the other end 66 b, as an example. As a result, all of the multiple guide rails 66 in the first embodiment are formed in an inclined state with a height difference ΔH in the axial direction L between the one end 66 a and the other end 66 b. That is, the inclination angle θ of the sliding surface 68 according to the first embodiment is 3° toward the air cylinder 64 having the air holes 64 a with respect to a plane parallel to the axial direction L along the axial line AX of the main body 62.

[0056] The ring fastener 120 is formed so that it can be freely fastened to and released from the main body 62, which is the end opposite the heat dissipation surface 61 (cooling surface 61A, heating surface 61B). The ring fastener 120 is made of synthetic resin and has an annular outer flange 121 formed in a substantially polygonal shape. As shown in FIG. 12 , the outer flange 121 has twelve elliptical through holes. The inner diameter of the ring fastener 120 is larger than the outer diameter of the emission surface 62a and smaller than the outer diameter of the inner flange 63.

[0057] Protrusions 122 connectable to each of the guide rails 66 are arranged on the inner peripheral surface 120a of the ring fastener 120. A plurality of (e.g., four) protrusions 122 are provided at intervals in the circumferential direction CR of the ring fastener 120. Each of the protrusions 122 is engageable with each of the regulating portions 67 of the guide rails 66. Adjacent protrusions 122 in the circumferential direction CR are arranged at the same height in the axial direction L. Each of the protrusions 122 is formed to be able to pass through each of the gaps 70. One protrusion 122 engages with one guide rail 66 through the gap 70. The protrusions 122 are inclined toward the surface 121a of the outer flange 121 with respect to a plane parallel to the surface 121a, with an inclination angle θ of 3°. This facilitates connection of each of the protrusions 122 with each of the guide rails 66. In the temperature regulating vest 1, three Peltier element units 60 (first Peltier element unit 60A, second Peltier element unit 60B, third Peltier element unit 60C) are attached to three element mounting portions 30 on the vest body 2.

[0058] The heat dissipation surface 61 is exposed to the outside, and the heat dissipation surface 61 and the emission surface 62a are arranged on opposite sides of the Peltier element unit 60. The heat dissipation surface 61 is made of, for example, stainless steel or a metal with excellent thermal conductivity.

[0059] The heat exchange surface 65 formed on the back side of the heat dissipation surface 61 is made of a metal with excellent thermal conductivity, such as aluminum or copper. The heat exchange surface 65 has multiple (e.g., 117) cooling fins 65a configured in a protruding shape. The protruding shape of the cooling fins 65a increases the surface area of ​​the cooling fins 65a, thereby expanding the area that comes into contact with the air, allowing for efficient heat dissipation from the Peltier element PE. The cooling fins 65a are aligned on the heat exchange surface 65 at regular intervals so that air flowing in from the air holes 64a can pass between the cooling fins 65a. This allows the cooling air flowing between the cooling fins 65a to come into contact with the cooling fins 65a, thereby efficiently exchanging heat from the Peltier element PE.

[0060] 12 , a heat dissipation surface 61 (cooling surface 61A, heating surface 61B) is provided at an end opposite to the main body 62 in an axial direction L along the axial line AX of the main body 62. The main body 62 is formed in a cylindrical shape, and is provided with an inner flange 63 that protrudes in the shape of an annular plate from the outer peripheral end.

[0061] 12, the blower device 100 of the first embodiment includes a heat exhaust fan 101 that blows air, and a heat exhaust fan drive unit 102 that is controlled by a motor (not shown) that rotates the heat exhaust fan 101. As a result, the air that has undergone heat exchange on the heat exchange surface 65 is discharged from the discharge unit 62b by the wind generated when the heat exhaust fan 101 is rotated by the drive of the heat exhaust fan drive unit 102 under the control of the temperature adjustment control unit 91.

[0062] In the Peltier element unit 60, the Peltier element PE is electrically connected to the portable battery 84 by a temperature control wiring 95 via the temperature control operation unit 90, as shown in FIGS.

[0063] For example, when three Peltier element units 60 are attached to the temperature control vest 1, the temperature control wiring 95 takes the form of three temperature control branch lines 96A, 96B, and 96C that extend from a single temperature control main line 96 and are split at a temperature control branch section 97. In other words, the number of temperature control branch lines 96A, 96B, 96C, etc. matches the number of Peltier element units 60.

[0064] The temperature control main line 96 of the temperature control wiring 95 is connected to the portable battery 84. For example, the temperature control branch line 96A is connected to the first Peltier element unit 60A. For example, the temperature control branch line 96B is connected to the second Peltier element unit 60B. For example, the temperature control branch line 96C is connected to the third Peltier element unit 60C. However, this is not limited to this. The temperature control branch lines 96A, 96B, 96C may be connected arbitrarily at the discretion of the wearer HM, particularly by simplifying the wiring route, as long as there is a one-to-one connection relationship with the three Peltier element units 60 (first to third Peltier element units 60A, 60B, 60C).

[0065] <Attaching the Peltier element unit 60 of the first embodiment> Attaching the Peltier element unit 60 will be described with reference to Fig. 14. Fig. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing a method of attaching the Peltier element unit according to the first embodiment to a temperature control vest.

[0066] A method of mounting the Peltier element unit 60 on the element mounting portion 30 will be described using Figure 14. As shown in Figure 14, when mounting the Peltier element unit 60, the radiation surface 62a side of the main body 62 of the Peltier element unit 60 is inserted into the element insertion hole 32 formed in the element mounting portion 30 and the insertion hole 3b in the lining fabric 3B from the inside 30a of the element mounting portion 30. The Peltier element unit 60 is placed in the element insertion hole 32 and the insertion hole 3b in the lining fabric 3B with the inner flange 63 abutting against the element outer peripheral edge 31. The element insertion hole 32 is a hole for mounting the Peltier element unit 60 so that the heat dissipation surface 61 (cooling surface 61A or heating surface 61B) is in close contact with the body of the wearer HM of the temperature control vest 1.

[0067] Next, the outer flange 121 abuts against the back-side fabric 3B from the outside of the back-side fabric 3B. The person inserts the main body 62 into the inside of the ring fastener 120, and inserts each of the multiple protrusions 122 of the ring fastener 120 into each of the multiple gaps 70. As a result, the back-side fabric 3B and the element outer peripheral edge 31 are sandwiched between the inner flange 63 of the main body 62 and the outer flange 121 of the ring fastener 120. Next, the person rotates the main body 62 and the ring fastener 120 relatively in the circumferential direction CR of the main body 62, thereby inserting each of the protrusions 122 from one end 66a of the guide rail 66 into the mounting groove 69. Furthermore, the person rotates the main body 62 and the ring fastener 120 relatively in the circumferential direction CR of the main body 62, causing each protrusion 122 to slide on the sliding surface 68 of each guide rail 66 along the circumferential direction CR of the main body 62. Next, the person rotates the main body 62 and the ring fastener 120 relatively in the circumferential direction CR of the main body 62, causing the multiple protrusions 122 to climb over the restricting portions 67 disposed on each of the multiple sliding surfaces 68. When each of the multiple protrusions 122 climbs over each of the multiple restricting portions 67, the multiple restricting portions 67 restrict the multiple protrusions 122 from moving in the anti-circumferential direction ACR of the main body 62. The protrusions 122 that have climbed over the restricting portions 67 and stopped moving come into surface contact with the restricting portions 67 and engage with them, thereby being fixed. As a result, the back fabric 3B and the element outer peripheral edge 31 are fixed in a sandwiched state between the inner flange 63 and the outer flange 121. Although the multiple protrusions 122 according to the first embodiment and the restricting portion 67 of the guide rail 66 can be connected, they do not come into contact with opposing spiral screws or the like. Therefore, the protrusions 122 of the ring fastener 120 and the restricting portion 67 of the guide rail 66 are fixed by engagement, not by screwing.

[0068] The first Peltier element unit 60A is attached to the element mounting portion 30 of the neck portion 18. In this case, the heat dissipation surface 61 (cooling surface 61A or heating surface 61B) faces and is in contact with the body side (nape of the neck) of the wearer HM of the temperature control vest 1 (see FIGS. 18 and 22). This allows the heat dissipation surface 61 (cooling surface 61A or heating surface 61B) to come into contact with the surface of the wearer HM's own body directly or indirectly via underwear or the like, thereby cooling the wearer's nape of the neck.

[0069] The Peltier element units 60 (second Peltier element unit 60B, third Peltier element unit 60C) are attached to the element mounting portions 30 near the armholes 10 (first armhole 10A, second armhole 10B). In this case, the heat dissipation surface 61 (cooling surface 61A or heating surface 61B) faces and is in contact with the body side (near the armpits) of the wearer HM of the temperature control vest 1 (see FIGS. 18 and 22). This allows the heat dissipation surface 61 (cooling surface 61A or heating surface 61B) to come into contact with the body surface of the wearer HM directly or indirectly via underwear or the like, thereby cooling the armpits.

[0070] <Regarding the Thickness of Fabric Sandwiched Between the Inner Flange 63 and the Outer Flange 121> Using Figures 15 to 17, we will explain the locations where the protrusions 122 and the sliding surfaces 68 are engaged and fixed, depending on the thickness of the fabric sandwiched between the inner flange 63 and the outer flange 121. Figure 15 is a side view of the Peltier element unit according to the first embodiment, and is an explanatory diagram showing the inner flange and the outer flange engaged at a first level. Figure 16 is a side view of the Peltier element unit according to the first embodiment, and is an explanatory diagram showing the inner flange and the outer flange engaged at a second level. Figure 17 is a side view of the Peltier element unit according to the first embodiment, and is an explanatory diagram showing the inner flange and the outer flange engaged at a third level.

[0071] 15 will be used to describe the case where each of the multiple protrusions 122 climbs over the first restricting portion 67a of the respective guide rails 66 and the guide rails 66 engage with the protrusions 122 in the first stage. When the thickness of the fabric of the temperature control vest 1 is X1 (e.g., approximately 3 mm), a person inserts the main body portion 62 into the ring fastener 120 with the fabric sandwiched between the inner flange 63 and the outer flange 121. As a result, each of the multiple protrusions 122 enters each of the multiple gaps 70. Next, when a person rotates the main body portion 62 and the ring fastener 120 relatively in the circumferential direction CR of the main body portion 62, each of the protrusions 122 of the ring fastener 120 enters the mounting groove portion 69 from one end 66a of the guide rail 66. Furthermore, when a person rotates the main body 62 and the ring fastener 120 relative to each other in the circumferential direction CR of the main body 62, each of the multiple protrusions 122 slides on the sliding surfaces 68 of the respective guide rails 66 along the circumferential direction CR of the main body 62. When the main body 62 and the ring fastener 120 are rotated relatively along the circumferential direction CR of the main body 62 by, for example, 15 degrees, each of the multiple protrusions 122 climbs over each of the multiple first restricting portions 67a disposed on the sliding surfaces 68. The movement of each of the protrusions 122 in the anti-circumferential direction ACR is restricted by each of the first restricting portions 67a that have climbed over. In order for each of the multiple protrusions 122 to climb over each of the multiple first restricting portions 67a, the angle by which the main body 62 and the ring fastener 120 rotate relatively along the circumferential direction CR of the main body 62 is not limited to 15 degrees. For example, it is preferably any angle between 15 degrees and 20 degrees.

[0072] As shown in FIG. 15 , the plurality of protrusions 122, whose movement in the circumferential direction CR of the main body 62 has stopped in the first stage, come into surface contact with and engage with the plurality of first restricting portions 67a, thereby securing the Peltier element unit 60 to the temperature control vest 1. In this case, the Peltier element unit 60 can be attached to the temperature control vest 1 with the fabric of the temperature control vest 1 having a thickness of X1 (e.g., approximately 3 mm) sandwiched between the inner flange 63 and the outer flange 121. To release the Peltier element unit 60, a person rotates the main body 62 and the ring fastener 120 relative to each other in the counter-circumferential direction ACR of the main body 62, for example, by 15 degrees, causing each of the plurality of protrusions 122 to climb over a corresponding one of the first restricting portions 67a. This allows the Peltier element unit 60 to be released from the temperature control vest 1.

[0073] Next, using Figure 16, a case will be described in which each of the multiple protrusions 122 climbs over the second restricting portion 67b of the respective guide rails 66 and the guide rails 66 engage with the protrusions 122 in the second stage. When the thickness of the fabric of the temperature control vest 1 is X2 (e.g., approximately 2 mm), a person inserts the main body portion 62 into the ring fastener 120 with the fabric sandwiched between the inner flange 63 and the outer flange 121. As a result, each protrusion 122 enters each gap 70. Next, when a person rotates the main body portion 62 and the ring fastener 120 relatively in the circumferential direction CR of the main body portion 62, each protrusion 122 of the ring fastener 120 enters the mounting groove portion 69 from one end 66a of the guide rail 66. Furthermore, when a person rotates the main body 62 and the ring fastener 120 relatively in the circumferential direction CR of the main body 62, each of the multiple protrusions 122 slides on the sliding surfaces 68 of the respective guide rails 66 along the circumferential direction CR of the main body 62. When the main body 62 and the ring fastener 120 are rotated relatively by 15 degrees, for example, along the circumferential direction CR of the main body 62, each of the multiple protrusions 122 climbs over each of the multiple first restricting portions 67a disposed on the sliding surfaces 68. Movement of each of the protrusions 122 in the anti-circumferential direction ACR is restricted by each of the first restricting portions 67a that have climbed over.

[0074] Furthermore, when a person rotates the main body 62 and the ring fastener 120 relative to each other along the circumferential direction CR of the main body 62, for example, by 15 degrees, each of the multiple protrusions 122 slides on the sliding surface 68 and climbs over each of the multiple second restriction portions 67b. The movement of each of the multiple protrusions 122 in the anti-circumferential direction ACR is restricted by each of the multiple second restriction portions 67b that have climbed over. In order for each of the multiple protrusions 122 to climb over each of the multiple second restriction portions 67b, the angle by which the main body 62 and the ring fastener 120 are rotated relative to each other along the circumferential direction CR of the main body 62 is not limited to 15 degrees. For example, it is preferably any angle between 15 degrees and 20 degrees.

[0075] As shown in FIG. 16 , the multiple protrusions 122, whose movement in the circumferential direction CR of the main body 62 has stopped in the second stage, come into surface contact with and engage with the multiple second restricting portions 67b, thereby securing the Peltier element unit 60 to the temperature control vest 1. In this case, the Peltier element unit 60 can be attached to the temperature control vest 1 with the fabric of the temperature control vest 1 having a thickness of X2 (e.g., approximately 2 mm) sandwiched between the inner flange 63 and the outer flange 121. To release the Peltier element unit 60, a person rotates the main body 62 and the ring fastener 120 relative to each other in the counter-circumferential direction ACR of the main body 62, for example, by 30 degrees, causing each of the multiple protrusions 122 to climb over the first restricting portions 67a and the second restricting portions 67b. This allows the Peltier element unit 60 to be released from the temperature control vest 1.

[0076] Next, using Figure 17, a case will be described in which each of the multiple protrusions 122 climbs over the third restricting portion 67c of the respective guide rails 66 and the guide rails 66 engage with the protrusions 122 in the third stage. When the thickness of the fabric of the temperature control vest 1 is X3 (e.g., approximately 1 mm), a person inserts the main body portion 62 into the inside of the ring fastener 120 with the fabric sandwiched between the inner flange 63 and the outer flange 121. As a result, each protrusion 122 enters each gap 70. Next, when a person rotates the main body portion 62 and the ring fastener 120 relatively in the circumferential direction CR of the main body portion 62, each protrusion 122 of the ring fastener 120 enters the mounting groove portion 69 from one end 66a of the guide rail 66. Furthermore, when a person rotates the main body 62 and the ring fastener 120 relatively in the circumferential direction CR of the main body 62, each of the multiple protrusions 122 slides on the sliding surfaces 68 of the respective guide rails 66 along the circumferential direction CR of the main body 62. When the main body 62 and the ring fastener 120 are rotated relatively by 15 degrees, for example, along the circumferential direction CR of the main body 62, each of the multiple protrusions 122 climbs over each of the multiple first restricting portions 67a disposed on the sliding surfaces 68. Movement of each of the protrusions 122 in the anti-circumferential direction ACR is restricted by each of the first restricting portions 67a that have climbed over.

[0077] Furthermore, when a person relatively rotates the main body 62 and the ring fastener 120 along the circumferential direction CR of the main body 62, for example, by 15 degrees, each of the multiple protrusions 122 slides on the sliding surface 68 and climbs over each of the multiple second restricting portions 67b. The movement of each of the protrusions 122 in the anti-circumferential direction ACR is restricted by each of the second restricting portions 67b that it has climbed over.

