JPWO2020145396A1 - Wearable device - Google Patents

Abstract

In order to provide a wearable device equipped with a thermoelectric conversion element having high thermoelectric conversion efficiency, a thermoelectric conversion element that converts a spin current generated by a temperature gradient into an electric current and an object that receives electric power generated by the thermoelectric conversion element. , A wearable device including a band extending and arranged around an object.

Description

The present invention relates to a wearable device equipped with a thermoelectric conversion element.

Expectations for thermoelectric conversion are increasing as one of the heat management technologies for a sustainable society. Heat is a general energy source that can be recovered in various situations such as body temperature, solar heat, and industrial waste heat. Therefore, it is expected that expectations for thermoelectric conversion will further increase in various applications such as high efficiency of energy use, power supply to mobile terminals and sensors, and visualization of heat flow by heat flow sensing.

Patent Document 1 discloses a thermal sensor using a spintronics technique that utilizes a spin current of electrons and charges in a solid. The thermal sensor of Patent Document 1 includes a detection film that generates heat due to the incident or adhesion of the object to be detected, a magnetic film that generates a spin current in the direction in which a temperature gradient is generated by the heat generated by the detection film, and a magnetic film. It is provided with an electrode that converts the generated spin current into an electric current.

Patent Document 2 describes a heat power generation member that generates heat based on a temperature difference between a heat source and a heat radiation destination, and a variable resistor provided in a heat transfer path between the heat source and the heat transfer destination to change the thermal resistance of the heat transfer path. A heat power generation portable device including a unit and a variable resistance unit moving mechanism for moving the variable resistance unit is disclosed. According to the thermoelectric power generation portable device of Patent Document 2, since the decrease in power generation efficiency is suppressed in the state of being attached to the living body, it is possible to secure a desired amount of power generation.

Patent Document 3 discloses a thermoelectric wristwatch including a thermoelectric element. The thermoelectric generation watch of Patent Document 3 includes a metal case, a back cover, a thermal insulator, a dial, a movement, a thermoelectric element, an upper heat transfer plate, and a lower heat transfer plate. The thermoelectric element has a structure in which columns of a p-type thermoelectric semiconductor and columns of an n-type thermoelectric semiconductor are alternately arranged, and end faces of adjacent columns are electrically connected by wiring electrodes.

International Publication No. 2011/118374 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2013-110867 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2002-139583

According to the thermal sensor of Patent Document 1, power can be generated by utilizing the spin current. However, the thermal sensor of Patent Document 1 has a problem that it is difficult to obtain a sufficient amount of power generation.

The thermoelectric power generation portable device of Patent Document 2 has a problem that sufficient thermoelectric conversion efficiency cannot be obtained because the thermoelectric power generation member cannot be enlarged.

In the thermoelectric wristwatch of Patent Document 3, the temperature difference between the thermoelectric elements is widened, so that the thermoelectric conversion efficiency is improved. However, in the thermoelectric element of the thermoelectric watch of Patent Document 3, the pillar of the p-type thermoelectric semiconductor and the pillar of the n-type thermoelectric semiconductor are cascade-bonded, and the pillar of the p-type thermoelectric semiconductor and the pillar of the n-type thermoelectric semiconductor are joined. There is a gap between them. Therefore, there is a problem that the ratio of the thermoelectric semiconductor to the entire thermoelectric element is limited, and the thermoelectric conversion efficiency is small for the size.

An object of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned problems and to provide a wearable device equipped with a thermoelectric conversion element capable of obtaining a sufficient amount of power generation and having high thermoelectric conversion efficiency.

The wearable device of one aspect of the present invention extends to a thermoelectric conversion element that converts a spin current generated by a temperature gradient into an electric current, an object that receives electric power generated by the thermoelectric conversion element, and a peripheral portion of the object. It is provided with a band to be arranged.

In the wearable device of one aspect of the present invention, a plurality of bulk thermoelectric converters that convert a spin current generated by a temperature gradient into an electric current and adjacent bulk thermoelectric converters are connected and electrically connected to each other. It is formed by a structure in which a plurality of connecting members and an object for receiving electric power generated by a thermoelectric conversion element composed of a plurality of bulk thermoelectric converters are provided, and a plurality of bulk thermoelectric converters are connected by the connecting members. Bands are arranged so as to extend to the periphery of the object.

The wearable device according to one aspect of the present invention includes a thermoelectric conversion element that converts a spin current generated by a temperature gradient into an electric current, a mounting portion that mounts an object that receives electric power generated by the thermoelectric conversion element, and a peripheral portion of the mounting portion. It is provided with a band that extends to the portion and is arranged.

According to the present invention, it is possible to obtain a sufficient amount of power generation and to provide a wearable device equipped with a thermoelectric conversion element having high thermoelectric conversion efficiency.

