JPH09154867A - Blood circulation promoting device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To ensure freedom from a concern about an unpleasant feeling, a headache and a skin burn. SOLUTION: This promoting device is equipped with a first heat exchanger 1 coming in direct or indirect contact with a part of a human body, hot-cold element 2 adhering to the first heat exchanger 1, a second heat exchanger 3 adhering to the hit-cold element 2 at the opposite side of the heat exchanger 1, and a control part 7 for switching electric current to be supplied to the hot- cold element 2. In this case, the control part 7 switches electric current to be supplied to the hot-cold element 2 at an intermediate heating process, thereby interrupting a heating process without accompanying such a cold status holding conduction as inhibiting the promotion of a blood circulation.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a blood circulation promoting device for promoting blood circulation in a part of the body, such as legs and arms, by a heat effect, and in particular, a heat pattern can be set in various ways, and some set heat values can be set. The present invention relates to a blood circulation promoting device using a Peltier element that can be arbitrarily selected from patterns.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In order to promote blood circulation in a part of the body, various types of blood circulation such as a heater using a warm heater, a heater using a chemical reaction such as air oxidation, and a heater using warm water have been conventionally used. A device has been proposed and put into practical use.

In these blood circulation promoting devices, a heating portion heated to a predetermined temperature by a warm heater or the like is directly or indirectly applied to a portion (for example, a leg or an arm) where blood circulation is to be promoted. It has the function of improving blood flow by heating the part to expand the blood vessels, and reducing muscle fatigue and numbness.

[0004]

By the way, apart from the case of a special treatment purpose, in the conventional blood circulation promoting apparatus, the temperature of the heating section is always maintained in a high temperature range, so that the heating section is lengthened. When it is applied to a part of the body such as legs or arms for a long time, it has a drawback that it causes discomfort, a headache, or, in extreme cases, a slight burn to the skin.

An object of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned drawbacks of the prior art and to provide a blood circulation promoting device which does not cause discomfort, headache, or skin burn. .

[0006]

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention is directed to a blood circulation promoting apparatus for promoting blood circulation by heating a part of a human body such as legs, arms and waist. Is.

The first heat exchanger that directly or indirectly contacts a part of the human body, the heating / cooling element in close contact with the first heat exchanger, and the first heat exchanger of the heating / cooling element A second heat exchanger closely attached to the other side and a control unit for switching the current to the heating / cooling element are provided, and the control unit switches the current to the heating / cooling element during heating. It is characterized in that the heating is interrupted without keeping the cold temperature which inhibits blood circulation promotion.

[0008]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION As described above, the present invention is configured to interrupt the heating by switching the current to the heating / cooling element by the function of the control section at appropriate intervals during heating. , There is no need to worry about discomfort, headache, or skin burn as in the past. In addition, since the interruption of the heating is set so as not to hold the cold temperature which inhibits the blood circulation promotion, the user does not feel excessive coldness or the blood circulation promotion is not inhibited,
Can be used with confidence.

As a specific example of the present invention, a blood circulation promoting device for a foot that heats and massages the sole of the foot will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of the blood circulation promoting apparatus, FIG. 2 is an enlarged sectional view of a heating / cooling element used in the blood circulation promoting apparatus, and FIG. 3 is a block diagram for explaining a control unit of the blood circulation promoting apparatus.

As shown in FIG. 1, a first heat exchanger 1 made of a material having a good thermal conductivity, such as aluminum or a copper alloy, is disposed in the upper part of the center of the blood circulation promoting device.
The upper surface of the first heat exchanger 1 projects in an arc shape, and a plurality of places around the first heat exchanger 1 are movably supported by the case 5 via pressing force adjusting screws 9.

On the lower surface of the first heat exchanger 1, a heating / cooling element 2 composed of a Peltier element and a second heat exchanger 3 composed of a material having a good thermal conductivity such as aluminum or copper alloy.
Are held together. The second heat exchanger 3 has a large number of fins, and the fan 4 is fixed in the vicinity of the fins, but the fins are designed so as not to hit the fan 4 even if the second heat exchanger 3 vibrates. ing. Although not shown,
An air intake port and an exhaust port are provided on the lower surface or the side surface of the case 5, respectively. Since the heating / cooling element 2 needs sufficient protection against mechanical vibration and water, a protection means for mechanical protection and waterproofing is provided around the heating / cooling element 2.

