Air-blowing device for body, and air-blowing structure of air-blowing device for body

Abstract

This air-blowing device for a body comprises: a housing having an intake port and an air-blowing port; a Peltier element placed in the housing; a first fin formed on one surface of the Peltier element; and an air-blowing fan for blowing air to the first fin. The air after temperature adjustment, in which the air passes from an upstream side to a downstream side, is blown out to the first fin from the air-blowing port. In the housing, an air-blowing region of the temperature-adjusted air is provided between the downstream side of the fin unit and the air-blowing port. In the air-blowing region is formed a recirculation inlet part communicating with a return flow passage capable of recirculating the temperature-adjusted air to the upstream side of the first fin.

Description

Body blower and air blowing structure of body blower

[0006]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a body blower that blows temperature-adjusted air, which is either cold air or warm air that has passed through fins, and has a Peltier element disposed in a housing, fins formed on one surface of the Peltier element, and a blower fan that blows air onto the fins, and an air blowing structure thereof.

[0002] In recent years, there have been many sweltering days that are unpleasant for people throughout the year. On sweltering days, as a measure to prevent heat stroke, in addition to taking small amounts of water, the use of appropriate cooling devices is encouraged.

[0003] However, due to reasons such as the absence of cooling equipment or insufficient cooling effect, workers working outdoors in sweltering heat or workers working in a stuffy indoor environment, and people enjoying recreation, sports, watching games, etc. under the scorching sun cannot cool off with a cooling device.

[0004] Therefore, in such situations, clothing with an air conditioning function, portable air conditioners, etc. have been rapidly spreading in recent years, mainly targeting people seeking to avoid the heat. Among such air conditioners, a blower using a Peltier element has also been developed. An example of such a blower is disclosed in Patent Document 1.

[0005] Patent Document 1 is a technical document disclosed in a patent application by the present applicant. Patent Document 1 includes a housing, a Peltier element in the housing, cooling fins formed on one surface of the Peltier element, heat radiation fins formed on the other surface opposite to the one surface, a blower fan that blows air onto the cooling fins and the heat radiation fins, an air intake for taking in air into the housing, a cold air outlet for blowing out cold air that has passed through the cooling fins, and a heat radiation outlet for exhausting hot air that has passed through the heat radiation fins, and is a cooling device for clothing.

[0006] In Patent Document 1, a blower fan draws air into the housing from an air intake, and heat exchange occurs between the air and the cooling fins as the air passes through them. The air that has passed through the cooling fins is cooler than the air before passing through the cooling fins, becoming cold air, which is then blown out from the cold air outlet. As a result, the user of the garment cooling device can cool their body with the blown-out cold air.

[0007] Patent No. 7290237

[0008] While developing technologies related to portable body ventilation devices, such as the clothing cooling device described in Patent Document 1, the applicant identified new technical challenges compared to conventional body ventilation devices.

[0009] In other words, when a user is working in the scorching sun on an extremely hot day, for example, when the outside temperature exceeds 35°C, the user may start using the clothing cooling device described in Patent Document 1 to cool down by having cool air blown on their body. In such circumstances, the user feels uncomfortable due to the heat of the outside temperature exceeding 35°C and the large amount of sweat they have produced. Therefore, the user has a strong desire to cool their body down immediately by having cool air that is as far removed from the outside temperature as possible blown on them.

[0010] On the other hand, in the garment cooling device described in Patent Document 1, upon commencement of use, outside air (air) exceeding 35°C is continuously drawn into the housing through the air intake, passes through the cooling fins, and is then blown out as cold air from the cold air outlet. At this time, the cold air that is blown out, especially immediately after commencement of use, is at a temperature far removed from the desired temperature of cold air that the body would want to be exposed to.

[0011] As the cool air continues to be blown from this state, its temperature gradually decreases over time until it reaches a temperature that is comfortable for the user. However, it took a considerably long time, for example several tens of minutes, for the cool air to cool down to a temperature that was comfortable for the body from the start of use of the clothing cooling device.

[0012] Therefore, especially on extremely hot days when the outside temperature exceeds 35°C, there was a problem in that clothing cooling devices could not quickly cool the user's body, which was feeling uncomfortable due to the heat and sweat, with cool air at a comfortable temperature.

[0013] This disclosure is made to solve the above-mentioned problems and aims to provide a body ventilation device and ventilation structure that can adjust the temperature-controlled air, which is generated after heat exchange between the air drawn in from the air intake and the fins, to a comfortable temperature for the user in a shorter time from the start of ventilation.

[0014] (1) A body ventilation device according to one aspect of the present disclosure, made to solve the above problems, comprises a housing having an air intake port and an air outlet, a Peltier element disposed in the internal space of the housing, a fin unit having a first fin, and a fan that blows air onto the first fin formed on one side of the Peltier element, wherein the body ventilation device blows out temperature-controlled air, which is either cold air or warm air that has passed from the upstream side to the downstream side of the air, onto the first fin from the air outlet, wherein the internal space of the housing is provided with a ventilation area for the temperature-controlled air between the downstream side of the fin unit and the air outlet, and the ventilation area is provided with a return inlet that communicates with a return channel that can return the temperature-controlled air to the upstream side of the first fin.

[0015] According to this embodiment, the temperature-controlled air can be recirculated from the recirculation inlet through the return channel to the upstream side of the first fin and supplied back to the first fin, so that the temperature-controlled air, including the recirculated temperature-controlled air, is blown out from the air outlet. It is also conceivable that this body ventilation device may be used in environments where the ambient temperature surrounding the body ventilation device and the temperature of the temperature-controlled air to be blown out differ significantly, for example, by more than 10 degrees Celsius. Even in such cases, the presence of the return channel allows the temperature-controlled air blown out from the air outlet to reach the desired temperature at a rate of temperature change several times faster than, for example, a conventional body ventilation device without a return channel, and can be blown out with good response from the start of blowing.

[0016] (2) In the embodiment described in (1) above, it is preferable that a recirculation outlet portion is formed in the internal space of the housing, which is in communication with and connected to the return flow path, on the upstream side of the first fin, and that the air and the recirculated temperature-controlled air merge at the recirculation outlet portion.

[0017] In this embodiment, the temperature-controlled air that has been recirculated upstream of the first fin can be sent back to the first fin by the airflow newly introduced from the intake port. Therefore, a means for sending the recirculated temperature-controlled air towards the first fin is unnecessary, and the recirculated temperature-controlled air can pass through the first fin with the newly introduced airflow.

[0018] (3) In the embodiment described in (1) or (2) above, it is preferable that the air supply area is provided with an airflow direction adjustment unit that divides the airflow after temperature control into the return inlet side and the air supply port side.

[0019] In this configuration, the temperature-controlled air that reaches the airflow area is reliably separated into a recirculation path leading to the recirculation inlet and an airflow path leading to the air outlet. As a result, the temperature-controlled air that flows into the recirculation path is recirculated through the return channel and returned to the upstream side of the first fin. The temperature-controlled air that flows into the airflow path is blown out to the outside through the air outlet.

[0020] (4) In the embodiment described in (3) above, at the branching point of the airflow direction adjustment section, if the cross-sectional area of ​​the temperature-controlled airflow flowing on the return inlet side is the first cross-sectional area Sr, the cross-sectional area of ​​the temperature-controlled airflow flowing on the outlet side is the second cross-sectional area Se, and the sum of the first cross-sectional area Sr and the second cross-sectional area Se is the total cross-sectional area S of the flow path, then it is preferable that the ratio k (%) of the first cross-sectional area Sr to the total cross-sectional area S of the flow path is 0 < k ≤ 50.

[0021] According to this embodiment, the body ventilation device according to the present disclosure can ensure that the airflow of the temperature-controlled air blown out from the air outlet is sufficient to avoid adverse effects on the user without significantly reducing it. In addition, the body ventilation device according to the present disclosure can adjust the temperature of the blown-out temperature-controlled air to a temperature close to the desired temperature in a shorter time from the start of airflow. Therefore, in the body ventilation device according to the present disclosure, the flow rate and temperature of the temperature-controlled air are well-balanced and harmonized so that the temperature-controlled air can be blown out from the air outlet.

[0022] (5) In the embodiment described in any one of (1) to (4) above, it is preferable that the return outlet portion returns the temperature-controlled air that has been returned to the return channel to the upstream side of the first fin, and that the return outlet portion is positioned so as to be attracted to the blower fan.

[0023] In this embodiment, the temperature-controlled air that recirculates through the return channel due to the rotation of the blower fan flows from the recirculation outlet to the blower fan and can merge with the newly introduced air through the intake port. Therefore, the recirculated temperature-controlled air can be supplied to the first fin again.