It is a side view which shows an example of the structure of the wearable device which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a bottom view which shows an example of the structure of the wearable device which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a top view which shows an example of the structure of the wearable device which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a conceptual diagram for demonstrating an example of the structure of the thin film type thermoelectric conversion element included in the wearable device which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a conceptual diagram for demonstrating the thermoelectric conversion in the thin film type thermoelectric conversion element included in the wearable device which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a side view which shows an example of the structure of the wearable device which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a conceptual diagram for demonstrating an example of the structure of the bulk type thermoelectric converter included in the wearable device which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a conceptual diagram for demonstrating the thermoelectric conversion in the thin film type thermoelectric conversion element included in the wearable device which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a side view which shows an example of the structure of the wearable device which concerns on 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a side view which shows an example of the state in which the band of the wearable device which concerns on 3rd Embodiment of this invention is closed. It is a side view which shows another example of the structure of the wearable device which concerns on 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a bottom view which shows another example of the structure of the wearable device which concerns on 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a side view which shows an example of the structure of the wearable device which concerns on 4th Embodiment of this invention. It is a side view which shows another example of the structure of the wearable device which concerns on 4th Embodiment of this invention. It is a top view which shows an example of the structure of the wearable device which concerns on 5th Embodiment of this invention. It is a side view which shows an example of the structure of the wearable device which concerns on 5th Embodiment of this invention. It is a bottom view which shows an example of the structure of the wearable device which concerns on 6th Embodiment of this invention. It is a bottom view which shows another example of the structure of the wearable device which concerns on 6th Embodiment of this invention. It is a bottom view which shows another example of the structure of the wearable device which concerns on 6th Embodiment of this invention. It is a side view which shows another example of the structure of the wearable device which concerns on 6th Embodiment of this invention. It is a side view which shows an example of the structure of the wearable device which concerns on 7th Embodiment of this invention. It is a top view which shows an example of the structure of the wearable device which concerns on 7th Embodiment of this invention. It is a top view which shows an example of the structure of the wearable device which concerns on 8th Embodiment of this invention. It is sectional drawing which shows an example of the structure of the wearable device which concerns on 8th Embodiment of this invention. It is a bottom view which shows an example of the structure of the object mounted on the wearable device which concerns on 8th Embodiment of this invention. It is a top view which shows an example of the state which the object is mounted on the wearable device which concerns on 8th Embodiment of this invention. It is sectional drawing which shows an example of the state which the object is mounted on the wearable device which concerns on 8th Embodiment of this invention.

Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, although the embodiments described below have technically preferable limitations for carrying out the present invention, the scope of the invention is not limited to the following. In all the drawings used in the following embodiments, the same reference numerals are given to the same parts unless there is a specific reason. Further, in the following embodiments, repeated explanations may be omitted for similar configurations and operations.

(First Embodiment)
First, the wearable device according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The wearable device of the present embodiment includes a thermoelectric conversion element that converts a spin current generated by a temperature gradient into an electric current. The thermoelectric conversion element mounted on the wearable device of the present embodiment includes a thin film type thermoelectric converter (hereinafter, also referred to as a thin film type thermoelectric converter). The wearable device of the present embodiment is mounted at a position where the thermoelectric conversion element can receive the heat generated from the human body. In the following, the wearable device of the present embodiment is assumed to be worn on the wrist, but may be worn on a place other than the wrist as long as the thermoelectric conversion element can receive heat generated from the human body. Further, in the following, when the wearable device of the present embodiment is attached to the human body, the side close to the human body is regarded as the lower side, and the outer side is regarded as the upper side. Further, in the present embodiment, it is assumed that the side close to the human body has a high temperature and the outside has a low temperature, but the side close to the human body may have a low temperature and the outside may have a high temperature.

(composition)
1 to 3 are conceptual diagrams for explaining an example of the configuration of the wearable device 1 of the present embodiment. FIG. 1 is a side view of the wearable device 1. FIG. 2 is a bottom view of the wearable device 1. FIG. 3 is a top view of the wearable device 1.

The wearable device 1 includes a thermoelectric conversion element 11, an object 15, and a band 17. In the following, when the wearable device 1 is attached to the human body, the thermoelectric conversion element 11 is located closer to the human body than the object 15.

The thermoelectric conversion element 11 includes a thin film type thermoelectric converter that converts a spin current generated by a temperature gradient into an electric current. The spin current is the flow of the spin angular momentum of electrons. The thermoelectric conversion element 11 converts the temperature gradient into electricity via spin by using the spin Seebeck effect and the inverse spin Hall effect in combination.

