JP2008179206A - Gripped member temperature control device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a gripped member temperature control device further having function for giving proper stimulation to a person having reduced attentiveness while having function for adjusting a surface temperature of the gripped member to a proper temperature. <P>SOLUTION: The gripped member temperature control device 1 has a cooling source part constituted by a cooling element 3 for generating heat of the lower temperature than a predetermined temperature or a heat transmission member for transmitting the heat of the low temperature generated by the cooling element 3; and a heat source part 4 constituted by a heating element 4 for generating heat of a higher temperature than the predetermined temperature or a heat transmission member for transmitting the heat of the high temperature generated by the heating element 4. The cooling source part and the heat source part are arranged on a surface of the gripped member 2 while fitted to arrangement or characteristic of a receptacle on a skin contacted with the gripped member 2. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a gripping member temperature control device that controls a surface temperature of a gripping member such as a steering wheel used for operating a vehicle, and in particular, grips by simultaneously generating a low temperature and a high temperature in adjacent minute regions on the gripping member surface. The present invention relates to a gripping member temperature control device that causes an illusion of thermal sensation to a person who performs.

  Conventionally, air from the air conditioner is introduced into the hollow steering wheel, and when the gripping member starts cooling, the sprayer mixes water with the cold air from the air conditioner to promote cooling by vaporization heat, while heating of the gripping member starts. In some cases, a temperature control device is known that controls heating of the surface of the gripping member to an appropriate temperature by promoting heating of the surface of the gripping member with a heater provided on the surface of the gripping member in addition to warm air from an air conditioner (for example, Patent Documents). 1).

This temperature control device can adjust the surface temperature of the gripping member deviating from the appropriate temperature to the appropriate temperature in a short time according to the change in the external environment.
JP 2004-345375 A

  However, the temperature control device described in Patent Document 1 adjusts the surface temperature of the gripping member to an appropriate temperature and improves the comfort of the person gripping the gripping member, but only adjusts the entire surface of the gripping member to an appropriate temperature. It cannot have a function that gives moderate stimulation to a person who has reduced attention and arouses attention.

  In view of the above points, the present invention has a function of adjusting the surface temperature of the gripping member to an appropriate temperature, and further has a function of giving a moderate stimulus to a person who has reduced attention and arousing attention. An object of the present invention is to provide a gripping member temperature control device.

  In order to achieve the above-described object, a gripping member temperature control device according to a first aspect of the present invention is a cooling element that generates heat at a temperature lower than a predetermined temperature, or a heat transfer member that transmits low-temperature heat generated by the cooling element. And a heat source part composed of a heat source that generates heat higher than the predetermined temperature or a heat transfer member that transmits high temperature heat generated by the heating element. In the temperature control device, the cold source unit and the heat source unit are arranged on the surface of the grasping member in accordance with the arrangement or characteristics of the receptor on the skin.

  Moreover, 2nd invention is the holding member temperature control apparatus which concerns on 1st invention, Comprising: The number of the said cold-source parts arranged on the surface of the said holding member is fewer than the number of the said heat-source parts. And

  By the above-mentioned means, the present invention has a function of adjusting the surface temperature of the gripping member to an appropriate temperature, but also having a function of giving an appropriate stimulus to a person who has reduced attention and arousing attention. A member temperature control apparatus can be provided.

  Hereinafter, the best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a steering device using a gripping member temperature control device according to the present invention. The steering device 1 is used for a steering operation for controlling the traveling direction of a vehicle or the like, and a steering wheel 2 , Cooling element 3, heating element 4, cooling element temperature sensor 5, heating element temperature sensor 6, low temperature instruction button 7, high temperature instruction button 8, stimulus instruction button 9, temperature controller 10, attention determination unit 11, cooling element Power source 12 and heating element power source 13.

  The steering wheel 2 is a gripping member that is gripped by a hand when a vehicle driver performs a steering operation. For example, an annular rim 20, a hub 21 that supports the rotation of the rim 20, and the rim 20 and the hub 21 are connected to each other. It comprises a plurality of spokes 22. Note that the rim 20 is not ring-shaped, and may have another shape that is easy for the driver to perform a steering operation, such as a shape in which a part of the ring is missing.

  The cooling element 3 is a device for cooling a predetermined region of the gripping member. For example, the cooling element 3 is a Peltier element having a plate-like structure that absorbs heat on one surface and generates heat on the other surface. When the surface temperature of the steering wheel 2 (for example, the surface temperature of the endothermic surface) is higher than a predetermined temperature (for example, 30 ° C.), the surface temperature is predetermined. The surface of the steering wheel 2 is cooled to reach the temperature.