Inside the case 5, there are provided a power source converter 6 for converting a commercial power source into a predetermined DC voltage, a controller 7, a vibration generator 12, and the like. As the vibration generating unit 12, specifically, a means for generating vibration by connecting an eccentric cam to a motor, a means for generating vibration by a vibrator, a means for converting an electroacoustic signal into mechanical vibration, etc. are applicable. is there. The vibration generator 12 is connected to the first heat exchanger 1 via the vibration transmission member 11, and the spring 1 is connected by the pressure adjusting screw 9.
By adjusting the pressing force of 0, the vertical amplitude and pressure of the first heat exchanger 1 are appropriately adjusted.

In this figure, the pressure adjusting screw 9 is projected from the case 5 for the sake of clarity. However, a recess is formed in a part of the case 5, and the pressure adjusting screw 9 is housed inside the recess to form a case. It is also possible that the sole of the foot resting on top of 5 does not come into direct contact with the pressure adjusting screw 9. Further, the upper surface of the first heat exchanger 1 may be coated with synthetic resin or rubber to give a soft touch feeling to the soles of the feet.

As shown in FIG. 2, the heating / cooling element 2 has a first metal substrate 14 made of aluminum with an electric insulating film 13 of alumite formed on one surface thereof.
An electrode 15 is formed, and an alumite electric insulating film 1 is formed on one surface.
A second electrode 18 is formed on the electric insulating film 16 of the second metal substrate 17 made of aluminum on which the P-type semiconductor layer 19 and the N-type semiconductor layer 19 are formed between the first electrode 15 and the second electrode 18. 20 are arranged side by side, and these semiconductor layers 19,
20 is electrically connected in series by the electrodes 15 and 18.

The first metal substrate 14 is the first heat exchanger 1
In addition, the second metal substrate 17 is in close contact with the second heat exchanger 3, respectively. In this specific example, the first heat exchanger 1 and the first metal substrate 14, and the second heat exchanger 3 and the second metal substrate 17 are separate bodies. The first electrode 15 and the second electrode 18 may be formed directly on the container 3. Further, instead of the metal substrates 14 and 17, substrates made of other materials such as alumina and aluminum nitride can be used.

FIG. 3 is a schematic block diagram of the control unit 7 in this blood circulation promoting apparatus. The control unit 7 is composed of a main control circuit 21 and a power control circuit 22, and the main control circuit 21 is connected to a control panel 23, a timer circuit 24, an external BS signal generating circuit 25 such as a headphone, and the like.

The main control circuit 21 has an arithmetic unit 26 for performing various arithmetic processes, a temperature pattern storage unit 27 for storing various temperature patterns as shown in FIG. 9, and fluctuations in the temperature range of CT or (and) ST described later. 1 / f fluctuation generation circuit 28 and timer circuit 24 which function when desired to give
A clock unit 29 connected to the internal BS signal generation circuit 30 (B
S: BODY SONIC) etc.

Although not shown, the power control circuit 22 includes a rectifying / smoothing circuit, a switching circuit, etc., and is connected to a temperature sensor 31 and a temperature fuse 32 attached to the first heat exchanger 1.

The control panel 23 has a CT temperature setting switch 33 for setting the temperature of a comfortable temperature range (COMFORTABLE TEMPERATURE) CT in the heating mode, and a stimulation temperature range (STIMULUS TEMPERATUR) for removing psychological discomfort.
E) ST temperature setting switch 34 for setting ST temperature,
FIX switch 35 for fixing the set temperature of CT and ST,
Operate when you want to give fluctuation between CT and ST 1 /
f switch 36, t2 / t1 switch 37 for setting a ratio (t2 / t1) of time t2 to time t1 described later,
When using time setting switch 38 for independently setting time t1 and time t2, mode selection switch 39, power switch 40, pilot lamp 41 indicating that the power is on, liquid crystal display 42, and massage by vibration When using the vibrations from the BS switch 43 and the internal BS signal generating circuit 30 operated to
When using the vibration from the signal generating circuit 25 (for example, the vibration obtained by converting the acoustic signal into mechanical vibration in accordance with the music heard through the headphones), the vibration pattern is selected by pressing EXT. A selection switch 44 and the like are provided.

The liquid crystal display unit 42 can display the temperature and time at the time of setting, and can display the setting mode, the setting temperature, the setting time or the current time when the operation is started. It is also possible to easily display the handling procedure of the blood circulation promoting device as guidance.

