Skin temperature regulating device

Abstract

This skin temperature regulating device (11) includes: a heat transfer body (31) having a heat transfer surface including a flat surface which is brought into contact with the skin behind the neck of a human body; a rear housing (23) for supporting the heat transfer body (31); a left arm body (24) which extends leftward from the rear housing (23), wraps around the neck from the left and engages with the front of the neck at a position corresponding to the left carotid artery; and a right arm body (25) which extends rightward from the rear housing (23) and wraps around the neck from the right and engages with the front of the neck at a position corresponding to the right carotid artery. The rear housing (23) has: an upper housing body which forms a first space behind the heat transfer body (31) and supports the left arm body (24) and the right arm body (25); and a lower housing body which forms a second space which continues from the upper housing body and expands downward from the first space, and which faces the back of the neck of the human body on a front-facing surface which is increasingly further rearward away from a virtual plane including the flat surface as the front-facing surface extends downward.

Description

Skin temperature adjustment device

[0001] The present invention relates to a skin temperature adjustment device including a heat transfer body that contacts the skin of a human body and a Peltier element that is thermally coupled to the heat transfer body and absorbs heat in response to the supply of an electric current.

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a body temperature control device. The body temperature control device (skin temperature adjustment device) includes a neck unit worn around the neck of a human body and a heat exchange unit worn around the waist of the human body and connected to the neck unit by a liquid pipe through which a refrigerant flows. The neck unit brings a heat transfer body (plate) into contact with the skin of the neck. When the Peltier element absorbs heat from the heat transfer body, the skin is cooled. The heat exchange unit includes a heat exchanger that radiates the heat carried from the Peltier element to the outside air with a refrigerant circulating through a circulation path. The cooling performance of the Peltier element can be maintained well by the action of the refrigerant.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2022-136884

[0004] In Patent Document 1, the liquid pipe through which the refrigerant flows extends long along the human body from the neck to around the waist. Since damage to the liquid pipe may cause refrigerant leakage, care is required in handling the body temperature control device. In particular, attention must be paid to the liquid pipe during operations that move the body. If a housing having sufficient accommodation space is arranged around the neck, the liquid pipe can be accommodated in the housing. The liquid pipe along the body can be omitted. The usability of the skin temperature adjustment device is improved.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a skin temperature adjustment device that does not require attention to be paid to a liquid pipe during handling and has good usability.

[0006] According to a first embodiment of the present invention, a heat transfer body that contacts the skin at the back of the neck of a human body with a heat transfer surface that includes at least a partially flat surface; a rear housing that supports the heat transfer body; a Peltier element that is thermally coupled to the heat transfer body and absorbs heat in response to the supply of current, thereby lowering the temperature of the heat transfer body; a left arm body that extends to the left from the rear housing, wraps around the neck from the left, and engages with the front of the neck at the position of the left carotid artery; and a right arm body that extends to the right from the rear housing, wraps around the neck from the right, and engages with the front of the neck at the position of the right carotid artery. The skin temperature regulating device is provided, comprising a right arm body that cooperates with the left arm body to maintain contact of the heat transfer element with the skin at the back of the neck, the rear housing having an upper housing that forms a first space behind the heat transfer element in a direction perpendicular to the plane and supports the left arm body and the right arm body, and a lower housing that is continuous with the upper housing and forms a second space extending downward from the first space, and moves away from the virtual plane including the plane as it goes downward and faces the back of the neck of the human body.

[0007] The left and right arm units work together to position the rear housing around the neck of the human body. The heat transfer element contacts the skin at the back of the neck. The heat transfer element cools the skin at the back of the neck. As the forward surface of the lower housing moves downward, it moves away from the neck, and a space can be secured between the back of the human body's neck and the lower housing depending on the amount of distance. This space allows the range of motion of the head to be increased. Interference between the human body and the rear housing can be effectively avoided.

[0008] The upper housing may be positioned relative to the lower housing, away from the virtual plane. The upper end of the front-facing surface of the lower housing is set away from the back of the neck. A space can be formed between the back of the neck and the front-facing surface of the lower housing to allow the collar to enter. The rear housing can be worn comfortably around the neck even when the user is wearing collared clothing.

[0009] The forward-facing surface of the lower housing may preferably be inclined from the plane at an angle greater than the angle of the cervical spine of the human body. Regardless of the curvature of the cervical spine, a space can be secured between the back of the human neck and the forward-facing surface of the lower housing. This space allows for a wider range of motion of the head. Interference between the human body and the rear housing can be effectively avoided.

[0010] The skin temperature regulating device may include a left flat surface connected to the left end of the heat transfer element via a step formed in the rear housing, extending parallel to the plane at a position away from the back of the neck and connected to the left arm body, and a right flat surface connected to the right end of the heat transfer element via a step formed in the rear housing, extending parallel to the plane at a position away from the back of the neck and connected to the right arm body. Since the left and right flat surfaces extend parallel to the plane of the heat transfer element, the wider the left and right flat surfaces extend to the left and right, the more contact between the neck and the left and right arm bodies can be avoided even if the neck is thicker. The heat transfer element can make good contact with the skin of the neck even if the neck is thicker. It is possible to prevent the left and right arm bodies from contacting the neck and causing discomfort in the neck.

[0011] The skin temperature regulating device may include a left heat transfer element supported by the left arm and in contact with the skin of the neck at the location of the left carotid artery, a right heat transfer element supported by the right arm and in contact with the skin of the neck at the location of the right carotid artery, a left Peltier element thermally coupled to the left heat transfer element and absorbing heat in response to the supply of current to lower the temperature of the left heat transfer element, and a right Peltier element thermally coupled to the right heat transfer element and absorbing heat in response to the supply of current to lower the temperature of the right heat transfer element. The left heat transfer element is in contact with the skin at the location of the left carotid artery. The right heat transfer element is in contact with the skin at the location of the right carotid artery. When current is supplied to the left and right Peltier elements, the temperatures of the left and right heat transfer elements decrease and the skin is cooled. The human body can be effectively cooled.