  Since the Peltier element does not have a movable part, it is easy to maintain and does not generate noise, so that it is suitable for use in cooling the surface temperature of the steering wheel 2.

  The heating element 4 is a device for heating a predetermined region of the gripping member, for example, a seat heater that converts electricity into heat, a nichrome wire, or the like, with a heating surface exposed on the surface of the steering wheel 2 When the surface temperature of the steering wheel 2 is lower than a predetermined temperature (for example, 30 ° C.), the surface of the steering wheel 2 is heated so that the surface temperature becomes the predetermined temperature.

  Like the Peltier element, the seat heater and the nichrome wire are easy to maintain because they do not have a moving part, and do not generate noise, so they are suitable for applications where the surface temperature of the steering wheel 2 is heated.

  The cooling element 3 or the heating element 4 is disposed at a position other than the surface of the steering wheel 2, such as the inside of the steering wheel 2, and cools the surface of the steering wheel 2 through a heat transfer member connected to each element. Or you may make it heat. In this case, the heat transfer member is disposed with a part of the member exposed on the surface of the steering wheel 2.

  The cooling element temperature sensor 5 is a sensor for measuring the temperature of the cooling element 3 or a heat transfer member connected to the cooling element 3, and the heating element temperature sensor 6 is connected to the heating element 4 or the heating element 4. It is a sensor for measuring the temperature of the heat transfer member.

  Both temperature sensors, for example, measure the temperature using a thermistor that measures the temperature by using the electrical resistance of a metal oxide, a semiconductor, etc. depending on the temperature, or two metal plates having different thermal expansion coefficients. Bimetal thermometer.

  Thereby, both temperature sensors measure the temperature of the cooling element 3 and the heating element 4 individually, and directly control the surface temperature of the rim 20 controlled by the cooling element 3 or the heating element 4 (each element or each element). When the heat transfer member to be connected is exposed on the surface of the rim 20, the temperature measured by the two temperature sensors is directly used as the surface temperature of the rim 20.) Or it can be measured indirectly.

  The low temperature instruction button 7 is a switch for starting cooling by the cooling element 3, and the high temperature instruction button 8 is a switch for starting heating by the heating element 4.

  The stimulus instruction button 9 simultaneously starts cooling by the cooling element 3 and heating by the heating element 4, and causes a phenomenon called Thermal Grill Illusion (an illusion of thermal sensation) to the driver holding the steering wheel 2. It is a switch to make it.

  Here, the “illusion of thermal sensation” is a cold spot (sensory organ that makes you feel cold), which is a receptor (refers to a cell or organ that senses a stimulus) on the human skin surface, and warm. It is a characteristic that when both points (a sensory organ that makes you feel heat) are stimulated at the same time, the person will feel pain.

  The temperature controller 10 controls the cooling element power source 12 and the heating element power source 13 based on temperature information output from the cooling element temperature sensor 5 and the heating element temperature sensor 6.

  For example, when the surface temperature of the rim 20 is higher than a predetermined temperature, the temperature controller 10 controls the cooling element power supply 12 to start cooling of the rim 20 by the cooling element 3, or the surface temperature of the rim 20 is higher than the predetermined temperature. When the temperature is low, the heating element power supply 13 is controlled to start heating the rim 20 by the heating element 4.

  Further, when the low temperature instruction button 7 is pressed, the temperature controller 10 determines whether or not the cooling element 3 has reached the set temperature based on the output of the cooling element temperature sensor 5 and turns off the cooling element power supply 12. While controlling, the cooling is strengthened when the temperature exceeds the set temperature, or the cooling is stopped when the temperature falls below the set temperature. The same applies to the control of the heating element power supply 13 based on the output of the heating element temperature sensor 6.

  The attention determining unit 11 is a device that determines the driver's attention, and for example, irradiates the driver's head with near-infrared light and detects the transmitted light, thereby non-invasively measuring oxygen in blood. An optical topography apparatus that measures a brain activity value such as a concentration of hemoglobin, and determines a driver's attention from the brain activity value.

  In addition, the driver may be continuously monitored by a camera, and the presence or absence of the driver's attention may be determined by recognizing the number of blinks of the driver, the presence or absence of yawning, and the like by image processing.