[0024] (6) In the embodiment described in any one of (1) to (5) above, it is preferable that the blower fan is a centrifugal fan.

[0025] In this configuration, when the temperature-controlled air is blown by the centrifugal fan and flows from the blowing area to the recirculation inlet, the temperature-controlled air is drawn into the return flow path as the blades rotate during blowing. Therefore, when sending the temperature-controlled air that has flowed into the return flow path towards the recirculation outlet, there is no need to provide a separate means for drawing in the temperature-controlled air.

[0026] (7) In the embodiment described in any one of (1) to (6) above, it is preferable that the housing has an exhaust port, the fin unit has a second fin formed on the opposite side of the Peltier element, and the blower fan blows the air onto the second fin together with the first fin.

[0027] In this embodiment, the Peltier element can suppress the decrease in cooling efficiency and heating efficiency over time on one side and the opposite side, so that the temperature-controlled air can be continuously blown out at a stable temperature.

[0028] (8) In the embodiment described in any one of (1) to (7) above, it is preferable that a control unit is provided, and the control unit switches between the case of cold air and the case of hot air by reversing the polarity of the DC current supplied to the Peltier element.

[0029] According to this embodiment, when the temperature-controlled air is cool air, the body ventilation device according to this disclosure can deliver cool air adjusted to a comfortable temperature to people who particularly desire cool air, such as workers working outdoors in extreme heat, workers wearing work clothes in a hot and humid indoor environment, or people engaging in recreation, sports, or spectating in the blazing sun. Furthermore, when the temperature-controlled air is warm air, the body ventilation device according to this disclosure can deliver warm air adjusted to a comfortable temperature to people who particularly desire warm air, such as workers with cold hands from doing water-related work in winter, or people who are exposed to cold winds outdoors and feel cold while engaging in activities.

[0030] (9) In addition, a blower structure for a body blower in another aspect of the present disclosure, made to solve the above problems, comprises a housing having an air intake and an air outlet, a Peltier element disposed in the internal space of the housing, a fin unit having a first fin, and a blower fan that blows air onto the first fin formed on one side of the Peltier element, wherein the body blower blows out temperature-controlled air, which is either cold air or warm air that has passed from the upstream side to the downstream side of the air, onto the first fin from the air outlet, and is configured such that the temperature-controlled air that has passed through the first fin is returned to the upstream side of the first fin and supplied to the first fin again, along with a blower path that blows the temperature-controlled air that has passed through the first fin directly to the outside from the air outlet.

[0031] According to this embodiment, the temperature-controlled air can be recirculated from the recirculation inlet through the return channel to the upstream side of the first fin and supplied back to the first fin, so that the temperature-controlled air, including the recirculated temperature-controlled air, is blown out from the air outlet. When this body ventilation device is used in an environment where the ambient temperature surrounding the body ventilation device and the temperature of the temperature-controlled air to be blown out differ by, for example, more than 10 degrees Celsius, the temperature-controlled air blown out from the air outlet will reach the desired temperature by passing through the recirculation path, and will be adjusted and blown out with good responsiveness from the start of blowing, at a temperature change rate several times faster than, for example, a conventional body ventilation device that does not have a recirculation path.

[0032] (10) In the embodiment described in (9) above, it is preferable that the return path merges with the airflow path having an upstream side of the first fin.

[0033] In this embodiment, the temperature-controlled air that has been recirculated upstream of the first fin is sent back to the first fin by the airflow newly introduced from the intake port. Therefore, a means for sending the recirculated temperature-controlled air towards the first fin is unnecessary, and the recirculated temperature-controlled air can pass through the first fin solely by the newly introduced airflow.

[0034] (11) In the embodiment described in (9) or (10) above, it is preferable that the housing has an exhaust port, the fin unit has a second fin formed on the opposite side of the Peltier element, and the blower fan blows the air onto the second fin together with the first fin.

[0035] In this embodiment, the Peltier element can suppress the decrease in cooling efficiency and heating efficiency over time on one side and the opposite side, so that the temperature-controlled air can be continuously blown out at a stable temperature.

[0036] Therefore, the body ventilation device and its ventilation structure according to this disclosure have the excellent effect of being able to adjust the temperature-controlled air, which is generated after heat exchange between the air (wind) drawn in from the air intake and the fins, to a comfortable temperature for the user in a shorter time from the start of ventilation.

[0037] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a body ventilation device according to an embodiment, viewed from the exhaust port side. Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of the body ventilation device shown in Figure 1. Figure 1 is a plan view of the body ventilation device shown in Figure 1, viewed from the exhaust port side. Figure 1 is a perspective view of the body ventilation device shown in Figure 1, viewed from the air outlet side. Figure 1 is an explanatory diagram showing the Peltier element unit in the body ventilation device shown in Figure 1. Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line B-B, and is a schematic diagram showing the flow of air circulating within the housing of the body ventilation device shown in Figure 1. Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line A-A. It is a plan view showing the inside of the housing of the body ventilation device shown in Figure 1, and is a schematic diagram showing the flow of air after temperature control. Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line C-C, and is a schematic diagram showing the flow of air after temperature control and exhaust within the housing of the body ventilation device shown in Figure 1. Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line D-D, and is a schematic diagram showing the flow of air after temperature control recirculating towards the fan of the body ventilation device shown in Figure 1. This figure shows a table summarizing the relationship between the ambient temperature and the cold air temperature measured at each time interval in a verification experiment in which cold air was continuously blown for 30 minutes using the body ventilation devices according to the Examples and Comparative Examples 1 to 3. Following Figure 11, this is a graph showing the measured ambient temperature and measured cold air temperature, respectively, in the verification experiment using the body ventilation devices according to the Examples and Comparative Examples 1 to 3. Following Figure 11, this is a graph showing the temperature difference between the measured ambient temperature and the measured cold air temperature, relative to the ambient temperature, in the verification experiment using the body ventilation devices according to the Examples and Comparative Examples 1 to 3. Following Figure 11, this figure shows a table summarizing the temperature difference per unit of time between the measured cold air temperature measured at an earlier time and the measured cold air temperature measured at a later time, in the verification experiment using the body ventilation devices according to the Examples and Comparative Examples 1 to 3. Following Figure 14, the next graph shows the measured ambient temperature, the cold air temperature at the time of measurement before and after the measurement, and the difference in cold air temperature between the time of measurement, for the body ventilation device according to the embodiment. Following Figure 14, the next graph shows the measured ambient temperature, the cold air temperature at the time of measurement before and after the measurement, and the difference in cold air temperature between the time of measurement, for the body ventilation device according to Comparative Example 1. Following Figure 14, the next graph shows the measured ambient temperature, the cold air temperature at the time of measurement before and after the measurement, and the difference in cold air temperature between the time of measurement, for the body ventilation device according to Comparative Example 2.Following Figure 14, the graphs below show the measured ambient temperature, the cold air temperature at the time of measurement before and after the measurement, and the difference in cold air temperature between the time of measurement, for the body ventilation device according to Comparative Example 3.

[0038] The following describes in detail the body ventilation device and its ventilation structure related to this disclosure, with reference to embodiments.

[0039] The personal ventilation device described herein is used for people who particularly need cool air, such as workers who work outdoors in extreme heat, workers who work in hot and humid indoor environments wearing work clothes, or people who engage in recreation, sports, or spectating in the blazing sun. Alternatively, the personal ventilation device is used for people who particularly need warm air, such as workers whose hands have become cold from doing water-related work in winter, or people who are exposed to cold winds outdoors and feel chilled while engaging in activities.

[0040] <Overview of Body Air Blower 1> First, an overview of the body air blower 1 according to this embodiment will be briefly explained using Figures 1 to 5.

[0041] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a body ventilation device according to an embodiment, viewed from the exhaust port side, and Figure 2 shows an exploded perspective view of the same body ventilation device. Figure 3 is a plan view of the body ventilation device shown in Figure 1, viewed from the exhaust port side, and Figure 4 shows a perspective view of the body ventilation device, viewed from the air outlet side. Figure 5 is an explanatory diagram showing the Peltier element unit included in the body ventilation device shown in Figure 1.

[0042] In the body ventilation device shown in Figure 1, the direction from the lower left to the upper right is defined as the X-axis direction, the direction from the upper left to the lower right is defined as the Y-axis direction, and the up and down direction is defined as the Z-axis direction. The directions defined in Figure 2 and subsequent figures will also follow those defined in Figure 1. In addition, the electrical wiring for the Peltier element 31 and the blower fan 35, as well as the power supply, are not shown in each figure.

