VENTILATION APPARATUS AND A GARMENT ON WHICH THE VENTILATION APPARATUS CAN BE MOUNTED

Abstract

A ventilation apparatus is mountable on a garment, such as a jacket. The ventilation apparatus includes a fan that is rotationally driven by a motor and is housed in a main body that includes intake ports and exhaust ports. The motor may be a brushless motor. In addition or in the alternative, a main body of the motor may be shorter than blades of a fan mounted on a drive shaft of the motor.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE

This application is the US national stage of International Patent Application No. PCT/JP2017/027567 filed on Jul. 28, 2017, which claims priority to Japanese Patent Application No. 2016-151607 filed on Aug. 1, 2016 and Japanese Patent Application No. 2016-222796 filed on Nov. 15, 2016.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a ventilation apparatus, which is for delivering air to a user, and to a garment, on which the ventilation apparatus is mountable.

BACKGROUND ART

A raincoat with a ventilation apparatus for blowing air to a user is disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Utility Model Application Publication No. S64-30308.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Because a user who wears such a raincoat with the known ventilation apparatus will be cooled by the air from the ventilation apparatus, it is possible to achieve a comfortable work environment. Nevertheless, there has been a demand to miniaturize the ventilation apparatus in order to improve the work efficiency of the user.

It is therefore an object of the present teachings to provide a more rational technique with regard to a ventilation apparatus, which has been made more compact, and to a garment, on which the ventilation apparatus is mountable.

In a first aspect of the present teachings, a ventilation apparatus configured to be mountable on a garment comprises: a motor; a fan, which is rotationally driven by the motor; and a ventilation-apparatus-main-body part, which comprises intake ports and exhaust ports and houses the motor and the fan. The motor is constituted by a brushless motor.

In a ventilation apparatus with regard to the first aspect, ventilation is provided to the user by using the brushless motor to rotationally drive the fan. By using a brushless motor, which is compact and high-output, overall miniaturization can be achieved while also ensuring a suitable ventilation performance of the ventilation apparatus.

The ventilation apparatus can further comprise an operation part (e.g., an operation panel and/or handheld controller), which enables the user to manually input changes in airflow by generating signals that are output to a controller (central processing unit), which controls the rotational speed, etc. of the brushless motor based on the signals from the operation part. The operation part may comprise one or more buttons or rotary knobs that can be disposed on a main body of the operation part, which has been configured (manufactured) independently of the ventilation apparatus. It is noted that the brushless motor and the operation part are electrically connected to a battery.

The controller (central processing unit) can be disposed in the main body of the ventilation apparatus or in the main body of the operation part. Furthermore, the controller can be provided on an electrical cable for electrically connecting the brushless motor, the operation part, and the battery. It is noted that the controller can be constituted by a central processing unit; furthermore, by using signals generated by functional circuit parts, it is possible to control the rotational speed of the brushless motor and thereby provide additional functions to the ventilation apparatus. It is noted that the ventilation apparatus can be configured such that it can use a battery that the user already owns for use with other types of electric power tools.

In addition, in a second aspect of the present teachings, a ventilation apparatus configured to be mountable on a garment comprises: a motor; a fan, which is rotationally driven by the motor; and a ventilation-apparatus-main-body, which comprises intake ports and exhaust ports and houses the motor and the fan. The motor comprises a motor-main-body, which has a stator and a rotor, and a drive shaft. The fan comprises a fan-main-body, which is mounted on the drive shaft, and blades. The motor-main-body is configured to be shorter than the blades in an output-shaft direction of the drive shaft.

According to this configuration, because the motor-main-body can fit within (is shorter than) the length of the blade in the output-shaft direction of the drive shaft, it is possible to prevent lengthening of the dimension of the ventilation apparatus in the output-shaft direction of the drive shaft.

In particular, if the motor is a compact and high-output brushless motor, then the motor-main-body and the fan-main-body can be shortened in the output-shaft direction of the drive shaft, and it becomes possible to shorten the ventilation apparatus overall commensurately.

In addition, in yet another aspect of the present teachings, the ventilation apparatus can comprise a temperature sensor and a temperature-information-based control part configured to control the rotational speed of the motor based on temperature information from the temperature sensor.

According to this configuration, it is possible, for example, to increase the rotational speed of the motor when the temperature is high and to decrease the rotational speed of the motor when the temperature is low. That is, the ventilation apparatus can adjust the airflow automatically in accordance with the temperature information.

For example, on the garment on which the ventilation apparatus is mounted, the temperature sensor can be mounted in an area (inner-side area) that faces the user side or an area (outer-side area) on the opposite side of the inner-side area.

The temperature-information-based control part can be constituted by a controller that controls the rotation of the brushless motor.

In addition, in yet another aspect of the present teachings, the ventilation apparatus can comprise: a receiver, which receives biological information of a user sent by a mobile computer; and a biological-information-based control part configured to control the rotational speed of the motor based on the biological information from the receiver.

A so-called wearable computer, a smart phone, and the like can be given as examples of specific configurations of the mobile computer. In addition, it is also possible to use a biological-information detecting apparatus, which has been independently configured to detect specific biological information. Information transmission between the mobile computer and the receiver can be performed wirelessly or by wire.

In addition, body temperature, heart rate, perspiration rate, and the like can be given as examples of representative biological information.

According to this configuration, the ventilation apparatus can adjust the airflow automatically in accordance with the biological information.

In addition, in yet another aspect of the present teachings, the main body of the ventilation apparatus can be configured to house a filter between the intake ports and the exhaust ports.

According to this configuration, it is possible to reduce the accumulation of dust in the interior of the ventilation-apparatus-main-body, the blowing out of dust to the user, etc.

A paper filter, a nonwoven fabric filter, a fabric filter, and a foam body filter can be given as examples of specific configurations of the filter. In particular, a HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filter can be used to increase the efficiency of the filter function. In addition, if a filter is used that has air permeability lower than a typical paper filter, as in a HEPA filter, then the motor is preferably constituted by a brushless motor.

In addition, in yet another aspect of the present teachings, the ventilation apparatus can comprise a filter-condition-detecting part configured to detect a condition that reflects when too much dust has accumulated on or in the filter.

According to this configuration, for example, because it is possible to detect whether or not dust greater than a prescribed amount has accumulated on or in the filter, dust can be removed from the filter in a timely and efficient manner.

The filter-condition-detecting part can be configured to detect, for example, the rotational speed of the motor and changes in the electric-current value supplied to the motor. In this case, if an electric-current value is detected that is higher than a threshold value while the motor is being rotationally driven at a prescribed rotational speed, the filter-condition-detecting part can determine that dust greater than the prescribed amount has accumulated on or in the filter.

In addition, the filter-condition-detecting part can be configured to detect the rotational speed of the motor and the airflow produced by the fan. In this case, if an airflow is detected that is lower than a threshold value while the motor is being rotationally driven at a prescribed rotational speed, then the filter-condition-detecting part can determine that dust greater than the prescribed amount has accumulated on or in the filter.

