Skin temperature adjusting device

Abstract

A skin temperature adjusting device (11) includes a neck-wearable body (12) worn around the neck of a human body, a heat transfer body (31; 32; 33) supported by the neck-wearable body (12) to contact the neck, a Peltier element (42; 43; 44) thermally coupled to the heat transfer body (31; 32; 33) to lower the temperature of the heat transfer body (31; 32; 33) by absorbing heat on the basis of a supplied electric current, and a heat exchanger (61) supported by the neck-wearable body (12) to dissipate heat, which is carried from the Peltier element (42; 43; 44) by a refrigerant circulating through a circulation path (39), to outside air.

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 according to the supply of 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. The neck unit contacts a heat transfer body (plate) 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 by a refrigerant circulating in a circulation path to the outside air. The cooling performance of the Peltier element can be maintained well by the action of the refrigerant. The circulation of the refrigerant is generated by the action of a liquid pump incorporated in the heat exchange unit.

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

[0004] Since the heat exchanger exchanges heat with the outside air, the heat exchanger must be arranged in a space open to the outside air. It cannot be placed in a pocket of clothes or the like. In Patent Document 1, since the heat exchange unit protrudes around the waist, the actions of the user such as sitting are restricted. A belt or other auxiliary tools are required for wearing. The wearing operation of the heat exchange unit is additionally added before and after the wearing operation of the neck unit.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a skin temperature adjustment device that can easily arrange a heat exchanger in an open space.

[0006] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a skin temperature adjustment device including a neck-mounted body worn around the neck of a human body, a heat transfer body supported by the neck-mounted body and contacting the neck of the human body, a Peltier element thermally coupled to the heat transfer body and absorbing heat based on the supplied current to lower the temperature of the heat transfer body, and a heat exchanger supported by the neck-mounted body and radiating the heat carried from the Peltier element by a refrigerant circulating in a circulation path to the outside air.

[0007] The neck device is worn around the neck. The heat transfer element is in contact with the skin of the neck. When current is supplied to the Peltier element, the temperature of the heat transfer element decreases and the skin is cooled. The heat absorbed by the Peltier element is transferred to a coolant and carried to a heat exchanger. Because the heat exchanger is located in the neck device, the heat exchanger is not housed in a closed space such as a pocket. Since the heat exchanger is located in an open space, outside air can be supplied to the heat exchanger well. The heat exchanger can dissipate heat well to the outside air. The heat exchanger is structurally separated from the Peltier element. The heat exchanger can be positioned in a good position relative to the neck regardless of the position of the Peltier element.

[0008] The neck mount may include a rear housing that holds the heat transfer element against the skin at the back of the neck and positions the heat exchanger facing the neck; 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; and 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 against the skin at the back of the neck. The neck mount is attached to the neck by the action of the left and right arms. Since the trapezius muscle of the human body increases downward from the neck to the left and right, downward displacement of the rear housing can be prevented. The rear housing can hold the heat exchanger well in a position facing the neck.

[0009] The rear housing can be molded from a rigid material. The position of the heat exchanger relative to the neck can be well maintained.

[0010] The skin temperature regulating device may include a jacket housed in the neck attachment and coupled to the Peltier element, guiding the refrigerant along the Peltier element, and a liquid tube housed in the neck attachment, connecting the heat exchanger to the jacket and forming the circulation path. Since the liquid tube is covered by the neck attachment, it can be protected from structures outside the neck attachment. Weakening of the liquid tube is acceptable. Lighter weight and volume reduction of the liquid tube can be achieved.

[0011] According to a second embodiment of the present invention, a neck attachment worn around the neck of a human body; a posterior neck heat transfer element supported by the neck attachment and in contact with the skin at the back of the neck of the human body; a first Peltier element thermally coupled to the posterior neck heat transfer element, which absorbs heat in response to the supply of electric current and lowers the temperature of the posterior neck heat transfer element; a left heat transfer element supported by the neck attachment and in contact with the skin of the neck at the position of the left carotid artery of the human body; and a left heat transfer element thermally coupled to the left heat transfer element, which absorbs heat in response to the supply of electric current and lowers the temperature of the left heat transfer element. A skin temperature adjustment device is provided, comprising: a second Peltier element that causes a heat transfer; a right heat transfer element supported by the neck attachment and in contact with the skin of the neck at the position of the right carotid artery of the human body; a third Peltier element that is thermally coupled to the right heat transfer element, absorbs heat in response to the supply of current, and lowers the temperature of the right heat transfer element; and a heat exchanger supported by the neck attachment and dissipates the heat carried by the first Peltier element, the second Peltier element, and the third Peltier element to the outside air using a refrigerant circulating in a circulation path.