[0043] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 5, the body blower 1 includes a control unit 2, a housing 10, a Peltier element unit 30, a blower fan 35, a reflux system 60, etc. The Peltier element unit 30 has a Peltier element 31, a heat sink unit 32, and a fin cover 34. The heat sink unit 32 corresponds to the fin unit according to the present disclosure.

[0044] <Regarding the housing 10> Next, the housing 10 will be described. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, the housing 10 has a first housing portion 11 and a second housing portion 12 as separate bodies. The housing 10 is formed in a manner such that the first housing portion 11 and the second housing portion 12 are arranged opposite to each other and joined together to be integrated, having an internal space 10S.

[0045] The housing 10 has a first return pipe portion 65 of the reflux system 60 protruding on one side of the long side portion along the Y-axis direction with respect to a base portion formed in a flat substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape having an R-shaped corner, protruding to one side in the X-axis direction (lower left side in FIG. 1).

[0046] There is an internal space 10S between the first housing portion 11 and the second housing portion 12. In the first housing portion 11, an intake port 21 and an exhaust port 22 are formed by opening a part of the first plate portion 11a. The intake port 21 and the exhaust port 22 are formed at positions spaced apart in the Y-axis direction. Also, in the second housing portion 12, a blower port 23 is formed by opening a part of the second plate portion 12a. In the housing 10, the blower port 23 is arranged in a direction exactly opposite to the exhaust port 22 with respect to the Z-axis direction.

[0047] Also, as will be described in detail later, a reflux system 60 is formed in the housing 10 as shown in FIGS. 1 to 4.

[0048] <Regarding the blower fan 35> Next, the blower fan 35 will be described. The blower fan 35 blows air toward the heat sink unit 32. As shown in FIG. 2, in the present embodiment, the blower fan 35 is a type of centrifugal fan and is a multi-blade blower (sirocco fan) having a suction capacity. The sirocco fan is a substantially cylindrical shape in which a plurality of blades are annularly arranged along the circumferential direction with respect to the central axis of rotation, and the air sucked along the central axis is blown out in the radial outward direction from between the rotating blades.

[0049] The blower fan 35 has an intake introduction portion 38 between the blade 36 and the drive portion 37. Air is taken into the intake introduction portion 38 from the intake port 21. The blower fan 35 is arranged in the internal space 10S of the housing 10 in accordance with the position of the intake port 21, and the outer periphery of the blade 36 is surrounded by the fan outer peripheral wall 39.

[0050] By the way, different from axial fans such as propeller fans and turbo fans, the sirocco fan is less affected by disturbances such as the wind direction and the strength of the wind on the sucked air, and uses the centrifugal force acting on the sucked air to blow air, so the operating noise is small.

[0051] On the other hand, since the sirocco fan blows air by using the centrifugal force acting on the sucked air due to the rotation of the plurality of blades, generally, the wind force of the air blown by the sirocco fan is smaller than that of axial fans such as propeller fans and turbo fans. Therefore, in the internal space 10S of the body blower device 1 according to the present embodiment, the housing 10 is provided with a width-reducing flow path 53 formed by the fan outer peripheral wall 39 between the blower fan 35 and the Peltier element unit 30.

[0052] In the width-reducing flow path 53, the flow path width n (0 < n) of the air blown by the blower fan 35, that is, the post-temperature-adjustment air flow FL described later, is narrower than the flow path width m (0 < n < m) of the air flow passing through the rotation center axis O of the blower fan 35 so that the wind force due to the blowing pressure, flow velocity, etc. becomes larger.

[0053] The ratio of the flow path width n to the flow path width m is preferably, for example, within the range of 25% or more and 75% or less. This is because it allows for a good balance between increasing the airflow force from the blower fan 35 and ensuring that the airflow from the blower fan 35 is evenly distributed to the two Peltier element units 30.

[0054] <About the Peltier element unit 30> Next, the Peltier element unit 30 will be explained. As shown in Figures 2 and 5, two Peltier element units 30 are arranged inside the housing 10. As mentioned above, the Peltier element unit 30 has a Peltier element 31, a heat sink unit 32, and a fin cover 34.

[0055] As shown in Figure 5, the Peltier element 31 is a type of plate-shaped semiconductor thermoelectric element having one surface 31a and the other surface 31b opposite to it. The Peltier element 31 is electrically connected to the control unit 2 and a power supply (not shown) via a power supply port 3. The one surface 31a of the Peltier element 31 corresponds to one side of the Peltier element according to this disclosure, and the other surface 31b of the Peltier element 31 corresponds to the opposite side of the Peltier element according to this disclosure.

[0056] When a DC current is supplied from the power source to the Peltier element 31, due to the Peltier effect, one surface 31a absorbs heat and becomes a cooling surface, while the other surface 31b generates heat and becomes a heating surface. Furthermore, when the direction of the supplied DC current is reversed by the control unit 2, the other surface 31b of the Peltier element 31 absorbs heat and becomes a cooling surface, while the one surface 31a generates heat and becomes a heating surface.

[0057] In other words, in the Peltier element 31, when the control unit 2 reverses the direction of the DC current supplied to the Peltier element 31, the cooling surface and the heating surface are swapped between one surface 31a and the other surface 31b.

[0058] The Peltier element 31 has the characteristic of simultaneously absorbing and generating heat at temperatures with a relative temperature difference from the ambient temperature, for example, within a temperature range of 20 to 50°C. That is, for example, when the Peltier element 31 absorbs and generates heat under an ambient temperature of 35°C in summer, the cooling surface will exhibit a temperature of 15 to -15°C, and this heat will be used to cool the body. At the same time, the heating surface will exhibit a temperature of 55 to 85°C, and this heat will be used as waste heat.

[0059] On the other hand, when the Peltier element 31 absorbs and generates heat under an ambient temperature of 5°C in winter, the cooling surface exhibits a temperature of -15 to -45°C, and this heat is dissipated. Simultaneously, the heating surface exhibits a temperature of 25 to 55°C, and this heat becomes warmth for the body.

[0060] In this embodiment, a Peltier element 31 having a temperature characteristic that absorbs and generates heat simultaneously in a temperature range of approximately 20 to 50°C in comparison to the ambient temperature was given as an example.

[0061] However, the Peltier element is not limited to the temperature characteristics described in this embodiment. It may be configured with any temperature characteristics that can cool the body to a degree that does not cause frostbite and warm the body to a degree that does not cause burns, as described later with temperature-controlled airflow FL. For example, the temperature characteristics of the Peltier element may be such that they have a temperature range of about 10 to 40°C or 10 to 20°C in relation to the ambient temperature.

[0062] As shown in Figure 5, the heat sink unit 32 consists of a blower-side heat sink 32A and an exhaust-side heat sink 32B. The blower-side heat sink 32A corresponds to the first fin according to this disclosure, and the exhaust-side heat sink 32B corresponds to the second fin according to this disclosure. The blower-side heat sink 32A and the exhaust-side heat sink 32B are a pair.

[0063] The blower-side heat sink 32A is formed to be large enough to contact almost the entire surface 31a of the Peltier element 31, and consists of countless fins that are folded back in a roughly wave shape, with gaps between adjacent fins, and is erected vertically from the flat plate portion 32Aa.

[0064] The exhaust-side heat sink 32B is formed to a size that allows it to contact almost the entire surface 31b of the Peltier element 31, and is erected vertically from the flat plate portion 32Ba with numerous fins that are folded back in a roughly corrugated shape, with gaps between adjacent fins.

[0065] In the Peltier element unit 30, as shown in Figure 5, the surface of the flat plate portion 32Aa of the blower-side heat sink 32A and one surface 31a of the Peltier element 31 are positioned opposite each other so as to be in surface contact with each other. Similarly, the surface of the flat plate portion 32Ba of the exhaust-side heat sink 32B and the other surface 31b of the Peltier element 31 are positioned opposite each other so as to be in surface contact with each other.

[0066] However, strictly speaking, due to the difference in precision between the surface shape of the flat plate portion 32Aa of the blower-side heat sink 32A and the surface shape of one surface 31a of the Peltier element 31, there is a small gap (air gap) between the surface of the flat plate portion 32Aa and the one surface 31a. Similarly, due to the difference in precision between the surface shape of the flat plate portion 32Ba of the exhaust-side heat sink 32B and the surface shape of the other surface 31b of the Peltier element 31, there is a small gap (air gap) between the surface of the flat plate portion 32Ba and the other surface 31b.

[0067] Therefore, a grease layer 33 is interposed between the Peltier element 31 and the blower-side heat sink 32A, and between the Peltier element 31 and the exhaust-side heat sink 32B, filling these gaps with grease. The grease, for example, has relatively high thermal conductivity, such as satisfying a thermal conductivity of at least 5 W / m·K, and maintains a relatively high viscosity within a temperature range of approximately 0 to 100°C.

