JP2009247216A - Air-conditioning system for pet-storing body - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a system efficiently carrying out air-conditioning, and being easily portable. <P>SOLUTION: The air-conditioning system for a living space of a pet, efficiently capable of heating or cooling a pet because of heating and cooling both of the air surrounding the pet and the surface on which the pet lies, and also capable of being easily portable is provided. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  Various embodiments of the present invention generally relate to pet kennels and pet carriers, and more particularly to systems for regulating the temperature in a pet shed and pet carrier.

  As pets become seen throughout life, pet carriers have been developed to make it easier to move pets with their owners. A relatively simple device is sufficient to put or carry a pet in a cage, but animals are sensitive to extreme temperatures, so simple pet carriers can be used in situations where the pet can be exposed to extreme temperatures. Is inappropriate. For example, if you are trapped in a car on a clear day with the window closed, your pet will be exposed to extreme temperatures that can be harmful. Similarly, if left behind in a car or outdoors on a very cold day, pets can be harmed by such weather. Thus, various pet sheds as well as pet carriers have been developed so that the temperature experienced by the pet while it is in the carrier can be adjusted.

  For example, Patent Document 1 by Peeples et al. Discloses a pet bed having an air conditioning function. The device by Peeples et al. Is a thermoelectric unit mounted on the underside of the device with appropriate piping for air circulation so as to provide cooling or heating depending on the electrical connection to the sink integrated with the pet bed platform Use to work. Thus, Peeples et al. Disclose a system for adjusting the temperature of the bed on which the pet lies. However, Peeples et al. Do not disclose a system that is compact enough to be integrated with a pet carrier. Furthermore, the device by Peeples et al. Addresses the temperature obtained on the bed surface, but does not adjust the ambient temperature of the atmosphere surrounding the bed. It is highly desirable to adjust both the surface temperature and the ambient temperature for a number of reasons. First, in order to protect the pet from extreme temperatures, the temperature surrounding the entire surface of the pet's body must be adjusted. Second, because the bed or lower surface is in direct contact with the pet's body, it must provide a very effective means for heat exchange between the thermostat device and the pet itself.

  Other devices disclosing means for protecting pets from extreme temperatures are disclosed in Salahor US Pat. The Salahor patent discloses a pet carrier featuring an insulating cloth cover. The Yeung patent discloses a pet carrier featuring a compartment for inserting an air conditioning pad. While these devices disclose passive means to minimize extreme temperature effects, these devices isolate pets rather than actively cool them, so pets are particularly expensive In applications where it can be exposed to air temperature, it is insufficient.

  Additional means for cooling the pet while in the shed and in the carrier are disclosed by U.S. Pat. Both Whittaker and Greene devices use ice as a means of supplying cooled air to the space in which the animal is housed. These devices have certain drawbacks. Because ice melts when heated, it is no longer effective in providing cooling. Also, ice is heavy and can be cumbersome to carry in large quantities. In addition, these devices use a fan that blows air over the ice to cool the air. This method cools the atmosphere surrounding the pet, but does not cool the surface in contact with the animal's body, which is an effective means of effectively exchanging heat to cool the pet.

  Various devices for warming pet homes are disclosed by Allen, Jr., Hawks et al., And Little, US Pat. Allen's device has a pet home featuring a loft with a removable electric heating system. Hawk's apparatus also discloses a system for warming a pet home with an air duct featuring an inlet and an outlet inside the pet home. This air duct features a heating member that warms the interior of the pet home. Little's device also discloses a system for keeping the pet warm in the home by heating the bed on which the pet lies. Under the pet bed, a water tank having a submersible heater for heating water and heating the pet bed by conduction is provided. While these devices disclose a system for keeping the pet warm while the pet is in the pet home, they do not disclose a system that can also keep the pet cool. Furthermore, these devices also do not disclose a portable or lightweight system that is fully compatible with a pet carrier.

  Systems for cooling and heating pet homes are disclosed by Sommers and DeCosta, US Pat. The Sommer patent discloses a pet home structure surrounded by an insulator and an air cooling system so that the temperature of the structure can be adjusted. On the other hand, the DeCosta patent discloses an environment-controlled dog house featuring an air conditioning unit mounted on the exterior. Although these devices disclose systems that can heat and cool a doghouse, neither device discloses a system that is compatible with a portable pet carrier.

  Bach, US Pat. No. 6,053,077 discloses another system similar to the above system. The Bach patent discloses a pet shelter or incubator that features heat generation as well as sensors depending on the presence or absence of animals. Thus, the Bach patent discloses a device that is an incubator suitable for newly born young animals. However, this device is relatively unsuitable for use as a pet carrier because it is relatively large and difficult to carry and requires a wall outlet for power.

