JPH01270866A - Warming and cooling device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To enable the application of the above device to a pap agent of either cold sensing type or heat sensing type by constituting the device of Peltier elements disposed in such a manner that the heat transfer surfaces thereof come into tight contact with two heat conductive materials disposed to face each other and a heat insulating material provided to enclose the outside circumferential edge thereof. CONSTITUTION:The Peltier elements 2 of the warming and cooling device 1, each one unit of which consists of a p type semiconductor 3 and an n type semiconductor 4 joined to each other by a copper electrode 6 via a solder layer 5, are connected in electrically in series and are held in place between substrates 7 and 7' made of alumina ceramics having good heat conductivity and are thereby thermally disposed in parallel. The heat insulating material 9 is provided to enclose the outside circumferential edge thereof. Power feed cords 8 of the Peltier elements 2 are set as a negative side and 8' as a positive side and the metallic film 12 side acts as a warming surface and the other 12' as a cooling surface when the moving contacts 19c, 19'c and stationary contacts 19a, 19'b of polarity change switches 19, 19' are electrically connected. The metallic film 12 side acts as the cooling surface and the 12' side as the warming surface when the moving contacts 19c, 19'c and the stationary contacts 19b, 19'a are connected.

Description

[Detailed description of the invention] The thermal cooling device of the present invention will be explained according to the following items.

A. Industrial field of application B1 Overview of the invention C1 Prior art [Figure 9] G0 Problem to be solved by the invention E0 Means for solving the problem F. Examples [Figures 1 to 8] F-1, First embodiment [Figures 1 to 4] a. Configuration [Figures 1 and 2] b. Usage example [Figures 3 and 4] F-2, Second embodiment Examples [Figures 5 to '! l! Figure 18] a. Configuration [Figures 5 to 7] b. Usage example [Figure 8] G1 Effects of the invention (A. Field of industrial application) The present invention relates to a thermal cooling device. Specifically, the present invention aims to provide a novel thermal cooling device that can be used in conjunction with a so-called poultice to enhance the heating or cooling effect of the poultice.

(B. Summary of the Invention) The thermal cooling device of the present invention is configured so that the heating surface and the cooling surface of the Peltier element can be used efficiently. It can be used in conjunction with a poultice containing a catalytic agent to enhance its heating or cooling effect, and the temperature can be adjusted and the temperature duration can be accurately and easily set.
This allows for repeated use.

(C, Prior Art) [Figure 9] Conventionally, a cloth with a poultice applied to the negative side is applied to the affected area of the skin, and then the affected area is heated to suppress inflammation, etc. A heating-type adhesive patch is known.

FIG. 8 shows an example a of such a conventional adhesive patch.

In the figure, b indicates a water-permeable base sheet, and a paste-like skin agent C is applied to one surface of the base sheet b.

d and d are pocket-like sheets attached to the surface of the base sheet b on the side opposite to the integument drug, and a space e1e is formed by the base sheet b and the pocket-like sheets d and d,
Heat generating elements f and f are housed in spaces e and e.

The heating elements f and f are made by filling an air-permeable packaging material with a mixture whose main components are iron powder and metal acid salts, and the heating temperature is the same as that when the amount of water supplied to the composition is constant. It is determined by the amount of air supplied, and the duration of heat generation is determined by the amount of water supplied when the amount of air supplied is constant.

8%g, . . . are a plurality of heating temperature adjustment holes provided on the surface of the pocket-shaped sheets d, d, and the heating elements f, f
It has the role of supplying air to the heating element and setting the heat generation temperature of the heating element.

Therefore, when using patch a, first take out the heating element f from the airtight bag and store it in the space e formed between the base sheet b and the pocket-like sheet d. The side coated with drug C is pasted on the affected area of the human body. Then, the moisture contained in the skin agent C penetrates into the packaging material surrounding the heating element f through the base sheet b, and air enters the packaging material through the heating temperature adjustment holes g, g,... is supplied, the oxidation reaction of the iron powder in the packaging material of the heating element f%f starts, and it generates heat at a temperature specified by the amount of air supplied from the heat generation temperature adjustment hole g%g,... , the heating continues until the entire amount of water contained in the external skin drug C evaporates.

(D. Problems to be Solved by the Invention) By the way, poultices, which are known as typical examples of transdermal absorption agents, include a so-called warming type that relieves dull pain in the affected area, and a so-called warming type that suppresses the inflammatory heat in the affected area in the early stages of inflammation. There is a so-called cooling type that lowers the temperature.

