JP2017018409A - Cool temperature apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a cool temperature apparatus which can be easily attached to a portion containing a joint, such as a shoulder part, an elbow part or a knee part.SOLUTION: A cool temperature apparatus 10 has a structure in which an inner layer 20 and an outer layer 40 for releasing heat on the heat source part 30 to outdoor air are laminated with a heat source part 30 comprising plural peltier elements 32 therebetween. The cool temperature apparatus 10 is formed into a sheet structure which can be easily attached to a portion containing a joint such as a shoulder part, an elbow part or a knee part of a human body. The cool temperature apparatus 10 is configured so that, the outer layer 40 can efficiently release the heat on the heat source part 30 to outside air.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

  The present invention relates to a cooling / heating device, and more particularly, to a cooling / heating device that locally cools and heats a predetermined part of a living body.

  In the field of sports, local cooling (so-called icing therapy) and heating (so-called hot pack therapy) of a predetermined site are performed for the purpose of body care for athletes, first aid for injury, and the like. For example, in the case of a pitcher, icing of the shoulder portion and the upper arm portion is performed using an icing device. In the case of various athletes (athletes), care is taken for the thighs, legs, arms, etc. using supporters. These icing appliances and supporters have the effect of reducing local muscle temperature rise due to exercise. However, it is indispensable for icing equipment and supporters to prepare (prepare) a cooling medium, such as cold water or a gel-like cooling agent, for locally cooling a predetermined part. Therefore, use in the field (field) is limited.

  On the other hand, a biological thermothermal cooling device that realizes electronic cooling by using a Peltier element as a cooling source and does not require prior preparation of a cooling medium such as cold water or a gel-like cryogen (for example, has been proposed (for example, JP, 2011-152243, A). In the living body thermal cooling device disclosed in this patent publication, a cooling chamber is provided on the heat generation side of a Peltier element that is a cooling source, the Peltier element is cooled by the cooling chamber, and a coolant inlet and a coolant outlet of the cooling chamber are provided. The cooling chamber is removed by liquid coolant circulating via

JP 2011-152243 A

  However, in the living body thermal cooling device disclosed in the above-mentioned Patent Publication, it is difficult to attach to a part including a joint such as a shoulder, an elbow, and a knee.

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a cooling / heating device that can be easily mounted on a part including a joint such as a shoulder, an elbow, and a knee, and can realize electronic cooling.

In order to achieve the above object, the cooling / heating apparatus of the present invention comprises:
Inner layer,
A heat source unit having a plurality of thermoelectric elements, and
The outer layer for radiating the heat of the heat source part to the outside air is sequentially laminated.

  The cooling / heating device of the present invention has a sheet-like structure in which the inner layer and the outer layer are laminated with the heat source portion sandwiched therebetween, so that it can be applied to parts including joints such as a shoulder portion, an elbow portion, and a knee portion. It can be easily mounted and electronic cooling can be realized. The effects described here are not necessarily limited, and any of the effects described in the present specification may be used. Moreover, the effect described in this specification is an illustration to the last, Comprising: It is not limited to this, There may be an additional effect.

FIG. 1 is a schematic front view showing a cooling / heating device of Example 1 in a state of being mounted on a shoulder portion and an upper arm portion of a human body. FIG. 2A is a schematic partial cross-sectional view illustrating an example of a cross-sectional structure of a main part of the cooling / heating device of Example 1, and FIG. 2B is another example of a cross-sectional structure of the main part of the cooling / heating device of Example 1. It is a typical partial sectional view showing this. FIG. 3 is a schematic development view of a main part of the cooling / heating apparatus shown in FIG. 1, showing an example of the arrangement of the Peltier elements and the temperature sensor. FIG. 4A is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of the outer layer heat dissipation mechanism along the arrow AA in FIG. 4B, and FIG. 4B is a schematic plan view showing an example of the outer layer heat dissipation mechanism. FIG. FIG. 5A is a schematic perspective view including a partial cross section showing the structure of the Peltier element, and FIG. 5B is a principle diagram of the Peltier element. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the control unit (control unit) together with the Peltier block and the temperature sensor block. FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure for controlling the temperature of the heat source unit by the current control unit. FIG. 8 is a schematic perspective view showing the cooling / heating device of Example 2 in a state where the device is mounted on a region around the knee of the human body. FIG. 9A is a schematic perspective view showing the cooling / heating device of Example 3 having a cylindrical shape, and FIG. 9B is a schematic view showing the cooling / heating device of Example 3 in a state of being mounted on a leg of a human body. It is a perspective view. FIG. 10: is a typical perspective view which shows the cool / warm equipment of Example 4 of bandage shape.

  Hereinafter, the present invention will be described based on examples with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the examples, and various numerical values and materials in the examples are examples. Moreover, in the following description, the same code | symbol is used for the element which has the same element or the same function, and the overlapping description is abbreviate | omitted.

<Cold / Hot Equipment of the Present Invention, General Explanation>
In the cooling / heating apparatus of the present invention, the thermoelectric element (thermoelectric conversion element) is a semiconductor element utilizing a phenomenon that associates heat and electricity. In the cooling / heating apparatus of the present invention, a Peltier element using the Peltier effect can be used as the thermoelectric element. The Peltier effect is a phenomenon in which, when two different types of metals or semiconductors (N-type semiconductor and P-type semiconductor) are joined and current flows, heat absorption and heat generation other than Joule heat occur at the joint. By using a Peltier element as the thermoelectric element, cooling, heating, and temperature control can be performed freely. As the thermoelectric element, in addition to the Peltier element, a Seebeck element using the Seebeck effect or a thermistor using a temperature change of electrical resistance can also be used.