[0078] Furthermore, when a person rotates the main body 62 and the ring fastener 120 relatively along the circumferential direction CR of the main body 62, for example, by 15 degrees, each of the multiple protrusions 122 slides on the sliding surface 68 and climbs over each of the multiple third restriction portions 67c. The movement of each of the multiple protrusions 122 in the anti-circumferential direction ACR is restricted by each of the multiple third restriction portions 67c that have climbed over. In order for each of the multiple protrusions 122 to climb over each of the multiple third restriction portions 67c, the angle by which the main body 62 and the ring fastener 120 are rotated relatively along the circumferential direction CR of the main body 62 is not limited to 15 degrees. For example, it is preferably any angle between 15 degrees and 20 degrees.

[0079] As shown in FIG. 17 , the plurality of protrusions 122, whose movement in the circumferential direction CR of the main body 62 has stopped in the third stage, come into surface contact with and engage with each of the plurality of third restricting portions 67c, thereby securing the Peltier element unit 60 to the temperature control vest 1. In this case, the Peltier element unit 60 can be attached to the temperature control vest 1 with the fabric of the temperature control vest 1 having a thickness of X3 (e.g., approximately 1 mm) sandwiched between the inner flange 63 and the outer flange 121. To release the Peltier element unit 60, a person rotates the main body 62 and the ring fastener 120 relative to each other in the counter-circumferential direction ACR of the main body 62, for example, by 45 degrees, causing each of the plurality of protrusions 122 to climb over each of the first restricting portions 67a to the third restricting portions 67c. This allows the Peltier element unit 60 to be released from the temperature control vest 1.

[0080] When each of the multiple protrusions 122 has climbed over the third restricting portion 67c, each of the multiple protrusions 122 cannot climb over each of the multiple fourth restricting portions 67d even if a person rotates the main body portion 62 and the ring fastener 120 relatively in the circumferential direction CR of the main body portion 62. This makes it possible to prevent the Peltier element unit 60 from falling off from the temperature control vest 1 due to the relative rotation of the main body portion 62 and the ring fastener 120 in the circumferential direction of the main body portion 62.

[0081] When attaching the Peltier element unit 60 according to the first embodiment to the vest body 2, first, each of the multiple (e.g., four) protrusions 122 enters the multiple (e.g., four) gaps 70 in the axial direction L along the axial line AX of the main body 62. This causes the inner flange 63 and the ring fastener 120 to sandwich the fabric of the temperature control vest 1. Next, the main body 62 and the ring fastener 120 are rotated relative to each other, and with the fabric of the temperature control vest 1 sandwiched between the inner flange 63 and the ring fastener 120, the movement of each of the multiple protrusions 122 is restricted by the respective restricting portions 67 that they have overcome. Furthermore, with each of the multiple protrusions 122 engaging with the respective restricting portions 67, the Peltier element unit 60 is attached to the temperature control vest 1 with the fabric of the temperature control vest 1 sandwiched between the inner flange 63 and the ring fastener 120. This allows a person to attach the Peltier element unit 60 to the temperature control vest 1 with a single touch. Furthermore, by rotating the main body 62 and the ring fastener 120 relative to each other, the locations at which the Peltier element unit 60 engages with each of the multiple protrusions 122 can be changed in stages. As a result, if the fabric thickness of the temperature control vest 1 is approximately 3 mm, each of the multiple protrusions 122 will engage with each of the multiple first restricting portions 67a, allowing the Peltier element unit 60 to be attached to the temperature control vest 1. If the fabric thickness of the temperature control vest 1 is approximately 2 mm, each of the multiple protrusions 122 will engage with each of the second restricting portions 67b, allowing the Peltier element unit 60 to be attached to the temperature control vest 1. If the fabric thickness of the temperature control vest 1 is approximately 1 mm, each of the multiple protrusions 122 will engage with each of the third restricting portions 67c, allowing the Peltier element unit 60 to be attached to the temperature control vest 1. Therefore, regardless of the fabric thickness of the temperature control vest 1, a person can attach the Peltier element unit 60 to the temperature control vest 1 in accordance with that thickness. Therefore, it becomes easy to attach the Peltier element unit 60 according to the first embodiment to the fabric of the temperature control vest 1, thereby improving the ease of use of the temperature control vest 1. Furthermore, even if the lining fabric 3B and the element mounting part 30 are clamped between the inner flange 63 and the ring fastener 120 multiple times, the lining fabric 3B and the element mounting part 30 are less likely to undergo plastic deformation.Therefore, even when the Peltier element unit 60 is attached to the temperature control vest 1, it is possible to prevent rattling and damage to the back fabric 3B and the element attachment portion 30.

[0082] <Regarding the inclination angle of the flange> The inclination angle of the inner flange 63 and the outer flange 121 will be described using Figures 18 and 19. Figure 18 is a partial cross-sectional view of a Peltier element unit attached to the element mounting portion. Figure 19 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the inner flange and the outer flange shown in Figure 18. Note that Figures 18 and 19 are drawings showing the Peltier element units 60 (first Peltier element unit 60A, second Peltier element unit 60B, third Peltier element unit 60C) attached to the element mounting portion 30.

[0083] 18 and 19 , the surface 63a of the inner flange 63 of the Peltier element unit 60 and the surface 121a of the outer flange 121 are in contact, i.e., surface contact, with the element mounting portion 30. The surface contact between the surface 63a of the inner flange 63 and the surface 121a of the outer flange 121 can prevent the Peltier element unit 60 from coming off the element mounting portion 30.

[0084] As shown in FIG. 19 , the back surface 63 b of the inner flange 63 and the back surface 121 b of the outer flange 121 are not in contact with the element mounting portion 30 .

[0085] 18 and 19 , the front surface 63 a and the back surface 63 b of the inner flange 63 are inclined toward the radiation portion 62 b formed on the radiation surface 62 a with respect to a plane parallel to the heat dissipation surface 61 (the cooling surface 61A or the heating surface 61B). Note that the inclination angle θ of the front surface 63 a and the back surface 63 b of the inner flange 63 in the first embodiment is 20°.

[0086] 18 and 19 , the front surface 121a and the back surface 121b of the outer flange 121 are inclined toward the discharge portion 62b formed on the discharge surface 62a with respect to a plane parallel to the heat dissipation surface 61 (cooling surface 61A or heating surface 61B), similar to the inner flange 63. Note that the inclination angle θ of the front surface 121a and the back surface 121b of the outer flange 121 in the first embodiment is 20°.

[0087] <Regarding the flange's function of changing air flow> The inclination angle θ of the front surface 63a and back surface 63b of the inner flange 63 of the Peltier element unit 60 of the first embodiment is 20° with respect to the heat dissipation surface 61 (cooling surface 61A or heating surface 61B). As a result, the inner flange 63 of the Peltier element unit 60 has the function of changing the downward flow of air flowing into the air holes 64a of the Peltier element unit 60. The function of the inner flange 63 of the Peltier element unit 60 of the first embodiment, of changing the downward flow of air flowing into the air holes 64a of the Peltier element unit 60 will be described using Figures 20 and 21 .

[0088] Fig. 20A is an explanatory diagram showing the flow of air flowing into the air hole of a comparative example. Fig. 20B is an explanatory diagram showing the flow of air flowing into the air hole of the first embodiment. Fig. 21A is an explanatory diagram showing the velocity distribution of air flowing into the air hole of a comparative example. Fig. 21B is an explanatory diagram showing the velocity distribution of air flowing into the air hole of the first embodiment.

[0089] First, the installation of the comparative Peltier element unit 60 shown in Figures 20A and 21A will be described. The main body 62 of the Peltier element unit 60 is inserted from the inner side 30a of the element mounting portion 30 of the temperature control vest 1. The Peltier element unit 60 is placed in the element insertion hole 32 with the inner flange 131 of the comparative example abutting against the element outer peripheral edge 31 of the element insertion hole 32. Next, the comparative Peltier element unit 60 is equipped with a ring fastener 140 having an annular outer flange 141 that protrudes in the shape of a circular ring plate, and this outer flange 141 abuts against the inner fabric 3B from the outside of the inner fabric 3B. The ring fastener 140 of the comparative example is inserted into the internal space between the lining 11 and the inner fabric 3B. The outer peripheral edge 31 of the element is sandwiched between the inner flange 131 of the comparative tube portion 130 and the outer flange 141 of the ring fastener 140 of the comparative example. By fastening the male thread 132 of the comparative example tubular portion 130 and the female thread 142 of the comparative example ring fastener 140 by screwing them together, the element mounting portion 30 is sandwiched between the comparative example inner flange 131 and the comparative example outer flange 141. Thus, as shown in Figures 20A and 21A, the comparative example Peltier element unit 60 is attached in a state where it is fastened to the element mounting portion 30 and the back fabric 3B.

[0090] The inclination angle θ of the front surface 131a and back surface 131b of the inner flange 131 of the Peltier element unit 60 in the comparative example is 0° with respect to the heat dissipation surface 61 (cooling surface 61A or heating surface 61B). That is, as shown in Fig. 20A, the inner flange 131 of the Peltier element unit 60 is parallel to the heat dissipation surface 61 (cooling surface 61A or heating surface 61B). As a result, the inner flange 63 of the Peltier element unit 60 in the comparative example does not have the function of changing the flow of air flowing into the air hole 64a of the Peltier element unit 60 downward.

[0091] 20A , when the inclination angle θ of the inner flange 131 of the comparative example is 0°, air AR (air AR1, air AR2, air AR3, air AR4), which is part of the air sent in as the fan 42 of the blower unit 40 rotates, flows into the air holes 64a. The air AR (air AR1, air AR2, air AR3, air AR4) flows into the air holes 64a without colliding with the inner flange 63, and into the inside of the Peltier element unit 60. The air AR (air AR1, air AR2, air AR3, air AR4) that flows into the inside of the Peltier element unit 60 either comes into contact with the multiple cooling fins 65a and the heat exchange surface 65, or does not come into contact with the cooling fins 65a, etc.

[0092] As shown in Figure 20B, when the inclination angle θ of the inner flange 63 is 20°, air AR (air AR4, air AR5, air AR6, and air AR7), which is part of the air sent by the blower unit 40 as the fan 42 rotates, flows toward the air holes 64a. Then, as shown in Figure 20B, the air AR4 collides with the inner flange 63. This increases the speed of the air AR4 and reduces the pressure on the air AR4. As shown in Figure 20B, the air AR4 flows along the inner flange 63, whose inclination angle θ is 20°, toward the base of the cooling fins 65a of the heat exchange surface 65.

[0093] 20B, the air AR5 flowing toward the air hole 64a is compressed downward by the air AR4 flowing toward the air hole 64a along the inner flange 63 having an inclination angle θ of 20°. As a result, the flow of the air AR5 is diverted toward the base of the cooling fin 65a.

[0094] As shown in Fig. 20B, air AR4 that has passed through air hole 64a flows into the interior of the Peltier element unit 60. As shown in Fig. 20B, air AR6 that has passed through air hole 64a and flowed into the interior of the Peltier element unit 60 is compressed downward by air AR4 that has flowed into the interior of the Peltier element unit 60. This changes the flow of air AR6 toward the base of the cooling fins 65a. As shown in Fig. 20B, air AR7 that has passed through air hole 64a and flowed into the interior of the Peltier element unit 60 flows directly toward the heat exchange surface 65.

[0095] As shown in Figure 20B, the inner flange 63 of the first embodiment has the function of directing the flow of air AR4 that collides with the inner flange 63 downward, thereby changing the direction of the flow of air AR5 and air AR6 toward the air hole 64a to the base of the cooling fin 65a.

[0096] Next, a change in the velocity distribution of air when the inner flange 131 of the comparative example is parallel to the heat dissipation surface 61 (cooling surface 61A or heating surface 61B) will be described with reference to FIG. 21A.

[0097] The first comparative velocity distribution HP1 shown in Fig. 21A is the velocity distribution of a portion of the air sent in with the rotation of the fan 42 by the blower unit 40. As shown in Fig. 21A, the peak of the first comparative velocity distribution HP1 near the inner flange 131 of the comparative example faces the cooling fins 65a of the heat exchange surface 65. The first comparative velocity distribution HP1 moves toward the cooling fins 65a of the heat exchange surface 65.

[0098] The velocity distribution of a portion of the air sent in with the rotation of the fan 42 by the blower unit 40 when it moves below the inner flange 63 of the Peltier element unit 60 is the second comparative velocity distribution HP2 shown in Fig. 20A. As shown in Fig. 21A, the peak of the second comparative velocity distribution HP2 near the inner flange 131 of the Peltier element unit 60 of the comparative example faces the cooling fins 65a of the heat exchange surface 65, similar to the first comparative velocity distribution HP1. The second comparative velocity distribution HP2 moves toward the cooling fins 65a of the heat exchange surface 65.

[0099] When the air sent in with the rotation of the fan 42 by the air blower unit 40 moves into the Peltier element unit 60, the velocity distribution of a portion of the air is the third comparative velocity distribution HP3 shown in Fig. 21A. As shown in Fig. 21A, the peak of the third comparative velocity distribution HP3 that has moved into the Peltier element unit 60 of the comparative example faces the cooling fins 65a of the heat exchange surface 65. When the inner flange 63 of the comparative example is parallel to the heat dissipation surface 61 (cooling surface 61A or heating surface 61B), the flow of air toward the air holes 64a is not changed by the inner flange 131, and the air continues to move toward the cooling fins 65a.

[0100] Next, using FIG. 21B, a change in the air velocity distribution when the inner flange 63 of the first embodiment is inclined at an angle of 20° with respect to the heat dissipation surface 61 (cooling surface 61A or heating surface 61B) will be described.

[0101] The first inclined velocity distribution ZP1 shown in Fig. 21B is the velocity distribution of a portion of the air blown in association with the rotation of the fan 42 by the blower unit 40 near the inner flange 63 of the first embodiment. As shown in Fig. 21B, the peak of the first inclined velocity distribution ZP1 near the inner flange 63 of the first embodiment faces the cooling fins 65a of the heat exchange surface 65. The first inclined velocity distribution ZP1 moves toward the cooling fins 65a of the heat exchange surface 65.

[0102] Next, when the air blown by the rotation of the fan 42 of the blower unit 40 moves downward by the inner flange 63 of the first embodiment, the velocity distribution of the portion of the air is the second inclined velocity distribution ZP2 shown in FIG. 21B. The portion of the air blown by the rotation of the fan 42 of the blower unit 40 flows along the inner flange 63, which has an inclination angle θ of 20°, toward the base of the cooling fins 65a of the heat exchange surface 65 (see FIG. 20B). As a result, the peak of the second inclined velocity distribution ZP2 moves toward the base of the cooling fins 65a of the heat exchange surface 65, facing the base of the cooling fins 65a of the heat exchange surface 65. The second inclined velocity distribution ZP2 moves toward the base of the cooling fins 65a of the heat exchange surface 65.

[0103] Next, the velocity distribution of the air blown into the Peltier element unit 60 by the rotation of the fan 42 by the blower unit 40 is the third inclined velocity distribution ZP3 shown in FIG. 21B . The air accompanying the rotation of the fan 42 flows along the inner flange 63, which has an inclination angle θ of 20°, toward the base of the cooling fins 65a of the heat exchange surface 65 (see FIG. 20B ). As a result, the peak of the third inclined velocity distribution ZP3 faces the base of the cooling fins 65a of the heat exchange surface 65, similar to the second inclined velocity distribution ZP2. As a result, the air flowing toward the air holes 64a of the first embodiment collides with the inner flange 63 of the first embodiment, increasing its velocity and decreasing its pressure, causing the air flow to change toward the base of the cooling fins 65a, as shown in FIG. 21B .

[0104] A portion of the air blown by the rotation of the fan 42 by the blower unit 40 flows along the inner flange 63, which has an inclination angle θ of 20°, toward the base of the cooling fins 65a of the heat exchange surface 65 (see FIGS. 20B and 21B). As a result, the inner flange 63 of the first embodiment can redirect the flow of air flowing below the inner flange 63 toward the base of the cooling fins 65a. Therefore, when the cooling fins 65a are viewed in plan, the entire cooled air (e.g., 35°C) present in the temperature-regulating vest 1 reaches the cooling fins 65a located directly below the blower device 100, which the air flowing in through the air holes 64a of the comparative example could not reach. Therefore, the cooling efficiency of the Peltier element unit 60 of the first embodiment can be increased by approximately 10% compared to when the inner flanges 63 are parallel (see FIGS. 20A and 21A). By increasing the cooling efficiency of the Peltier element unit 60 by approximately 10%, the power consumption of the motor that rotates the heat exhaust fan 101 can be reduced by approximately 10%, and the effective cooling time of the temperature-controlled vest 1 can be extended, for example, from 120 minutes to 132 minutes.

