KR20210145526A - body temperature control apparatus using thermoelectric module - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a body temperature control apparatus using a thermoelectric module, and more particularly, to a body temperature control apparatus which can be miniaturized and precisely controlled by heating or cooling water using a thermoelectric module based on the measured values of body and water temperatures. The present invention provides an apparatus which comprises: a cover part capable of covering a certain part of the body; a tube installed in the cover part through which a heat transfer medium flows; a first circulation pipe connected to an outlet of the tube; a cold/hot unit connected to the first circulation pipe so as to cool or heat the heat transfer medium introduced through the first circulation pipe by a thermoelectric module; a second circulation pipe for connecting the inlet of the tube and the cold/hot unit; a circulation pump installed in the first circulation pipe or the second circulation pipe so as to transport the heat exchange medium; a body temperature sensor installed on the cover part to detect a body temperature; a water temperature sensor for detecting a temperature of the heat transfer medium cooled or heated by the cold/hot unit; and a control unit for controlling an operation of the cool/heat unit and the circulation pump based on the temperature value detected by the body temperature sensor and the water temperature sensor.

Description

Body temperature control apparatus using thermoelectric module

The present invention relates to a body temperature control device using a thermoelectric element, and more particularly, to a body temperature control device capable of miniaturization and precise temperature control by heating or cooling water using a thermoelectric device based on a body temperature measurement value and a water temperature measurement value. will be.

Humans have the ability to maintain homeostasis of a constant body temperature, and the body temperature of a healthy person is usually maintained between 36.5°C and 37.1°C.

When the body is exposed to cold or excessive bleeding occurs, the body temperature may fall below the normal range, and when the body is exposed to heat or a disease such as the flu, the body temperature may rise above the normal range.

When the body temperature is lower than the normal range, the metabolism is not smooth and the body functions are limited, the blood pressure drops rapidly, and in severe cases, it can lead to death. And when the body temperature is higher than the normal range, symptoms of nausea and continuous sweating appear, as well as thirst, dizziness, loss of pulse, and difficulty moving the body. can

Therefore, if the body temperature is outside the normal range, it is necessary to control it so that the condition does not persist. As a conventional technique for such body temperature control, Korean Patent Laid-Open No. 10-2005-0009498 discloses a cooling and heating device.

The above-described prior art has a structure that senses the temperature of the water circulating in the heating and cooling parts according to the user's temperature setting and adjusts the temperature of the water circulating in the pack. There is a problem.

In addition, since the device for heating or cooling water is composed of a heating unit and a heat exchanger, the configuration is complicated, the volume is large, and the temperature control is difficult.

Korean Patent Laid-Open Patent No. 10-2005-0009498: Cooling and warming device

The present invention was created to improve the above problems, and the object of the present invention is to provide a body temperature control device capable of miniaturization and sophisticated temperature control by heating or cooling water by a thermoelectric element based on a body temperature measurement value and a water temperature measurement value. have.

In order to achieve the above object, there is provided a body temperature control device using a thermoelectric element of the present invention, comprising: a cover part capable of covering a certain part of the body; a tube installed in the cover part through which a heat transfer medium flows; a first circulation pipe connected to the outlet of the tube; a cooling/heating means connected to the first circulation pipe to cool or heat the heat transfer medium introduced through the first circulation pipe by a thermoelectric element; a second circulation pipe connecting the inlet of the tube and the cold/hot means to introduce the heat transfer medium cooled or heated by the cold/hot means into the tube; a circulation pump installed in the first circulation pipe or the second circulation pipe to transport a heat exchange medium; a body temperature sensor installed on the cover to sense body temperature; a water temperature sensor for sensing the temperature of the heat transfer medium cooled or heated by the cold/hot means; and a control unit for controlling the operation of the cooling and heating means and the circulation pump based on the temperature value sensed by the body temperature sensor and the water temperature sensor.

A communication unit for transmitting a signal between the terminal and the control unit is further provided, and the cover unit is a pad attachable to the body or wearable on the body.