  The heating element power source 13 is a device for supplying electric energy to the heating element 4, and the cooling element power source 12 is a device for supplying electric energy to the cooling element 3.

  For example, the cooling element power supply 12 controls the cooling element 3 with an applied voltage, increases the applied voltage to increase the cooling effect, and decreases the applied voltage to decrease the cooling effect. The same applies to the heating element power supply 13.

  Next, the configuration of the rim 20 will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3. 2 is a partial perspective view of the rim 20, and FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of the surface region R of the rim 20 in FIG. 2.

  The rim 20 has a cooling element 3 and a heating element 4 on the surface. Each of the elements of the cooling element 3 and the heating element 4 has, for example, a length and a width of 5 millimeters, respectively, and a predetermined interval (for example, 5 millimeters) so that they are not in contact with each other (so as not to have too much thermal influence on each other).

  Further, the steering device 1 may arrange a heat insulating material between the cooling element 3 and the heating element 4. The heat insulating material is formed of, for example, glass or ceramic. Thereby, since the movement of the heat between the cooling element 3 and the heating element 4 is suppressed, each heat conduction efficiency of the cooling element 3 and the heating element 4 can be increased.

  Further, the rim 20 may have a hollow structure, and may be provided with an intake hole 26 for sucking outside air at the lower surface and an exhaust heat fan 27 inside.

  When the cooling element 3 is a Peltier element, the Peltier element is disposed such that the heat absorption surface is in contact with the external space of the rim 20 and the heat generation surface is in contact with the internal space of the rim 20. The intake hole 26 and the exhaust heat fan 27 are used to discharge heat released by the Peltier element to the inside of the rim 20 in order to cool the surface of the rim 20.

  The cross section of the rim 20 is not limited to a circular shape, but may be other shapes as long as the driver can easily grip an ellipse or the like. Further, the cooling element 3 and the heating element 4 may be arranged over the entire front and back of the rim 20 or may be arranged only on the front side of the rim 20 (referring to the side facing the driver).

  When the arrangement range is narrow, the cooling element 3 and the heating element 4 that come into contact with the air outside the steering wheel 2 are also reduced, so that there is an advantage that low power consumption and high temperature responsiveness can be realized. On the other hand, when the arrangement range is wide, there is an advantage that it is possible to cope with various ways of gripping the rim 20 by the driver.

  The steering device 1 is represented by two heating elements 4 (represented in black in FIG. 3) along the circumferential direction A of the rim 20 and then one cooling element 3 (represented in gray in FIG. 3). The cooling element 3 and the heating element 4 are arranged so as to appear, and the arrangement is repeated.

  Further, the steering device 1 arranges the cooling element 3 and the heating element 4 so that the same type of element appears at a predetermined interval (for example, 5 millimeters) along the direction B orthogonal to the direction A. To repeat.

  This arrangement is based on the arrangement, size, density, or characteristics of the human receptor, and is more sensitive to warmth than the case where the cooling elements 3 and the heating elements 4 are simply arranged alternately. Can be stimulated more efficiently, resulting in a smaller number of elements and lower consumption. Electric power (due to a reduction in the number of elements) or a narrower arrangement area (referring to the total surface area of elements arranged on the surface of the rim 20) can be realized.

  In addition, this arrangement can efficiently generate or sustain the illusion of warm and cold sensations by stimulating warm and cold sensations more efficiently.

  In addition, this arrangement can improve the maintainability by reducing the number of elements and thus reducing the number of wirings for supplying electric energy to each element.

  Here, the human receptor will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the distribution of receptors per square centimeter of human skin. As FIG. 4 shows, the number of receptors is the highest at pain points (sensory organs that make you feel pain). (There are 100 to 200 per square centimeter on the skin surface.) Second, pressure points (sensory organs that feel tactile or pressure sensation, about 25 per square centimeter), and third, cold spots ( 6-23 are present per square centimeter), followed by the fourth hot spot (0-3 present per square centimeter).

  As far as comparison between cold and hot spots is concerned, the number of cold spots per unit area is 2 to 10 times the number of hot spots per unit area. The distribution of receptors varies depending on the site of the skin (the back of the hand, the belly of the finger, etc.), but the above-mentioned ranking is common.