[0012] The skin temperature regulating device may include a heat exchanger supported by the rear housing, which uses a refrigerant circulating through a circulation path to dissipate heat from the Peltier elements, the left Peltier element, and the right Peltier element to the outside air. The heat acquired by the Peltier elements, the left Peltier element, and the right Peltier element is transferred to the refrigerant and carried to the heat exchanger. When the neck device is worn on the neck, the heat exchanger is positioned in an open space behind the neck, so outside air can be supplied to the heat exchanger well. The heat exchanger can dissipate heat to the outside air well. Here, outside air is supplied to the heat exchanger by the action of a blower fan. Since the blower fan is positioned behind the neck, the wind noise from the blower fan can be blocked by the auricle. The auricle prevents the propagation of air vibrations toward the ear canal. The noise perceived by the user can be suppressed.

[0013] The skin temperature regulating device may include a heat exchanger housed in the lower housing that dissipates heat carried from the Peltier element to the outside air using a refrigerant circulating through a circulation path, and a blower fan housed in the lower housing that blows outside air toward the heat exchanger in response to power supply. The heat acquired by the Peltier element is transferred to the refrigerant and carried to the heat exchanger. When the rear housing is positioned behind the neck, the heat exchanger is positioned in a space through which outside air circulates, so outside air can be supplied to the heat exchanger effectively. The heat exchanger can dissipate heat effectively to the outside air. Here, outside air is supplied to the heat exchanger by the action of the blower fan. Since the blower fan is positioned behind the neck, the wind noise from the blower fan can be blocked by the auricle. The auricle prevents the propagation of air vibrations toward the external auditory canal. Noise perceived by the user can be suppressed.

[0014] The lower housing divides the internal space with a front wall that faces the back of the neck of the human body on the forward-facing surface and a rear wall that faces the front wall, and ventilation openings may be formed in the front wall and the rear wall, respectively, the heat exchanger is placed between the ventilation openings, and the blower fan may generate an airflow that circulates between the ventilation openings. Outside air circulates between the ventilation openings due to the action of the blower fan. Airflow resistance can be minimized. Outside air can efficiently circulate through the heat exchanger. As the forward-facing surface moves away from the virtual plane, space is secured between the back of the neck of the human body and the lower housing, so good ventilation can be achieved at the ventilation openings in the front wall.

[0015] The skin temperature regulating device may include a heat exchanger housed in the second space, which dissipates heat carried from the Peltier element to the outside air using a refrigerant circulating in a circulation path, and a liquid pump positioned adjacent to the heat transfer element in the first space, which generates a flow of the refrigerant in the circulation path in response to the supply of power. The liquid pump generates a flow of the refrigerant in the circulation path. The heat acquired by the Peltier element is transferred to the refrigerant and carried to the heat exchanger. Since the heat exchanger is located in a space behind the neck where outside air circulates, outside air can be supplied to the heat exchanger efficiently. The heat exchanger can dissipate heat efficiently to the outside air. By positioning the liquid pump, which is heavier than the heat exchanger, closer to the heat transfer element that is in contact with the neck of the human body, the increase in rotational moment generated with the heat transfer element as a fulcrum is suppressed. The rear housing, left arm body, and right arm body can be supported on the neck in a stable posture. The feeling of weight from the heavy objects can be suppressed.

[0016] According to a second embodiment of the present invention, a heat transfer body that contacts the neck of a human body with a heat transfer surface that includes at least a partially flat surface; an upper housing that supports the heat transfer body and forms a first space behind the heat transfer body in a direction perpendicular to the plane; a lower housing that is continuous with the upper housing and forms a second space that extends downward from the first space and faces the back of the neck of the human body with its forward-facing surface; a left arm body that extends to the left from the upper housing, wraps around the neck from the left, and engages with the front of the neck at the position of the left carotid artery; and an arm body that extends to the right from the upper housing, and comes from the right to the front. A skin temperature regulating device is provided, comprising: a right arm body that wraps around the neck and engages with the front of the neck at the position of the right carotid artery, and cooperates with the left arm body to maintain contact of the heat transfer element with the neck; a battery unit including a battery housed in a housing separate from the upper housing, the lower housing, the left arm body, and the right arm body, and connected to the upper housing by an electric wire extending from the upper housing; and a Peltier element that is thermally coupled to the heat transfer element and absorbs heat based on an electric current supplied from the battery unit to lower the temperature of the heat transfer element.

[0017] The left and right arm units work together to bring the heat transfer element into contact with the skin at the back of the neck. The heat transfer element cools the skin at the back of the neck. Since the forward surface of the lower housing faces the back of the neck, a space can be formed between the back of the neck and the lower housing that allows the collar to enter. Here, the wires extend from the upper housing. Interference between the wires and the collar can be avoided. Even if the user is wearing collared clothing, the heat transfer element can be properly attached to the neck. Wires can also be used to supply power from the battery unit to the neck attachment. The neck attachment and the battery unit only need to be connected by a single cable consisting of multiple wires. The user can easily attach the neck attachment and battery unit.

[0018] The forward-facing surface may move further backward from the virtual plane containing the aforementioned surface as it extends downward. As the forward-facing surface of the lower housing moves further away from the neck as it extends downward, a space can be secured between the back of the neck and the lower housing, depending on the amount of distance. This space can increase the range of motion of the head. Interference between the human body and the rear housing can be effectively avoided.

[0019] The upper housing may be positioned relative to the lower housing, away from the virtual plane. The upper end of the front-facing surface of the lower housing is set away from the back of the neck. A space can be formed between the back of the neck and the front-facing surface of the lower housing to allow the collar to enter. The rear housing can be worn comfortably around the neck even when the user is wearing collared clothing.

[0020] The forward-facing surface of the lower housing may be inclined from the plane at an angle greater than the angle of the cervical spine of the human body. Regardless of the curvature of the cervical spine, a space can be secured between the back of the neck of the human body and the forward-facing surface of the lower housing. This space can increase the range of motion of the head.