[0068] By providing the grease layer 33, the heat generated by the Peltier element 31 is transferred to the heat sink unit 32 with reduced heat transfer loss on one surface 31a and the other surface 31b.

[0069] In this embodiment, the body-use air blower 1 is configured with two Peltier element units 30 arranged side by side. However, the number of Peltier element units, each having a Peltier element, a first fin, and a second fin, is not limited to two, and can be varied in various ways, such as one unit or three or more units.

[0070] Furthermore, the body ventilation device 1 according to this embodiment is configured with two Peltier element units 30 placed side by side, with each of the two Peltier elements exhibiting heat absorption and heat generation. On the other hand, the Peltier element unit can also be configured with one large Peltier element, for example, having heat absorption and heat generation characteristics similar to those of two small Peltier elements.

[0071] However, when comparing the first condition, which uses one large Peltier element, with the second condition, which uses two small Peltier elements, the second condition sometimes exhibits a better response in terms of heat absorption and heat generation by the Peltier elements than the first condition. For this reason, the body ventilation device 1 according to this embodiment is configured with two Peltier element units 30 placed side by side.

[0072] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 5, the Peltier element unit 30 is configured such that the fin cover 34 surrounds the entire area around the blower-side heat sink 32A and the exhaust-side heat sink 32B that are in contact with the Peltier element 31.

[0073] <Regarding the temperature-controlled airflow FL> Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line B-B in Figure 3, and is a schematic diagram showing the airflow within the housing of the body ventilation device shown in Figure 1. As shown in Figures 2 and 6, the internal space 10S of the housing 10 is divided into two spaces, upper and lower (in the Z-axis direction in Figure 7), by a first partitioning member 51 and a second partitioning member 52, with the Peltier element 31 of the Peltier element unit 30 as the boundary. The first partitioning member 51 is positioned between the blower fan 35 and the upstream end Fa of the Peltier element unit 30.

[0074] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line A-A in Figure 2. As shown in Figures 2 and 7, the second partition member 52 is positioned between the downstream end Fb of the Peltier element unit 30 and the side end 12b of the second housing portion 12, and the exhaust port 22 and the air outlet 23 are separated by the second partition member 52.

[0075] In other words, in the body ventilation device 1 according to this embodiment, as shown in Figure 6, the intake port 21 is a vent for supplying air AR from the outside to the blower fan 35. When air AR is introduced into the internal space 10S from the intake port 21 by the blower fan 35, the airflow path F of the introduced air AR flows from the upstream side Fa to the downstream side Fb, and is divided into a flow to the blower side heat sink 32A and a flow to the exhaust side heat sink 32B.

[0076] (1) When air AR flows through the blower-side heat sink 32A, air AR passes through the blower-side heat sink 32A, undergoes heat exchange with the blower-side heat sink 32A, and becomes temperature-controlled air FL.

[0077] In this case, if one surface 31a of the Peltier element 31 is the cooling surface, the air AR supplied from the intake port 21 is cooled through heat exchange with the blower-side heat sink 32A, resulting in cold air CF as shown in Figure 6. Therefore, when one surface 31a is the cooling surface, this cold air CF becomes the temperature-controlled air FL.

[0078] Conversely, if one side 31a of the Peltier element 31 is the heating surface, the air AR supplied from the air intake 21 is heated through heat exchange with the blower-side heat sink 32A, resulting in warm air HF as shown in Figure 6. Therefore, when one side 31a is the heating surface, this warm air HF becomes the temperature-controlled air FL.

[0079] In the body ventilation device 1 according to this embodiment, the control unit 2 switches between cases where the temperature-controlled airflow FL is cold air CF and cases where the temperature-controlled airflow FL is warm air HF by reversing the direction of the DC current supplied to the Peltier element 31.

[0080] (2) When air AR flows through the exhaust-side heat sink 32B, air AR passes through the exhaust-side heat sink 32B, undergoes heat exchange with the exhaust-side heat sink 32B, and becomes exhaust EX, which is discharged to the outside from the exhaust port 22.

[0081] In the body ventilation device 1 according to this embodiment, the exhaust-side heat sink 32B is covered all around by a fin cover 34. Therefore, the air AR supplied to the exhaust-side heat sink 32B does not flow through the blower-side heat sink 32A, but passes through the gaps between the fins of the exhaust-side heat sink 32B and becomes exhaust EX.

[0082] Furthermore, the blower-side heatsink 32A is also completely covered by a fin cover 34. As a result, the air AR supplied to the blower-side heatsink 32A does not flow through the exhaust-side heatsink 32B, but instead passes through the gaps between the fins of the blower-side heatsink 32A to become the temperature-controlled air FL. Consequently, the temperature-controlled air FL is generated without any mixing with the exhaust air EX.

[0083] The generated temperature-controlled airflow FL is sent to an airflow region Q provided in the internal space 10S of the housing 10. As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the airflow region Q is a space formed in the range between the air outlet 23 and the second partition member 52 in the Z-axis direction, between the second plate portion 12a of the second housing portion 12 and the second partition member 52, and in the Y-axis direction between the downstream end Fb of the Peltier element unit 30 and the side end 12b of the second housing portion 12.

[0084] <Regarding the Recirculation System 60> Next, the recirculation system 60 will be explained. Figure 8 is a plan view showing the inside of the housing of the body ventilation device shown in Figure 1, and is a schematic diagram showing the flow of temperature-controlled air. Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line C-C in Figure 3, and is a schematic diagram showing the flow of temperature-controlled air and exhaust air inside the housing of the body ventilation device shown in Figure 1. Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line D-D in Figure 3, and is a schematic diagram showing the flow of temperature-controlled air recirculating towards the fan of the body ventilation device shown in Figure 1.

[0085] As shown in Figures 1 to 4 and Figures 7 to 10, the body ventilation device 1 according to this embodiment has a recirculation system 60. The recirculation system 60 is configured as a ventilation structure with a recirculation path F1 arranged in parallel with the ventilation path F2. As shown in Figures 6, 8, and 9, the ventilation path F2 is a path that blows the temperature-controlled air FL, which has passed through the ventilation-side heat sink 32A, directly to the outside from the ventilation port 23.

[0086] The recirculation path F1 is a path that returns the temperature-controlled air FL, which has passed through the blower-side heat sink 32A, to the upstream side Fa of the blower-side heat sink 32A, and supplies the temperature-controlled air FL back to the blower-side heat sink 32A. As shown in Figures 8 and 10, the recirculation path F1 merges with the airflow path F of the air AR introduced from the intake port 21 at the upstream side Fa of the blower-side heat sink 32A.

[0087] Let me explain in detail. As shown in Figures 1 to 4, 7, and 8, the recirculation system 60 consists of a return flow path 60S, a recirculation inlet 61, a recirculation outlet 63, a first return pipe section 65, a connection section 66, a second return pipe section 68, a wind direction adjustment wall 69, and the like.

[0088] The wind direction adjustment wall 69 is provided in the air supply area Q. The wind direction adjustment wall 69 corresponds to the wind direction adjustment unit according to this disclosure. As shown in Figures 8 and 9, the wind direction adjustment wall 69 divides the flow of the temperature-controlled air FL into the return inlet 61 side and the air outlet 23 side.

[0089] Here, as shown in Figures 7 and 8, in the airflow region Q, at the branching point 69P of the airflow direction adjustment wall 69 in the Y-axis direction, the cross-sectional area of ​​the recirculation path F1 through which the temperature-controlled airflow FL flows on the side of the recirculation inlet 61 is defined as the first flow path cross-sectional area Sr. The cross-sectional area of ​​the airflow path F2 through which the temperature-controlled airflow FL flows on the side of the air outlet 23 is defined as the second flow path cross-sectional area Se.

[0090] Furthermore, if the sum of the first channel cross-sectional area Sr and the second channel cross-sectional area Se is the total channel cross-sectional area S, then the ratio k (%) of the first channel cross-sectional area Sr to the total channel cross-sectional area S is 0 < k ≤ 50. Preferably, the ratio k (%) is 20 ≤ k ≤ 50, and in this embodiment, the ratio k is approximately 25 (%). If the ratio k exceeds 50 (%), the opening area of ​​the air outlet 23 that blows out the temperature-controlled air FL in the air supply region Q becomes too small, and the temperature-controlled air FL cannot be blown out of the air outlet 23 with a sufficient airflow.

[0091] The return inlet 61 and the connection 66 are provided on the side of the housing 10. The return outlet 63 is provided in the internal space 10S of the housing 10. The return inlet 61 has an inlet-side opening 62 formed in the housing 10. The inlet-side opening 62 communicates with the air supply area Q, as shown in Figures 8 and 9. The inlet-side opening 62 communicates with the return flow path 60S.

