U.S. patent application number 10/183540 was filed with the patent office on 2003-03-13 for cooling mat.
Invention is credited to Ichigaya, Hiroshi.
Application Number | 20030047301 10/183540 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 25256954 |
Filed Date | 2003-03-13 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030047301 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Ichigaya, Hiroshi |
March 13, 2003 |
Cooling mat
Abstract
Each of the cooling bedclothes, cooling seat cushion, cooling
mat, cooling chair, cooling clothing and cooling shoes, to which
the present invention is applied, has such a commonized structural
feature to form the cooling flow passages in a substantially
parallel and planar manner in the portion of such an article
adjacent to the body, and utilizes such a commonized cooling effect
to cause the ambient air at a temperature lower than the body
temperature to flow through the cooling flow passages substantially
parallelly to the body surface to thereby cool the body. Namely,
the present invention forms, at a location extremely adjacent to
the body surface of a person, an air layer having a temperature
equal to that in the room without lowering the temperature of the
whole room, thereby forcibly increasing the temperature gradient
near the body surface to thereby increase the extent of heat
release from the body, resulting in feeling of coolness. To form
the air layer having the temperature equal to that in the room
adjacently to the body surface, it is advisable to form a flow
passage of air adjacently to the body surface, and to cause the air
in the room to flow through the flow passage parallelly to the body
surface. To form the flow passage, each of the embodiments of the
present invention adopts a spacer having a suitable
configuration.
Inventors: |
Ichigaya, Hiroshi;
(Urawa-shi, JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
RABIN & CHAMPAGNE, PC
1101 14TH STREET, NW
SUITE 500
WASHINGTON
DC
20005
US
|
Family ID: |
25256954 |
Appl. No.: |
10/183540 |
Filed: |
June 28, 2002 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
10183540 |
Jun 28, 2002 |
|
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09830411 |
Apr 27, 2001 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
165/46 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A43B 7/081 20130101;
A61F 2007/0234 20130101; A47G 9/0215 20130101; A47C 7/744 20130101;
A61F 2007/0001 20130101; A47C 21/044 20130101; A61F 2007/0078
20130101; A61F 2007/0064 20130101; A61F 7/0053 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
165/46 |
International
Class: |
F28F 007/00 |
Claims
1. A cooling underlying futon comprising: cooling flow passages
formed in a substantially parallel and planar manner adjacent to
that portion of the futon on an elastic member, which contacts a
body of a person; an inlet for drawing air into said cooling flow
passages; an outlet for discharging the air from said cooling flow
passages; at least one electromotive fan provided at at least one
of said inlet and outlet; and a flow connecting passage provided
between said electromotive fan and said cooling flow passages;
whereby the ambient air at a temperature lower than the body
temperature is caused by said electromotive fan to flow through
said cooling flow passages substantially parallelly to the body
surface so as to increase the temperature gradient between the body
and said cooling flow passages in order to release the heat emitted
from the body to thereby cool the body; and wherein said cooling
flow passages are formed from a spacer and a sheet-like material,
said sheet-like material being arranged between said spacer and the
body and having a thickness of 5 mm or less; and said spacer is
formed from a common member and a plurality of physically
contiguous subspacers formed on said common member integrally with
the same, said subspacers being configured such that said cooling
flow passages have a thickness of 3 mm or more.
2. A cooling seat cushion usable on a seat portion, said cooling
seat cushion comprising: cooling flow passages formed in a
substantially parallel and planar manner adjacent to that portion
of said cooling seat cushion, which contacts a body of a person; an
inlet for drawing air into said cooling flow passages; an outlet
for discharging the air from said cooling flow passages; at least
one electromotive fan provided at at least one of said inlet and
outlet; a battery for energizing said electromotive fan; and a flow
connecting passage provided between said electromotive fan and said
cooling flow passages; whereby the ambient air at a temperature
lower than the body temperature is caused by said electromotive fan
to flow through said cooling flow passages substantially parallelly
to the body surface so as to increase the temperature gradient
between the body and said cooling flow passages in order to release
the heat emitted from the body to thereby cool the body; and
wherein said cooling flow passages are formed from a spacer and a
sheet-like material, said sheet-like material being arranged
between said spacer and the body and having a thickness of 5 mm or
less; and said spacer is formed from a common member and a
plurality of physically contiguous subspacers formed on said common
member integrally with the same, said subspacers being configured
such that said cooling flow passages have a thickness of 2 mm or
more.
3. A cooling mat comprising: cooling flow passages formed in a
substantially parallel and planar manner adjacent to that portion
of said cooling mat, which contacts a body of a person; an inlet
for drawing air into said cooling flow passages; an outlet for
discharging the air from said cooling flow passages; at least one
electromotive fan provided at at least one of said inlet and
outlet; and a flow connecting passage provided between said
electromotive fan and said cooling flow passages; whereby the
ambient air at a temperature lower than the body temperature is
caused by said electromotive fan to flow through said cooling flow
passages substantially parallelly to the body surface so as to
increase the temperature gradient between the body and said cooling
flow passages in order to release the heat emitted from the body to
thereby cool the body; and wherein said cooling flow passages are
formed from a spacer and a sheet-like material, said sheet-like
material being arranged between said spacer and the body and having
a thickness of 5 mm or less; and said spacer is formed from a
common member and a plurality of physically contiguous subspacers
formed on said common member integrally with the same, said
subspacers being configured such that said cooling flow passages
have a thickness of 2 mm or more.
4. A cooling chair comprising: cooling flow passages formed in a
substantially parallel and planar manner adjacent to that portion
of a seat portion of said cooling chair, which contacts a body of a
person; an inlet for drawing air into said cooling flow passages;
an outlet for discharging the air from said cooling flow passages;
at least one electromotive fan provided at at least one of said
inlet and outlet; and a flow connecting passage provided between
said electromotive fan and said cooling flow passages; whereby the
ambient air at a temperature lower than the body temperature is
caused by said electromotive fan to flow through said cooling flow
passages substantially parallelly to the body surface so as to
increase the temperature gradient between the body and said cooling
flow passages in order to release the heat emitted from the body to
thereby cool the body; and wherein said cooling flow passages are
formed from a spacer and a sheet-like material, said sheet-like
material being arranged between said spacer and the body and having
a thickness of 5 mm or less; and said spacer is formed from a
common member and a plurality of physically contiguous subspacers
formed on said common member integrally with the same, said
subspacers being configured such that said cooling flow passages
have a thickness of 2 mm or more.
5. A piece of cooling clothing comprising: a plurality of mutually
independent cooling flow passages formed in a substantially
parallel and planar manner adjacent to that portion of said cooling
clothing, which contacts a body of a person; an elastic material
for connecting said plurality of cooling flow passage; an inlet for
drawing air into said cooling flow passages; an outlet for
discharging the air from said cooling flow passages; at least one
electromotive fan provided at at least one of said inlet and
outlet; and a battery for energizing said electromotive fan;
whereby the ambient air at a temperature lower than the body
temperature is caused by said electromotive fan to flow through
said cooling flow passages substantially parallelly to the body
surface so as to increase the temperature gradient between the body
and said cooling flow passages in order to release the heat emitted
from the body to thereby cool the body; and wherein said cooling
flow passages are formed from a spacer and a sheet-like material,
said sheet-like material being arranged between said spacer and the
body and having a thickness of 5 mm or less; and said spacer is
formed from a common member and a plurality of physically
contiguous subspacers formed on said common member integrally with
the same, said subspacers being configured such that said cooling
flow passages have a thickness of 2 mm or more.
6. A cooling shoe comprising: cooling flow passages formed in a
substantially parallel and planar manner adjacent to that portion
of said cooling shoe, which contacts a foot sole of a person; an
inlet for drawing air into said cooling flow passages; an outlet
for discharging the air from said cooling flow passages; an
electromotive fan provided at one of said inlet and outlet; a
battery for energizing said electromotive fan; and a flow
connecting passage provided between said electromotive fan and said
cooling flow passages; whereby the ambient air at a temperature
lower than the body temperature is caused by said electromotive fan
to flow through said cooling flow passages substantially parallelly
to the foot sole so as to increase the temperature gradient between
the foot sole and said cooling flow passages in order to release
the heat emitted from the foot sole to thereby cool the foot sole;
and wherein said cooling flow passages are formed from a spacer and
a sheet-like material, said sheet-like material being arranged
between said spacer and the body and having a thickness of 5 mm or
less; and said spacer is formed from a common member and a
plurality of physically contiguous subspacers formed on said common
member integrally with the same, said subspacers being configured
such that said cooling flow passages have a thickness of 2 mm or
more.