The cover portion includes an endothelium with one surface facing the body, a thermal diffusion sheet attached to the other surface of the endothelium to contact the tube with the endothelium to diffuse the heat received through the tube, an outer skin surrounding the thermal diffusion sheet, and the thermal diffusion A plurality of heat storage balls accommodated between the sheet and the outer skin, a heat reflective sheet attached to one surface of the outer skin to block heat passing through the outer skin, and attached to one surface of the endothelium so as to be in contact with the body It has a deformable cell that can be deformed to correspond to the curved shape of the body.

As described above, the present invention enables miniaturization and precise temperature control by heating or cooling water using a thermoelectric element based on the measured value and the measured water temperature.

In addition, the present invention can be linked with a terminal such as a smart phone, so that various information can be checked through the smart phone, and the operation of the device is possible, thereby greatly increasing user convenience.

1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a thermoregulatory device according to an embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 2 is a block diagram of the body temperature control device of Figure 1;
3 is a cross-sectional view taken from the main part applied to the body temperature control device of FIG. 1;
4 is a cross-sectional view taken from a main part applied to a body temperature control device according to another example of the present invention;
5 is a cross-sectional view of the strain cell applied to FIG.

Hereinafter, a body temperature control device using a thermoelectric element according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail.

1 to 3 , the body temperature control device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a cover portion 10 that can cover a certain part of the body, and is installed on the cover portion 10 to form a flow path through which a heat transfer medium flows. The tube 20, the first circulation tube 31 connected to the outlet of the tube 20, and the heat transfer medium connected to the first circulation tube 31 and introduced through the first circulation tube 31 are transferred to a thermoelectric element. The cold/hot means 40 for cooling or heating by 45, and the inlet of the tube 20 and the cold/hot means ( 40), a second circulation pipe (33), a circulation pump (35) installed in the first circulation pipe (31) or the second circulation pipe (33) for transferring a heat exchange medium, and a cover part (10) A body temperature sensor (3) installed in the A control unit 50 for controlling the operation of the cooling/heating means 40 and the circulation pump 35 based on the temperature value sensed through is provided.

The cover part 10 is configured to cover a certain part of the body. For example, the cover unit 10 may cover body parts such as shoulders, legs, chest, back, and stomach.

The cover part 10 may be made of a synthetic fiber material. The cover part 10 may be formed in various shapes and sizes. For example, the cover unit 10 may be formed in the form of a pad that can be attached to the body. In this case, Velcro tape is formed on the pad so that it can be fixed while attached to the body.

In addition, the cover part 10 may be made of a wearable member that can be worn on the body. Such a cover part may be made in the form of a garment. In the illustrated example, a wearable member in the form of a vest is shown.

The tube 20 is installed inside the cover part 10 . The tube 20 may be formed of a flexible synthetic resin material. The tube 20 may be disposed on the cover part 10 in a zigzag shape. When the cover part 10 is made of an endothelium and an outer skin, the tube 20 is installed between the endothelium and the outer skin.

A heat transfer medium flows through the tube 20 . The heat transfer medium is introduced into the tube 20 through an inlet formed at one end of the tube 20 . And the heat transfer medium is discharged to the outside of the tube 20 through the outlet formed at the other end of the tube (20). A first connector 21 connected to the first circulation pipe 31 is installed at the outlet of the tube 20 , and a second connector 23 connected to the second circulation pipe 33 at the inlet of the tube 20 . is installed

The heat transfer medium plays a role in regulating body temperature by either dissipating heat to the environment or taking heat away from the environment. Water may be used as a heat transfer medium.

The first circulation pipe 31 connects the tube 20 and the cold/hot means 40 . One end of the first circulation pipe 31 is connected to the first connector 21 , and the other end of the first circulation pipe 31 is connected to the inlet of the chamber 41 of the cold/hot means 40 . The heat transfer medium flowing along the tube 20 is introduced into the chamber 41 through the first circulation pipe 31 .

The cold/hot means 40 serves to cool or heat the heat transfer medium introduced through the first circulation pipe 41 .

The cold/hot means 40 includes a chamber 41 and a thermoelectric element 45 installed in the chamber 41 to heat or cool a heat transfer medium passing through the chamber 41 .

