JP2013110867A - Thermal power generation portable device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To ensure a desired amount of power generation by suppressing degradation in generation efficiency under a fitted state to an organism.SOLUTION: The present invention comprises: a thermal power generation member 109 that generates electric power on the basis of a temperature difference between a heat source and a heat radiation destination; a variable resistance section that is formed in a heat transfer path between the heat source and the heat radiation destination and changes heat resistance of the heat transfer path; and a variable resistance section movement mechanism that moves the variable resistance section. The variable resistance section movement mechanism has an elastic member 113.

Description

  The present invention relates to a thermoelectric power generation portable device.

  Conventionally, for example, a thermoelectric generator is installed between the back cover and the heat dissipation ring inside the main body, and the temperature difference between the temperature on the heat generation side and the temperature on the heat dissipation side where body temperature is transmitted from the human arm through the back cover. There is known a thermoelectric wristwatch that obtains a power generation voltage by using (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Japanese Patent No. 3054933

  By the way, in the thermoelectric wristwatch according to the above-described prior art, the heat generating side of the thermoelectric generator is accompanied by changing toward the thermal equilibrium state so that the temperature of the entire thermoelectric wristwatch is saturated after being worn on the human arm. The temperature difference between this temperature and the temperature on the heat radiating side becomes small, and the power generation voltage of the thermoelectric generator decreases, so that it becomes impossible to secure a desired power generation amount and the power generation efficiency decreases.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a thermoelectric power generation portable device capable of suppressing a decrease in power generation efficiency in a mounted state on a living body and ensuring a desired power generation amount. .

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, the portable thermoelectric generator of the present invention includes a thermoelectric generator that generates electricity based on a temperature difference between a heat source and a heat radiation destination, and heat transfer between the heat source and the heat radiation destination. A variable resistance unit that is provided in the path and that changes the thermal resistance of the heat transfer path; and a variable resistance unit moving mechanism that moves the variable resistance unit. The variable resistance unit moving mechanism includes an elastic member. And

The variable resistance portion moving mechanism controls the distance of the heat transfer path.
Further, the variable resistance portion has a plate-like member that is a heat conducting member.
The variable resistance portion moving mechanism is characterized in that the variable resistance portion is rotated about the direction intersecting the heat transfer path.
Further, the elastic member is rubber.

Moreover, it has a time measuring part which measures time, and a variable resistance part moving mechanism moves a variable resistance part by a time measuring part, It is characterized by the above-mentioned.
Moreover, it has a voltage detection part which detects the power generation voltage of a thermoelectric power generation member, and a variable resistance part moving mechanism moves a variable resistance part with a power generation voltage, It is characterized by the above-mentioned.
Moreover, it has an electrical storage part which accumulate | stores the generated electric power of a thermoelectric power generation member, and a variable resistance part moving mechanism moves a variable resistance part with the electrical storage amount of an electrical storage part, It is characterized by the above-mentioned.

  According to the thermoelectric power generation portable device according to the present invention, the thermoelectric power generation member made of, for example, a Peltier element is a temperature difference between the temperature of the living body (body temperature) as a heat source and the temperature of the heat radiation destination such as the atmosphere outside the thermoelectric power generation portable device. The power generation voltage corresponding to the magnitude of the temperature difference generated between the heat source side position and the heat radiation destination side position of the thermoelectric generation member due to the above is output.

  For this reason, the temperature difference between the heat source side position and the heat radiation destination side position of the thermoelectric generation member locally increases in the heat transfer path with respect to a predetermined temperature difference between the heat source and the heat radiation destination. By changing the thermal resistance of at least a part of the heat transfer path, it is possible to increase the power generation voltage and secure a desired power generation amount, and to suppress a decrease in power generation efficiency.

  For example, in the initial state when the portable thermoelectric generator is mounted on a living body that is a heat source, each of the serial regions constituting the heat transfer path (for example, a member constituting the device main body or air inside the device) By setting the thermal resistance of each region) equal to or smaller than the thermal resistance of the thermoelectric generator member, the temperature difference between the heat source side position and the heat radiation destination side position of the thermoelectric generator member It is possible to rapidly increase the temperature difference in the maximum power generation state according to a predetermined temperature difference between the heat sink and the heat radiation destination, thereby increasing the power generation efficiency.