[0105] <Air Flow Within Temperature Control Vest 1> Next, the air flow within the temperature control vest 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 22. Fig. 22 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the flow of air sent from the air blowing unit of the temperature control vest shown in Fig. 1.

[0106] 22 , a portion of the air AR sent in as the fan 42 of the air blowing unit 40 rotates is guided toward the collar 9 through the central back portion 13 and is then released from the collar 9 to the outside of the temperature regulating vest 1. A portion of the air AR sent in as the fan 42 of the air blowing unit 40 rotates passes through the central back portion 13 and is taken into the air holes 64a of the first Peltier element unit 60A. In this case, the cooling fins 65a are cooled by the air AR taken in through the air holes 64a, and the air that has undergone heat exchange is released from the release portion 62b.

[0107] 22 , some of the air AR sent in as the fan 42 of the air blowing unit 40 rotates is guided toward the first armhole 10A and is released from the first armhole 10A to the outside of the temperature regulating vest 1. Some of the air AR sent in as the fan 42 of the air blowing unit 40 rotates is taken in by the air holes 64a of the second Peltier element unit 60B. In this case, the cooling fins 65a are cooled by the air AR taken in through the air holes 64a, and the air that has undergone heat exchange is released from the release section 62b.

[0108] 22 , some of the air AR sent in as the fan 42 of the air blowing unit 40 rotates is guided toward the second armhole 10B and is released from the second armhole 10B to the outside of the temperature regulating vest 1. Some of the air AR sent in as the fan 42 of the air blowing unit 40 rotates is taken in by the air holes 64a of the third Peltier element unit 60C. In this case, the cooling fins 65a are cooled by the air AR taken in through the air holes 64a, and the air that has undergone heat exchange is released from the release section 62b.

[0109] <Air blowing operation unit> Fig. 23 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an air blowing operation unit provided in the temperature regulating vest according to the first embodiment. As shown in Fig. 23, the air blowing operation unit 80 has an air blowing control unit 81, an air blowing operation unit 82, an air blowing display unit 83, etc. Within the air blowing operation unit 80, the air blowing operation unit 82 and the air blowing display unit 83 are electrically connected to the air blowing control unit 81.

[0110] The air blowing operation section 82 is configured in a manner that enables operation to control the on / off switching operation of the power supply to the motor of the drive section 33 by lightly pressing a push-down section on the top surface of the air blowing operation unit 80 with a finger based on a predetermined operation mode. The air blowing display section 83 is a display section on the top surface of the air blowing operation unit 80, and is configured in a manner that allows it to emit light in white.

[0111] <Regarding the Temperature Control Operation Unit> Figure 24 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a temperature control operation unit provided in a temperature control vest according to an embodiment. As shown in Figure 24, the temperature control operation unit 90 includes a temperature control control unit 91, a temperature control operation unit 92, and a temperature control display unit 93. Within the temperature control operation unit 90, the temperature control operation unit 92 and the temperature control display unit 93 are electrically connected to the temperature control control unit 91.

[0112] The temperature control operation unit 92 is configured in a manner that enables operation to control the on / off switching of power to the Peltier elements PE of the first to third Peltier element units 60A, 60B, 60C by pressing a press-down portion on the top surface of the temperature control operation unit 90. Furthermore, the temperature control operation unit 92 is configured in a manner that enables operation to control the on / off switching of power to a motor (not shown) that rotates the heat exhaust fan 101 by pressing a press-down portion on the top surface of the temperature control operation unit 90. The temperature control display unit 93 is a display unit on the top surface of the temperature control operation unit 90 that is configured in a manner that enables light to be selectively emitted in a plurality of colors.

[0113] When the temperature adjustment control unit 91 has control to reverse the direction of the direct current supplied from the portable battery 84 to the Peltier element PE, the temperature adjustment operation unit 92 lightly presses a depression on the top surface of the temperature adjustment operation unit 90 based on a predetermined operation mode different from the operation of switching on / off the current supply, thereby making it possible to switch the polarity of the current supplied to the first to third Peltier element units 60A, 60B, 60C.

[0114] In the Peltier element unit 60, when the direction of the DC current supplied to the Peltier element PE is reversed, the functions of one side and the other side are reversed. Therefore, if the temperature adjustment control unit 91 is configured to be able to reverse the polarity of the current supplied to the Peltier element PE, the heat dissipation surface 61 can be selectively changed by the temperature adjustment control unit 91 between a cooling surface 61A cooled by heat absorption and a heating surface 61B heated by heat generation. As a result, the cooling surface 61A and the heating surface 61B are interchangeable on the heat dissipation surface 61. Note that if the temperature adjustment control unit 91 does not have the function of switching the direction of the current to the Peltier element PE, the heat dissipation surface 61 is either the cooling surface 61A or the heating surface 61B. The Peltier element unit 60 is configured so that when the Peltier element PE is energized, it can transfer heat to the body by either presenting cold heat to the cooling surface 61A which has become heat-absorbing, or presenting warm heat to the heating surface 61B which has become heat-generating at the same time as absorbing heat on the opposite side of the cooling surface.

[0115] <Second Embodiment> The following describes in detail the features of the temperature regulation vest 1 of the second embodiment. Unless otherwise specified, the temperature regulation vest 1 of the first embodiment described above also applies to the second embodiment. Of course, the configurations of the second embodiment may be appropriately combined. Technical features in the first embodiment described above and the second embodiment described below may be appropriately deleted unless described as essential in this specification. In the second embodiment, the temperature regulation unit is a fan, and the body temperature regulation device is an air blower unit.

[0116] The blower unit 40 of the first embodiment is attached to the temperature control vest 1 with the flange 47 and the pressing portion 111 sandwiching the fan outer peripheral edge portion 21 and the lining fabric 3B by fastening the male thread 48 of the main body 41 to the female thread 112 of the pressing member 110 through threaded engagement. The Peltier element unit 60 of the first embodiment is attached to the temperature control vest 1 with the inner flange 63 and the outer flange 121 sandwiching the element mounting portion 30 and the lining fabric 3B through fastening by engaging the restricting portion 67 of the guide rail 66 with the protrusion 122 of the ring fastener 120. However, this is not limited to this. The Peltier element unit 60 of the second embodiment is configured to be attached to the temperature control vest 1 with the inner flange 63 and the outer flange 121 sandwiching the element mounting portion 30 and the lining fabric 3B by fastening the male thread of the main body 62 to the female thread of the ring fastener 120 through threaded engagement. The air blower unit 40 of the second embodiment is configured to be attached to the temperature regulating vest 1 with the flange 47 and the pressing member 110 sandwiching the fan mounting portion 20 and the back fabric 3B between them by engaging the restricting portion 54 of the guide rail 50 described later with the protrusion of the pressing member 110.

[0117] <Regarding the Fan Unit 40 of the Second Embodiment> The fan unit 40 of the second embodiment will be described using Figures 25 and 26. Figure 25 is an explanatory diagram showing the fan unit according to the second embodiment disassembled into a main body and a pressing member. Figure 26 is an exploded view of the inner case peripheral wall according to the second embodiment.

[0118] As shown in FIG. 25 , in a casing 44 according to the second embodiment, guide rails 50 are provided on the outer peripheral surface of the inner case peripheral wall 49. Adjacent guide rails 50 in the circumferential direction CR are disposed at the same height in the axial direction L. As shown in FIG. 26 , the guide rails 50 extend in an arc shape toward the inner case 45, which has the discharge port 45 a, between one end 50 a and the other end 50 b along the circumferential direction CR of the main body 41. A plurality of guide rails 50 (e.g., four) are provided at different positions in the circumferential direction of the inner case peripheral wall 49. As shown in FIG. 25 , mounting grooves 52 are provided between each of the guide rails 50 and the flange 47. The plurality of mounting grooves 52 (e.g., four) are provided along the circumferential direction CR of the inner case peripheral wall 49 (see FIG. 27 ). The four guide rails 50 have gaps 51 provided between adjacent ones of the guide rails 50 (see FIG. 27). A plurality of gaps 51 (for example, four) are provided on the outer circumferential surface of the main body 41.

[0119] Each of the guide rails 50 has a sliding surface 53 between one end 50a and the other end 50b of the guide rail 50. As shown in FIG. 26 , a plurality of (e.g., four) restricting portions 54 are disposed on each of the sliding surfaces 53 of the guide rails 50. Each of the restricting portions 54 restricts the movement of a corresponding one of the protrusions 113 that moves along the sliding surface 53 toward the counter-circumferential direction ACR of the main body 41. The restricting portions 54 are disposed intermittently on the sliding surface 53 connecting the one end 50a and the other end 50b of each of the guide rails 50 in the order of a first restricting portion 54a, a second restricting portion 54b, a third restricting portion 54c, and a fourth restricting portion 54d. Each of the fourth restricting portions 54d is configured to have a height that prevents each of the protrusions 113 from climbing over it.

[0120] Protrusions 113 connectable to each of the guide rails 50 are arranged on the inner peripheral surface 110a of the pressing member 110 according to the second embodiment. The protrusions 113 (e.g., four) are provided at intervals in the circumferential direction CR of the pressing member 110. Each of the protrusions 113 is engageable with the restricting portions 54 of the corresponding guide rails 50. Adjacent protrusions 113 in the circumferential direction CR are arranged at the same height in the axial direction L. Each of the protrusions 113 is formed to be able to pass through each of the gaps 51. One protrusion 113 engages with one of the guide rails 50 through a gap 51. The protrusions 113 are inclined toward the opposite side of the pressing portion 111 with respect to the radial direction RD, centered on the axial line AX of the pressing member 110, with an inclination angle θ of 3°. This facilitates connection of each of the protrusions 113 with each of the guide rails 50.

[0121] Next, referring to FIG. 26 , the sliding surfaces 53 of the guide rails 50 provided on the inner case peripheral wall 49, which is developed on a plane, will be described. As shown in FIG. 26 , each of the guide rails 50 is inclined toward the outer case 46, which has the air holes 46 a, with respect to a plane parallel to the axial direction L along the axial line AX of the main body 41. All of the guide rails 50 in the second embodiment have an inclination angle θ of 3° between one end 50 a and the other end 50 b, which is an example. As a result, all of the guide rails 50 in the second embodiment are inclined with a height difference ΔH in the axial direction L between the one end 50 a and the other end 50 b. That is, the inclination angle θ of the sliding surface 53 in the second embodiment is 3° toward the outer case 46, which has the air holes 46 a, with respect to a plane parallel to the axial direction L along the axial line AX of the main body 41.

[0122] <Attaching the air blower unit 40 of the second embodiment> Next, with reference to Figures 27 and 28, the attachment of the air blower unit 40 of the second embodiment to the temperature control vest 1 will be described. Figure 27 is an explanatory diagram showing a method of attaching the air blower unit of the second embodiment to the temperature control vest. Figure 28 is a partial cross-sectional view of the air blower unit attached to the temperature control vest.

[0123] 27, when installing the blower unit 40 according to the second embodiment, the inner case 45 of the main body 41 is first inserted into the fan insertion hole 22 formed in the fan mounting part 20 and the insertion hole 3b of the back fabric 3B from the outside 20a of the fan mounting part 20. With the flange 47 abutting the fan outer peripheral edge 21, the outer case 46 is placed in the fan insertion hole 22 and the insertion hole 3b of the back fabric 3B.

[0124] Next, the person places the pressing member 110 near the fan outer peripheral edge 21 from the lining 11 side of the temperature control vest 1. Then, the person inserts the inner case portion 45 into the inside of the pressing member 110, and when the inner case peripheral wall portion 49 enters the inside of the pressing member 110, each of the multiple protrusions 113 enters each of the multiple gaps 51. As a result, the lining fabric 3B and the fan outer peripheral edge 21 are sandwiched between the flange 47 and the pressing portion 111. Next, the person rotates the pressing member 110 relatively in the circumferential direction CR of the main body 41, so that each of the multiple protrusions 113 of the pressing member 110 slides along the circumferential direction CR of the main body 41 while contacting the sliding surfaces 53 of the respective guide rails 50. Next, the person rotates the main body 41 and the pressing member 110 relative to each other in the circumferential direction CR of the main body 41, causing each of the multiple protrusions 113 to climb over each of the multiple restricting portions 54 disposed on the sliding surface 53. The movement of each of the multiple protrusions 113 in the counter-circumferential direction ACR of the main body 41 is restricted by each of the restricting portions 54 that the multiple protrusions 113 climb over (see FIG. 26 ). The multiple protrusions 113 that have climbed over each of the restricting portions 54 and stopped moving then come into surface contact with and engage with each of the restricting portions 54, thereby becoming fixed. Therefore, the lining fabric 3B and the fan outer peripheral edge portion 21 are fixed in a sandwiched state between the flange 47 and the pressing member 110. Although the multiple protrusions 113 and the restricting portions 54 according to the second embodiment can be connected, they do not have opposing spiral threads or the like. Therefore, the protrusion 113 of the pressing member 110 and the restricting portion 54 of the guide rail 50 are fixed to each other by engagement, not by screwing.

[0125] <Regarding the Thickness of Fabric Sandwiched Between the Flange 47 and the Pressing Member 110> Using Figures 29 to 31, we will explain the location where the protrusion 113 and the sliding surface 53 are engaged and fixed by surface contact, depending on the thickness of the fabric sandwiched between the flange 47 and the pressing portion 111. Figure 29 is a side view of the air blowing unit according to the second embodiment, and is an explanatory diagram showing a state where the flange and the pressing portion are engaged at a first level. Figure 30 is a side view of the air blowing unit according to the second embodiment, and is an explanatory diagram showing a state where the flange and the pressing portion are engaged at a second level. Figure 31 is a side view of the air blowing unit according to the second embodiment, and is an explanatory diagram showing a state where the flange and the pressing portion are engaged at a third level.

[0126] 29 , a case will be described in which each of the multiple protrusions 113 overcomes the first restricting portion 54a of the respective guide rail 50, and the guide rail 50 and the protrusions 113 engage in the first stage. When the thickness of the fabric of the temperature control vest 1 is X4 (e.g., approximately 3 mm), a person inserts the main body 41 into the inside of the pressing member 110 with the fabric sandwiched between the flange 47 and the pressing portion 111. As a result, each of the protrusions 113 enters the corresponding gap 51. Next, when a person rotates the main body 41 and the pressing member 110 relative to each other in the circumferential direction CR of the main body 41, each of the multiple protrusions 113 enters the mounting groove portion 52 from one end 50a of the guide rail 50. Next, as the person rotates the main body 41 and the pressing member 110 relative to each other in the circumferential direction CR of the main body 41, each of the multiple protrusions 113 slides on the sliding surfaces 53 of the respective guide rails 50 along the circumferential direction CR of the main body 41. When the person rotates the main body 41 and the pressing member 110 relative to each other in the circumferential direction CR of the main body 41 by, for example, 15 degrees, each of the multiple protrusions 113 climbs over each of the multiple first restricting portions 54a disposed on the sliding surfaces 53. The movement of each of the multiple protrusions 113 in the anti-circumferential direction ACR is restricted by each of the first restricting portions 54a that have climbed over. The angle by which the main body 41 and the pressing member 110 rotate relative to each other in the circumferential direction CR of the main body 41 so that each of the multiple protrusions 113 climbs over each of the multiple first restricting portions 54a is not limited to 15 degrees. For example, it is preferably any angle between 15 degrees and 20 degrees.

[0127] As shown in FIG. 29 , the multiple protrusions 113, whose movement in the circumferential direction CR of the main body 41 has stopped in the first stage, come into surface contact with and engage with each of the multiple first restricting portions 54a on the sliding surface 53, thereby securing the unit. In this case, the air blower unit 40 can be attached to the temperature control vest 1 with the fabric of the temperature control vest 1 having a thickness of X4 (e.g., approximately 3 mm) sandwiched between the flange 47 and the pressing member 110. To remove the air blower unit 40 from the temperature control vest 1, a person rotates the main body 41 and the pressing member 110 relative to each other in the counter-circumferential direction ACR of the main body 41, for example, by 15 degrees, causing each of the multiple protrusions 113 to overcome each of the first restricting portions 54a. This allows the air blower unit 40 to be removed from the temperature control vest 1.

