KR20240079725A - Wearable cooling apparatus and driving method of the same - Google Patents

Abstract

A wearable cooling device according to an embodiment includes a housing including a first opening through which air flows in and a second opening through which air is discharged, a flow path provided inside the housing, and a flow path guiding air from the first opening to the second opening. A plurality of battery modules including a fan that generates an air flow, a thermoelectric element that cools the air flowing in the flow path, a first battery module for supplying power to the fan, and a second battery module for supplying power to the thermoelectric element. In the plurality of battery modules, the first battery module and the second battery module may be electrically independent from each other and supply power.

Description

Wearable cooling device and driving method thereof {WEARABLE COOLING APPARATUS AND DRIVING METHOD OF THE SAME}

The description below relates to a wearable cooling device and a method of driving the same, and more specifically, to a wearable cooling device including a plurality of battery modules and a method of driving the same.

A wearable cooling device is a portable electronic temperature control device that provides cooled air to the user. Wearable cooling devices are used in various industries to cool or dissipate heat.

For example, when a user wears a protective suit, a wearable cooling device can be used to supply cool air inside the protective suit. Protective clothing is clothing worn to prevent the user's body or clothes from being contaminated by external substances. Users work in medical facilities, protective facilities, or various industrial sites when exposed to hazardous substances including bacteria, viruses, radiation, or chemicals. Wear protective clothing to prevent exposure.

It is necessary to continuously maintain positive pressure inside the protective suit to limit the inflow of harmful substances from the outside. When the protective suit is worn, the temperature inside the suit may rise, so it is necessary to properly cool the inside of the suit. There is a need.

The above-mentioned background technology is possessed or acquired by the inventor in the process of deriving the disclosure of the present application, and cannot necessarily be said to be known technology disclosed to the general public before the present application.

Typically, wearable cooling devices are powered by including a portable battery module. However, due to the wearable nature, the capacity of the battery is limited. For example, if the capacity of the battery module is increased, the weight of the wearable cooling device increases, which may make it difficult to wear it for a long period of time.

Therefore, the wearable cooling device may require replacement of the battery module in preparation for long-term wear. However, if the power supply is temporarily stopped during battery replacement, the fan will stop running and the positive pressure inside the suit cannot be maintained. If the positive pressure inside the protective suit is not properly maintained, contaminants may flow inside and the function of the protective suit may deteriorate.

The purpose of the wearable cooling device according to an embodiment of this document is to provide a wearable cooling device that can maintain positive pressure inside the protective suit even during battery replacement, and is also lightweight and advantageous for long-term wear.

A wearable cooling device according to one embodiment includes a housing including a first opening through which air flows in and a second opening through which air is discharged, provided inside the housing, and guiding air from the first opening to the second opening. A flow path, a fan that generates air flow in the flow path, a thermoelectric element that cools the air flowing in the flow path, a first battery module for supplying power to the fan, and a second battery module for supplying power to the thermoelectric element. and a plurality of battery modules, wherein the first battery module and the second battery module may be electrically independent from each other and supply power.

In one embodiment, the thermoelectric element faces the flow path, cools when current is supplied in a positive direction, and is opposed to the first surface and a first surface that absorbs surrounding heat, and heats when current is supplied in a positive direction. It may include a second side that radiates heat to the surroundings.

In one embodiment, the housing may include an auxiliary flow path on which the second surface of the thermoelectric element is disposed and communicating with the outside of the housing.

In one embodiment, a filter provided in the first opening of the housing may be further included.

In one embodiment, the wearable cooling device may further include a display unit that displays a driving state of the wearable cooling device.

In one embodiment, the display unit may independently display the remaining power of each of the first battery module and the second battery module.

In one embodiment, the housing may include a first battery accommodating groove accommodating the first battery module and a second battery accommodating groove accommodating the second battery module.

In one embodiment, the housing may include a partition wall that physically separates the first battery accommodating groove and the second battery accommodating groove from each other.

In one embodiment, the first battery accommodating groove and the second battery accommodating groove may be arranged side by side on the front of the housing.

In one embodiment, the housing may include a first cover that opens and closes the first battery accommodating groove and a second cover that opens and closes the second battery accommodating groove independently of the first cover.