The ventilation apparatus with regard to this aspect can further comprise a notifying part that generates and outputs a notification concerning the condition of the filter based on information from the filter-condition-detecting part. The notifying part can be configured to transmit, to the user, for example, visual information using a light-emitting device, audio information using a buzzer, or the like.

In addition, in yet another aspect of the present teachings, the ventilation apparatus can comprise a dust-removing part configured to remove, from the filter, dust that has accumulated on or in the filter.

According to this configuration, because a dust-removing part removes dust that has accumulated on the filter, the replacement frequency of the filter can be reduced. Consequently, it becomes possible to provide the user with a ventilation apparatus that excels economically.

The dust-removing part can comprise, for example, a motor-reverse-rotation part that causes the motor to rotate in its reverse direction, thereby generating an airflow in the opposite direction. According to this configuration, it becomes possible to generate an airflow in the direction that removes dust from the filter.

In addition or in the alternative, the dust-removing part can be configured, for example, by disposing an elastic member on the inner side of the filter. According to this configuration, when the motor is being driven to supply ventilation to the user, the filter sticks to the elastic member owing to the airflow in the normal direction, and the elastic member is compressed inward. On the other hand, when the rotary drive of the motor stops, the filter is abruptly moved outwardly by the elastic member restoring to its original state. Owing to the vibration (shaking) of the filter that occurs at this time, dust can be ejected from the filter.

In addition, in yet another aspect of the present teachings, the ventilation apparatus can comprise a Peltier element.

According to this configuration, the ventilation apparatus can deliver (supply) air that has been cooled by the Peltier element or air that has been heated by the Peltier element.

In addition, in yet another aspect of the present teachings, the ventilation apparatus can comprise a battery for driving the motor.

It is noted that the battery is preferably a battery that is configured to be mounted on a plurality of power tools. In this case, it is possible that a battery for power tools already owned by the user can be used in the ventilation apparatus. That is, because the user need not purchase a new battery for the ventilation apparatus, this embodiment is particularly economical.

In addition, in yet another aspect of the present teachings, the intake ports can comprise a first intake port that opens in the output-shaft direction of the drive shaft and a second intake port that opens in a direction that intersects the drive shaft. According to this configuration, the ventilation apparatus can efficiently aspirate air via the two intake ports that open in different directions.

In addition, as an aspect of the garment with regard to the present teachings, it can be configured such that the ventilation apparatus is mountable thereon.

According to this configuration, because the user need only put on the garment to use the ventilation apparatus, the ergonomics of the ventilation apparatus can be improved. A jacket, which is worn on the outermost-surface side of the upper body of the user, pants worn on the lower half of body, and overalls, in which the jacket and pants are integrated, can be given as examples of specific garments according to the present teachings. With regard to the jacket, it may have sleeves or no sleeves.

The garment can have an opening for inserting the ventilation apparatus therethrough. In addition, it is possible to provide an attachment part for connecting the garment and the ventilation apparatus to one another.

In addition, the garment can have: an inner-side area, which faces toward the user side when the garment is worn by the user; an interior part, which constitutes at least part of the inner-side area; an outer-side area, which is located on the side opposite that of the inner-side area; an exterior part, which constitutes at least part of the outer-side area; an internal-space part, which is provided between the interior part and the exterior part; and at least one ventilation opening, which is (are) provided in the internal-space part. The ventilation opening(s) can be configured to face the neck and/or armpits of the user.

According to this configuration, it becomes possible to deliver (supply) the air from the ventilation apparatus to the user by way of the internal-space part and via the ventilation opening.

The present teachings provide rational techniques for making a ventilation apparatus more compact and for designing a garment, on which the ventilation apparatus is mountable.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram that shows an overview of a ventilation apparatus according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a side view of the ventilation apparatus.

FIG. 3 is a rear view of the ventilation apparatus.

FIG. 4 is a front view of the ventilation apparatus.

FIG. 5 is a side cross-sectional view of the ventilation apparatus.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram that shows the configuration of a fan.

FIG. 7 is a front perspective view that shows an overview of a garment.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram that shows a control system of a motor.

FIG. 9 is a rear perspective view that shows an overview of the garment.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram that shows the configuration of an inner-side area.

FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram that shows the garment, on which the ventilation apparatus has been mounted.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram that shows the control system of the motor of the ventilation apparatus according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram that shows the control system of the motor of the ventilation apparatus according to a third embodiment.

FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram that shows the configuration of the ventilation apparatus according to a fourth embodiment.

FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram that shows the configuration of the ventilation apparatus according to a fifth embodiment.

FIG. 16 is a block diagram that shows the control system of the motor of the ventilation apparatus according to a sixth embodiment.

FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram that shows the configuration of the ventilation apparatus according to a seventh embodiment.

FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram that shows the configuration of the ventilation apparatus according to an eighth embodiment.

FIG. 19 is a block diagram that shows the control system of the motor of the ventilation apparatus according to a ninth embodiment.

FIG. 20 is a block diagram that shows the control system of the motor of the ventilation apparatus according to a tenth embodiment.

FIG. 21 is an explanatory diagram that shows the configuration of the ventilation apparatus according to an eleventh embodiment.

FIG. 22 is an explanatory diagram that shows the configuration of the operation part of the ventilation apparatus according to a twelfth embodiment.

FIG. 23 is an explanatory diagram that shows the configuration of the operation part of the ventilation apparatus according to a thirteenth embodiment mounted on a jacket.

FIG. 24 is a rear oblique view of the ventilation apparatus according to a fourteenth embodiment.

FIG. 25 is a side view of the ventilation apparatus.

FIG. 26 is a rear view of the ventilation apparatus.

FIG. 27 is a front view of the ventilation apparatus.

FIG. 28 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A in FIG. 26.

FIG. 29 is an explanatory diagram that shows a garment with regard to a modified example on which two ventilation apparatuses have been mounted.

DETAILED DISCLOSURE

The following explains, based on FIG. 1 to FIG. 23, a first embodiment to a thirteenth embodiment, according to the present teachings, of a ventilation apparatus and a garment, on which the ventilation apparatus is mounted. FIG. 24 to FIG. 28 are explanatory diagrams of a fourteenth embodiment.

Structural elements, components, and the like of the second embodiment to the fourteenth embodiment having structures, functions, and the like that are identical or similar to the structural elements, components, and the like explained in the first embodiment are assigned the same symbols, and explanations thereof may be omitted.

First Embodiment

A ventilation apparatus 100A and a work jacket 200 according to the first embodiment will be explained, based on FIG. 1 to FIG. 11. The ventilation apparatus 100A is one example of a “ventilation apparatus” according to the present teachings, and the work jacket 200 is one example of a “garment” according to the present teachings.

Ventilation Apparatus

As shown in FIG. 1, the ventilation apparatus 100A comprises a main body 110 that houses two ventilation units 120. However, it is noted that the ventilation-apparatus-main-body 110 can also be configured to house more than two ventilation units 120 and can also be configured to house a single ventilation unit 120. The main body 110 is one example of a “ventilation-apparatus-main-body” according to the present teachings. As shown in FIG. 5, each of the ventilation units 120 comprises a drive motor 121 and a fan 124. The drive motor 121 is one example of a “motor” according to the present teachings, and the fan 124 is one example of a “fan” according to the present teachings.