[0128] Next, using Figure 30, we will explain the case where each of the multiple protrusions 113 overcomes the first restricting portion 54a of the respective guide rail 50 and the guide rail 50 engages with the protrusions 113 in the second stage. When the thickness of the fabric of the temperature control vest 1 is X5 (e.g., approximately 2 mm), a person inserts the main body 41 into the inside of the pressing member 110 with the fabric sandwiched between the flange 47 and the pressing portion 111. As a result, each of the protrusions 113 enters the corresponding gap 51. Next, when a person rotates the main body 41 and the pressing member 110 relative to each other in the circumferential direction CR of the main body 41, each of the multiple protrusions 113 enters the mounting groove portion 52 from one end 50a of the guide rail 50. Next, when the person rotates the main body 41 and the pressing member 110 relatively in the circumferential direction CR of the main body 41, each of the multiple protrusions 113 slides on the sliding surfaces 53 of the respective guide rails 50 along the circumferential direction CR of the main body 41. When the person rotates the main body 41 and the pressing member 110 relatively along the circumferential direction CR of the main body 41 by, for example, 15 degrees, the multiple protrusions 113 climb over each of the multiple first restricting portions 54a disposed on the sliding surfaces 53. The movement of each protrusion 113 in the anti-circumferential direction ACR is restricted by each of the first restricting portions 67a that the protrusions 113 have climbed over.

[0129] Furthermore, when a person rotates the main body 41 and the pressing member 110 relative to each other along the circumferential direction CR of the main body 41, for example, by 15 degrees, each of the multiple protrusions 113 slides on the sliding surface 53 and overcomes each of the multiple second restriction portions 54b. The movement of each of the multiple protrusions 113 in the anti-circumferential direction ACR is restricted by each of the multiple second restriction portions 54b that have overcome each of the multiple protrusions 113. In order for each of the multiple protrusions 113 to overcome each of the multiple second restriction portions 54b, the angle by which the main body 41 and the pressing member 110 rotate relative to each other along the circumferential direction CR of the main body 41 is not limited to 15 degrees. For example, it is preferably any angle between 15 degrees and 20 degrees.

[0130] As shown in FIG. 30 , the multiple protrusions 113, whose movement in the circumferential direction CR of the main body 41 has stopped in the second stage, come into surface contact with and engage with the multiple second restricting portions 54b on the sliding surface 53, thereby securing the unit. In this case, the air blower unit 40 can be attached to the temperature control vest 1 with the fabric of the temperature control vest 1 having a thickness of X5 (e.g., approximately 2 mm) sandwiched between the flange 47 and the pressing member 110. To release the air blower unit 40, a person rotates the main body 41 and the pressing member 110 relative to each other in the counter-circumferential direction ACR of the main body 41, for example, by 30 degrees, causing each of the multiple protrusions 113 to overcome the first restricting portions 54a and the second restricting portions 54b. This allows the air blower unit 40 to be released from the temperature control vest 1.

[0131] Next, using Figure 31, we will explain the case in the third stage where each of the multiple protrusions 113 overcomes the first restricting portion 54a of the respective guide rails 50 and the guide rails 50 engage with the protrusions 113. When the thickness of the fabric of the temperature control vest 1 is X6 (e.g., approximately 1 mm), a person inserts the main body 41 into the inside of the pressing member 110 with the fabric sandwiched between the flange 47 and the pressing portion 111. As a result, each of the protrusions 113 enters the corresponding gap 51. Next, when a person rotates the main body 41 and the pressing member 110 relative to each other in the circumferential direction CR of the main body 41, each of the multiple protrusions 113 enters the mounting groove portion 52 from one end 50a of the guide rail 50. Next, when the person rotates the main body 41 and the pressing member 110 relatively in the circumferential direction CR of the main body 41, each of the multiple protrusions 113 slides on the sliding surfaces 53 of the respective guide rails 50 along the circumferential direction CR of the main body 41. When the person rotates the main body 41 and the pressing member 110 relatively along the circumferential direction CR of the main body 41 by, for example, 15 degrees, each of the multiple protrusions 113 climbs over a respective one of the multiple first restricting portions 54a disposed on the sliding surfaces 53. The movement of each protrusion 113 in the anti-circumferential direction ACR is restricted by each of the first restricting portions 67a that the protrusions 113 have climbed over.

[0132] Furthermore, when a person relatively rotates the main body 41 and the pressing member 110 along the circumferential direction CR of the main body 41 by, for example, 15 degrees, each of the multiple protrusions 113 slides on the sliding surface 53 and climbs over each of the multiple second restriction portions 54b. The movement of each of the multiple protrusions 113 in the anti-circumferential direction ACR is restricted by each of the second restriction portions 54b that it has climbed over.

[0133] Furthermore, when a person rotates the main body 41 and the pressing member 110 relative to each other along the circumferential direction CR of the main body 41, for example, by 15 degrees, each of the multiple protrusions 113 slides on the sliding surface 53 and overcomes each of the multiple third restriction portions 54c. The movement of each of the multiple protrusions 113 in the anti-circumferential direction ACR is restricted by each of the multiple third restriction portions 54c that have been overcome. In order for each of the multiple protrusions 113 to overcome each of the multiple third restriction portions 54c, the angle by which the main body 41 and the pressing member 110 are rotated relative to each other along the circumferential direction CR of the main body 41 is not limited to 15 degrees. For example, it is preferably any angle between 15 degrees and 20 degrees.

[0134] As shown in FIG. 31 , the multiple protrusions 113, whose movement in the circumferential direction CR of the main body 41 has stopped in the third stage, come into surface contact with and engage with each of the multiple third restricting portions 54c on the sliding surface 53, thereby securing the unit. In this case, the air blower unit 40 can be attached to the temperature control vest 1 with the fabric of the temperature control vest 1 having a thickness of X6 (e.g., approximately 1 mm) sandwiched between the flange 47 and the pressing member 110. To release the air blower unit 40, a person rotates the main body 41 and the pressing member 110 relative to each other in the counter-circumferential direction ACR of the main body 41, for example, by 45 degrees, causing each of the multiple protrusions 113 to overcome each of the first restricting portions 54a to the third restricting portions 54c. This allows the air blower unit 40 to be released from the temperature control vest 1.

[0135] When each of the multiple protrusions 113 climbs over the third restricting portion 54c, each of the multiple protrusions 113 cannot climb over each of the multiple fourth restricting portions 54d, even if a person rotates the main body 41 and the pressing member 110 relative to each other in the circumferential direction CR of the main body 41. This prevents the air blower unit 40 from falling off the temperature regulating vest 1 due to the relative rotation of the main body 41 and the pressing member 110 in the circumferential direction of the main body 41.

[0136] When attaching the air blower unit 40 according to the second embodiment to the vest body 2, first, each of the multiple (e.g., four) protrusions 113 enters the multiple (e.g., four) gaps 51 in the axial direction L along the axial line AX of the main body 41. This causes the flange 47 and the pressing member 110 to sandwich the fabric of the temperature control vest 1. Next, the main body 41 and the pressing member 110 are rotated relative to each other, and with the fabric of the temperature control vest 1 sandwiched between the flange 47 and the pressing member 111, the movement of each of the multiple protrusions 113 is restricted by the restricting portions 54 that they have overcome. Furthermore, each of the multiple protrusions 113 engages with each of the restricting portions 54, thereby attaching the air blower unit 40 to the temperature control vest 1. This allows a person to attach the air blower unit 40 to the temperature control vest 1 with a single touch. Furthermore, by rotating the main body 41 and the pressing member 110 relative to each other, the locations at which the protrusions 113 engage can be changed in stages. As a result, if the fabric thickness of the temperature control vest 1 is approximately 3 mm, the protrusions 113 engage with the first restricting portion 54a, allowing the air blower unit 40 to be attached to the temperature control vest 1. If the fabric thickness of the temperature control vest 1 is approximately 2 mm, the protrusions 113 engage with the second restricting portion 54b, allowing the air blower unit 40 to be attached to the temperature control vest 1. If the fabric thickness of the temperature control vest 1 is approximately 1 mm, the protrusions 113 engage with the third restricting portion 54c, allowing the air blower unit 40 to be attached to the temperature control vest 1. Therefore, regardless of the fabric thickness of the temperature control vest 1, a person can attach the air blower unit 40 to the temperature control vest 1 in accordance with that thickness. This makes it easy to attach the air blower unit 40 according to the second embodiment to the fabric of the temperature regulating vest 1, improving the ease of use of the temperature regulating vest 1. Furthermore, even if the lining fabric 3B and the fan mounting part 20 are repeatedly clamped between the flange 47 and the pressing part 111, the lining fabric 3B and the fan mounting part 20 are less likely to undergo plastic deformation. Therefore, even when the air blower unit 40 is attached to the temperature regulating vest 1, rattle and damage to the lining fabric 3B and the fan mounting part 20 can be prevented.

[0137] Next, the operation and effects of the temperature regulating vest 1 according to the first and second embodiments will be described.

[0138] In the temperature regulation vest 1, a body temperature regulation device (air blower unit 40, Peltier element unit 60) capable of regulating the body temperature of a wearer HM using a temperature regulation unit (Peltier element PE, fan 42) according to the first and second embodiments can be detachably attached to insertion holes (fan insertion holes 22, element insertion holes 32) formed in fabric (fan outer peripheral edge portion 21, element outer peripheral edge portion 31) that constitutes the temperature regulation vest 1. The body temperature regulation device has an intake portion (inner case portion 45, air cylinder portion 64) in which air holes (air holes 46a, air holes 64a) that take in air are formed. The main body portion (main body portion 41, main body portion 62) includes a flange (flange 47, inner flange 63) extending outward from the outer circumferential surface of the main body portion, a plurality of guide rails (guide rails 50, guide rails 66) extending in an arc shape along the outer circumferential surface of the main body portion between one end (one end 50a, one end 66a) and the other end (the other end 50b, the other end 66b) on the outer circumferential surface of the main body portion, and an annular fixing member (pressing member 110, relay 111) having a plurality of protrusions (protrusions 113, protrusions 122) connectable to the guide rails (guide rails 50, guide rails 66). Each of the plurality of guide rails has a plurality of restricting portions (restricting portions 54 (first restricting portion 54a, second restricting portion 54b, third restricting portion 54c, fourth restricting portion 54d), restricting portions 67 (first restricting portion 67a, second restricting portion 67b, third restricting portion 67c, fourth restricting portion 67d)) that restrict the movement of the protrusion, and the restricting portions are provided intermittently on a sliding surface (sliding surface 53, sliding surface 68) that connects one end and the other end, and the plurality of restricting portions include a first restricting portion (first restricting portion 54a, first restricting portion 67a) and a second restricting portion (second restricting portion 67b) that is provided closer to the other end than the first restricting portion. The body temperature regulating device has a first regulating part 54b, a second regulating part 67b), and a plurality of gaps (gap 51, gap 70) extending in the axial direction L along the axial line AX of the main body part are provided between the plurality of guide rails, and the body temperature regulating device is attached to the fabric by inserting each of the plurality of protrusions into each of the plurality of gaps in the axial direction L along the axial line AX of the main body part, rotating the flange and the fixing member relative to each other, and with the fabric sandwiched between the flange and the fixing member, each of the plurality of protrusions engages with the first regulating part or the second regulating part.

[0139] According to this aspect, the body temperature regulating device (blower unit 40, Peltier element unit 60) is attached by inserting each of the multiple protrusions (protrusions 113, 122) into the multiple gaps (gap 51, gap 70) in the axial direction L of the main body portion (main body portion 41, main body portion 62). This causes the flange (flange 47, inner flange 63) and the fixing member (pressing member 110, ring fastener 120) to sandwich the fabric of the temperature regulating vest 1. The main body portion and the fixing member are then rotated relative to each other, and each of the multiple protrusions overcomes the first restricting portion (first restricting portion 54a, first restricting portion 67a) or the second restricting portion (second restricting portion 54b, second restricting portion 67b), thereby restricting movement and engaging the protrusions. This allows a person to attach the body temperature regulating device to the fabric (fan mounting portion 20, element mounting portion 30) of the temperature regulating vest 1 with a simple, one-touch operation. Furthermore, since the fastening members do not become loose or insufficiently fastened, it is possible to prevent the body temperature regulating device from falling off the temperature regulating vest 1 or losing the fastening members alone. Therefore, it is possible to provide a clothing attachment structure for a body temperature regulating device, and a temperature regulating vest 1 constructed with this structure, which makes it easy to attach the body temperature regulating device to the fabric that makes up the temperature regulating vest 1 and improves the ease of use of the temperature regulating vest 1.

[0140] Furthermore, in the clothing attachment structure of the body temperature regulation device according to the first and second embodiments, each of the multiple guide rails (guide rails 50, guide rails 66) is formed in an inclined manner with a height difference ΔH by adding an inclination angle θ of 3°, as an example, to the axial direction L along the axial line AX of the main body portion (main body portion 41, main body portion 62) between one end (one end 50a, one end 66a) and the other end (the other end 50b, the other end 66b).

[0141] According to this aspect, when the thickness of the fabric is approximately 3 mm, the plurality of protrusions engage with the first restricting portions (first restricting portions 54 a, 67 a) when the fabric is sandwiched between the flange (flange 47, inner flange 63) and the fixing member (pressure member 110, ring fastener 120). On the other hand, when the thickness of the fabric constituting the clothing is approximately 2 mm, the plurality of protrusions engage with the second restricting portions (second restricting portions 54 b, 67 b) when the fabric is sandwiched between the flange and the fixing member. This allows the body temperature regulation device to be worn with the fabric firmly sandwiched between the flange and the fixing member so that it does not fall off from the temperature control vest 1, regardless of the thickness of the fabric constituting the clothing. Furthermore, even when the plurality of protrusions engage with the first restricting portion or the second restricting portion when the fabric is sandwiched between the flange and the fixing member, the fabric around the insertion holes (fan insertion hole 22, element insertion hole 32) is less likely to undergo plastic deformation. This prevents the body temperature regulating device from rattling and prevents the fabric around the insertion hole from being damaged.

[0142] Furthermore, in the clothing attachment structure of the body temperature regulation device according to the first and second embodiments, the inclination angle θ of the sliding surfaces (sliding surfaces 53, 68) has an inclination angle θ of, for example, 3° on the intake section (outer case section 46, air cylinder section 64) side with respect to a plane parallel to the axial direction L along the axial line AX of the main body sections (main body sections 41, 62).

[0143] According to this aspect, relative rotation between the main body portion (main body portion 41, main body portion 62) and the fixing member (pressing member 110, ring fastener 120) causes each of the multiple protrusions (protrusions 113, protrusions 122) to slide on the sliding surfaces (sliding surfaces 53, sliding surfaces 68) having an inclination angle of 3°. This prevents the sandwiched fabric from interfering with the intake of air from the air holes (air holes 46a, air holes 64a), and prevents the fabric around the insertion holes (fan insertion hole 22, element insertion hole 32) from being damaged by sliding on each of the sliding surfaces of the multiple protrusions.

[0144] In the clothing attachment structure of the body temperature regulation device of the first embodiment, the temperature regulation unit is a Peltier element PE, and the body temperature regulation device has a cooling surface 61A and a heat exchange surface 65 opposite the cooling surface 61A, and is configured so that the Peltier element PE, when energized, can transfer the cold heat present on the cooling surface 61A, which is in a heat-absorbing state, to the body.

[0145] According to this aspect, when the temperature control vest 1 is worn, the cooling surface 61A, which has been put into a heat absorbing state by the energized Peltier element PE, comes into contact with the body surface BS of the wearer HM directly or indirectly via underwear, etc. This allows efficient cooling of specific parts of the body surface desired by the wearer, such as parts that feel particularly hot or parts that are particularly stuffy.

[0146] The clothing attachment structure of the body temperature regulation device of the first embodiment is provided with a discharge section 62b that discharges air taken in through air holes 64a, the heat exchange surface 65 has a plurality of cooling fins 65a, the air cylinder section 64 has air holes 64a formed around its circumference, the cooling surface 61A and the air cylinder section 64 are attached to the body side of the temperature regulation vest 1, and the inner flange 63 has an inclined surface on the discharge section 62b side that is at an angle of 15 degrees to 30 degrees with respect to a plane parallel to the cooling surface 61A.

[0147] According to this embodiment, the multiple cooling fins 65a of the heat exchange surface 65 of the Peltier element unit 60 are cooled by air taken in through the air holes 64a of the air cylinder portion 64. The inner flange 63 has a surface 63a at an angle of 15 to 30 degrees on the discharge portion 62b side relative to a plane parallel to the cooling surface 61A, which guides the air taken in through the air holes 64a to the bases of the multiple cooling fins 65a. In other words, the cooling fins 65a significantly increase the area for heat exchange. Furthermore, since the inner flange 63 has a surface 63a at an angle of 15 to 30 degrees, a portion of the air flowing into the air holes 64a for cooling strikes the inner flange 63 and flows downward. This causes the flow of air flowing below the inner flange 63 to be redirected toward the bases of the cooling fins 65a. Therefore, when the cooling fins 65a are viewed in plan, the entire cooling air reaches the center of the cooling fins, improving cooling efficiency by approximately 10% compared to when the flanges are parallel. By increasing the cooling efficiency by about 10%, for example, in a configuration in which a motor is driven from the discharge section 62b to rotate the heat exhaust fan 101 and exhaust air, the power consumption of the motor can be reduced by about 10%. Furthermore, the effective cooling time of the temperature control device can be extended from 120 minutes to 132 minutes, for example. Therefore, by increasing the cooling efficiency of the Peltier element unit 60 while suppressing the power consumption of the Peltier element unit 60, the risk of heat stroke for workers working outdoors in extreme heat can be avoided.