  The temperature difference between the heat source side position and the heat radiation side position of the thermoelectric generation member and the power generation of the thermoelectric generation member with the change toward the thermal equilibrium state so that the temperature of the entire thermoelectric portable device is saturated After the voltage decreases, for example, by increasing the thermal resistance of an appropriate region having a serial connection relationship with the thermoelectric generator member in the heat transfer path between the heat source and the heat radiating destination, at least in the heat transfer path. Change some thermal resistance.

  As a result, the so-called thermal equilibrium state in which the predetermined temperature difference between the heat source and the heat radiation destination is distributed over the entire heat transfer path is changed, and this predetermined temperature difference is changed in the heat transfer path. A thermal equilibrium state is formed which is concentrated locally in a part.

  Then, after a local temperature difference is formed in a part of the heat transfer path based on a predetermined temperature difference between the heat source and the heat radiation destination, the heat resistance of the heat transfer path is changed to a state before the change (for example, The thermal resistance of each of the series regions constituting the heat transfer path is equal to or smaller than the thermal resistance of the thermoelectric generator member).

  As a result, the temperature difference between the heat source side position and the heat radiation destination side position of the thermoelectric generator member and the power generation voltage of the thermoelectric generator member in the thermal transient state are adjusted to the extent of the initial state (for example, the temperature difference and power generation in the maximum power generation state). Voltage, etc.) can be increased again, a desired power generation amount can be ensured, and a decrease in power generation efficiency can be suppressed.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a portable thermoelectric generator capable of suppressing a decrease in power generation efficiency and ensuring a desired power generation amount.

It is sectional drawing of the thermoelectric portable apparatus which shows the 1st Example which concerns on this invention. It is sectional drawing of the thermoelectric portable apparatus which shows the 2nd Example which concerns on this invention. It is sectional drawing of the thermoelectric portable apparatus which shows the 3rd Example which concerns on this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the movement of the thermoelectric portable apparatus which concerns on this invention. It is an equivalent circuit diagram explaining the thermal resistance of the thermoelectric generation portable apparatus which concerns on this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the temperature distribution in the thermal resistance model in the state with which the thermoelectric portable apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention was mounted | worn with the biological body. It is a graph which shows an example of the change of the temperature difference (DELTA) Tp which arises between the temperature of the heat-source side position of the thermoelectric generation member after the thermoelectric generation portable apparatus which concerns on this invention is mounted | worn with the living body, and the temperature of the radiation-destination side position. . It is a figure which shows the thermal resistance accompanying the elastic deformation of an elastic member, and the change of the temperature distribution in a thermal resistance model after the thermoelectric generation portable apparatus which concerns on this invention was mounted | worn with the biological body. The temperature generated between the thermal resistance accompanying the elastic deformation of the elastic member and the temperature at the heat source side position and the temperature at the heat radiation destination side of the thermoelectric generator member after the portable thermoelectric generator according to the present invention is mounted on the living body. It is a figure which shows the change of difference (DELTA) Tp. It is a block diagram for demonstrating the automatic drive of the deformation | transformation mechanism part which concerns on this invention.

  Hereinafter, a thermoelectric power generation portable device and a power generation control method of the thermoelectric generation portable device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

(First embodiment)
The first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.
1 (a) and 1 (b) are cross-sectional views of a thermoelectric portable device showing a first embodiment according to the present invention. The thermoelectric portable device 1100 is a wristwatch that is worn on, for example, an arm of a human body. As shown in FIG. 1, as shown in FIG. 1, a housing 101, a frame body 102, a cover glass 103, a back cover 104, and a holding member 105. The dial 106, the movement 107, the substrate 108, the thermoelectric generator 109, the adhesive layer 110, the heat conducting member 111, the heat conducting joining layer 112, and the elastic member 113. Actually, there is a pointer portion on the dial 106, but it is omitted in this figure.

The elastic member 113 is integrally connected to the thermoelectric generation member 109 with the adhesive layer 110 interposed. Furthermore, the elastic member 113 is made of an elastic body such as a metallic spring material or rubber material.
The casing 101 is formed in a cylindrical shape by, for example, metal, etc., one opening end is closed by a cover glass 103, and one opening end of the cylindrical frame body 102 is connected to the other opening end.