As shown in FIG. 5, the drive motor 121 comprises a drive shaft 123. The direction parallel to an output shaft of the drive shaft 123 defines an output-shaft direction 123A. The direction orthogonal to the output-shaft direction 123A defines an output-shaft orthogonal direction 123B.

The output-shaft direction 123A is disposed in a front-rear direction of a user in embodiments in which the ventilation apparatus 100A is mounted on the work jacket 200 while the work jacket 200 is being worn by the user (refer to FIGS. 7 and 9). The output-shaft direction 123A is one example of an “output-shaft direction of a drive shaft” according to the present teachings.

As shown in FIG. 2, the main body 110 comprises a first main-body part 111 and a second main-body part 112. As shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, intake ports 111A are provided on the first main-body part 111. As shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 4, exhaust ports 112A are provided on the second main-body part 112. The intake ports 111A are one example of “intake ports” according to the present teachings, and the exhaust ports 112A are one example of “exhaust ports” according to the present teachings.

As shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 5, the intake ports 111A are provided in the output-shaft orthogonal direction 123B of the first main-body part 111. The exhaust ports 112A are provided in the output-shaft direction 123A of the second main-body part 112. According to this configuration, even if the user leans against a wall and thereby the main body 110 makes contact with that wall, the main body 110 can efficiently take in air via the intake ports 111A and deliver (output) that air via the exhaust ports 112A.

It is noted that, as shown in FIG. 2, an electrical cable 130 for supplying electric current and drive signals to the drive motor 121 extends from the main body 110. The electrical cable 130 is electrically connected with an operation part (handheld, manual controller) 140 (refer to FIG. 7).

The drive motor 121 shown in FIG. 5 is a brushless motor. Consequently, by making the drive motor 121 compact and high output, the main body 110 of the ventilation apparatus 100 can be made compact overall while ensuring suitable ventilation performance of the ventilation apparatus 100A. Furthermore, the durability of the drive motor 121 can be improved, and it becomes easy to steplessly change the rotational speed.

The drive motor 121 comprises a main body 122 and a drive shaft 123. The main body 122 of the drive motor 121 is one example of a “motor-main-body” according to the present teachings, and the drive shaft 123 is one example of a “drive shaft” according to the present teachings.

Although not illustrated for the sake of convenience, the main body 122 comprises a stator and a rotor. In addition, the drive motor 121 comprises switching elements, such as FETs, that are disposed adjacent to the main body 122. The switching elements are controlled by a central processing unit 142, which is described below.

As shown in FIG. 5, the fan 124 comprises a main body 125, which is mounted on the drive shaft 123, and blades 126. The main body 125 of the fan 124 is one example of a “fan-main-body” according to the present teachings, and the blades 126 are one example of “blades” according to the present teachings. A plurality of the blades 126 is provided on the fan-main-body 125.

As shown in FIG. 6, each blade 126 is provided such that it extends in a direction that intersects the output-shaft direction 123A. In addition, as shown in FIG. 1, a first end 126A and a second end 126B are provided on opposite outer edges of each of the blades 126.

As shown in FIG. 6, the main body 122 of the drive motor 121 is configured to be shorter than the blades 126 in the output-shaft direction 123A. This configuration will now be explained in further detail, based on FIG. 6. That is, an intersection point of a line extending from the first end 126A of the blade 126 in the output-shaft orthogonal direction 123B and a line extending in the output-shaft direction 123A is taken as a first end location 126A1 of the blade 126. On the other side, an intersection point of a line extending from the second end 126B of the blade 126 in the output-shaft orthogonal direction 123B and a line extending in the output-shaft direction 123A is taken as a second end location 126B1 of the blade 126. The distance between the first end location 126A1 and the second end location 126B1 defines a first distance 126L, i.e. the length of the blade 126 in the output-shaft direction 123A.

In addition, an intersection point of a line extending from a first end 122A of the drive-motor-main-body 122 in the output-shaft orthogonal direction 123B and a line extending in the output-shaft direction 123A is taken as a first end location 122A1 of the motor main body 122. On the other side, an intersection point of a line extending from a second end 122B of the drive-motor-main-body 122 in the output-shaft orthogonal direction 123B and a line extending in the output-shaft direction 123A is taken as a second end location 122B1 of the motor main body 122. The distance between the first end location 122A1 and the second end location 122B1 defines a second distance 122L, i.e. the length of the main body 122 of the drive motor 121 in the output-shaft direction 123A. It is noted that the first end 122A and the second end 122B are defined by edges of the main body 122 that are spaced farthest apart in the output-shaft direction 123A of the drive motor 121.

Because the second distance 122L is shorter than the first distance 126L, it is possible to shorten the ventilation apparatus 100A in the output-shaft direction 123A.

The operation part (manual controller) 140, which the user presses to input instructions to control the drive motor 121, is shown in FIG. 7. The operation part 140 comprises operation buttons 141A, which are disposed on a main body 141 of the operation part 140 and are manually operated (pressed) by the user. As shown in FIG. 8, signals generated by pressing the operation buttons 141A are input to the central processing unit 142. The central processing unit 142 is configured to drive the drive motor 121 in accordance with the user's instructions that are input by pressing the operation buttons 141A. It is noted that the central processing unit 142 can be constituted by a microcomputer. As shown in FIG. 7, the main body 141 of the operation part 140 is configured (manufactured) separately from the ventilation-apparatus-main-body 110 and a battery-receiving part 170 (refer to FIG. 9). Although not illustrated for the sake of convenience, the main body 141 may comprise a clip for fixing (attaching) the main body 141, e.g., to a belt of the user. It is noted that the main body 141 can also be housed in a pocket, as will be explained further below, or attached to a garment other than a belt.

It is noted that the central processing unit 142 can be provided in the operation-main-body part 141, in the ventilation-apparatus-main-body 110, or on the electrical cable 130 (FIG. 2 to FIG. 5).

A battery 180 for driving the drive motor 121 is shown in FIG. 9. The battery 180 is configured to be mountable on and detachable from the battery-receiving part (battery mount or battery carrier) 170. The battery-receiving part 170 has a clip 171, which may be mounted on (attached to), e.g., the belt of the user. It is noted that, although not illustrated for the sake of convenience of the explanation, an electrical cable for transmitting electric current and drive signals to the drive motor 121 is provided and extends from the battery-receiving part 170 to the operation part 140.

It is noted that the battery-receiving part (battery mount or battery carrier) 170 may be configured to mount a standard power tool battery 180 that can be used with other power tools or work jackets having a heating function. As a result, the user can economically utilize the ventilation apparatus 100A, because it is not necessary to purchase a dedicated power supply.

