DESCRIPTION TITLE OF THE INVENTION
Portable Cooling Device TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001]
The present invention relates to a portable cooling device including a Peltier element module. BACKGROUND ART
[0002]
Conventionally, there have been various proposals in regard to a cooling device employing a Peltier element. For example, usage like setting a can or a cup as a cooling object on a heat-absorbing surface (cooling surface) of a plate-shaped Peltier element module is conceivable.
[0003]
Patent Reference 1 proposes a can temperature control device including a lidded container provided in a housing to store a can containing a beverage, a Peltier element attached to an outer surface of the base (base plate) of the container, and a heat radiation mechanism for the Peltier element. • PRIOR ART REFERENCE PATENT REFERENCE
[0004]
Patent Reference 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2000-231667 (e.g., claim 5, paragraph 0025 and Fig. 7) SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION
[0005]
However, in a case where the cooling object is simply placed on the heat-absorbing surface of the Peltier element module, a problem arises in that the cooling object moves and the cooling efficiency drops. Further, since the device described in the Patent Reference 1 includes the lidded container for storing the cooling object and the housing for housing the container, a

heat insulator, the Peltier element and the heat radiation mechanism, a problem arises in that the cooling device is large-sized and complicated. [0006]
The object of the present invention, which has been made to resolve the above-described problems in the conventional technology, is to provide a portable cooling device capable of efficiently cooling the cooling object with a small-sized and simple configuration. MEANS FOR SOLVING THE PROBLEM [0007]
A portable cooling device according to the present invention includes a support member, a Peltier element module supported by the support member, and a hold part attached to the support member, the hold part holding a cooling object while the cooling object is in contact with a heat-absorbing surface of the Peltier element module. EFFECTS OF THE INVENTION [0008]
According to the present invention, the device can be downsized and simplified since the cooling object is held by the hold part. Further, according to the present invention, the cooling object can be cooled efficiently since the cooling object is held while the cooling object is in contact with the heat-absorbing surface of the Peltier element module. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0009]
Fig. 1 is a perspective view schematically showing the structure of a portable cooling device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 2 is a top view schematically showing the structure of the portable cooling device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 3 is an enlarged top view showing a state in which a

thermally conductive sheet of the portable cooling device according to the first embodiment of the present invention is deformed.
Fig. 4 is a top view schematically showing a state in which the portable cooling device according to the first embodiment of the present invention has adhered to a cooling object.
Fig. 5 is a top view schematically showing the structure of a portable cooling device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 6 is a top view schematically showing the structure of a portable cooling device according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 7 is a perspective view schematically showing the structure of a portable cooling device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 8 is a top view schematically showing the structure of the portable cooling device according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 9 is a top view schematically showing the structure of a portable cooling device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 10 is a top view schematically showing the structure of a portable cooling device according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION [0010]
Portable cooling devices according to embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. An XYZ orthogonal coordinate system is shown in each drawing to facilitate the understanding of the relationship among the drawings. In the drawings, a Z-axis represents an upward vertical direction, an X-axis represents a horizontal direction orthogonal to the Z-axis, and a Y-axis represents a horizontal direction orthogonal to both the X-axis and the Z-axis. In