In one embodiment, the protective clothing includes a third opening that is open from the outside to the inside through which air flows and a fastening member surrounding the third opening, and is connected to the fastening member and the second opening of the housing, and the housing It may further include a connection hose that delivers air from the second opening to the third opening of the protective suit.

In one embodiment, the third opening may be located at the head of the protective suit.

In one embodiment, the housing includes a fixing member formed on the outer peripheral surface, and the wearable cooling device may further include a waist belt fastened to the fixing member of the housing to secure the housing.

A method of driving a wearable cooling device according to an embodiment includes the operation of receiving a driving signal, the operation of the first battery module supplying power to a fan to generate air flow in the passage, and cooling the air flowing in the passage, In the operation of replacing the second battery module, including an operation of supplying power to a thermoelectric element by a second battery module that is electrically independent from the first battery module and an operation of replacing the second battery module, The first battery module may continue to supply power to the fan.

In one embodiment, the method may further include displaying the remaining power of each of the first battery module and the second battery module independently of each other.

The wearable cooling device according to an embodiment of the present document can be used to continuously supply air to the inside of the protective suit, and can maintain the inside of the protective suit at positive pressure even during battery replacement.

The wearable cooling device according to an embodiment of this document can be lightweight and compact by minimizing the capacity of the battery module, and can be advantageous when worn for a long period of time.

The effects of the wearable cooling device according to one embodiment are not limited to those mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned may be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description below.

The following drawings attached to this specification illustrate a preferred embodiment of the present invention, and serve to further understand the technical idea of the present invention along with the detailed description of the invention. Therefore, the present invention is limited to the matters described in such drawings. It should not be interpreted in a limited way.
Figure 1 is a diagram schematically showing a user wearing a wearable cooling device according to an embodiment.
Figure 2 is a diagram schematically showing a user wearing a wearable cooling device according to an embodiment.
Figure 3A is a front perspective view of a wearable cooling device according to one embodiment.
Figure 3b is a rear perspective view of a wearable cooling device according to one embodiment.
Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the front of a wearable cooling device according to one embodiment.
Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the rear of a wearable cooling device according to one embodiment.
Figure 6 is a front view of a wearable cooling device according to one embodiment.
Figure 7 is a flowchart of a method of driving a wearable cooling device according to an embodiment.

Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. However, since various changes can be made to the embodiments, the scope of rights is not limited or limited by these embodiments. It should be understood that all changes, equivalents, or substitutes for the embodiments are included in the scope of rights.

The terms used in the examples are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as limiting. Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. In this specification, terms such as “comprise” or “have” are intended to designate the presence of features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification, but are not intended to indicate the presence of one or more other features. It should be understood that this does not exclude in advance the possibility of the existence or addition of elements, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meaning as generally understood by a person of ordinary skill in the technical field to which the embodiments belong. Terms defined in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with the meaning in the context of the related technology, and unless explicitly defined in the present application, should not be interpreted in an ideal or excessively formal sense. No.

In addition, when describing with reference to the accompanying drawings, identical components will be assigned the same reference numerals regardless of the reference numerals, and overlapping descriptions thereof will be omitted. In describing the embodiments, if it is determined that detailed descriptions of related known technologies may unnecessarily obscure the gist of the embodiments, the detailed descriptions are omitted.

Additionally, in describing the components of the embodiment, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), and (b) may be used. These terms are only used to distinguish the component from other components, and the nature, sequence, or order of the component is not limited by the term. When a component is described as being “connected,” “coupled,” or “connected” to another component, that component may be directly connected or connected to that other component, but there is no need for another component between each component. It should be understood that may be “connected,” “combined,” or “connected.”

Components included in one embodiment and components including common functions will be described using the same names in other embodiments. Unless stated to the contrary, the description given in one embodiment may be applied to other embodiments, and detailed description will be omitted to the extent of overlap.

Figure 1 is a diagram schematically showing a user (U) wearing a wearable cooling device 100 according to an embodiment, and Figure 2 is a diagram schematically showing a user (U) wearing a wearable cooling device 100 according to an embodiment. This is a diagram schematically showing U).