[0148] In the clothing attachment structure of the body temperature regulation device of the second embodiment, the temperature regulation unit is a fan 42, and the air blowing unit 40 is configured to be able to blow either cool air that is lower in temperature than the outside air or warm air that is higher in temperature than the outside air onto the body of the wearer HM by rotating the fan 42.

[0149] According to this aspect, for example, cool air (wind) can be supplied to workers working outdoors in extreme heat, workers working in humid indoor environments, and people engaged in recreation, sports, or watching games under the scorching sun, thereby preventing the onset of heatstroke. Conversely, when used in conjunction with a heat source such as a hand warmer or simple heater, the outside air supplied to the air blowing unit 40 can be blown toward the heat source, and the warm air (wind) heated by the heat source can be blown toward the body, thereby warming the chilled body.

[0150] The temperature regulation vest 1 is provided with a body temperature regulation device, which constitutes the clothing attachment structure of the body temperature regulation device according to the first and second embodiments, detachably attached thereto.

[0151] According to this aspect, the body temperature regulation device (air blower unit 40, Peltier element unit 60) according to the first and second embodiments can be easily attached by inserting it into the insertion holes (fan insertion hole 22 and element insertion hole 32) in the fabric of the temperature regulation vest 1 that employs the clothing attachment structure. Furthermore, it is possible to provide the wearer with a user-friendly temperature regulation vest 1 that can be fitted with a body temperature regulation device that is compatible with any thickness of fabric.

[0152] <Third Embodiment> The following describes in detail the features of the temperature regulating vest 1 of the third embodiment. Unless otherwise specified, the temperature regulating vest 1 of the first embodiment is also applied to the third embodiment. Of course, the configurations according to the third embodiment may be appropriately combined. Technical features in the first embodiment, the second embodiment, and the third embodiment described below may be appropriately deleted unless they are described as essential in this specification.

[0153] In the first embodiment, all the Peltier element units 60 were the same size. However, this is not limiting. In the third embodiment, instead of the first Peltier element unit 60A, a fourth Peltier element unit 60D larger than the first Peltier element unit 60A can be attached to the temperature control vest 1. The fourth Peltier element unit 60D according to the third embodiment does not have a flange equivalent to the inner flange 63 described in the first embodiment. As a result, the fourth Peltier element unit 60D is configured to be attached to the temperature control vest 1 with the element mounting portion 30 and the lining fabric 3B sandwiched between the clamping surface 154 of the ring fastener 150 and the step surface 76 of the fourth Peltier element unit 60D.

[0154] <Regarding the Temperature Control Vest 1> Figure 32 is a front view of the outer surface of a temperature control vest according to a third embodiment, as seen from the front body side, and Figure 33 shows a back view as seen from the rear body side. As shown in Figures 32 to 33, the temperature control vest 1 comprises a vest body 2, an air blowing unit 40, a Peltier element unit 60, an air blowing operation unit 80, a temperature control operation unit 90, and a portable battery 84. In the Peltier element unit 60 of the third embodiment, the Peltier element PE is electrically connected to the portable battery 84 via the temperature control operation unit 90 by temperature control wiring 95, as shown in Figures 32 and 33.

[0155] <Regarding the Vest Body 2> The vest body 2 according to the third embodiment will be described using Figures 32 and 33. The lining 11 has element mounting sections 30, to which Peltier element units 60 can be attached, arranged in multiple locations, and in this embodiment, they are provided in three locations on the back body 5. As shown in Figure 33, on the back body 5, the element mounting sections 30 are arranged in one location on the shoulder blades 15, one location near the first armhole 10A, and one location near the second armhole 10B.

[0156] <Regarding the Peltier element unit 60 of the third embodiment> Next, the Peltier element unit 60 will be described with reference to Figs. 34 to 37. Fig. 34 is a perspective view of the Peltier element unit according to the third embodiment, seen from the heat dissipation surface side. Fig. 35 is a perspective view of the Peltier element unit according to the third embodiment, seen from the end face side of the small diameter portion. Fig. 36 is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of the Peltier element unit according to the third embodiment. Fig. 37 is a development view in which the outer circumferential surface of the small diameter portion according to the third embodiment is developed on a plane.

[0157] 34 and 35, the fourth Peltier element unit 60D provided on the scapular portion 15 is formed in a substantially polygonal shape (for example, a substantially heptagonal shape) when viewed from either the upper side Lp or the lower side Lw. As shown in Figures 34 and 35, the fourth Peltier element unit 60D is composed of a main body 71 accommodating a Peltier element PE, and an annular ring fastener 150 that can be attached from the end side opposite to the heat dissipation surface 61 (cooling surface 61A, heating surface 61B).

[0158] As shown in Figures 34 and 35, the main body 71 is composed of a cylindrical small-diameter portion 75 and a large-diameter portion 200 having a substantially polygonal (e.g., substantially heptagonal) bottom surface 79 and a stepped surface 76. The main body 71 has a heat dissipation surface 61 (cooling surface 61A, heating surface 61B) formed on the opposite side of the small-diameter portion 75. As shown in Figure 36, the main body 71 houses a Peltier element PE and a heat exchange surface 65 that absorbs heat from the Peltier element PE and dissipates it into the air to exchange heat. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 36, the main body 71 houses a blower 100 that blows the air that has undergone heat exchange on the heat exchange surface 65 to the first opening 75b. The fourth Peltier element unit 60D has a vertical length of 115 mm, a horizontal length of 100 mm, and a height of 30 mm. As shown in Figure 36, the stepped surface 76 is fixed to the large-diameter portion 200 with six male screws. 36, on the heat exchange surface 65, the cooling fins 65a are aligned at regular intervals so that the air flowing in from the second openings 72a can pass between the cooling fins 65a. This allows the cooling air flowing in between the cooling fins 65a to come into contact with the cooling fins 65a, allowing efficient exchange of heat from the Peltier element PE.

[0159] The large-diameter portion 200 has a heat dissipation surface 61 and includes a bottom surface 79 formed in a substantially polygonal shape (e.g., substantially heptagonal), a side surface 72, and a stepped surface 76 on the small-diameter portion 75 side that extends outward in the radial direction RD from the axial line AX of the main body 71. As shown in FIG. 36 , a flow guide member 74 is provided inside the large-diameter portion 200 to guide the air flowing in from the second opening 72a toward the multiple cooling fins 65a as the heat exhaust fan 101 rotates. The flow guide member 74 according to the third embodiment is made of a synthetic resin fiber having excellent heat resistance and strength, such as nylon or polyester.

[0160] The step surface 76 faces the clamping surface 154 of the outer flange 151 and is capable of clamping the back fabric 3B and the element outer peripheral edge portion 31, and is formed in an approximately polygonal shape (for example, approximately heptagonal).

[0161] The side surface portion 72 is composed of five side surfaces each having five second openings 72 a and two side surfaces each having ten second openings 72 a. The second openings 72 a are holes for allowing cooled air (e.g., 35° C.) outside the fourth Peltier element unit 60D, i.e., inside the temperature regulating vest 1, to flow into the inside of the main body 71.

[0162] The small diameter portion 75 has a plurality of first openings 75b formed on the end face 75a of the small diameter portion 75 for allowing air within the main body 71 (for example, air that has been heat exchanged by the heat exchange surface 65 or air that has been inhaled from the second opening 72a) to flow out of the fourth Peltier element unit 60D.

[0163] In the third embodiment, the proportion of the total surface area of ​​the seven side portions 72, which is the sum of the surface areas of the 35 second openings 72a, is preferably approximately 50% to approximately 69%. This is because, if the proportion of the total surface area of ​​the 35 second openings 72a exceeds approximately 69%, the air taken into the main body 71 will be affected by wind outside the fourth Peltier element unit 60D. As a result, the air flowing in through the second openings 72a will be affected by wind outside the fourth Peltier element unit 60D and will not be able to be efficiently released through the first openings 75b. On the other hand, if the proportion of the total surface area of ​​the 35 second openings 72a is less than approximately 50%, the amount of cooling air taken in through the second openings 72a will be reduced, preventing efficient heat exchange by the heat exchange surface 65.

[0164] As shown in FIG. 36 , a guide rail 66 is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the small diameter portion 75. The guide rail 66 extends in an arc shape along the circumferential direction CR of the small diameter portion 75 toward the first opening 75b. A plurality of guide rails 66 (e.g., four) are provided at different positions in the circumferential direction CR of the small diameter portion 75. As shown in FIG. 36 , mounting grooves 78 are provided between each of the plurality of guide rails 66 and the end face 75a of the small diameter portion 75. The plurality of mounting grooves 78 (e.g., four) are provided along the circumferential direction CR of the small diameter portion 75. As shown in FIG. 36 , gaps 77 are provided between the four guide rails 66 that are intermittently adjacent to each other. A plurality of gaps 77 (e.g., four) are provided on the outer peripheral surface of the small diameter portion 75. Adjacent guide rails 66 in the circumferential direction CR are disposed at the same height in the axial direction L. As shown in FIG. 36, the gap 77 is connected to a mounting groove 78 .

[0165] As shown in FIGS. 36 and 37 , the plurality of guide rails 66 according to the third embodiment each have a sliding surface 68 between one end 66 a and the other end 66 b of the guide rail 66, on the heat dissipation surface 61 side. As shown in FIGS. 36 and 37 , a plurality of (e.g., four) restricting portions 67 are disposed on each of the sliding surfaces 68 of the plurality of guide rails 66. Each of the restricting portions 67 restricts the movement of a plurality of protrusions 153 that move along the sliding surface 68 toward the counter-circumferential direction ACR of the main body 71. The restricting portions 67 are intermittently disposed on the sliding surface 68 connecting the one end 66 a and the other end 66 b of each of the guide rails 66 in the order of a first restricting portion 67 a, a second restricting portion 67 b, a third restricting portion 67 c, and a fourth restricting portion 67 d. Each of the fourth restricting portions 67 d is configured to have a height that prevents the plurality of protrusions 153 from climbing over it.

[0166] Next, referring to FIG. 37 , the multiple guide rails 66 on the outer peripheral surface of the small-diameter portion 75, which is developed on a plane, will be described. As shown in FIG. 37 , the multiple guide rails 66 are inclined toward the side surface portion 72 having the second opening 72 a with respect to a plane parallel to the axial direction L along the axial line AX of the main body 71. All of the multiple guide rails 66 in the third embodiment have an inclination angle θ of 3° between one end 66 a and the other end 66 b of the sliding surface 68. As a result, all of the multiple guide rails 66 in the third embodiment are formed in an inclined state with a height difference ΔH in the axial direction L between one end 50 a and the other end 50 b. That is, the inclination angle θ of the sliding surface 68 according to the third embodiment is 3° toward the side surface portion 72 having the second opening 72 a with respect to a plane parallel to the axial direction L along the axial line AX of the main body 71.

[0167] The ring fastener 150 is formed so that it can be freely fastened to and released from the small diameter portion 75, which is the end opposite the heat dissipation surface 61 (cooling surface 61A, heating surface 61B). The ring fastener 150 is made of synthetic resin and includes a gripping portion 152 formed in a substantially polygonal shape and an annular outer flange 151. The inner diameter of the ring fastener 150 is larger than the outer diameter of the small diameter portion 75 but smaller than the outer periphery of the large diameter portion 200. The ring fastener 150 has a clamping surface 154 formed opposite the stepped surface 76 that clamps the back fabric 3B and the element outer peripheral edge portion 31.

[0168] Protrusions 153 connectable to each of the guide rails 66 are arranged on the inner peripheral surface 150a of the ring fastener 150 according to the third embodiment. A plurality of (e.g., four) protrusions 153 are provided at intervals in the circumferential direction CR of the ring fastener 150. Each of the protrusions 153 is engageable with the restricting portions 67 of the corresponding guide rails 66. Adjacent protrusions 153 in the circumferential direction CR are arranged at the same height in the axial direction L. Each of the protrusions 122 is formed to be able to pass through each of the gaps 70. One protrusion 122 engages with one of the guide rails 66 through the gap 70. The protrusions 153 are inclined toward the clamping surface 154 of the outer flange 151 with respect to a plane parallel to the clamping surface 154, with the inclination angle θ being 3°. This facilitates connection of each of the protrusions 153 with each of the guide rails 66. In the temperature regulating vest 1 according to the third embodiment, three Peltier element units 60 (fourth Peltier element unit 60D, second Peltier element unit 60B, third Peltier element unit 60C) are attached to three element mounting portions 30 on the vest body 2.

[0169] The heat dissipation surface 61 is exposed to the outside, and in the Peltier element unit 60 (Peltier element unit), as shown in Figures 34 and 36, a bottom surface portion 79 having the heat dissipation surface 61 and a small diameter portion 75 having a first opening 75b are arranged on opposite sides of each other. As shown in Figures 34 and 36, the bottom surface portion 79 having the heat dissipation surface 61 and a stepped surface 76 are arranged on opposite sides of each other. Here, the heat dissipation surface 61 is made of, for example, aluminum, which is a metal with excellent thermal conductivity. By making the heat dissipation surface 61 according to the third embodiment out of aluminum, it can be made three-dimensional rather than flat, and can be shaped to fit snugly against the body surface BS of the wearer HM.

[0170] As shown in FIG. 36, a small diameter portion 75 is provided at the end opposite to the heat dissipation surface 61 (cooling surface 61A, heating surface 61B) in the axial direction L along the axial line AX of the main body 71.

[0171] 36, the blower device 100 of the third embodiment includes a heat exhaust fan 101 that exhausts and blows air from within the main body 71, and a heat exhaust fan drive unit 102 that is controlled by a motor (not shown) that rotates the heat exhaust fan 101. As a result, the heat exhaust fan drive unit 102 is driven under the control of the temperature adjustment control unit 91, and the air that has undergone heat exchange on the heat exchange surface 65 is exhausted from the first opening 75b by the wind generated by the rotation of the heat exhaust fan 101.

[0172] For example, as shown in Figure 32, the temperature adjustment branch line 96A according to the third embodiment is connected to the fourth Peltier element unit 60D. For example, the temperature adjustment branch line 96B is connected to the second Peltier element unit 60B. For example, the temperature adjustment branch line 96C is connected to the third Peltier element unit 60C. However, this is not limiting. The temperature adjustment branch lines 96A, 96B, 96C may be connected arbitrarily at the discretion of the wearer HM, particularly by simplifying the wiring paths, as long as there is a one-to-one connection relationship with the three Peltier element units 60 (second to fourth Peltier element units 60B, 60C, 60D).

[0173] <Attaching the Peltier element unit 60 of the third embodiment> The attachment of the fourth Peltier element unit 60D will be described using Figures 38 to 39. Figure 38 is a cross-sectional view of the fourth Peltier element unit attached to the temperature regulating vest according to the third embodiment. Figure 39 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A in Figure 35. Note that Figure 39 is a cross-sectional view showing the fourth Peltier element unit 60D in a state in which the element outer peripheral edge 31 and the back fabric 3B are sandwiched between the main body 71 and the ring fastener 150.

[0174] A method of mounting the fourth Peltier element unit 60D to the element mounting portion 30 will be described using Figure 38. As shown in Figure 39, when mounting the fourth Peltier element unit 60D, the small diameter portion 75 side of the fourth Peltier element unit 60D is inserted into the element insertion hole 32 formed in the element mounting portion 30 of the temperature control vest 1 and into the insertion hole 3b of the back fabric 3B from the inside 30a of the element mounting portion 30. The fourth Peltier element unit 60D is placed in the element insertion hole 32 and the insertion hole 3b of the back fabric 3B with the step surface 76 of the fourth Peltier element unit 60D abutting against the element outer peripheral edge 31 of the element insertion hole 32.