[0021] The skin temperature regulating device may include a left flat surface connected to the left end of the heat transfer element via a step formed in the rear housing, extending parallel to the plane at a position away from the back of the neck and connected to the left arm body, and a right flat surface connected to the right end of the heat transfer element via a step formed in the rear housing, extending parallel to the plane at a position away from the back of the neck and connected to the right arm body. Since the left and right flat surfaces extend parallel to the plane of the heat transfer element, the wider the left and right flat surfaces extend to the left and right, the more contact between the neck and the left and right arm bodies can be avoided even if the neck is thicker. The heat transfer element can make good contact with the skin of the neck even if the neck is thicker. It is possible to prevent the left and right arm bodies from contacting the neck and causing discomfort in the neck.

[0022] The skin temperature regulating device may include a left heat transfer element supported by the left arm and in contact with the skin of the neck at the location of the left carotid artery, a right heat transfer element supported by the right arm and in contact with the skin of the neck at the location of the right carotid artery, a left Peltier element thermally coupled to the left heat transfer element and absorbing heat in response to the supply of current to lower the temperature of the left heat transfer element, and a right Peltier element thermally coupled to the right heat transfer element and absorbing heat in response to the supply of current to lower the temperature of the right heat transfer element. The left heat transfer element is in contact with the skin at the location of the left carotid artery. The right heat transfer element is in contact with the skin at the location of the right carotid artery. When current is supplied to the left and right Peltier elements, the temperatures of the left and right heat transfer elements decrease and the skin is cooled. The human body can be effectively cooled.

[0023] The skin temperature regulating device may include a heat exchanger supported by the rear housing, which uses a refrigerant circulating through a circulation path to dissipate heat from the Peltier element, the left Peltier element, and the right Peltier element to the outside air. The heat acquired by the Peltier element, the left Peltier element, and the right Peltier element is transferred to the refrigerant and carried to the heat exchanger. When the neck device is worn around the neck, the heat exchanger is positioned in an open space, allowing for a good supply of outside air to the heat exchanger. The heat exchanger can then dissipate heat effectively to the outside air. In this case, outside air is supplied to the heat exchanger by the action of a blower fan. Since the blower fan is positioned behind the neck, the wind noise from the blower fan can be blocked by the auricle. The auricle prevents the propagation of air vibrations toward the ear canal. The noise perceived by the user can be suppressed.

[0024] As described above, the disclosed invention provides a user-friendly skin temperature control device that does not require attention to the liquid tube during handling.

[0025] This is a schematic conceptual diagram showing the configuration of a skin temperature regulating device according to an embodiment of the present invention. This is a schematic perspective view showing the external appearance of the neck unit. This is a piping diagram showing the flow of the refrigerant. This is an enlarged cross-sectional view along line 4-4 in Figure 1. This is an enlarged cross-sectional view along line 5-5 in Figure 1. This is an enlarged cross-sectional view along line 6-6 in Figure 4. This is a plan view of the neck unit. This is a schematic conceptual diagram showing the opening and closing cover of the rear housing. This is a conceptual diagram of the neck unit as seen from the rear when the opening and closing cover is removed from the rear housing. This is a conceptual diagram showing the first and second connectors pulled out from the rear housing. This is a schematic conceptual diagram showing the neck unit attached to a human body. This is a schematic conceptual diagram showing the relationship between the trapezius muscle of the human body and the neck unit.

[0026] One embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the attached drawings. In the following description, "left and right" are defined from the perspective of the wearer when the skin temperature control device is attached.

[0027] Figure 1 schematically shows a skin temperature adjustment device 11 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The skin temperature adjustment device 11 comprises a neck unit (neck attachment) 12 worn around the neck of a person, an operating unit 13 having a first housing 13a separated from the neck unit 12 and connected to the neck unit 12 by a first cable 14 extending from the first housing 13a, and a battery unit 15 having a second housing 15a separated from the neck unit 12 and the operating unit 13 and connected to the operating unit 13 by a second cable 16 extending from the second housing 15a. The first housing 13a of the operating unit 13 houses a first control board 17 that outputs a current used to adjust skin temperature. The second housing 15a of the battery unit 15 houses a battery 18 connected to the first control board 17 by a wire in the second cable 16. The battery 18 supplies a specified current to the first control board 17 at a specified voltage. A reverse current prevention diode is mounted on the first control board 17. When battery 18 is connected with reverse polarity, the reverse current prevention diode blocks the supply of current from battery 18.

[0028] The operating unit 13 is equipped with two lever switches 21a and 21b. The lever switches 21a and 21b are mounted on the first control board 17. The first control board 17 adjusts the current supplied from the battery 18 in response to the operation of the lever switches 21a and 21b.

[0029] The neck unit 12 comprises a rear housing 23 that contacts the back of the neck of the human body in a contact area 23a partially defined within a virtual plane 22, a left arm body 24 that extends from the rear housing 23 to the left, wraps around the neck from the left, and engages with the front of the neck at the position of the left carotid artery, and a right arm body 25 that extends from the rear housing 23 to the right, wraps around the neck from the right, and engages with the front of the neck at the position of the right carotid artery. Here, the horizontal reference plane 26 means a plane (in-plane direction) perpendicular to the virtual plane 22. The connection end 14a of the first cable 14 is coupled to the side of the rear housing 23 behind the right arm body 25.

[0030] The left arm body 24 has a left immovable arm 24a that extends forward from the rear housing 23 along the horizontal reference plane 26 in a fixed position, and a left movable arm 24b that extends forward from the tip of the left immovable arm 24a, and is rotatably supported around a vertical axis 28 at the tip of the left immovable arm 24a. The right arm body 25 has a right immovable arm 25a that extends forward from the rear housing 23 along the horizontal reference plane 26, and a right movable arm 25b that extends forward from the tip of the right immovable arm 25a, and is rotatably supported around a vertical axis 29 at the tip of the right immovable arm 25a. The rear housing 23, left immovable arm 24a, left movable arm 24b, right immovable arm 25a, and right movable arm 25b are each molded from a rigid body. For example, rigid plastic is used for the rigid body.