Referring to Figures 1 and 2, the wearable cooling device 100 according to one embodiment may be connected to the protective suit 10.

In one embodiment, the wearable cooling device 100 is an electronic device that the user (U) can carry, and can provide cool air (and/or hot air) to the user (U). The wearable cooling device 100 may include a body or a housing 110 corresponding to the main body. Housing 110 may include various parts for cooling air and delivering it to the outside of housing 110 (e.g., connecting hose 70 or protective clothing 10). The specific structure of the housing 110 will be described below in FIG. 3A.

In one embodiment, the protective suit 10 can block all parts of the body except the face or certain areas from the outside. The user (U) may wear protective clothing 10 to protect the body from harmful substances such as bacteria, viruses, chemicals, or radioactive substances.

In one embodiment, the protective suit 10 may be implemented as a full body suit. The protective suit 10 may include a head portion 11, an arm portion 13, a leg portion 15, and a waist portion 17. The head portion 11 may be provided with a facial opening 11a for opening the user U's face to the outside. The arm portion 13 and the leg portion 15 may have open ends so that gloves and shoes of the user U can be worn, respectively. Without being limited thereto, the arm portion 13 and the leg portion 15 may be sealed.

In one embodiment, the protective suit 10 may be formed as a single piece, and since the integrated protective suit 10 does not require a separate connection part (not shown) compared to the separate protective suit 10, the connection part (not shown) can prevent external air or harmful substances from entering.

In one embodiment, the wearable cooling device 100 may be fixed to a body part of the user U, such as the waist, back, or shoulder. The wearable cooling device 100 may further include a waist belt 50. The housing 110 of the wearable cooling device 100 may be fixed to the waist belt 50 . The housing 110 may include a fixing member (eg, the fixing member 111 in FIG. 3B) provided on the outer peripheral surface. The fixing member 111 of the housing 110 is fastened to the waist belt 50, so that the waist belt 50 can fix the housing 110. For example, the waist belt 50 may be located at the waist portion 17 of the protective clothing 10.

In one embodiment, the wearable cooling device 100 is fixed to the waist, so that both hands of the user U can be relatively free while working, and it can be easy for the user U to attach and detach it by themselves. Since the general protective clothing 10 is implemented as a full-face protective clothing 10 and may have restricted or uncomfortable movement while worn, the wearable cooling device 100 according to an embodiment of the present document is used, especially when used for a long period of time. Therefore, the convenience of the user (U) can be improved.

The wearable cooling device 100 according to an embodiment of the present document is worn on the waist portion 17 through the waist belt 50, so that the wearable cooling device 100 can be attached and detached relatively easily. Additionally, when powering on/off, controlling operations, or replacing batteries (e.g., the plurality of battery modules 150 in FIG. 6) through the housing 110, the user (U) unfastens the waist belt 50 or , or even without unfastening it, the position of the wearable cooling device 100 can be easily moved from the back to the front and easily replaced.

In one embodiment, the housing 110 may include a flow path (e.g., flow path 120 in FIG. 4) inside, suck in surrounding air, cool it, and transfer it to the outside. The housing 110 may include a first opening that is an intake port (e.g., the first opening 121 in FIG. 3A) and a second opening that is an exhaust port (e.g., the second opening 122 in FIG. 3A). A flow path 120 through which air flows is provided, so that the air can be cooled in the flow path 120.

In one embodiment, the protective clothing 10 may include a third opening 20 that is an intake port and a fastening member 30. The third opening 20 is open from the inside of the protective clothing 10 to the outside to allow air to flow. Through the third opening 20, the protective clothing 10 can receive air from the outside.

In one embodiment, air cooled in the housing 110 may be provided to the connection hose 70 connected to the second opening 122 of the housing 110. The connection hose 70 has one end 70a connected to the fastening member 30 and communicates with the third opening 20, and the other end 70b communicates with the second opening 122 of the housing 110. You can. The connection hose 70 can deliver air from the second opening 122 of the housing 110 to the third opening 20 of the protective clothing 10.