[0092] The return passage 60S is a passage for recirculating the temperature-controlled air FLr from the return inlet 61 to the intake introduction 38 of the blower fan 35, which is located on the upstream side Fa of the blower-side heat sink 32A. The return passage 60S is formed in the section from the return inlet 61, through the first return pipe section 65, the connection section 66, and the second return pipe section 68, to the return outlet section 63.

[0093] The connecting portion 66 has a connecting portion opening 67 formed in the first housing portion 11 of the housing 10. As shown in Figures 8 and 10, the connecting portion opening 67 communicates with the internal space 10S of the housing 10. As shown in Figure 8, the connecting portion opening 67 is located on the side of the first housing portion 11, upstream Fa of the blower-side heat sink 32A, at a position where it intersects with a virtual axis J that passes through the rotational center axis O of the blower fan 35 along the X-axis direction.

[0094] The return inlet 61 and the connecting portion 66 are connected by a tubular first return pipe portion 65. As shown in Figures 1, 2, 8, and 10, the first return pipe portion 65 is arranged along the outside of the side of the housing 10. The connecting portion 66 is connected to a tubular second return pipe portion 68, which is arranged in the internal space 10S of the housing 10.

[0095] The second return pipe section 68 is connected to the connection section 66, communicating with the connection section opening 67 on one side in the X-axis direction (left side in Figure 10). The return outlet section 63 is formed by deeply notching the end of the second return pipe section 68, which is on the other side in the X-axis direction (right side in Figure 10), from the inner circumference to the outer circumference of the blade 36 with respect to the radial direction of the rotational axis O of the blower fan 35. The return outlet section 63 has an outlet side opening 64 formed at the end of this second return pipe section 68.

[0096] As shown in Figures 2, 6, and 10, the recirculation outlet 63 is positioned in the internal space 10S of the housing 10, close to the intake inlet 38 of the blower fan 35, which is located upstream Fa of the blower-side heat sink 32A. In other words, the recirculation outlet 63 is an outlet that returns the temperature-controlled air FLr that has been recirculated into the return flow path 60S to the upstream Fa of the blower-side heat sink 32A, and is positioned so that it can be drawn in by the blower fan 35. Therefore, the recirculated temperature-controlled air FLr can easily flow from the outlet side opening 64 of the recirculation outlet 63 to the intake inlet 38 of the blower fan 35.

[0097] As the blades 36 of the blower fan 35 rotate, the temperature-controlled air FLr that flows into the recirculation path F1 and recirculates is drawn towards the recirculation outlet 63 through the return flow path 60S and blown from the outlet side opening 64 to the intake inlet 38 of the blower fan 35. As a result, at the intake inlet 38 of the blower fan 35, the recirculated temperature-controlled air FLr merges with the air AR newly introduced from the intake port 21 and is supplied again to the blower side heat sink 32A.

[0098] <Verification Experiment> Next, in order to confirm the significance of the body ventilation device 1 according to this embodiment, an experiment was conducted to verify the effect of the recirculation system 60. The experiment used the body ventilation device according to the embodiment and the body ventilation devices according to comparative examples 1 to 3.

[0099] The experiment involves measuring the temperature of the air blown out from the air outlet of each of the body ventilation devices according to the example and comparative examples 1 to 3 over time using a thermometer, thereby confirming the temperature change behavior that causes the blown air to become cool for each body ventilation device.

[0100] The body ventilation device according to the example is body ventilation device 1 according to this embodiment. The body ventilation device according to Comparative Example 1 is product A. The body ventilation device according to Comparative Example 2 is product B. The body ventilation device according to Comparative Example 3 is product C.

[0101] (1) Experimental Method In the experiment, the body ventilation devices according to the Example and Comparative Examples 1 to 3 were used simultaneously in a laboratory under the same ambient temperature. Furthermore, the experiment was conducted with the four body ventilation devices according to the Example and Comparative Examples 1 to 3 positioned sufficiently far apart from each other to prevent the temperature of the blown cold air from affecting each other.

[0102] In the experiment, in both the example and comparative examples 1-3, the body ventilation device continuously supplied cool air from its vents for 30 minutes at the ambient temperature of the laboratory. The temperature of the cool air was measured every minute using a thermometer.

[0103] (2) Experimental conditions <Common conditions for the example and comparative examples 1 to 3> - Temperature characteristics of the Peltier element: Temperature characteristics with a temperature range of approximately 10 to 15°C compared to the ambient temperature. - Heat sink on the heat absorption side in contact with the heat absorption surface of the Peltier element: Air blower side heat sink 32A (example) and a heat sink with performance similar to that of the air blower side heat sink 32A (comparative examples 1 to 3). - Heat sink on the heat generating side in contact with the heat generating surface of the Peltier element: Exhaust side heat sink 32B (example) and a heat sink with performance similar to that of the exhaust side heat sink 32B (comparative examples 1 to 3). - Air blower fan: Sirocco fan with the same airflow. - Intake port: Opening formed in the same way as the intake port 21. - Exhaust port: Opening formed in the same way as the exhaust port 22.

[0104] <Conditions of the Example> - Presence or absence of recirculation system 60: Yes - Air blowing structure of body blower: Recirculation path F1 and air blowing path F2 are arranged side by side <Common conditions of Comparative Examples 1 to 3> - Presence or absence of recirculation system: No - Air blowing structure of body blower: Only an air blowing path corresponding to air blowing path F2

[0105] (3) Experimental Results Figure 11 is a table summarizing the relationship between the ambient temperature and the cold air temperature measured at each time interval in a verification experiment in which cold air was continuously blown for 30 minutes using the body ventilation devices according to the Examples and Comparative Examples 1 to 3. Figure 12 is a graph showing the measured ambient temperature and the measured cold air temperature, respectively, in the verification experiment using the body ventilation devices according to the Examples and Comparative Examples 1 to 3. Figure 13 is a graph showing the temperature difference between the measured ambient temperature and the measured cold air temperature, relative to the ambient temperature, in relation to the verification experiment using the body ventilation devices according to the Examples and Comparative Examples 1 to 3.

[0106] Figure 14 is a table summarizing the temperature difference per unit time between the measured value of the cold air temperature at a previous time and the measured value at a subsequent time in verification experiments using the body ventilation devices according to the Examples and Comparative Examples 1 to 3. Figure 15 is a graph showing the measured value of the ambient temperature, the cold air temperature at the preceding and succeeding measurement times, and the difference in cold air temperature compared between the preceding and succeeding measurement times, respectively, for the body ventilation device according to the Examples.

[0107] Figure 16 is a graph showing the measured ambient temperature, the cold air temperature at the time of measurement before and after the measurement, and the difference in cold air temperature between the time of measurement, for the body ventilation device according to Comparative Example 1. Figure 17 is a graph showing the measured ambient temperature, the cold air temperature at the time of measurement before and after the measurement, and the difference in cold air temperature between the time of measurement, for the body ventilation device according to Comparative Example 2. Figure 18 is a graph showing the measured ambient temperature, the cold air temperature at the time of measurement before and after the measurement, and the difference in cold air temperature between the time of measurement, for the body ventilation device according to Comparative Example 3.

[0108] The temperature of the cool air was measured every minute using a thermometer. Figures 11 to 18 show the results of the cool air temperature measured from 5 minutes after the start of airflow, recorded every 5 minutes.

[0109] The results of the verification experiment are shown in Figures 11 to 18. As shown in Figure 11, the ambient temperature T in the laboratory was 35°C at the start of the experiment, but rose to 36.4°C at the end of the experiment, an increase of 1.4°C during the 30 minutes the verification experiment was conducted.

[0110] In the case of the body-use air blower according to the embodiment, as shown in Figures 11 and 12, the temperature Ta of the cold air was 33.7°C after 1 minute, 31°C after 2 minutes, 28.8°C after 3 minutes, and 24.8°C at the end of the experiment. Also, as shown in Figures 11 and 13, the temperature difference (Ta-T) between the temperature Ta of the cold air and the ambient temperature T was -1.6°C after 1 minute, -4.2°C after 2 minutes, -6.6°C after 3 minutes, and -12.1°C at the end of the experiment.

[0111] In contrast, in the case of the body-use air blower according to Comparative Example 1, as shown in Figures 11 and 12, the temperature Tb of the cold air was 34°C after 1 minute, 32.6°C after 2 minutes, 31.8°C after 3 minutes, and 25.7°C at the end of the experiment. Also, as shown in Figures 11 and 13, the temperature difference (Tb-T) between the temperature Tb of the cold air and the ambient temperature T was -1.3°C after 1 minute, -2.6°C after 2 minutes, -3.6°C after 3 minutes, and -10.7°C at the end of the experiment.