Put your foot on the first heat exchanger 1 of the blood circulation promoting apparatus shown in FIG. 1, and turn on the power switch 40 (see FIG. 3).
By turning on N, a predetermined current flows through the heating / cooling element 2 and the fan 4 rotates. Then, the Peltier effect of the heating / cooling element 2 heats the first heat exchanger 1 side and cools the second heat exchanger 3 side (cooling of the second heat exchanger 3 is promoted by the air blown from the fan 4). ), The sole of the foot is heated through the first heat exchanger 1, the foot is warmed, the blood vessels are expanded, and blood circulation is promoted.

Further, by driving the vibration generating part 12, the integrated body of the first heat exchanger 1, the heating / cooling element 2 and the second heat exchanger 3 vibrates via the vibration transmitting member 11, so that the first
A pleasant vibration is applied to the sole of the foot through the heat exchanger 1,
It stimulates the acupoints concentrated on the soles of the feet and promotes blood circulation as well as recovering from fatigue and relieving stress.

If the first heat exchanger 1 is used for a long period of time, the feet may become hot and uncomfortable, or the head may be hurt. In the present invention, in order to remove the discomfort, the first heat exchanger 1 is intermittently cooled to give a cold stimulus to the sole of the foot to the extent that the promotion of blood circulation due to heating is not hindered. The intermittent cooling of the first heat exchanger 1 is achieved by intermittently reversing the flow of current to the heating / cooling element 2, and the second heat exchanger 3 side is heated, so that the fan The blast from 4 promotes the heat dissipation of the second heat exchanger 3.

Using the foot blood circulation promoting apparatus shown in FIG. 1, 200 subjects were given experience under conditions of continuous heating time of 5 minutes, temperature decrease time of 1 minute, and temperature increase time of 3 minutes. The CT temperature setting switch 33 shown in FIG. 3 shows a comfortable temperature range (hereinafter abbreviated as CT) and an intermittent temperature range (hereinafter abbreviated as ST) for removing psychological and sensational discomfort. In addition, the ST temperature setting switch 34 was used for adjustment, and the results are summarized in FIG. The abscissa of the figure shows the temperatures of ST and CT, and the ordinate shows the ratio of the number of people who perceive it to be a pleasant temperature, with the maximum value being 1. The comfort depends on the physical condition of the subject,
As is clear from the result of FIG. 4, CT was 36 to 44 ° C.,
It is understood that when the temperature is preferably set to 38 to 42 ° C. and ST is set to 21 to 29 ° C., preferably 23 to 27 ° C., it is a comfortable temperature that does not cause discomfort for the majority of subjects.

When ST is less than 21 ° C., it is rather not preferable in that it feels cold and promotes blood circulation, while at 29 ° C.
When it exceeds, the majority of the subjects do not feel the coldness and the discomfort remains. On the other hand, if the CT is less than 36 ° C, the warmth is insufficient and the effect of promoting blood circulation cannot be exerted. On the other hand, if the CT is more than 44 ° C, the majority of the subjects feel too hot, and those with weak skin suffer from low-temperature skin burns. I have a concern.

FIG. 5 is a characteristic diagram showing the relationship between the skin surface temperature at which skin burns occur (vertical axis) and the contact time (horizontal axis). As is clear from this figure, if the skin surface temperature is 45 ° C or higher, skin burns may occur if the skin is in contact for a long time. Therefore, in consideration of safety, it is necessary to keep the upper limit of CT at 44 ° C. is there.

For this reason, CT is 36 to 44 ° C.,
It is necessary to regulate the temperature to preferably 38 to 42 ° C and ST to 21 to 29 ° C, preferably 23 to 27 ° C.

Next, the temperature decrease time required to drop from CT to ST is t1, and the temperature increase time required to rise from ST to CT is t2. Using the blood circulation promoting apparatus shown in FIG. For 50 persons, the cooling time t1 and the heating time t
A pleasant time width of 2 was set by the time setting switch 38 shown in FIG. 3, and the ratio R (= t2 / t1) was calculated.
In addition, CT and ST are CT = 40 from the result of FIG.
C., ST = 25.degree. C., the heating time was 5 minutes, the test was conducted, and the results are summarized in FIG.