Although not shown in the drawings, the protective clothing 10 according to one embodiment may include a separate exhaust port (not shown). A separate exhaust port (not shown) may be smaller than the third opening 20, or the air flow may be relatively restricted compared to the third opening 20. Alternatively, the protective clothing 10 may not include a separate exhaust port (not shown), and the protective clothing 10 may be provided through the facial opening 11a of the head portion 11 or the arm portion 13 and leg portion 15. ), or through material characteristics, air can be discharged to the outside.

In one embodiment, when air is introduced, the protective clothing 10 may continuously receive air through the third opening 20. However, the protective suit 10 may be relatively limited in air discharge compared to the air inflow, and the inside of the protective suit 10 may be maintained in a positive pressure state. In the positive pressure state, the inflow of air from the outside to the inside of the protective suit (10) is limited, so the protective suit (10) in the positive pressure state can prevent harmful substances from flowing into the protective suit (10), and the user (U ) can be safely protected.

In one embodiment, the third opening 20 may be disposed in the head portion 11 of the protective suit 10. The temperature of the head 11 is likely to rise due to air discharge through the user's (U) respiratory tract and heat generation from the user's (U) head. If the head 11 is overheated, the user's (U) work Efficiency may decrease.

In one embodiment, the third opening 20 is provided in the head portion 11, so that the head portion 11 of the protective suit 10 can be cooled more efficiently. Alternatively, since cold air is generally denser than hot air and moves from top to bottom, cold air is supplied through the third opening 20 located at the head 11, thereby extending the cold air to the bottom of the protective clothing 10. can spread efficiently.

FIG. 3A is a front perspective view of the wearable cooling device 100 according to an embodiment, and FIG. 3B is a rear perspective view of the wearable cooling device 100 according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIGS. 3A and 3B , the wearable cooling device 100 according to one embodiment may include a plurality of openings 121, 122, 131, and 132.

In one embodiment, the housing 110 may be the main body or the body of the wearable cooling device 100. Housing 110 may accommodate other components of wearable cooling device 100 therein.

In one embodiment, the power button 113 may be provided on the outer surface of the housing 110. The power button 113 can turn the overall power of the wearable cooling device 100 on/off. For example, the user can turn off the power button 113 to block the entire power supply to the wearable cooling device 100.

In one embodiment, the display unit 115 may be provided on the outer peripheral surface of the housing 110, for example, on the upper surface (eg, +Z direction surface) of the housing 110. The display unit 115 may display the driving state of the wearable cooling device 100.

In one embodiment, the display unit 115 includes a first display unit 115a that displays whether the fan (e.g., the fan 145 in FIG. 4 or 5) is running, and a battery module (e.g., a battery module connected to the fan 145). : May include a second display unit 115b that displays the remaining power of the first battery module 151 in FIG. 6. In addition, the display unit 115 includes a third display unit 115c that displays whether the thermoelectric element (e.g., the thermoelectric element 140 of FIG. 4 or 5) is driven and a battery module (e.g., connected to the thermoelectric element 140). : May include a fourth display unit 115d that displays the remaining power of the second battery module 152 in FIG. 6.

In one embodiment, the display unit 115 independently displays the remaining power of the first battery module 151 and the second battery module 152 through the second display unit 115b and the fourth display unit 115d. can do.

In one embodiment, the user checks the remaining power of each of the first battery module 151 and the second battery module 152 on the display unit 115, and the first battery module 151 and the second battery module 152 ), anticipate the timing of replacement, and/or prepare for replacement.

In one embodiment, the first opening 121 may be an inlet through which air flows into the housing 110. The first opening 121 may be formed on the front (eg, -Y direction surface) or side (eg, +/-X direction surface) of the housing 110. Air flowing into the first opening 121 may be delivered to a passage inside the housing 110 (eg, the passage 120 in FIG. 4).

In one embodiment, the second opening 122 may be an outlet through which air is discharged from the inside of the housing 110. The second opening 122 may be formed on the upper surface of the housing 110 (eg, a surface in the +Z direction) or on a surface opposite the first opening 121. The second opening 122 may be connected to a connecting hose (e.g., connecting hose 70 in FIG. 2), and can be connected to a protective clothing (e.g., protective clothing 10 in FIG. 1 or FIG. 2) through the connecting hose 70. Air can be supplied inside.