Therefore, even if it is possible to apply patch medicine a to a warm sensation type, it is impossible to use it as it is for a cold sensation type, or There is a problem that the efficacy of the drug cannot be expected.

In addition, in the case of the conventional adhesive patch a, in order to adjust the heat generation temperature of the heating element f to a predetermined value, heat generation temperature adjustment holes g, g, etc. formed in the pocket-shaped sheets)-d, d, etc.・Diameter, number of pieces,
It is necessary to adjust the air supply amount to a predetermined amount by changing the arrangement, etc., which not only complicates the design, but also controls the duration of heat generation of the heating element f by adjusting the amount of water contained in the skin agent C. However, it is troublesome to perform such control at the time of drug application, and there is also the problem that the accuracy of the duration of heat generation cannot be expected.

Furthermore, since the heating element f utilizes an irreversible chemical reaction between iron powder and a metal acid salt, it cannot be used repeatedly and has the problem of being expensive.

(E. Means for Solving the Problems) Therefore, in order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the thermal cooling device of the present invention has two opposing heat conductive materials, and a heat conductive surface that is in close contact with each of the heat conductive materials. The Peltier element is arranged as a peltier element and connected to a power supply means, and a heat insulating material is provided between heat conductive materials so as to surround the outer periphery of the peltier element.

Therefore, according to the thermal cooling device of the present invention, since the Peltier element is used, one of the heat transfer surfaces of the Peltier element is at a low temperature,
Since the other side is at a high temperature, it can be applied to both cold-feel type and flA a type bag materials.

Furthermore, the temperature can be easily adjusted by controlling the voltage and current values supplied to the Peltier element.
The duration of temperature can also be accurately and easily set using a timer or the like.

Furthermore, it can be used repeatedly and is advantageous in terms of cost.

(F. Embodiment) [FIGS. 1 to 8] Details of the thermal cooling device of the present invention will be described below in accordance with each embodiment shown in the accompanying drawings. In each of the embodiments shown in the drawings, the present invention is applied to a sheet-like thermal cooling device.

(F-1, First Embodiment) [Figures 1 to 4] Figures 1 to 4 show the first embodiment 1 of the thermal cooling device of the present invention.

(a, Configuration) [Figures 1 and 2] 2 is a semiconductor element (hereinafter referred to as a "Peltier element") whose temperature can be controlled by heating and cooling with direct current, and is made of two different types of conductors or It utilizes the so-called Peltier effect, which is a phenomenon in which heat other than Joule heat is absorbed or generated at the junction when semiconductors are bonded and a direct current is passed through them, and the length in the thickness direction is approximately 5 to 10 mm. There is.

The Peltier element 2 has a P-type semiconductor 3 and an N-type semiconductor 4 joined by a copper electrode 6 through a solder layer 5, which are electrically connected in series as one unit, and are made of alumina ceramic with good thermal conductivity. sandwiched between the group substrate 7′,
They are thermally arranged in parallel, and this board
are considered heat transfer surfaces, and heat is exchanged via these.

A power supply cord 8.8' is soldered to both ends of the elements connected in series, and the power supply cord 8.8'
DC current will be supplied via the.

Reference numeral 9 denotes a heat insulating material provided so as to surround the outer periphery of the Peltier element 2, and is made of -urethane foam. A housing space 10 for housing the Peltier element 2 is formed in the center of the heat insulating material 9, and a housing space 10 is formed in the center of the heat insulating material 9.
Lead holes 11.11' communicating with the Peltier element 2 are respectively inserted into the lead holes 11.11'. It goes without saying that the heat insulating material 9 is not limited to the above-mentioned foam, but may also be made of materials with good heat insulating properties, ie, low thermal conductivity, such as glass fiber and rock wool.

12.12' is a metal film adhered to both sides of the heat insulating material 9 in which the Peltier element 2 is housed, and the approximate center of the metal film 12.12' is the substrate 7.7 of the Peltier element 2.
′ are adhered to each other in close contact with each other.

When a direct current is supplied to the Peltier element 2 through the power supply cord 8.8', heat absorption occurs at one of the joints of the Peltier element 2, and heat generation occurs at the other. closely attached metal film 12,
One side of the metal film 12' is a low temperature part (hereinafter referred to as "cooling surface"), and the other is a high temperature part (hereinafter referred to as "warming surface"). Note that the metal film 12.12' has good thermal conductivity. In terms of materials, metal plates, film resins, cloth, non-woven fabrics,
It is also possible to use paper or the like with metal vapor deposited on it.