The spin Seebeck effect is a phenomenon in which a spin current is induced in a direction parallel to the temperature gradient when a temperature gradient is applied to the magnetic material. According to the spin Seebeck effect, a thermal spin current conversion occurs in which heat is converted into a spin current. For example, the spin Seebeck effect is exhibited at the interface between a metal film and a magnetic insulator such as a nickel-iron (NiFe) film which is a ferromagnet or yttrium iron garnet (Y ₃ Fe ₅ O _12). The reverse spin Hall effect is a phenomenon in which an electromotive force is generated when a spin current flows. The reverse spin Hall effect is remarkably exhibited in a substance having a large spin-orbit interaction, such as platinum (Pt) and palladium (Pd). The spin current induced by the temperature gradient by the spin Seebeck effect can be converted into an electric field (current, voltage) by the inverse spin Hall effect.

The thermoelectric conversion element 11 is arranged on the lower surface of the object 15. The thermoelectric conversion element 11 is connected to the object 15 so as to be able to supply power via a terminal (not shown). The thermoelectric conversion element 11 generates electricity according to the temperature gradient between the human body side and the outside while the wearable device 1 is attached to the human body. The thermoelectric conversion element 11 supplies electric power generated by the temperature gradient to the object 15 via a terminal (not shown).

The object 15 is arranged on the upper surface of the thermoelectric conversion element 11. The object 15 is connected so as to be able to receive power from the thermoelectric conversion element 11 via a terminal (not shown). The object 15 receives electric power supplied from the thermoelectric conversion element 11. For example, the object 15 is a device having low power consumption such as a clock. For example, the object 15 may be a device such as an RF (Radio Frequency) tag or a thermometer in which identification information is embedded. The object 15 may be any device as long as it can be operated by the electric power supplied from the thermoelectric conversion element 11.

The band 17 is a band-shaped body, and is a component for mounting the wearable device 1 on the human body. The band 17 extends to the periphery of the object 15. In the example of FIG. 1, the band 17 is composed of two parts extending and arranged around the peripheral portion of the object 15. The band 17 is configured such that when the band 17 is wound around a part of the human body, the thermoelectric conversion element 11 is arranged closer to the human body than the object 15. In FIGS. 1 to 3, fasteners and holes for attaching the band 17 to the human body are omitted.

The wearable device 1 can be worn on the human body by wrapping the band 17 around a wrist or the like. When the wearable device 1 is attached to the human body, a temperature gradient is generated between the human body side of the thermoelectric conversion element 11 and the side opposite to the human body (also called the outside), and the spin current generated by the temperature gradient causes the temperature gradient. Power is generated. If the current generated by the electromotive force is supplied to the object 15, the object 15 can be driven. The wearable device 1 may be configured to be worn on the head, neck, shoulders, arms, fingers, legs, chest, waist, etc. instead of the wrist, and the wearing position is not limited.

[Thin film thermoelectric converter]
Next, the thin film type thermoelectric converter included in the thermoelectric conversion element 11 will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 4 is a conceptual diagram for explaining an example of the configuration of the thermoelectric conversion element 11. FIG. 5 is a conceptual diagram for explaining thermoelectric conversion in the thin film type thermoelectric converter included in the thermoelectric conversion element 11. The configuration of the thermoelectric conversion element 11 shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 is conceptual and does not accurately represent the size, positional relationship, arrangement state, etc. of the electromotive element layer 111 and the magnetic material layer 112. In the following, the thermoelectric conversion element 11 will be described as being composed of a thin film type thermoelectric converter.

As shown in FIG. 4, the thermoelectric conversion element 11 has a structure in which the electromotive element layer 111 and the magnetic material layer 112 are laminated. The magnetic material layer 112 has a magnetization direction M in the minus x direction in the drawing. As shown in FIG. 5, when the temperature gradient dT is applied to the thermoelectric conversion element 11, a thermal spin current Js is generated in the magnetic material layer 112. The thermal spin current Js generates a pure spin current Jp in the electromotive body layer 111 through a process called spin injection near the interface between the magnetic material layer 112 and the electromotive body layer 111. In spin injection, the spin in the magnetic layer 112 that ages with respect to the magnetization direction in the vicinity of the interface between the magnetic layer 112 and the electromotive layer 111 has the spin in the electromotive layer 111. It is a phenomenon in which spin angular momentum is transferred by interacting with non-conducting electrons e.

By spin injection, a pure spin current Jp is generated when conduction electrons e having spins move near the spin injection interface of the electromotive body layer 111. In the pure spin current Jp, conduction electrons e having upspin and downspin flow in the opposite directions in the same amount. As a result, although charge transfer does not occur, the spin angular momentum flows because the signs of the spins are different from each other. In the following, it is also referred to as magnetically coupling the states in which this spin injection phenomenon can occur. The spin injection phenomenon occurs not only when the magnetic material layer 112 and the electromotive body layer 111 are in contact with each other, but also when the spin angular momentum is close enough to be transmitted even when they are not in contact with each other. .. That is, even when there is a gap between the magnetic material layer 112 and the electromotive body layer 111, if a spin injection phenomenon can occur, they are magnetically coupled.