The chamber 41 is formed with an inlet on one side and an outlet on the other side. The first circulation pipe 31 is connected to the inlet of the chamber 41 , and the second circulation pipe 33 is connected to the outlet of the chamber 41 .

The thermoelectric element 45 is an element that is cooled on one side and heated on the other side when electricity is supplied, and is also called a Peltier element. A plurality of thermoelectric elements 45 are disposed on both sides of the chamber 41 . One surface of the thermoelectric element 45 faces the inside of the chamber 41 , and the other surface of the thermoelectric element 45 faces the outside of the chamber 41 . The thermoelectric element 45 has a cooling surface and a heating surface in accordance with the flow of electricity.

A heat exchange fin 47 is installed on one surface of the thermoelectric element 45 facing the inside of the chamber 41 . The heat exchange fin 47 is in contact with the water introduced into the chamber 41 to increase heat exchange efficiency with the thermoelectric element 45 .

The operation of the thermoelectric element 45 is controlled by the control unit 50 . The control unit 45 cools or heats the heat transfer medium by changing the flow of electricity applied to the thermoelectric element 45 .

The second circulation pipe 33 connects the outlet of the chamber 41 and the second connector 23 . The heat transfer medium cooled or heated by the thermoelectric element 45 is introduced into the tube 20 through the second circulation pipe 33 .

The circulation pump 35 is installed in the second connection pipe 33 . It goes without saying that the circulation pump 35 may be installed in the first connection pipe 31 unlike the one shown. When the circulation pump 35 operates, the heat transfer medium is transferred along the path of the tube 20 → the first circulation pipe 31 → the chamber 40 → the second circulation pipe 33 → the tube 20 . The operation of the circulation pump 35 is controlled by the control unit 50 .

A valve 37 for controlling the flow of the heat exchange medium may be installed in the second circulation pipe 33 . As the valve 37, a conventional solenoid valve may be used. The opening and closing of the valve 37 is controlled by the control unit 50 .

The body temperature sensor 3 is installed on the cover part 10 . The user's body temperature can be detected in real time through the body temperature sensor 3 . As the body temperature sensor 3, a contact type or a non-contact type sensor may be used. The body temperature value measured in real time by the body temperature sensor 3 is input to the control unit 50 .

The water temperature sensor 5 senses the temperature of the heat transfer medium cooled or heated by the cold/hot means 40 . The water temperature sensor 5 may be installed in the second circulation pipe 33 adjacent to the chamber 41 to measure the temperature of the heat transfer medium flowing out from the chamber 41 in real time. The water temperature sensor may be installed inside the chamber.

The control unit 50 controls the operation of the thermoelectric element 45 , the circulation pump 35 , the valve 37 , etc. based on the temperature value sensed by the body temperature sensor 5 and the water temperature sensor 3 .

The control unit 50 includes an MCU 51 , a display 53 , and an operation unit 55 .

The MCU 51 includes a microprocessor and various driving circuits. The MCU 51 controls the operation of various configurations to keep the user's body temperature constant based on the temperature values measured by the body temperature sensor 3 and the water temperature sensor 5 . If the user's current body temperature is less than the set value, the thermoelectric element 45 is controlled to emit heat, and accordingly, the water passing through the chamber 41 is heated to raise the patient's body temperature. And when the user's current body temperature exceeds a set value, the thermoelectric element 45 is controlled to absorb heat, and accordingly, the water passing through the chamber 41 is cooled to lower the patient's body temperature.

The display 53 displays the value input by the user, or outputs the body temperature, the temperature of the heat transfer medium, the operating time, and the like.

The manipulation unit 55 may include a plurality of buttons or a touch screen so that a user can directly manipulate power on/off, temperature, time, and the like.

The present invention may further include a communication unit 61 for communication between the terminal 61 and the control unit 50 .

The communication unit 61 transmits a signal between the terminal 65 and the control unit 50 through a wired/wireless communication network. Accordingly, various usage information such as whether the device is used or not and usage time can be transmitted to the terminal 65 .