  In the cooling / heating device of the present invention including the above-described preferable configuration, the inner layer may be formed by laminating a cloth covering layer and a heat conductive silicone rubber. The cloth covering layer made of cloth (for example, fleece) can ensure excellent wearability to the portion of the human body to be cooled / warmed. The thermally conductive silicone rubber is installed in close contact with the shape of the part to be cooled / warmed, and conducts heat conduction between the thermoelectric element of the heat source and the part to be cooled / warmed. Do it efficiently. In addition to the two-layer structure of the cloth covering layer and the heat conductive silicone rubber, the inner layer has a three-layer structure in which high heat conductive graphite is laminated on the heat conductive silicone rubber. A three-layer structure of a coating layer, a thermally conductive silicone rubber, and a highly thermally conductive graphite can also be used.

  Furthermore, in the cooling / heating device of the present invention including the above-described preferable configuration, the outer layer may be configured by laminating a heat conductive silicone gel and a heat conductive silicone rubber that are in direct contact with the outside air. The outer layer composed of a laminated structure of a heat conductive silicone gel and a heat conductive silicone rubber is excellent in cushioning properties. The thermally conductive silicone rubber efficiently conducts heat from the heat source part to the thermally conductive silicone gel. In addition to the two-layer structure of the thermally conductive silicone gel and the thermally conductive silicone rubber, the outer layer has a three-layer structure in which carbon fibers or thermally conductive graphite is laminated on the thermally conductive silicone rubber. Specifically, a three-layer structure of heat conductive silicone gel, heat conductive silicone rubber, and carbon fiber or heat conductive graphite may be used.

  Furthermore, in the cooling / heating device of the present invention including the above-described preferable configuration, it is preferable that the heat conductive silicone gel has a heat dissipation mechanism. By having the heat dissipation mechanism part, the heat conducted from the heat source part to the thermally conductive silicone gel can be efficiently radiated to the outside air. Moreover, it is preferable that a thermal radiation mechanism part is integrally formed with the same material as a heat conductive silicone gel. As a result, the heat-dissipating mechanism part is formed of a material different from that of the heat-conducting silicone gel, and the heat-conducting silicone gel is compared with the case where a thermal resistance exists at the joint between the heat-conducting silicone gel and the heat-dissipating mechanism part The heat conduction efficiency from the heat dissipation mechanism to the heat dissipation mechanism can be increased. In addition, by configuring the heat dissipation mechanism portion from the same material as the thermally conductive silicone gel, it can be easily deformed according to the shape of the part to be cooled / warmed.

  Furthermore, in the cooling / heating apparatus of the present invention including the above-described preferred configuration, the heat source unit can be composed of a plurality of thermoelectric element blocks composed of a single thermoelectric element connected to a DC stabilized power supply, or Moreover, it can be set as the structure by which the several thermoelectric element block which consists of several thermoelectric elements connected in series was connected in parallel.

  Furthermore, in the cooling / heating apparatus of the present invention including the above-described preferable configuration, a control unit that controls the temperature of the plurality of thermoelectric element blocks can be provided. In addition, the heat source unit can have a plurality of temperature sensors. And a control part can be set as the structure which controls the temperature of several thermoelectric element block based on the detection temperature of several temperature sensor. Further, it is preferable to calculate an average value of the detected temperatures of the plurality of temperature sensors and control the temperature of the plurality of thermoelectric element blocks based on the calculated average value.

  Furthermore, in the cooling / heating apparatus of the present invention including the above-described preferable configuration, the control unit can be configured to perform control to intermittently supply a pulse current to the plurality of thermoelectric element blocks. In addition, the control unit can be configured to perform cooling / warming switching control by reversing the polarity of the current flowing through the plurality of thermoelectric element blocks.

  Furthermore, in the cooling / warming apparatus of the present invention including the above-described preferable configuration, the control unit can be configured to perform temperature control of the plurality of thermoelectric element blocks with reference to a preset temperature determined in advance as a standard. The preset temperature set in advance as a standard can be changed, specifically, can be changed according to the state of the part to be cooled / warmed.

  Furthermore, in the cooling / heating apparatus of the present invention including the above-described preferable configuration, the DC stabilized power source can be configured to operate based on a rectified power source of a commercial power source, a vehicle power source, or a portable battery pack power source. . By configuring the DC stabilized power source from a portable battery pack power source, it can be used in an environment where space is limited or in any place such as outdoors.

  Example 1 relates to a cooling / warming device of the present invention, specifically, a cooling / warming device suitable for use in cooling / warming the shoulder and upper arm of a human body, particularly for icing the shoulder and upper arm of a pitcher. FIG. 1 is a schematic front view of a cooling / heating device of Example 1 in a state of being mounted on a shoulder portion and an upper arm portion of a human body.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the cooling / warming device 10 according to the first embodiment has, for example, a supporter shape that covers a right shoulder and an upper right arm, and one end 11 extending from the right shoulder to the left chest and the back. The other end portion 12 that has passed through is overlapped with each other in the vicinity of the left breast, for example. The one end portion 11 and the other end portion 12 can be easily coupled with, for example, a surface fastener 13 that is detachable in terms of surface. Since this coupling | bond part is the hook_and_loop | surface fastener 13, it has the structure with which the mounting / detachment of the cool / warm equipment 10 with respect to a right shoulder part and an upper right arm part is easy. However, the connecting portion between the one end portion 11 and the other end portion 12 is not limited to the configuration using the hook-and-loop fastener 13, and for example, a configuration using a hook, a fastener, or the like may be used. .

  In FIG. 2A, an example of the cross-sectional structure of the principal part of the cool / warm equipment of Example 1 is typically shown. As shown in FIG. 2A, the cooling / heating apparatus 10 includes an inner layer (inner shell / inner jacket) 20, a heat source unit 30 having a plurality of thermoelectric elements, and an outer layer (outer shell) that radiates heat from the heat source unit 30 to the outside air. / Outer jacket) 40 has a three-layer structure (a three-layer sandwich structure) that is sequentially laminated. The cold / hot appliance 10 is used by being mounted on a predetermined part of the human body (in this example, a shoulder and an upper arm). Specifically, for example, in the field of sports, it is used for temporary cooling (icing therapy) or heating (hot pack therapy) of a predetermined part for the purpose of body care for athletes, first aid for injury, and the like.