When the electromotive body layer 111 is made of a material having a large spin-orbit interaction, when spin injection occurs, conduction electrons e move inside the electromotive body layer 111 due to the reverse spin Hall effect. The conduction electron e moves in a direction (y direction) orthogonal to the spin current direction (z direction) and the magnetization direction (x direction). As a result, the current I flows in either the plus y direction or the minus y direction according to the properties of the material of the electromotive body layer 111. The electromotive force generated by the thermoelectric conversion element 11 is determined by the magnitude of the spin current generated by the magnetic material layer 112, the injection efficiency of the spin current at the interface between the magnetic material layer 112 and the electromotive body layer 111, and the electromotive force layer. The magnitude is multiplied by the thermoelectric conversion efficiency due to the inverse spin Hall effect in 111.

The above is the description of the thin film type thermoelectric converter included in the thermoelectric conversion element 11. In the present embodiment, an example in which the reverse spin Seebeck effect is used has been given, but it may be configured to perform thermoelectric conversion using the anomalous Nernst effect.

As described above, the wearable device of the present embodiment has a thermoelectric conversion element that converts a spin current generated by a temperature gradient into an electric current, an object that receives electric power generated by the thermoelectric conversion element, and a peripheral portion of the object. It has a band that is extended and arranged. In this embodiment, the thermoelectric conversion element is arranged on one surface of the object. The thermoelectric conversion element includes a thin film type thermoelectric conversion body composed of a electromotive body and a magnetic body arranged in contact with the electromotive body. The thin-film thermoelectric converter has a structure in which a magnetic material and an electromotive body are laminated, and generates electricity according to a temperature gradient caused by the surface temperature of the human body and the temperature of the outside air.

The wearable device of the present embodiment is equipped with a thermoelectric conversion element that generates heat by spin thermoelectric conversion using a spin current with little energy dissipation. Since the spin current dissipates less energy, highly efficient thermoelectric conversion can be realized.

Further, the thermoelectric conversion element mounted on the wearable device of the present embodiment does not have a gap generated between the pillar of the p-type thermoelectric semiconductor and the pillar of the n-type thermoelectric semiconductor unlike the semiconductor type thermoelectric conversion element, and therefore has a volume. The upper limit of the thermoelectric conversion efficiency per hit is high.

That is, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to realize a wearable device equipped with a thermoelectric conversion element having high thermoelectric conversion efficiency.

(Second Embodiment)
Next, the wearable device according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The wearable device of the present embodiment is different from the wearable device of the first embodiment in that a thermoelectric conversion element including a bulk type thermoelectric converter (hereinafter, also referred to as a bulk type thermoelectric converter) is mounted.

(composition)
FIG. 6 is a side view for explaining an example of the configuration of the wearable device 2 of the present embodiment. The top view and the bottom view of the wearable device 2 are omitted.

The wearable device 2 includes a thermoelectric conversion element 21, an object 25, and a band 27. The wearable device 2 is different from the wearable device 1 of the first embodiment in the configuration of the thermoelectric conversion element 21. In the following, the differences from the wearable device 1 will be mainly described.

The thermoelectric conversion element 21 includes a bulk type thermoelectric converter that converts a spin current generated by a temperature gradient into an electric current. Specifically, the thermoelectric conversion element 21 includes a plurality of thermoelectric conversion unit structures composed of magnetic fine particles containing a magnetic material that exhibits a spin Seebeck effect and an electromotive body that coats the magnetic fine particles. The plurality of thermoelectric conversion unit structures form an aggregate that contacts each other via an electromotive body.

The thermoelectric conversion element 21 is arranged on the lower surface of the object 25. The thermoelectric conversion element 21 is connected to the object 25 so as to be able to supply power via a terminal (not shown). The thermoelectric conversion element 21 generates electricity according to the temperature gradient between the human body side and the outside while the wearable device 2 is attached to the human body. The thermoelectric conversion element 21 supplies electric power generated by the temperature gradient to the object 25 via a terminal (not shown). Since the object 25 and the band 27 are the same as the wearable device 1, the description thereof will be omitted.

The wearable device 2 can be worn on the human body by wrapping the band 27 around a wrist or the like. When the wearable device 2 is attached to the human body, a temperature gradient is generated between the human body side of the thermoelectric conversion element 21 and the side opposite to the human body, and an electromotive force is generated by the spin current generated by the temperature gradient. If the current generated by the electromotive force is supplied to the object 25, the object 15 can be driven.