[0175] Next, the outer flange 151 abuts against the back fabric 3B from the outside of the back fabric 3B. The person inserts the small diameter portion 75 into the inside of the ring fastener 150, and inserts each of the multiple protrusions 153 of the ring fastener 150 into each of the multiple gaps 77. As a result, the back fabric 3B and the element outer peripheral edge portion 31 are sandwiched between the step surface 76 of the large diameter portion 200 and the outer flange 151 of the ring fastener 150. Next, the person rotates the main body 71 and the ring fastener 150 relatively in the circumferential direction CR of the small diameter portion 75, thereby inserting each of the protrusions 133 from one end 66a of the guide rail 66 into the mounting groove portion 69. Then, the person rotates the ring fastener 150 relatively in the circumferential direction CR of the small diameter portion 75, causing each of the multiple protrusions 153 to slide on the sliding surfaces 68 of the respective guide rails 66 along the circumferential direction CR of the small diameter portion 75. Furthermore, the person rotates the main body 71 and the ring fastener 150 relatively in the circumferential direction CR of the small diameter portion 75, causing each of the multiple protrusions 153 to climb over each of the multiple regulating portions 67 arranged on the sliding surfaces 68. When each of the multiple protrusions 153 climbs over each of the multiple regulating portions 67, the movement of the multiple regulating portions 67 toward the anti-circumferential direction ACR of the small diameter portion 75 is restricted by the multiple regulating portions 67 that have climbed over. Each of the multiple protrusions 153 that has stopped moving comes into surface contact with and engages with each of the multiple regulating portions 67 that it has climbed over, thereby being fixed. Therefore, the back fabric 3B and the element outer peripheral edge 31 are fixed in a sandwiched state between the outer flange 151 and the step surface 76 of the large diameter portion 200. The protrusion 153 according to the third embodiment and the restricting portion 67 of the guide rail 66 can be connected, but they do not come into contact with opposing spiral screws or the like. Therefore, the protrusion 153 of the ring fastener 150 and the restricting portion 67 of the guide rail 66 are fixed by engagement, not by screwing.

[0176] The fourth Peltier element unit 60D is attached to the element mounting portion 30 of the scapula portion 15. The surface area of ​​the front side of the heat dissipation surface 61 of the fourth Peltier element unit 60D is larger than the surface areas of the heat dissipation surfaces 61 of the second Peltier element unit 60B and the third Peltier element unit 60C. As a result, as shown in Figures 32 and 39, the heat dissipation surface 61 (cooling surface 61A or heating surface 61B) is able to face and come into contact with the body side (scapula) of the wearer HM of the temperature control vest 1. As a result, the heat dissipation surface 61 (cooling surface 61A or heating surface 61B) can be brought into contact with the body surface of the wearer HM directly or indirectly via underwear or the like, thereby cooling the area around the shoulder blades of the wearer HM. Furthermore, the cooling surface 61A of the fourth Peltier element unit 60D can cool a wider area of ​​the body surface of the wearer HM than the cooling surfaces 61A of the second Peltier element unit 60B and the third Peltier element unit 60C.

[0177] 39 , in the fourth Peltier element unit 60D, a heat exchange surface 65 having a plurality of cooling fins 65a is provided directly below the air blower 100. In the fourth Peltier element unit 60D, a flow guide member 74 is disposed on the heat exchange surface 65 side of the second opening 72a and in front of the heat exchange surface 65. The height difference from the bottom surface to the top surface of the flow guide member 74 is greater than the height difference from the bottom surface of the heat exchange surface 65 to the tips of the cooling fins 65a. This allows a large amount of air drawn in through the second opening 72a to be guided toward the heat exchange surface 65.

[0178] As shown in Figure 39, the side portion 72 extends from an outer peripheral end 76a of a stepped surface 76 located radially outward from the outer peripheral end 151a of the outer flange 151 in the direction RD about the axis AX of the main body 71 toward the bottom surface 79. As shown in Figure 39, the side portion 72 extends from an outer peripheral end 76b of a stepped surface 76 located radially outward from the outer peripheral end 151a of the outer flange 151 in the direction RD about the axis AX of the main body 71 toward the bottom surface 79. Because the flange described in Patent Document 1 is thin and made of a soft material, when the fabric of the cooling clothing is pulled, friction with the flange can damage the sandwiched fabric. Furthermore, if a wearer drops a Peltier element unit described in Patent Document 1 and the flange of the Peltier element mounting portion breaks, it becomes difficult to attach the Peltier element unit to the cooling clothing, making it difficult for the worker to use. In the fourth Peltier element unit 60D of the third embodiment, even though the main body 71 does not have a flange, the main body 71 has high rigidity, so even when the main body 71 and the ring fastener 150 sandwich the lining fabric 3B and the element outer peripheral edge 31, the sandwiched fabric is unlikely to loosen. Furthermore, even if the fabric of the temperature control vest 1 is pulled, the strong rigidity of the main body 71 makes it difficult for the sandwiched fabric to be damaged by friction of the stepped surface 76. Furthermore, even if a person drops the fourth Peltier element unit 60D, the main body 71 and the ring fastener 150 sandwich the lining fabric 3B and the element outer peripheral edge 31, making it unlikely that the fourth Peltier element unit 60D will become unable to be attached to the temperature control vest 1. This makes the temperature control vest 1 equipped with the fourth Peltier element unit 60D easy to use for the wearer.

[0179] <Regarding the Thickness of the Fabric Sandwiched Between the Step Surface 76 and the Outer Flange 151> Using Figures 40 to 42, we will explain the locations where the protrusions 153 and the sliding surfaces 68 are engaged and fixed by surface contact, depending on the thickness of the fabric of the temperature regulating vest 1 sandwiched between the step surface 76 and the outer flange 151. Figure 40 is a side view of the fourth Peltier element unit according to the third embodiment, and is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which the guide rail and the outer flange are engaged at a first level. Figure 41 is a side view of the fourth Peltier element unit according to the third embodiment, and is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which the guide rail and the outer flange are engaged at a second level. Figure 42 is a side view of the fourth Peltier element unit according to the third embodiment, and is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which the guide rail and the outer flange are engaged at a third level.

[0180] 40 , a case will be described in which each of the multiple protrusions 153 climbs over the first restricting portion 67a of the respective guide rails 66 and the protrusions 153 engage with the respective guide rails 66 in the first stage. When the thickness of the fabric of the temperature control vest 1 is X7 (e.g., approximately 3 mm), a person inserts the small diameter portion 75 of the main body 71 into the inside of the ring fastener 150 with the fabric sandwiched between the stepped surface 76 of the large diameter portion 200 and the sandwiching surface 154 of the outer flange 151. As a result, each of the protrusions 153 enters each of the gaps 77. Next, when a person rotates the main body 71 and the ring fastener 150 relatively in the circumferential direction CR of the small diameter portion 75, each of the protrusions 153 of the ring fastener 150 enters the mounting groove portion 78 from one end 66a of the guide rail 66. Furthermore, when a person rotates the main body 71 and the ring fastener 150 relative to each other in the circumferential direction CR of the small diameter portion 75, each of the multiple protrusions 153 slides on the sliding surfaces 68 of the respective guide rails 66 along the circumferential direction CR of the small diameter portion 75. When the main body 71 and the ring fastener 150 are rotated relative to each other along the circumferential direction CR of the main body portion 62, for example, by 15 degrees, each of the multiple protrusions 153 climbs over each of the multiple first restricting portions 67a disposed on the sliding surfaces 68. The movement of each of the protrusions 153 in the anti-circumferential direction ACR is restricted by each of the first restricting portions 67a that have climbed over. In order for each of the multiple protrusions 153 to climb over each of the multiple first restricting portions 67a, the angle by which the main body 71 and the ring fastener 150 are rotated relative to each other in the circumferential direction CR of the main body 71 is not limited to 15 degrees. For example, it is preferably any angle between 15 degrees and 20 degrees.

[0181] As shown in FIG. 40 , the plurality of protrusions 153, whose movement in the circumferential direction CR of the small-diameter portion 75 has stopped in the first stage, come into surface contact with and engage with the plurality of first restricting portions 67a, thereby being fixed. In this case, the fourth Peltier element unit 60D can be attached to the temperature control vest 1 with the fabric of the temperature control vest 1 having a thickness of X7 (e.g., approximately 3 mm) sandwiched between the stepped surface 76 of the main body 71 and the sandwiching surface 154 of the outer flange 151. To release the fourth Peltier element unit 60D, a person rotates the main body 71 and the ring fastener 150 relative to the main body 71 in the counter-circumferential direction ACR, causing each of the plurality of protrusions 153 to climb over each of the first restricting portions 67a. This allows the Peltier element unit 60 to be released from the temperature control vest 1. In this case, the person rotates the main body 71 and the ring fastener 150 relative to the main body 71 in the counter-circumferential direction ACR by, for example, 15 degrees.

[0182] Next, using Figure 41, a case will be described in which each of the multiple protrusions 153 climbs over the second restricting portion 67b of the respective guide rails 66 and the guide rails 66 engage with the protrusions 153 in the second stage. When the thickness of the fabric of the temperature control vest 1 is X8 (e.g., approximately 2 mm), a person inserts the small diameter portion 75 of the main body 71 into the inside of the ring fastener 150 with the fabric sandwiched between the stepped surface 76 of the main body 71 and the outer flange 151. As a result, each protrusion 153 enters the respective gap 77. Next, when a person rotates the main body 71 and the ring fastener 150 relatively in the circumferential direction CR of the small diameter portion 75, each protrusion 153 of the ring fastener 150 enters the mounting groove portion 78 from one end 66a of the guide rail 66. Furthermore, when a person rotates the main body 71 and the ring fastener 150 relatively in the circumferential direction CR of the small diameter portion 75, each of the multiple protrusions 153 slides on the sliding surfaces 68 of the respective guide rails 66 along the circumferential direction CR of the small diameter portion 75. When the main body 71 and the ring fastener 150 are rotated relatively by 15 degrees, for example, along the circumferential direction CR of the main body portion 62, each of the multiple protrusions 153 climbs over each of the multiple first restricting portions 67a arranged on the sliding surfaces 68. The movement of each of the protrusions 153 in the anti-circumferential direction ACR is restricted by each of the first restricting portions 67a that have climbed over.

[0183] Furthermore, when a person rotates the main body 71 and the ring fastener 150 relatively along the circumferential direction CR of the small diameter portion 75, for example, by 15 degrees, each of the multiple protrusions 153 slides on the sliding surface 68 and climbs over each of the multiple second restriction portions 67b. The movement of each of the multiple protrusions 153 in the anti-circumferential direction ACR is restricted by each of the multiple second restriction portions 67b that have climbed over. In order for each of the multiple protrusions 153 to climb over each of the multiple second restriction portions 67b, the angle by which the main body 71 and the ring fastener 150 are rotated relatively along the circumferential direction CR of the main body 71 is not limited to 15 degrees. For example, it is preferably any angle between 15 degrees and 20 degrees.

[0184] As shown in FIG. 41 , the plurality of protrusions 153, whose small-diameter portions 75 have stopped moving in the circumferential direction CR in the second stage, come into surface contact with and engage with the plurality of first restricting portions 67a, thereby securing the Peltier element unit 60D. In this case, the fourth Peltier element unit 60D can be attached to the temperature control vest 1 with the fabric of the temperature control vest 1 having a thickness of X8 (e.g., approximately 2 mm) sandwiched between the stepped surface 76 of the main body 71 and the sandwiching surface 154 of the outer flange 151. To release the fourth Peltier element unit 60D, a person rotates the main body 71 and the ring fastener 150 relative to the main body 71 in the counter-circumferential direction ACR, causing each of the plurality of protrusions 153 to climb over the first restricting portions 67a and the second restricting portions 67b. This allows the Peltier element unit 60 to be released from the temperature control vest 1. In this case, the person rotates the main body 71 and the ring fastener 150 relatively in the counter-circumferential direction ACR of the main body 71 by, for example, 30 degrees.

[0185] Next, using Figure 42, a case will be described in which each of the multiple protrusions 153 climbs over the third restricting portion 67c of the respective guide rails 66 and the guide rails 66 engage with the protrusions 153 in the third stage. When the thickness of the fabric of the temperature control vest 1 is X9 (e.g., approximately 1 mm), a person inserts the small diameter portion 75 of the main body 71 into the inside of the ring fastener 150 with the fabric sandwiched between the stepped surface 76 of the main body 71 and the outer flange 151. As a result, each protrusion 153 enters each gap 77. Next, when a person rotates the main body 71 and the ring fastener 150 relatively in the circumferential direction CR of the small diameter portion 75, each protrusion 153 of the ring fastener 150 enters the mounting groove portion 78 from one end 66a of the guide rail 66. Furthermore, when a person rotates the main body 71 and the ring fastener 150 relatively in the circumferential direction CR of the small diameter portion 75, each of the multiple protrusions 153 slides on the sliding surfaces 68 of the respective guide rails 66 along the circumferential direction CR of the small diameter portion 75. When the main body 71 and the ring fastener 150 are rotated relatively by 15 degrees, for example, along the circumferential direction CR of the main body portion 62, each of the multiple protrusions 153 climbs over each of the multiple first restricting portions 67a arranged on the sliding surfaces 68. The movement of each of the protrusions 153 in the anti-circumferential direction ACR is restricted by each of the first restricting portions 67a that have climbed over.

[0186] Furthermore, when a person relatively rotates the main body 71 and the ring fastener 150 along the circumferential direction CR of the small diameter portion 75, for example, by 15 degrees, each of the multiple protrusions 153 slides on the sliding surface 68 and climbs over each of the multiple second restricting portions 67b. The movement of each of the protrusions 153 in the anti-circumferential direction ACR is restricted by each of the second restricting portions 67b that it has climbed over.

[0187] Furthermore, when a person rotates the main body 71 and the ring fastener 150 relatively along the circumferential direction CR of the small diameter portion 75, for example, by 15 degrees, each of the multiple protrusions 153 slides on the sliding surface 68 and climbs over each of the multiple third restriction portions 67c. The movement of each of the multiple protrusions 153 in the anti-circumferential direction ACR is restricted by each of the multiple second restriction portions 67b that they have climbed over. In order for each of the multiple protrusions 153 to climb over each of the multiple third restriction portions 67c, the angle by which the main body 71 and the ring fastener 150 are rotated relatively along the circumferential direction CR of the main body 71 is not limited to 15 degrees. For example, it is preferably any angle between 15 degrees and 20 degrees.

[0188] As shown in FIG. 42 , the movement of the small-diameter portion 75 of each of the plurality of protrusions 153 in the circumferential direction CR of the small-diameter portion 75 stops in the third stage, and each of the plurality of protrusions 153 engages with and is fixed to each of the plurality of first restricting portions 67a through surface contact. In this case, the fourth Peltier element unit 60D can be attached to the temperature control vest 1 with the fabric of the temperature control vest 1 having a thickness of X9 (e.g., approximately 1 mm) sandwiched between the stepped surface 76 of the main body 71 and the sandwiching surface 154 of the outer flange 151. To release the fourth Peltier element unit 60D, a person rotates the main body 71 and the ring fastener 150 relative to the main body 71 in the counter-circumferential direction ACR, causing each of the plurality of protrusions 153 to climb over each of the first restricting portions 67a to third restricting portions 67c. This allows the Peltier element unit 60 to be released from the temperature control vest 1. In this case, the person rotates the main body 71 and the ring fastener 150 relatively in the counter-circumferential direction ACR of the main body 71, for example, by 45 degrees.

[0189] When each of the multiple protrusions 153 has climbed over the third restricting portion 67c, each of the multiple protrusions 153 cannot climb over each of the multiple fourth restricting portions 67d even if a person rotates the main body 71 and the ring fastener 150 relatively in the circumferential direction CR of the small diameter portion 75. This makes it possible to prevent the fourth Peltier element unit 60D from falling off from the temperature control vest 1 due to the relative rotation of the main body 71 and the ring fastener 150 in the circumferential direction CR of the small diameter portion 75.