(b. Example of use) [Figs. 3 and 4] An example of the use of the thermal cooling device 1 of the present invention will be described below with reference to the attached drawings.

Reference numeral 1i denotes a base sheet made of a non-woven material with water-spreading properties, and one side of the base sheet is coated with a paste-like skin agent 14, and the other side of the base sheet and the net are coated. Thermal cooling device 1 is housed in the space formed by 15 is held in a pressed state.

Reference numeral 16 indicates a power supply circuit for supplying direct current to the thermal cooling device 1, the negative side of the power supply 17 is connected to one contact 18a of the drive switch 18, and the other contact 18b of the drive switch 18 is connected to the One fixed contact 19a, 1 of the polarity changeover switch 19, 19' which is operated in conjunction with the
9'a.

In addition, the positive side of the power supply has a polarity switch 19.19'
is connected to the other fixed contacts 19b, 19'b.

And the movable contact 19 of the polarity changeover switch 19, 19'
c, 19'c is the power supply cord 8.8' of Peltier element 2.
are connected to each other.

When the drive switch 18 is turned on, when the movable contact 19C119'c of the polarity changeover switch 19, 19' and the fixed contacts t9a, 19'b are electrically connected, the power supply cord 8 of the Peltier element 2 is turned on. Minus side, 8'
is set to the positive side, so that one metal film 12 side becomes a heating surface and the other side 12' becomes a cooling surface. and,
Next, turn off the drive switch 18, and turn off the polarity changeover switch 19.
．． When the drive switch 18 is turned on again after switching 19', the movable contact 19c of the polarity changeover switch 19.19'
, 19'c and the fixed contacts 19b, 19'a are connected, this time the power supply cord 8 of the Peltier element 2 is set to the positive side, 8' is set to the negative side, and thereafter the metal film 12 side of the thermal cooling device 1 is connected. is the cooling surface, and the 12' side is the heating surface.

Therefore, by pasting the side of the base sheet 13 coated with the skin drug 14 on the affected area of the human body and switching the polarity switch 19, 19' depending on the type of skin drug 14, the skin surface of the affected area is changed. It can be heated in a range of about 40° C. to 60° C. or cooled in a range of about 1° C. to 10° C., so that the combination drug of the integumental drug 14 can be efficiently absorbed transdermally.

For example, when the metal film surface 12 of the thermal cooling device 1 is used as the cooling surface, the combined effect with the skin agent 14 can suppress local body surface inflammatory heat and local body surface inflammatory pain, and Both heating and cooling can alleviate muscle tension caused by local body surface inflammation and promote transdermal absorption of drugs.

In the circuit described above, it is assumed that the voltage and current values supplied to the Peltier element 2 are fixed, but if the voltage and current values can be controlled using a control element such as a variable resistor, the voltage and current values supplied to the Peltier element 2 can be adjusted. Dermatological agents can be used under optimal temperature conditions. Further, if a timer contact is used instead of the drive switch 18, heating or cooling can be performed for a desired time.

(F-2, : $277) Example) [Figures 5 to 8] Figures 5 to 7 show the second embodiment I of the thermal cooling device of the present invention.
This shows A.

The thermal cooling device IA shown in this second embodiment differs from the thermal cooling device 1 shown in the first embodiment in that a rechargeable battery for power supply is provided in the thermal cooling device IA. Therefore, only the different parts will be explained, and the explanation of the parts that are not different will be omitted by giving the same reference numerals as those used for the similar parts in the first embodiment. .

(a, Configuration) [Figs. 5 to 7] 20 is a rechargeable battery arranged on a flexible printed circuit board 21, and on the flexible printed circuit board 21 there is a drive switch 22 with a pilot LED 22a and a charging terminal. 23 is attached, and the power supply cord 8.8' of the Peltier element 2 is connected to the terminal portions 21a, 21b of the circuit pattern on the board by soldering.

These parts fit into the recess 2 formed in the heat insulating material 24.
5, the drive switch 22 and the charging end T-2
3 are inserted into insertion holes 26 and 27 formed at corresponding positions on the side surface of the heat insulating material 24, and are exposed to the outside, thereby allowing operation from the outside and connection of a charging plug. ing.