general, in the drawings other than Fig. 9, the Z-axis direction is the height direction of the portable cooling device, the Y-axis direction is the width direction of the portable cooling device, and the X-axis direction is the thickness direction of the portable cooling device. However, the setting method
(attitude) of the portable cooling device may be freely selected by the user and is not limited to the examples shown in the drawings.
[0011]
(1) First Embodiment
(1-1) Configuration
Fig. 1 is a perspective view schematically showing the structure of a portable cooling device 1 according to a first embodiment. Fig. 2 is a top view schematically showing the structure of the portable cooling device 1 according to the first embodiment. Fig. 3 is an enlarged top view showing a state in which a thermally conductive sheet 3 of the portable cooling device 1 according to the first embodiment is deformed.
[0012]
As shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, the portable cooling device 1 includes a Peltier element module 2 as a cooling element module, a thermally conductive sheet (cooling surface) 3 as a thermally conductive member provided on a heat-absorbing surface
(cooling surface) 2a of the Peltier element module 2, and a heat radiator 4 (a heat radiation plate 41 and a heat radiation fin 42) provided on a heat-radiating surface 2b of the Peltier element module 2. The portable cooling device 1 further includes a support member 5 as a base part by which components of the portable cooling device 1 are supported, a hold part (holder) 6 that holds a cooling object as the object of cooling, and a fan 7 as a blower device that generates an air flow heading towards the heat radiator 4. Incidentally, while it is desirable to form the heat-absorbing surface 2a of the Peltier element module 2 with the thermally conductive sheet 3 or to apply a thermally

conductive member on the heat-absorbing surface 2a, it is also possible to leave out the thermally conductive sheet 3. While the heat radiator 4 on the heat-radiating surface 2b can also be left out, it is desirable to provide the heat radiator 4 to improve the cooling efficiency. While the fan 7 that blows air towards the heat radiator 4 can also be left out, it is desirable to provide the fan 7 in order to improve the cooling efficiency. While a plate-shaped member having a first surface 5a on the heat-absorbing surface 2a's side and a second surface 5b on the heat-radiating surface 2b's side is illustrated as the support member 5 in Fig. 1, the shape of the support member 5 is not limited to the illustrated shape. [0013]
The portable cooling device 1 further includes a power supply unit 12 as a power supply circuit that supplies electric power to the support member 5 via a power cable 11, wiring 13 for supplying the electric power from the power supply unit 12 to the Peltier element module 2, and wiring 14 for supplying the electric power from the power supply unit 12 to a motor of the fan 7. [0014]
The Peltier element module 2 is, for example, a plate-shaped thermoelement module including a Peltier element employing the Peltier effect in which feeding electric current through a junction part of two types of metals leads to movement of heat from one metal to the other metal. The Peltier element module 2 has the heat-absorbing surface 2a and the heat-radiating surface 2b. The heat-absorbing surface 2a absorbs heat of the cooling object 20 (cools the cooling object 20), while the heat-radiating surface 2b radiates heat. The heat-absorbing surface 2a of the Peltier element module 2 is the Peltier element module 2's surface facing the +X direction in Fig. 1. The heat-radiating surface 2b of the Peltier element module 2 is the Peltier element module 2's surface facing the -X direction in Fig. 1.

[0015]
In general, the cooling of the cooling object 20 by the Peltier element module 2 is carried out by having the heat-absorbing surface 2a of the Peltier element module 2 come in contact with the cooling object 20 directly or indirectly via a thermally conductive sheet or the like. This makes it possible to cool the cooling object 20 down to a temperature lower than or equal to the outside air temperature. The Peltier element module 2 is driven by the electric power supplied through the power cable 11, the power supply unit 12 and the wiring 13. The fan 7 is driven by the electric power supplied through the power supply unit 12 and the wiring 14. The power cable 11 is connected to one of an electric outlet, a battery, a solar panel and the like, for example, and receives the supply of electric power. [0016]
The heat-absorbing surface 2a of the Peltier element module 2 is desired to be provided with the thermally conductive sheet 3 by using a thermally conductive adhesive agent, for example. The thermally conductive sheet 3 is desired to have elasticity and be deformed according to the shape of a contact surface of the cooling object 20 as shown in Fig. 3 in order to increase an area of contact with the cooling object 20. By this deformation of the thermally conductive sheet 3, the area of contact with the cooling object 20 increases and the cooling efficiency improves. [0017]
A material of the thermally conductive sheet 3 can be, for example, one of a silicone resin, an acrylic resin, a polyolefin resin and the like. The thickness and shape of the thermally conductive sheet 3 are desired to be selected according to the shape of a surface to be cooled of the cooling object 20. Further, the thermally conductive sheet 3 is desired to be replaceable depending on the surface shape of the cooling object 20. For example, the cooling efficiency can be improved by using a thin thermally conductive sheet 3 in a case where the surface