  A series of other systems, each disclosed by Mandell, Mandell, and Duddleston, US Pat. Nos. 5,037,028 and 6,019, respectively, are pet carriers and mobile pets characterized by means for controlling the environment surrounding the pet. The hut is disclosed. Mandell, US Pat. No. 6,057,017 discloses a moving accessory for, for example, an owner who must sometimes have a pet in the car on a clear day. In order to prevent the pet from suffering heat stroke, this accessory discloses a system for supplying cooled air to the interior of the pet container. Patent Document 11 also discloses the use of a mechanical compressor to generate cooled air. This mechanical compressor is operated by a power source for the vehicle or another power source. U.S. Patent No. 6,043,088 also discloses means for keeping the pet cool while the pet is in the container, but does not disclose a system that can be used to keep the pet warm. Furthermore, this accessory uses a mechanical compressor that cools the atmosphere, so it is relatively heavy and not easy to carry by the pet owner.

  Mandell, US Pat. No. 6,053,086, is similar to such a device, but discloses a device that improves the portability of US Pat. No. 5,057,099 by using a solid device such as a Peltier module to cool the air. Yes. However, like Patent Document 11, this Patent Document 12 also does not disclose means for heating the surroundings of the pet. Also, since both devices only cool the air surrounding the pet, the ability to remove heat from the animal is somewhat limited. A device such as Peeple adjusts the temperature of the pet more effectively because the temperature of the surface of the bed in contact with the body of the pet is adjusted.

The Duddleston patent discloses a portable cooled pet carrier that uses a Peltier module to cool the interior of the enclosure. The carrier is further characterized by a slidable lid member that allows the user to choose between circulating air for the pet or taking in fresh air from the external environment into the container. However, Duddleston's carriers have some of the same drawbacks described above. First, the pet carrier does not disclose a means for providing the pet with both cooling and heating. Secondly, the efficiency of a pet carrier that cools the pet is somewhat limited because the pet carrier cools the air surrounding the pet rather than the surface it contacts.
US Pat. No. 6,237,531 US Pat. No. 6,446,577 US Pat. No. 5,727,503 US Pat. No. 6,490,995 US Pat. No. 5,216,977 US Pat. No. 6,637,374 US Pat. No. 6,923,144 U.S. Pat. No. 4,827,872 US Pat. No. 5,746,271 US Pat. No. 6,725,805 U.S. Pat. No. 4,878,359 U.S. Pat. No. 4,939,911 US Pat. No. 5,887,436 US Patent Application No. 2003/0127060

  Thus, a pet shed or pet that is efficient to heat and cool the pet by heating or cooling both the air surrounding the pet and the surface on which the pet lies, and can be easily transported The need for a system to warm and cool the carrier has long been felt in the field.

  Various embodiments of the present invention are efficient and easy to carry around to warm and cool a pet by warming or cooling both the air surrounding the pet and the surface on which the pet lies. Attention is directed to overcoming the above drawbacks by disclosing an air conditioning system for a pet carrier or pet shed that is sufficiently portable.

  The cooling and heating mechanism for the various embodiments of the present invention is a solid state device such as a Peltier module, or thermoelectric (TE) module. With a battery, a conductor that connects to a vehicle power source, such as a cigarette lighter outlet, a conductor that connects to a wall outlet, a rechargeable battery, a power adapter, and a power source that can be any of these other power sources Current is supplied to the TE module. The TE module is configured in the system to selectively supply cooling or heating by switching the direction of current flowing through the TE module.

  The cooling and heating mechanism of various embodiments of the present invention further features a thermostat control system. This thermostat control system allows the user to select the desired temperature for the air conditioning system, and therefore the system adjusts to achieve the desired temperature regulation. In various embodiments of the present invention, the thermostat control system includes a system that increases the power supplied to the thermostat module in proportion to the difference between the input desired temperature and the measured temperature. Yes.

  Various embodiments of the present invention improve upon prior art systems by using both conduction means and convection means to cool the pet. This conducting means generally conducts heat to or removes heat from the pet body through one or more surfaces that are in direct contact with the pet body. In general, the convection means transfers heat to the pet body by blowing air over the whole body of the pet, or removes heat from the pet body. Since such heat transfer can be performed more efficiently by conducting means than by convective means, the systems utilized by the various embodiments of the present invention are generally related art systems that rely only on convective cooling and heating means. Operates more efficiently. On the other hand, since the conduction means only functions to cool the part of the pet's body that is in direct contact with the heating / cooling surface, the convection means used in combination with the conduction means is better than the method using either one throughout. Also provides effective as well as efficient air conditioning.