[0112] In the case of the body-use air blower according to Comparative Example 2, as shown in Figures 11 and 12, the temperature Tc of the cold air was 34.3°C after 1 minute, 33.5°C after 2 minutes, 32°C after 3 minutes, and 27.8°C at the end of the experiment. Also, as shown in Figures 11 and 13, the temperature difference (Tc-T) between the temperature Tc of the cold air and the ambient temperature T was -1°C after 1 minute, -1.7°C after 2 minutes, -3.4°C after 3 minutes, and -8.6°C at the end of the experiment.

[0113] In the case of the body-use air blower according to Comparative Example 3, as shown in Figures 11 and 12, the temperature Td of the cold air was 34.1°C after 1 minute, 33.4°C after 2 minutes, 33.2°C after 3 minutes, and 27.4°C at the end of the experiment. Also, as shown in Figures 11 and 13, the temperature difference (Td-T) between the temperature Td of the cold air and the ambient temperature T was -1.2°C after 1 minute, -1.8°C after 2 minutes, -2.2°C after 3 minutes, and -9°C at the end of the experiment.

[0114] <Discussion> We will discuss the results of the verification experiment. From the results of the verification experiment, it can be seen that, as the first event, in the body ventilation device according to the example, at the end of the experiment, the temperature Ta of the blown cold air had a temperature difference of 1.7 to 3.5°C compared to the temperatures Tb, Tc, and Td of the cold air from the body ventilation devices according to Comparative Examples 1 to 3, and was the lowest.

[0115] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 14 to 18, the applicant confirmed the temperature difference per unit time between the measured value of the cool air blown by the body ventilation devices according to the Examples and Comparative Examples 1 to 3, measured at an earlier time and measured at a later time. From the results of the verification experiment, there was no particularly large difference in this temperature difference per unit time between the Examples and Comparative Examples 1 to 3 during the 25 minutes from 5 minutes after the start of the experiment to the end of the experiment.

[0116] However, as shown in Figures 14 to 18, from the start of the experiment, especially during the first three minutes, the temperature difference per hour (Tb2 - Tb1) in the case of the body ventilation device according to Comparative Example 1 remains at around 1°C. In the case of the body ventilation device according to Comparative Example 2, the temperature difference per hour (Tc2 - Tc1) also remains at around 1°C. In the case of the body ventilation device according to Comparative Example 3, the temperature difference per hour (Td2 - Td1) is only about 0.5°C.

[0117] In contrast, in the case of the body ventilation device according to the embodiment, the second phenomenon is that the temperature difference per unit time (Ta2-Ta1) is nearly 2-3°C, and compared to the body ventilation devices according to Comparative Examples 1-3, the body ventilation device according to the embodiment shows that the cooling rate of the cold air blown out immediately after the start of ventilation is the greatest.

[0118] On the other hand, in the case of the body ventilation device according to Comparative Example 1, the time required from the start of blowing cold air until the temperature difference (Tb-T) between the ambient temperature T and the cold air temperature Tb reached approximately -9°C was 15 to 20 minutes.

[0119] Furthermore, in the case of the body ventilation device according to Comparative Example 2, the time required from the start of blowing cold air until the temperature difference (Tc-T) between the ambient temperature T and the cold air temperature Tc reached approximately -9°C was 30 minutes, which was the time the experiment was completed.

[0120] Similarly, in the case of the body ventilation device according to Comparative Example 3, the time required from the start of blowing cold air until the temperature difference (Td-T) between the ambient temperature T and the cold air temperature Td reached approximately -9°C in one example was 30 minutes, which was the time the experiment was completed.

[0121] In contrast, in the case of the body ventilation device according to the embodiment, the time required from the start of blowing cold air until the temperature difference (Ta-T) between the ambient temperature T and the cold air temperature Ta reached approximately -9°C, as described above, was only about 5 minutes.

[0122] In the example, the required time was 1 / 4 to 1 / 3 of that in Comparative Example 1, and 1 / 6 of that time compared to Comparative Examples 2 and 3. From this, it can be seen that, as a third phenomenon, the cooling rate of the cold air blown out immediately after the start of airflow in the body ventilation device according to the example is 3 to 6 times greater than that of the body ventilation devices according to Comparative Examples 1 to 3.

[0123] In the body ventilation device according to the embodiment, the reason why the first, second, and third events described above were observed is presumed to be because the body ventilation device according to the embodiment is a body ventilation device 1 that constitutes the recirculation system 60.

[0124] In other words, in the body ventilation device 1, as shown in Figure 7, the air AR introduced from the intake port 21 by the blower fan 35 flows through the air circulation path F in the internal space 10S of the housing 10 at a higher flow velocity, and after passing through the blower-side heat sink 32A, the temperature-controlled air FL is blown out from the air outlet 23 at a larger volume. In the body ventilation device 1, when the temperature-controlled air FL directed towards the user is blown out at a large volume towards the body, the user's comfort is improved, especially for people who particularly want cool air, such as outdoors in extreme heat, or for people who feel cold after being exposed to cold wind outdoors and want warm air.

[0125] However, if the flow velocity of the air AR introduced from the intake port 21 becomes too high, an incomplete heat exchange event may occur in which the air AR flowing through the air circulation path F is not able to adequately exchange heat with the blower-side heat sink 32A and is blown out from the air outlet 23.

[0126] Therefore, one way to avoid such incomplete heat exchange events is to enlarge the Peltier element unit to increase the time the introduced air passes through the heat sink on the blower side, thereby ensuring sufficient heat exchange with the heat sink. Another option is to reduce the airflow rate of the temperature-controlled air blown out from the air outlet. However, a blower with a larger Peltier element unit or reduced airflow rate would result in higher costs due to the increased size of the device, and would also be less user-friendly.

[0127] In contrast, the body ventilation device 1 is equipped with a recirculation system 60, which allows it to suppress incomplete heat exchange events without increasing the size of the Peltier element unit or reducing the airflow volume of the temperature-controlled air.

[0128] In other words, the air AR introduced into the internal space 10S of the housing 10 from the intake port 21 may flow through the airflow path F at a higher velocity, and there may be cases where sufficient heat exchange cannot be performed at the blower-side heat sink 32A. However, the body ventilation device 1 has a recirculation system 60. Therefore, even in such cases, as shown in Figure 8, when the temperature-controlled air FL, which has not undergone sufficient heat exchange, reaches the blower area Q, it is returned to the blower-side heat sink 32A again through the recirculation path F1, becoming recirculated temperature-controlled air FLr.

[0129] The recirculated, temperature-controlled air FLr can exchange heat again with the blower-side heat sink 32A, making it easier to adjust to a temperature closer to the desired temperature. Therefore, it is thought that immediately after the start of blowing, especially when there is a large temperature difference with the ambient temperature T, the body blower 1, which constitutes the recirculation system 60, is able to adjust the temperature-controlled air FL blown out from the air outlet 23 to a temperature closer to the desired temperature in a shorter time.

[0130] Next, the operation and effects of the body ventilation device 1 and its ventilation structure according to this embodiment will be described.

[0131] The body ventilation device 1 according to this embodiment comprises a housing 10 having an air intake port 21, an air outlet port 23, and an exhaust port 22; a Peltier element 31 arranged in the internal space 10S of the housing 10; a heat sink unit 32 consisting of an air-blowing side heat sink 32A formed on one surface 31a of the Peltier element 31 and an exhaust side heat sink 32B formed on the other surface 31b; and a fan 35 that blows air to the air-blowing side heat sink 32A and the exhaust side heat sink 32B, and blows air to the air-blowing side heat sink 32A as In a body ventilation device that blows out temperature-controlled air FL, which is either cold air CF or warm air HF obtained by air AR passing from the upstream side Fa to the downstream side Fb, from an air outlet 23, the internal space 10S of the housing 10 is provided with a ventilation region Q for the temperature-controlled air FL between the downstream side Fb of the heat sink unit 32 and the air outlet 23, and the ventilation region Q is formed with a return inlet 61 that communicates with a return channel 60S that can return the temperature-controlled air FL to the upstream side Fa of the ventilation side heat sink 32A.