to be cooled of the cooling object 20 is a plane surface, and by using a thick thermally conductive sheet 3 in a case where the surface to be cooled of the cooling object 20 is a convex surface. In this case, it is desirable to use a peelable adhesive agent as the adhesive agent.
[0018]
The heat radiator 4 is fixed on the heat-radiating surface 2b of the Peltier element module 2 by using a thermally conductive adhesive agent. The heat radiator 4 is formed by connecting the heat radiation fin 42 like a plurality of thin plates to the heat radiation plate 41, for example. By the connection of the heat radiation fin 42 to the heat radiation plate 41, the heat generated on the heat-radiating surface 2b is transmitted to the heat radiation fin 42 via the heat radiation plate 41 and is radiated from the heat radiation fin 42. Further, the fan 7 that generates the air flow heading towards the heat radiation fin 42 is provided in order to cool the heat radiation fin 42. The fan 7 is supplied with the electric power from the power supply. The position of the fan 7 is not limited to the position shown in Fig. 1.
[0019]
The heat radiator 4 is fixed to the support member 5 of the portable cooling device 1. The support member 5 can be formed with one of an expanded polystyrene member, a plastic member, a synthetic resin, a ceramic and a metallic member, for example. The support member 5 is a plate-shaped member, for example, and components of the portable cooling device 1 are supported by the support member 5. The support member 5 has a through hole
(including a notch part as a through hole connecting to one side of the support member 5), and the Peltier element module 2 is attached to the through hole.
[0020]
The support member 5 functions as a heat insulating material demarcating the heat-absorbing surface 2a's side of the

Peltier element module 2 and the heat-radiating surface 2b's side of the Peltier element module 2 from each other. Specifically, the support member 5 is capable of separating a space on the side of the support member 5's first surface 5a (surface facing the +X direction) and a space on the side of the support member 5's second surface 5b (surface facing the -X direction) from each other. With this configuration, the heat that has moved from the heat-radiating surface 2b of the Peltier element module 2 to the heat radiator 4 can be prevented from moving to the heat-absorbing surface 2a of the Peltier element module 2 or to the vicinity of the thermally conductive sheet 3 via air around the heat radiator 4, and thereby deterioration in the cooling efficiency can be prevented.
[0021]
Four magnets 61 serving as the hold part 6 are fixed on the first surface 5a of the support member 5. By providing the magnets 61, the cooling object 20 including magnetic material can be held with magnetic attractive force. Incidentally, the number and arrangement of the magnets 61 are not limited to the example shown in Fig. 1. The number of the magnets 61 can also be one, two, three, or five or more. In a case where the magnets 61 are replaceable, the height of the magnets 61 in the X-axis direction can be adjusted by replacing the magnets 61. Alternatively, each of magnets 61 is formed by stacking a plurality of magnet members in the X-axis direction, and thereby the height of the magnets 61 in the X-axis direction can be adjusted.
[0022]
Fig. 4 is a top view showing a state in which the portable cooling device 1 according to the first embodiment has adhered to the cooling object 20. As shown in Fig. 4, in a case where a pot as the cooling object 20 includes magnetic material, the cooling object 20 is held by the magnets 61 serving as the hold part 6 while the cooling object 20 is in contact with the heat-absorbing surface 2a of the Peltier element module 2 via the thermally

