초록 ▼

A first Peltier device Pe1 and at least one second Peltier device Pe2 having a current consumption smaller than that of the first Peltier device Pe1 are connected to each other in series, while a bypass circuit B for diverting an excess current I3 with respect to the second Peltier device Pe2 is con

A first Peltier device Pe1 and at least one second Peltier device Pe2 having a current consumption smaller than that of the first Peltier device Pe1 are connected to each other in series, while a bypass circuit B for diverting an excess current I3 with respect to the second Peltier device Pe2 is connected to the second Peltier device Pe2 in parallel, so that a driving current I1 from a current control section A drives the first Peltier device Pe1 at its optimum operating point, and the excess current I3 with respect to the second Peltier device Pe2 in the driving current I1 is diverted into the bypass circuit B, so as to allow the second Peltier device Pe2 to be driven at its optimum operating point as well, where by the cooling efficiency can be improved. Also, the first and second Peltier devices Pe1, Pe2 are stacked on each other, while all the Peltier devices Pe1, Pe2 are driven by the single common current control section A, so as to attain a smaller size.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.]1. An optical sensor device comprising:an optical sensor;a temperature sensor disposed proximate said optical sensor device;a thermoelectric cooling section comprising:a first Peltier device constructed and arranged to radiate heat generated in said optical sensor; anda se

[ What is claimed is:] [1.]1. An optical sensor device comprising:an optical sensor;a temperature sensor disposed proximate said optical sensor device;a thermoelectric cooling section comprising:a first Peltier device constructed and arranged to radiate heat generated in said optical sensor; anda second Peltier device constructed and arranged to absorb heat generated in said optical sensor and having a current consumption lower than that of said first Peltier device and being positioned nearer the optical sensor than the first Peltier device,wherein said first and second Peltier devices are stacked, one upon the other and are electrically connected in series;a current control section configured and arranged to supply a driving current to said first and second Peltier devices; anda bypass circuit electrically connected to said second Peltier device in parallel to divert an excess current in said second Peltier device.