The terminal 65 includes a smart phone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a desktop, a tablet PC, a notebook, and the like that can be applied to various wired and wireless environments.

Various information can be transmitted to the terminal through the communication unit 61 , and a signal for operating the device by the user can be transmitted to the control unit 50 through the communication unit 61 .

Of course, the present invention may further include a power supply unit 67 for providing power. A battery capable of being charged and discharged may be used as the power supply unit 67 for providing power. In addition, as the power supply unit 67, commercial power may be used together with the battery.

The above-described body temperature control device of the present invention enables miniaturization and precise temperature control by heating or cooling water using a thermoelectric element based on a body temperature measurement value and a water temperature measurement value. In addition, the present invention can be linked with a terminal such as a smart phone, so that various information can be checked through the smart phone, and the operation of the device is possible, thereby greatly increasing user convenience.

Meanwhile, FIG. 4 shows a cross-section of a cover part applied to a body temperature control device according to another example of the present invention.

4, the cover part is attached to the endothelium 71, one side of which faces the body, and the other surface of the endothelium 71 to bring the tube 20 into contact with the endothelium 71, and heat transmitted through the tube 20. A thermal diffusion sheet 73 for diffusing, a shell 75 surrounding the thermal diffusion sheet 73, a plurality of heat storage balls 80 accommodated between the thermal diffusion sheet 73 and the shell 75, and the shell 75 It is attached to one surface of the heat reflective sheet 77 to block the heat passing through the outer skin 75, and is attached to one surface of the endothelium 71 so as to be in contact with the body so that it deforms to correspond to the curved shape of the body. It is provided with a possible deformation cell (90).

The endothelium 71 is a portion facing the body, and may be formed of a thin and soft nonwoven material.

The thermal diffusion sheet 73 is attached to the other surface of the endothelium 71 . The other surface of the endothelium 71 refers to the surface facing the outer skin 75 . The tube 20 is positioned between the endothelium 71 and the thermal diffusion sheet 73 . The tube 20 may be fixed to the other surface of the endothelium 71 by the thermal diffusion sheet 73 .

The thermal diffusion sheet 73 receives heat from the tube 20 and serves to spread the heat widely. Therefore, heat is concentrated only in the tube 20 portion to prevent it from becoming hot or cold, and since heat is diffused around it, heat can be quickly and uniformly released or absorbed. As the thermal diffusion sheet 73 , a graphite sheet formed by adding graphite to a synthetic resin and forming it into a thin sheet shape may be used.

The outer skin 75 is an outermost portion of the cover, and may be formed of a woven or non-woven fabric.

A heat reflective sheet 77 is attached to one surface of the outer shell 75 . One surface of the outer shell 75 means the surface facing the endothelium (71). The heat reflective sheet 77 reflects the heat generated in the tube 20 to prevent the heat from passing through the outer shell 75 to block the movement of heat. As the heat reflecting sheet 77, a thin plate made of a high-gloss metal material having high reflectivity may be used, or a heat reflecting material coated on the surface of a synthetic resin film may be used. Various materials known as heat-reflecting materials can be used.

The heat storage ball 80 is accommodated between the heat diffusion sheet 73 and the heat reflection sheet 77 . The heat storage ball 80 has a structure in which a phase change material is filled inside a spherical pack.

A phase change material (PCM) refers to a material that absorbs or emits energy without a change in temperature during a phase change into a solid or liquid. A phase change material absorbs or releases latent heat in an isothermal state during a phase change between a solid state and a liquid state. Since the phase change material that stores thermal energy by such a phase change absorbs or releases latent heat, it can store a larger amount of thermal energy than a general thermal storage material. The phase change material absorbs and stores heat when it rises above the phase change temperature, that is, the melting point, and releases the stored heat when it goes below the melting point to maintain a constant temperature.

In the present invention, a material having a phase change temperature at 30 to 40° C. may be used as the phase change material. For example, in the case of using a phase change material having a phase change temperature at 35° C., when the ambient temperature reaches 35° C., the phase change material absorbs heat as the phase change proceeds from a solid state to a liquid state. And when the ambient temperature is less than 35 ℃, the phase change material emits heat as the phase change proceeds from the liquid state to the solid state. As such, the heat storage ball 80 filled with the phase change material absorbs and stores heat while changing the phase, so that the thermal insulation and cooling effect can be increased.