As shown in FIG. 9, the main body 110 of the ventilation apparatus 110A is mounted on the work jacket 200 such that the intake ports 111A are disposed on the outside of the work jacket 200, and the exhaust ports 112A are disposed in an internal-space part 230 (refer to FIG. 11) of the work jacket 200. The configuration of the internal-space part 230 will be described below. As shown in FIG. 9, the main body 110 is configured to be mountable on and detachable from the work jacket 200 using a first engaging part 110A and a second engaging part 110B. The first engaging part 110A comprises a fastener. The fastener may include one set of teeth provided around the ventilation-apparatus-main-body 110, and another set of teeth provided on a ventilation-apparatus-opening 212 (refer to FIG. 11) of the work jacket 200; e.g., the fastener may be a zipper. The second engaging part 110B comprises a strap, which extends from the ventilation-apparatus-main-body 110, and a snap, which engages such that it is mountable on and detachable from a prescribed area of the work jacket 200. The ventilation apparatus 100A and the work jacket 200 can be reliably engaged by the first engaging part 110A and the second engaging part 110B.

Work Jacket

As shown in FIG. 7 and FIG. 9, an outer-side area 210 of the work jacket 200 is constituted by an exterior part (exterior shell) 210A. The work jacket 200 comprises sleeves 211 for inserting the arms of the user.

The work jacket 200 has an inner-side area 220 (refer to FIG. 10), which faces the user when the work jacket 200 is worn by the user. In the work jacket 200, the inner-side area 220 is located on the opposite side of the outer-side area 210.

As shown in FIG. 9, the ventilation apparatus 100A is mounted on a rear-surface side of the work jacket 200. To mount the ventilation apparatus 100A, the ventilation-apparatus-opening 212 (refer to FIG. 11) is provided on the rear-surface side of the work jacket 200.

Internal-Space Part

The inner-side area 220 of the work jacket 200 is shown in FIG. 10. An interior part (interior shell) 220A is provided in a prescribed area of the inner-side area 220. The prescribed area of the inner-side area 220 includes an area that faces the back of the user. An outer-edge part of the interior part 220A is connected with the exterior part 210A, excepting the areas corresponding to the armpits and the neck of the user and the one portion corresponding to the ventilation apparatus 100A. Ventilation openings 231 are formed in areas not in contact with the interior part 220A and the exterior part 210A. Fasteners 232 are provided on (along) the ventilation openings 231 in the areas corresponding to the armpits of the user.

As shown in FIG. 11, the area (volume) surrounded by the exterior part 210A and the interior part 220A constitutes the internal-space part 230. The ventilation apparatus 100A delivers air into the internal-space part 230. When the temperature of the air inside the internal-space part 230 rises owing to the body temperature of the user, the air inside the internal-space part 230 can be cooled by the outside air taken in from the ventilation apparatus 100A. It is noted that the volume of the internal-space part 230 expands when the air is supplied from the ventilation apparatus 100A.

The air that accumulates in the internal-space part 230 flows out from the ventilation openings 231. As shown in FIG. 10, the ventilation openings 231 are provided at locations corresponding to the neck, the armpits, and the hip of the user. That is, because the ventilation openings 231 are provided in areas at which the user tends to feel heat, the user can be efficiently cooled by the air from the ventilation openings 231. It is noted that, by opening and closing the fasteners 232, the cooling effect with respect to the armpits of the user can be adjusted.

The exterior part 210A and the interior part 220A are made from a low air permeable fabric to inhibit leakage of the air from the internal-space part 230 through the exterior part 210A and the interior part 220A. For example, the exterior part 210A can be composed of natural fibers, such as cotton cloth, or a fabric made of synthetic-resin fibers, such as nylon. In addition, the interior part 220A can be composed of said fabrics or a film body made of synthetic resin. The exterior part 210A can be connected to the interior part 220A by sewing, an adhesive, a fastener, or a hook-and-loop fastener.

Operation of the Ventilation Apparatus

As shown in FIG. 9, the ventilation apparatus 100A is mounted on the work jacket 200 using the first engaging part 110A and the second engaging part 110B. When the ventilation apparatus 100A is mounted on the work jacket 200, as shown in FIG. 11, the first main-body part 111 is disposed on an outer side of the work jacket 200, and the second main-body part 112 is disposed in the internal-space part 230. As was noted above, because the drive motor 121 is a brushless motor in this embodiment, the ventilation apparatus 100A can be made compact in the front-rear direction. That is, as shown in FIG. 6, because the main body 122 of the drive motor 121 is shorter than the blades 126 in the output-shaft direction 123A, the ventilation apparatus 100A can be shortened in the output-shaft direction 123A.

Because the air from the ventilation apparatus 100A flows out to the user via the internal-space part 230, the user is cooled by that air. Thereby, the work jacket 200 can provide a more comfortable work environment for the user.

Second Embodiment

The configuration of a ventilation apparatus 100B according to the second embodiment of the present teachings will be explained based on FIG. 12. The ventilation apparatus 100B is configured such that additional structures are added to, and new functions are performed by, the ventilation apparatus 100A of the first embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 12, the ventilation apparatus 100B comprises a temperature sensor 143, which is one example of a “temperature sensor” according to the present teachings. The central processing unit 142 is configured to control the rotational speed of the drive motor 121 based on temperature information from the temperature sensor 143. That is, the central processing unit 142 acts as a temperature-based control part in this embodiment.

The temperature sensor 143 is configured (manufactured) separately from the ventilation-apparatus-main-body 110 and is electrically connected to the central processing unit 142. The temperature sensor 143 can be mounted on the outer-side area 210, the inner-side area 220, or the internal-space part 230 of the work jacket 200 (refer to FIG. 7 and FIG. 9 to FIG. 11).

According to this configuration, the ventilation apparatus 100B can increase the rotational speed of the drive motor 121 when the temperature is high and can decrease the rotational speed of the drive motor 121 when the temperature is low. That is, the ventilation apparatus 100B can adjust the airflow automatically based on the temperature information.

Third Embodiment

The configuration of a ventilation apparatus 100C according to a third embodiment of the present teachings will be explained based on FIG. 13. The ventilation apparatus 100C is configured such that additional structures are added to, and new functions are performed by, the ventilation apparatus 100A of the first embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 13, the ventilation apparatus 100C comprises a receiver 144, which receives biological information of the user sent by a wearable computer 190. The wearable computer 190 is one example of a “mobile computer” according to the present teachings, and the receiver 144 is one example of a “receiver” according to the present teachings. The central processing unit 142 is configured to control the rotational speed of the drive motor 121 in accordance with the biological information from the receiver 144. That is, the central processing unit 142 acts as a biological-information-based control part in this embodiment. It is noted that the receiver 144 is disposed inside the ventilation-apparatus-main-body 110.

The wearable computer 190 may be configured as a smart wristwatch that is worn on a wrist of the user, who has put on the work jacket 200. A configuration is used such that the transmission of information between the wearable computer 190 and the receiver 144 is performed by wireless communication. In addition, among body temperature, heart rate, perspiration rate, and the like, one of or a combination of a plurality thereof can be given as examples of the biological information. As one example, the perspiration rate is used as the biological information in the ventilation apparatus 100C.

According to this configuration, the ventilation apparatus 100C can increase the rotational speed of the drive motor 121 when the perspiration rate of the user is high and can decrease the rotational speed of the drive motor 121 when the perspiration rate is low. That is, the ventilation apparatus 100C can adjust the airflow automatically based on the biological information.