As is apparent from this figure, the R value (= t2 / t1) preferred by many subjects is 1.5 to 20, preferably 2 to 15, and more preferably 3 to 7. In general, when the human body is exposed to changes in temperature, it is more likely to feel discomfort or anxiety when the temperature drops and to feel relaxed or happy when the temperature rises. From the fact that there is also t1
It is necessary to make it smaller than 2 and keep the lower limit of the R value (= t2 / t1) at 1.5. On the other hand, when the R value exceeds 20, the temperature lowering time t1 becomes relatively short, and the sensation of coldness disappears, and rather the user feels discomfort. For this reason, the R value (= t2 / t1) needs to be regulated within the range of 1.5 to 20.

As a result of investigating the temperature change when the temperature rises from CT to ST, the following facts are found. That is, with respect to the change in the temperature of the portion in contact with the skin (the first heat exchanger 1 in this specific example), a linear pattern that linearly and monotonously increases, and an intermediate temperature between CT and ST (abbreviated as TT). At the boundary, the rising rate from ST to TT was initially large and decreased as it approached TT, and the rising rate from TT to CT was initially small and was increased as it approaches CT to create an S-shaped pattern.

Specifically, ST is 25 ° C., CT is 40 ° C.,
t1 is set to 1 minute and t2 is set to 4 minutes (that is, the R value is 4).
The temperature was raised linearly to 0 ° C. On the other hand, in the S-shaped pattern, the TT was set to 16 ° C. [(40-25) / 2≈16] and the heating rate was changed to the S-shaped. When both of these ascending patterns were tried on 20 subjects, it was found that 18 persons corresponding to 90% preferred the S-shaped pattern.

FIG. 7 shows a temperature mode in which the unpleasant feeling is reduced as a whole from the above various tests and the relaxing feeling is obtained while effectively promoting blood circulation. As shown in the figure, t1 in one cycle is sufficiently shorter than t2, and the temperature is linearly decreased, while the temperature is increased in an S-shaped pattern when the temperature is increased. In FIG. 7, the temperature pattern of the thermal stimulation time (between t2 and t1) is flat, but in reality the supply current is ON / OF.
Since F control is performed, there is a slight temperature fluctuation. Further, the temperature can be positively swung up and down with a narrow width.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a specific example of the current waveform at t1 and t2. As shown in the figure, a (+) pulse current is applied to the heating / cooling element 2 at a constant cycle while the CT is held, but when the temperature is lowered from CT to ST, the heating / cooling element 2 is used. The direction of the pulse current to 2 is reversed and the temperature is dropped linearly in a short time to give a cold feeling to the sole of the foot instantaneously, and the discomfort is removed by the stimulation.

When raising the temperature from ST to CT,
In addition, the current is returned to the original direction, the current value is first halved, and the time for flowing the current per pulse is lengthened to start.

When the temperature reaches the vicinity of TT, the current value is the same and the time for flowing the current is shortened. Next, from TT to CT, the current value is increased and the time for flowing the current is lengthened.

When the CT is reached in this way, a current is supplied at a constant cycle to keep the CT constant.

While a constant pulse current is supplied in FIG. 8 during the thermal stimulation, for example, the current value can be reduced and the current can be continuously supplied. The same can be said for the time t2.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the temperature rising mode from ST to CT. By appropriately adjusting the current value of the pulse current shown in FIG. 8 (and / or the time for flowing the current per pulse), FIG. The mode, mode, and mode are set as shown in. In the blood circulation promoting apparatus of this specific example, these various temperature raising modes are set in advance in the temperature pattern storage unit 2 of the control unit 7.
7, the device user can select his / her favorite temperature rising mode by the switches (1) to (3) attached to the mode selection switch 39 on the control panel 23 of FIG.

In this blood circulation promoting device, when the heating mode is kept for a long time, the user feels uncomfortable. Therefore, a cold stimulus is intermittently applied to a part of the body as a means for eliminating the uncomfortable feeling. If the cooling time is too long, the cooling remains, and the promotion of blood circulation is hindered. Therefore, the shorter the cooling time is, the more preferable.

FIG. 10A shows that the heat capacity of the second heat exchanger 3 in the heating / cooling element is small (the ratio of the heat capacity of the second heat exchanger 3 to the heat capacity of the first heat exchanger 1 is, for example, 0). ．
7), and when the heat capacity of the second heat exchanger 3 is large (the ratio of the heat capacity of the second heat exchanger 3 to the heat capacity of the first heat exchanger 1 is, for example, 1). .5). For example, the temperature of the first heat exchanger 1 in the heating mode is 42 ° C. (CT: 42 ° C.), the outside air temperature is 25 ° C., and the temperature of the second heat exchanger 3 is 20 ° C.