  As indicated by a broken line in FIG. 1, the heat source unit 30 is partially provided with respect to the cold / hot appliance 10. The schematic partial cross-sectional view of FIG. 2A shows a cross-sectional structure of a portion including the heat source unit 30. The inner layer 20 and the outer layer 40 constitute the entire cold / hot appliance 10. Further, as shown in FIG. 1, the cooling / heating apparatus 10 includes a control unit 50 that controls the temperature of the heat source unit 30. The control unit 50 is electrically connected to the heat source unit 30 of the cold / hot appliance 10 via a cord 60.

[Inner layer]
In FIG. 2A, the inner layer 20 is a device for absorbing heat, and has a cloth covering layer 21 made of cloth (for example, fleece) having a thickness of about 1 mm on the innermost surface side that is in direct contact with the human body. To ensure excellent wearability. A sheet-like thermally conductive silicone rubber 22 having a thickness of about 3 mm is laminated on the cloth covering layer 21.

  The thermally conductive silicone rubber 22 has flexibility unique to silicone rubber and is excellent in thermal conductivity. General silicone rubber has a thermal conductivity of about 0.2 W / m · K. On the other hand, the thermal conductivity of the thermally conductive silicone rubber 22 is 1.0 W / m · K to 7.0 W / m · K, although it depends on the thermally conductive particles blended in the silicone rubber or oil. Compared with general silicone rubber, it is extremely excellent in thermal conductivity.

  The cloth covering layer 21 and the sheet-like thermally conductive silicone rubber 22 can be joined by, for example, an adhesive made of silicone rubber or the like, or a heat dissipating adhesive. The heat dissipating adhesive is a functional adhesive having excellent thermal conductivity.

  The hook-and-loop fastener 13 described above is attached to the inner layer 20. Thereby, the inner layer 20 becomes an inner layer with a hook-and-loop fastener. Here, the inner layer 20 has a two-layer structure of the cloth covering layer 21 and the heat conductive silicone rubber 22. However, the cloth covering layer 21 in which high heat conductive graphite is further laminated on the heat conductive silicone rubber 22. Further, a heat conductive silicone rubber 22 and a high heat conductive graphite may be used.

[Heat source]
The heat source unit 30 has an adhesive layer 31 laminated on the sheet-like thermally conductive silicone rubber 22 of the inner layer 20. The adhesive layer 31 is made of an adhesive such as a double-sided adhesive tape. The double-sided pressure-sensitive adhesive tape is an adhesive capable of strong adhesion. In the heat source unit 30, a plurality of thermoelectric elements, for example, a Peltier element 32 using the Peltier effect is disposed on the adhesive layer 31. In other words, the heat source unit 30 has a configuration in which a plurality of Peltier elements 32 are attached to the inner layer 20 by the adhesive layer 31.

  Details of the Peltier element 32 will be described later. The Peltier element 32 and the Peltier element 32 are thermally partitioned by a heat-insulating separator 33 having a thickness of about 2 mm. In the space partitioned by the separator 33, a plurality of temperature sensors 34 are arranged at a predetermined ratio with respect to the number of Peltier elements 32.

  FIG. 3 shows an example of the arrangement of the Peltier element 32 and the temperature sensor 34. FIG. 3 is a schematic development view of a main part of the cool / warm equipment 10 shown in FIG. 1. In FIG. 3, the Peltier element 32 is indicated by a square, and the temperature sensor 34 is indicated by a circle.

The Peltier element 32 and the temperature sensor 34 are arranged on the adhesive layer 31 corresponding to the icing target part (shoulder and upper arm in this example) of the human body. Specifically, in FIG. 3, a plurality of, for example, six Peltier elements 32 connected in series constitute one Peltier block (thermoelectric element block) 35. A plurality of Peltier blocks 35 (..., _{35_i-1} , _{35_i} , _{35_i + 1} ,...) _Are arranged in parallel. By such an arrangement of the Peltier element 32, the part to be iced, that is, the shoulder part and the upper arm part can be cooled as a whole.

A plurality of temperature sensors 34 are arranged in the gap between the Peltier block 35 and the Peltier block 35 at an appropriate interval to form a temperature sensor block 36. Here, three temperature sensors 34 are arranged in the gap between the Peltier block _{35_i-1} and the Peltier block _{35_i} and in the gap between the Peltier block _{35_i} and the Peltier block _{35_i + 1.} A temperature sensor block _{36_i-1} and a temperature sensor block _{36_i} for two rows are illustrated. With such an arrangement of the temperature sensor 34, the temperature of the heat source unit 30, more specifically, the plurality of Peltier blocks 35 (..., 35 _—i−1 , 35 _—i , 35 _{—i + 1} ,...). The temperature can be accurately and accurately detected.

  In mounting the Peltier elements 32, for example, a plurality of Peltier elements 32 can be arranged on a flexible printed circuit board (flexible board) in units of Peltier blocks 35. The flexible printed circuit board is a board in which an electric circuit is formed on a base material obtained by laminating a thin and soft base film (polyimide or the like) having an insulating property and a conductive metal such as a copper foil, and between the plurality of Peltier elements 32. It is possible to easily realize the electrical connection. Furthermore, the temperature sensor 34 can be mounted on the flexible printed circuit board on which the Peltier element 32 is mounted.