[0012] The neck device is worn around the neck. The heat transfer element at the back of the neck is in contact with the skin at the back of the neck. When current is supplied to the first Peltier element, the temperature of the heat transfer element at the back of the neck decreases and the skin is cooled. The left heat transfer element is in contact with the skin at the location of the left carotid artery. When current is supplied to the second Peltier element, the temperature of the left heat transfer element decreases and the skin is cooled. 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 third Peltier element, the temperature of the right heat transfer element decreases and the skin is cooled. The heat acquired by the first, second, and third Peltier elements is transferred to a coolant and carried to a single heat exchanger. Since the heat exchanger is located in an open space when the neck device is worn around the neck, outside air can be supplied to the heat exchanger well. The heat exchanger can dissipate heat well to the outside air. The heat exchanger is structurally separated from the first, second, and third Peltier elements. The heat exchanger can be positioned in a favorable location relative to the neck, regardless of the position of the Peltier elements. Furthermore, since the heat exchanger is consolidated into one for every three Peltier elements, the outside air passage in the neck device can also be consolidated into a single passage. This allows for efficient introduction of outside air into the neck device.

[0013] The neck mount may comprise a rear housing that holds the posterior neck heat transfer element against the skin at the back of the neck of the human body and positions the heat exchanger facing the neck; a left arm extending from the rear housing to the left, wrapping around the neck from the left and holding the left heat transfer element at the position of the left carotid artery; and a right arm extending from the rear housing to the right, wrapping around the neck from the right and holding the right heat transfer element at the position of the right carotid artery, and cooperating with the left arm to maintain contact between the posterior neck heat transfer element and the skin at the back of the neck. The neck mount is attached to the neck by the action of the left and right arms. Since the trapezius muscle of the human body increases from the neck downwards to the left and right, downward displacement of the rear housing can be prevented. The rear housing can hold the heat exchanger well in a position facing the neck.

[0014] The rear housing can be molded from a rigid material. The position of the heat exchanger relative to the neck can be well maintained.

[0015] The skin temperature regulating device may include: a first cooling water jacket housed in the neck mount and coupled to the first Peltier element to guide the refrigerant along the first Peltier element; a second cooling water jacket housed in the neck mount and coupled to the second Peltier element to guide the refrigerant along the second Peltier element; a third cooling water jacket housed in the neck mount and coupled to the third Peltier element to guide the refrigerant along the third Peltier element; and a liquid tube housed in the neck mount that connects the first cooling water jacket, the second cooling water jacket, and the third cooling water jacket to the heat exchanger and forms the circulation path. Since the liquid tube is covered by the neck mount, the liquid tube can be protected from structures outside the neck mount. Weakening of the liquid tube is acceptable. Lighter weight and volume reduction of the liquid tube can be achieved.

[0016] A third embodiment of the present invention provides a skin temperature adjustment device comprising: a neck attachment worn around the neck of a human body; a battery unit housed in a housing separate from the neck attachment and connected to the neck attachment by wires extending from the housing; a heat transfer element supported by the neck attachment and in contact with the skin of the human body; a Peltier element thermally coupled to the heat transfer element and absorbing heat based on an electric current supplied from the battery unit to lower the temperature of the heat transfer element; and a heat exchanger supported by the neck attachment and dissipating heat carried from the Peltier element to the outside air using a refrigerant circulating through a circulation path.

[0017] The neck device is worn around the neck. The heat transfer element is in contact with the skin of the neck. When current is supplied to the Peltier element, the temperature of the heat transfer element decreases and the skin is cooled. The heat absorbed by the Peltier element is transferred to the coolant and carried to the heat exchanger. Since the heat exchanger is placed in an open space when the neck device is worn around the neck, outside air can be supplied to the heat exchanger well. The heat exchanger can dissipate heat well to the outside air. Depending on the amount of heat dissipated by the heat exchanger, good heat absorption can be achieved in the Peltier element.

[0018] The battery unit is connected to the neck mount by wires. The heat exchanger is separate from the battery unit. The battery unit does not require an outside air supply. The battery unit can be housed in a pocket of ordinary clothing. Dedicated pouches, body bags, or vests can be omitted. Since the heat exchanger is supported by the neck mount along with the Peltier element, the number of wearable items is reduced.

[0019] The skin temperature regulating device may include a liquid pump supported by the neck attachment that generates a flow of the refrigerant in the circulation path based on power supplied from the battery unit. Power is supplied to the liquid pump from the battery unit (battery). Electrical wires can 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 the battery unit.