[Bulk thermoelectric converter]
Next, the bulk thermoelectric converter included in the thermoelectric converter 21 will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 7 is a conceptual diagram showing a perspective view of the thermoelectric conversion element 21 and an enlarged view of a partial cross section of the thermoelectric conversion element 21. FIG. 8 is a conceptual diagram for explaining the spin current, magnetization, and current generated in the magnetic fine particles 210 and the electromotive body 220 constituting the thermoelectric conversion unit structure 200. The configuration of the thermoelectric conversion element 21 shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 is conceptual, and does not accurately represent the size, positional relationship, arrangement state, etc. of the thermoelectric conversion unit structure 200.

As shown in FIG. 7, the bulk type thermoelectric converter included in the thermoelectric conversion element 21 is composed of an aggregate of a plurality of thermoelectric conversion unit structures 200. The thermoelectric conversion unit structure 200 has a structure in which magnetic fine particles 210 made of fine magnetic material are coated with an electromotive body 220. The electric power generated by thermoelectric conversion has the property of being proportional to the volume of the device. Therefore, in order to obtain a large amount of electric power, a plurality of thermoelectric conversion unit structures 200 are configured as an aggregate.

The magnetic fine particles 210 are covered with the electromotive body 220. The magnetic fine particles 210 are magnetic materials having shapes such as spheres, ellipsoids, cones, frustums, columns, and polyhedra. The magnetic fine particles 210 are not limited to the above-mentioned shapes, but may be in the form of fragments, or may have an amorphous shape contained in a substance solidified, precipitated, or aggregated from the liquid phase or the gas phase. Further, the magnetic material constituting the magnetic fine particles 210 may include a structure having a structure in which the spin current is not easily dissipated. It is preferable that the magnetic fine particles 210 have high crystallinity, and it is optimal that the magnetic fine particles 210 are single crystals.

If the particle size of the magnetic fine particles 210 is too large, the thermal magnon will be dissipated, and the temperature difference of some of the fine particles cannot be utilized. Therefore, the particle size of the magnetic fine particles 210 is preferably a size corresponding to the diffusion length of the thermal magnon in the magnetic material constituting the magnetic fine particles 210. Further, the maximum diameter of the magnetic fine particles 210 should be smaller than the diffusion length of the thermal magnon in the magnetic material. For example, it is assumed that a garnet-based magnetic insulator crystal such as yttrium iron garnet (YIG: Y ₃ Fe ₅ O _{12) is used as the magnetic fine particles 210.} When a garnet-based magnetic insulator crystal is used as the magnetic fine particles 210, the thermal magnon diffusion length of the magnetic fine particles 210 is estimated to be about 50 nm (nanometers) to 10 μm (micrometers). Further, depending on the crystal growth method, the thermal magnon diffusion length of the garnet-based magnetic insulator crystal is estimated to reach 100 μm. Considering these points, when a garnet-based magnetic insulator crystal is used, the particle size of the magnetic fine particles 210 is preferably 1 to 10 μm on average and about 100 μm at the maximum.

The electromotive body 220 covers the magnetic fine particles 210. The electromotive body 220 includes materials such as metals, semiconductors, oxide conductors, and organic conductors. The electromotive body 220 preferably contains a metal material having a large spin-orbit interaction. For example, the electromotive body 220 is preferably configured to contain a metal material having a spin Hall angle of 0.001 or more, which is defined by the ratio of the spin Hall conductivity to the electric conductivity. Specifically, the electromotive body 220 is any one of gold (Au), platinum (Pt), palladium (Pd), nickel (Ni), iron (Fe), tungsten (W), and tantalum (Ta). It is preferable that the configuration includes one or more.

The thickness of the electromotive body 220 is preferably set based on the diffusion length of the spin current in the metal material constituting the electromotive body 220. If the thickness of the electromotive body 220 is smaller than the diffusion length, the spin current cannot be sufficiently converted into an electric current. On the other hand, when the thickness of the electromotive body 220 becomes larger than the diffusion length, the amount of generated current is saturated, while the internal resistance of the electromotive body increases. That is, if the thickness of the electromotive body 220 is too large or too small than the diffusion length, the amount of electric power that can be taken out decreases. Therefore, the thickness of the electromotive body 220 is set in the metal material constituting the electromotive body 220. The thickness is preferably about the diffusion length of the spin current. For example, the thickness of the electromotive body 220 is preferably about several nm to several hundred nm.

FIG. 8 shows a uniform temperature gradient dT in the z direction (vertical direction of the paper surface) with respect to the thermoelectric conversion unit structure 200 including the magnetic fine particles 210 having the magnetization direction M in the x direction (direction perpendicular to the paper surface). Is an example in which is applied.