When this heating mode is completed, the first heat exchanger 1
In order to lower the temperature of, the current opposite to the current applied in the heating mode is applied to the heating / cooling element. Then, the energy stored due to the electric power input to the heating / cooling element and the heat capacity of the first heat exchanger 1 flowing through the element becomes the second value.
It flows into the heat exchanger 3, the temperature of the first heat exchanger 1 drops, and the temperature of the second heat exchanger 3 rises. The temperature of the second heat exchanger 3 is saturated because it is forcibly air-cooled by the fan 4 provided near the second heat exchanger 3, but in the case of FIG. Since the heat capacity of 3 is large, it takes time to reach the saturation temperature. That is, in the case of FIG. 6B, since the temperature rise of the second heat exchanger 3 becomes slower, the temperature difference applied to both ends of the semiconductor of the heating / cooling element becomes smaller, so that the heat transfer efficiency improves, and as a result, As a result, the temperature decrease of the first heat exchanger 1 is promoted.

Based on such an idea, the present inventors
Semiconductor chip 1 of 1.4 × 1.4 × 1.6 (height) mm
42 pieces are mounted between the ceramic substrates, two sets of element groups having an internal resistance at 25 ° C. of about 1.5Ω are manufactured, and the first heat exchanger 1 and the second heat exchanger 3 are made of aluminum. The ratio of the heat capacity Q2 of the second heat exchanger 3 to the heat capacity Q1 of the first heat exchanger 1 by adjusting the size of the second heat exchanger 3 while keeping the size of the first heat exchanger 1 constant [Q
2 / Q1] was variously manufactured.

With respect to the two sets of heating and cooling elements, the axial fan 4 having a diameter of 68 mm and a rating of 12 V is operated at 5 V, and the relay contacts are used to electrically parallel the two sets of heating and cooling elements. The temperature of the first heat exchanger 1 (CT: 42 ° C.) was measured to be 25 ° C. by connecting two sets of heating and cooling elements electrically in series when the temperature increased.

As a result of this test, Q2 / Q1 is set to 1 to 1.
It was clarified that the cooling time can be effectively shortened by limiting the amount to 5, preferably 1.5 to 10. Q2 / Q1
Is less than 1, the cooling time cannot be shortened and the above-mentioned t
It is difficult to set 2 / t1 to 1.5 or more, while Q2
When / Q1 exceeds 15, the weight, volume and cost of the heating / cooling element increase, which is not preferable. Therefore Q2 / Q
1 must be regulated within the range of 1 to 15.

In the embodiment of the present invention, the volume of the first heat exchanger 1 is about 55.7 cm ³ , and Q1 is 33.1 cal /.
℃, the second heat exchanger 3 has a volume of about 79.0 cm ³ , Q
2 is 46.9 cal / ° C., and Q2 / Q1 is about 1.4. When this blood circulation promoting apparatus was driven under the above-mentioned conditions in an unloaded state, t1 was 1 minute and 50 seconds, and t2 was 4 minutes.

It is well known that baroque music has a fluctuation of 1 / f, but the CT or ST of the first heat exchanger 1 is adjusted according to the pitch of such music. To give 1 / f fluctuation to the set temperature,
By patterning and storing the pattern in the 1 / f fluctuation generating circuit 28 in advance and turning on the 1 / f switch 36, fluctuation can be given to the temperature to relax.

Before using the blood circulation promoting device, there is a difference in body temperature depending on whether or not the user makes a relatively quiet movement. Some people have relatively low sole temperatures, while others do not. Therefore, if the temperature sensor 31 in the first heat exchanger 1 first detects the temperature of the user's foot and is configured to automatically select an appropriate CT or ST based on the temperature, a more preferable result can be obtained. can get.

FIG. 11 is a view showing a modified example of the blood circulation promoting device,
12 and 13 are a perspective view and a side view of a pressing member used in the blood circulation promoting apparatus.