[Outer layer]
In FIG. 2A, an outer layer 40 is a device for heat dissipation, and a sheet-like thermally conductive silicone gel 41 and a sheet-like thermally conductive silicone rubber 42 that directly touch the outside air are disposed inside the thermally conductive silicone rubber 42. Thus, a two-layer structure laminated on the heat source unit 30 is formed. The heat conductive silicone gel 41 has a heat dissipation mechanism (described later with reference to FIGS. 4A and 4B), the thickness of the common base is about 5 mm, and the approximate height of the heat dissipating fins (heat dissipating pieces) is The overall height is about 10 mm to 15 mm. And it has a softness | flexibility and is excellent in thermal conductivity. The thermal conductivity of the thermally conductive silicone gel 41 is about 6.0 W / m · K to 17.0 W / m · K, and the thermal conductivity of a general silicone rubber (about 0.2 W / m · K). It is extremely high compared to The heat conductive silicone rubber 42 has a thickness of about 3 mm to 5 mm. As the heat conductive silicone rubber 42, the same material as the heat conductive silicone rubber 22 of the inner layer 20 can be used.

  Here, the outer layer 40 having a two-layer structure of the heat conductive silicone gel 41 and the heat conductive silicone rubber 42 is illustrated, but carbon fiber or heat conductive graphite is further laminated on the heat conductive silicone rubber 42. , A heat conductive silicone gel 41, a heat conductive silicone rubber 42, and a carbon fiber or heat conductive graphite at least three-layer structure.

  It is preferable that the heat conductive silicone gel 41 has a heat dissipating mechanism having an expanded heat dissipating area. Since the heat conductive silicone gel 41 has the heat dissipation mechanism, the heat dissipation area can be expanded, so that the heat conducted from the heat source 30 to the heat conductive silicone gel 41 can be efficiently dissipated to the outside air. That is, the heat dissipation effect can be enhanced. It is preferable that the heat dissipation mechanism is integrally formed of the same material as the heat conductive silicone gel 41. Thereby, compared with the case where a heat dissipation mechanism part is formed with the material different from the heat conductive silicone gel 41, and heat resistance exists in the junction part between the heat conductive silicone gel 41 and the heat dissipation mechanism part, it is heat conductive. The heat conduction efficiency from the silicone gel 41 to the heat dissipation mechanism can be increased. In addition, by configuring the heat dissipation mechanism portion from the same material as that of the heat conductive silicone gel 41, it is possible to change the shape according to the shape of the icing target portion of the human body.

[Heat dissipation mechanism]
A specific example of the heat dissipation mechanism portion of the outer layer 40 is shown in FIG. FIG. 4A is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of the heat dissipation mechanism portion of the outer layer 40 along the arrow AA in FIG. 4B, and FIG. 4B is a schematic view showing an example of the heat dissipation mechanism portion of the outer 40 layer. It is a typical schematic plan view. As shown in FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B, the heat radiation mechanism portion is formed of, for example, the same material as the heat conductive silicone gel 41, and a columnar, so-called warped heat radiation piece 41 B having a low height is integrally formed. It has a configuration.

  As described above, according to the heat radiation mechanism portion formed by integrally forming the heat radiation piece 41B with the same material as the heat conductive silicone gel 41, it is possible to unify the processing and to release heat from the heat conductive silicone gel 41. The heat conduction efficiency to the piece 41B can be increased. As a result, the heat conducted from the heat source unit 30 to the thermally conductive silicone gel 41 can be effectively radiated to the outside air via the heat radiation piece 41B.

  In addition, the structure (structure) of the heat dissipation mechanism part of the outer layer 40 described above is an example, and is not limited to this. For example, the heat conductive silicone gel 41 is formed from the heat source unit 30 such as a structure in which heat radiating fins are integrally formed of the same material as the heat conductive silicone gel 41 or a structure in which heat radiating fins and warped heat radiating pieces 41B are used in combination. Any structure can be used as long as it can efficiently dissipate heat conducted to the outside air.

[Peltier element]
Here, a Peltier element, which is an example of a thermoelectric element, will be described. The Peltier element is a device having an effect of transferring heat from one surface to the other surface by flowing a direct current, and is a semiconductor element capable of cooling, heating and temperature control.

  The principle of the Peltier element will be specifically described with reference to FIGS. 5A and 5B. FIG. 5A is a schematic perspective view including a partial cross section showing the structure of the Peltier element, and FIG. 5B is a principle diagram of the Peltier element.

  As shown in FIG. 5A, in the Peltier element 32, a P-type thermoelectric semiconductor element 321 and an N-type semiconductor element 322 are joined by an upper copper electrode 323 and a lower copper electrode 324, and many of them are connected in series. The structure is preferably sandwiched from above and below by a flexible ceramic substrate 325 and ceramic substrate 326. A large number of P-type thermoelectric semiconductor elements 321 and N-type semiconductor elements 322 connected in series are supplied with a direct current through a lead wire 327 and a lead wire 328.

  As shown in FIG. 5B, when a direct current is passed from the N-type semiconductor element 322, heat is transferred from the upper bonding surface to the lower bonding surface. At this time, if sufficient heat dissipation is performed from the lower copper electrode 324, an endothermic action can be continuously obtained from the upper copper electrode 323. In addition, by reversing the polarity of the power supply unit 329, that is, the direction in which the direct current flows, the heat transfer direction is reversed, so that the heat radiation action can be continuously obtained by the upper copper electrode 323. Accordingly, cooling (icing therapy) / heating (hot pack therapy) can be switched by changing the direction in which the direct current flows.