Fourth Embodiment

The configuration of a ventilation apparatus 100D according to the fourth embodiment of the present teachings will be explained based on FIG. 14. The ventilation apparatus 100D is configured such that additional structures are added to, and new functions are performed by, the ventilation apparatus 100A of the first embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 14, the ventilation-apparatus-main-body 110 of the ventilation apparatus 100D is configured such that it can house a filter 150 between the intake ports 111A and the exhaust ports 112A. The filter 150 is one example of a “filter” according to the present teachings. More specifically, the filter 150 is disposed such that it covers the intake ports 111A. That is, the filter 150 is disposed in the interior of the ventilation apparatus 100D.

A paper filter, a nonwoven fabric filter, a fabric filter, and a foam body filter can be given as examples of specific configurations of the filter 150. In particular, a HEPA filter can be used to increase the filter efficiency.

Because a HEPA filter is configured with low air permeability compared with a typical paper filter, there is a problem in ensuring a sufficient airflow output from the ventilation apparatus 100D. However, because each of the drive motors 121 of the ventilation apparatus 100D is a brushless motor, the rotational speed of each drive motor 121 can be appropriately adjusted, and thereby it becomes possible for the ventilation apparatus 100D to ensure a prescribed airflow, even if a HEPA filter is used.

Owing to the use of a filter 150 in this configuration, the ventilation apparatus 100D can reduce the accumulation of dust in the interior of the ventilation-apparatus-main-body 110 and the blowing out of dust toward the user.

Fifth Embodiment

The configuration of a ventilation apparatus 100E according to the fifth embodiment of the present teachings will be explained based on FIG. 15. With regard to the ventilation apparatus 100E, the arrangement and shape of the filter 150 relative to the ventilation-apparatus-main-body 110 differs as compared to the ventilation apparatus 100D of the fourth embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 15, the filter 150 is mounted on the exterior of the ventilation-apparatus-main-body 110 of the ventilation apparatus 100E. More specifically, the filter 150 is mounted on the first main-body part 111 such that the filter 150 covers the intake ports 111A. The filter 150 is formed in a bag shape having an opening; an elastic member, made of rubber or the like, is disposed along an opening-edge part. Thus, the filter 150 can be fixed to the ventilation-apparatus-main-body 110 by the contractive force of the elastic member.

Similar to the preceding embodiment, owing to the use of a filter 150 in this configuration, the ventilation apparatus 100E can reduce the accumulation of dust in the interior of the ventilation-apparatus-main-body 110 and the blowing out of dust to the user.

Sixth Embodiment

The configuration of a ventilation apparatus 100F according to the sixth embodiment of the present teachings will be explained based on FIG. 16. The ventilation apparatus 100F is configured such that additional structures are added to, and new functions are performed by, the ventilation apparatus 100D of the fourth embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 16, the ventilation apparatus 100F comprises an electric-current detecting part 145 and a display 146. The electric-current detecting part 145 is one example of a “filter-condition-detecting part” according to the present teachings. The electric-current detecting part 145 is configured to detect the magnitude of the electric current supplied to the drive motor 121. In addition, the display 146 is constituted by an LED, which is disposed on the main body 141 of the operation part 140 (refer to FIG. 7).

The central processing unit 142 detects the rotational speed of the drive motor 121 and information from the electric-current detecting part 145. Furthermore, the central processing unit 142 is configured such that, if the electric-current value supplied to the drive motor 121 at a prescribed rotational speed of the drive motor 121 exceeds a threshold value, then it is determined that dust exceeding a prescribed amount has accumulated on the filter 150, and the LED of the display 146 is turned ON.

According to this configuration, because the ventilation apparatus 100F can display, using the display 146, a notification that dust greater than the prescribed amount has accumulated on or in the filter 150, it becomes possible for the user to easily ascertain the appropriate time to replace the filter 150.

Seventh Embodiment

The configuration of a ventilation apparatus 100G according to the seventh embodiment of the present teachings will be explained based on FIG. 17. The ventilation apparatus 100G is configured such that additional structures are added to, and new functions are performed by, the ventilation apparatus 100D of the fourth embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 17, the ventilation apparatus 100G comprises a dust-removing part configured to remove, from the filter 150, dust that has accumulated on the filter 150. The dust-removing part comprises an elastic member 151, which is disposed on an inner side of the filter 150. The elastic member 151 is one example of a “dust-removing part” according to the present teachings. The elastic member 151 is formed of an air-permeable foam body and is disposed between the filter 150 and an elastic-member fixing rib (not shown).

According to this configuration, when the drive motors 121 are driven and the ventilation apparatus 100G is suctioning air, the filter 150 sticks to the elastic member 151 owing to the airflow. Therefore, the elastic member 151 is compressed toward the interior. On the other hand, when the rotary drive of the drive motors 121 stops, the elastic member 151 restores to its original state, and thereby the filter 150 is abruptly moved outwardly. Owing to vibration (shaking) of the filter 150 generated at this time, dust is removed from the filter 150.

That is, the ventilation apparatus 100G makes it possible to automatically remove dust from the filter 150 when the drive motors 121 are stopped. Because the replacement frequency of the filter 150 can be reduced, the ventilation apparatus 100G can be used in an economical manner.

Eighth Embodiment

The configuration of a ventilation apparatus 100H according to the eighth embodiment of the present teachings will be explained based on FIG. 18. The ventilation apparatus 100H is configured such that additional structures are added to, and new functions are performed by, the ventilation apparatus 100E of the fifth embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 18, the ventilation apparatus 100H comprises the dust-removing part, which is configured to remove, from the filter 150, dust that has accumulated on the filter 150. The dust-removing part comprises the elastic member 151, which is disposed on the inner side of the filter 150. The elastic member 151 is one example of a “dust-removing part” according to the present teachings. The elastic member 151 is formed of an air-permeable foam body and is disposed between the filter 150 and the ventilation-apparatus-main-body 110.

According to this configuration, when the drive motors 121 are driven and the ventilation apparatus 100G is suctioning air, the filter 150 sticks to the elastic member 151 owing the airflow. Therefore, the elastic member 151 is compressed toward the interior. On the other hand, when the rotary drive of the drive motors 121 stops, the elastic member 151 restores to its original state, and thereby the filter 150 is abruptly moved outwardly. Owing to the vibration (shaking) of the filter 150 generated at this time, the dust is removed from the filter 150.

That is, the ventilation apparatus 100H also makes it possible to automatically remove dust from the filter 150 when the drive motors 121 are stopped. Because the replacement frequency of the filter 150 can be reduced in this embodiment as well, the ventilation apparatus 100H can be used in an economical manner.

Ninth Embodiment

The configuration of a ventilation apparatus 100I according to the ninth embodiment of the present teachings will be explained based on FIG. 19. The ventilation apparatus 100I is configured such that additional structures are added to, and new functions are performed by, the ventilation apparatus 100F of the sixth embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 19, the ventilation apparatus 100I comprises the filter-condition-detecting part, which is constituted by the electric-current detecting part 145.