  The conduction system of various embodiments of the present invention has a conductive surface that conducts heating or cooling provided by the TE module. The conductive surface is arranged on the floor surface of the pet shed or pet container so that the pet body is in direct contact with the conductive surface. In various embodiments of the present invention, the conductive surface is surrounded by additional platform areas that are not cooled or heated to allow the pet to stand in another area that is not heated or cooled. This conducting surface is configured to connect to the TE module either directly or through an intermediate heat conducting member. In either case, warmth or coolness is provided by the TE module, so the temperature of the conductive surface is changed efficiently. This is because the conductive surface is in contact with the TE module and heat conduction occurs efficiently between them.

  On the other hand, since the conductive surface is configured to come into direct contact with the pet body in the pet container, it efficiently conducts heat to the pet. Thus, the warmth or coolness provided by the TE module is efficiently transmitted to the pet's body by the conductive surface. This system represents a significant improvement over prior art systems that rely only on convective cooling and heating means, since the conduction means is generally a means of conducting heat transfer more efficiently than the convection means. This conductive surface can be any of the materials with high thermal conductivity known in the art, such as aluminum, steel, magnesium, copper, brass, tin, or other such materials known in the art. Can be manufactured. When combined with a convection system, the conduction system provides an effect as well as an efficient means to cool or warm the whole body of the pet.

  The convection system of various embodiments of the present invention includes a heat exchange surface, an air plenum, and a means for directing air flow, such as a fan. This heat exchange surface may be a heat sink configured to directly contact the TE module so that heat transfer between the heat exchange surface and the TE module occurs more efficiently. The heat sink can be further characterized by an array of fin-like protrusions disposed within the air plenum. Air passes over these protrusions to assist the convection system.

  The air plenum serves as an area for taking air into the air conditioning system, thus creating heat convection by passing air over the heat sink and being heated or cooled inside the pet container It is possible to discharge air. In various embodiments of the invention, the convection source is directed to the pet's face to make the pet cooler more effectively. In various embodiments of the present invention, the air plenum draws air from a source outside the pet container, while in other embodiments it draws air from within the pet container.

  In various embodiments of the present invention, the means for directing airflow includes one or more types of electric fans known in the art. Various types of electric fans are known in the art and are within the scope of the present invention, and include axial fans, centrifugal fans, radial fans, cross flow fans, tangential fans, and text. This includes but is not limited to other such fan types known. This fan generally operates by directing an air flow into the air plenum and passing it over a heat sink.

  In various embodiments of the present invention, the heat sink further functions as a means for physically and thermally connecting the conductive surface to the thermoelectric module.

  Various embodiments of the present invention further feature a second heat sink and a second heat sink fan. The second heat sink is disposed on the side of the thermoelectric module opposite to the first heat sink. The second heat sink fan functions to take in air from the inside of the pet container above the second heat sink. Thus, the second sheet sink facilitates more efficient operation of the air conditioning system.

  Because of the relative efficiency of conduction, such as means of heat transfer, the principles of the present invention can be implemented without using the convection method claimed in other embodiments of the present invention. Thus, in these embodiments utilizing only the conduction method, the device components required for convection are eliminated, thus reducing manufacturing costs. On the other hand, these embodiments represent a significant improvement over related technologies, such as the Peeple patent, because they allow heating and cooling while relying on thermoelectric technology. Peeple discloses the use of thermoelectric modules for heating and cooling the pet bed, but does not disclose a pet container that performs both cooling and heating by both convection and conduction. Rather, Peeple relies on convective heating or cooling of an air ring surrounding a pet bed. This system is relatively inefficient in exchanging heat with pets compared to the system disclosed by the various embodiments of the present invention.

  Various embodiments of the present invention further feature a remote monitoring system that allows a user to remotely monitor the condition of the pet and the pet container. The remote monitoring system can transmit an audio signal, a still image signal, a moving image signal, physical vibration information, or a temperature signal to the remote monitoring device, and can feature an imaging device. The remote monitoring device may be any of a variety of remote monitoring devices known in the art, such as a computer, a device compatible with the Internet, a mobile phone device, a personal data assistant, and a closed circuit television. Including, but not limited to.

  The principles of the present invention can be implemented in a variety of pet carriers, pet sheds, pet containers, dog houses, and similar pet living spaces or pet transport cases known in the art. . Such pet living space manufactures plastic, polyurethane, fiber reinforced plastic, molded plastic coated with antibacterial agent, cardboard, wood, metal, metal alloy, glass fiber, or pet living space or pet carrying case Can be made from other materials known in the art. The present invention may be combined as a stand-alone modular unit that can be selectively adapted to various pet living spaces or pet transport cases, or may be integrated as an integral part of the pet living space or pet transport case. good. These and other embodiments of the cooling and heating system are within the concept of the present invention.

  In the following detailed description of various embodiments of the present invention, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of various aspects of embodiments of the present invention. However, embodiments of the invention may be practiced without describing these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, and / or components have not been described in detail because aspects of embodiments of the invention need not necessarily be clarified.