In one embodiment, the front cover 117 may be provided on the front of the housing 110. The front cover 117 may be detachable from the housing 110. As the front cover 117 is detached, a space for accommodating a plurality of battery modules (e.g., a plurality of battery modules 150 in FIG. 6) (e.g., the first battery accommodating groove 153 and the second battery module 153 in FIG. 6) The battery accommodation groove 154) can be opened and closed.

Although not shown in the drawing, the front cover 117 of the housing 101 may be divided into a first cover (not shown) and a second cover (not shown). The first cover (not shown) can open and close the first battery accommodating groove 153, and the second cover (not shown) can open and close the second battery accommodating groove 154. The first cover (not shown) and the second cover (not shown) can be attached and detached independently of each other.

In one embodiment, the fixing member 111 may be provided on the rear surface (eg, the +Y direction surface) of the housing 110. The fixing member 111 may be fastened to the waist belt 50 or another support body and may fix the housing 110.

In one embodiment, the fourth opening 131 and the fifth opening 132 may be provided on the back or one side of the housing 110. The fourth opening 131 and the fifth opening 132 may be an inlet or outlet through which air enters and exits an auxiliary flow path (e.g., the auxiliary flow path 130 in FIG. 5).

Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the front of the wearable cooling device 100 according to one embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 4 , the wearable cooling device 100 according to an embodiment may include at least a portion of a flow path 120, a thermoelectric element 140, and a fan 145.

In one embodiment, the flow path 120 may be provided inside the housing 110, receives air through a first opening (e.g., the first opening 121 in FIG. 3A), and transfers the delivered air to the second opening. It can be guided by the opening 122. A thermoelectric element 140 and a fan 145 may be disposed inside the flow path 120.

In one embodiment, the fan 145 may generate air flow inside the flow path 120. Depending on the driving strength of the fan 145, the flow rate or velocity of air discharged to the second opening 122 through the flow path 120 may increase. By controlling the driving intensity of the fan 145, the flow rate or flow rate of air delivered into the protective suit 10 can be controlled, and a positive pressure state inside the protective suit 10 can be created and controlled.

In one embodiment, the thermoelectric element 140 uses the Peltier effect to generate heat and heat one side of the thermoelectric element depending on the direction of the current, while the other side absorbs heat and cools to control the surrounding temperature. It has features.

In one embodiment, the thermoelectric element 140 is arranged so that the first side 141 faces the flow path 120 and has a second side opposite to the first side 141 (e.g., the second side of FIG. 5 (e.g., the second side of FIG. 5) 142)) may be arranged to face the auxiliary flow path (e.g., the auxiliary flow path 130 in FIG. 6).

For example, the first surface 141 is cooled when current is supplied in the positive direction and can absorb heat from the surrounding air, and the second surface 142 is heated when current is supplied in the positive direction and heat is absorbed into the surrounding air. can emit. Additionally, if current is supplied in the reverse direction, the first side 141 may be heated and the second side 142 may be cooled.

In one embodiment, when the thermoelectric element 140 is driven, the first surface 141 is cooled, absorbs surrounding heat, and cools air flowing in the flow path 120. Depending on the intensity of the current flowing through the thermoelectric element 140, the temperature of the air discharged to the second opening 122 through the flow path 120 can be controlled. By controlling the intensity of the current flowing through the thermoelectric element 140, the temperature of the air provided inside the protective clothing 10 can be controlled.

Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the rear of the wearable cooling device 100 according to one embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 5 , the wearable cooling device 100 according to an embodiment may further include at least a portion of a filter 127 and an auxiliary flow path 130.

In one embodiment, the filter 127 may be provided in the first opening 121. Alternatively, the filter 127 may be provided between the first opening 121 and the flow path 120. The filter 127 can protect the user from harmful substances entering the user's protective clothing 10.

In one embodiment, the filter 127 may be a high efficiency particulate air filter (HEPA filter) that filters fine-sized foreign substances in the air flowing into the first opening 121. Alternatively, the filter 127 may be a layered filter including at least some of a carbon filter, a fine dust (or ultra-fine dust) filter, and a pre-filter. Alternatively, the filter 127 may be a plate including a plurality of openings, and may filter foreign substances larger than the size of the plurality of openings in the air flowing into the filter 127. The filter 127 can protect the user from harmful substances entering the user's protective clothing 10.