The frame body 102 is formed in a cylindrical shape with, for example, a synthetic resin, and the other opening end is closed with a back cover 104.
The holding member 105 is made of, for example, a metal such as aluminum, copper, or brass, and is accommodated in the housing 101 and the frame body 102.

For example, the movement 107 is disposed on the back side of the dial 106 and is held by the holding member 105.
For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the movement 107 includes a control unit 401, a needle driving unit 402, a boosting unit 403, and a power storage unit 404.

The control unit 401 includes, for example, an oscillation circuit, a frequency dividing circuit, a motor drive pulse output circuit, and the like that are operated by electric power supplied from the power storage unit 404, and according to a signal that is a reference for timing output from the frequency dividing circuit, A drive pulse for driving the needle drive unit 402 is output from the motor drive pulse output circuit.
The needle drive unit 402 includes, for example, a stepping motor and the like, and rotationally drives the pointer unit 405 according to the drive pulse output from the control unit 401.

  The boosting unit 403 includes, for example, an oscillation circuit and a charge pump circuit, and is connected to the thermoelectric generator member 109 to boost the generated voltage output from the thermoelectric generator member 109 and output the boosted voltage. The power storage unit 404 includes, for example, a secondary battery, a capacitor, and the like, is connected to the booster 403, and stores the power output from the booster 403.

The substrate 108 is held by a holding member 105, for example.
The thermoelectric generator 109 is made of, for example, a Peltier element or a thermocouple, and is held so as to be sandwiched between the holding member 105 and the heat conducting member 111.
The heat conducting member 111 is formed in a plate shape from, for example, copper, and is disposed on the inner surface side of the back cover 104.

  The elastic member 113 is a variable resistance portion that changes the thermal resistance of the heat transfer path from the heat conducting member 111 to the holding member 105. A casing gap 114 is formed in the casing 101, and a frame pin portion 115 corresponding to the casing gap 114 is formed in the frame 102. The casing gap 114 and the frame pin 114 As a result, the elastic body deformation mechanism 116 is formed. The elastic member 113 is elastically deformed by moving the case 101 up and down by the elastic body deformation mechanism 116 provided at the connection part of the case 101 and the frame 102. The elastic body deformation mechanism part 116 is a variable resistance part moving mechanism that moves the elastic body deformation mechanism part 116 that is a variable resistance part.

  1A and 1B, FIG. 1A is a diagram showing a state before the casing 101 is moved downward, and shows a state before the elastic member 113 is elastically deformed. It is. At this time, the contact area between the elastic member 113 and the holding member 105 is very small. Therefore, the heat flow generated from the living body and transmitted from the heat conducting member 111 is in a state where it is difficult to transmit to the holding member 105, that is, a state in which the thermal resistance is high. On the other hand, FIG. 1B is a diagram illustrating a state after the housing 101 is moved downward, and is a diagram illustrating a state in which the elastic member 113 is elastically deformed by compression. At this time, the contact area of the elastic member 113 with the holding member 105 is large. Therefore, the heat flow generated from the living body is in a state where it is easily transmitted to the holding member 105, that is, in a state where the thermal resistance is low. FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining a thermal resistance model in the portable thermoelectric generator 1100 according to the present invention. The thermal resistance to heat flow generated from a living body that is a heat source of the temperature Tc is the heat resistance by the back cover 104 and the heat conducting member 109. A resistance R5, a thermal resistance R4 due to the thermoelectric generator 109, a thermal resistance R3 due to the frame 102 and the internal atmosphere, and a thermal resistance Rcx between paths of the holding member 105 and the thermoelectric generator 109 where the elastic member 113 is elastically deformed. And a thermal resistance R2 by the casing 101 and the holding member 105 and R1 by heat dissipation. When the contact area between the elastic member 113 and the holding member 105 is changed, the thermal resistance Rcx is changed.

  The thermoelectric generation member 109 generates thermoelectric power due to a temperature difference between the temperature of the living body (heat source temperature Tc) as a heat source and the temperature of the heat radiation destination (atmosphere temperature Ta) such as the atmosphere outside the thermoelectric generator portable device 1100. A power generation voltage corresponding to the magnitude of a temperature difference ΔTp (= Tp2−Tp1) generated between the temperature Tp2 at the heat source side position of the member 109 and the temperature Tp1 at the heat radiation destination side position is output.