[0031] The left immovable arm 24a and the right immovable arm 22b move away from each other along the horizontal reference plane 26 as they approach the front end. When the left movable arm 24b and the right movable arm 25b spread outward, the entry path for the neck to move in and out toward the contact area 23a is greatly opened. The neck is allowed to move in and out. When the left movable arm 24b and the right movable arm 25b move inward toward each other, the entry path for the neck to move in and out toward the contact area 23a is closed. The left movable arm 24b and the right movable arm 25b wrap around the neck.

[0032] The rear housing 23 supports a neck-rear heat transfer element 31, whose heat transfer surface contacts the skin at the back of the neck. The neck-rear heat transfer element 31 constitutes the outer wall of the rear housing 23. The heat transfer surface forms the contact area 23a of the rear housing 23. The left movable arm 24b of the left arm body 24 supports a left heat transfer element 32, which contacts the skin of the neck at the position of the left carotid artery. The left heat transfer element 32 constitutes the outer wall of the left movable arm 24b. The right movable arm 25b of the right arm body 25 supports a right heat transfer element 33, which contacts the skin of the neck at the position of the right carotid artery. The right heat transfer element 33 constitutes the outer wall of the right movable arm 25b. When the left movable arm 24b and the right movable arm 25b move inward toward each other, the left movable arm 24b and the right movable arm 25b surround the neck. The neck-rear heat transfer element 31 contacts the skin at the back of the neck. The rear neck heat transfer element 31, the left heat transfer element 32, and the right heat transfer element 33 are formed from, for example, a hard material having high thermal conductivity. In this case, metal materials such as aluminum or stainless steel are used for forming.

[0033] As shown in Figure 2, hooks 35a of a hook fastener 35 are attached to the outer surfaces of the left movable arm 24b and the right movable arm 25b, respectively. When the left movable arm 24b and the right movable arm 25b surround the neck and a common loop 35b is attached to the two hooks 35a, contact between the neck rear heat transfer body 31, the left heat transfer body 32, and the right heat transfer body 33 and the neck is maintained. The loop 35b can be removed from the two hooks 35a.

[0034] The neck unit 12 incorporates a cooling circuit 41 that guides the circulation of refrigerant through a circulation path 39. The circulation path 39 is completed within the rear housing 23, the left arm body 24, and the right arm body 25. For example, water is used as a liquid refrigerant. Hereafter, the refrigerant may be referred to as cooling water. As shown in Figure 3, the cooling circuit 41 comprises a rear Peltier element 42 thermally coupled to the rear neck heat transfer element 31, a left Peltier element 43 thermally coupled to the left heat transfer element 32, and a right Peltier element 44 thermally coupled to the right heat transfer element 33. As shown in Figure 4, the rear Peltier element 42 is superimposed on the rear neck heat transfer element 31 from the inside of the rear housing 23. As shown in Figure 5, the left Peltier element 43 is superimposed on the left heat transfer element 32 from the inside of the left movable arm 24b of the left arm body 24. As shown in Figure 6, the right Peltier element 44 is superimposed on the right heat transfer body 33 from the inside of the right movable arm 25b of the right arm body 25. The rear Peltier element 42, left Peltier element 43, and right Peltier element 44 absorb heat in response to the supply of current, individually lowering the temperatures of the rear neck heat transfer body 31, left heat transfer body 32, and right heat transfer body 33. When the direction of the current is reversed, the rear Peltier element 42, left Peltier element 43, and right Peltier element 44 can individually raise the temperatures of the rear neck heat transfer body 31, left heat transfer body 32, and right heat transfer body 33.

[0035] As shown in Figure 3, the circulation path 39 includes a first cooling water jacket 45 coupled to the rear Peltier element 42, a second cooling water jacket 46 coupled to the left Peltier element 43, and a third cooling water jacket 47 coupled to the right Peltier element 44. The first cooling water jacket 45, as shown in Figure 4, is housed in the rear housing 23 and guides the coolant along the rear Peltier element 42. The second cooling water jacket 46, as shown in Figure 5, is housed in the left movable arm 24b and guides the coolant along the left Peltier element 43. The third cooling water jacket 47, as shown in Figure 6, is housed in the right movable arm 25b and guides the coolant along the right Peltier element 44. The heat from each Peltier element is transferred to the coolant flowing through each jacket.

[0036] As shown in Figure 7, the heat transfer surface of the neck-rear heat transfer body 31 includes at least a portion of a plane 48a. The plane 48a is located in the plane of the virtual plane 22. Here, the neck-rear heat transfer body 31 has a flat plate material 48 that forms the plane 48a, and a left-curved plate 49 and a right-curved plate 51 that are continuous to the left and right from the flat plate material 48 and curve toward the neck. The left-curved plate 49 and the right-curved plate 51 are displaced forward from the plane 48a. The extent of the plane 48a in the left-right direction is appropriately set so that the heat transfer surface is in broad contact with the neck. Generatrixes parallel to the virtual plane 22 are established on the plane 48a, the surface of the left-curved plate 49, and the surface of the right-curved plate 51.

[0037] The rear housing 23 has a left flat surface 53 that is connected to the left end of the neck rear heat transfer element 31 by a step 52, and extends parallel to the plane 48a at a position away from the rear of the neck and connects to the immovable arm 24a of the left arm body 24, and a right flat surface 55 that is connected to the right end of the neck rear heat transfer element 31 by a step 54, and extends parallel to the plane 48a at a position away from the rear of the neck and connects to the right arm body 25. The spread of the left flat surface 53 and the right flat surface 55 in the left-right direction is appropriately set so that the heat transfer surface makes wide contact with the neck.