conductive sheet 3. By driving the portable cooling device 1 in this state, the cooling object 20 is locally cooled and the temperature drop can be transmitted to a food, a beverage or the like contained in the cooling object 20. Incidentally, while Fig. 4 shows a case where the heat-radiating surface 2b has the thermally conductive sheet come in contact with a side surface of the cooling object 20, the user can freely have the heat-radiating surface 2b come in contact with an intended position of the cooling object 20.
[0023]
(1-2) Effect
(1) With the portable cooling device 1 according to the first
embodiment, the cooling object 20 is brought into contact with
the heat-absorbing surface 2a of the Peltier element module 2 via
the thermally conductive sheet 3 and is cooled directly via no
air. Since the portable cooling device 1 does not need a
capacity for the intervention of air as above, it is unnecessary
to configure a box-shaped structure, the device can be downsized,
and the device structure can be simplified. Therefore, the
portable cooling device 1 is suitable for carrying around.
[0024]
(2) With the portable cooling device 1 according to the first
embodiment, the cooling object 20 is brought into contact with
the heat-absorbing surface 2a of the Peltier element module 2 via
the thermally conductive sheet 3 and is cooled directly via no
air, and thus it is possible to exclusively cool the cooling
object 20 without cooling objects (e.g., a container) other than
the cooling object 20. Therefore, the cooling can be carried out
efficiently compared to a case where the cooling object is cooled
via air.
[0025]
(3) The portable cooling device 1 according to the first
embodiment is configured to include the hold part 6 and to hold
the cooling object 20 with the hold part 6. Hereby, contact of

the heat-absorbing surface 2a and a certain surface (side surface, top surface or under surface) of the cooling object 20 is made possible and the cooling object 20 can be cooled efficiently. [0026]
(4) In the portable cooling device 1 according to the first
embodiment, the total weight can be lightened by holding down the
components to a minimum and using lightweight materials, and thus
the portable cooling device 1 is easy to carry around.
Therefore, the portable cooling device 1 is suitable as a cooling
device used outdoors or used in a small space, such as in a car,
on a work table or on a dining table.
[0027]
(5) In the portable cooling device 1 according to the first
embodiment, the production cost can be reduced by employing
simple structure and using inexpensive components.
[0028]
(6) Further, the cooling efficiency of the portable cooling
device 1 improves in a case where the contact area with the
cooling object 20 is increased by the thermally conductive sheet
3.
[0029]
(7) Furthermore, the cooling efficiency of the portable cooling
device 1 can be improved in a case where the fan 7 that cools the
heat radiation fin 42 is provided.
[0030]
(8) Moreover, the cooling efficiency can be improved in a case
where the support member 5 is made sufficiently large to
demarcate the heat-absorbing surface 2a's side of the Peltier
element module 2 and the heat-radiating surface 2b's side of the
Peltier element module 2 from each other.
[0031]
(9) In addition, in a case where the magnets 61 are replaceable
by the user, the height of the magnets 61 in the X-axis direction

can be adjusted by replacing the magnets 61, and thus magnets suitable for the outer shape of the cooling object 20 can be selected and the cooling efficiency can be improved.
[0032]
(2) Second Embodiment
(2-1) Configuration
In the first embodiment, the hold part 6 for holding the cooling object 20 was described as the magnets 61. In contrast, in a second embodiment, suction cups (adhesive disks) 62 are used as the hold part 6 for holding the cooling object. Except this feature, the second embodiment is the same as the first embodiment. Therefore, the following description of the second embodiment will be given mainly of the difference from the first embodiment.
[0033]
Fig. 5 is a top view schematically showing the structure of a portable cooling device la according to the second embodiment. In Fig. 5, components identical or corresponding to those shown in Fig. 2 are assigned the same reference characters as those in Fig. 2. As shown in Fig. 5, the hold part 6 of the portable cooling device la according to the second embodiment is the suction cups (adhesive disks) 62. In the example of Fig. 5, the suction cups 62 are arranged at four positions on the support member 5. The arrangement and number of the suction cups 62 are not limited to the example of Fig. 5. The suction cups 62 adhere to the cooling object 20 and thereby hold the cooling object 20 while the cooling object 20 is in contact with the portable cooling device la.
[0034]
(2-2) Effect
With the portable cooling device la according to the second embodiment, the same effects as the effects (1) to (8) in the first embodiment can be obtained.
[0035]