  In the thermoelectric generator 1100, for example, the thermal resistances R1, R5 and the thermal resistance Rcx indicating the thermal resistance after elastic deformation are equal to the thermal resistance R4 of the thermoelectric generation member 109 or the thermal resistance R4 of the thermoelectric generation member 109. It is comprised so that it may become smaller. Further, the thermal resistance R3 is configured to be larger than, for example, the thermal resistances R1, R2, R4, R5, and Rcx.

The thermoelectric power generation portable device 1100 according to the present embodiment has the above-described configuration. Next, the operation of the thermoelectric power generation portable device 1100 will be described.
First, as shown in FIG. 6, for example, a portable thermoelectric generator is used for a living body that is a heat source having a higher temperature (heat source temperature) Tc than the temperature (atmosphere temperature) Ta of the atmosphere outside the portable thermoelectric generator device 1100. When the device 1100 is mounted on a living body and the back cover 104 comes into contact with the living body, a heat flow is transmitted from the heat source to the heat source side position of the thermoelectric generation member 109 via the region including the back cover 104 and the heat conducting member 111.

  In this thermal transient state, the temperature Tp2 at the heat source side position of the thermoelectric generation member 109 rises. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, the temperature Tp2 at the heat source side position of the thermoelectric generation member 109 and the temperature Tp1 at the heat radiation destination side position The temperature difference ΔTp (= Tp2−Tp1) generated during the period and the power generation voltage of the thermoelectric generation member 109 increase toward the maximum value.

  Note that the maximum value of the temperature difference ΔTp is, for example, the thermal resistance R of the entire heat transfer path from the heat source to the heat radiating destination, the thermal resistance R4 of the thermoelectric generator 109, and the atmosphere in the frame 102 and the frame 102. 5 (ie, a region having a parallel connection relationship with the thermoelectric generator 109 in the thermal resistance model shown in FIG. 5), the ambient temperature Ta, and the heat source temperature Tc, the following [Equation 1]: Is described as follows.

  As the heat flow is transmitted toward the heat radiation destination side position of the thermoelectric generation member 109 and further toward the heat radiation destination through the thermoelectric generation member 109, the frame 102, and the region of the atmosphere inside the frame body 102, the temperature is increased. The difference ΔTp changes from a maximum value to a decreasing tendency, and the thermal equilibrium state where the temperature of the portable thermoelectric generator 1100 as a whole is saturated, in other words, a predetermined temperature difference (Tc−Ta) between the heat source and the heat radiation destination is transferred. A thermal equilibrium state is formed in which the local temperature gradient is reduced by being distributed over the entire path.

  When such a thermal equilibrium state where the temperature of the entire thermoelectric portable device 1100 is saturated is maintained, a state in which the temperature difference ΔTp and the power generation voltage are reduced is maintained. When at least a part of the thermal resistance (for example, thermal resistance Rcx) in the heat transfer path is changed by deformation of the elastic member 113, a thermal transient state occurs again, and the temperature difference ΔTp and the generated voltage increase.

  For example, first, in the initial state where the portable thermoelectric generator 1100 is attached to a living body as a heat source, the elastic body deforming mechanism 116 moves the casing 101 downward as shown in FIG. When the elastic member 113 is deformed and the thermal resistance Rcx is a small value Rca, as shown in FIG. 8 (Aa), the thermoelectric power generation member is passed from the heat source via the region including the back cover 104 and the heat conducting member 111. The heat flow is transmitted to the heat source side position 109, and the temperature Tp2 at the heat source side position rises. On the other hand, the heat radiation side position of the thermoelectric generation member 109 is cooled by the atmosphere outside the thermoelectric portable device 1100 via the deformed elastic member 113, the heat radiation part, the housing 101, and the holding member 105, and the heat radiation destination side position. An increase in the temperature Tp1 at the side position is suppressed. As a result, for example, during the period up to time t1 shown in FIG. 9, the temperature difference ΔTp (= Tp2−Tp1) generated between the temperature Tp2 at the heat source side position of the thermoelectric generator 109 and the temperature Tp1 at the heat radiation side position. ) And the power generation voltage of the thermoelectric generation member 109 increases toward the maximum value.