[0038] As shown in Figure 4, the rear housing 23 has an upper housing 56 that forms a first space 56a behind the neck rear heat transfer element 31 in a direction perpendicular to the heat transfer surface plane 48a and supports the left arm body 24 and the right arm body 25, and a lower housing 57 that is continuous with the upper housing 56 and forms a second space 57a that extends downward from the first space 56a. The lower housing 57 is aligned with the back of the neck of the human body with a forward-facing surface 57b that moves away from the virtual plane 22 including the plane 48a as it goes downward. The lower housing 57 has a front wall 59a that is aligned with the back of the neck of the human body with its forward-facing surface 57b and a rear wall 59b that is aligned with the front wall 59a, forming an internal space, i.e., the second space 57a. The upper housing 56 positions the lower housing 57 at a position away from the virtual plane 22. The connection end 14a of the first cable 14 is at least partially located in the upper housing 56. The forward-facing surface 57b of the lower housing 57 is inclined from the virtual plane 22 at an angle θ greater than the angle of the cervical spine of the human body. Since the angle of the cervical spine of the human body is generally around 15 to 20 degrees, θ should be at least 10 degrees. Furthermore, in order to reduce the effect of the rotational moment described later, it is desirable that θ be 45 degrees or less.

[0039] The movable arm (left forearm) 24b of the left arm body 24 is connected to a fixed arm (left rear arm) 24a that extends from the upper housing 56 along the horizontal reference plane, and tilts downward from the horizontal reference plane at a specific inclination angle α. Similarly, the movable arm (right forearm) 25b of the right arm body 25 is connected to a fixed arm (right rear arm) 25a that extends from the upper housing 56 along the horizontal reference plane, and tilts downward from the horizontal at a specific inclination angle α.

[0040] The rear housing 23 houses a heat exchanger (radiator) 61 incorporated into the circulation path 39, which dissipates heat carried by the circulating refrigerant from the rear Peltier element 42, left Peltier element 43, and right Peltier element 44 to the outside air; a blower fan 62 that blows outside air into the heat exchanger 61; and a liquid pump 63 incorporated into the circulation path 39 that creates refrigerant flow within the circulation path 39. Of the heat exchanger 61, blower fan 62, and liquid pump 63, the heaviest is placed closest to the contact area 23a in the first space 56a of the upper housing 56. The other components are placed in the second space 57a of the lower housing 57. Here, since the liquid pump 63 is the heaviest, it is placed closest to the contact area 23a in the first space 56a. The heat exchanger 61 and blower fan 62 are placed in the second space 57a.

[0041] In the rear enclosure 23, vents 65 and 66 are formed in two outer walls (in this case, the front wall 59a and the rear wall 59b) that sandwich either the first space 56a or the second space 57a. The heat exchanger 61 is positioned between the vents 65 and 66. A blower fan 62 is positioned between the two vents 65 and 66. The blower fan 62 is an axial flow fan that generates airflow that flows through the heat exchanger 61 and the two vents 65 and 66. When the axial flow fan is operating, airflow flows in from the vent (inlet) 65 in the front wall 59a and flows out from the vent (outlet) 66 in the rear wall 59b. The air heated by cooling the heat exchanger 61 is discharged away from the human body. The heat exchanger 61 is positioned close to the front wall 59a on a straight line 67.

[0042] A duct 68 is arranged in the interior space of the rear enclosure 23 to guide outside air that flows in from the vent (inlet) 65 on the front wall 59a and passes through the heat exchanger 61 to the vent (outlet) 66 on the rear wall 59b. The duct 68 surrounds the airflow path from the blower fan 62 to the vent 66. As shown in Figure 8, the duct 68 is formed integrally with the rear wall 59b of the rear enclosure 23, for example. The outlet 66 is positioned so as to be surrounded by the wall surface of the duct 68. The airflow flowing out from the blower fan 62 is guided to the outlet 66 by the action of the duct 68.

[0043] The rear housing 23 houses a second control board 69 that is connected to a rear Peltier element 42, a left Peltier element 43, a right Peltier element 44, a liquid pump 63, and a blower fan 62. The second control board 69 is connected to the first control board 17 in the operation unit 13 by electric wires in the first cable 14. The first control board 17 and the second control board 69 supply the current supplied from the battery 18 to the rear Peltier element 42, the left Peltier element 43, the right Peltier element 44, the liquid pump 63, and the blower fan 62, respectively. The current value flowing through each is adjusted. The second control board 69 is housed in the upper housing 56 and is arranged as far back as possible from the back of the human body's neck. The liquid pump 63 is housed in the first space 56a in front of the second control board 69.

[0044] As shown in FIG. 7, in establishing the circulation path 39, the left arm body 24 incorporates a left liquid pipe 71 connected to the second cooling water jacket 46 of the left Peltier element 43. The left liquid pipe 71 forms the forward and return paths of the cooling water with respect to the second cooling water jacket 46. The left liquid pipe 71 guides the circulation of the refrigerant between the heat exchanger 61 and the left Peltier element 43. The left liquid pipe 71 is formed of a flexible material such as butyl rubber, for example.

[0045] The right arm body 25 incorporates a right liquid pipe 72 connected to the third cooling water jacket 47 of the right Peltier element 44. The right liquid pipe 72 forms the forward and return paths of the cooling water with respect to the third cooling water jacket 47. The right liquid pipe 72 guides the circulation of the refrigerant between the heat exchanger 61 and the right Peltier element 44. The right liquid pipe 72 is formed of a flexible material such as butyl rubber, for example.

[0046] The rear housing 23 houses a liquid pipe 73 that combines with the left liquid pipe 71 and the right liquid pipe 72 to form a single circulation path 39. As shown in FIG. 9, the liquid pipe 73 is housed in the rear housing 23 and includes a flexible liquid pipe 74 that can be divided into a first liquid pipe 74a and a second liquid pipe 74b at, for example, one location. The flexible liquid pipe 74 is formed of a flexible material such as butyl rubber, for example.