[Controller unit]
In FIG. 1, the control unit 50 provided in the cool / warm equipment 10 includes a temperature of the heat source unit 30, more specifically, a plurality of Peltier blocks (thermoelectric element blocks) 35 (..., 35 _—i−1 , 35 _—i , 35 _{_i + 1} ,...)) And is electrically connected to the cold / warm appliance 10 by a cord 60. Below, the specific structure of the control unit 50 which is a control part is demonstrated using FIG.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the control unit (control unit) 50 together with the Peltier block 35 and the temperature sensor block 36. As described above, the cooling / heating apparatus 10 includes a plurality of rows of Peltier blocks 35 and temperature sensor blocks 36. 6, similarly to FIG. 3, the Peltier block 35 corresponds to three columns (35 _{— i−1} , 35 — _i , 35 — _{i + 1} ) and the temperature sensor block 36 corresponds to two columns (36 _{— i−1} , 36 — _i ). It is shown.

As shown in FIG. 6, the Peltier block 35 _{_i,} n pieces of the Peltier element 32 _{_1} to 32 _{_n} are connected in series to each other, the resistance element R is connected to the last stage. The Peltier blocks _{35_i-1} and _{35_i + 1} are the same as the Peltier block _{35_i} . A plurality of Peltier blocks 35 (..., _{35_i-1} , _{35_i} , _{35_i + 1} ,...) _Are connected in parallel to each other. The output terminals of the plurality of Peltier blocks 35 (..., _{35_i-1} , _{35_i} , _{35_i + 1} ,...) _Are connected in common and grounded. Here, Peltier block 35, but was composed of a plurality of Peltier elements 32 _{_1} to 32 _{_n} connected in series is not limited to this, a configuration consisting of a single Peltier element 32 May be.

Signals are exchanged by the cord 60 via the I / O connector 18 between the Peltier block 35 and the temperature sensor block 36 and the control unit 50. Specifically, a direct current (pulse current) for controlling the temperature is supplied from the control unit 50 to the Peltier block 35 (..., _{35_i-1} , _{35_i} , _{35_i + 1} ,...). Is done. Further, a detection signal (detection temperature) for each temperature sensor 34 detecting the temperature of the Peltier block 35 from the temperature sensor block 36 (..., _{36_i-1} , _{36_i} ,...) To the control unit 50. Information).

As shown in FIG. 6, the control unit (control unit) 50 includes a current control unit 51, a polarity control unit 52, a temperature display unit 53, and a power supply terminal 54. A direct current is supplied to the current control unit 51 from the power supply unit 70 via the power supply terminal 54. The power supply unit 70 is a direct current stabilized power supply. A single Peltier element 32 or a plurality of Peltier elements 32 _{_ 1} connected in series via the current control unit 51, the cord 60, and the I / O connector 18 with respect to the power supply unit 70 including the DC stabilized power supply. to 32 a plurality of Peltier block 35 consisting _{_n (···, 35 _i-1} , 35 _i, 35 _i + 1, ···) is connected in parallel.

  The power supply unit 70 including a direct current stabilized power supply can operate based on a commercial power supply (for example, 100 volt / 240 volt) rectified power supply, a vehicle power supply, or a portable battery pack power supply. Thereby, cooling (icing therapy) / heating (hot pack therapy) by the cool / warm equipment 10 can be realized at any place, indoors or outdoors.

In the control unit 50, the current control unit 51 controls the pulse current to be intermittently supplied to the plurality of Peltier blocks 35 (..., 35 _—i−1 , 35 _—i , 35 _{—i + 1} ,...). To control the temperature of the Peltier block 35. Specifically, the current control unit 51 detects the temperature detected by each temperature sensor 34 of the temperature sensor block 36 (..., _{36_i-1} , _{36_i} ,...), More specifically, each temperature sensor. An average value of the detected temperatures 34 is calculated, and the temperature control of the Peltier block 35 is performed based on the calculated average value.

  As described above, the Peltier element 32 can switch between cooling / heating by changing the direction in which the direct current flows. Therefore, the current control unit 51 switches between cooling / heating by inverting the polarity (direction) of the direct current flowing through the Peltier block 35 under the control of the polarity control unit 52. By this cooling / heating switching, not only cooling treatment of a predetermined part of the human body but also heating treatment can be performed as necessary. Alternatively, when the temperature of the Peltier block 35 deviates extremely from a preset standard temperature control range, the temperature of the Peltier block 35 is quickly brought into the control range by switching between cooling and heating. Control to return to can also be performed.

  The current control unit 51 can increase or decrease the cooling / warming effect depending on the time (number of pulses) in which the pulse current flows through the Peltier block 35. In addition, smooth temperature control can be realized by digital control using a pulse current. Here, the preset temperature set in advance as a standard may be changed according to the state of the affected area to be cooled / warmed, for example, the degree of increase in muscle temperature.

  Further, various control methods can be used for controlling the temperature of the heat source unit 30. As an example, in the initial stage of icing treatment, the set temperature is set very low to rapidly cool the site to be cooled (affected part), the set temperature is raised step by step, and finally the temperature of the Peltier block 35 is Field programmable control such as fine adjustment of the cooling temperature so as to maintain the predetermined temperature range as the control range can be performed.

  Here, the case where the temperature of the affected area is maintained within the control range by automatic control has been described as an example, but this is only an example, and is not limited to automatic control. Specifically, depending on the state of the affected area, the automatic control is canceled as appropriate, and a temperature extremely lower than the control range corresponding to the predetermined temperature range is set as a cooling temperature suitable for the affected area by manual control. Then, it is possible to cool the affected area rapidly, or to execute a combination of manual control and automatic control.

When the current control unit 51 calculates the average value of the detected temperatures of the temperature sensors 34 of the temperature sensor block 36, the current control unit 51 supplies a temperature signal indicating the calculated average value to the temperature display unit 53. Accordingly, the average value of the temperature detected by each temperature sensor 34 is the temperature display unit 53 as the average temperature of the plurality of Peltier blocks 35 (..., _{35_i−1} , _{35_i} , _{35_i + 1} ,...). Is displayed. The temperature display unit 53 is arranged on the upper surface or the front surface of the main body of the control unit 50 shown in FIG. 1 so that the current average temperature of the plurality of Peltier blocks 35 is notified (presented) to the person or trainer who is icing. )can do.