  Next, as the temperature of the entire thermoelectric portable device 1100 changes toward a thermal equilibrium state so as to saturate, so to speak, a predetermined temperature difference (Tc−Ta) between the heat source and the heat radiation destination is a heat transfer. The local temperature gradient is reduced by being distributed over the entire path. For example, during the period from time t1 to time t2 illustrated in FIG. The temperature difference ΔTp (= Tp2−Tp1) generated between the heat radiation destination side position and the temperature Tp1 and the power generation voltage of the thermoelectric generation member 109 change in a decreasing tendency.

  Next, when the casing 101 is moved upward by the elastic body deformation mechanism 116 as shown in FIG. 1A, the deformed elastic member 113 returns to its original shape. Then, the thermal resistance Rcx becomes a large value Rcb. Then, as shown in FIG. 8B, thermoelectric power generation from the heat source via the region composed of the back cover 104 and the heat conducting member 111 and the region composed of the thermoelectric generation member 109 or the frame 102 and the atmosphere inside the frame 102. The heat flow transmitted to the heat radiation destination side position of the member 109 is substantially blocked by the elastic member 113 whose shape has been restored.

  Thus, for example, during a period from time t2 to time t3 shown in FIG. 9, the temperature Tp1 at the heat radiation destination side position of the thermoelectric generator 109 rises to be equal to the temperature Tp2 at the heat source side position, and the temperature difference ΔTp and the power generation voltage of the thermoelectric generation member 109 change toward zero and change downward. On the other hand, the region composed of the casing 101 and the holding member 105 is easily cooled by the atmosphere outside the thermoelectric power generation portable device 1100, and the temperature Tb of the region composed of the casing 101 and the holding member 105 decreases.

  That is, when the deformed elastic member 113 returns to its original shape, the temperature distribution in the heat transfer path between the heat source and the heat radiation destination is changed, and the temperature Tp1 at the heat radiation destination side position of the thermoelectric generation member 109 is changed. The temperature difference between the temperature Tb of the region composed of the housing 101 and the holding member 105 increases.

  This changes the thermal equilibrium state in which a predetermined temperature difference (Tc−Ta) between the heat source and the heat radiation destination is distributed over the entire heat transfer path, so that this predetermined temperature difference is changed. A thermal equilibrium state is formed such that (Tc-Ta) is locally concentrated in a part of the heat transfer path (that is, a region including the casing 101 and the holding member 105).

When the casing 101 is moved downward by the elastic body deformation mechanism 116 again as shown in FIG. 1B, the elastic member 113 is deformed and the thermal resistance Rcx becomes a small value Rca.
Then, as shown in FIG. 8C, the position of the heat generating side of the thermoelectric generation member 109 is positioned through the heat dissipation portion and the region including the housing 101, the deformed elastic member 113, and the holding member 105. 1100 The air is cooled by the atmosphere outside, and the temperature Tp1 at the heat radiation destination side is lowered.

  Thus, for example, in the thermal transient state in which the temperature Tp1 of the heat radiation destination side position of the thermoelectric generation member 109 decreases during the period from time t3 to time t4 shown in FIG. 9, the heat source side position of the thermoelectric generation member 109 The difference in temperature ΔTp (= Tp2−Tp1) generated between the temperature Tp2 and the temperature Tp1 at the heat radiation destination side position and the power generation voltage of the thermoelectric generator 109 increase toward the maximum value.

  And, for example, after the temperature difference ΔTp (= Tp2−Tp1) and the power generation voltage of the thermoelectric generation member 109 reach the maximum value as in the period after time t4 shown in FIG. As the temperature changes toward thermal equilibrium so that it saturates, the so-called predetermined temperature difference (Tc-Ta) between the heat source and the heat radiation destination is distributed over the entire heat transfer path. Thus, the local temperature gradient becomes smaller, the temperature difference ΔTp (= Tp2−Tp1) generated between the temperature Tp2 at the heat source side position of the thermoelectric generator member 109 and the temperature Tp1 at the heat radiation destination side position, and the power generation of the thermoelectric generator member 109. The voltage changes to a downward trend.

  As described above, according to the thermoelectric portable device 1100 according to the present embodiment, the thermal resistance Rcx due to the elastic deformation of the elastic member 113 is changed according to the vertical movement of the casing 101 by the elastic body deformation mechanism 116. As a result, with respect to a predetermined temperature difference (Tc−Ta) between the heat source and the heat radiation destination, a temperature difference ΔTp (== between the heat source side position and the heat radiation destination side position of the thermoelectric generation member 109 locally. Tp2−Tp1) can be increased, and the power generation voltage can be increased to ensure a desired power generation amount, and a decrease in power generation efficiency can be suppressed.