  On the other hand, since the size of the hot spot (about 3 to 8 micrometers) is 1 to 2 times the size of the cold spot (about 3 micrometers), it is received only by the number per unit area of each receiver. Although the sensitivity of the container cannot be determined strictly, when the elements are operated simultaneously (referred to as cooling and heating) in a state where the cooling elements 3 and the heating elements 4 having substantially the same size are simply arranged alternately. The steering device 1 makes the driver more sensitive to coldness than heat and makes it difficult to cause the illusion of thermal sensation.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the relationship between the skin temperature and the firing frequency of temperature, cold, and pain sensation. The vertical axis represents the firing frequency of temperature, cold, and pain sensation (impulses fired per second). It is represented by the number of signals.) And the temperature of the skin is shown on the horizontal axis. Also, the solid line shows the transition of the firing frequency of the warm sense, the broken line shows the transition of the firing frequency of the cold sense, and the alternate long and short dash line shows the transition of the firing frequency of the pain sensation (which means a sense that occurs when the pain point is stimulated). Show. “Ignition” means that each receptor sends a signal (impulse signal) to the brain. The greater the firing frequency, the stronger the feeling of each sensation.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the pain sensation is ignited in the range of 0 to 15 ° C., and the ignition frequency is maximized at around 5 ° C. The pain sensation is ignited even at 45 ° C. or higher, and the ignition frequency increases rapidly as the temperature rises. Based on the body's defense function to inform danger through pain.

  The cold sensation is ignited in the range of 12 to 35 ° C., and the ignition frequency is maximized around 25 ° C. In cold sense, the firing frequency increases rapidly in a narrow range around 45 ° C. This is a phenomenon called contradiction cold sensation. For example, when a hand is put into hot water around 45 ° C., it is known that the cold sensation is temporarily ignited and feels cold.

  Further, the temperature sensation ignites in the range of 25 to 45 ° C., and the ignition frequency becomes maximum at around 35 ° C. In addition, when comparing cold and warm sensations, the maximum firing frequency of cold sensation (10 times per second) is greater than the maximum firing frequency of warm sensation (3 times per second). Indicates that it is easier to reach the brain.

  Also from this, when the elements are simultaneously operated (cooling and heating) in a state where the cooling elements 3 and the heating elements 4 having substantially the same size are alternately arranged, the steering device 1 reduces the coldness rather than the heat. It makes the driver feel more sensitive and makes it difficult to cause the illusion of thermal sensation.

  As described above, the steering device 1 arranges each element on the surface of the rim 20 so that the number of the cooling elements 3 is larger than the number of the heating elements 4, and appropriately adjusts the cold spots and hot spots in the palm of the person holding the steering wheel 2. To ensure that the illusion of warm and cold is generated.

  In addition, the steering device 1 arranges each element so that the cooling elements 3 or the heating elements 4 are not biased. This is because even if the number of cooling elements 3 is larger than the number of heating elements 4, if the cooling elements 3 or the heating elements 4 are unevenly distributed, it is difficult to generate the illusion of thermal sensation.

  FIG. 6 is a top view of the steering wheel 2, and FIG. 7 is a front view of the steering wheel 2. The arrows indicate the air flow in the internal space of the rim 20.

  The exhaust heat fan 27 causes air outside the steering wheel 2 to be sucked into the rim 20 through the intake hole 26. In addition, the exhaust heat fan 27 is formed by a heating surface of the cooling element 3 (Peltier element) or the heating element 4 through a hollow spoke 22 and a hub 21 connected to an exhaust hole (not shown) of the rim 20. The heated air in the rim 20 is discharged to the outside.

  Thereby, the exhaust heat fan 27 suppresses an excessive temperature rise inside the rim 20 and prevents the temperature of the heat absorption (cooling) surface of the cooling element 3 (Peltier element) from rising. As a result, the heat absorption surface of the cooling element 3 (Peltier element) can stably maintain a low temperature.

  Next, a process in which the temperature controller 10 adjusts the surface temperature of the rim 20 (hereinafter referred to as “surface temperature adjustment process”) will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the flow of surface temperature adjustment processing by the temperature controller 10.

  First, the temperature controller 10 determines which of the low temperature instruction button 7, the high temperature instruction button 8, or the stimulation instruction button 9 has been pressed (step S1).

  When determining that the low temperature operation button 7 has been pressed, the temperature controller 10 turns on the cooling element power source 12 to apply a predetermined voltage to the cooling element 3 (step S2). At this time, the temperature controller 10 uses the information from the cooling element temperature sensor 5 to cool by the cooling element power supply 12 so that the temperature of the cooling element 3 becomes a set temperature (for example, about 20 ° C.). The voltage applied to the element 3 is feedback controlled.