  While multiple embodiments are disclosed, still other embodiments of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which illustrates and describes exemplary embodiments of the invention. Let's go. As will be realized, the invention is capable of various obvious mode modifications without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the drawings and detailed description are intended to be illustrative and not restrictive. Furthermore, references or non-references to specific embodiments of the invention are not to be construed as limiting the scope of the invention. Various embodiments of the present invention can be utilized in conjunction with one another or in combination with one another.

  In this detailed description, specific terminology is used to describe specific features of embodiments of the invention. For example, “pet living space” means a pet shed, pet carrier, dog house, pet container, or other such pet living space known in the art, and also refers to a “thermoelectric module”. Means a Peltier device, TE module, or other individual device for providing air conditioning as known in the art.

  1 and 2 show a pet carrier 10 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The carrier 10 includes a pet housing portion including an upper wall 12, a lower wall 13, a side wall 14, a rear wall 15, and an openable access port 16 that define a space in which a pet can be comfortably accommodated. 11. A resilient panel 34 is removably mounted inside the openable access port 16 by means of removable detent elements in the form of screws. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, other forms of fastening members may be used as desired. The elastic panel 34 does not completely cover the door 16 but is in the range of 1 to 30 cm across the outer periphery of the door so that air can be exchanged between the outside and inside of the pet housing. Leaving a gap. The pet accommodating portion 11 is also divided into an upper detachable accommodating portion 17 and a lower detachable accommodating portion 18 which are detachably connected together by a detachable fastening member. These upper and lower receiving parts of the carrier can be disassembled if necessary for better access during cleaning or for transport. A plurality of air holes 21 that can refill the air inside with fresh air are formed on both sides of the upper housing portion. A handle 19 is provided at the top of the housing / shed to facilitate carrier movement. A temperature adjustment unit 22 is provided on the ceiling side of the upper accommodating portion 17.

  FIG. 3, which is a cross-sectional perspective view of the pet carrier showing the temperature adjustment unit, reveals a removable ceiling barrier 33 that separates the temperature adjustment unit from the upper receiving portion 17. This barrier 33 can be disengaged by several removable fastening members. The temperature adjustment unit 22 includes an outer intake port 20, an inner intake port 24, an outer exhaust port 23, an inner exhaust port 25, an upper fan 26, and a lower fan 27. Thermoelectric member 28, upper chamber 39, lower chamber 40, outer heat exchange fin 30, inner heat exchange fin 29, temperature control printed circuit board 32, imaging device 35, And a control panel 38 for manually, automatically or remotely operating the unit.

  The outer intake port 20 and the outer exhaust port 23 are disconnected and separated from the inner intake port 24 and the inner exhaust port 25 by a horizontal partition 37, respectively. The chamber 40 is formed. This partition 37 prevents the air and atmosphere from the pet container from mixing and thus limits the volume of air that needs to be temperature adjusted by the temperature adjustment unit 22.

  FIG. 4 shows a preferred temperature adjustment unit 22 for the first embodiment utilizing two fans and one thermoelectric member 28. A typical thermoelectric component is manufactured using two thin ceramic wafers sandwiched between a series of P-type and N-type doped bismuth telluride semiconductor materials, although other materials are Within the scope of the invention. An outer heat exchange fin 30 and an inner heat exchange fin 29 are connected to the thermoelectric member 28. These outer and inner fins are made of a material containing copper and aluminum, but are not limited thereto. Two or more temperature adjustment units 22 may be provided, and each temperature adjustment unit may have two or more thermoelectric members 28.

  In the first embodiment, the temperature adjustment unit 22 is charged by a battery 31 (for example, a stand-alone battery, that is, a vehicle battery) connected to the unit. The battery 31 is arranged in a control chamber 44 sealed from the upper and lower chambers by a wall 43. In a preferred embodiment, one or more stand-alone batteries are used so that the charge of the main battery for the vehicle is not exhausted. It is also understood that the battery can be included as part of the carrier itself, or can be located separately in the vehicle and connected to the carrier by a suitable cable. In other embodiments, the pet carrier may be provided with a converter that converts 110 volt AC to 12 volt DC current so that the carrier can be used at home, office, or outdoors, and a solar panel. It may be operated with energy generated from In fact, the power supply can be used to supply power to the unit. If the owner chooses to operate only the lower fin and not the upper fin and the thermoelectric member in a more comfortable environment, it is possible to consume the unit's battery power.

  An imaging device 35 is provided in the control chamber 44 of the temperature adjustment unit 22. The imaging device 35 is detachably mounted on the ceiling above the adjustment unit. This imaging apparatus has a prism portion 45 mounted on the ceiling, and this prism portion protrudes through a small hole descending about 1/4 inch (0.635 cm) into the barrier 33 on the ceiling. Yes. However, the imaging device can also be mounted elsewhere, and can have holes of different sizes, shapes, and / or positions. Thereby, the imaging device can be directed rearward in the accommodating portion so as to capture a moving image and / or a still image of the pet in the unit.