7. A cooling covering futon comprising: cooling flow passages
formed in a substantially parallel and planar manner adjacent to
that portion of said cooling covering futon, which contacts a body
of a person; an inlet for drawing air into said cooling flow
passages; an outlet for discharging the air from said cooling flow
passages; at least one electromotive fan provided at at least one
of said inlet and outlet; and a flow connecting passage provided
between said electromotive fan and said cooling flow passages;
whereby the ambient air at a temperature lower than the body
temperature is caused by said electromotive fan to flow through
said cooling flow passages substantially parallelly to the body
surface so as to increase the temperature gradient between the body
and said cooling flow passages in order to release the heat emitted
from the body to thereby cool the body; and wherein said cooling
flow passages are formed from a spacer and a sheet-like material,
said sheet-like material being arranged between said spacer and the
body and having a thickness of 10 mm or less; and said spacer is
formed from a common member and a plurality of physically
contiguous subspacers formed on said common member integrally with
the same, said subspacers being configured such that said cooling
flow passages have a thickness of 3 mm or more.
8. A cooling pillow comprising: cooling flow passages formed in a
substantially parallel and planar manner adjacent to that portion
of said cooling pillow, which contacts a head of a person; a
cushioning member for carrying said cooling flow passage thereon;
an inlet for drawing air into said cooling flow passages; an outlet
for discharging the air from said cooling flow passages; at least
one electromotive fan provided at at least one of said inlet and
outlet; soundproof means provided for said electromotive fan; and a
flow connecting passage provided between said electromotive fan and
said cooling flow passages; whereby the ambient air at a
temperature lower than the body temperature is caused by said
electromotive fan to flow through said cooling flow passages
substantially parallelly to the head surface so as to increase the
temperature gradient between the head and said cooling flow
passages in order to release the heat emitted from the head to
thereby cool the head; and wherein said cooling flow passages are
formed from a spacer and a sheet-like material, said sheet-like
material being arranged between said spacer and the body and having
a thickness of 5 mm or less; and said spacer is formed from a
common member and a plurality of physically contiguous subspacers
formed on said common member integrally with the same, said
subspacers being configured such that said cooling flow passages
have a thickness of 2 mm or more.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to cooling bedclothes, cooling
seat cushion, cooling mat, cooling chair, cooling clothing and
cooling shoes, for causing ambient air to flow parallelly to the
vicinity of the body surface to thereby cool the same.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] As bedclothes for cooling a body such as at a sleepless
summer night, devices for directly cooling the body have been
proposed such as by causing cooled air to flow into a futon and/or
pillow. It has been also proposed to directly blow the thus cooled
air onto the body such as from small holes provided on a futon
and/or pillow.
[0003] However, obtaining cooled air requires a separate device
therefor, thereby increasing cost. Further, the method to directly
blow the cooled air onto the body has a higher cooling effect, but
may increase the risk of damage to health.
DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION
[0004] The present invention has been carried out in view of such a
technical background, and it is therefore an object of the present
invention to provide cooling bedclothes, cooling seat cushion,
cooling mat, cooling chair, cooling clothing and cooling shoes,
which provide a sufficient cooling effect with a simple structure
and without health damage.
[0005] To achieve the above object, the first invention resides in
a cooling underlying futon comprising: cooling flow passages formed
in a substantially parallel and planar manner adjacent to that
portion of the futon on an elastic member, which contacts a body of
a person; an inlet for drawing air into the cooling flow passages;
an outlet for discharging the air from the cooling flow passages;
at least one electromotive fan provided at at least one of the
inlet and outlet; and a flow connecting passage provided between
the electromotive fan and the cooling flow passages; whereby the
ambient air at a temperature lower than the body temperature is
caused by the electromotive fan to flow through the cooling flow
passages substantially parallelly to the body surface so as to
increase the temperature gradient between the body and the cooling
flow passages in order to release the heat emitted from the body to
thereby cool the body; and wherein the cooling flow passages are
formed from a spacer and a sheet-like material, the sheet-like
material being arranged between the spacer and the body and having
a thickness of 5 mm or less; and the spacer is formed from a common
member and a plurality of physically contiguous subspacers formed
on the common member integrally with the same, the subspacers being
configured such that the cooling flow passages have a thickness of
3 mm or more.
[0006] To achieve the above object, the second invention resides in
a cooling seat cushion usable on a seat portion, the cooling seat
cushion comprising: cooling flow passages formed in a substantially
parallel and planar manner adjacent to that portion of the cooling
seat cushion, which contacts a body of a person; an inlet for
drawing air into the cooling flow passages; an outlet for
discharging the air from the cooling flow passages; at least one
electromotive fan provided at at least one of the inlet and outlet;
a battery for energizing the electromotive fan; and a flow
connecting passage provided between the electromotive fan and the
cooling flow passages; whereby the ambient air at a temperature
lower than the body temperature is caused by the electromotive fan
to flow through the cooling flow passages substantially parallelly
to the body surface so as to increase the temperature gradient
between the body and the cooling flow passages in order to release
the heat emitted from the body to thereby cool the body; and
wherein the cooling flow passages are formed from a spacer and a
sheet-like material, the sheet-like material being arranged between
the spacer and the body and having a thickness of 5 mm or less; and
the spacer is formed from a common member and a plurality of
physically contiguous subspacers formed on the common member
integrally with the same, the subspacers being configured such that
the cooling flow passages have a thickness of 2 mm or more.
[0007] To achieve the above object, the third invention resides in
a cooling mat comprising: cooling flow passages formed in a
substantially parallel and planar manner adjacent to that portion
of the cooling mat, which contacts a body of a person; an inlet for
drawing air into the cooling flow passages; an outlet for
discharging the air from the cooling flow passages; at least one
electromotive fan provided at at least one of the inlet and outlet;
and a flow connecting passage provided between the electromotive
fan and the cooling flow passages; whereby the ambient air at a
temperature lower than the body temperature is caused by the
electromotive fan to flow through the cooling flow passages
substantially parallelly to the body surface so as to increase the
temperature gradient between the body and the cooling flow passages
in order to release the heat emitted from the body to thereby cool
the body; and wherein the cooling flow passages are formed from a
spacer and a sheet-like material, the sheet-like material being
arranged between the spacer and the body and having a thickness of
5 mm or less; and the spacer is formed from a common member and a
plurality of physically contiguous subspacers formed on the common
member integrally with the same, the subspacers being configured
such that the cooling flow passages have a thickness of 2 mm or
more.
[0008] To achieve the above object, the fourth invention resides in
a cooling chair comprising: cooling flow passages formed in a
substantially parallel and planar manner adjacent to that portion
of a seat portion of the cooling chair, which contacts a body of a
person; an inlet for drawing air into the cooling flow passages; an
outlet for discharging the air from the cooling flow passages; at
least one electromotive fan provided at at least one of the inlet
and outlet; and a flow connecting passage provided between the
electromotive fan and the cooling flow passages; whereby the
ambient air at a temperature lower than the body temperature is
caused by the electromotive fan to flow through the cooling flow
passages substantially parallelly to the body surface so as to
increase the temperature gradient between the body and the cooling
flow passages in order to release the heat emitted from the body to
thereby cool the body; and wherein the cooling flow passages are
formed from a spacer and a sheet-like material, the sheet-like
material being arranged between the spacer and the body and having
a thickness of 5 mm or less; and the spacer is formed from a common
member and a plurality of physically contiguous subspacers formed
on the common member integrally with the same, the subspacers being
configured such that the cooling flow passages have a thickness of
2 mm or more.