[0020] The skin temperature regulating device may include a fan supported by the neck attachment that blows outside air toward the heat exchanger based on power supplied from the battery unit. Power is supplied to the fan from the battery unit. Electrical wires can 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 the battery unit.

[0021] A fourth embodiment of the present invention provides a skin temperature adjustment device comprising: a neck attachment worn around the neck of a human body; a heat transfer element supported by the neck attachment and in contact with the skin of the human body; a Peltier element thermally coupled to the heat transfer element and absorbing heat based on a supplied electric current to lower the temperature of the heat transfer element; an operating unit including a control board housed in a first housing separate from the neck attachment and connected to the Peltier element by a first electric wire extending from the first housing; and a battery unit housed in a second housing separate from the neck attachment and the operating unit and connected to the control board by a second electric wire extending from the second housing.

[0022] The neck device is worn around the neck. The heat transfer element is in contact with the skin. When current is supplied to the Peltier element, the temperature of the heat transfer element decreases and the skin is cooled. Current is supplied to the control board from a battery. The current is regulated on the control board for the Peltier element. The control board generates heat. Here, the operating unit is connected to the neck device by a first wire. The control board is kept away from the neck device. Heat transfer from the control board to the neck device can be prevented. The temperature rise of the neck device can be suppressed.

[0023] The skin temperature regulating device may include a heat exchanger supported by the neck attachment, which dissipates heat from the Peltier element to the outside air using a refrigerant circulating through a circulation path. The heat acquired by the Peltier element is transferred to the refrigerant and carried to the heat exchanger. When the neck attachment is worn around the neck, the heat exchanger is positioned in an open space, so outside air is supplied to the heat exchanger well.

[0024] The skin temperature regulating device may include a liquid pump supported by the neck attachment that generates a flow of the refrigerant in the circulation path based on power supplied from the battery unit. Power is supplied to the liquid pump from the battery. Electrical wires can 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 the battery unit.

[0025] The skin temperature regulating device may include a fan supported by the neck attachment that blows outside air toward the heat exchanger based on power supplied from the battery unit. Power is supplied to the fan from the battery unit. Electrical wires can 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 the battery unit.

[0026] As described above, the disclosed invention provides a skin temperature regulating device in which a heat exchanger can be easily placed in an open space.

[0027] 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.

[0028] 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.

[0029] 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.

[0030] 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.

[0031] 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.

[0032] 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.

[0033] 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.

[0034] 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.

[0035] 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.

[0036] 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.

[0037] 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.

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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.

[0040] 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.

[0041] 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.

[0042] In the rear housing 23, a heat exchanger (radiator) 61 incorporated in the circulation path 39 and radiating heat carried from the rear Peltier element 42, the left Peltier element 43, and the right Peltier element 44 to the outside air by the circulating refrigerant, a blower fan 62 for ventilating the outside air through the heat exchanger 61, and a liquid pump 63 incorporated in the circulation path 39 and generating a flow of the refrigerant in the circulation path 39 are accommodated. Among the heat exchanger 61, the blower fan 62, and the liquid pump 63, the one having the greatest weight is arranged closest to the contact area 23a in the first space 56a of the upper housing body 56. Those other than the one having the greatest weight are arranged in the second space 57a of the lower housing body 57. Here, since the liquid pump 63 has the greatest weight, the liquid pump 63 is arranged closest to the contact area 23a in the first space 56a. The heat exchanger 61 and the blower fan 62 are arranged in the second space 57a.

[0043] In the rear housing 23, ventilation openings 65, 66 are formed in two outer walls (here, the front wall 59a and the rear wall 59b) sandwiching at least one of the first space 56a and the second space 57a, respectively. The heat exchanger 61 is arranged between the ventilation openings 65, 66. The blower fan 62 is arranged between the two ventilation openings 65, 66. The blower fan 62 is composed of an axial flow fan that generates an air flow flowing through the heat exchanger 61 and the two ventilation openings 65, 66. Here, when the axial flow fan operates, the air flow flows in from the ventilation opening (inlet) 65 of the front wall 59a and flows out from the ventilation opening (outlet) 66 of the rear wall 59b. The air heated by cooling the heat exchanger 61 is discharged in a direction away from the human body. The heat exchanger 61 is arranged at a position close to the front wall 59a on a straight line 67.

[0044] In the inner space of the rear housing 23, a duct 68 is arranged to guide the outside air flowing in from the ventilation opening (inlet) 65 of the front wall 59a and passing through the heat exchanger 61 to the ventilation opening (outlet) 66 of the rear wall 59b. The duct 68 surrounds the path of the air flow from the blower fan 62 to the ventilation opening 66. As shown in FIG. 8, the duct 68 is integrally formed with, for example, the rear wall 59b of the rear housing 23. The outlet 66 is arranged so as to be surrounded by the wall surface of the duct 68. The air flow flowing out from the blower fan 62 is guided to the outlet 66 by the function of the duct 68.