Similar to the sixth embodiment, the central processing unit 142 detects the rotational speed of the drive motor 121 and information from the electric-current detecting part 145. Furthermore, the central processing unit 142 is configured such that, when the electric-current value supplied to the drive motor 121 at the prescribed rotational speed of the drive motor 121 exceeds the threshold value, it is determined that dust exceeding the prescribed amount has accumulated on the filter 150. However, in this embodiment, when the prescribed dust threshold is exceeded, the drive motor(s) 121 is (are) caused to rotate in reverse.

According to this configuration, when it is determined that dust greater than the prescribed amount has accumulated on or in the filter 150 of the ventilation apparatus 100I, the drive motor(s) 121 is (are) caused to rotate in reverse, and thereby air is caused to flow out in a direction that removes dust from the filter 150.

That is, the ventilation apparatus 100I also makes it possible to automatically remove dust from the filter 150 when dust greater than the prescribed amount has accumulated on the filter 150. Because the replacement frequency of the filter 150 can be reduced, the ventilation apparatus 100I can be used in an economical manner.

Tenth Embodiment

The configuration of a ventilation apparatus 100J according to the tenth embodiment of the present teachings will be explained based on FIG. 20. The ventilation apparatus 100J is configured such that additional structures are added to, and new functions are performed by, the ventilation apparatus 100D of the fourth embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 20, the ventilation apparatus 100J comprises a dust-removing part, which is configured to remove, from the filter 150, dust that has accumulated on or in the filter 150. In this embodiment, the dust-removing part comprises a reverse-operation part 141B for causing the drive motor 121 to rotate in reverse. The reverse-operation part 141B may include a button, which is disposed on the main body 141 of the operation part 140 (refer to FIG. 7). The central processing unit 142 controls the drive motor 121, in response to manipulation (e.g., pressing) of the reverse-operation part 141B by the user, so as to cause the drive motor 121 to rotate in reverse.

According to this configuration, when the user determines that too much dust has accumulated on or in the filter 150 (e.g., because the airflow output from the ventilation apparatus 100J has decreased), the user can operate (press) the reverse-operation part 141B. By manipulating (pressing) the reverse-operation part 141B, the rotational direction of the drive motor(s) 121 is reversed and air is caused to flow out in the direction that removes dust from the filter 150.

That is, the ventilation apparatus 100J makes it possible to automatically remove dust from the filter 150 by manipulating the reverse-operation part 141B. Because the replacement frequency of the filter 150 can be reduced in this embodiment as well, the ventilation apparatus 100J can be used in an economical manner.

Eleventh Embodiment

The configuration of a ventilation apparatus 100K according to the eleventh embodiment of the present teachings will be explained based on FIG. 21. The ventilation apparatus 100K is configured such that new structures are added to, and new functions are performed by, the ventilation apparatus 100A of the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 21, the ventilation apparatus 100K comprises a Peltier element 160. The Peltier element 160 is one example of a “Peltier element” according to the present teachings.

The Peltier element 160 is disposed between the two ventilation units 120 and is operated (powered) by the battery 180 (refer to FIG. 9). If the ventilation apparatus 100K is configured to blow air cooled by the Peltier element 160, then a heat-absorbing surface (cooling surface) of the Peltier element 160 is facing the fan 124. On the other hand, if the ventilation apparatus 100K is configured to blow air heated by the Peltier element 160, then a heat-generating surface of the Peltier element 160 is facing the fan 124.

According to this configuration, the ventilation apparatus 100K can blow out air, the temperature of which has been adjusted (increased or decreased) by the Peltier element 160.

Twelfth Embodiment

The configuration of a ventilation apparatus 100L according to the twelfth embodiment of the present teachings will be explained based on FIG. 22. With regard to the ventilation apparatus 100L, the configuration of the operation part 140 differs as compared to the ventilation apparatus 100A of the first embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 22, the operation part 140 of the ventilation apparatus 100L is provided on the battery-receiving part 170. In this embodiment, the central processing unit 142 also can be housed in the battery-receiving part 170.

According to this configuration, because it is no longer necessary to separately provide the main body 141 of the operation part 140 that is connected via an electrical cable to the ventilation apparatus 100L, the part count can be reduced and usability can be improved for the user.

Thirteenth Embodiment

The configuration of a ventilation apparatus 100M according to the thirteenth embodiment of the present teachings will be explained based on FIG. 23. With regard to the ventilation apparatus 100M, the configuration of the operation part 140 differs as compared to the ventilation apparatus 100A of the first embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 23, the operation part 140 of the ventilation apparatus 100M is provided on the work jacket 200. That is, the main body 141 of the operation part 140 is mounted on (attached to) the work jacket 200. In this embodiment, the central processing unit 142 can be housed in the main body 141.

According to this configuration, because the operation part 140 can be provided on the ventilation apparatus 100M at a location at which the user can easily check the operation part 140, usability can be improved for the user.

Fourteenth Embodiment

A ventilation apparatus 100N according to the fourteenth embodiment of the present teachings will be explained based on FIG. 24 to FIG. 28. It is noted that, because most of the structures of the ventilation apparatus 100N are the same as that of the ventilation apparatus 100A of the first embodiment, the following mainly explains the structures of the ventilation apparatus 100N that differ from the ventilation apparatus 100A.

As shown in FIG. 28, the ventilation apparatus 100N comprises the main body 110 and two of the ventilation units 120, which are housed in the main body 110.

As shown in FIG. 24 and FIG. 25, the main body 110, the same as in the first embodiment, is formed as a substantially elliptical-box-shaped housing overall and comprises the first main-body part 111 and the second main-body part 112, which is mounted on the first main-body part 111 such that it can be mounted and detached in the output-shaft direction 123A. While intake ports 111E, which are for drawing air from the exterior into the ventilation-apparatus-main-body 110, are provided on the first main-body part 111, exhaust ports 112A, which are for exhausting air from the ventilation-apparatus-main-body 110 to the exterior, are provided on the second main-body part 112. In other words, the intake ports 111E are provided on one side of the main body 110 in the output-shaft direction 123A and the exhaust ports 112A are provided on the other side of the main body 110.

Unlike the first embodiment, however, each of the intake ports 111E of the present embodiment comprises a first intake port 111F, which is open in the output-shaft direction 123A, and a second intake port 111G which is open in a direction that intersects the drive shaft 123 (in the present embodiment, the output-shaft orthogonal direction 123B). In greater detail, as shown in FIG. 24 and FIG. 28, the first intake ports 111F and the second intake ports 111G are provided in a first wall 111C and a second wall 111D, respectively, of the first main-body part 111.

The first wall 111C is a portion of the first main-body part 111 that is disposed such that it is substantially orthogonal to the drive shafts 123 (in other words, such that it extends substantially in the output-shaft orthogonal direction 123B). It is noted that, when the work jacket 200 (refer to FIG. 9) on which the ventilation apparatus 100N is mounted is worn by the user, the first wall part 111C is disposed rearward of the user's back on an outer part of the exterior part 210A and is the portion opposing the back. As shown in FIG. 24 and FIG. 26, the first intake ports 111F include a plurality of through holes formed in the first wall 111C in two circular areas opposing the fans 124. These through holes, i.e. the first intake ports 111F, are open in the output-shaft direction 123A (in greater detail, in the opposite direction of the second main-body part 112 in the output-shaft direction 123A (in the opposite direction of the user's back)). Air passageways that pass through the first intake ports 111F extend in the output-shaft direction 123A. It is noted that the through holes that constitute the first intake ports 111F should be open in the output-shaft direction 123A, and their number, arrangement, locations, and the like are not limited to the illustrated example.