At this time, in the electromotive body 220 at the upper part of the thermoelectric conversion unit structure 200, the outer product direction Js × M (minus y direction) of the direction of the spin current Js (plus z direction) and the direction of the magnetization direction M (minus x direction). ) Flows the upper current It.

Further, in the electromotive body 220 at the lower part of the thermoelectric conversion unit structure 200, the direction of the spin current Js (plus z direction) and the direction of the magnetization direction M (minus x direction) do not change, so that the same direction as the upper current It ( The lower current Ib flows in the minus y direction). Depending on the material constituting the electromotive body 220, the upper current It and the lower current Ib may flow in the plus y direction, but in the following, both the upper current It and the lower current Ib flow in the minus y direction. It will be explained as a thing.

As shown in FIG. 8, when the entire thermoelectric conversion unit structure 200 has a uniform temperature gradient dT toward the minus z direction, the electromotive force is generated in the minus y direction inside the electromotive body 220 of the thermoelectric conversion unit structure 200. Occurs.

Here, the circumference that becomes the maximum when the thermoelectric conversion unit structure 200 is cut along a plane parallel to the xy plane is called the equator. In FIG. 8, the equator of the thermoelectric conversion unit structure 200 is represented by EE lines. On the equator of the thermoelectric conversion unit structure 200, spin injection does not occur because the spin current Js is parallel to the interface between the magnetic fine particles 210 and the electromotive body 220. Therefore, on the equator of the thermoelectric conversion unit structure 200, the electromotive force due to the spin Seebeck effect and the inverse spin Hall effect becomes zero. Therefore, when the thermoelectric conversion unit structure 200 exists alone, the electromotive force generated in the upper hemisphere and the lower hemisphere in the minus y direction is short-circuited through the path on the equator (also referred to as a short-circuit path). Since it becomes a state, it works to reduce the total electromotive force. However, the width of the short-circuit path is infinitely narrow and converges to zero, so the impedance becomes infinite. Therefore, the effect of reducing the electromotive force is limited, and the electromotive force in the minus y direction does not actually become zero.

The thermoelectric conversion element 21 is a bulk type thermoelectric conversion body composed of an aggregate of a plurality of thermoelectric conversion unit structures 200. Adjacent thermoelectric conversion unit structures 200 are in contact with each other. Here, it is assumed that two thermoelectric conversion unit structures 200 stacked in the z-axis direction and adjacent to each other are magnetized in the minus x direction, and a temperature gradient is applied in the minus z direction. In this case, both the heat flow and the spin flow penetrate the contact interface of the two thermoelectric conversion unit structures 200 and flow from one thermoelectric conversion unit structure 200 toward the other thermoelectric conversion unit structure 200. At the contact interface between the two thermoelectric conversion unit structures 200, an electromotive force in the minus y direction is generated by both the spin current flowing from one thermoelectric conversion unit structure 200 and the spin current flowing out to the other thermoelectric conversion unit structure 200. do. In an ideal situation, the output power per unit area at the contact interface of the two thermoelectric conversion unit structures 200 would be twice that of the non-contact interface. Further, when the region where the thermoelectric conversion unit structures 200 are in contact with each other is limited to a part, the heat flow is concentrated in the region where the solids are in contact with each other. Therefore, at the contact interface between the two thermoelectric conversion unit structures 200, the output power per unit area increases due to the synergistic effect of the increase in the output power per unit area and the concentration of the heat flow.

On the other hand, the flow of heat released from a region other than the contact interface to the atmosphere is very small as compared with the heat flowing through a solid. Therefore, the thermoelectromotive force generated at other than the contact interface becomes very small. As a result, there may be a case where the thermoelectromotive force generated at the contact interface of the two thermoelectric conversion unit structures 200 is short-circuited.

Further, the thermoelectric conversion element 21 constitutes a network in which the surfaces of the electromotive bodies 220 of the plurality of thermoelectric conversion unit structures 200 are electrically connected to each other. Here, it is assumed that the magnetic material constituting each of the plurality of magnetic fine particles 210 included in the thermoelectric conversion element 21 is magnetized in the minus x direction. At this time, if both the heat flow and the spin flow are flowing in the plus z direction, an electromotive force in the minus y direction is generated in the electromotive force 220 connected in a network shape.

When a plurality of thermoelectric conversion unit structures 200 are randomly close to each other, the electromotive forces generated in the adjacent thermoelectric conversion unit structures 200 overlap even in the short-circuit path on the equator of the thermoelectric conversion unit structure 200. Therefore, the region where the electromotive force becomes zero on the surface of the electromotive force 220 is reduced to a negligible extent.