[0009] To achieve the above object, the fifth invention resides in
a piece of cooling clothing comprising: a plurality of mutually
independent cooling flow passages formed in a substantially
parallel and planar manner adjacent to that portion of the cooling
clothing, which contacts a body of a person; an elastic material
for connecting the plurality of cooling flow passage; an inlet for
drawing air into the cooling flow passages; an outlet for
discharging the air from the cooling flow passages; at least one
electromotive fan provided at at least one of the inlet and outlet;
and a battery for energizing the electromotive fan; whereby the
ambient air at a temperature lower than the body temperature is
caused by the electromotive fan to flow through the cooling flow
passages substantially parallelly to the body surface so as to
increase the temperature gradient between the body and the cooling
flow passages in order to release the heat emitted from the body to
thereby cool the body; and wherein the cooling flow passages are
formed from a spacer and a sheet-like material, the sheet-like
material being arranged between the spacer and the body and having
a thickness of 5 mm or less; and the spacer is formed from a common
member and a plurality of physically contiguous subspacers formed
on the common member integrally with the same, the subspacers being
configured such that the cooling flow passages have a thickness of
2 mm or more.
[0010] To achieve the above object, the sixth invention resides in
a cooling shoe comprising: cooling flow passages formed in a
substantially parallel and planar manner adjacent to that portion
of the cooling shoe, which contacts a foot sole of a person; an
inlet for drawing air into the cooling flow passages; an outlet for
discharging the air from the cooling flow passages; an
electromotive fan provided at one of the inlet and outlet; a
battery for energizing the electromotive fan; and a flow connecting
passage provided between the electromotive fan and the cooling flow
passages; whereby the ambient air at a temperature lower than the
body temperature is caused by the electromotive fan to flow through
the cooling flow passages substantially parallelly to the foot sole
so as to increase the temperature gradient between the foot sole
and the cooling flow passages in order to release the heat emitted
from the foot sole to thereby cool the foot sole; and wherein the
cooling flow passages are formed from a spacer and a sheet-like
material, the sheet-like material being arranged between the spacer
and the body and having a thickness of 5 mm or less; and the spacer
is formed from a common member and a plurality of physically
contiguous subspacers formed on the common member integrally with
the same, the subspacers being configured such that the cooling
flow passages have a thickness of 2 mm or more.
[0011] To achieve the above object, the seventh invention resides
in a cooling covering futon comprising: cooling flow passages
formed in a substantially parallel and planar manner adjacent to
that portion of the cooling covering futon, which contacts a body
of a person; an inlet for drawing air into the cooling flow
passages; an outlet for discharging the air from the cooling flow
passages; at least one electromotive fan provided at at least one
of the inlet and outlet; and a flow connecting passage provided
between the electromotive fan and the cooling flow passages;
whereby the ambient air at a temperature lower than the body
temperature is caused by the electromotive fan to flow through the
cooling flow passages substantially parallelly to the body surface
so as to increase the temperature gradient between the body and the
cooling flow passages in order to release the heat emitted from the
body to thereby cool the body; and wherein the cooling flow
passages are formed from a spacer and a sheet-like material, the
sheet-like material being arranged between the spacer and the body
and having a thickness of 10 mm or less; and the spacer is formed
from a common member and a plurality of physically contiguous
subspacers formed on the common member integrally with the same,
the subspacers being configured such that the cooling flow passages
have a thickness of 3 mm or more.
[0012] To achieve the above object, the eighth invention resides in
a cooling pillow comprising: cooling flow passages formed in a
substantially parallel and planar manner adjacent to that portion
of the cooling pillow, which contacts a head of a person; a
cushioning member for carrying the cooling flow passage thereon; an
inlet for drawing air into the cooling flow passages; an outlet for
discharging the air from the cooling flow passages; at least one
electromotive fan provided at at least one of the inlet and outlet;
soundproof means provided for the electromotive fan; and a flow
connecting passage provided between the electromotive fan and the
cooling flow passages; whereby the ambient air at a temperature
lower than the body temperature is caused by the electromotive fan
to flow through the cooling flow passages substantially parallelly
to the head surface so as to increase the temperature gradient
between the head and the cooling flow passages in order to release
the heat emitted from the head to thereby cool the head; and
wherein the cooling flow passages are formed from a spacer and a
sheet-like material, the sheet-like material being arranged between
the spacer and the body and having a thickness of 5 mm or less; and
the spacer is formed from a common member and a plurality of
physically contiguous subspacers formed on the common member
integrally with the same, the subspacers being configured such that
the cooling flow passages have a thickness of 2 mm or more.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0013] FIG. 1 is an explanatory view of a cooling effect of the
present invention;
[0014] FIG. 2 is a view showing a state where cooling flow passages
are formed at the vicinity of a body surface;
[0015] FIG. 3 is a graph showing a result of a preliminary
experiment for testing the relationship between the interspace and
pressure in the flow passages while fixing the flow rate of
air;
[0016] FIG. 4 is a view showing various spacers;
[0017] FIG. 5 is a view showing various configurations of flow
connecting passages;
[0018] FIG. 6 is a graph showing characteristics of a certain
electromotive fan;
[0019] FIG. 7 is a view showing an underlying futon according to a
first embodiment of the present invention applied to cooling
bedclothes;
[0020] FIG. 8 is a view showing a chair seat cushion according to a
second embodiment of the present invention applied to a cooling
seat cushion;
[0021] FIG. 9 is a view showing a state where the chair seat
cushion is placed on a chair;
[0022] FIG. 10 is a view showing a mat such as usable on a sofa or
floor according to a third embodiment of the present invention
applied to a cooling mat;
[0023] FIG. 11 is a view showing which portion of a body is cooled
by the mat of the third embodiment;
[0024] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of a chair according to a
fourth embodiment of the present invention applied to a cooling
chair;
[0025] FIG. 13 is a rear view of the cooling chair of the fourth
embodiment;
[0026] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a piece of clothing in a
worn state according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention
applied to cooling clothing;
[0027] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of one of a pair of shoes
according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention applied to
cooling shoes;
[0028] FIG. 16 is a plan view of a covering futon according to a
seventh embodiment of the present invention applied to cooling
bedclothes;
[0029] FIG. 17 is a view showing a structure of a spacer of the
seventh embodiment;
[0030] FIG. 18 is a view showing a pillow according to an eighth
embodiment of the present invention applied to cooling bedclothes;
and
[0031] FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view showing a sound-insulating
countermeasure against a DC fan of the eighth embodiment.
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
[0032] The best mode for carrying out the present invention will be
described hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying
drawings.
[0033] As described hereinafter, the present invention can be
applied to articles such as bedclothes, mat, chair seat cushion,
chair, clothing and shoes, all of which are used in a state
directly contacting with a body or indirectly adjoining thereto via
clothes. The present invention has such a commonized structural
feature to form the cooling flow passages in a substantially
parallel and planar manner in the portion of such an article
adjacent to the body, and utilizes such a commonized cooling effect
to cause the ambient air at a temperature lower than the body
temperature to flow through the cooling flow passages substantially
parallelly to the body surface to thereby cool the body. As such,
the commonized cooling effect and structural feature will be
described first, before concretely describing the embodiments.
[0034] FIG. 1 is an explanatory view of a cooling effect of the
present invention. FIG. 1(a) is a schematic view showing a
distribution of temperatures by isothermal lines (broken lines)
around a person staying in a room inherently at a temperature of
28.degree. C. (which is substantially equal to the temperature in a
bedroom at a sleepless midsummer night). Assuming that the body
temperature (assumed to be 36.degree. C.) of the person A as a
homoiothermal animal is substantially constant and no convection
exists within the air of the room, the temperatures of various
locations of the room are such that the temperature at the body
surface of the person A is 36.degree. C. as the highest, and
gradually approaches 28.degree. C. as the distance of a location
from the person increases. Contrary, FIG. 1(b) is a schematic view
showing a distribution of temperatures by isothermal lines around a
person staying in a room inherently at a temperature of 20.degree.
C.