As shown in FIG. 24, FIG. 25, and FIG. 28, the second wall 111D is a circumferential-wall that extends from an outer circumference of the first wall 111C toward the second main-body part 112 in the output-shaft direction 123A. It is noted that, when the work jacket 200 (refer to FIG. 9) on which the ventilation apparatus 100N is mounted is worn by the user, the second wall 111D is the portion that protrudes rearward from the user's back on an outer part of the exterior part 210A. Each of the second intake ports 111G includes a plurality of through holes formed in the second wall 111D. These through holes, i.e. the second intake ports 111G, are open (substantially parallel to the user's back) in a direction that intersects the drive shafts 123 (in the present embodiment, in the output-shaft orthogonal direction 123B). The air passageways that pass through the second intake ports 111G extend in the direction that intersects the drive shafts 123. It is noted that the through holes that constitute the second intake ports 111G should be open in the direction that intersects the drive shafts 123, and their number, arrangement, locations, and the like are not limited to the illustrated example.

On the other hand, the exhaust ports 112A, which are configured the same as in the first embodiment, are provided in the second main-body part 112. In greater detail, as shown in FIG. 25, FIG. 27, and FIG. 28, the second main-body part 112 is formed as circular-dome shapes, which protrude in the output-shaft direction 123A away from the first main-body part 111, and comprises two ventilation-unit-housing parts 112B, which respectively house the ventilation units 120 in the interiors thereof. The exhaust ports 112A include a plurality of through holes formed in the ventilation-unit-housing parts 112B. These through holes, i.e. the exhaust ports 112A, are open in the output-shaft direction 123A (in detail, in the opposite direction of the first main-body part 111 in the output-shaft direction 123A (in the direction of the user's back)). In the present embodiment, these through holes are also open in the direction that intersects the drive shafts 123. It is noted that the through holes that constitute the exhaust ports 112A should be open at least in the output-shaft direction 123A, and their number, arrangement, locations, and the like are not limited to the illustrated example.

As shown in FIG. 28, each of the ventilation units 120 comprises the drive motor 121 and the fan 124, the same as in the first embodiment. In the present embodiment, unlike the first embodiment, the length of each main body 122 of the drive motors 121 in the output-shaft direction 123A is substantially the same as the length of the blades 126 of the fans 124, or may be set slightly longer; however, it is shorter than a typical motor with brushes. In addition, in the present embodiment, the diameter of the fans 124 is 63 mm.

In the present embodiment, the operation part 140, which is manually operated by the user, is provided on the battery-receiving part 170 (refer to FIG. 22), the same as in the twelfth embodiment. In the present embodiment, each of the drive motors 121 is a so-called circuit-integrated-type brushless motor, and the central processing unit 142 (refer to FIG. 8), together with a switching device, a rotor-position-detecting sensor, and the like, is installed on a circuit board (not shown) and built into each of the drive motors 121. It is noted that, in the present embodiment, the electrical cable 130 (not shown in FIG. 24 to FIG. 28; refer to FIGS. 2-4), which extends from the ventilation-apparatus-main-body 110, is electrically connected to the battery-receiving part 170. Signals generated by manipulating the operation part 140 provided on the battery-receiving part 170 are input to the central processing unit 142 via the electrical cable 130.

As explained above, the intake ports 111E, each of which comprises the first intake port 111F open in the output-shaft direction 123A of the drive shaft 123 and the second intake port 111G open in the direction that intersects the drive shaft 123, are provided on the ventilation apparatus 100N of the present embodiment. Thereby, the ventilation apparatus 100N can efficiently draw in air from different directions. Therefore, as in the ventilation apparatus 100A of the first embodiment, compactness can be further achieved by reducing the thickness in the output-shaft direction while ensuring an aspirated airflow equivalent to embodiments in which only the intake ports 111A are open in the direction that intersects the drive shaft 123.

In addition, by using compact, high-output brushless motors as the drive motors 121, shortening in the output-shaft direction 123A is achieved and a reduction in the diameter of each fan 124 is also achieved. In a conventional ventilation apparatus in which a brushed motor is used, the diameter of the fan is typically 80 mm or more. On the other hand, in the present embodiment, the diameter of each fan 124 is reduced to 63 mm while airflow equivalent to such a conventional ventilation apparatus is ensured. Thus, the ventilation apparatus 100N of the present embodiment achieves overall compactness.

Furthermore, in the present embodiment, because the operation part 140 is provided on the battery-receiving part 170, it is not necessary to separately provide the main body 141 of the operation part 140, and therefore the part count can be reduced, and usability can be improved for the user. In addition, by configuring the drive motors 121 as circuit-integrated-type brushless motors, it is not necessary to install the central processing unit 142 on or in another component, and therefore the part count can be reduced, and wiring can be simplified.

Ventilation apparatuses according to the present teachings are not limited to the configurations according to the first embodiment to the fourteenth embodiment described above. For example, the configurations described in the first embodiment to the fourteenth embodiment can be combined as appropriate.

In addition, for example, as in ventilation apparatuses 100P shown in FIG. 29, a single ventilation unit 120 may be housed in each main body 110. In such an embodiment, a plurality of the ventilation apparatuses 100P may be mounted on the work jacket 200. It is noted that, in FIG. 29, an example is illustrated in which two of the ventilation apparatuses 100P are mounted.

In addition, it is also possible to provide new configurations for providing yet other functions. For example, it is possible to make the configurations such that a remaining-charge detecting part of the battery 180 is provided, the central processing unit 142 detects the remaining charge of the battery 180, and the drive motor 121 rotates at a rotational speed in accordance with that remaining charge. According to this configuration, because the drive motor(s) 121 can be driven for a long time (e.g., 8 hours), it is possible to avoid the situation in which ventilation is unexpectedly stopped during work.

In addition, an ion-generating apparatus can be provided inside the ventilation-apparatus-main-body 110.

(Correspondence Between Structural Elements of the Present Embodiment and Structural Elements of the Present Teachings)

The correspondence relationships between the structural elements of the embodiments described above and the structural elements of the present teachings are as follows.