Further, in the portable cooling device la according to the second embodiment, the use of the suction cups (adhesive disks) 62 for the hold part 6 makes it possible to hold a cooling object 20 other than magnetic material. [0036]
Furthermore, since the portable cooling device la employs the suction cups 62 as the hold part, the production cost of the portable cooling device la can be reduced. [0037]
Moreover, since the suction cups 62 are usable in combination with one or more of hold parts of other embodiments, it is possible to securely hold the cooling object 20a by using a combination of hold parts. [0038]
(3) Third Embodiment (3-1) Configuration
In the first embodiment, the hold part 6 for holding the cooling object 20 was described as the magnets 61. In contrast, in a third embodiment, hook and loop fasteners 63 and a belt 64 are used as the hold part 6 for holding the cooling object 20. Except this feature, the third embodiment is the same as the first embodiment. Therefore, the following description of the third embodiment will be given mainly of the difference from the first embodiment. [0039]
Fig. 6 is a top view schematically showing the structure of a portable cooling device lb according to the third embodiment. In Fig. 6, components identical or corresponding to those shown in Fig. 2 are assigned the same reference characters as those in Fig. 2. As shown in Fig. 6, the hold part 6 of the portable cooling device lb according to the third embodiment includes the hook and loop fasteners 63 and the belt 64 that is connected to the support member 5 by the hook and loop fasteners 63. The hook and loop fastener 63 has a first surface napped like hooks and a

second surface napped densely like loops. When the user presses the second surface against the first surface, the two surfaces stick to each other. The user can separate the second surface from the first surface by peeling the second surface off. For example, the second surface is fixed to the support member 5 and the first surface is attached to the belt 64. With such a configuration, the cooling object can be fixed while the cooling object is pressed towards the heat-absorbing surface 2a of the Peltier element module 2. Incidentally, there are various types of the hook and loop fasteners 63 such as a type with no discrimination between the hook surface and the loop surface (no error occurs in attaching the hook surface and the loop surface to each other), a click type napped like mushrooms which has strong binding force, and a shark bite (shark teeth) type like saw teeth. In Fig. 6, connection parts of the hook and loop fasteners 63 are arranged at two positions on the surface of expanded polystyrene used as the support member 5 which faces the +X direction in Fig. 1. However, the number and positions of the connection parts are not limited to the example of Fig. 6. [0040]
By winding the belt 64 around the cooling object 20 and fixing the belt 64 to the support member 5 with the hook and loop fasteners 63, the cooling object 20 is held while the object to be cooled 20b is in contact with the portable cooling device lb. [0041] (3-2) Effect
With the portable cooling device lb according to the third embodiment, the same effects as the effects (1) to (8) in the first embodiment can be obtained. [0042]
Since the portable cooling device lb according to the third embodiment employs the method of fixing the belt 64 as the hold part to the support member 5 with the hook and loop fasteners 63, even a cooling object 20c that cannot be adhered to by magnets or

suction cups can be held to be in contact with (placed at a position to be in contact with) the Peltier element module 2. The portable cooling device lb is especially suitable for holding and cooling a cooling object having a cylindrical shape (e.g., PET bottle). [0043]
Further, the production cost of the portable cooling device lb can be reduced by using the inexpensive hook and loop fasteners 63 and belt 64. [0044]
Furthermore, since the hook and loop fasteners 63 and the belt 64 are usable in combination with one or more of the hold parts 6 of the first and second embodiments, it is possible to securely hold the cooling object 20c by using a combination of the hold parts 6. [0045]
(4) Fourth Embodiment (4-1) Configuration
In the first embodiment, a case where the hold part 6 for holding the cooling object 20 is the magnets 61 was described. In contrast, in a fourth embodiment, a mount table 65 is employed as the hold part 6 for holding the cooling object 20. Except this feature, the fourth embodiment is the same as the first embodiment. Therefore, the following description of the fourth embodiment will be given mainly of the difference from the first embodiment. [0046]
Fig. 7 is a perspective view schematically showing the structure of a portable cooling device 1c according to the fourth embodiment. Fig. 8 is a top view schematically showing the structure of the portable cooling device lc according to the fourth embodiment. In Figs. 7 and 8, components identical or corresponding to those shown in Figs. 1 and 2 are assigned the same reference characters as those in Figs. 1 and 2. As shown in