Further, in the thermoelectric conversion element 21, the thermoelectric conversion unit structure 200 and the conductive binder may be combined so that the thermoelectric conversion unit structures 200 can be electrically connected to each other more closely. As the conductive binder, a conductive material such as a foil made of metal or a conductive polymer, nanowires, microwires, nanoparticles, or microparticles can be used. For example, as the conductive binder, a material having a shape on the order of nanometers or micrometers can be used. When a conductive binder is used, the relaxation length of the spin current is effectively shortened by the foreign matter being caught in the electromotive body 220, so that the thermal spin current is not sufficiently converted into an electric current in the electromotive body and is adjacent to the electromotive body 220. It is possible to prevent the material from penetrating through the magnetic material. That is, if a conductive binder is used, it is possible to improve the efficiency of spin current-current conversion.

The above is a description of the bulk thermoelectric converter included in the thermoelectric converter 21. As the thermoelectric conversion element 21, a block-shaped bulk thermoelectric converter made of a material exhibiting an abnormal Nernst effect may be used. Since the bulk thermoelectric converter is thicker than the thin film thermoelectric converter, a larger temperature gradient can be obtained. Therefore, if a bulk thermoelectric converter is used, the output can be increased as compared with the thin film thermoelectric converter.

As described above, the wearable device of the present embodiment has a thermoelectric conversion element that converts a spin current generated by a temperature gradient into an electric current, an object that receives electric power generated by the thermoelectric conversion element, and a peripheral portion of the object. It has a band that is extended and arranged. In this embodiment, the thermoelectric conversion element is arranged on one surface of the object. The thermoelectric conversion element includes a bulk type thermoelectric converter in which an aggregate of thermoelectric conversion unit structures composed of magnetic fine particles and an electromotive body covering the surface of the magnetic fine particles is formed in a bulk shape. The bulk thermoelectric converter generates electricity according to the temperature gradient caused by the surface temperature of the human body and the temperature of the outside air. Since the bulk thermoelectric converter can be made thicker than the thin film thermoelectric converter, the temperature gradient in the thickness direction becomes large. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the amount of power generation of the thermoelectric conversion element can be improved as compared with the first embodiment.

(Third Embodiment)
Next, the wearable device according to the third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The wearable device of the present embodiment is different from the wearable device of the first embodiment in that a thermoelectric conversion element including a thin film type thermoelectric converter is arranged in a band.

(composition)
FIG. 9 is a side view for explaining an example of the configuration of the wearable device 3 of the present embodiment. The wearable device 3 includes a thermoelectric conversion element 31, an object 35, and a band 37. The wearable device 3 is different from the wearable device 1 of the first embodiment in the position where the thermoelectric conversion element 31 is arranged. In the following, the differences from the wearable device 1 will be mainly described.

The thermoelectric conversion element 31 is composed of a thin film type thermoelectric converter that converts a spin current generated by a temperature gradient into an electric current. The thermoelectric conversion element 31 is flexible because it is composed of a thin film type thermoelectric converter. When the band 37 is bent, the thermoelectric conversion element 31 is deformed along with the deformation of the band 37.

The thermoelectric conversion element 31 is arranged on the lower surface of the band 37. The thermoelectric conversion element 31 is connected so as to be able to supply power to the object 35 via a terminal (not shown). The thermoelectric conversion element 31 generates electricity according to the temperature gradient between the human body side and the outside while the wearable device 3 is attached to the human body. The thermoelectric conversion element 31 supplies electric power generated by the temperature gradient to the object 35 via a terminal (not shown).

The band 37 is a band-shaped body for attaching the wearable device 3 to the human body. The band 37 is arranged so as to extend to the peripheral portion of the object 35. In the example of FIG. 9, the band 37 is composed of two parts extending and arranged around the peripheral portion of the object 35. A thermoelectric conversion element 31 is arranged on the lower surface of the band 37. The band 37 is configured so that the thermoelectric conversion element 31 is arranged closer to the human body when the band 37 is wound around a part of the human body. In FIG. 9, fasteners and holes for attaching the band 37 to the human body are omitted. The material of the band 37 is not particularly limited, but a material having high thermal conductivity is preferable in order to increase the temperature gradient from the human body side to the outside.

The wearable device 3 can be worn on the human body by wrapping the band 37 around a wrist or the like. When the wearable device 3 is attached to the human body, a temperature gradient is generated between the human body side of the thermoelectric conversion element 31 and the side opposite to the human body, and an electromotive force is generated by the spin current generated by the temperature gradient. If the current generated by the electromotive force is supplied to the object 35, the object 35 can be driven.