Usually, the heat exchangers attached to both sides of the thermoelectric conversion device are fastened with metal bolts via thermoelectric conversion elements (Peltier elements). At this time, if the metal bolt alone is used, it acts to thermally short-circuit both heat exchangers having a temperature difference, so a washer made of a material having low heat conductivity is used.

However, in this method, since the linear expansion coefficient of the metal bolt is greatly different from the linear expansion coefficient of the material such as semiconductor, in a device such as the blood circulation promoting device according to the present invention in which the vertical fluctuations are frequently repeated. , A compressive / pulling force acts on the element and each joint, and exerts a bad influence on the thermoelectric conversion element and the like.

This modification takes this point into consideration. As shown in FIG. 11, the heating / cooling element 2 and the second heat exchanger 3 are arranged on the lower surface of the first heat exchanger 1, and these three members are elastically adhered to each other by the pressing member 50. The pressing member 50 is a wire-shaped member or a ribbon-shaped member having a relatively narrow width, and has a curved portion 51 that is curved inward and upward as shown in FIGS. It is provided. The rising portions 52, 52 extend from both ends of the curved portion 51, and the rising portion 5 further extends.
The tip of 2 is bent substantially horizontally to form a locking portion 53.

On the other hand, a hook portion 54 is provided on the lower surface of the first heat exchanger 1, and the engaging portion 53 of the pressing member 50 is forcibly inserted into the hook portion 54 to force the pressing member 50. The second heat exchanger 3 is pressed toward the first heat exchanger 1 side by the curved portion 51 of the first heat exchanger 1-the heating / cooling element 2-the second
The close contact state of the heat exchanger 3 is maintained. Although not shown, grease having good thermal conductivity (such as zinc oxide) is provided between the first heat exchanger 1 and the heating / cooling element 2 and between the heating / cooling element 2 and the second heat exchanger 3. Silicone grease in which fine fillers are dispersed) is interposed. Also,
The structure between the first heat exchanger 1 and the heating / cooling element 2 and between the heating / cooling element 2 and the second heat exchanger 3 does not skid.

With such a structure, the first heat exchanger 1-
The generation of stress based on the difference in linear expansion coefficient between the heating / cooling element 2 and the second heat exchanger 3 is effectively absorbed by the pressing member 50,
The adverse effect on the heating / cooling element 2 is eliminated.

One or a plurality of the pressing members 50 can be used. When the wire-shaped or ribbon-shaped pressing member 50 having a narrow width is used as in this example, the blowing effect of the fan 4 is substantially impaired. There is nothing to do.

When using the blood circulation promoting device, the acoustic noise can be made extremely low, and there is a risk of forgetting to turn off the power switch. Therefore, it is possible to incorporate a timer that automatically turns off the power after a certain time (which can be set appropriately). Also, if the footrest is movable, the footrest will move downward when you put your foot on it, so if you move the power switch, you can remove the power from the footrest by turning on the power switch. The switch turns off automatically, and you never forget to turn off the power switch.

Further, since this blood circulation promoting device can be made light in weight, it is possible to attach a handle or a caster for convenience of movement.

When shared by a plurality of persons, it is preferable that a cover made of cloth or paper can be detachably set at a place where a part of the body comes into contact. Furthermore, if a protrusion is provided at a portion where a part of the body is brought into contact with the body to stimulate the acupoint, the massage effect is further promoted.

In addition to the foot massager described above, the blood circulation promoting apparatus of the present invention includes a footrest, a footrest for vehicles such as automobiles and trains, a footrest for airplanes or ships, a reclining chair for home use, and a foot temperature. It can be applied not only to the legs but also to promoting blood circulation not only in the legs but also in other parts such as the arms, hips and shoulders.

[0059]

As described above, according to the present invention, the heating operation is interrupted by switching the current to the heating / cooling element by the function of the control unit at an appropriate interval during heating. There is no need to worry about discomfort, headaches, or skin burns. In addition, since this interruption of heating is set so as not to hold cold temperature that inhibits blood circulation promotion, the user does not feel excessive coldness or the blood circulation promotion is disturbed, and the safety is maintained. Can be used in mind.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a blood circulation promoting device according to a specific example of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a warming / cooling element used in the blood circulation promoting apparatus.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram for explaining a control unit of the blood circulation promoting apparatus.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing test data for setting ST and CT regions in the blood circulation promoting apparatus.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a relationship between skin surface temperature causing skin burn and contact time.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing test data for setting an R value in the blood circulation promoting apparatus.