  When the thermoelectric member is operated, the current flowing through the thermoelectric member can have two possible effects: (1) Peltier effect (cooling) and (2) Joule effect (heating). When a DC current is passed between dissimilar materials, a temperature difference occurs. When the thermoelectric device is used in the heating mode, all of the load from the low temperature side and the internal heat (Joule heat) are discharged to the high temperature side, which is very efficient. This reduces the power required to obtain the desired heat. Multiple thermoelectric members can be stacked to obtain even lower temperatures.

  In the case of the first embodiment, when the temperature adjustment unit is in the heating mode, if the lower fan 27 operates to gently push air into the housing through the inner exhaust port 25, the air from the housing A flow of air is created that is gently aspirated through the inner intake port 24 and into the lower chamber 40. Here, the air contacts the heated inner heat exchange fins 29. As a result, warm air is returned through the lower fan 27 (see FIG. 4). When this occurs, the upper fan 26 sucks in the atmosphere through the outer intake port 20. This atmosphere is then fed into the upper chamber 39 where it contacts the cooled outer heat exchange fins 30. As a result, the cold air flows into the outer exhaust port 23 and is discharged outside the pet carrier.

  When the temperature adjustment unit is in the cooling mode, when the lower fan 27 operates to gently push air into the housing through the inner exhaust port 25, the air in the housing passes through the inner intake port 24. A gently aspirated air stream is formed in the lower chamber 40. Here, the air contacts the cooled inner heat exchange fins 29. As a result, cold air is returned through the lower fan 27 (see FIG. 4). When this occurs, the upper fan 26 sucks in the atmosphere through the outer intake port 20. This atmosphere is then fed into the upper chamber 39 where the atmosphere contacts the heated outer heat exchange fins 30. As a result, warm air passes through the outer exhaust port 23 and is discharged outside the pet housing unit. The vent 21 and the gap between the door 16 and the elastic panel 34 ensure that enough fresh air can be exchanged between the receiving part and the outside. As described above, the presence of the partition 37 prevents the air from the upper and lower chambers from being mixed.

  In FIG. 5, the control printed circuit board 32 has a temperature sensor feedback (thermistor, ie, a solid sensor) having a closed loop control circuit so as to control / adjust the temperature. Using this thermistor, for example, the adjustment unit can determine the current temperature in the pet container and determine whether the temperature adjustment unit should be placed in a cooling mode, a heating mode, or an off mode. . When the sensor detects an excessive temperature state in the housing part, the temperature adjustment unit 22 is operated so as to start cooling the air in the housing part. Instead, when the sensor detects an under temperature condition in the housing, the temperature adjustment unit 22 is operated to begin heating the air. In other embodiments, a predetermined temperature can be selected and the unit can be turned on and off to maintain the carrier 10 within the selected temperature range.

  The printed circuit board 32 includes a circuit for controlling the imaging device 35 and a circuit for a transmitter / receiver unit. This unit allows the pet carrier to send / receive signals / images to / from the remote control 42 (see FIG. 12). In a preferred embodiment, the carrier uses a transmitter / receiver unit that incorporates existing mobile phone technology to achieve this goal. The remote device 42 can display a temperature indicator so that the pet owner can remotely check the temperature in the carrier. This remote device 42 displays information such as visual and / or audible alarms (or vibration modes similar to paging devices), as well as still and moving images in the storage when the temperature reaches a certain threshold. can do. The remote control device can be specially manufactured and supplied to the pet carrier, but can also be the user's mobile phone / PDA / computer. In the latter case, normal software is introduced to allow these devices to send and receive information to the shed. Information defined herein includes, but is not limited to, text, still images, moving images, sounds, vibrations, or combinations thereof. It will also be appreciated that the global positioning satellite unit and its circuitry may be adapted to operate with this first embodiment.

  FIGS. 6 and 7 show a second embodiment of the present invention comprising a non-portable kennel 46 with a temperature adjustment unit 110 removably connected to the rear end of the kennel. The temperature adjustment unit 110 is shown to be sufficiently exposed. However, it is understood that the temperature adjustment unit 110 is covered with metal or durable plastic to protect the parts of the unit from the environment. It should be understood that the temperature adjustment unit 110 may also be located in the kennel's first wall 48, second wall 49, top wall 50, or the kennel itself. . It will be appreciated that the openable access port can function as a vent and a relatively small window / opening (not shown) can also be provided in the wall of the receptacle. In this second embodiment of the invention, the imaging device 35 is installed on a portion of the front wall above the openable access port.