The ventilation apparatuses 100A, 100B, 100C, 100D, 100E, 100F, 100E 100H, 100I, 100J, 100K, 100L, 100M, 100N, 100P are each examples of the “ventilation apparatus” according to the present teachings. The work jacket 200 is one example of the “garment” according to the present teachings. The ventilation-apparatus-main-body 110 is one example of the “ventilation-apparatus-main-body” according to the present teachings. The drive motor 121 is one example of the “motor” according to the present teachings. The fan 124 is one example of the “fan” according to the present teachings. The intake ports 111A, 111E are one example of the “intake ports” according to the present teachings. The first intake ports 111F and the second intake ports 111G are one example of “first intake ports” and “second intake ports,” respectively, according to the present teachings. The exhaust ports 112A are one example of the “exhaust ports” according to the present teachings. The drive-motor-main-body 122 is one example of the “motor-main-body” according to the present teachings. The drive shaft 123 is one example of the “drive shaft” according to the present teachings. The output-shaft direction 123A is one example of the “output-shaft direction of the drive shaft” according to the present teachings. The fan-main-body 125 is one example of the “fan-main-body” according to the present teachings. Each blade 126 is one example of the “blade(s)” according to the present teachings. The central processing unit 142 is one example of each of the “temperature-based control part” and the “biological-information-based control part” according to the present teachings. The temperature sensor 143 is one example of the “temperature sensor” according to the present teachings. The wearable computer 190 is one example of the “mobile computer” according to the present teachings. The receiver 144 is one example of the “receiver” according to the present teachings. The filter 150 is one example of the “filter” according to the present teachings. The electric-current detecting part 145 is one example of the “filter-condition-detecting part” according to the present teachings. The display 146 is one example of a “display” according to the present teachings. The elastic member 151 and the reverse-operation part 141B are each examples of the “dust-removing part” according to the present teachings. The Peltier element 160 is one example of the “Peltier element” according to the present teachings.

Considering the gist of the above-mentioned teachings, the aspects below are configurable in relation to the ventilation apparatus according to the present teachings. It is noted that these aspects are not only used independently or in combination but are also used in combination with the inventions described in the claims.

(First Aspect)

A temperature-based control part is constituted by a central processing unit, which controls the rotational speed of a drive motor.

(Second Aspect)

A biological-information-based control part is constituted by the central processing unit, which controls the rotational speed of the drive motor.

(Third Aspect)

A notifying part is provided that is configured to notify, based on information from the filter-condition-detecting part, the fact that dust greater than the prescribed amount has accumulated on the filter.

EXPLANATION OF THE REFERENCE NUMBERS

• 100A, 100B, 100C, 100D, 100E, 100F, 100G 100H, 100I, 100J, 100K, 100L, 100L, 100N Ventilation apparatus
• 110 Main body of the ventilation apparatus
• 110A First engaging part
• 110B Second engaging part
• 111 First main-body part
• 111A, 111E Intake ports
• 111C First wall
• 111D Second wall
• 111F First intake port
• 111G Second intake port
• 112 Second main-body part
• 112A Exhaust port
• 112B Ventilation-unit-housing part
• 120 Ventilation unit
• 121 Drive motor (motor)
• 122 Drive-motor-main-body
• 122A First end of the motor
• 122A1 First end location of the motor
• 122B Second end of the motor
• 122B1 Second end location of the motor
• 122L Second distance
• 123 Drive shaft
• 123A Output-shaft direction
• 123B Output-shaft orthogonal direction
• 124 Fan
• 125 Fan-main-body
• 126 Blade
• 126A First end of the blade
• 126A1 First end location of the blade
• 126B Second end of the blade
• 126B1 Second end location of the blade
• 126L First distance
• 130 Electrical cable
• 140 Operation part
• 141 Min-body of the operation part
• 141A Operation button(s)
• 141B Reverse-operation part
• 142 Central processing unit (controller)
• 143 Temperature sensor
• 144 Receiver
• 145 Electric-current detecting part
• 146 Display
• 150 Filter
• 151 Elastic member
• 160 Peltier element
• 170 Battery-receiving part
• 171 Clip
• 180 Battery
• 190 Wearable computer
• 200 Work jacket (garment)
• 210 Outer-side area
• 210A Exterior part
• 211 Sleeve
• 212 Ventilation-apparatus-opening
• 220 Inner-side area
• 220A Interior part
• 230 Internal-space part
• 231 Ventilation opening
• 232 Ventilation opening fastener

Claims

1. A ventilation apparatus configured to be mountable on a garment, comprising:

a motor;

a fan configured to be rotationally driven by the motor; and

a housing that comprises intake ports and exhaust ports, the motor and the fan being disposed in the housing.

2. The ventilation apparatus according to claim 1,

wherein:

the motor comprises a main body, which has a stator and a rotor, and a drive shaft;

the fan comprises blades mounted on the drive shaft; and

the main body is shorter than the blades in an output-shaft direction of the drive shaft.

3. The ventilation apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising:

a temperature sensor; and

a temperature-information-based control part configured to control the rotational speed of the motor based on temperature information from the temperature sensor.

4. The ventilation apparatus according to claim 1, comprising:

a receiver configured to receive biological information of a user sent by a mobile computer; and

a biological-information-based control part configured to control the rotational speed of the motor based on the biological information from the receiver.

5. The ventilation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a filter is housed in the housing between the intake ports and the exhaust ports.

6. The ventilation apparatus according to claim 5, further comprising:

a filter-condition-detecting part configured to detect whether or not a threshold has been exceeded indicating that dust has accumulated on or in the filter.

7. The ventilation apparatus according to claim 5, further comprising:

a dust-removing part configured to remove, from the filter, dust that has accumulated on or in the filter.

8. The ventilation apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising:

a Peltier element.

9. The ventilation apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising:

a battery for driving the motor.

10. The ventilation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:

the intake ports comprise: a first intake port that opens in an output-shaft direction of the drive shaft; and a second intake port that opens in a direction that intersects the drive shaft.

11. A garment having the ventilation apparatus according to claim 1 mounted thereon.

12. The ventilation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the motor is a brushless motor.

13. The ventilation apparatus according to claim 12, wherein a filter is either (i) housed in the housing between the intake ports and the exhaust ports or (ii) mounted on an exterior side of the intake ports.

14. The ventilation apparatus according to claim 13, further comprising:

a filter-condition-detecting part configured to detect whether or not a threshold has been exceeded indicating that dust has accumulated on or in the filter.

15. The ventilation apparatus according to claim 14, further comprising:

means for removing, from the filter, dust that has accumulated on or in the filter.

16. The ventilation apparatus according to claim 15, further comprising:

a Peltier element in an airflow path between the inlet ports and the exhaust ports; and

a rechargeable battery detachably attached to a battery receiving part in electrical communication with the motor.

17. The ventilation apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the intake ports comprise:

a first intake port that opens in an output-shaft direction of the drive shaft; and

a second intake port that opens in a direction that intersects the drive shaft.

18. The ventilation apparatus according to claim 17, wherein:

the motor comprises a main body, which has a stator and a rotor, and a drive shaft;

the fan comprises blades mounted on the drive shaft; and

the main body is shorter than the blades in the output-shaft direction of the drive shaft.

19. The ventilation apparatus according to claim 18, further comprising:

a temperature sensor;

a temperature-information-based control part configured to control the rotational speed of the motor based on temperature information from the temperature sensor;

a receiver configured to receive biological information of a user sent by a mobile computer; and

a biological-information-based control part configured to control the rotational speed of the motor based on the biological information from the receiver.

20. A work jacket comprising:

an exterior shell having a ventilation apparatus opening;

an interior shell connected to the exterior shell, an internal space being defined by the exterior shell and interior shell; and

the ventilation apparatus according to claim 19 mounted on the exterior shell such that the housing extends through the ventilation apparatus opening and the exhaust ports are disposed within the internal space.