(Temperature control processing procedure)
The current control unit 51 of the control unit (control unit) 50 is configured by, for example, a microcomputer. Here, a processing procedure for controlling the temperature of the heat source unit 30 by the current control unit 51 will be described with reference to a flowchart of FIG.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure of temperature control of the heat source unit 30 by the current control unit 51. It is assumed that a series of processing of this flow is started upon receiving a power switch (not shown) provided in the control unit 50 (power on), for example. Here, an example will be described in which the power switch is turned on when the cooling / warming device 10 is attached to the portion to be cooled / warmed. Further, the final control range of the temperature of the heat source unit 30 is controlled so that the temperature of the region to be cooled / warmed (affected site) falls within a predetermined temperature range T ± α ° C. Therefore, the control range of the temperature of the heat source unit 30 corresponds to the temperature range of T ± α ° C. Specifically, the upper limit value T _High of the control range corresponds to T + α ° C., and the lower limit value T _Low corresponds to T−α ° C.

When the cooling / warming device 10 is attached to the part to be cooled / warmed (affected part) and the power switch is turned on, the current control unit 51 receives the Peltier block 35 (..., _{35_i-1} , 35 _{_i} , 35 _{_i + 1} ,...) are continuously supplied with a direct current (pulse current) in a predetermined direction to bring the heat source unit 30 into a cooled state (step S11). Next, the current control unit 51 takes in the detected temperature of each temperature sensor 34 of the temperature sensor block 36 (..., _{36_i-1} , _{36_i} ,...) (Step S12), and then detects these detections. The average value of temperature is calculated (step S13).

Here, for example, the temperature of the affected part such as the shoulder part after the pitcher's game and the thigh, leg part, and arm part after the competition of the athlete is generally higher than normal heat. Therefore, the temperature of the heat source part 30 tends to rise under the influence of the temperature of the affected part. Therefore, the current control unit 51 determines whether or not the average value of the detected temperatures exceeds the upper limit value T _High of the control range (step S14). If the average value of the detected temperatures exceeds the upper limit value T _High of the control range, the current control unit 51 returns to step S11 and returns to the Peltier block 35 (..., _{35_i-1} , _{35_i} , _{35_i} DC current is continuously supplied to ₊₁ ,...) And the cooling state is continued.

If the average value of the detected temperatures does not exceed the upper limit value T _High of the control range, the current control unit 51 subsequently determines whether or not the average value of the detected temperatures falls below the lower limit value T _Low of the control range ( Step S15). If the average value of the detected temperatures is below the lower limit value T _Low of the control range, the current control unit 51 detects the Peltier block 35 (..., 35 _—i−1 , 35 _—i , 35 _{—i + 1} ,. The supply of direct current to () is stopped (step S16). By stopping the supply of the direct current, the cooling state of the heat source unit 30 is released. Thereby, the temperature of the heat source unit 30 rises, and the average value of the detected temperatures falls within the control range. In addition, when the average value of the detected temperature falls below the lower limit value T _Low of the control range, the current passed through the Peltier block 35 (..., 35 _{— i−1} , 35 — _i , 35 — _{i + 1} ,...) It is also possible to perform control for quickly returning the average value of the detected temperatures within the control range by reversing the direction of and setting the heat source unit 30 in a heated state.

The current control unit 51 determines again whether or not the average value of the detected temperatures exceeds the upper limit value T _High of the control range by moving to step S14 after the process of step S16. And the average value of detected temperature is maintained in a control range by repeating the process from step S14 to step S16. If the current control unit 51 determines that the average value of the detected temperatures is maintained within the control range and the average value of the detected temperatures does not fall below the lower limit value T _Low of the control range in step S15, then whether or not the control is stopped. It is determined whether or not a control stop command has been issued (step S17). The control stop command is issued, for example, when a person or a trainer operates a control stop button (not shown) provided in the control unit 50. If the control is stopped, the series of processes in this flow is terminated. If the control is not stopped, the process returns to step S14 and the processes from step S14 to step S17 are repeated.

  By the series of temperature control described above, the temperature of the affected area such as a pitcher or an athlete can be maintained within a predetermined temperature range T ± α ° C. In this temperature control, for example, when the temperature is changed in 0.1 ° C (α = 0.1 ° C) steps, it is also possible to control the temperature by calculating the average value of the detected temperatures in real time. However, it is more stable to control the temperature by calculating the average value of the detected temperature every fixed period (for example, 10 seconds) or by calculating the average value of the detected temperature in this fixed period. Can be performed.

  As described above, the cooling / heating apparatus 10 according to the first embodiment has a sheet-like structure in which the inner layer 20 and the outer layer 40 are stacked with the heat source unit 30 including the Peltier element 32 interposed therebetween. It is said. And since it can mount | wear so that it may cover a pitcher's shoulder part and upper arm part by being a sheet form, it can icing more effectively with respect to this site | part (affected part). Thereby, the cool / warm equipment 10 of Example 1 becomes an icing equipment suitable for use in icing the shoulder and upper arm of the human body.

  Further, according to the cooling / heating apparatus 10 of the first embodiment, since the heat of the heat source unit 30 can be efficiently radiated to the outside air by the outer layer 40, precise temperature management of the heat source unit 30 and consequently cooling / warming. Precise temperature control of the affected area of the subject can be realized. In addition, the control unit (control unit) 50 performs control to intermittently supply a pulse current to the Peltier block 35 based on the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 34 provided in the heat source unit 30. It is possible to realize control for accurately maintaining the temperature of the unit 30 and, consequently, the affected part to be cooled / warmed within a desired temperature range.