[0035] Comparison of the depictions of FIG. 1(a) and FIG. 1(b)
shows that the pitches between isothermal lines in FIG. 1(b) are
denser than those in FIG. 1(a). In other words, the temperature
gradient in FIG. 1(b) is steeper than that in FIG. 1(a). This
magnitude of temperature gradient affects the extent of heat
release from the person and thus largely affects the temperature
feeling of the person, such that the larger the temperature
gradient, the more the extent of heat release, thereby providing
cooler feeling.
[0036] This is the point at which the present invention has aimed,
and thus forms, at a location extremely adjacent to the body
surface of a person, an air layer having a temperature equal to
that in the room without lowering the temperature of the whole
room, thereby forcibly increasing the temperature gradient near the
body surface to thereby increase the extent of heat release from
the body, resulting in feeling of coolness. FIG. 1(c) shows a
distribution of temperatures where the person A is located in a
room at a temperature of 28.degree. C., and an air layer having a
temperature of 28.degree. C. equal to that of the room is formed
extremely adjacently to the body of the person A. In this case, the
room temperature is 28.degree. C. identically with FIG. 1(a).
However, since the isothermal line of 28.degree. C. exists
extremely adjacently to the body surface of the person A, the
temperature gradient in this case is substantially equal to that of
the FIG. 1(b) where the room temperature is 20.degree. C., insofar
as concerned with the relationship between the body surface of the
person A and the air layer of 28.degree. C. Thus, if it is
permitted to form an air layer at the room temperature adjacently
to the body surface such as shown in FIG. 1(c), the person A will
be allowed to feel coolness in the case of the room temperature of
20.degree. C. though the actual room temperature is 28.degree. C.
It is of course difficult to actually cause air to flow along the
whole of the body surface as shown in FIG. 1(c). Nonetheless, if it
is permitted to even partially form an air layer at the room
temperature adjacently to the body surface, coolness feeling will
be obtained at such a location.
[0037] The cooling effect according to the present invention will
be now considered in more detail. To form an air layer at the room
temperature adjacently to the body surface, it is enough to form
air flow passages adjacently to the body surface, and to cause the
air within the room to flow through the passages parallelly to the
body surface as shown in FIG. 2. At this time, smaller amounts of
air to be flown per unit time deteriorate the cooling effect, since
the air is warmed before exiting the flow passages. Further, heat
from the body is not efficiently released to the air flowing
through the cooling flow passages, when the heat resistance (i.e.,
degree of difficulty in heat conduction) of the body-contacting
member of those constituting the cooling flow passages is
large.
[0038] It is now assumed such an ideal state that the flow rate of
air flowing through the cooling flow passages is infinitely large
and the heat resistance of the body-contacting member is zero, and
the air within a room at a temperature of 28.degree. C. is caused
to flow through the flow passages of FIG. 2 under such an ideal
state. Then, there is provided such an extreme cooling effect that
heat is taken away from the inside of the body so that the surface
temperature of the body is brought to a fixed temperature of
28.degree. C. To approach such an ideal state, it is necessary to
constitute an air flow having a larger flow rate adjacently to the
body surface, and for this purpose, it is advantageous to
sufficiently reduce the thickness of the flow passages.
[0039] However, the reduced thickness of the cooling flow passages
in order to increase the flow rate results in an increased pressure
for causing air to flow into the flow passages, mainly due to the
viscosity of air. In this respect, FIG. 3 is a graph of the result
of a preliminary experiment, showing a transition of a difference
between an inlet pressure and an outlet pressure when the inlet and
outlet are provided such that: two aluminum plates of 500 mm length
and 250 mm width are parallelly disposed, both ends in the
longitudinal direction are opened, both side ends are air-tightly
closed, and air is supplied in the longitudinal direction at a flow
rate of 1 liter/sec by an electromotive fan while changing the
distance between the aluminum plates. In FIG. 3, the abscissa
represents the distance d [mm] between two aluminum plates, and the
ordinate represents the pressure difference p [mmH.sub.2O]. Here,
the pressure unit [mmH.sub.2O] has a relationship with 1 atm such
that 1 mmH.sub.2O=9.672.times.10.sup.-5 atm.
[0040] Since the amount of supplied air is fixed, the smaller the
distance d, the larger the flow rate of air, as shown in FIG. 3. As
the flow rate becomes large, the resistance to which the flowing
air is subject becomes large due to the friction between the air
having viscosity and the inner wall of the passage. As such, when
the thickness of the cooling flow passage is reduced in order to
increase the flow rate, the required pressure is rapidly increased
as shown in FIG. 3. Pressures exceeding a certain level require a
specific fan, thereby resulting in an excessive cost, larger
electric power consumption, and unnegligile noise problem. Under
these circumstances, it is impractical to reduce the thickness of
the cooling flow passage down to a value smaller than 2 mm. On the
other hand, excessively increased thickness of the cooling flow
passage results in a deteriorated cooling effect and an increased
strength required for a spacer for forming the cooling flow
passage. Thus, the practical upper limit of the thickness is on the
order of 20 to 30 mm, depending on the embodiments.
[0041] Further, the body-contacting side of the cooling flow
passage is formed of a sheet-like member to thereby prevent the air
in the flow passage from leaking onto the body surface. In this
case, the sheet thickness is limited due to various conditions.
Firstly, from the viewpoint to reduce the heat resistance and to
bring the cooling flow passage closer to the body, the sheet is
preferably as thin as possible. On the other hand, in case that the
present invention is applied to such as an underlying futon and a
mat, the sheet-like member is preferably formed of a fabric having
a certain thickness so as to mitigate rugged feeling due to
subspacers distributed to form the cooling flow passages. However,
the smaller thickness is preferable from the viewpoint of reduced
heat resistance. Thus, the upper limit of the thickness of the
sheet-like member is on the order of 5 mm.
[0042] Meanwhile, when the sheet of the body-contacting side of the
cooling flow passage is formed of fabric, the moisture content
evaporated from the body permeates the sheet to reach the cooling
flow passage side, and the moisture content is carried away to the
outside by the air flowing through the passage. Thus, there can be
expected such a side effect that an uncomfortable sweaty condition
due to perspiration can be avoided.
[0043] There will be now described the relationship between the
amount of air supplied through the cooling flow passage, and the
absorbed heat amount. The experiment conducted by the group of the
present inventors concerning an underlying futon showed that the
averaged temperature of exhausted air was approximately 30.degree.
C. when the air of a room at a temperature of 27.degree. C. was
supplied at a rate of 5 liter/sec through an underlying futon of an
air flow-through type on which a person was lying. The heat amount
required to raise the temperature of air of 1 liter by 1.degree. C.
is approximately 0.3 calories. Thus, when the air is kept supplied
for 1 hour under the above condition, the heat amount of
approximately 16.2 kilocalories will be absorbed from the body.
Further, also considering the evaporation heat to be absorbed from
the surroundings when perspiration evaporates, the heat absorbing
effect of the aforementioned extent ensures a sufficiently
comfortable sleep in a room even at a temperature of 27.degree. C.
Moreover, when the amount of air to be supplied is on the order of
5 liter/sec, an axial fan of about 60 square (60 mm.times.60 mm)
will do.
[0044] Next, there will be described general matters commonized
among the embodiments to be described later, concerning a spacer
for forming the cooling flow passage adjacently to the body
surface. The spacer is required to form the cooling flow passage,
and will have varying strength depending on the situation of a
covering futon which will not receive a relatively large load, an
underlying futon which can bear a large load so as to support a
body of person, or a pillow to be classified between them. In all
of the present embodiments, there is used a planar spacer
comprising a plate-like member and subspacers integrally formed on
the plate-like member. Such a planar spacer can be economically
manufactured such as by injection molding of soft plastic or
forming of rubber.
[0045] Each of FIG. 4(a) through FIG. 4(f) shows a part of each of
various spacers to be used in the embodiments to be described
later, by a plan view and a lateral view shown in the upper and
lower sides of each figure, respectively. In the following, the
planar spacers (a) through (f) shall be referred to as "a-type"
through "f-type", respectively.
[0046] In FIG. 4, the a-type planar spacer comprises a plate-like
member 10a as a common member, and subspacers 11a in the shape of
elongated rod-like projections formed on the plate-like member 10a.