In one embodiment, the auxiliary flow path 130 may be connected to the fourth opening 131 and the fifth opening 132 and communicate with the outside of the housing 110. The second surface 142 of the thermoelectric element 140 may be disposed in the auxiliary flow path 130. The auxiliary flow path 130 may be physically separated from the flow path 120 on which the first surface 141 of the thermoelectric element 140 is disposed.

For example, if heat dissipation of the second surface 142 of the thermoelectric element 140 is not achieved or heat dissipation is insufficient, the driving efficiency of the entire thermoelectric element 140 may decrease. The auxiliary flow path 130 may cool the second surface 142 of the thermoelectric element 140 to prevent the second surface 142 of the thermoelectric element 140 from overheating.

Although not shown in the drawing, the thermoelectric element 140 may include a thermally conductive material to improve heat transfer efficiency on the first surface 141 and/or the second surface 142, for example, a ceramic plate or It may include a plurality of pin members (not shown). In addition, although not shown in the drawing, a separate auxiliary fan (not shown) may be provided in the auxiliary passage 130.

Figure 6 is a front view of the wearable cooling device 100 according to one embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 6 , the wearable cooling device 100 according to one embodiment may include a plurality of battery modules 150.

In one embodiment, the plurality of battery modules 150 may include a first battery module 151 and a second battery module 152. The first battery module 151 may supply power to one of the components of the wearable cooling device 100, for example, the fan 145, and the second battery module 152 may supply power to the wearable cooling device 100. ) of the components, power may be supplied to the first battery module 151 and another one, for example, the thermoelectric element 140.

In one embodiment, the housing 110 may include a first battery accommodating groove 153 accommodating the first battery module 151 and a second battery accommodating groove 154 accommodating the second battery module 152. You can.

In one embodiment, the first battery module 151 and the second battery module 152 may supply power while being electrically independent from each other. The first battery module 151 and the second battery module 152 are not electrically connected to each other through series or parallel connection, but are dualized and can independently supply power to the fan 145 or the thermoelectric element 140. .

For example, the first battery module 151 may include a first terminal 151a, and the second battery module 152 may include a second terminal 152a. The first battery accommodating groove 153 may include a third terminal 153a electrically connected to the first terminal 151a, and the second battery accommodating groove 154 may be electrically connected to the second terminal 152a. It may include a fourth terminal 154a connected to it. The first battery accommodating groove 153 and the second battery accommodating groove 154 may be electrically separated from each other. For example, the third terminal 153a can be connected to the fan 145 to supply power, and the fourth terminal 154a can be connected to the thermoelectric element 140 to supply power. The third terminal 153a and the fourth terminal 154a may be electrically separated from each other.

In one embodiment, when the power supply to the fan 145 and the thermoelectric element 140 is unified, when the battery module 150 is replaced, the power supply to both the fan 145 and the thermoelectric element 140 may be cut off. You can. As a result, the air flow in the flow path 120 is interrupted, and the positive pressure state of the protective clothing 10 may not be maintained. If the positive pressure of the protective clothing 10 is not maintained, there is a risk of harmful substances flowing into the protective clothing 10.

The wearable cooling device 100 according to an embodiment of the present document includes a plurality of dual battery modules 150, and even if the second battery module 152 is separated or discharged, the first battery module 151 Can continuously supply power to the fan 145 and maintain a positive pressure state of the protective clothing 10. Likewise, even if the first battery module 151 is separated or discharged, the second battery module 152 can continuously supply power to the thermoelectric element 140.

For example, if the thermoelectric element 140 consumes higher power than the fan 145, the second battery module 152 may be discharged first. Even if the second battery module 152 is separated for replacement, the first battery module 151 can continue to supply power to the fan 145, and the positive pressure state of the protective clothing 10 can be maintained. Since the fan 145 consumes relatively little power and the replacement cycle of the battery module 150 is long (e.g., 10 hours or more), the wearable cooling device 100 maintains the operation of the fan 145 during working hours. It can be easy. By replacing only the second battery module 152, the user can maintain the positive pressure of the protective clothing 10 and extend the use time of the wearable cooling device 100.