  Thereby, the temperature controller 10 can operate the cooling element 3 so that the surface temperature of the rim 20 gripped by the driver becomes a comfortable temperature for the driver, and can reduce the surface temperature of the rim 20. The low temperature instruction button 7 may be linked to an air conditioner cooling start instruction.

  When the temperature controller 10 determines that the high temperature operation button 8 has been pressed, the temperature controller 10 turns on the heating element power supply 13 to apply a predetermined voltage to the heating element 4 (step S3).

  At this time, the temperature controller 10 uses the information from the heating element temperature sensor 6 to heat by the heating element power supply 13 so that the temperature of the heating element 4 becomes a set temperature (for example, about 40 ° C.). The voltage applied to the element 4 is feedback controlled.

  Thereby, the temperature controller 10 can raise the surface temperature of the rim 20 by operating the heating element 4 so that the surface temperature of the rim 20 gripped by the driver becomes a comfortable temperature for the driver. The high temperature instruction button 8 may be interlocked with an air conditioner heating start instruction.

  When the temperature controller 10 determines that the stimulus operation button 9 has been pressed, the temperature controller 10 turns on the cooling element power supply 12 and the heating element power supply 13 to apply a predetermined voltage to each of the cooling element 3 and the heating element 4. (Step S4).

  At this time, the temperature controller 10 uses the information from the cooling element temperature sensor 5 to cool by the cooling element power supply 12 so that the temperature of the cooling element 3 becomes a set temperature (for example, about 20 ° C.). The heating element is feedback-controlled using the information from the heating element temperature sensor 6 so that the voltage applied to the element 3 is feedback-controlled and the temperature of the heating element 4 becomes a set temperature (for example, about 40 ° C.). The voltage applied to the heating element 4 by the power source 13 is feedback controlled.

  Thereby, the steering device 1 simultaneously stimulates the hot spot and the cold spot in the palm of the driver holding the steering wheel 2 by the cooling element 3 and the heating element 4 arranged as shown in FIG. This causes the driver to feel pain.

  As a result, the steering device 1 can make the driver feel sleepy or can prevent a decrease in concentration.

  Next, another surface temperature adjustment process by the temperature controller 10 will be described. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the flow of another surface temperature adjustment process by the temperature controller 10.

  First, the temperature controller 10 continuously monitors the driver's attention by the attention determination unit 11 (step S11).

  If it is determined that the driver's attention is not reduced (NO in step S11), the temperature controller 10 acquires temperature information from the cooling element temperature sensor 5 and the heating element temperature sensor 6, and It is determined whether or not the surface temperature is higher than a predetermined temperature (step S12).

  If the surface temperature of the rim 20 is higher than the predetermined temperature (YES in step S12), the temperature controller 10 turns on the cooling element power supply 12 to apply a predetermined voltage to the cooling element 3 (step S12). S13).

  Thereby, the temperature controller 10 automatically operates the cooling element 3 so that the surface temperature of the rim 20 gripped by the driver becomes a comfortable temperature for the driver, and automatically reduces the surface temperature of the rim 20. Can do.

  If the surface temperature of the rim 20 is lower than the predetermined temperature (NO in step S12), the temperature controller 10 turns on the heating element power supply 13 to apply a predetermined voltage to the heating element 4. (Step S14).

  Thereby, the temperature controller 10 automatically operates the heating element 4 so that the surface temperature of the rim 20 gripped by the driver becomes a comfortable temperature for the driver, and automatically increases the surface temperature of the rim 20. Can do.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the driver's attention is reduced (YES in step S11), the temperature controller 10 turns on the cooling element power supply 12 and the heating element power supply 13 to turn on the cooling element 3. A predetermined voltage is applied to the heating element 4 (step S15).

  Thereby, the temperature controller 10 operates the cooling element 3 and the heating element 4 at the same time so as to generate an illusion of thermal sensation, and makes the driver feel sleepy or prevent a decrease in concentration. Can do.

  With the above-described configuration, the steering device 1 adjusts the surface temperature of the rim 20 to an appropriate temperature, and at the same time, gives a moderate stimulus by the illusion of hot / cold sensation to the person who has lowered the attention, thereby arousing the attention. be able to.

  Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications and substitutions can be made to the above-described embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention. Can be added.