  In the first embodiment, when the cooling / warming device 10 is mounted so as to cover the shoulder and upper arm of the human body, the cooling / warming device 10 has a simple planar sheet-like structure, but a so-called frame structure is applied to the shoulder. It is also possible to have a three-dimensional structure that matches the shape of the upper arm and the upper arm. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 2B, a skeleton layer 43 made of aluminum, carbon fiber (carbon fiber), or the like is provided between, for example, the heat conductive silicone gel 41 and the heat conductive silicone rubber 42 of the outer layer 40. For example, it is provided in a mesh shape. And the frame layer 43 is shape | molded in the three-dimensional shape according to the shape of the shoulder part and the upper arm part. As described above, since the cooling / warming device 10 has a three-dimensional structure that matches the shape of the shoulder portion and the upper arm portion, the cooling / warming device 10 can be mounted in a state of being fitted to the shoulder portion and the upper arm portion. The effect of heating can be further enhanced.

  Example 2 relates to a cooling / heating device of the present invention, specifically, a cooling / heating device suitable for use in cooling / heating a leg of a human body, particularly for icing a region around the knee of an athlete. FIG. 8 is a schematic perspective view showing the cooling / heating device of Example 2 in a state where the device is mounted on a region around the knee of the human body.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the cold / warm brace 10 of Example 2 has a supporter shape that covers the thigh side and the leg side with the knee part exposed. And the cold / hot appliance 10 has attachment pieces 15A and 15B in the attachment part on the thigh side, and attachment pieces 16A and 16B in the attachment part on the leg part side, respectively. The attachment pieces 15A and 15B overlap each other and are joined by, for example, a hook-and-loop fastener (not shown). The attachment pieces 16A and 16B have the same configuration as the attachment pieces 15A and 15B. The connection part of attachment piece 15A, 15B and attachment piece 16A, 16B is not restricted to the structure using a hook-and-loop fastener, For example, it can also be set as the structure using a hook, a fastener, etc.

  The basic configuration of the main part of the cooling / heating device 10 of the second embodiment is the same as that of the cooling / heating device 10 of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 2A. And in the cold / warm equipment 10 of Example 2, it is comprised so that the heat-source part 30 may be located in the front side mounting part by the side of a thigh and the shin side mounting part by the side of a leg, for example. However, the position where the heat source unit 30 is disposed is not limited to the front side mounting part on the thigh side and the shin side mounting part on the leg side, and the back side mounting part on the thigh side or the like, if necessary. You may make it arrange | position the heat-source part 30 to the calf side mounting part of a leg part.

  As described above, the cooling / heating apparatus 10 according to the second embodiment has a sheet-like structure in which the inner layer 20 and the outer layer 40 are stacked with the heat source unit 30 including the Peltier element 32 interposed therebetween. It can be formed in the shape of a knee supporter. And by attaching this cold / warm brace 10 to the leg part of the human body, particularly the part around the knee of the athlete, with respect to this part for the purpose of care of the part around the athlete's knee, first aid for injury, etc. Icing therapy and hot pack therapy can be performed.

  Moreover, the cold / warm brace 10 of Example 2 can be used not only as a cold / warm brace for the part around the knee, but also as a cooler / warm brace for the part around the elbow by changing the shape.

  Example 3 relates to a cooling / heating device of the present invention, specifically, a cooling / heating device having a cylindrical shape in use. FIG. 9A is a schematic perspective view showing the cooling / heating device of Example 3 having a cylindrical shape in use, and FIG. 9B shows the cooling / heating device of Example 3 in a state of being mounted on a leg of a human body. It is a typical perspective view.

  As shown in FIG. 9A and FIG. 9B, the cooling / heating apparatus 10 of Example 3 having a cylindrical shape in the use state has a belt-like shape in the unused state. In the state of use, the cold / hot appliance 10 according to the third embodiment has both end portions 17 </ b> A and 17 </ b> B overlapping each other and, for example, joined by a hook-and-loop fastener 13. However, the connecting portion of the both end portions 17A and 17B is not limited to the configuration using the hook-and-loop fastener 13, and for example, a configuration using a hook, a fastener, or the like may be used.

  The basic configuration of the main part of the cooling / heating device 10 of the third embodiment is the same as that of the cooling / heating device 10 of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 2A. And in the cold / hot appliance 10 of Example 3, for example, when it mounts | wears with the leg part of a human body, it is comprised so that the heat-source part 30 may be located in the site | part corresponding to a calf, for example. Thereby, the cool / heat apparatus 10 of Example 3 becomes a cool / heat apparatus for legs. However, the position where the heat source unit 30 is disposed is not limited to the portion corresponding to the calf.

  In addition, although the case where the cooling / heating apparatus 10 of Example 3 is used as a cooling / heating apparatus for legs as illustrated in FIG. 9B is illustrated here, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the size of the cooling / heating apparatus 10 is appropriately set. By changing, it can also be used as a cold / warm brace for arms, a cool / cold brace for lower back, and the like. Moreover, about the heat source part 30, you may provide over the perimeter of the cylindrical cooling / warming equipment 10 in use, and you may provide partially corresponding to the site | part of cooling / warming object.

  According to the cool / warm brace 10 of the third embodiment, it is only necessary to wrap the band-shaped brace around the leg, arm, waist, etc., so that the desired part of the human body can be easily cooled / warmed. be able to.

  [Example 4] Example 4 relates to a cooling / heating device of the present invention, specifically, a bandage-shaped cooling / heating device. FIG. 10: is a perspective view which shows the cool / warm equipment of Example 4 of bandage shape.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the cooling / warming device 10 of the fourth embodiment is narrower than the cooling / warming device 10 of the third embodiment, that is, the device used for cooling / warming the legs and arms, and the entire device. It is a bandage-like appliance with a long length. The basic configuration of the main part of the cooling / heating apparatus 10 of the fourth embodiment is the same as that of the cooling / heating apparatus 10 of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 2A. And in the cold / hot appliance 10 of Example 4, it has the structure by which the heat-source part 30 is arrange | positioned over the whole length direction of an appliance.