  It should also be noted that the temperature adjustment unit 110 used in the second embodiment is different from the first embodiment of the pet carrier of the present invention in terms of size and parts. 8 to 10 show an upper heating unit 125, a lower fan unit 115, two thermoelectric members 123 and 124, an outer heat exchange fin 113, an inner heat exchange fin 116, and a vertical partition 114. An outer deflection shield 112, an outer intake port 120, an inner exhaust / regulation air port 119, an outer exhaust port 126, a fan 118, an outer chamber 121, and an inner chamber 122 2 shows a second preferred embodiment of the present invention having However, this second embodiment is the same print as the first embodiment to detect and adjust temperature, and to transmit information to and from the kennel to the remote control device. It is possible to share the circuit board as well as the electronic device. Two or more temperature adjustment units 22 may be provided, and each temperature adjustment unit may include two or more thermoelectric members 28. In fact, any power source can be used to power the unit.

  In the case of this second embodiment, when the temperature adjustment unit 110 is in the heating mode, the fan 118 gently sucks air from the environment and this air is separated into the inner chamber 122 and the outer chamber 121 separated from each other. Press. These chambers are separated by a vertical partition 114. Then, the air in the inner chamber contacts the heated inner heat exchange fins 116. As a result, the heated air is discharged through the inner air discharge / regulation port 119 and deflected by the inner deflection shield (not shown). This deflection shield directs air into the kennel through an intake port in the kennel. The air in the outer chamber contacts the cooled outer heat exchange fin 113. As a result, the cooled air is discharged through the outer discharge port 126 and deflected by the deflection shield 112. When the temperature adjustment unit 110 is in the cooling mode, the inner heat exchange fins are cooled, so that the cooled air is discharged into the kennel.

  The first (portable kennel) and second (fixed kennel) embodiments include molded plastics coated with antimicrobial agents, extruded or molded polymers, reinforced polymers, cardboard, It can be manufactured using a variety of different materials including, but not limited to wood, metal or fiberglass. In other embodiments, the inner wall of the carrier can be coated with an insulated fabric made of a material known in the art as an insulator, including but not limited to poly-fiber. In the first embodiment, the openable access port 16 can be formed of the same material as the carrier itself, but with a gasket placed inside the gate and Plexiglas (Pohm and Haas Company, Independence Mall, West Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19195)), and an elastic panel 34 formed of a material including glass or plastic. Alternatively, the openable access port for the first embodiment can be formed of a fabric and a relatively flexible type of material including woven and metal mesh netting. However, the present invention is not limited to this. In this case, the elastic panel 34 is not necessary. In a second embodiment, the openable access port for the kennel is a plastic flap type commonly used as a door for dogs, or alternatively, the access port is in a cold room. It may have a composite strip of woven or plastic material suspended from the top of the openable access port frame similar to that used.

  FIG. 12 is a cutaway portion of a pet carrier featuring one embodiment of an air conditioning system. The pet carrier 1200 is shown broken away to show the parts of the pet carrier, including the air conditioning system 1210. This air conditioning system 1210 features a platform 1215, a conductive surface 1220, piping and insulation assembly 1225, a heat sink and Peltier module 1230, and an air fan 1235. The platform 1215 functions as a floor surface on which a pet stands or lies. This platform is located adjacent to the conductive surface 1220 and provides an area where the pet resides in the pet carrier 1200 and is not subject to the cooling or heating effects of the conductive surface 1220. This conductive surface 1220 assists in the cooling and heating functions of the various embodiments of the present invention. The conductive surface 1220 is attached to the Peltier module directly or via an intermediate member. Thus, effective heat conduction occurs between the Peltier module and the conductive surface 1220. On the other hand, when the pet is standing or lying on the conductive surface 1220, efficient heat conduction occurs between the pet and the conductive surface 1220. Thus, the conductive surface 1220 provides an effective means for providing air conditioning to the pet. The air conditioning system 1210 effectively cools and warms the entire body of the pet when used in combination with the air blowing system.

  FIG. 13 is an exploded detailed view of an air conditioning system according to an embodiment of the present invention. The structural part of this air conditioning system 1310 includes a platform 1315, a conductive surface 1320, an insulation and piping assembly 1325, a first heat sink 1345, a second heat sink 1330, a blower fan 1340, and a heat sink fan 1335. As shown. As described above, the conductive surface 1320 plays an important aspect of a cooling / heating function by a conductive action. In this embodiment of the invention, cooling or heating is supplied from the Peltier module to the conductive surface 1320 by the first heat sink 1345. It should be noted that the rest of the air conditioning system 1310 helps to cool or warm the rest of the pet's body by convection. This convection system generally operates by blowing air heated or cooled by a Peltier module over the entire body of the pet. When air is sucked in by the blower fan 1340, the air passes over the conductive surface 1320 and the first heat sink 1345, where the air is cooled or heated. The air is then sent into the pet housing to cool or warm the pet. It should be noted that the second heat sink 1330 and the heat sink fan 1335 function to generate a relatively large temperature difference between the two opposed surfaces of the Peltier module, thus resulting in a relatively efficient operation of the air conditioning system 1310. is doing.