  Furthermore, it is possible to easily change the thermal resistance of at least a part of the heat transfer path while only suppressing the deformation of the device configuration only by including the elastic body deformation mechanism 116 and the elastic member 113.

  In the above-described embodiment, the cross-sectional shape of the elastic member 113 before deformation is a semicircular shape, but it goes without saying that the shape is not limited to this. Further, the elastic member 113 is in contact with the holding member 105 with a very small contact area in a state before the deformation, that is, a state before the elastic body deformation mechanism portion 116 is moved downward, but completely forms a gap. There is no problem even in the state. The elastic member 113 is preferably made of rubber having a large elastic deformation rate, but may be a metallic elastic member or a resinous elastic member.

  Note that there is a method in which the elastic body is brought into contact with the holding member 105 and the thermoelectric generator 109 using the elastic body deformation mechanism 116 without using the elastic member 113. In this case, the holding member 105 is directly connected to the thermoelectric generator 109. Since 105 contacts, there exists a danger that the thermoelectric generation member 109 may be damaged or deteriorated. On the other hand, when an elastic body that is easily elastically deformed as in the present invention is used, the elastic body serves as a cushioning material and the excessive contact pressure is relieved, so that the thermoelectric power generation member 109 can be prevented from being damaged or deteriorated. it can. Therefore, it is desirable that the elastic body according to the present invention has a material whose Young's modulus is at least smaller than that of the holding member 105.

The vertical drive of the casing 101 that promotes elastic deformation of the thermoelectric generator 1100 according to the present invention may be provided with a manual operation mechanism.
In addition, you may provide the deformation mechanism drive part which drives the elastic body deformation mechanism part 116 (henceforth a deformation mechanism part) automatically. Hereinafter, automatic driving of the deformation mechanism unit will be described.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram for explaining automatic driving of the deformation mechanism unit according to the present invention.
In this figure, a voltage sensor 1002 for detecting the power generation voltage of the thermoelectric generation member 109, a power storage amount sensor 1003 for detecting the power storage amount of the power storage unit 404, and a deformation mechanism driving unit 1001 are provided. The deformation mechanism drive unit 1001 is provided in the movement 107, for example, and includes a motor or the like that drives the deformation mechanism unit 1004. The deformation mechanism drive unit 1001 outputs a signal that serves as a time reference output from the control unit 401 and a power generation output from the voltage sensor 1002. The timing and speed at which the deformation mechanism unit 1004 is driven are controlled according to at least one of the voltage detection result signal and the storage amount detection result signal output from the storage amount sensor 1003. However, the deformation mechanism unit 1004 is automatically driven. The deformation mechanism 1004 may be provided with a manual operation member that can be manually operated.

Hereinafter, a power generation control method for automatically driving the deformation mechanism unit 1004 according to the present invention will be described using the thermoelectric power generation portable device 1100 according to the present invention shown in FIG.
For example, the deformation mechanism drive unit 1001 is based on a signal that is a reference for timing output from the control unit 401, according to a preset time, or at least one of the second hand, the minute hand, and the hour hand of the pointer unit 405. In conjunction with one, the deformation mechanism unit 1004 is driven to change the thermal resistance Rcx of the path between the holding member 105 where the elastic member 113 exists and the thermoelectric generation member 109, as shown in FIGS. In addition, the thermal resistance Rcx is switched between the thermal resistance Rcb and the thermal resistance Rca. Here, the driving of the deformation mechanism unit 1004 for reducing the thermal resistance Rcx is assumed to be forward driving, and the driving of the deformation mechanism unit 1004 for increasing the thermal resistance Rcx is assumed to be reverse driving.

  Further, for example, the deformation mechanism driving unit 1001 determines that the generated voltage is a predetermined threshold (for example, a lower limit voltage or a heat that allows the boosting unit 403 to perform a boosting operation) based on a detection result signal of the generated voltage output from the voltage sensor 1002. 8), the deformation mechanism 1004 is positively driven so that the thermal resistance R2 becomes a small thermal resistance Rca, as shown in FIG. 8A. Let Then, after the generated voltage becomes less than the predetermined threshold, temporarily (for example, in a predetermined period from time t2 to time t3 shown in FIG. 9), the deformation mechanism as shown in FIG. 8B. The unit 1004 is reversely driven to temporarily increase the thermal resistance Rcx to a large thermal resistance Rcb.