A plurality of deformable cells 90 are attached to one surface of the endothelium 71 . When the body is wrapped with the cover part, the deformable cell 90 is a part in direct contact with the body. The deformable cell 90 can be deformed to correspond to the curved shape of the body while in contact with the body, thereby increasing adhesion to the body.

The deformation cell 90 includes an elastic pouch 91 through which a fluid can enter and exit, and a fixing plate 95 coupled to one side of the elastic pouch 91 to promote deformation in the other direction of the elastic pouch 91. be prepared

The elastic pouch 91 is made of an elastic material, such as rubber, so that it expands when a fluid is injected into it and contracts when the fluid is discharged.

The fixing plate 95 is attached to one side of the elastic pouch 91 . The fixing plate 95 is fixed to the endothelium 71 . The fixing plate 95 is made of a thin plate shape. The fixing plate 95 covers about half of the outer surface of the elastic pouch 91 . The fixing plate 95 is made of a non-stretchable material.

When the fluid is injected into the elastic pouch 91, the elastic pouch 91 does not expand in the endothelial 71 direction, but expands in the body direction. One side of the expanded elastic pouch 91 is deformed to correspond to the curved shape of the body. Therefore, the inner side of the cover portion increases the adhesion to the body.

Although not shown, a fluid supply means may be further provided to inject and discharge the fluid into the elastic pouch 91 .

The fluid supply means may include, for example, a hose connected to the elastic pouch 91 and an air pump for supplying compressed air through the hose.

In addition, as another example of the fluid supply means, a water tank in which a predetermined amount of water is stored, a hose connecting the water tank and the elastic pouch, and a pump installed in the hose may be provided. At this time, the hose may pass through the chamber of the cold/hot means. The hose has the advantage of being able to control the temperature of the water injected into the elastic pouch by passing through the chamber of the hot and cold means.

As mentioned above, although the present invention has been described with reference to one embodiment, it will be understood that this is merely an example, and that those skilled in the art may make various modifications and equivalent embodiments therefrom. Accordingly, the true protection scope of the present invention should be defined only by the appended claims.

10: cover part 20: tube
31: first circulation tube 33: second circulation tube
40: cold and hot means 45: Peltier element
50: control unit

Claims (3)

a cover part capable of covering a certain part of the body;
a tube installed in the cover part through which a heat transfer medium flows;
a first circulation pipe connected to the outlet of the tube;
a cooling/heating means connected to the first circulation pipe to cool or heat the heat transfer medium introduced through the first circulation pipe by a thermoelectric element;
a second circulation pipe connecting the inlet of the tube and the cold/hot means to introduce the heat transfer medium cooled or heated by the cold/hot means into the tube;
a circulation pump installed in the first circulation pipe or the second circulation pipe to transport a heat exchange medium;
a body temperature sensor installed on the cover to sense body temperature;
a water temperature sensor for sensing the temperature of the heat transfer medium cooled or heated by the cold/hot means;
and a control unit for controlling the operation of the cooling and heating means and the circulation pump based on the temperature value sensed by the body temperature sensor and the water temperature sensor. The method of claim 1, further comprising: a communication unit for transmitting a signal between the terminal and the control unit;
The body temperature control device using a thermoelectric element, characterized in that the cover part is a pad that can be attached to the body or a wearable member that can be worn on the body. According to claim 1, wherein the cover portion endothelium one side facing the body, a heat diffusion sheet attached to the other surface of the endothelium to bring the tube into contact with the endothelium and to diffuse the heat transferred through the tube; A surrounding shell, a plurality of heat storage balls accommodated between the thermal diffusion sheet and the shell, a heat reflective sheet attached to one surface of the shell to block heat passing through the shell, and the body so as to be in contact with the body A body temperature control device using a thermoelectric element, characterized in that it has a deformable cell attached to one surface of the endothelium and deformable to correspond to the curved shape of the body.

Images