[0047] A first connector 75 is connected to the end of the first liquid pipe 74a, and a second connector 76 is connected to the end of the second liquid pipe 74b. The first connector 75 and the second connector 76 are interconnected to form a continuous flow path with the first liquid pipe 74a and the second liquid pipe 74b. When the first connector 75 and the second connector 76 are connected, the positions of both connectors are displaced with respect to the positions of both connectors when the first connector 75 and the second connector 76 are separated and pulled out from the rear housing 23 according to the flexibility of the first liquid pipe 74a and the second liquid pipe 74b, as shown in FIG. 10. The first liquid pipe 74a and the second liquid pipe 74b are pulled out from the rear housing 23, for example, with equal lengths.

[0048] Here, the rear housing 23 includes a main body 78 that supports the rear neck heat transfer body 31, the heat exchanger 61, the blower fan 62, the liquid pump 63, and the second control board 69, and an opening / closing cover 79 that is coupled to the main body 78 and opens and closes the accommodation space for the heat exchanger 61, the blower fan 62, the liquid pump 63, and the second control board 69. When the opening / closing cover 79 is opened around the rotation axis, the first connector 75 and the second connector 76 at the connection position are exposed. At this time, the first connector 75 and the second connector 76 can be switched between the connection position and the separation position. When switching, the first connector 75 and the second connector 76 can be pulled out from the main body 78.

[0049] Next, the procedure for attaching the skin temperature control device 11 to a person will be described. When using the skin temperature control device 11, the neck unit 12 is attached to the user's neck. Prior to attachment, the left movable arm 24b is extended outward around the vertical axis 28. The right movable arm 25b is extended outward around the vertical axis 29. The neck unit 12 is positioned from the rear relative to the neck. The neck is positioned between the left movable arm 24b and the right movable arm 25b. When the neck unit 12 is moved forward, the neck moves between the left immovable arm 24a and the right immovable arm 25a. In this way, the heat transfer element 31 at the back of the neck makes good contact with the skin of the neck. A loop 35b is attached to the hook 35a of either the left movable arm 24b or the right movable arm 25b. At this time, the operation unit 13 is connected to the neck unit 12 by a first cable 14, and the battery unit 15 is connected to the operation unit 13 by a second cable 16. The position of the operating unit 13 is adjusted so that it is easily accessible to a person, for example, on the chest. The battery unit 15 is housed in a pocket or similar location on a person's clothing.

[0050] Since the left flat surface 53 and the right flat surface 55 extend parallel to the plane 48a of the neck-rear heat transfer body 31, contact between the neck and the left immobile arm 24a and the right immobile arm 25a can be avoided. The wider the left flat surface 53 and the right flat surface 55 extend to the left and right, the more the neck can be prevented from contacting the left immobile arm 24a and the right immobile arm 25a and causing discomfort to the neck, even if the neck becomes thicker. Furthermore, even if the neck becomes thicker, the heat transfer surface will make broad contact with the neck due to the expansion of the plane 48a in the left and right directions. Moreover, since the left flat surface 53 and the right flat surface 55 are positioned behind the plane 48a, the neck and the left immobile arm 24a and the right immobile arm 25a are kept at a good distance. Even if the neck-rear heat transfer body 31 is embedded in the neck due to the effect of subcutaneous fat, contact between the neck and the left immobile arm 24a and the right immobile arm 25a can be avoided. The size of the steps 52 and 54 is set to 8 mm or more, taking into account the thickness of the subcutaneous fat. When the rear housing 23 extends below the contact area 23a, the heat transfer body 31 at the back of the neck is pressed against the neck due to the effect of the moment, but the steps 52 and 54 can effectively avoid contact between the neck and the left immobile arm 24a and the right immobile arm 25a.

[0051] Thus, the rear housing 23 is received by the back of the user's neck at the contact area 23a. The back neck heat transfer element 31 contacts the skin at the back of the neck at its heat transfer surface. At this time, as shown in Figure 11, the forward surface 57b of the lower housing 57 is aligned with the back of the user's neck, so that a space is formed between the back of the user's neck and the lower housing 57 that allows the collar to enter. Interference between the first cable 14 extending from the upper housing 56 and the collar can be avoided. The neck unit 12 can be worn comfortably around the neck even if the user is wearing clothing with a collar.

[0052] As the left movable arm 24b and the right movable arm 25b move inward, the left heat transfer body 32 contacts the skin of the neck at the position of the left carotid artery. The right heat transfer body 33 contacts the skin of the neck at the position of the right carotid artery. With the left movable arm 24b and the right movable arm 25b surrounding the neck, the loop 35b is connected to the remaining hook 35a. The positional relationship between the hook 35a and the loop 35b is determined according to the thickness of the neck. The left arm body 24 and the right arm body 25 work together to hold the rear housing 31 behind the neck. The rear heat transfer body 31, the left heat transfer body 32 and the right heat transfer body 33 are kept in close contact with the neck. Thus the neck unit 12 is attached to the neck. The rear housing 23 is placed in the open space behind the neck. The battery unit 15 can be placed, for example, in a clothing pocket. As shown in Figure 12, the trapezius muscle tr of the human body increases laterally and downward from the neck, so downward displacement of the posterior housing 23 can be prevented.

[0053] When the skin temperature control device 11 is powered on by operating lever switches 21a and 21b, a specified voltage and a specified current are supplied from the battery 18 to the first control board 17. The current is supplied to the first control board 17 from the battery 18. The current is adjusted on the first control board 17 for the Peltier elements 42, 43, and 44. The first control board 17 generates heat in accordance with the power loss of the reverse current prevention diode. Since the operating unit 13 is connected to the neck unit 12 by the first cable 14, the first control board 17 is kept away from the neck unit 12. Heat transfer from the first control board 17 to the neck unit 12 is prevented. The temperature rise of the neck unit 12 can be suppressed. Current is supplied from the first control board 17 to the second control board 69.