In one embodiment, the partition wall 155 may be provided between the first battery accommodating groove 153 and the second battery accommodating groove 154. The first battery accommodating groove 153 and the second battery accommodating groove 154 are physically separated by the partition wall 155, so that the replacement process of one of the plurality of battery modules 150 does not affect the other one. and any one of the plurality of battery modules 150 can be safely replaced independently.

In one embodiment, the first battery accommodating groove 153 and the second battery accommodating groove 154 may be arranged on the front of the housing 110. The first battery accommodating groove 153 and the second battery accommodating groove 154 located on the front may be easily accessible to the user.

For example, the user may be wearing a waist belt (e.g., the waist belt 50 of FIG. 1 or FIG. 2) and the housing 110 may be worn in protective clothing (e.g., the protective clothing 10 of FIG. 1 or FIG. 2). ), one of the plurality of battery modules 150 can be replaced by moving it from the back to the front at the waist portion (e.g., the waist portion 17 in FIG. 1 or FIG. 2) and removing the front cover 117. there is.

If the first battery accommodating groove 153 and the second battery accommodating groove 154 are located on the rear of the housing 110, the housing 110 or the waist belt 50 is used to replace the plurality of battery modules 150. ) may need to be separated from the user. When the housing 110 or the waist belt 50 is separated while the housing 110 is connected to a connection hose (e.g., the connection hose 70 in FIG. 2), the connection hose 70 may be disconnected. As a result, the positive pressure inside the protective clothing 10 cannot be maintained, and there is a risk of external air flowing in through the third opening 20.

In the wearable cooling device 100 according to an embodiment of this document, a user can easily replace some of the plurality of battery modules 150 while wearing the wearable cooling device 100.

In one embodiment, the wearable cooling device 100 may be required to be lightweight and compact for user convenience. In the wearable cooling device 100 according to an embodiment of this document, the plurality of battery modules 150 can be easily replaced, so the capacity or size of the plurality of battery modules 150 can be reduced, and the wearable cooling device It can help reduce the weight and miniaturization of (100).

Figure 7 is a flowchart of a method (S100) of driving a wearable cooling device according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 7, the driving method (S100) of the wearable cooling device according to one embodiment includes a driving signal transmission operation (S110), a fan driving operation (S120), a thermoelectric element driving operation (S130), and second battery module replacement. It may include at least part of operation S135.

In one embodiment, the driving signal transmission operation S110 transmits the overall driving signal of the wearable cooling device 100 as an electrical signal through the power button 113 or by a communication module (not shown) or a processor (not shown). can be transmitted.

In one embodiment, when a driving signal is transmitted in the driving signal transmission operation (S110), the fan driving operation (S120) causes the first battery module 151 to supply power to the fan 145 to flow air in the flow path 120. can occur. The first battery module remaining amount display operation (S123) may display the remaining amount of the first battery module 151 through the display unit 115.

In one embodiment, the user checks the remaining amount of the first battery module 151, and if the remaining amount is low or the first battery module 151 needs to be replaced, the user performs a replacement operation of the first battery module ( S125) can be prepared. During replacement of the first battery module 151, the fan 145 stops operating, so the user temporarily stops working or wears the protective clothing 10 before the replacement operation of the first battery module (S125). The device may be moved to an environment where maintaining a positive pressure state is unnecessary (e.g., inside a clean room, etc.), and a replacement operation (S125) of the first battery module may be performed.

In one embodiment, when the driving signal is transmitted in the driving signal transmission operation (S110), the thermoelectric element driving operation (S130) is performed by the second battery module 152, which is electrically independent from the first battery module 151, and the thermoelectric element. By supplying power to (140), the air flowing in the flow path (120) can be cooled. The second battery module remaining amount display operation (S133) may display the remaining amount of the second battery module 152 through the display unit 115.