Thus, the subspacers 11a and plate-like member 10a can be
integrally formed at the same time. This aspect is common to each
type described below. Although the planar spacer of the b-type has
subspacers 11b having structures same with those of (a), the
plate-like member 10b on which the subspacers are formed is formed
with a lot of holes 12b. In this way, the weight of the planar
spacer is reduced, and the flexibility thereof is also increased.
In the c-type planar spacer, the subspacers 11c formed on the
plate-like member 10c are formed as plate-like projections, and
arranged such that the longitudinal direction of the subspacer
coincides with the lateral direction of the spacer.
[0047] In the d-type planar spacer, the longitudinal direction of
some of the subspacers 11d formed as plate-like projections is
oriented in the lateral direction of the spacer, and the others in
the longitudinal direction. In this type of planar spacer, the
respective plate-like subspacers are formed with holes 13d as shown
in the associated lower figure. In this way, the flow of air is
improved, and the weight reduction and the flexibility improvement
are achieved. Also in the e-type planar spacer, the longitudinal
direction of some of the subspacers 11e formed as plate-like
projections is oriented in the lateral direction of the spacer, and
the others in the longitudinal direction, and the respective
subspacers 11e are provided with associated holes 13e. Further, a
lot of holes 12e are provided between subspacers. In this way, the
weight of the planar spacer is further reduced, and its flexibility
is increased.
[0048] The f-type planar spacer has a structure different from
those of the a-type through e-type where the subspacers are
arranged in a certain pattern on the plate-like member. Namely, the
f-type spacer has a structure provided with upper longitudinal
rails 14f and lower lateral rails 15f, as well as short rod-like
members 16f provided at intersections between the upper and lower
rails 14f and 15f to interconnect them. This f-type has such a
feature that the inherent function is maintained even when the
spacer is turned upside down. Further, it is typical for the planar
spacers of the a-type through e-type where the subspacers are
arranged on the plate-like member, to arrange the plate-like member
such as 10a at an underside and the human body is placed on the tip
ends of the projections. However, concerning the planar spacers of
the b-type and e-type, the planar spacers can be used in an
upside-down reversed manner, since the plate-like member such as
10b or 10e is formed with the large holes 12b or 12e.
[0049] Among the aforementioned respective types of planar spacers,
those planar spacers of the a-type, b-type and f-type are suitable
for embodiments where a smaller load is applied. Contrary, the
planar spacers of the c-type, d-type and e-type are capable of
bearing a relatively large load. The most flexible and lightest one
is the f-type, and the b-type and e-type will follow it. It is
preferable to determine as to which type of spacer is to be used
correspondingly to an applied embodiment, in view of the
aforementioned characteristics.
[0050] The planar spacer to be used need not be integral as a
whole, and such a situation where the planar spacer is divided into
a plurality of pieces is of course included within the technical
scope of the present invention. Further, in case of usage such as
for an underlying futon, it is possible to interpose a mesh-like
material between the body-contacting side sheet and the subspacers
so as to effectively restrict the rugged feeling due to the
subspacers.
[0051] In each of the aforementioned planar spacers, the design as
to the arrangement density of subspacers and the distances between
subspacers shall be determined such as in view of the strength of
material to be used, the shape of the subspacers, and the
applicability of embodiment. The important point is to reduce the
viscous resistance when the flowing air strikes the subspacers.
Larger viscous resistances require a large sized fan for generating
a lager pressure, thereby causing a problem of increased power
consumption and noise occurrence. Experiment showed a considerable
increase in viscous resistance when the distances between the
subspacers are smaller than 3 mm and the amount of blown air within
a practical range is supplied. Thus, such as distances between
subspacers and arrangement thereof are desirably designed so that
any location on the planar spacer always has a portion having a gap
larger than 2 mm as viewed from such a location, and air is allowed
to flow out through the gap.
[0052] There will be described hereinafter a "flow connecting
passage". The installing position of a fan is either of the inlet
side or the outlet side of the cooling flow passage (the fan is
rotated in a direction to draw the ambient air and blow it toward
the cooling flow passage in case of installation at the inlet side,
and rotated in another direction to draw the air from the cooling
flow passage and blow it toward the surroundings in case of
installation at the outlet side). In adopting a fan, and
particularly when the fan is to be used for an object having a
larger surface area such as underlying futon, covering futon and
mat, an axial fan is desirably adopted in view of the subjects of
the amount of blown air, power consumption and noise. From an
economical viewpoint, it is desirable to provide a single fan
having a due power rather than a plurality of small fans having
smaller powers, or to restrict the number of fans to a few. In that
case, the diameter of the fan notably exceeds the thickness of the
cooling flow passage. Contrary, the width of the cooling flow
passage is notably larger than the diameter of the fan. Thus, there
is required a space for smoothly connecting the fan side and the
cooling flow passage side, therebetween. This space is herein
referred to as "flow connecting passage".
[0053] FIG. 5(a) through FIG. 5(d) show various configurations of
the flow connecting portion in the upper-side plan views and
lower-side lateral cross-sectional views, respectively. In FIG. 5,
the arrows indicate the flowing manner of air. In FIG. 5(a), a flow
connecting passage 20a is provided at the left side of a cooling
flow passage 21a. Fan 22a provided at the lower end portion of the
flow connecting passage 20a is rotated in a direction to suck air
from the surroundings and to feed the air toward the flow
connecting passage 20a. The flow direction of the air is changed by
90 degrees at a portion connecting the flow connecting passage and
the cooling flow passage, so that the air flows from the left
toward the right in the cooling flow passage 21b. In FIG. 5(b), a
fan 22b is provided at the center of the flow connecting passage
20b provided at the left side of the cooling flow passage 21b. This
fan 22b is rotated in a direction to suck air from the cooling flow
passage 21b and flow connecting passage 20b, and to discharge the
air outwardly.
[0054] In FIG. 5(c), a flow connecting passage 20c is provided at
the left side of a cooling flow passage 21c. Flow connecting
passage 20c has a width increasing from the fan 22c toward the
cooling flow passage 21c. FIG. 5(d) shows an example where a fan
22a is provided at the center of a cooling flow passage 21d. As
shown in FIG. 5(d), the fan 22d may be provided at a bottom portion
at the center of the cooling flow passage or at a bottom portion
closer to the center from the end portion, when the diameter of the
fan 22d is not so large as compared to that of the thickness of the
passage 21d. The rotational direction of the fan in this case is to
suck air from the cooling flow passage and to discharge it
downwardly. In the configuration as shown in FIG. 5(d), those
portions around the fan 22d can be regarded as a flow connecting
passage 20d.
[0055] There will be now described a relationship between a blown
air volume and a static pressure, in a fan for blowing the ambient
air through the cooling flow passage. FIG. 6 shows a graph having
an abscissa representing a blown air volume at a unit of
m.sup.3/min and an ordinate representing a static pressure at a
unit of mmH.sub.2O, concerning an electromotive fan 109P0412H302
(40 square, and 28 mm thickness) manufactured by SANYO DENKI. Note,
the blown air volume of 0.3 m.sup.3/min based on the abscissa
corresponds to a blown air volume of 5 liter/sec.
[0056] As shown in FIG. 6, the higher the voltage applied to the
fan, the larger the static pressure and the blown air volume.
However, increased voltage possibly leads to a proportionally
higher noise level, thereby hindering a calm sleep in case of usage
such as in bedclothes. Thus, in case of usage such as in bedclothes
and mat, the supplied voltage and the static pressure are desirably
restricted to levels of 12 V and 3 mmH.sub.2O or less,
respectively. Further, in case of usage in articles such as
clothes, shoes, seat cushion, and chair other than the above, the
static pressure is desirably 5 mmH.sub.2O or less.
[0057] Note, the expression "pressure of fan" used herein shall
mean a pressure difference between the ambient pressure in a room
and a pressure within a flow connecting passage.
[0058] There will be described hereinafter detailed embodiments in
which the present invention is applied to various concrete
articles.