[0190] When attaching the fourth Peltier element unit 60D according to the third embodiment to the vest body 2, first, each of the multiple (e.g., four) protrusions 153 enters the multiple (e.g., four) gaps 70 in the axial direction L along the axial line AX of the body 71. As a result, the stepped surface 76 of the fourth Peltier element unit 60D and the ring fastener 150 sandwich the fabric of the temperature control vest 1. Next, the body 71 and the ring fastener 150 are rotated relative to each other, and with the fabric of the temperature control vest 1 sandwiched between the stepped surface 76 of the fourth Peltier element unit 60D and the ring fastener 150, the movement of each of the multiple protrusions 153 is restricted by the restricting portions 67 that they have overcome. Furthermore, each of the multiple protrusions 153 engages with each of the multiple restricting portions 54, thereby attaching the air blower unit 40 to the temperature control vest 1. Therefore, a person can attach the fourth Peltier element unit 60D to the temperature control vest 1 with a single touch. Furthermore, by rotating the main body 71 and the ring fastener 150 relative to each other, the locations at which the Peltier element unit 60 engages with each of the multiple protrusions 153 can be changed in stages. As a result, for example, if the fabric thickness of the temperature control vest 1 is approximately 3 mm, the multiple protrusions 153 will engage with the first restricting portion 67a, allowing the fourth Peltier element unit 60D to be attached to the temperature control vest 1. For example, if the fabric thickness of the temperature control vest 1 is approximately 2 mm, the multiple protrusions 153 will engage with the second restricting portion 67b, allowing the fourth Peltier element unit 60D to be attached to the temperature control vest 1. For example, if the fabric thickness of the temperature control vest 1 is approximately 1 mm, the multiple protrusions 153 will engage with the third restricting portion 67c, allowing the fourth Peltier element unit 60D to be attached to the temperature control vest 1. Therefore, regardless of the thickness of the fabric of the temperature control vest 1, a person can attach the fourth Peltier element unit 60D to the temperature control vest 1 in accordance with that thickness. This makes it easy to attach the fourth Peltier element unit 60D according to the third embodiment to the fabric of the temperature control vest 1, improving the ease of use of the temperature control vest 1. Furthermore, even if the lining fabric 3B and the element mounting part 30 are repeatedly clamped between the stepped surface 76 of the main body 71 and the ring fastener 150, plastic deformation of the lining fabric 3B and the element mounting part 30 can be reduced.Therefore, even when the fourth Peltier element unit 60D is attached to the temperature control vest 1, it is possible to prevent rattling and damage to the lining fabric 3B and the element attachment portion 30.

[0191] <Regarding the flow of air drawn in through the second opening 72a> The influence of the flow of air flowing in through the second opening 72a due to the rotation of the heat exhaust fan 101 will be described using Figures 43 and 44. Figure 43 is a schematic diagram showing the influence of air flowing in through the second opening of the fourth Peltier element unit of the comparative example due to the rotation of the heat exhaust fan. Figure 44 is a schematic diagram showing the influence of air flowing in through the second opening of the fourth Peltier element unit of the third embodiment due to the rotation of the heat exhaust fan.

[0192] As shown in Figures 43 and 44, the cooling fins 65a according to the comparative example and the third embodiment are spaced apart at regular intervals so that air flowing in from the air holes 64a can pass between the cooling fins 65a. As shown in Figures 43 and 44, the cooling fins 65a according to the comparative example and the third embodiment are arranged in 12 vertical rows and 6 horizontal rows. This makes it easier for the cooling air flowing in between the cooling fins 65a to come into contact with the cooling fins 65a, thereby enabling efficient heat exchange from the Peltier element PE.

[0193] 43 and 44, the blower 100 is provided immediately above the heat exchange surface 65 in the main body 71 according to the comparative example and the third embodiment. A portion of the air drawn in through the second opening 72a is blown up in the rotation direction KR of the heat exhaust fan 101 by the wind generated by the rotation of the heat exhaust fan 101 in the rotation direction KR, and is moved toward the first opening 75b and released from the first opening 75b.

[0194] 43 and 44 , in the main body 71 according to the comparative example and the third embodiment, an internal space NB exists between the side surface 72 of the fourth Peltier element unit 60D and the heat exchange surface 65. In the main body 71 according to the comparative example, no flow guide member 74 is provided in the internal space NB, i.e., around the heat exchange surface 65, for guiding the air drawn in through the second opening 72a to the heat exchange surface 65. On the other hand, in the main body 71 according to the third embodiment, a flow guide member 74 is provided in the internal space NB, i.e., around the heat exchange surface 65, for guiding the air drawn in through the second opening 72a to the heat exchange surface 65.

[0195] First, using FIG. 43 , we will explain the effect of the air flowing in through the second opening 72a of the fourth Peltier element unit 60D of the comparative example due to the rotation of the exhaust heat 101. As shown in FIG. 43 , in the fourth Peltier element unit 60D of the comparative example, a portion of the air AR (AR8, AR12, AR13) drawn in through the second opening 72a comes into contact with the cooling fin 65a and undergoes heat exchange. Of the heat-exchanged air AR (AR8, AR12, AR13), air AR8 is moved toward the first opening 75b by the wind generated by the rotation of the exhaust heat fan 101 in the rotation direction KR and is released from the first opening 75b. Meanwhile, the heat-exchanged air AR12 and air AR13 remain stagnant in the internal space NB. This interferes with the movement of the air AR newly drawn in through the second opening 72a, reducing the efficiency of air release from the first opening 75b.

[0196] 43, some of the air AR (AR9, AR10, AR11, AR14) taken in through the second openings 72a remains stagnant in the internal space NB without moving toward the heat exchange surface 65. As a result, some of the air AR taken in through the second openings 72a remains stagnant within the main body 71 without moving toward the heat exchange surface 65, which reduces the efficiency of air release from the first openings 75b.

[0197] Next, the air guide members 74 will be described. In the fourth Peltier element unit 60D according to the third embodiment, an internal space NB is provided between the side surface 72 of the fourth Peltier element unit 60D and the heat exchange surface 65, and 30 air guide members 74 are provided in the internal space NB. As shown in FIG. 44 , the air guide members 74 are provided radially from the axial line AX of the blower 100. The air guide members 74 are formed in an arc shape that curves toward the heat exchange surface 65 in the same direction as the rotation direction KR of the heat exhaust fan 101. As a result, as shown in FIG. 44 , a portion of the air AR (AR15 to AR21) drawn in through the second opening 72a comes into contact with the air guide members 74, thereby changing the direction of flow to the same direction as the rotation direction KR of the heat exhaust fan 101. That is, the air guide member 74 has the function of changing the direction of the air AR (AR15 to AR21) drawn in from the second opening 72a by bringing the air AR into contact with the air guide member 74 so that the air flows in the same direction as the rotation direction KR of the heat exhaust fan 101. Furthermore, by providing the air guide member 74 in the internal space NB, the intake resistance to the air AR drawn in from the second opening 72a is reduced, and cooling air can be efficiently drawn into the main body 71 from the second opening 72a.

[0198] Next, using FIG. 44 , the effect of the rotation of the exhaust heat 101 on the air flowing in through the second opening 72 a of the fourth Peltier element unit 60D of the third embodiment will be described. As shown in FIG. 44 , a portion of the air AR (AR15-AR21) drawn in through the second opening 72 a comes into contact with the air guide member 74 and is guided to flow in the same direction as the rotation direction KR of the heat exhaust fan 101. Subsequently, a portion of the air AR comes into contact with the cooling fins 65 a and undergoes heat exchange. The heat-exchanged air is then swept up in the rotation direction KR of the heat exhaust fan 101 by the rotation of the heat exhaust fan 101, moving toward the first opening 75 b and being released through the first opening 75 b. When the air guide member 74 is provided in the main body 71 according to the third embodiment, the proportion of air drawn in through the second opening 72 a and released through the first opening 75 b can be increased by approximately 10% compared to when the air guide member 74 is not provided in the main body 71 of the comparative example.

[0199] Next, the functions and effects of the fourth Peltier element unit 60D and the temperature control vest 1 according to the third embodiment will be described.

[0200] In a fourth Peltier element unit 60D which is detachable from an element insertion hole 32 formed in the fabric constituting the temperature control vest 1 according to the third embodiment, has a Peltier element PE, and has a heat exchange surface 65 formed on the opposite side of the cooling surface 61A or the heating surface 61B, the fourth Peltier element unit 60D is composed of a main body 71 which houses the Peltier element PE, and a ring fastener 150 which can be attached from the end side on the opposite side of the cooling surface 61A or the heating surface 61B, the main body 71 is composed of a small diameter portion 75 and a large diameter portion 200, and the cooling surface 61A or the heating surface 61B is formed on the opposite side of the small diameter portion 75. The small diameter portion 75 has a first opening 75b formed on an end surface 75a of the small diameter portion 75 for allowing air to flow out of the main body 71, the large diameter portion 200 has a side surface 72 formed thereon and a stepped surface 76 formed on the small diameter portion 75 side and extending radially outward from the axial line AX of the main body 71, the side surface 72 has a second opening 72a formed on the end surface of the side surface 72 for allowing air to flow into the main body 71, the second opening 72a being formed from the outer circumferential end of the stepped surface 76 towards the heat dissipation surface 61 (cooling surface 61A, heating surface 61B), and the ring fastener 150 has a clamping surface 154 formed thereon for clamping the fabric of the temperature regulating vest 1 between the stepped surface 76 and the side surface 72.

[0201] According to this aspect, the fourth Peltier element unit 60D is detachably attached to the element insertion hole 32 formed in the fabric of the temperature control vest 1, has a Peltier element PE, and has a heat exchange surface 65 formed on the opposite side of the heat dissipation surface 61. The fourth Peltier element unit 60D is composed of a main body 71 that houses the Peltier element PE and a ring fastener 150 that can be attached from the end side opposite the heat dissipation surface 61. The heat dissipation surface 61 formed on the opposite side of the small diameter portion 75 of the main body 71 cools or warms the wearer's body. The large diameter portion 200 of the main body 71 is formed with a stepped surface 76 on the small diameter portion 75 side and extending radially outward from the axial line AX of the main body 71. The side surface portion 72 formed in the large diameter portion 200 has a second opening 72a for allowing air to flow into the main body 71, and is formed from the outer circumferential end of the stepped surface 76 toward the heat dissipation surface 61. The ring fastener 150 has a clamping surface 154 formed thereon for clamping the fabric of the temperature control vest 1 with its stepped surface 76. As a result, even if the fabric of the temperature control vest 1 is clamped between the stepped surface 76 of the large diameter portion 200 and the clamping surface 154 of the ring fastener 150, the high rigidity of the main body 71 prevents the clamped fabric from being damaged by the stepped surface 76. Furthermore, by clamping the fabric of the temperature control vest 1 between the stepped surface 76 of the main body 71 and the clamping surface 154 of the ring fastener 150, the fourth Peltier element unit 60D can be attached to the temperature control vest 1. This avoids a critical situation in which the fourth Peltier element unit 60D cannot be attached to the temperature control vest 1 even if a person drops the fourth Peltier element unit 60D. Therefore, damage to the lining fabric 3B and the element mounting portion 30 to which the fourth Peltier element unit 60D is attached can be prevented. Furthermore, it is possible to provide a fourth Peltier element unit 60D that can improve the ease of use of the temperature regulating vest 1, and a temperature regulating vest 1 equipped with the fourth Peltier element unit 60D.

[0202] In the fourth Peltier element unit 60D according to the third embodiment, the ring fastener 150 has an annular outer flange 151 that protrudes outward from the ring fastener 150.

[0203] According to this aspect, the ring fastener 150 has an annular outer flange 151 that protrudes outward from the ring fastener 150, but the main body 71 does not have a flange. As a result, even if only the ring fastener 150 has a flange, the main body 71 has high rigidity, so it is possible to appropriately prevent damage to the fabric sandwiched by the stepped surface 76. Furthermore, the fourth Peltier element unit 60D can be attached by sandwiching the fabric of the temperature regulating vest 1 between the main body 71 and the flange of the ring fastener 150.

[0204] In addition, in the fourth Peltier element unit 60D of the third embodiment, the heat exchange surface 65 has cooling fins 65a, and the fourth Peltier element unit 60D is equipped with a heat exhaust fan 101 that blows air inside the main body 71 to cause it to flow out through the first opening 75b, and the main body 71 accommodates the heat exchange surface 65 within itself, and a flow guide member 74 is formed around the heat exchange surface 65 to guide the air that has flowed in from the second opening 72a towards the cooling fins 65a as the heat exhaust fan 101 rotates.

[0205] According to this aspect, the heat exhaust fan 101 provided in the fourth Peltier element unit 60D allows the air that has come into contact with the cooling fins 65a and exchanged heat to flow out through the first opening 75b. The air guide members 74 formed around the heat exchange surface 65 can guide the cooling air that has flowed in through the second opening 72a toward the cooling fins 65a as the heat exhaust fan 101 rotates. As a result, the cooling air that has flowed in through the second opening 72a is guided toward the cooling fins 65a as the heat exhaust fan 101 rotates. Therefore, the cooling air inside the main body 71 can be efficiently brought into contact with the cooling fins 65a, and the air that has exchanged heat can be flowed out through the first opening 75b, thereby improving the cooling efficiency of the fourth Peltier element unit 60D.

[0206] In the fourth Peltier element unit 60D according to the third embodiment, the flow guide member 74 extends in an arc shape toward the heat exchange surface 65.

[0207] According to this aspect, the air guide members 74 formed around the heat exchange surface 65 extend in an arc shape toward the heat exchange surface 65, so that the cooling air flowing in from the second openings 72a can be brought into contact with the air guide members 74 and guided toward the cooling fins 65a. This increases the amount of cooling air that flows in from the second openings 72a and is guided to the cooling fins 65a as the heat exhaust fan 101 rotates, making it easier for the cooling air to come into contact with the cooling fins 65a.

[0208] In the fourth Peltier element unit 60D according to the third embodiment, the air guide member 74 prevents the air flowing in from the second opening 72a from remaining around the heat exchange surface 65.

[0209] According to this aspect, the air guide members 74 located around the heat exchange surface 65 can prevent the cooling air flowing in from the second openings 72a from accumulating around the heat exchange surface 65 instead of heading towards the cooling fins 65a. This prevents the cooling air flowing in from the second openings 72a from accumulating around the heat exchange surface 65, thereby further improving the cooling efficiency of the fourth Peltier element unit 60D.

[0210] Furthermore, the fourth Peltier element unit 60D according to the third embodiment is provided with a plurality of guide rails 66 extending in an arc shape along the outer peripheral surface of the small diameter portion 75 between one end and the other end, and the ring fastener 150 has a plurality of protrusions 153 connectable to the plurality of guide rails 66, and each of the plurality of guide rails 66 has a plurality of restricting portions 67 that restrict the movement of the protrusions 153, which are intermittently provided on a sliding surface 68 connecting the one end 66a and the other end 66b, and the plurality of restricting portions 67 include a first restricting portion 67a and a second restricting portion 67b that is provided closer to the other end 66b than the first restricting portion 67a. The fourth Peltier element unit 60D has a restricting portion 67b, and a plurality of gaps 77 extending in the axial direction of the main body 71 are provided between the plurality of guide rails 66. The fourth Peltier element unit 60D is attached to the fabric by inserting each of the plurality of protrusions 153 into each of the plurality of gaps 77 in the axial direction of the main body 71, sandwiching the fabric between the main body 71 and the ring fastener 150, and rotating the main body 71 and the ring fastener 150 relative to each other, so that with the fabric sandwiched between the main body 71 and the ring fastener 150, each of the protrusions 153 engages with the first restricting portion 67a or the second restricting portion 67b.

[0211] According to this aspect, to attach the fourth Peltier element unit 60D, a person inserts each of the multiple protrusions 153 into each of the intervals 77 that form the multiple gaps 77 in the axial direction of the main body 71, thereby sandwiching the fabric between the main body 71 and the ring fastener 150. Next, the person rotates the main body 71 and the ring fastener 150 relative to each other, and with the fabric sandwiched between the main body 71 and the ring fastener 150, each of the multiple protrusions 153 of the ring fastener 150 moves over each of the multiple restricting portions 67. This restricts movement by the restricting portions 67, and the restricting portions 67 engage with the protrusions 153. This allows the person to attach the fourth Peltier element unit 60D to the fabric that forms the temperature control vest 1 with a single, easy operation. Therefore, the ring fastener 150 does not become loose or improperly fastened, preventing the fourth Peltier element unit 60D from falling off the temperature control vest 1 or losing the ring fastener 150.

[0212] In addition, in the fourth Peltier element unit 60D according to the third embodiment, each of the multiple guide rails 66 is formed in an inclined manner with a difference in height in the axial direction of the main body 71 between one end 66a and the other end 66b.

[0213] According to this aspect, when the fabric of the temperature control vest 1 is thick, each of the plurality of protrusions 153 engages with the first restricting portion 67a when the fabric is sandwiched between the main body 71 and the ring fastener 150. On the other hand, when the fabric of the temperature control vest 1 is not thick, each of the plurality of protrusions 153 engages with the second restricting portion 67b when the fabric is sandwiched between the main body 71 and the ring fastener 150. This allows the fourth Peltier element unit 60D to be attached with the fabric firmly sandwiched between the main body 71 and the ring fastener 150 so that it does not fall off the temperature control vest 1, regardless of the thickness of the fabric of the temperature control vest 1. Furthermore, even if each of the plurality of protrusions 153 engages with the first restricting portion 67a or the second restricting portion 67b when the fabric of the temperature control vest 1 is sandwiched between the main body 71 and the ring fastener 150, plastic deformation of the element outer peripheral edge portion 31 is resistant. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the fourth Peltier element unit 60D attached to the temperature regulating vest 1 from rattling and the fabric of the temperature regulating vest 1 from being damaged.