[0132] Furthermore, the ventilation structure of the body ventilation device 1 according to this embodiment comprises a housing 10 having an intake port 21, an air outlet 23, and an exhaust port 22, a Peltier element 31 arranged in the internal space 10S of the housing 10, a heat sink unit 32 consisting of a ventilation-side heat sink 32A formed on one surface 31a of the Peltier element 31 and an exhaust-side heat sink 32B formed on the other surface 31b, and a ventilation fan 35 that sends air to the ventilation-side heat sink 32A and the exhaust-side heat sink 32B, and the ventilation-side heat sink 3 The body ventilation device 1 blows out temperature-controlled air FL, which is either cold air CF or warm air HF, from the air outlet 23 after air AR has passed as wind from the upstream side Fa to the downstream side Fb, from the air outlet 23. The device is characterized in that it is configured such that, along with an air outlet F2 that blows the temperature-controlled air FL that has passed through the air outlet side heat sink 32A directly to the outside from the air outlet 23, there is a recirculation path F1 that returns the temperature-controlled air FL that has passed through the air outlet side heat sink 32A to the upstream side Fa of the air outlet side heat sink 32A and supplies the temperature-controlled air FL that has passed through the air outlet side heat sink 32A again.

[0133] These features allow the temperature-controlled air FL to be recirculated from the recirculation inlet 61 through the return flow path 60S to the upstream Fa of the blower-side heat sink 32A and supplied back to the blower-side heat sink 32A. As a result, the temperature-controlled air FL containing the recirculated temperature-controlled air FLr is blown out from the air outlet 23.

[0134] In other words, once the temperature-controlled air FL has passed through the blower-side heat sink 32A, it may be in a state where it cannot adequately exchange heat between the air AR flowing through the airflow path F and the blower-side heat sink 32A. Even in such cases, the temperature-controlled air FL in this state passes through the blower-side heat sink 32A again, allowing it to exchange heat with the blower-side heat sink 32A and thus adjust to a temperature closer to the desired temperature.

[0135] In particular, it is conceivable that the body ventilation device 1 may be used in environments where the ambient temperature surrounding the body ventilation device 1 and the temperature of the temperature-controlled air FL to be blown out differ significantly, for example, by more than 10 degrees Celsius. Even in such cases, the presence of the recirculation system 60 allows the temperature-controlled air FL blown out from the air outlet 23 to reach the desired temperature, with a temperature change rate 3 to 5 times faster than, for example, that of a conventional body ventilation device without a return flow path, enabling responsive temperature adjustment and airflow from the start of blowing.

[0136] Furthermore, when users are working in the scorching sun on extremely hot days, such as when the outside temperature exceeds 35°C, they tend to strongly desire to be able to immediately cool their bodies with a comfortable temperature of cool air. Even in such cases, the body ventilation device 1 can quickly cool the user's body by immediately blowing cool air CF (temperature-controlled air FL), which has been cooled to the desired temperature with a quick response, onto the body, thereby rapidly cooling the user's body, which is feeling uncomfortable due to the heat and sweat.

[0137] Therefore, the body ventilation device 1 according to this embodiment has the excellent effect of being able to adjust the temperature-controlled air FL, which is generated after heat exchange between the air AR introduced from the intake port 21 and the heat sink 32A on the blowing side, to a comfortable temperature for the user in a shorter time from the start of blowing. Furthermore, the blowing structure of the body ventilation device 1 according to this embodiment also has the same effect as the body ventilation device 1 according to this embodiment.

[0138] Furthermore, in the body ventilation device 1 according to this embodiment, a recirculation outlet 63 is formed in the internal space 10S of the housing 10, connected to a second return pipe section 68 that communicates with a return passage 60S, on the upstream side Fa of the blower-side heat sink 32A, and the intake air AR (wind) and the recirculated temperature-controlled wind FLr merge at the recirculation outlet 63.

[0139] Furthermore, the airflow structure of the body air blower 1 according to this embodiment is characterized in that the recirculation path F1 merges with the airflow path F located upstream Fa of the air blower-side heat sink 32A.

[0140] Due to these features, the temperature-controlled air FLr that has been recirculated to the upstream Fa of the blower-side heat sink 32A on the airflow path F can be sent back to the blower-side heat sink 32A by the airflow from the newly introduced air AR at the intake port 21. Therefore, a means for sending the recirculated temperature-controlled air FLr towards the blower-side heat sink 32A is unnecessary, and the recirculated temperature-controlled air FLr can pass through the blower-side heat sink 32A with the flow of the newly introduced air AR.

[0141] Furthermore, in the body ventilation device 1 according to this embodiment, and the ventilation structure of the body ventilation device 1 according to this embodiment, an exhaust port 22 is formed in the housing 10, the heat sink unit 32 has an exhaust-side heat sink 32B formed on the other side 31b opposite to one side 31a of the Peltier element 31, and the blower fan 35, together with the blower-side heat sink 32A, sends air AR as wind to the exhaust-side heat sink 32B.

[0142] Due to these features, the Peltier element 31 can suppress the decrease in cooling efficiency and heating efficiency over time on one surface 31a and the other surface 31b, so that the temperature-controlled air FL can be continuously blown out at a stable temperature.

[0143] In other words, the Peltier element 31 has the characteristic of exhibiting low-temperature heat on the heat-absorbing side and high-temperature heat on the heat-generating side due to heat transfer between the heat-absorbing side and the heat-generating side on both heat-transferring surfaces, one surface 31a and the other surface 31b. In this Peltier element 31, if the heat generated on the heat-generating side is not efficiently dissipated to the outside, heat absorption will gradually become less likely to occur on the heat-absorbing side. If the Peltier element 31 is in such a state, not only will the cooling efficiency of the heat-transferring surface of the Peltier element decrease over time, but there is also a risk of damage or burnout of the Peltier element, which is undesirable.

[0144] In contrast, in the body ventilation device 1 according to this embodiment, the blower fan 35, together with the blower-side heat sink 32A, sends air AR as wind to the exhaust-side heat sink 32B. In particular, when one surface 31a is under heat absorption, the high-temperature exhaust heat generated on the other surface 31b is exchanged with the air AR sent from the blower fan 35 at the heat transfer destination, the exhaust-side heat sink 32B, to become warm air HF, which is then exhausted to the outside through the exhaust port 22.

[0145] Therefore, the Peltier element 31 can continuously maintain its Peltier effect on both heat transfer surfaces, one surface 31a and the other surface 31b, without causing adverse effects on heat transfer between the heat absorption side and the heat generation side due to insufficient heat dissipation on the other surface 31b. Consequently, damage to the Peltier element 31 caused by the inability to continuously dissipate the heat generated on the other surface 31b of the Peltier element 31 can be suppressed.

[0146] Furthermore, the body ventilation device 1 according to this embodiment is characterized in that the ventilation area Q is provided with a wind direction adjustment wall 69 that divides the flow of temperature-controlled air FL into a return inlet 61 side and an air outlet 23 side.

[0147] This feature ensures that the temperature-controlled air FL that reaches the airflow region Q is reliably separated into a recirculation path F1 leading to the recirculation inlet 61 and an airflow path F2 leading to the air outlet 23. As a result, the temperature-controlled air FL that flows into the recirculation path F1 becomes recirculating temperature-controlled air FLr through the return path 60S and is returned to the upstream side Fa of the air-blowing heat sink 32A. The temperature-controlled air FL that flows into the airflow path F2 is blown out to the outside from the air outlet 23.

[0148] Furthermore, in the body ventilation device 1 according to this embodiment, at the branching point 69P of the airflow direction adjustment wall 69, if the flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the temperature-controlled air FL flowing on the side of the return inlet 61 is the first flow path cross-sectional area Sr, the flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the temperature-controlled air FL flowing on the side of the air outlet 23 is the second flow path cross-sectional area Se, and the sum of the first flow path cross-sectional area Sr and the second flow path cross-sectional area Se is the total flow path cross-sectional area S, then the ratio k (%) of the first flow path cross-sectional area Sr to the total flow path cross-sectional area S is 0 < k ≤ 50.

[0149] This feature allows the body ventilation device 1 to ensure that the airflow of the temperature-controlled air FL blown out from the air outlet 23 is sufficient to avoid adverse effects on the user without significantly reducing the airflow. In addition, the body ventilation device 1 can adjust the temperature of the blown temperature-controlled air FL to a temperature close to the desired temperature in a shorter time from the start of airflow. Therefore, in the body ventilation device 1, the airflow and temperature are well balanced and harmonized, allowing the temperature-controlled air FL to be blown out from the air outlet 23.

[0150] On the other hand, in the body ventilation device 1, as the value of the ratio k (%) increases, the amount of temperature-controlled air FL blown out from the air outlet 23 decreases. Conversely, as the value of the ratio k (%) increases, the temperature-controlled air FL blown out from the air outlet 23 is mainly blown out as temperature-controlled air FLr that has been recirculated through the recirculation path F1.