Embodiment 1
[0059] FIG. 7 is a view showing an underlying futon according to a
first embodiment of the present invention applied to cooling
bedclothes. FIG. 7(a) is a plan view and FIG. 7(b) is a left side
view of the cooling bedclothes. The cooling bedclothes of this
embodiment have a structure comprising cooling flow passages or
collective cooling flow passage 31 placed on a cushion 30. As shown
in FIG. 7(a), a flow connecting passage 32 is provided at the right
side of a supine person, and a fan 33 of 60 square is provided at
the end of the flow connecting passage 32 adjacent to the feet of
the person. The cooling flow passage 31 has a lateral side
constituting an air inlet at which the flow connecting passage 32
is provided (i.e., the right side of the lying person), and the
other lateral side constituting an air outlet 34. As shown in FIG.
7(b), the air outlet 34 is provided to face downwardly at the side
of the cushion. This is to avoid a situation where the air outlet
is closed such as by a covering futon. The fan 33 is provided to
come close to the feet of the lying person, in view of a noise
problem. When the present invention is to be applied to bedclothes
such as in this embodiment, it is desirable to adopt an axial fan
such as in view of a smaller noise, ensurance of required blown air
volume, and reduction of air leakage from a fabric sheet.
[0060] Connected to the fan 33 is a controlling part 36 via cord
35. This controlling part 36 is provided with a switchable volume
37 and a timer 38. The switchable volume 37 is provided for
switching on/off the operation of the fan, and for adjusting a
blown air volume by varying a rotational speed of the fan. The
timer 38 may be arbitrarily used by the lying person, or may be
arranged such that the fan 33 is automatically stopped or the
amount of blown air thereof is automatically reduced after an
operation over a predetermined period of time of the fan 33, to
thereby avoid overcooling.
[0061] In this embodiment, the c-type of planar spacer of FIG. 4 is
adopted as the cooling flow passage 31. In this case, the
longitudinal direction of the subspacers 11c is arranged in the
widthwise direction of the underlying futon, in view of the air
flowing direction. The upper side of this spacer is covered by a
fabric or cloth 39, and the head side and foot side of the fabric
39 are bonded to the corresponding sides of the planar spacer. In
this way, the ambient air drawn by the fan 33 flows through the
flow connecting passage 32, enters the cooling flow passage 31, and
thereafter flows from the left side toward the right side of the
lying person. At this time, there is formed an air layer having a
temperature same with that of the ambient air at the vicinity of
the lying person's back, thereby increasing the temperature
gradient at this portion so that the lying person will feel
coolness.
[0062] Meanwhile, even when a high-density fabric (woven by about
300 threads per 1 cm) is adopted as the fabric 39, its overall
surface area is large so that excessively higher pressures at the
portion just after the fan 33, i.e., at the flow connecting passage
32 lead to a problem of substantial leakage of air on its way.
Further, excessively higher pressures also lead to a considerable
noise problem. As such, the larger thickness of the cooling flow
passage 31 is advantageous so as to ensure a sufficient blown air
volume on the order of 5 liter/sec even at a lower pressure. For
example, when the thickness of the cooling flow passage is on the
order of 10 mm to 15 mm, there can be ensured a sufficient amount
of blown air at a lower pressure. Only, the thickness of the
cooling flow passage 31 may be reduced down to the order of 3 mm,
such as when the blown air volume is reduced to a certain extent,
the noise countermeasure is enhanced, or a fabric having a higher
thread density resistant to higher pressures is adopted. Even when
the thickness of the cooling flow passage 31 is reduced in such a
way, the pressure within the flow connecting passage just after the
fan 33 has a limit of 5 mmH.sub.2O.
Embodiment 2
[0063] FIG. 8 is a view showing a chair seat cushion according to a
second embodiment of the present invention applied to a cooling
seat cushion. FIG. 8(a) is a plan view and FIG. 8(b) is a center
cross-sectional view of the cooling seat cushion. FIG. 9 is a view
showing the chair seat cushion according to the second embodiment
of the present invention applied to the cooling seat cushion.
[0064] Cooling seat cushion 40 of this embodiment is used in a
manner placed on a chair 41 as shown in FIG. 9. The cooling seat
cushion can be of course placed such as on a bench or sofa. The
cooling seat cushion 40 of this embodiment basically constituted of
two portions, i.e., a main portion 42 and a seat 43. The main
portion 42 comprises a square spacer portion 44 of 400 mm length
and 400 mm width, and a controlling part 46 provided at the rear
side of the spacer portion 44. The spacer portion 44 has a top side
provided with many projected subspacers. The main portion 42
comprising the spacer portion 44 and controlling part 46 is
manufactured integrally by injection molding soft plastic. In view
of the usage of the cushion to be placed on a chair, its entire
size is limited to a length of approximately 500 mm and a width of
approximately 500 mm.
[0065] Here, the e-type of FIG. 4 is adopted as the configuration
of the spacer portion 44. Reduced thickness of the cooling flow
passage leads to an increased flow rate to thereby enhance a
cooling effect. However, extreme reduction is not practical in view
of consumption of a battery, so that the lower limit of the cooling
flow passage is on the order of 2 mm.
[0066] The seat 43 is in the shape of bag to cover the whole of the
spacer portion 44 except the controlling part 46. Only, the right
side 43a in FIG. 8 is left open to thereby suck air. Any material
can be used for the seat 43 if water vapor readily permeates
through it, such as the aforementioned high-density fabric or a
general fabric.
[0067] The controlling part 46 is provided with a DC fan 47 of 40
square, a switch 48, and a battery 49. Although the battery 49 may
be a normal dry cell, but it is preferably a rechargeable secondary
battery such that it is recharged by the primary power source while
the cooling seat cushion is not used. Pressure switch 50 is
provided near the center of the main portion 42. The switch 48 and
pressure switch 50 are connected in series such that the power from
the battery is supplied to the DC fan 47 when both switches are
turned on. The portion, where the controlling part 46 is provided,
also acts as a flow connecting passage between the DC fan 47 and
the cooling flow passage.
[0068] When the cooling seat cushion 40 is to be used, it is placed
such that the controlling part 46 is brought to the rear portion
(at the backrest side) as shown in FIG. 9. Normally, the blowing
outlet of the DC fan 47 is placed to face downwardly. However, the
cooling seat cushion may be used in an upside-down manner,
depending on the structure of an applicable chair. When a person
sits on the chair 41 in the above condition, the sensor such as
pressure switch 50 for detecting the seating is turned on. When the
switch 48 is further turned on, the DC fan 47 rotates in a
direction to suck the ambient air through the right side 43a of the
seat 43. The air sucked through the side 43a flows through the
cooling flow passage formed by the spacer portion 44, and is then
exhausted downwardly by the DC fan 47. The amount of air to be
flown may be on the order of 1 liter/sec which can be sufficiently
conducted by a small fan such as 40 square.
[0069] When a person sits on the chair, the ambient air at a
temperature lower than the body temperature is caused to flow just
below the buttocks to thereby increase the temperature gradient at
the buttocks of the sitting person. Thus, even when the person
keeps sitting for a long time, the portion of the seat cushion
contacting the buttocks will be never warmed by the body
temperature, resulting in comfortable feeling. Since the e-type of
spacer having many holes at the bottom plate has been used in this
embodiment, a sufficient cooling effect can be obtained even when
the cooling seat cushion is used in an upside down manner.
Embodiment 3
[0070] FIG. 10 is a view showing a mat such as usable on a sofa or
floor according to a third embodiment of the present invention
applied to a cooling mat. FIG. 10(a) is a: plan view and FIG. 10(b)
is a cross-sectional view of the cooling mat, and FIG. 11 is a view
showing which portion of a body is cooled by the mat.
[0071] Cooling mat 60 of this embodiment is used in a manner to
mainly cool the upper half of the body when a person rests such as
on a floor or sofa as shown in FIG. 11. The basic structure of the
cooling mat 60 of this embodiment basically comprises two portions,
i.e., a main portion 62 and a seat 63, similarly to the cooling
seat cushion according to the Embodiment 2. The main portion 62
comprises a rectangular spacer portion 64 of 900 mm length and 450
mm width, many subspacers provided on the top side of the spacer
portion 64, and a controlling part 66 provided at the rear side of
the spacer portion 64. These portions are integrally manufactured
by injection molding soft plastic.