[0045] 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 as possible to the rear 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.

[0046] 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 a forward path and a return path of 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.

[0047] 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 a forward path and a return path of 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.

[0048] 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.

[0049] 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, forming a continuous flow path through the first liquid pipe 74a and the second liquid pipe 74b. When the first connector 75 and the second connector 76 are connected, their positions are displaced relative to the positions of the first connector 75 and the second connector 76 when they 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 Figure 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.

[0050] Here, the rear housing 23 includes a main body 78 that supports the rear neck heat transfer element 31, heat exchanger 61, blower fan 62, liquid pump 63, and second control board 69, and an opening / closing cover 79 that is coupled to the main body 78 and opens and closes the housing space for the heat exchanger 61, blower fan 62, liquid pump 63, and 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 in the connected position are exposed. At this time, the first connector 75 and the second connector 76 can be switched between the connected position and the disconnected position. When switching, the first connector 75 and the second connector 76 can be pulled out from the main body 78.

[0051] 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.

[0052] 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.

[0053] 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.

[0054] 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.

[0055] 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.

[0056] 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.

[0057] 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.

[0058] 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.

[0059] 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.

[0060] 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.

[0061] 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.

[0062] The heat transfer elements 32 and 33, and the left Peltier element 43 and right Peltier element 44, which are integrated with them respectively, are in contact with the skin of the neck. Their positions change to conform to the shape of the neck. On the other hand, the heat exchanger 61 is structurally separated from these. Regardless of the shape of the neck, the heat exchanger 61 can always be positioned in a good position relative to the neck. Moreover, since the heat exchanger 61 is integrated into one for the three Peltier elements 42, 43, and 44, the passage for outside air in the neck unit 12 can also be integrated into one. Outside air can be efficiently introduced into the neck unit 12.

[0063] The neck unit 12 according to this embodiment comprises a rear housing 23, a left arm body 24, and a right arm body 25. The neck unit 12 is worn on the neck by the action of the left arm body 24 and the right arm body 25. Since the trapezius muscle tr of the human body increases laterally and downward from the neck, downward displacement of the rear housing 23 can be prevented. The rear housing 23 can hold the blower fan 62 in a position that faces the neck. Since the rear housing 23 is molded from a rigid body, the position of the blower fan 62 relative to the neck can be well maintained.

[0064] In this embodiment, the liquid tube 73 of the circulation path 39 is covered by the rear housing 31, the left arm body 24, and the right arm body 25, so the liquid tube 73 can be protected from structures outside the rear housing 31, the left arm body 24, and the right arm body 25. Weakening of the liquid tube 73 is acceptable. Lighter weight and volume reduction of the liquid tube 73 can be achieved.

[0065] In the skin temperature regulating device 11 according to this embodiment, power is supplied to the liquid pump 63 from the battery unit 15 (battery 18). A first cable 14 consisting of multiple wires and a second cable 16 consisting of multiple wires are used to supply power from the battery unit 15 to the neck unit 12. The neck unit 12 and the battery unit 15 only need to be connected by the first cable 14 and the second cable 16. The user can easily put on the neck unit 12 and the battery unit 15.

[0066] The blower fan 62 is powered by the battery unit 15 (battery 18). A first cable 14 and a second cable 16, both consisting of multiple wires, are used to supply power from the battery 18 to the neck unit 12. The neck unit 12 and the battery unit 15 are only connected by the first cable 14 and the second cable 16. The user can easily attach the neck unit 12 and the battery unit 15.

[0067] 11...Skin temperature adjustment device, 12...Neck attachment (neck unit), 13...Operation unit, 13a...First housing, 14...First electric wire (first cable), 15...Battery unit, 15a...Second housing, 16...Second electric wire (second cable), 17...Control board (first control board), 18...Battery, 23...Rear housing, 24...Left arm unit, 25...Right arm unit, 31...Heat transfer element (rear neck heat transfer element), 32...Heat transfer element (left heat transfer element), 33...Heat transfer element (right heat transfer element), 39...Circulation Pathway, 42...Peltier element (rear Peltier element, first Peltier element), 43...Peltier element (left Peltier element, second Peltier element), 44...Peltier element (right Peltier element, third Peltier element), 45...Jacket (first coolant jacket), 46...Jacket (second coolant jacket), 47...Jacket (third coolant jacket), 61...Heat exchanger, 62...Blower fan, 63...Liquid pump, 73...Liquid pipe.