Fig. 7 and Fig. 8, the hold part 6 of the portable cooling device lc is the mount table 65. The mount table 65 is provided on the support member 5. [0047]
The mount table 65 is desired to be of a size sufficient for accommodating the cooling object 20. The mount table 65 may be replaceable depending on the type of the cooling object 20. When the portable cooling device lc is placed on a horizontal surface, a mounting surface of the mount table 65 is a horizontal surface. The mounting surface of the mount table 65 may be provided with a heat-absorbing surface 2a. Various types of materials such as metal, plastic or wood are usable as the material of the mount table 65 as long as the cooling object 20 can be mounted on the mount table 65. [0048] (4-2) Effect
With the portable cooling device lc according to the fourth embodiment, the same effects as the effects (1) to (8) in the first embodiment can be obtained. [0049]
Since the portable cooling device lc according to the fourth embodiment employs the mount table 65 having the horizontal mounting surface as the hold part 6, even a cooling object 20c that cannot be adhered to by magnets 61 or suction cups 62 can be held to be in contact with (placed at a position to be in contact with) the Peltier element module 2. [0050]
Further, since the mount table 65 having the horizontal mounting surface is usable in combination with one or more of the hold parts 6 of the first through third embodiments, it is possible to securely hold the cooling object 20c by using a combination of the hold parts 6. [0051] (5) Fifth Embodiment

(5-1) Configuration
In the fourth embodiment, the mounting surface of the mount table 65 on which the cooling object 20c is mounted was arranged in parallel with horizontal directions. In contrast, in a fifth embodiment, a mounting surface of a mount table 66 is an inclined surface descending as it approaches the heat-absorbing surface 2a of the Peltier element module 2. Except this feature, the fifth embodiment is the same as the fourth embodiment. Therefore, the following description of the fifth embodiment will be given mainly of the difference from the fourth embodiment.
[0052]
Fig. 9 is a side view schematically showing the structure of a portable cooling device Id according to the fifth embodiment. In Fig. 9, components identical or corresponding to those shown in Fig. 1 are assigned the same reference characters as those in Fig. 1. As shown in Fig. 9, the support member 5 and the mount table 66 are provided with leg parts 51 and 52 that is in contact with a plane surface, and the mounting surface on which the cooling object 20 is mounted is the inclined surface descending as it approaches the heat-absorbing surface 2a of the Peltier element module 2. Due to the mounting surface inclined as above, biasing force directed towards the heat-absorbing surface 2a of the Peltier element module 2 (component force of gravity parallel to the inclined surface) works on the cooling object 20d placed on the mounting surface of the mount table 66 and the cooling object 20d is in contact with the heat-absorbing surface 2a of the Peltier element module 2 via the thermally conductive sheet 3.
[0053]
(5-2) Effect
With the portable cooling device Id according to the fifth embodiment, the same effects as the effects (1) to (8) in the first embodiment can be obtained.
[0054]