  FIG. 14 is a detailed broken portion of the air conditioning system according to the embodiment of the present invention. In this detailed cutaway view, the various portions of the pet containment heating and cooling system 1410 include a platform 1415, a conductive surface 1420, an insulating and air duct assembly 1425, a Peltier module 1450, and a first heat sink 1460. And a second heat sink 1430, a second heat sink fan 1435, and an air duct fan 1440. As shown in this figure, the cooling and heating system 1410 facilitates cooling by both conduction through the conduction surface 1420 and convection through the air duct system. The first heat sink 1460 conducts heat or cold from the temperature adjustment module to the conductive surface 1420. In this embodiment of the present invention, the first heat sink 1460 is disposed within the air duct assembly 1425 such that air drawn by the air duct fan 1440 above the first heat sink 1460 is heated or cooled. Yes. The insulation and air duct assembly 1425 is characterized by having an opening 1455 at the end opposite the air duct fan 1440. This opening makes it possible to discharge the sucked air into the pet housing part. In various embodiments of the present invention, the opening 1455 can be configured to direct air into the pet's face and thus effectively cool the pet. The second heat sink 1430 is disposed at the opposite end of the first heat sink 1460 to the Peltier module 1450 and features a second heat sink fan 1435 that helps heat exchange with the second heat sink 1430. In this way, the second heat sink 1430 and the second heat sink fan 1435 facilitate more efficient operation of the air conditioning system 1410.

  FIG. 15 is a perspective cutaway portion of an air conditioning system according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 15 illustrates an embodiment where the first heat sink 1560 has fins in the air duct 1525 to improve heat exchange.

  FIG. 16 is a detailed perspective view of an air conditioning system according to an embodiment of the present invention. This FIG. 16 shows an embodiment that uses two Peltier modules and that the heat conducting member is mounted on the side of the first heat sink 1660 to act as both an air duct and a heat sink 1625. . Single or multiple Peltier modules 1650 can be used depending on the cooling and heating capacity required. The first heat sink 1660 heats or cools the conductive surface 1620 and the air duct and heat sink 1625 simultaneously. The air moved by the air duct fan 1640 is cooled or heated by the conducting air duct and the heat sink 1625.

1 is a side perspective view of a carrier according to a first embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a front perspective view of a carrier according to a first embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a first embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a first embodiment of the present invention. It is a block diagram of a circuit used in the present invention. FIG. 6 is a side perspective view of a kennel according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a side perspective view of a kennel according to a second embodiment of the present invention. It is a side view of the adjustment unit used for the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a side perspective view of the temperature control unit currently used for the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a side perspective view of the temperature control unit currently used for the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing some relationships of components included in the present invention. 1 is a cutaway view of a pet carrier featuring one embodiment of an air conditioning system. FIG. 1 is an exploded detail view of an air conditioning system according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a fracture view of the air-conditioning system of one embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a perspective cutaway view of an air conditioning system according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a detailed perspective view of the air conditioning system of one embodiment of the present invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Pet carrier, 11 ... Container, 28, 123, 124 ... Thermoelectric module (thermoelectric member), 35 ... Imaging device, 38 ... Control panel

Claims (25)