Then, for example, after the elapse of a predetermined period, as shown in FIG. 8C, the deformation mechanism unit 1004 is again driven positively, and the thermal resistance R2 is set to a small value after the elastic deformation R21. To do.
In addition, for example, the deformation mechanism driving unit 1001 determines that the charged amount is a predetermined threshold (for example, the lower limit power required for the operation of the thermoelectric portable device 1100, etc.) based on the signal of the charged amount detection result output from the charged amount sensor 1003. In the case of the above, as shown in FIG. 8A, the deformation mechanism unit 1004 is positively driven so that the heat flow passes through the deformation mechanism unit 1004, and the thermal resistance Rcx is set to a small value of the thermal resistance R2ca. To do.

Then, after the charged amount becomes less than the predetermined threshold value, temporarily (for example, in a predetermined period from time t2 to time t3 shown in FIG. 9), the deformation mechanism as shown in FIG. 8B. The unit 1004 is reversely driven to temporarily increase the thermal resistance Rcx to a large thermal resistance Rcb.
Then, for example, after the elapse of a predetermined period, the deformation mechanism unit 1004 is again positively driven so that the heat flow passes through the deformation mechanism unit 1004 as shown in FIG. The value is set to the thermal resistance R2a after elastic deformation.

  According to this configuration, for example, automatically according to a predetermined time or time, for example, according to a decrease in the power generation voltage of the thermoelectric generation member 109, or according to a decrease in the amount of power stored in the power storage unit 404, for example. By changing the thermal resistance Rcx of at least a part of the heat transfer path (that is, the region consisting of the heat transfer path of the holding member 105 and the thermoelectric generator 109), it is possible to easily secure a desired power generation voltage and power generation amount. In addition, it is possible to suppress a decrease in power generation efficiency.

Furthermore, the deformation mechanism drive unit 1001 may be a drive mechanism that rotationally drives the deformation mechanism unit 1004 with the power of the needle drive unit 402, for example, and connects / disconnects transmission of power from the needle drive unit 402 to the deformation mechanism unit 1004. A mechanism, a transmission mechanism, and the like may be provided.
In the third modification, at least the voltage sensor 1002 or the storage amount sensor 1003 may be omitted. In this case, the driving of the deformation mechanism unit 1004 is controlled based on at least a signal that is a reference for timing output from the control unit 401.

In the above-described embodiment, the thermoelectric portable device 1100 is an analog display wristwatch using the pointer unit 405. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and may be a digital display wristwatch such as a liquid crystal display.
In the above-described embodiment, the thermoelectric power generation portable device 1100 is a wristwatch worn on the human body, but is not limited to this, and portable electronic devices worn on the human body or animals include headphones, Also, stereoscopic glasses or electronic devices that measure biological information such as pulse, heart rate, respiratory rate, blood pressure, and body temperature and wirelessly transmit the measurement results may be used.

(Second embodiment)
A second embodiment will be described based on FIG.
FIGS. 2A and 2B are cross-sectional views of a portable thermoelectric generator 2100 showing a second embodiment according to the present invention. In the thermoelectric power generation portable device 2100 shown in the figure, the substrate 108 and the plate-like member 202 are connected via the coil-like elastic member 201, and the holding member 105 and the heat are moved by the vertical movement of the elastic body deformation mechanism 116. When the separation distance of the power generation member 109 changes and the elastic member 201 is deformed, the holding member 105 and the thermoelectric generation member 109 are thermally connected via the plate-like member 202. That is, in FIG. 2A, the plate-like member 202 is not in contact with both the holding member 105 and the thermoelectric generator 109, and a state in which the thermal resistance Rcx is extremely high is realized. On the other hand, in FIG. 2B, the separation distance between the holding member 105 and the thermoelectric generation member 109 decreases due to the downward movement of the elastic body deformation mechanism portion 116, and as a result, the elastic deformation of the elastic member 201 occurs. Thus, the plate-like member 202 is in contact with both the holding member 105 and the thermoelectric generation member 109, and a state in which the thermal resistance Rcx is extremely low is realized. The thermal operation and effect of the portable thermoelectric generator 2100 according to the present invention are the same as those of the portable thermoelectric generator 1100 shown in FIGS.