  For example, in the above-described embodiment, the cooling element 3 and the heating element 4 are arranged on the surface of the rim 20, but the cooling element 3 and the heating element 4 are arranged on the surface of the grip member in the door knob or the shift knob that comes into contact with the hand or skin. You may do it. In addition to automobiles, the present invention may be applied to handles, shift levers, and the like of motorcycles, ships, heavy construction machines, aircraft, amusement park vehicles, and the like.

  Moreover, although the cooling element 3 and the heating element 4 which are arrange | positioned at a holding member shall be those from which the surface was exposed, you may coat | cover with the thin skin. In addition, the cooling element 3 and the heating element 4 which are arranged with a part exposed on the surface of the gripping member transmit heat of the cooling element 3 and the heating element 4 disposed inside the gripping member to the surface of the gripping member. It may be a heat transfer member.

  The heat transfer member is preferably formed of a metal material having high thermal conductivity and low energy loss. For example, gold, aluminum, copper, silver, platinum, zinc, or the like is used.

  Further, since the Peltier element used as the cooling element 3 has both a heat absorption surface and a heat generation surface, the heat generation surface of the Peltier element may be used as the heating element 4 or a part of the heating element 4.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, the cooling element 3 is limited to cooling and the heating element 4 is limited to heating. However, if the current supplied to the Peltier element is reversed, the heat absorption surface and the heat generation surface of the Peltier element are reversed. Therefore, the cooling element 3 and the heating element 4 may all be composed of Peltier elements.

  By providing means for appropriately switching the direction of the current flowing through the Peltier element, when the surface of the rim 20 is cooled, all the surfaces that are in contact with the outside air are made to be heat absorbing surfaces, and when the surface of the rim 20 is heated, When all the contacting surfaces are heat generating surfaces and the driver is stimulated, the heat generating surfaces and the heat absorbing surfaces may be arranged in a predetermined arrangement on the surfaces contacting the outside air.

  Further, the arrangement of the heat generating surface and the heat absorbing surface may be dynamically changed by switching the wiring.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, the steering device 1 has the same size of the cooling element 3 and the heating element 4, and the cooling device 3 of the cooling element 3 per unit area based on the actual distribution density of the cold spots and the hot spots in the palm. The ratio between the number and the number of the heating elements 4 is 1: 2, but other ratios such as 2: 5 or 4: 9 may be adopted.

  Moreover, the size of the cooling element 3 may be made smaller than the size of the heating element 4 based on the cold spot and the actual size of the hot spot in the palm, and the number of the cooling elements 3 is made larger than the number of the heating elements 4. Also good.

  Further, the number and size of the cooling elements 3 and the heating elements 4 may be determined based not only on the distribution of the receptors but also on the characteristics of the receptors. The size of the cooling element 3 may be made smaller than the size of the heating element 4 based on the fact that the sensation has a higher maximum firing frequency than the warm sense.

It is a block diagram which shows the structural example of a steering device. It is a fragmentary perspective view of a rim | limb. It is the figure which expanded the surface area | region R of the rim | limb in FIG. It is a figure which shows distribution of the receptor per 1 square centimeter of skin. It is a figure which shows an example of the relationship between the temperature of skin, and the firing frequency of warm / cold / nociception. It is a top view of a steering wheel. It is a front view of a steering wheel. It is a flowchart (the 1) which shows the flow of the surface temperature adjustment process by a temperature controller. It is a flowchart (the 2) which shows the flow of the surface temperature adjustment process by a temperature controller.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Steering device 2 Steering wheel 3 Cooling element 4 Heating element 5 Temperature sensor for cooling element 6 Temperature sensor for heating element 7 Low temperature instruction button 8 High temperature instruction button 9 Stimulation instruction button 10 Temperature controller 11 Attention determination unit 12 Cooling element power supply 13 Power supply for heating element 20 Rim 21 Hub 22 Spoke 26 Air intake hole 27 Fan

Claims (2)

A cooling element that includes a cooling element that generates heat lower than a predetermined temperature or a heat transfer member that transmits low-temperature heat generated by the cooling element, and a heating element that generates heat higher than the predetermined temperature Or a gripping member temperature control device having a heat source configured of a heat transfer member that transmits high-temperature heat generated by the heating element,
The cold source part and the heat source part are arranged on the surface of the gripping member according to the arrangement or characteristics of the receptor on the skin,
A gripping member temperature control device. The number of the cold source units arranged on the surface of the gripping member is less than the number of the heat source units,
The gripping member temperature control device according to claim 1, wherein:

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