Claims

1. A skin temperature adjustment device comprising: a neck attachment worn around the neck of a human body; a heat transfer element supported by the neck attachment and in contact with the neck of the human body; a Peltier element thermally coupled to the heat transfer element and absorbing heat based on a supplied electric current to lower the temperature of the heat transfer element; and a heat exchanger supported by the neck attachment and dissipating heat carried from the Peltier element to the outside air with a refrigerant circulating through a circulation path.

2. A skin temperature regulating device according to claim 1, wherein the neck attachment comprises: a rear housing that holds the heat transfer element against the skin at the back of the neck of the human body and positions the heat exchanger in a position facing the neck; 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, and cooperates with the left arm body to maintain contact of the heat transfer element with the skin at the back of the neck.

3. A skin temperature regulating device according to claim 1, comprising: a jacket housed in the neck mount and coupled to the Peltier element to guide the refrigerant along the Peltier element; and a liquid tube housed in the neck mount and connected to the jacket to the heat exchanger and to form the circulation path.

4. A skin temperature regulating device according to claim 1, wherein the heat transfer body includes a posterior neck heat transfer body supported by the neck attachment and in contact with the skin at the back of the neck of the human body; a left heat transfer body supported by the neck attachment and in contact with the skin of the neck at the position of the left carotid artery of the human body; and a right heat transfer body supported by the neck attachment and in contact with the skin of the neck at the position of the right carotid artery of the human body, and the Peltier element includes a first Peltier element that is thermally coupled to the posterior neck heat transfer body and absorbs heat in response to the supply of current to lower the temperature of the posterior neck heat transfer body; a second Peltier element that is thermally coupled to the left heat transfer body and absorbs heat in response to the supply of current to lower the temperature of the left heat transfer body; and a third Peltier element that is thermally coupled to the right heat transfer body and absorbs heat in response to the supply of current to lower the temperature of the right heat transfer body.

5. A skin temperature regulating device according to claim 4, wherein the neck attachment comprises: a rear housing that holds the posterior neck heat transfer element against the skin at the back of the neck of the human body and positions the heat exchanger in a position facing the neck; a left arm body that extends to the left from the rear housing and wraps around the neck from the left to hold the left heat transfer element at the position of the left carotid artery; and a right arm body that extends to the right from the rear housing and wraps around the neck from the right to hold the right heat transfer element at the position of the right carotid artery, and cooperates with the left arm body to maintain contact of the posterior neck heat transfer element with the skin at the back of the neck.

6. A skin temperature adjustment device according to claim 4, comprising: a first cooling water jacket housed in the neck attachment and coupled to the first Peltier element to guide the refrigerant along the first Peltier element; a second cooling water jacket housed in the neck attachment and coupled to the second Peltier element to guide the refrigerant along the second Peltier element; a third cooling water jacket housed in the neck attachment and coupled to the third Peltier element to guide the refrigerant along the third Peltier element; and a liquid pipe housed in the neck attachment that connects the heat exchanger to the first cooling water jacket, the second cooling water jacket and the third cooling water jacket, and forms the circulation path.

7. A skin temperature regulating device according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a battery unit housed in a housing separate from the neck attachment and connected to the neck attachment by electric wires extending from the housing.

8. A skin temperature regulating device according to claim 7, characterized in that it comprises a liquid pump supported by the neck attachment body, which generates a flow of the refrigerant in the circulation path based on power supplied from the battery unit.

9. A skin temperature regulating device according to claim 7, characterized in that it comprises a blower fan supported by the neck attachment body, which blows outside air toward the heat exchanger based on power supplied from the battery unit.

10. A skin temperature adjustment device according to claim 1, comprising: an operating unit including a control board housed in a first housing separated from the neck attachment and connected to the Peltier element by a first wire extending from the first housing; and a battery unit housed in a second housing separated from the neck attachment and the operating unit and connected to the control board by a second wire extending from the second housing.

11. A skin temperature regulating device according to claim 10, characterized in that it comprises a heat exchanger supported by the neck attachment body, which dissipates heat carried from the Peltier element to the outside air using a refrigerant circulating in a circulation path.

12. A skin temperature regulating device according to claim 11, characterized in that it comprises a liquid pump supported by the neck attachment body, which generates a flow of the refrigerant in the circulation path based on power supplied from the battery unit.

13. A skin temperature regulating device according to claim 11, characterized in that it comprises a blower fan supported by the neck attachment body, which blows outside air toward the heat exchanger based on power supplied from the battery unit.

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