In one embodiment, the user can check the remaining battery capacity of the second battery module 152 and, if there is little remaining battery power, perform a replacement operation (S135) of the second battery module. While the second battery module replacement operation (S135) is in progress, the first battery module 151 may continue to supply power to the fan 145. The first battery module 151 and the second battery module 152 are dualized and can independently supply power to the fan 145 and the thermoelectric element 140, respectively. Even while the second battery module 152 is being replaced, the fan 145 continues to be supplied with power, can generate air flow in the flow path 120, and can maintain a positive pressure state of the protective clothing 10.

In one embodiment, the first battery module remaining amount display operation (S123) and the second battery module remaining amount display operation (S133) may display the remaining power amount independently of each other. The user can check each power remaining amount and proceed with the above-described response (e.g., replacing the first battery module (S125) or replacing the second battery module (S135)) based on this.

Although the embodiments have been described with limited drawings as described above, those skilled in the art can apply various technical modifications and variations based on the above. For example, the described techniques are performed in a different order than the described method, and/or components of the described system, structure, device, circuit, etc. are combined or combined in a different form than the described method, or other components are used. Alternatively, appropriate results may be achieved even if substituted or substituted by an equivalent.

Therefore, other implementations, other embodiments and equivalents of the claims also fall within the scope of the following claims.

Claims (15)

In the wearable cooling device,
A housing including a first opening through which air flows in and a second opening through which air flows out;
a flow path provided inside the housing and guiding air from the first opening to the second opening;
a fan generating air flow in the flow path;
a thermoelectric element that cools the air flowing in the flow path; and
A plurality of battery modules including a first battery module for supplying power to the fan and a second battery module for supplying power to the thermoelectric element,
The plurality of battery modules are,
A wearable cooling device in which the first battery module and the second battery module supply power while being electrically independent from each other. According to paragraph 1,
The thermoelectric element is,
A first surface facing the flow path, which is cooled when current is supplied in the positive direction and absorbs surrounding heat, and
A wearable cooling device comprising a second surface that is opposite to the first surface and is heated when current is supplied in the positive direction and radiates heat to the surroundings. According to paragraph 2,
The housing is,
A wearable cooling device on which a second surface of the thermoelectric element is disposed and which includes an auxiliary flow path communicating with the outside of the housing. According to paragraph 1,
A wearable cooling device further comprising a filter provided in the first opening of the housing. According to paragraph 1,
A wearable cooling device further comprising a display unit that displays a driving state of the wearable cooling device. According to clause 5,
The display unit is,
A wearable cooling device that independently displays the remaining power of each of the first battery module and the second battery module. According to paragraph 1,
The housing is,
A wearable cooling device comprising a first battery accommodating groove for accommodating the first battery module and a second battery accommodating groove for accommodating the second battery module. In clause 7,
The housing is,
The wearable cooling device includes a partition wall that physically separates the first battery accommodating groove and the second battery accommodating groove from each other. In clause 7,
The first battery accommodating groove and the second battery accommodating groove are,
A wearable cooling device disposed side by side on the front of the housing. In clause 7,
The housing is,
A first cover that opens and closes the first battery receiving groove, and
A wearable cooling device comprising a second cover that opens and closes the second battery accommodation groove independently of the first cover. According to paragraph 1,
A protective suit including a third opening that is open from the outside to the inside through which air flows, and a fastening member surrounding the third opening; and
The wearable cooling device further includes a connection hose connected to the fastening member and the second opening of the housing and delivering air from the second opening of the housing to the third opening of the protective suit. According to clause 11,
The third opening is,
A wearable cooling device disposed on the head of the protective suit. According to paragraph 1,
The housing includes a fixing member formed on the outer peripheral surface,
The wearable cooling device further includes a waist belt fastened to a fixing member of the housing to secure the housing. In a method of operating a wearable cooling device,
An operation to receive a driving signal;
An operation of the first battery module supplying power to a fan to generate air flow in the flow path;
An operation of supplying power to a thermoelectric element by a second battery module, which is electrically independent from the first battery module, to cool the air flowing in the flow path; and
Including the operation of replacing the second battery module,
In the operation of replacing the second battery module, the first battery module continues to supply power to the fan. According to clause 14,
A method of driving a wearable cooling device, further comprising displaying the remaining power of each of the first battery module and the second battery module independently of each other.

Images