Since the portable cooling device Id according to the fifth embodiment employs the mount table 66 having the inclined mounting surface as the hold part, even a cooling object 20d that cannot be adhered to by magnets or suction cups can be held to be in contact with the Peltier element module 2. [0055]
Further, since the mount table 66 having the inclined mounting surface is usable in combination with one or more of the hold parts of the first through third embodiments, the cooling object 20d can be held securely. [0056]
(6) Sixth Embodiment (6-1) Configuration
In the first embodiment, a case of using the fan 7 (air-cooling system) as the mechanism for cooling the heat radiator 4 was described. In contrast, a sixth embodiment includes a water-cooling mechanism 9 as a water-cooling device for cooling the heat radiator 4. Except this feature, the sixth embodiment is the same as the first embodiment. Therefore, the following description of the sixth embodiment will be given mainly of the difference from the first embodiment. [0057]
Fig. 10 is a top view schematically showing the structure of a portable cooling device le according to the sixth embodiment. In Fig. 10, components identical or corresponding to those shown in Fig. 2 are assigned the same reference characters as those in Fig. 2. As shown in Fig. 10, the portable cooling device le according to the sixth embodiment includes the water-cooling mechanism 9 that cools the heat radiator 4 instead of the fan 7 in the first embodiment. The water-cooling mechanism 9 is a mechanism that cools the heat radiator 4 with water. The water-cooling mechanism 9 includes, for example, a channel such as a cooling water pipe that runs flowing water around the heat radiator 4, or a cooling water container 91 such as a tank

containing water in which the heat radiator 4 is immersed. The water-cooling mechanism 9 shown in Fig. 10 includes the cooling water container 91, a water intake 92 through which cooling water is supplied, and a drain outlet 93 through which the cooling water after passing through the cooling water container 91 and rising in temperature is discharged. The water intake 92 is connected to a water faucet with a hose or water is poured into the water intake 92 by the user, for example, and thereby heat can be efficiently radiated from the heat radiator 4. As a result, the efficiency of the cooling by the Peltier element module 2 improves.
[0058]
In Fig. 10, magnets 61 are shown as the hold part for holding the cooling object. However, the portable cooling device le may include one or more of the hold parts in the second through fifth embodiments instead of the magnets 61 or in addition to the magnets 61.
[0059]
(6-2) Effect
With the portable cooling device le according to the sixth embodiment, the same effects as the effects (1) to (6) in the first embodiment can be obtained.
[0060]
In the portable cooling device le according to the sixth embodiment, by including the water-cooling mechanism 9, the cooling efficiency can be improved compared to a case where an air-cooling system is employed.
[0061]
Further, in the portable cooling device le according to the sixth embodiment, occurrence of noise due to a fan 7 can be avoided since it is unnecessary to use the fan 7 for air-cooling.
[0062]
Furthermore, the electric power consumption of the portable cooling device le can be reduced since the water-cooling

mechanism 9 of the portable cooling device le according to the sixth embodiment does not need electric power.
[0063]
Moreover, the production cost of the portable cooling device le can be reduced since the water-cooling mechanism 9 of the portable cooling device le according to the sixth embodiment can be formed with the cooling water container or the cooling water pipe having no movable part.
[0064]
In addition, since the portable cooling device le according to the sixth embodiment employs the water-cooling mechanism 9, the heat insulation effect of the support member 5 between the space on the first surface 5a's side and the space on the second surface 5b's side is not important. Thus, the cooling efficiency does not drop even if the support member 5 is made smaller. Accordingly, the device can be downsized by forming the support member 5 in a small size.
[0065]
(7) Modifications
While portable cooling devices according to the present invention have been described above in the first through sixth embodiments, it is possible to combine some of the embodiments or properly modify each embodiment within the scope of the present invention.
[0066]
While the heat-radiating surface 2b of the Peltier element module 2 and the heat radiator 4 are fixed to each other by using the thermally-conductive adhesive agent in the portable cooling devices 1, la, lb, lc, Id and le according to the above embodiments, the fixation of these components may also be done with screws.
[0067]
While an example of the support member 5 having a flat plate-like shape has been described in the portable cooling