[0214] The temperature control vest 1 is configured by detachably attaching a fourth Peltier element unit 60 according to the third embodiment to the temperature control vest 1 .

[0215] According to this aspect, it is possible to provide a fourth Peltier element unit 60D and a temperature control vest 1 that can prevent damage to the fabric of a temperature control vest 1 to which the fourth Peltier element unit 60D of the present disclosure is attached, and that can improve the ease of use of the temperature control vest 1.

[0216] Although the present disclosure has been described above based on the embodiments, the present disclosure is not limited to the above embodiments and can be appropriately modified and applied within the scope that does not deviate from the gist of the present disclosure.

[0217] In the third embodiment, the side surface portion 72 is formed so as to extend directly downward from the outer peripheral end (one end 76 a, the other end 76 b) of the stepped surface 76 toward the bottom surface portion 79 (see FIG. 39 ). However, this is not limited to this. For example, the side surface portion 72 may be formed from the outer peripheral end (one end 76 a, the other end 76 b) of the stepped surface 76 outward in the radial direction RD about the axial line AX of the main body 71 toward the bottom surface portion 79. Alternatively, for example, the side surface portion 72 may be formed from the outer peripheral end (one end 76 a, the other end 76 b) of the stepped surface 76 toward the bottom surface portion 79 while curving outward in the radial direction RD about the axial line AX of the main body 71.

[0218] In the third embodiment, the side surface portion 72 extends from the outer circumferential end 76a of the stepped surface 76, which is located radially outward in the radial direction RD around the axis AX of the main body 71 relative to the outer circumferential end 151a of the outer flange 151, toward the bottom surface portion 79 (see FIG. 39 ). The side surface portion 72 extends from the outer circumferential other end 76b of the stepped surface 76, which is located radially outward in the radial direction RD around the axis AX of the main body 71 relative to the outer circumferential other end 151b of the outer flange 151, toward the bottom surface portion 79 (see FIG. 39 ). However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the outer circumferential ends (151a, 151b) of the outer flange 151 may have the same length as the outer circumferential ends (one end 76a, the other end 76b) of the stepped surface 76. With this configuration, when the element outer peripheral edge portion 31 and the back fabric 3B are sandwiched between the main body 71 and the ring fastener 150, the side portion 72 may be formed so as to extend directly downward from the outer peripheral end (one end 76a, the other end 76b) of the stepped surface 76 toward the bottom surface portion 79. Furthermore, with this configuration, for example, the side portion 72 may be formed so as to extend from the outer peripheral end (one end 76a, the other end 76b) of the stepped surface 76 outward in the radial direction RD around the axial line AX of the main body 71 toward the bottom surface portion 79. Alternatively, with this configuration, for example, the side portion 72 may be formed from the outer peripheral end (one end 76a, the other end 76b) of the stepped surface 76 toward the bottom surface portion 79 while bending outward in the radial direction RD around the axial line AX of the main body 71.

[0219] The ring fastener 150 in the third embodiment described above had an outer flange 151. However, this is not limited to this. For example, the ring fastener 150 may have a configuration that does not have the outer flange 151. Because the main body 71 has high rigidity, even if the ring fastener 150 does not have the outer flange 151, the fourth Peltier element unit 60D can be attached to the temperature control vest 1 by sandwiching it between the stepped surface 76 of the main body 71 and the sandwiching surface 154 of the ring fastener 150. Furthermore, because neither the main body 71 nor the ring fastener 150 has a flange, damage to the fabric sandwiched between the main body 71 and the ring fastener 150 due to friction between the flanges can be prevented.

[0220] The stepped surface 76 in the third embodiment described above was formed in a substantially polygonal shape (for example, a substantially heptagonal shape). However, this is not limited to this. For example, the stepped surface 76 may be formed in a round shape or in a polygonal shape other than a substantially heptagonal shape. However, if the stepped surface 76 is shaped like a polygon, the fabric sandwiched between the stepped surface 76 and the sandwiching surface 154 will be caught on the corners of the stepped surface 76, which can prevent the fabric from being pulled and wrinkling.

[0221] In the above embodiment, the number of protrusions (protrusions 113, 122, and 153) was four. However, this is not limited to this. For example, the number of protrusions (protrusions 113, 122, and 153) may be three or less, or five or more. However, it is preferable that the number of protrusions (protrusions 113, 122, and 153) is the same as the number of guide rails (guide rails 50 and 66). This is because if the number of protrusions (protrusions 113, 122, and 153) differs from the number of guide rails (guide rails 50 and 66), it would be difficult to attach the body temperature regulation device (blower unit 40 and Peltier element unit 60) to the temperature regulation vest 1.

[0222] In the above embodiment, the number of guide rails (guide rails 50, guide rails 66) was four. However, this is not limited to this. For example, the number of guide rails (guide rails 50, guide rails 66) may be three or less, or five or more. However, it is preferable that the number of guide rails (guide rails 50, guide rails 66) is the same as the number of protrusions (protrusions 113, protrusions 122, protrusions 153). This is because if the number of protrusions (protrusions 113, protrusions 122, protrusions 153) differs from the number of guide rails (guide rails 50, guide rails 66), it would be difficult to attach the body temperature regulation device (air blower unit 40, Peltier element unit 60) to the temperature regulation vest 1.

[0223] In the above embodiment, the number of restricting portions (restricting portions 54, 67) provided on each of the plurality of sliding surfaces (sliding surfaces 53, 68) was four. However, this is not limited to this. For example, the number of restricting portions (restricting portions 54, 67) provided on each of the plurality of sliding surfaces (sliding surfaces 53, 68) may be three or less, or five or more.

[0224] In the above embodiment, the number of gaps (gap 51, gap 70, gap 77) is four. However, this is not limited to this. For example, the number of gaps (gap 51, gap 70, gap 77) may be three or less, or five or more.

[0225] In the above embodiment, when the multiple guide rails (guide rail 50, guide rail 66) are deployed on a plane, the inclination angle θ of each guide rail between one end (one end 50a, one end 66a) and the other end (the other end 50b, the other end 66b) is 3°. However, this is not limited to this. For example, the inclination angle θ between one end and the other end of the sliding surface (sliding surface 53, sliding surface 68) of all the multiple guide rails may be less than 3° or greater than 3°. However, if the inclination angle θ is less than 1°, there will be no difference in height between one end and the other end of the guide rail, making it difficult to accommodate various fabric thicknesses, which is undesirable. On the other hand, if the inclination angle θ is 10° or greater, it will be difficult to sandwich the fabric of the temperature regulating vest 1 and attach it to the temperature regulating vest 1, which is undesirable.

[0226] In the above embodiment, when the multiple guide rails (guide rail 50, guide rail 66) are deployed on a plane, one end (one end 50a, one end 66a) and the other end (the other end 50b, the other end 66b) are aligned in a straight line. However, this is not limited to this. For example, when the multiple guide rails (guide rail 50, guide rail 66) are deployed on a plane, the inclination angle θ of the guide rail from one end to the first restricting portion (the first restricting portion 54a, the first restricting portion 67a) may be, for example, 5°. In this case, when the multiple guide rails are deployed on a plane, the inclination angle θ of the guide rail from the first restricting portion to the second restricting portion (the second restricting portion 54b, the second restricting portion 67b) may be, for example, 2°. Furthermore, when the multiple guide rails are deployed on a plane, the inclination angle θ of the guide rail from the second restricting portion to the third restricting portion (the third restricting portion 54c, the third restricting portion 67c) may be, for example, 1°. As a result, when the multiple guide rails are deployed on a plane, they form a parabola between one end and the other end, and therefore the movement of each of the multiple protrusions can be made smaller when the multiple protrusions reach the third restricting portion from the first restricting portion than when the multiple protrusions reach the first restricting portion from the one end.

[0227] In the above embodiment, the restricting portions (restricting portions 54, 67) are provided on the sliding surfaces (sliding surfaces 53, 68) that are angled 3° toward the intake portion (outer case portion 46, air cylinder portion 64). However, this is not limiting. For example, the multiple guide rails (guide rails 50, 66) may be arc-shaped and extend in a stepped pattern along the outer circumferential surface of the main body portion (main body portion 41, main body portion 62).

[0228] In the above embodiment, the number of air blowing units 40 attached to the vest body 2 may be two or more, and is not limited to the embodiment but can be variously modified. Also, the number of Peltier element units 60 attached to the vest body 2 may be two or less, or four or more, and is not limited to the embodiment but can be variously modified.

[0229] In the above embodiment, the inclination angle θ of the front surface 63a and the back surface 63b of the inner flange 63 and the inclination angle θ of the front surface 121a and the back surface 121b of the outer flange 121 were 20°. However, this is not limited to this. For example, the inclination angle θ of the front surface 63a and the back surface 63b of the inner flange 63 in the above embodiment can be changed as appropriate as long as it is 15° or more and 30° or less. The inclination angle θ of the front surface 121a and the back surface 121b of the outer flange 121 can be changed as appropriate as long as it is 15° or more and 30° or less. Note that if the inclination angle θ of the inner flange 63 is less than 15°, it becomes difficult for the inner flange 63 to redirect the flow of air flowing into the air holes 64a toward the base of the cooling fins 65a, which is not preferable. On the other hand, if the inclination angle θ of the inner flange 63 and the inclination angle θ of the outer flange 121 exceed 30°, the outer peripheral edge portion 31 of the element mounting portion 30 will bend excessively near the ends on the radially outer side of the inner flange 63 and the outer flange 121. This is undesirable because it may cause damage to the outer peripheral edge portion 31.

[0230] In the above embodiment, the inclination angle θ of the surface 63a and the back surface 63b of the inner flange 63 and the inclination angle θ of the surface 121a and the back surface 121b of the outer flange 121 were 20°. However, this is not limited to this. For example, the inclination angle θ of the surface 121a and the back surface 121b of the outer flange 121 may be larger than the inclination angle θ of the surface 63a and the back surface 63b of the inner flange 63. With this configuration, when the Peltier element unit 60 is attached to the element mounting portion 30, a portion of the surface 63a of the inner flange 63 comes into contact (e.g., line contact or point contact) with the element mounting portion 30. Therefore, the contact area between the element mounting portion 30 and the surface 63a of the inner flange 63 is smaller than in the above embodiment, and the surface pressure on the contact surface is increased. Therefore, the Peltier element unit 60 can be more effectively prevented from coming off the element mounting portion 30 than when the surface 63a of the inner flange 63 and the surface 121a of the outer flange 121 are in surface contact with the element mounting portion 30.

[0231] In the above embodiment, the drive unit 33 drives the motor based on 5 V output from the portable battery 84 to rotate the propeller-type fan 42. However, this is not limited to this. For example, a battery capable of supplying a voltage exceeding 5 V may be provided, and the drive unit 33 may drive and rotate the motor based on the voltage output from the battery.

[0232] In the above embodiment, the temperature regulating vest 1 is provided with the air blowing unit 40, but this is not limited to this. For example, the temperature regulating vest 1 may be configured without the air blowing unit 40, and modifications can be made as appropriate.

[0233] In the above embodiment, the temperature of the cooling surface of the Peltier element during heat absorption is set to about 10°C as an example, but is not limited to this temperature and may be, for example, a temperature range higher than 0°C up to about 10°C, and the heat absorption characteristics of the Peltier element can be changed as appropriate. Similarly, the temperature of the heating surface during heat generation is set to about 30°C as an example, but is not limited to this temperature and may be, for example, a temperature of about 40°C, which is slightly higher than body temperature and does not cause burns, and the heat generation characteristics of the Peltier element can be changed as appropriate.

[0234] In the above embodiment, the vest body 2 has element attachment portions 30 provided at three locations on the back fabric 3B of the fabric 3. However, this is not limited to this. The number, placement position, and arrangement of element attachment portions provided on the fabric can be changed as appropriate depending on the specifications of the product, such as the use of the body temperature regulating garment (product) according to the present disclosure and the physique of the wearer.

[0235] As is clear from the above description, the body temperature regulating device according to the present disclosure can prevent damage to the fabric of clothing to which it is attached, and can improve the ease of use of body temperature regulating clothing, thereby having industrial applicability.

[0236] 1 Temperature control vest (body temperature control clothing) 32 Element insertion hole (insertion hole) 56 Heat exchange surface (heat exchange surface) 56a Cooling fin (cooling fin) 60 Peltier element unit (body temperature control device) 60A First Peltier element unit 60B Second Peltier element unit 60C Third Peltier element unit 60D Fourth Peltier element unit 61 Heat dissipation surface 61A Cooling surface (cooling surface) 61B Heating surface (heating surface) 65 Heat exchange surface 65a Cooling fin (cooling fin) 66 Guide rail 66a One end 66b Other end 67 Restriction portion 67a First restriction portion 67b Second restriction portion 68 Sliding surface (sliding surface) 70 Gap (gap) 71 Main body (main body) 72 Side portion (side portion) 72a Second opening (second opening) 74 Flow guide member (flow guide member) 75 Small diameter portion 75b First opening (first opening) 76 Step surface (step surface) 76a One outer peripheral end 76b Other outer peripheral end 77 Gap 110 Pressing member (fixing member) 113 Protrusion (protrusion) 120 Ring fastening portion (fixing member) 121 Outer flange 122 Protrusion (protrusion) 150 Ring fastener (fixing member) 154 Clamping surface 200 Large diameter portion AX Axial center HM Wearer BS Body surface PE Peltier element (Peltier element)

Claims

1. A body temperature adjustment device that is detachable from an insertion hole formed in a fabric forming a bedding, has a Peltier element, and has a heat exchange surface formed on the opposite side of a cooling surface or a heating surface. The body temperature adjustment device includes a main body that houses the Peltier element, and a fixing member that can be attached from an end side opposite to the cooling surface or the heating surface. The main body is composed of a small-diameter portion and a large-diameter portion. The cooling surface or the heating surface is formed on the opposite side of the small-diameter portion. The small-diameter portion has a first opening formed in an end surface of the small-diameter portion for allowing air to flow out of the main body. The large-diameter portion has a side surface portion, and a stepped surface that extends radially outward around the axis of the main body and is on the small-diameter portion side is formed. The side surface portion has a second opening formed in an end surface of the side surface portion for allowing air to flow into the main body, and is formed from an outer peripheral end of the stepped surface toward the cooling surface or the heating surface. The fixing member is a body temperature adjustment device having a sandwiching surface for sandwiching the stepped surface and the fabric.

2. The body temperature adjustment device according to claim 1, wherein the fixing member has an annular flange projecting outward from the fixing member.

3. The body temperature adjustment device according to claim 1, wherein the heat exchange surface has cooling fins, the body temperature adjustment device is provided with a fan for sending wind to allow air in the main body to flow out from the first opening, the main body houses the heat exchange surface in the main body, and a flow guiding member is formed around the heat exchange surface for guiding the air flowing in from the second opening toward the cooling fins as the fan rotates.

4. The body temperature adjustment device according to claim 3, wherein the flow guiding member extends in an arc shape toward the heat exchange surface.

5. The body temperature adjustment device according to claim 4, wherein the flow guiding member restricts the air flowing in from the second opening from staying around the heat exchange surface.

6. In the body temperature adjustment device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, on the outer peripheral surface of the small-diameter portion, a plurality of guide rails extending in an arc shape along the outer peripheral surface of the small-diameter portion are provided between one end and the other end, the fixing member has a plurality of protrusions connectable to the plurality of guide rails, a plurality of restricting portions for restricting the movement operation of the protrusions are intermittently provided on a sliding surface connecting the one end and the other end of each of the plurality of guide rails, the plurality of restricting portions include a first restricting portion and a second restricting portion provided on the other end side of the first restricting portion, a plurality of gaps extending in the axial direction of the main body are provided between the plurality of guide rails, and the attachment of the body temperature adjustment device to the fabric is performed by causing each protrusion constituting the plurality of protrusions to enter in the axial direction of the main body into each gap constituting the plurality of gaps, sandwiching the fabric between the main body and the fixing member, and relatively rotating the main body and the fixing member so that each protrusion constituting the plurality of protrusions engages with the first restricting portion or the second restricting portion in a state where the fabric is sandwiched between the main body and the fixing member.

7. In the body temperature adjustment device according to claim 6, each of the plurality of guide rails is formed in an inclined manner with a height difference in the axial direction of the main body between the one end and the other end.

8. A body temperature adjustment clothing obtained by detachably attaching the body temperature adjustment device according to any one of claims 1 to 5 to the clothing.

9. A body temperature adjustment clothing obtained by detachably attaching the body temperature adjustment device according to claim 6 to the clothing.

Images