A thermoelectric module configured to be selectively heating or cooling; and
An air conditioning system for a pet living space comprising a control system configured to control the operation of the thermoelectric module by commanding the thermoelectric module to selectively provide heating or cooling.   The air conditioning system for a pet living space of claim 1, wherein the control system further comprises a thermostat control system configured to command the thermoelectric module to achieve a desired temperature input by a user.   The air conditioning system for pet living space of Claim 1 further equipped with the remote monitoring system which transmits / receives the information regarding the state of a pet or a pet living space with respect to a remote monitoring apparatus.   The information regarding the state of the pet or pet living space includes one or more information selected from the group of commands, audio signals, still image signals, moving image signals, physical vibration information, and temperature information. Air conditioning system for 3 pet living spaces.   2. The air conditioning system for pet living space according to claim 1, wherein the pet living space constitutes a pet living space selected from a group of a pet shed, a pet carrier, a dog house, and a pet container.   8. The pet living space is formed of a material selected from the group of plastic, polyurethane, fiber reinforced plastic, molded plastic coated with antimicrobial agent, cardboard, wood, metal alloy, and glass fiber. Air conditioning system for pet living space.   The pet occupant of claim 3, wherein the remote monitoring device comprises a computer, a device compatible with the Internet, a mobile phone device, a personal data assistant, an imaging device, and a device selected from the group of closed circuit televisions. Air conditioning system for space.   The air conditioning system for a pet living space according to claim 1, wherein the thermoelectric module is supplied with power by a power source selected from the group of a battery, a rechargeable battery, a vehicle battery, an AC power source, and a DC power source.   The thermostat control system includes a system for increasing power supplied to the thermoelectric module in proportion to a difference between a desired temperature input by the user and a measured ambient temperature. The air conditioning system for pet living space of claim | item 2. A thermoelectric module configured to selectively provide heating or cooling; and
A conductive surface configured to conduct heat from the thermoelectric module to the pet's body through the conductive surface;
A heat sink fixedly connected to the thermoelectric module and arranged such that a portion is in the air plenum;
The air plenum configured to allow air to pass above the portion of the heat sink in the air plenum and into the pet living space;
A fan configured to draw air through the air plenum;
An air conditioning system for a pet living space comprising a control system configured to control the operation of the thermoelectric module by commanding the thermoelectric module to selectively provide heating or cooling.   The air conditioning system for pet living space of claim 12, wherein the control system further comprises a thermostat control system configured to command the thermoelectric module to achieve a desired temperature input by a user.   The air conditioning system for a pet living space according to claim 12, further comprising a remote monitoring system that transmits and receives information on the state of the pet or the pet living space to the remote monitoring device.   The information regarding the state of the pet or pet living space includes one or more information selected from the group of commands, audio signals, still image signals, moving image signals, physical vibration information, and temperature information. Air conditioning system for 14 pet living spaces.   13. The air conditioning system for a pet living space according to claim 12, wherein the pet living space constitutes a pet living space selected from a group of a pet shed, a pet carrier, a dog house, and a pet container.   The pet living space is formed of a material selected from the group of plastic, polyurethane, fiber reinforced plastic, molded plastic coated with antibacterial agent, cardboard, wood, metal, metal alloy, and glass fiber. Air conditioning system for 18 pet living spaces.   15. The pet living space of claim 14, wherein the remote monitoring device comprises a device selected from a group of computers, Internet compatible devices, mobile phone devices, personal data assistants, and closed circuit televisions. Air conditioning system.   13. The pet of claim 12, wherein the heat sink further functions as a mounting device that connects the conductive surface to the thermoelectric module, and further functions as a heat conductive device that conducts heat from the thermoelectric module to the conductive surface. Air conditioning system for living space.   The air conditioning system for a pet living space according to claim 12, further comprising a second heat sink, wherein the second heat sink is fixedly connected to the opposite side of the thermoelectric module to which the heat sink is mounted.   The air conditioning system for a pet living space according to claim 12, further comprising a second fan, wherein the second fan is configured to suck air from the pet container above the second heat sink. .   The thermostat control system includes a system that increases power supplied to the thermoelectric module in proportion to a difference between a desired temperature input by the user and a measured temperature of a cooling plate. 14. The air conditioning system for a pet living space according to claim 13.   The air conditioning system for a pet living space according to claim 1, further comprising a conductive surface configured to conduct heat from the thermoelectric module to the pet body through the conductive surface. A housing suitable for housing a pet, having an opening that allows the pet to enter and exit the housing;
A thermoelectric module configured to selectively provide heating or cooling; and
A conductive surface configured to conduct heat from the thermoelectric module through the conductive surface to the pet's body;
A heat sink fixedly connected to the thermoelectric module and arranged such that a portion is in the air plenum;
The air plenum configured to allow air to pass over the portion of the heat sink in the air plenum and into the pet living space;
A fan configured to draw air through the air plenum;
A thermostat control system is configured to control the operation of the thermoelectric module by selectively instructing the thermoelectric module to provide heating or cooling, the thermostat control system having a desired temperature input by a user. And a control system having a system for increasing the power supplied to the thermoelectric module in proportion to the difference between the measured ambient temperature and
Information on the state of the pet or the living space of the pet is transmitted to and received from the remote monitoring device, and an instruction is received from the remote monitoring device. The information on the pet or the living space of the pet is an audio signal, a still image signal, a moving image, a physical And a remote monitoring system comprising one or more information selected from a group of vibration information and temperature information.   41. The pet living space of claim 40, wherein the heat sink further functions as a mounting device that connects the conductive surface to the thermoelectric module, and further functions as a heat conductive device that conducts heat from the thermoelectric module to the conductive surface. Air conditioning system.   The air conditioning system for a pet living space according to claim 40, further comprising a second heat sink, wherein the second heat sink is fixedly connected to an opposite surface of the thermoelectric module on which the heat sink is mounted. .   The air conditioning system for a pet living space according to claim 40, further comprising a second fan, wherein the second fan is configured to suck air from the pet container above the second heat sink. .

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