  In the thermoelectric power generation portable device 2100 according to the present invention, the elastic member 201 is connected to the substrate 108, but is not limited to this structure, and the elastic member 201 may be connected to the holding member 105. Furthermore, although the elastic member 201 shown in the figure has a spring shape, the shape is not limited to this. In addition, a more powerful deterioration of the thermoelectric generator 109 may be prevented by attaching an elastic rubber material to the plate member 202 on the front and back surfaces of the plate member 202.

(Third embodiment)
A third embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.
FIGS. 3A and 3B are cross-sectional views of a portable thermoelectric generator 3100 showing a third embodiment according to the present invention. In the thermoelectric power generation portable device 3100 shown in the figure, there is no change in the separation distance between the holding member 105 and the thermoelectric generation member 109. Instead, an elastic body rotation mechanism 303 is provided. That is, the elastic member 301 is connected to the rotating shaft 302, and the rotating shaft 302 is attached to the frame body 102, and the rotation of the rotating shaft 302 reduces the thermal resistance Rcx between the holding member 105 and the thermoelectric generation member 109. Can be varied. In order to realize a low thermal resistance by varying the thermal resistance between them under a certain separation distance, and to prevent the thermoelectric power generation member 109 from being deteriorated, an elastic body rotation mechanism with elastic deformation as described in this patent is required. It is essential.

  That is, FIG. 3A shows a state where the elastic member 301 is not in contact with both the holding member 105 and the thermoelectric generation member 109, and a state in which the thermal resistance Rcx is extremely high is realized. On the other hand, FIG. 3B shows a state in which the rotating shaft 302 is rotated and the elastic member 301 is brought into contact with both the holding member 105 and the thermoelectric generation member 109. In this contact state, since the elastic member 301 is accompanied by elastic deformation, a sufficient contact pressure is realized. Therefore, a very low thermal resistance Rcx is realized. The thermal operation and effects of the portable thermoelectric generator 3100 according to the present invention are completely the same as those of the portable thermoelectric generator 1100 shown in FIGS. The material of the elastic member 301 in the thermoelectric portable device 3100 is preferably a rubber having a large elastic deformation rate, but may be a metallic elastic member or a resinous elastic member.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1100 Thermoelectric portable apparatus 101 Case 102 Frame 103 Cover glass 104 Back cover 105 Holding member 106 Dial 107 Movement 108 Substrate 109 Thermoelectric generation member 110 Adhesion layer 111 Heat conduction member 112 Heat conduction joining layer 113 Elastic member 114 Case gap 115 Frame body pin part 116 Elastic body deformation | transformation mechanism part

Claims (8)

A thermoelectric generator that generates electricity based on the temperature difference between the heat source and the heat radiation destination;
The variable resistance unit that is provided in a heat transfer path between the heat source and the heat radiation destination, and changes a heat resistance of the heat transfer path;
A variable resistance part moving mechanism for moving the variable resistance part,
The variable resistance portion moving mechanism includes an elastic member, and is a portable thermoelectric generator.   The portable thermoelectric generator according to claim 1, wherein the variable resistance unit moving mechanism controls a distance of the heat transfer path.   3. The portable thermoelectric generator according to claim 2, wherein the variable resistance portion includes a plate-like member that is a heat conducting member.   2. The portable thermoelectric generator according to claim 1, wherein the variable resistance unit moving mechanism rotates the variable resistance unit about a direction intersecting the heat transfer path.   The thermoelectric power generation portable device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the elastic member is rubber. Has a timekeeping section that measures time,
The thermoelectric generator portable device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the variable resistance portion moving mechanism moves the variable resistance portion by the timekeeping portion. A voltage detection unit for detecting a power generation voltage of the thermoelectric generation member;
6. The portable thermoelectric generator according to claim 1, wherein the variable resistance portion moving mechanism moves the variable resistance portion according to the generated voltage. 7. It has a power storage unit that stores the power generated by the thermoelectric power generation member,
6. The portable thermoelectric generator according to claim 1, wherein the variable resistance unit moving mechanism moves the variable resistance unit according to an amount of power stored in the power storage unit.

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