devices 1, la, lb, lc, Id and le according to the above embodiments, the shape of the support member 5 is not limited to this example. The support member 5 may also be in a different shape such as a shape like a curved surface or an L-shape, for example.
[0068]
While each of the portable cooling devices 1, la, lb, lc, Id, le in the above embodiments includes one Peltier element module 2, the portable cooling device may further include another Peltier element module supported by the support member 5. In this case, it is desirable to arrange the heat-absorbing surface 2a of the Peltier element module 2 and the heat-absorbing surface of the other Peltier element module to be respectively in contact with surfaces of the cooling object 20 different from each other. DESCRIPTION OF REFERENCE CHARACTERS
[0069]
1, la, lb, lc, Id, le: portable cooling device, 2: Peltier element module, 2a: heat-absorbing surface, 2b: heat-radiating surface, 3: thermally conductive sheet, 4: heat radiator, 5: support member, 5a: first surface, 5b: second surface, 6: hold part, 7: fan, 9: water-cooling mechanism, 11: power cable, 12: power supply unit, 13, 14: wiring, 20, 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d: cooling object, 41: heat radiation plate, 42: heat radiation fin, 51, 52: leg part, 61: magnet, 62: suction cup, 63: hook and loop fastener, 64: belt, 65, 66: mount table, 91: cooling water container, 92: water intake, 93: drain outlet

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:
1. A portable cooling device comprising:
a support member;
a Peltier element module supported by the support member; and
a hold part attached to the support member, the hold part holding a cooling object while the cooling object is in contact with a heat-absorbing surface of the Peltier element module.
2. The portable cooling device according to claim 1, wherein the hold part includes a magnet that holds the cooling object while the cooling object is in contact with the heat-absorbing surface.
3. The portable cooling device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the hold part includes a suction cup that holds the cooling object while the cooling object is in contact with the heat-absorbing surface.
4. The portable cooling device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the hold part includes a hook and loop fastener member that holds the cooling object while the cooling object is in contact with the heat-absorbing surface.
5. The portable cooling device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the hold part includes a mount table on which the object to be cooled is mounted, the mount table holding the cooling object while the cooling object is in contact with the heat-absorbing surface.
6. The portable cooling device according to claim 5, wherein a mounting surface of the mount table on which the cooling object is mounted includes the heat-absorbing surface.

7. The portable cooling device according to claim 5, wherein a mounting surface of the mount table on which the cooling object is mounted is an inclined surface descending as the inclined surface approaches the heat-absorbing surface.
8. The portable cooling device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, comprising a thermally conductive sheet provided on the heat-absorbing surface,
wherein heat of the cooling object is absorbed by the heat-absorbing surface via the thermally conductive sheet.
9. The portable cooling device according to claim 8, wherein the thermally conductive sheet is a member that is deformed according to a shape of the cooling object.
10. The portable cooling device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising a heat radiator that is in contact with a heat-radiating surface of the Peltier element module.
11. The portable cooling device according to claim 10, wherein
the support member is a plate-shaped member having a first
surface, a second surface, and a through hole provided with the Peltier element module,
the heat-absorbing surface is situated on a first surface's side, and
the heat-radiating surface is situated on a second surface's side.
12. The portable cooling device according to claim 11, further comprising a fan that generates an air flow heading towards the heat radiator.
13. The portable cooling device according to claim 11, further

comprising a water-cooling mechanism that cools the heat-radiating surface of the Peltier element module.
14. The portable cooling device according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the support member includes at least one of a synthetic resin plate and a ceramic plate.
15. The portable cooling device according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the heat-absorbing surface is in contact with at least one of a top surface, an under surface and a side surface of the cooling object when the portable cooling device is set on a horizontal surface.
16. The portable cooling device according to any one of claims 1 to 14, further comprising another Peltier element module supported by the support member,
wherein the heat-absorbing surface of the Peltier element module and a heat-absorbing surface of the another Peltier element module are respectively in contact with surfaces of the cooling object different from each other.