FIG. 7 is a temperature characteristic diagram showing an example of a temperature change mode in the blood circulation promoting device.

FIG. 8 is a waveform diagram showing an example of drive pulses in the blood circulation promoting apparatus.

FIG. 9 is a pattern diagram showing an example of a temperature rising mode in the blood circulation promoting apparatus.

FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a heat capacity ratio between a first heat exchanger and a second heat exchanger.

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of essential parts of a blood circulation promoting device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a pressing member used in the blood circulation promoting device.

FIG. 13 is a side view of the pressing member.

[Explanation of Codes] 1 First heat exchanger 2 Heating / cooling element 3 Second heat exchanger 4 Fan 5 Case 6 Power conversion unit 7 Control unit 9 Pressing force adjusting screw 10 Spring 12 Vibration generating unit 21 Main control circuit 22 Power control Circuit 23 Control panel 24 Timer circuit 25 External BS circuit 26 Calculation unit 27 Temperature pattern storage unit 28 1 / f Fluctuation generation circuit 29 Clock unit 30 BS signal generation circuit 33 CT temperature setting switch 34 ST temperature setting switch 35 FIX switch 36 1 / f switch 37 t2 / t1 switch 38 time setting switch 39 mode selection switch 42 liquid crystal display 43 BS switch 44 vibration pattern selection switch 50 pressing member 51 bending section 53 locking section 54 hook section

Claims (12)

[Claims] 1. A blood circulation promoting apparatus for promoting blood circulation by heating a part of a human body, comprising: a first heat exchanger that comes into direct or indirect contact with a part of the human body; and a first heat exchanger for the first heat exchanger. A closely contacted heating / cooling element, a second heat exchanger in close contact with the heating / cooling element on the opposite side of the first heat exchanger, and a controller for switching the current to the heating / cooling element, The blood circulation promoting device, wherein the control unit is configured to switch the current to the warming / cooling element during heating and suspend the heating without keeping the cold temperature to inhibit the promotion of blood circulation. 2. The temperature according to claim 1, wherein the temperature of the first heat exchanger during heating is 36 to 44 ° C., and the temperature of the first heat exchanger when heating is interrupted is within the range of 21 to 29 ° C. Blood circulation promoting device characterized by being provided. 3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the temperature drop time for interrupting the heating is t1 and the temperature rise time after the temperature drop is t2, the time ratio t2 / t1 of both is 1.5. A blood circulation promoting device characterized in that the blood circulation promoting device is regulated in the range of 20 to 20. 4. The heat capacity according to claim 1 or 3, wherein the heat capacity of the first heat exchanger is Q1, and the heat capacity of the second heat exchanger is Q.
The blood circulation promoting apparatus is characterized in that the heat capacity ratio Q2 / Q1 of both is regulated in the range of 1 to 15 when the number is 2. 5. The temperature adjusting means according to claim 1, wherein the temperature of the first heat exchanger during the heating and the temperature of the first heat exchanger during the interruption of the heating are arbitrarily adjusted. A blood circulation promoting device characterized by being present. 6. The blood circulation accelerating device according to claim 1, further comprising a time adjusting means capable of adjusting the temperature decrease time t1 and the temperature increase time t2 arbitrarily. 7. The temperature pattern storage unit according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of types of temperature rise modes of the first heat exchanger after the heating interruption are stored, and a temperature stored in the temperature pattern storage unit. A blood circulation promoting device comprising: a mode selecting means for selecting an arbitrary mode from the ascending mode. 8. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first heat exchanger, the heating / cooling element, and the second heat exchanger are integrally connected, and the integrated body is movable with respect to the support member at a constant pressure. A blood circulation promoting device characterized by being supported. 9. The structure according to claim 1, wherein the first heat exchanger, the heating / cooling element, and the second heat exchanger are integrally connected, and the integrated body vibrates by the vibration generating section. A blood circulation promoting device characterized by the above. 10. The blood circulation accelerating device according to claim 1, further comprising a 1 / f fluctuation generating unit that gives a fluctuation of 1 / f to at least the heating temperature. 11. The elastic pressing member according to claim 1, wherein the first heat exchanger, the heating / cooling element, and the second heat exchanger are elastically brought into close contact with each other. Blood circulation device. 12. The blood circulation promoting device according to claim 1, wherein the first heat exchanger forms a portion on which a foot is placed.