[0072] As the spacer portion 64, the e-type of FIG. 4 is adopted.
The thickness of the cooling flow passage is in a range between 2
mm to 30 mm from the same reason with the aforementioned cooling
seat cushion, and approximately 6 mm is suitable.
[0073] The seat 63 is in the shape of bag to cover the whole of the
spacer portion 64 except the controlling part 66. Only, the right
side 63a in FIG. 10 is left open to thereby suck air. Any material
can be used for the seat 63 if water vapor readily permeates
through it, such as the aforementioned high-density fabric or a
general fabric.
[0074] The controlling part 66 is provided with a fan 67 of 50
square, a switchable volume 68, a plug 69 to be connected to the
primary power source, and a timer 70. The controlling part 66 also
acts as a flow connecting passage between the fan 67 and the
cooling flow passage. The timer 70 may be arbitrarily used by the
lying person, or may be arranged such that the fan 33 is
automatically stopped or the amount of blown air thereof is
automatically reduced after an operation over a predetermined
period of time of the fan, to thereby avoid overcooling.
[0075] When the cooling mat is to be used, it is placed under the
upper half of the body on a floor or on a sofa, as shown in FIG.
11. Normally, the blowing outlet of the fan 67 is placed to face
upwardly. However, the cooling mat may be used in an upside-down
manner, when used such as on a bed. When the switchable volume 68
is turned on, the fan 67 rotates in a direction to suck the ambient
air through the right side 63a of the seat 63. The air sucked
through the side 63a flows through the cooling flow passage formed
by the spacer portion 64, and is then exhausted upwardly by the fan
67. The amount of air to be flown may be on the order of 3
liter/sec which can be sufficiently conducted by a small fan such
as 50 square.
[0076] When a person lies on the cooling mat 60, the ambient air at
a temperature lower than the body temperature is caused to flow
such as just below the back and belly of the person to thereby
increase the temperature gradient near the back and belly. Thus,
even when the person keeps lying for a long time, the mat will be
never warmed by the body temperature, resulting in comfortable
feeling. Since the e-type of spacer having many holes at the bottom
plate has been used in this embodiment, a sufficient cooling effect
can be obtained even when the cooling mat is used in an upside down
manner.
Embodiment 4
[0077] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of a chair according to a
fourth embodiment of the present invention applied to a cooling
chair, and FIG. 13 is a rear view of the cooling chair.
[0078] As shown in FIG. 12, the cooling chair of this embodiment
includes a cooling flow passage 82 formed within a seat portion 80
and within a backrest 81. At the area where the seat portion 80 and
backrest 81 are interconnected, there is provided a DC fan 83 of 50
square adapted to rotate in a direction to outwardly discharge the
air within the portions 80, 81. The blown air volume is suitably on
the order of 2 liter/sec under a normal operating state. Provided
at the front bottom portion of the seat portion 80 is an air inlet
84, and so is an inlet 85 at the upper rear portion of the backrest
81. The provision of the air inlet 84 at the front bottom portion
of the seat portion 80 is to avoid occlusion of the air inlet 84
such as by feet and/or clothes.
[0079] The cooling flow passage 82 is provided on the cushions for
the seat portion 80 and backrest 81, so that a person sitting on
the chair will feel suitable elasticity. In the cooling chair of
this embodiment, the c-type of spacer in FIG. 4 is adopted to bear
the load on the order of a body weight of a sitting person.
Excessively reduced thickness of the cooling flow passage 82 leads
to an increased pressure resulting in a larger amount of
consumption of a battery 86. Thus, approximately 2 mm is the limit
of the thickness. Further, thicknesses of the cooling flow passage
exceeding 30 mm are impractical, in view of the cooling principle
of this method. Practically, approximately 5 mm is suitable.
[0080] The battery 86 for energizing the DC fan 83 is provided
within the backrest 81 at the rear side of the seat portion 80.
This battery 86 can be charged from the primary power source while
the chair is not used, by a battery charger 88 of a type for
inserting a plug into a jack 87. At the center of the seat portion
80, there is provided a pressure switch 90 which is turned on when
a person sits thereon. Switchable volume 89 provided at the rear
side of the seat portion 80 is connected in series to the pressure
switch. When the switchable volume 89 is turned on where the
pressure switch 90 has been turned on by a sitting person thereon,
the DC fan 83 is rotated. The revolution speed of this fan can be
changed by rotating the switchable volume 89 to thereby adjust the
blown air volume.
[0081] When a person sits on the cooling chair of this embodiment,
the ambient air at a temperature lower than the body temperature is
caused to flow such as just below the back and buttocks of the
person to thereby increase the temperature gradient near the back
and buttocks. Thus, even when the person keeps sitting for a long
time, the portion of the cooling chair contacting the buttocks and
back will be never warmed by the body temperature, resulting in
comfortable feeling.
Embodiment 5
[0082] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a piece of clothing in a
worn state according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention
applied to cooling clothes. As shown in FIG. 14, the cooling
clothing 101 of this embodiment comprises a vest type main portion
110, and a controlling part 111 connected to the main portion 110
via cable 112. The main portion 110 can be worn in a manner
similarly to a normal vest, such that a front fastener 132 of the
main portion is opened, the arms of a person are sequentially
passed through the sleeves, and then the fastener 132 is zipped
up.
[0083] The main portion 110 is provided with front two and rear two
pieces, totally four pieces, of cooling sheets 120a, 120b, 120c and
120d (rear cooling sheets 120c and 120d are omitted in the
drawing). These cooling sheets are independent from one another.
The provision of multiple cooling sheets is to facilitate the
formation of the spacer. Should the whole of the clothing be formed
of a single cooling sheet, it is difficult and impractical to form
a flexible spacer well fitting to a body.
[0084] Those portions of the main portion 110 except the cooling
sheets 120a through 120d are formed of an elastic fabric such as a
material of polyurethane called Spandex. By sewingly connect this
elastic fabric and four pieces of cooling sheets 120a through 120d,
the cooling clothing 101 of the vest type is completed. In this
case, the backsides of the cooling sheets 120 can be closely
contacted with the wearer, by selecting a smaller size of the
cooling clothing 101 so that the elastic fabric is slightly
expanded upon wearing.
[0085] Each of the four pieces of cooling sheets 120a through 120d
is provided with a DC fan 121 at the upper portion thereof and an
air inlet 122 at the lower portion thereof. Further, a cooling flow
passage is formed between the air inlet 122 and the DC fan 121. The
DC fan 121 rotates in a direction to discharge air outwardly.
Namely, rotation of the DC fan 121 causes air to be sucked via air
inlet 122, to raise through the cooling flow passage, and then to
be discharged by the DC fan 121. Each DC fan 121 is attached to the
corresponding cooling sheet such as by a magic tape detachably.
This allows the DC fan 121 to be readily removed such as upon
washing the cooling clothes, resulting in convenience.
[0086] The controlling part 111 is provided with a battery 125 and
a switchable volume 126. The battery 125 may be a normal dry cell
or a rechargeable secondary battery. The role of the switchable
volume 126 is identical with those in the aforementioned
embodiments.
[0087] In this embodiment, the b-type of spacer is adopted as one
for forming the cooling flow passage. This is because the spacer
will not bear a larger load in case of clothes, so that a lighter
one is advantageous. In this configuration, the b-type of planar
spacer of FIG. 4 is manufactured by injection molding a
thermoplastic elastomer. By covering this spacer by an upper
fabric, the cooling flow passage is formed. Thermoplastic
elastomers have rubber-like characteristics after formation, thus
have sufficient elasticity. In view of the consumption of the
battery 125, the thickness of the cooling flow passage is limited
to approximately 2 mm at the thinnest.
[0088] By wearing the cooling clothing 101 of this embodiment and
turning on the switchable volume 126 to thereby rotate the DC fan
121, air is sucked into the air inlet 122 and raises through the
cooling flow passage. At this time, an air layer having a
temperature same with that of the ambient air is formed adjacently
to the body surface, thereby increasing the temperature gradient
adjacent to the body surface. Thus, even when the ambient
temperature is on the order of 30.degree. C., the wearer will feel
coolness, resulting in comfortable feeling.