[0054] When current is supplied to the posterior Peltier element 42 from the second control board 69, the posterior Peltier element 42 absorbs heat from the neck-back heat transfer element 31 in response to the current supply. The temperature of the neck-back heat transfer element 31 decreases. The neck-back heat transfer element 31 cools the skin at the back of the neck. When current is supplied to the left Peltier element 43 from the second control board 69, the left Peltier element 43 absorbs heat from the left heat transfer element 32 in response to the current supply. The temperature of the left heat transfer element 32 decreases. The left heat transfer element 32 cools the skin at the location of the left carotid artery. When current is supplied to the right Peltier element 44 from the second control board 69, the right Peltier element 44 absorbs heat from the right heat transfer element 33 in response to the current supply. The temperature of the right heat transfer element 33 decreases. The right heat transfer element 33 cools the skin of the neck at the location of the right carotid artery.

[0055] Here, the forward-facing surface 57b of the lower housing 57 moves away from the neck as it goes downwards. Depending on the amount of distance, a space can be secured between the back of the neck of the human body and the lower housing 57. This space allows the range of motion of the head to be increased. Interference between the human body and the rear housing 23 can be effectively avoided. Moreover, even if a rotational moment is generated in the lower housing 57 at the contact area 23a pivot point, the left immovable arm 24a and the right immovable arm 25a contact the user's lower jaw from below, preventing contact between the left heat transfer body 32 and the right heat transfer body 33 and the lower jaw. Discomfort for the user can be avoided.

[0056] When current is supplied from the second control board 69 to the liquid pump 63, the liquid pump 63 generates a flow of refrigerant in the circulation path 39 in response to the power supply. The cooling water, which is the refrigerant, flows through the first cooling water jacket 45, the second cooling water jacket 46, and the third cooling water jacket 47 to the heat exchanger 61. The heat acquired by the rear Peltier element 42, the left Peltier element 43, and the right Peltier element 44 is transferred to the refrigerant and carried to the heat exchanger 61. Since the heat exchanger 61 is located in an open space behind the neck, outside air is supplied to the heat exchanger 61 well. The heat exchanger 61 can dissipate heat well to the outside air. Here, the liquid pump 63 is the heaviest of the components housed in the rear housing 31. Therefore, the liquid pump 63 is positioned close to the heat transfer element that is in contact with the neck of the human body. This suppresses the increase in rotational moment generated with the heat transfer element as a fulcrum. The neck unit 12 can be supported on the neck in a stable position. The feeling of weight from heavy objects can be suppressed.

[0057] When current is supplied from the second control board 69 to the blower fan 62, the blower fan 62 supplies outside air to the heat exchanger 61 in accordance with the power supply. Since the refrigerant inside the heat exchanger 61 reaches a temperature higher than the ambient temperature, the airflow of outside air cools the heat exchanger 61. The blower fan 62 adjusts its cooling performance according to the current value. Here, since the blower fan 62 is positioned behind the neck, the wind noise from the blower fan 62 can be blocked by the auricle. The auricle prevents the propagation of air vibrations toward the ear canal. The noise perceived by the user can be suppressed.

[0058] In the blower fan 62, the blades rotate in a straight line 67, generating airflow in the axial direction. Due to the action of the axial flow fan, outside air circulates between the vents 65 and 66, allowing the outside air to efficiently circulate through the heat exchanger 61. As the forward-facing surface 57b moves away from the virtual plane 22, space is secured between the back of the neck of the human body and the lower housing 57, allowing good ventilation to be achieved at the vent 65 in the front wall 59a. At this time, the outside air passing through the heat exchanger 61 is guided by the duct 68. The duct 68 prevents the dispersion of outside air within the internal space of the rear housing 31. The outside air can be effectively separated from the heat generated by the liquid pump 63. The outside air can efficiently remove heat from the heat exchanger 61.

[0059] In the skin temperature regulating device 11, refrigerant can be replenished in the circulation path 39 before use. For replenishment of refrigerant, refrigerant (in this case, water) is prepared in a container such as a cup. As shown in Figure 10, the opening / closing cover 79 on the rear housing 23 is opened. When the first connector 75 and the second connector 76 establish a separated position, the first connector 75 and the second connector 76 are pulled out from the main body 78 of the rear housing 23. The first connector 75 and the second connector 76 are immersed in the refrigerant stored in a container such as a cup. In this way, the refrigerant in the container is incorporated into the circulation path 39. When the liquid pump 63 operates, the refrigerant circulates in the refrigerant path 39. Refrigerant is drawn in from either the first connector 75 or the second connector 76. Refrigerant is replenished in the circulation path 39. At the same time, the intake of ambient air is prevented. In this way, refrigerant can be easily replenished in the circulation path 39. When the first connector 75 and the second connector 76 establish a connected position, the refrigerant can circulate in the circulation path 39.

[0060] In this embodiment, the upper housing 56 positions the lower housing 57 at a location rearward from the virtual plane 22. The upper end of the forward-facing surface 57b of the lower housing 57 is set away from the back of the neck. A space is formed between the back of the neck of the human body and the forward-facing surface 57b of the lower housing 57 that allows the collar to enter. Even if the user is wearing collared clothing, the rear housing 23 can be worn comfortably around the neck. Since the first cable 14 connected to the operating unit 13 extends from the upper housing 56 of the rear housing 23, interference between the first cable 14 and the collar can be avoided. Moreover, the forward-facing surface 57b of the lower housing 57 is inclined from the virtual plane 22 at an angle θ greater than the angle β of the cervical spine of the human body. Regardless of the curvature of the cervical spine, a space is secured between the back of the neck of the human body and the forward-facing surface 57b of the lower housing 57. This space expands the range of motion of the head. Interference between the human body and the rear housing 23 can be well avoided.