Reference numeral 28 denotes a heat insulating cover for thermally protecting the electrical components, and after the heat insulating cover 28 is fitted into the recess 25 formed in the heat insulating material 24, metal films 29 and 29' are placed on both sides of the heat insulating material 24. will be glued.

30 indicates a power supply circuit, the negative side of the rechargeable battery 20 is connected to one contact 22b of the drive switch 22 and one terminal of the charging terminal 23, and the other positive side is connected to the charging terminal 23. The other terminal is connected to the power supply cord 8 of the Peltier element 2. The power supply cord 8' is connected to the other contact 22c of the drive switch 22,
The pilot LED 22a and the limiting resistor 22d are connected in parallel to the Peltier element 2.

Therefore, in the thermal cooling device IA according to the second embodiment, the rechargeable battery 20 is connected to the power supply cord 8 of the Peltier element 2.
Since it is stored in the device while connected to 8',
There is no need to worry about running the cord when connecting the power supply cord 8.8' to a separately installed power source, and the brightness of the pilot LED 22a attached to the drive switch 22 is reduced, so the rechargeable battery 20 The charging time can be known, and by connecting a charging plug to the terminal 23 and charging the rechargeable battery 20, the battery 20 can be used repeatedly.

(b. Usage Example) [FIG. 8] Next, an example of the combined use of the thermal cooling device IA of the present invention and a poultice will be described.

Reference numeral 31 denotes a belt made of stretchable woven fabric, knitted fabric, non-woven fabric, etc., and a pair of planar fasteners 31a and 31b are attached to both ends of the belt, and a thermal cooling fastener is attached to a position near the end of the belt 31. Device IA is attached by suitable means.

As shown in FIG. 8, the bag agent 32 is placed on the affected area.
After pasting, the belt 31 is wrapped around the human body so that the bag material 32 and one heat transfer surface of the thermal cooling device IA are in close contact with each other, and when it is fixed with the sheet fasteners 31a and 31b, the belt 31 expands and contracts. Due to its good properties, the thermal cooling device IA can be reliably attached to the human body.

In this state, the therapeutic effect can be enhanced by heating or cooling the surface of the heating/cooling device IA on the poultice 32 side depending on the symptoms.

(G. Effects of the Invention) As is clear from the above description, the thermal cooling device of the present invention includes two opposing thermally conductive materials and a heat transfer surface that is arranged in close contact with each of the thermally conductive materials. A Peltier element is also connected to a power supply means, and a heat insulating material is provided between thermally conductive materials so as to surround the outer periphery of the Peltier element.

Therefore, according to the present invention, by using a Peltier element, it can be applied to both warm and cold type bags, and it is also possible to adjust the temperature and change the duration of the temperature. Settings can be made electrically accurately and easily, and furthermore, it can be used repeatedly, which is advantageous in terms of cost.

In the above-mentioned embodiment 's1, the direction of the current supplied to the power supply cord of the Peltier element is switched by the polarity changeover switch, so that the direction of the current is switched between the heating side and the cooling side.
By doing this, it is possible to save the trouble of turning the surface upside down and using it.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

Figures 1 to 4 show a first embodiment of the thermal cooling device of the present invention, with Figure 1 being an exploded perspective view, Figure 2 being an enlarged longitudinal sectional view, and Figure 3 showing an example of use. Enlarged vertical cross-sectional view of main parts,
Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the circuit, Figs. 5 to 8 show a second embodiment of the thermal cooling device of the present invention, Fig. 5 is an exploded perspective view, and Fig. 6 is an enlarged longitudinal sectional view. , FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a circuit, FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing an example of use, and FIG. 9 is a longitudinal sectional view showing an example of a conventional adhesive patch. Explanation of symbols 1...thermal cooling device, 2...Peltier element, 7.7'...heat transfer surface, 9...insulating material, 16...power supply means, 12.1
2'... Heat conductive material, IA... Thermal cooling device, 24.28... Heat insulating material, 29.29'... Heat conductive material, 30... Power supply means applicant Nippon Vilene Co., Ltd. 2.1. Peltier element 16...Special electric hand ribbon turning ax figure 4

Claims (1)

[Claims] Two thermally conductive materials facing each other, a Peltier element whose heat-transfer surfaces are arranged in close contact with the thermally conductive materials and connected to a power supply means, and the Peltier element between the thermally conductive materials. and a heat insulating material provided to surround the outer periphery of the thermal cooling device.