  According to the cool / warm brace 10 of the fourth embodiment, it is a bandage-like brace and may be used by being wound around the human body. Therefore, it is attached to any part of the human body, and cooling / warming can be easily performed on this part. It can be carried out. In particular, the cold / warm brace 10 can be wound around a part including a joint while avoiding knees and elbows. Therefore, unlike the cooling / heating device 10 of the first embodiment and the cooling / heating device 10 of the second embodiment, the cooling / heating device is easy to use because it does not need to be formed in a special shape.

<Modification>
As mentioned above, although this invention was demonstrated based on the preferable Example, this invention is not limited to these Examples. The configuration and structure of the cool / warm equipment described in the embodiments are merely examples, and can be changed as appropriate. For example, in the embodiment, the case where the cold / warm brace 10 is used for the care of the baseball pitcher's shoulder and upper arm, the athlete's thigh, leg, arm, etc., emergency treatment of injury, etc. However, the present invention is not limited to use for the care of the human body or the emergency treatment of injuries, but can also be used for the care of living bodies such as the legs of animals such as horses or the first aid treatment of injuries.

  Alternatively, in the cross-sectional structure of another example of the main part of the cool / warm device shown in FIG. It can also be set as the structure which inject | pours air suitably from an injection port. According to the cool / warm device having the air layer, the cool / warm device can be brought into close contact with the affected part by the air pressure, so that the cooling / warming effect can be further enhanced. In addition, the layer which provides an air layer is not restricted to the layer between the heat conductive silicone gel 41 and the heat conductive silicone rubber 42. In addition, the air injector may be a separate structure from the cool / warm equipment, or may be an integrated structure connected via an air inlet and a hose.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Cold / warm equipment, 11 ... One end of cold / warm equipment, 12 ... The other edge of cold / warm equipment, 13 ... Hook fastener, 15A, 15B, 16A, 16B ... Mounting piece 17A, 17B ... Both ends of the cold / warm equipment, 18 ... I / O connector, 20 ... Inner layer (inner shell / inner jacket), 21 ... Cloth covering layer, 22 ... Heat conduction Silicone rubber, 30 ... heat source, 31 ... adhesive layer, 32 ... Peltier element, 33 ... separator, 34 ... temperature sensor, 35 (..., _{35_i-1} , 35 _{_i} , 35 _{_i + 1} ,...) ... Peltier block (thermoelectric element block), 36 (36 _{_i-1} , 36 _{_i} ) ... temperature sensor block, 40 ..outer layer (outer shell / outer Jacket), 41 ... thermal conductivity Corn gel, 41B ... radiation piece, 42 ... thermally conductive silicone rubber, 43 ... frame layer, 50 ... control unit (control unit), 51 ... current control unit, 52 ... polarity Control unit 53 ... Temperature display unit 54 ... Power supply terminal 60 ... Code 70 ... Power supply unit 321 ... P-type thermoelectric semiconductor element 322 ... N-type semiconductor Element, 323, 324 ... Copper electrode, 325, 326 ... Ceramic substrate, 327, 328 ... Lead wire, 329 ... Power source

Claims (17)

Inner layer,
A heat source unit having a plurality of thermoelectric elements, and
A cooling / heating apparatus, wherein outer layers for radiating heat from a heat source part to the outside air are sequentially laminated.   The cooling / heating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of thermoelectric elements are Peltier elements.   The cold / hot appliance according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the inner layer is formed by laminating a cloth covering layer and a heat conductive silicone rubber.   The cold / hot appliance according to claim 3, wherein the inner layer is formed by laminating high thermal conductive graphite on a thermal conductive silicone rubber.   The cold / hot appliance according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the outer layer is formed by laminating a heat conductive silicone gel and a heat conductive silicone rubber that directly contact the outside air.   The cooling / heating apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the outer layer is formed by laminating carbon fibers or heat conductive graphite on a heat conductive silicone rubber.   The cooling / heating apparatus according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the thermally conductive silicone gel has a heat dissipation mechanism.   The cooling / heating apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the heat dissipating mechanism is integrally formed of the same material as the heat conductive silicone gel.   The heat source section is configured by connecting a plurality of thermoelectric element blocks composed of a single thermoelectric element or a plurality of thermoelectric element blocks composed of a plurality of serially connected thermoelectric elements connected to a DC stabilized power supply. The cooling / heating device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the cooling / heating device is provided.   The cooling / heating apparatus according to claim 9, further comprising a control unit that controls temperatures of the plurality of thermoelectric element blocks. The heat source unit has a plurality of temperature sensors,
The cooling / heating apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the control unit controls the temperatures of the plurality of thermoelectric element blocks based on temperatures detected by the plurality of temperature sensors.   The cooling / heating apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the control unit calculates an average value of the detected temperatures of the plurality of temperature sensors, and controls the temperature of the plurality of thermoelectric element blocks based on the calculated average value.   The cooling / heating apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the control unit performs control to intermittently supply a pulse current to the plurality of thermoelectric element blocks.   The cooling / heating apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the control unit performs cooling / heating switching control by reversing the polarity of a current flowing through the plurality of thermoelectric element blocks.   The cooling / heating apparatus according to any one of claims 9 to 14, wherein the control unit performs temperature control of the plurality of thermoelectric element blocks with reference to a preset temperature that is set in advance as a standard.   The cold / hot appliance according to claim 15, wherein the preset standard temperature can be changed.   17. The cooling / heating apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the DC stabilized power supply operates based on a rectified power supply of a commercial power supply, a vehicle power supply, or a portable battery pack power supply. .

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