Embodiment 6
[0089] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of one of a pair of shoes
according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention applied to
cooling shoes. As shown in FIG. 15, cooling shoe 140 of this
embodiment is provided with a cooling flow passage 141 at the shoe
bottom portion, an air inlet 142 at the toe portion, an air outlet
143 at the heel portion, and a DC fan 144 rotated in a direction
for discharging air backwardly of the heel. At the heel portion,
there is provided a battery 145 for energizing the DC fan 144. This
battery 145 may be a normal dry cell or a rechargeable secondary
battery.
[0090] The cooling shoe 140 of this embodiment is provided with a
foot sensor 146 at a bottom portion within the shoe. This sensor
constitutes a switch which is turned on by entrance of foot and
turned off by withdrawal of foot. Thus, waste of power consumption
during disuse of the shoe is avoided. As the foot sensor 146, such
as a pressure switch may be adopted, but any other type of sensor
may be adopted insofar as it can detect the used state of the
shoe.
[0091] Wearing the cooling shoe 140 of this embodiment causes the
foot sensor 146 to be turned on to thereby rotate the DC fan 144.
Then, air is sucked through the air inlet 142, flows leftwardly
through the cooling flow passage 141. At this time, an air layer
having a temperature same with that of the ambient air is formed
adjacently to the surface of the foot sole, thereby increasing the
temperature gradient at this portion. Thus, even during midsummer,
the interior of the shoes never become sweaty, thereby providing
comfortable feeling.
Embodiment 7
[0092] FIG. 16 is a plan view of a covering futon according to a
seventh embodiment of the present invention applied to cooling
bedclothes, and FIG. 17 is a view showing a structure of a spacer
of the seventh embodiment. As shown in FIG. 16, there are provided
a flow connecting passage 150 at the right side of a supine person
and an axial fan 151 of 60 square at the foot end of the passage
150. That side (right side of the supine person) of the cooling
flow passage 152 which is provided with the flow connecting passage
150 acts as an air inlet, and the opposite side of the passage 152
acts as an air outlet. The fan 151 is arranged at the foot side of
the lying person, in view of a noise problem. The total size of the
cooling flow passage 152 and flow connecting passage 150 includes
such as a length of 1,800 mm and a width of 1,200 mm.
[0093] As shown in FIG. 17, there is adopted a planar spacer
obtained by slightly modifying the b-type one of FIG. 4, as the
planar spacer in this embodiment. This planar spacer is further
lightened, by rectangular holes instead of circular ones. The
cooling flow passage 152 is formed by covering the whole of the
planar spacer by a bag-like fabric. The air drawn from the
surroundings by the fan 151 into the cooling flow passage 152 flows
laterally within the cooling flow passage 152, and finally exits
from the outlet at the opposite side of the passage 152. In this
way, an air layer having a temperature same with that of the
ambient air is formed adjacently to the body surface to thereby
increase the temperature gradient there, resulting in comfortable
feeling even at a hot night.
[0094] As the bag-like fabric for forming the cooling flow passage
152, it is desirable to adopt the aforementioned high-density
fabric. In this respect, even when the high-density fabric is
adopted, its overall surface area is large so that excessively
higher pressures at the portion just after the fan 151, i.e., at
the flow connecting passage 150 lead to a problem of substantial
leakage of air on its way. Further, excessively higher pressures
also lead to a considerable noise problem. As such, the larger
thickness of the cooling flow passage 152 is advantageous so as to
ensure a sufficient blown air volume on the order of 5 liter/sec
even at a lower pressure. For example, when the thickness of the
cooling flow passage is on the order of 10 mm to 15 mm, there can
be ensured a sufficient amount of blown air at a lower pressure.
Only, the thickness of the cooling flow passage 152 may be reduced
down to the order of 3 mm, such as when the blown air volume is
reduced to a certain extent, the noise countermeasure for the fan
151 is enhanced, or a fabric having a higher thread density
resistant to higher pressures is adopted. Even when the thickness
of the cooling flow passage 152 is reduced in such a way, the
pressure just after the fan 151 has a limit of 5 mmH.sub.2O.
[0095] Also in this embodiment, it is desirable to provide a timer
to avoid overcooling of a lying person. Such a timer may be
arbitrarily used by the lying person, or may be arranged such that
the fan is automatically stopped or the amount of blown air thereof
is automatically reduced after an operation over a predetermined
period of time of the fan.
Embodiment 8
[0096] FIG. 18 is a view showing a pillow according to an eighth
embodiment of the present invention applied to cooling bedclothes,
and (a) is a cross-sectional view and (b) is a plan view thereof.
Further, FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view showing a
sound-insulating countermeasure for a DC fan of the eighth
embodiment.
[0097] The cooling bedclothes of this embodiment has a structure
comprising a cooling flow passage 161 placed on a cushion 160.
There is provided a flow connecting passage 162 at the upper
portion of FIG. 18(b) (the left portion of FIG. 18(a)), and a DC
fan 163 of 50 square is provided at the center portion of the
passage 162. This DC fan 163 is an axial fan, which rotates in a
direction to suck air through the underside of the fan and feeds
the air to the flow connecting passage 162 and cooling flow passage
161, and finally discharges the air at the opposite side of the
passage 161.
[0098] In this embodiment, the d-type of planar spacer in FIG. 4 is
adopted as the spacer for forming the cooling flow passage 161.
This planar spacer is manufactured by injection molding soft
polyethylene.
[0099] As shown in FIG. 18(b), there is provided a jack 164 for
insertion of a DC adapter at the lateral portion of the pillow, and
the DC fan 163 is supplied with power from the jack. Similarly, a
switchable volume 165 is provided at the lateral portion of the
pillow. The switchable volume 165 serves to turn on/off the
operation of the fan, and to vary the rotational speed thereof to
thereby adjust the blown air volume.
[0100] There will be described an antinoise countermeasure for the
DC fan 163, with reference to FIG. 19. Since pillows are used
during sleep, even a slight vibratory sound will hinder a calm
sleep. Thus, it is critical to restrict the vibratory sound of the
fan due to its rotation, down to a level which will never hinder a
calm sleep. As such, in this embodiment, there is wound a weight
170 formed of metal such as iron around the DC fan 163 as shown in
FIG. 17. In this way, the amplitude of any vibration is reduced.
Further, the DC fan 163 wound with the weight 170 is fitted in the
flow connecting passage 162 via gel-like absorbing material 171.
This results in a state substantially free of noise even during the
rotation of the DC fan 163.
[0101] When the pillow according to the cooling bedclothes of this
embodiment is used to place thereon a head of a lying person and
the switchable volume 165 is turned on, the DC fan 163 is rotated.
This causes air to be sucked into the air inlet at the lower side
of the DC fan 163, and to flow through the flow connecting passage
162 and cooling flow passage 161 rightwardly in FIG. 18(a). At this
time, an air layer having a temperature same with that of the
ambient air is formed adjacently to the surface of the person's
head, to thereby increase the temperature gradient at this portion.
Thus, there is provided a calm sleep even during midsummer
time.
[0102] According to the cooling bedclothes, cooling seat cushion,
cooling mat, cooling chair, cooling clothing and cooling shoes of
the present invention as described above, there is formed, at a
location extremely adjacent to the body surface of a person, an air
layer having a temperature equal to that in the room without
lowering the temperature of the whole room, thereby forcibly
increasing the temperature gradient near the body surface to
thereby increase the extent of heat release from the body. Thus,
any devices for cooling air are omitted to thereby reduce cost,
without any uncomfortable feeling due to direct blowing of cooled
air, thereby resulting in feeling of natural coolness.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
[0103] As described above, the present invention utilizes such a
cooling effect to form the cooling flow passages in a substantially
parallel and planar manner at the portion of an article adjacent to
the body, and causes the ambient air at a temperature lower than
the body temperature to flow through the cooling flow passages
substantially parallelly to the body surface to thereby cool the
body. Thus, the present invention can be utilized in any articles
such as bedclothes, mat, chair seat cushion, chair, clothing and
shoes to which the cooling effect can be applied.
* * * * *