[0061] 11...Skin temperature control device, 15...Battery unit, 22...Virtual plane, 23...Rear housing, 24...Left arm body, 25...Right arm body, 31...Heat transfer element (rear neck heat transfer element), 32...Left heat transfer element, 33...Right heat transfer element, 42...Rear Peltier element, 43...Left Peltier element, 44...Right Peltier element, 48...Plane, 52...Step, 53...Left flat surface, 54...Step, 55...Right flat surface, 56...Upper housing, 56a...First space, 57...Lower housing, 57a...Second space, 57b...Forward-facing surface, 59a...Front wall, 59b...Rear wall, 61...Heat exchanger, 62...Blower fan, 63...Liquid pump, 65...Vent (inlet), 66...Vent (outlet), θ...Angle (forward-facing surface).

Claims

1. A heat transfer element having a heat transfer surface that includes at least a partially flat surface and is in contact with the skin at the back of the neck of a human body; a rear housing that supports the heat transfer element; a Peltier element that is thermally coupled to the heat transfer element and absorbs heat in response to the supply of current, thereby lowering the temperature of the heat transfer element; a left arm extending from the rear housing to the left, wrapping around the neck from the left and engaging with the front of the neck at the position of the left carotid artery; a right arm extending from the rear housing to the right, wrapping around the neck from the right and engaging with the front of the neck at the position of the right carotid artery, and cooperating with the left arm to maintain contact of the heat transfer element with the skin at the back of the neck; the rear housing comprises an upper housing that forms a first space behind the heat transfer element in a direction perpendicular to the plane and supports the left arm and the right arm; A skin temperature regulating device characterized by having a lower housing that is continuous with the upper housing and forms a second space extending downward from the first space, and which moves away from the virtual plane including the plane as it goes downward and faces the back of the neck of the human body.

2. A skin temperature regulating device according to claim 1, characterized in that the upper housing is positioned away from the virtual plane, and the lower housing is positioned therebehind it.

3. A skin temperature regulating device according to claim 2, characterized in that the forward-facing surface of the lower housing is inclined from the plane at an angle greater than the angle of the cervical vertebrae of the human body.

4. A skin temperature regulating device according to claim 3, comprising: a left flat surface connected to the left end of the heat transfer element by a step formed in the rear housing, extending parallel to the plane at a position away from the back of the neck and connected to the left arm body; and a right flat surface connected to the right end of the heat transfer element by a step formed in the rear housing, extending parallel to the plane at a position away from the back of the neck and connected to the right arm body.

5. A skin temperature regulating device according to claim 4, comprising: a left heat transfer element supported by the left arm body and in contact with the skin of the neck at the position of the left carotid artery; a right heat transfer element supported by the right arm body and in contact with the skin of the neck at the position of the right carotid artery; a left Peltier element thermally coupled to the left heat transfer element and absorbing heat in response to the supply of electric current to lower the temperature of the left heat transfer element; and a right Peltier element thermally coupled to the right heat transfer element and absorbing heat in response to the supply of electric current to lower the temperature of the right heat transfer element.

6. A skin temperature regulating device according to claim 5, characterized in that it comprises a heat exchanger supported by the rear housing, which uses a refrigerant circulating in a circulation path to dissipate heat carried by the Peltier element, the left Peltier element, and the right Peltier element to the outside air.

7. A skin temperature regulating device according to claim 1, comprising: a heat exchanger housed in the lower housing which dissipates heat carried from the Peltier element to the outside air using a refrigerant circulating in a circulation path; and a blower fan housed in the lower housing which blows outside air toward the heat exchanger in response to the supply of power.

8. A skin temperature regulating device according to claim 7, wherein the lower housing divides the internal space with a front wall that faces the back of the neck of the human body on the forward-facing surface and a rear wall that faces the front wall, and ventilation openings are formed in the front wall and the rear wall, the heat exchanger is arranged between the ventilation openings, and the blower fan generates an airflow that circulates between the ventilation openings.

9. A skin temperature regulating device according to claim 1, comprising: a heat exchanger housed in the second space and dissipating heat carried from the Peltier element to the outside air with a refrigerant circulating in a circulation path; and a liquid pump arranged adjacent to the heat transfer element in the first space and generating a flow of the refrigerant in the circulation path in response to the supply of power.

10. A skin temperature regulating device according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a battery unit that supplies current to the Peltier element, which includes a battery housed in a housing separate from the upper housing, the lower housing, the left arm body, and the right arm body, and connected to the upper housing by an electric wire extending from the upper housing.

11. A skin temperature regulating device according to claim 10, characterized in that the forward-facing surface moves away from the virtual plane including the plane as it goes downward.

12. A skin temperature regulating device according to claim 11, characterized in that the upper housing is positioned such that the lower housing is located at a position away from the virtual plane.

13. A skin temperature regulating device according to claim 12, characterized in that the forward-facing surface of the lower housing is inclined from the plane at an angle greater than the angle of the cervical vertebrae of the human body.

14. A skin temperature regulating device according to claim 13, comprising: a left flat surface connected to the left end of the heat transfer element by a step formed in the rear housing, extending parallel to the plane at a position away from the back of the neck and connected to the left arm body; and a right flat surface connected to the right end of the heat transfer element by a step formed in the rear housing, extending parallel to the plane at a position away from the back of the neck and connected to the right arm body.

15. A skin temperature regulating device according to claim 14, comprising: a left heat transfer element supported by the left arm body and in contact with the skin of the neck at the position of the left carotid artery; a right heat transfer element supported by the right arm body and in contact with the skin of the neck at the position of the right carotid artery; a left Peltier element thermally coupled to the left heat transfer element and absorbing heat in response to the supply of electric current to lower the temperature of the left heat transfer element; and a right Peltier element thermally coupled to the right heat transfer element and absorbing heat in response to the supply of electric current to lower the temperature of the right heat transfer element.

16. A skin temperature regulating device according to claim 15, characterized in that it comprises a heat exchanger supported by the rear housing, which dissipates heat carried by the Peltier element, the left Peltier element, and the right Peltier element to the outside air using a refrigerant circulating in a circulation path.

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