[0151] Therefore, the temperature-controlled airflow FL is not blown out from the air outlet 23, ensuring a large airflow volume. However, in the temperature-controlled airflow FL that is blown out from the air outlet 23, the rate of temperature change toward the desired temperature tends to increase as the value of the ratio k (%) increases after the start of airflow. Consequently, the larger the value of the ratio k (%) becomes, not limited to the range of 0 < k ≤ 50, the shorter the time required for the temperature-controlled airflow FL blown out from the air outlet 23 to reach the desired temperature.

[0152] Furthermore, in the body ventilation device 1 according to this embodiment, the return outlet 63 is an outlet that returns the temperature-controlled air FLr that has been returned to the return flow path 60S back to the upstream Fa of the blower-side heat sink 32A, and is positioned so that it can be drawn in by the blower fan 35.

[0153] Due to this feature, as shown in Figures 8 and 10, the temperature-controlled after-airflow FLr that recirculates through the return channel 60S to the blower fan 35 with rotating blades 36 flows from the recirculation outlet 63 to the intake introduction section 38, where it can merge with the newly introduced air AR through the intake port 21. Therefore, the recirculated temperature-controlled after-airflow FLr can be supplied again to the blower-side heat sink 32A.

[0154] Furthermore, the body ventilation device 1 according to this embodiment is characterized in that the blower fan 35 is a sirocco fan, which is a type of centrifugal fan.

[0155] Due to this feature, when the temperature-controlled air FL flows from the airflow region Q into the recirculation path F1 due to the airflow from the blower fan 35, the temperature-controlled air FL is drawn into the return flow path 60S as the blades 36 rotate during airflow. Therefore, when sending the temperature-controlled air FL that has flowed into the recirculation path F1 towards the outlet opening 64 of the recirculation outlet 63 through the return flow path 60S, there is no need to provide a separate means for drawing in the temperature-controlled air FL.

[0156] Furthermore, the body-use air blower 1 according to this embodiment is equipped with a control unit 2, and the control unit 2 reverses the polarity of the DC current supplied to the Peltier element 31, thereby switching the temperature-controlled airflow FL between the case of cold air CF and the case of warm air HF.

[0157] This feature allows the body ventilation device 1 to deliver a comfortable temperature of cooled air CF to people who particularly need a cool breeze, such as workers who work outdoors in extreme heat, workers who wear work clothes in a hot and humid indoor environment, or people who engage in recreation, sports, or spectating in the blazing sun. Furthermore, when the temperature-controlled air FL is warm air HF, the body ventilation device 1 can deliver a comfortable temperature of warm air HF to people who particularly need a cool breeze, such as workers whose hands have become cold from doing water-related work in winter, or people who are exposed to cold winds outdoors and feel chilled.

[0158] Although the present disclosure has been described above in reference to embodiments, the present disclosure is not limited to the above embodiments and can be modified and applied as appropriate without departing from its essence.

[0159] For example, in this embodiment, the blower fan 35 is a sirocco fan that can draw in air AR toward the blades 36 by the rotation of the blades 36. However, the blower fan may be other than a sirocco fan, such as an axial flow fan like a propeller fan or a turbo fan.

[0160] However, since axial fans do not have the ability to draw air toward the blades by the rotation of the blades, it is necessary to configure a suction means in the return flow path of the body ventilation device according to this disclosure to draw the temperature-controlled air to be recirculated from the recirculation inlet to the upstream side of the first fin.

[0161] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 6, the air outlet 23 is positioned on the second plate portion 12a side of the second housing portion 12. However, the air outlet may also be positioned at the side end of the housing in a position parallel to the cross-sectional flow path of the air passing through the first fin, such as when it is positioned on the side end 12b side of the second housing portion 12 as shown in Figure 7.

[0162] Furthermore, in the embodiment shown in Figure 5, a blower-side heat sink 32A and an exhaust-side heat sink 32B were erected vertically from the flat plate portions 32Aa and 32Ba, with numerous fins formed by folding in a substantially wave-like shape, with gaps between adjacent fins.

[0163] However, the configuration of the first fin and the second fin is not limited to this embodiment, and can be modified in various ways as long as they are configured in a manner that allows the heat generated by the Peltier element to be dissipated by heat exchange with the outside air.

[0164] Furthermore, while the embodiments described a body ventilation device 1 configured with the external shape shown in Figures 1 to 6, the external shape of the body ventilation device is not limited to these embodiments and can be modified as appropriate.

[0165] Furthermore, in the body ventilation device 1 according to the embodiment, the air outlet 23 may be configured such that an air blower control device can be detachably attached to control the flow of the temperature-controlled air FL that is blown out. With such an air blower control device, the body ventilation device according to the present disclosure can blow the temperature-controlled air from the outlet of the attached air blower control device in a desired direction.

[0166] 1 Body ventilation device 2 Control unit 10 Housing 10S Internal space 21 Intake port 22 Exhaust port 23 Outlet 31 Peltier element 31a One side 31b Other side 32 Heat sink unit (fin unit) 32A Heat sink on the blowing side (first fin) 32B Heat sink on the exhaust side (second fin) 35 Blower fan 36 Blade 60S Return flow path 61 Recirculation inlet 63 Recirculation outlet 69 Wind direction adjustment wall (wind direction adjustment section) 69P Branching point Q Blowing area F Wind flow path Fa Upstream side Fb Downstream side F1 Recirculation path F2 Blowing path AR Air (wind) CF Cold air HF Warm air FL Temperature-controlled air Sr First flow path cross-sectional area Se: Second channel cross-sectional area S: Total channel cross-sectional area

Claims

1. A body ventilation device comprising: a housing having an air intake and an air outlet; a Peltier element disposed in the internal space of the housing; a fin unit having a first fin; and a fan that blows air onto the first fin formed on one side of the Peltier element, wherein the device blows temperature-controlled air, which is either cold air or warm air that has passed from the upstream side to the downstream side of the air, onto the first fin from the air outlet, wherein the internal space of the housing is provided with a blowing area for the temperature-controlled air between the downstream side of the fin unit and the air outlet, and the blowing area is provided with a return inlet that communicates with a return channel that can return the temperature-controlled air to the upstream side of the first fin.

2. A body ventilation device according to claim 1, wherein a recirculation outlet portion is formed in the internal space of the housing, communicating with and connected to the return flow path, on the upstream side of the first fin, and the air and the recirculated temperature-controlled air merge at the recirculation outlet portion.

3. A body ventilation device according to claim 1, characterized in that the ventilation area is provided with a wind direction adjustment unit that divides the airflow after temperature control into a return inlet side and an air outlet side.

4. A body ventilation device according to claim 3, characterized in that, at the branching point of the airflow direction adjustment section, the cross-sectional area of ​​the temperature-controlled airflow flowing on the return inlet side is the first cross-sectional area Sr, the cross-sectional area of ​​the temperature-controlled airflow flowing on the outlet side is the second cross-sectional area Se, and the sum of the first cross-sectional area Sr and the second cross-sectional area Se is the total cross-sectional area S of the flow, the ratio k (%) of the first cross-sectional area Sr to the total cross-sectional area S of the flow is 0 < k ≤ 50.

5. A body ventilation device according to claim 1, characterized in that it has a return outlet that returns the temperature-controlled air that has been returned to the return channel to the upstream side of the first fin, and the return outlet is positioned so that it can be drawn in by the blower fan.

6. A body ventilation device according to claim 1, characterized in that the blower fan is a centrifugal fan.

7. A body ventilation device according to claim 1, characterized in that an exhaust port is formed in the housing, the fin unit has a second fin formed on the opposite side of the Peltier element, and the blower fan sends the air to the second fin together with the first fin.

8. A body blower according to any one of claims 1 to 7, comprising a control unit, wherein the control unit reverses the polarity of the DC current supplied to the Peltier element, thereby switching the temperature-controlled air between cold air and warm air.

9. A body ventilation device comprising: a housing having an air intake and an air outlet; a Peltier element disposed in the internal space of the housing; a fin unit having a first fin; and a fan that blows air onto the first fin formed on one side of the Peltier element, wherein the body ventilation device blows temperature-controlled air, which is either cold air or warm air that has passed from the upstream side to the downstream side of the air, out of the air outlet onto the first fin, and further comprising: an air outlet that blows the temperature-controlled air that has passed through the first fin directly to the outside from the air outlet, and a recirculation path that returns the temperature-controlled air to the upstream side of the first fin and supplies the temperature-controlled air to the first fin again.

10. A blower structure for a body blower according to claim 9, characterized in that the recirculation path merges with the airflow path having an airflow path on the upstream side of the first fin.

11. A blower structure for a body blower according to claim 9 or claim 10, wherein the housing has an exhaust port, the fin unit has a second fin formed on the opposite side of the Peltier element, and the blower fan, together with the first fin, blows the air onto the second fin.

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