FIG. 10 is a variation of the wearable device 3 of the present embodiment (wearable device 3-2). The wearable device 3-2 is provided with a pair of bands 37 having one end connected to the object 35 and the other end having a fastener 36 arranged. The fastener 36 is provided at the other end of at least one of the pair of bands 37. FIG. 10 shows a state in which the fastener 36 is closed. When the fastener 36 is opened, the wearable device 3-2 has the same shape as the wearable device 3 of FIG. The thermoelectric conversion element 31 is arranged on the surface of the pair of bands 37 on the side in contact with the human body. The thermoelectric conversion elements 31 arranged in the pair of bands 37 are connected to the object 35 via terminals (not shown) so as to be able to supply power.

The fastener 36 electrically connects the thermoelectric conversion elements 31 arranged in the pair of bands 37. The wearable device 3-2 of FIG. 10 has a structure in which a circuit for supplying power from the thermoelectric conversion element 31 to the object 35 opens when the fastener 36 is opened. In the wearable device 3-2 of FIG. 10, when the fastener 36 is closed, the thermoelectric conversion elements 31 arranged in the two parts constituting the band 37 are electrically connected via the fastener 36, and the object 35 The structure shall be such that sufficient power and voltage are provided for the operation. The material of the fastener 36 is not particularly limited as long as it is conductive. For example, the fastener 36 may be entirely conductive or may be partially conductive.

With the configuration as shown in the wearable device 3-2 (FIG. 10), sufficient power and voltage are supplied from the thermoelectric conversion element 31 to the object 35 only while the fastener 36 is closed. Therefore, the wearable device 3-2 does not operate when it is not attached to the human body, and does not malfunction due to the application of an unexpected temperature gradient. Further, the wearable device 3-2 can also be applied to the application of detecting that the wearable device 3-2 is attached to the human body. Although only one fastener 36 is shown in FIG. 10, even in a form in which the fasteners 36 are arranged at the other ends of the pair of bands 37 and the fasteners 36 are connected to each other. good.

FIG. 11 is another variation of the wearable device 3 of the present embodiment (wearable device 3-3). The wearable device 3-3 has a configuration in which the thermoelectric conversion element 31 including the thin film type thermoelectric converter is arranged on the lower surface of the band 37, and the bulk type thermoelectric conversion element 32 is arranged on the lower surface of the object 35. The thermoelectric conversion element 31 and the thermoelectric conversion element 32 are electrically connected in the vicinity of the object 35. When connecting the thin film type thermoelectric conversion element 31 and the bulk type thermoelectric conversion element 32, the direction in which the current flows may be taken into consideration when connecting the thin film type thermoelectric conversion element 31 and the bulk type thermoelectric conversion element 32. The wearable device 3-3 is a combination of the wearable device 2 of the second embodiment and the wearable device 3 of the present embodiment. Since the wearable device 3-3 has a bulk type thermoelectric conversion element 32 arranged on the lower surface of the object 35 in addition to the thin film type thermoelectric conversion element 31 arranged on the lower surface of the band 37, the wearable device 3-3 and the wearable device 3 Compared with this, the output of the thermoelectric conversion element can be increased.

FIG. 12 is another variation of the wearable device 3 of the present embodiment (wearable device 3-4). The wearable device 3-4 has a configuration in which the thermoelectric conversion element 31 is arranged on the lower surface of the band 37 composed of two parts. Since the band 37 is composed of two parts, the wearable device 3-4 has a pair of thermoelectric conversion elements 31. Each end of each of the pair of thermoelectric conversion elements 31 is electrically connected to the object 35 by a terminal (not shown). The other ends of the pair of thermoelectric conversion elements 31 are electrically connected to the other ends of the paired thermoelectric conversion elements 31 via the folded electrode 34 and the conductive member 33. The folded electrode 34 is not limited as long as it is a conductive material. The folded electrode 34 may contain a spin thermoelectric material having the opposite sign to that of the thermoelectric conversion element 31. If the folded electrode 34 contains a spin thermoelectric material having the opposite sign to that of the thermoelectric conversion element 31, the wearable device 3-4 can generate even larger electric power. Further, in order to improve power generation efficiency and wearability, it is preferable to configure the thermoelectric conversion element 31 and the folded electrode 34 to be flush with each other on the human body side. Further, the wearable device 3 (FIG. 9), the wearable device 3-2 (FIG. 10), the wearable device 3-3 (FIG. 11), and the wearable device 3-4 (FIG. 12) may be arbitrarily combined.

As described above, the wearable device of the present embodiment has a configuration in which a thermoelectric conversion element composed of a thin film type thermoelectric converter is arranged on the lower surface of the band. The thermoelectric conversion element is arranged on one surface of each of the bands. In the wearable device of the present embodiment, the area of the thermoelectric conversion element can be set larger than that of the first embodiment. That is, according to the present embodiment, the amount of power generated by the thermoelectric conversion element can be improved, so that an object having a larger power consumption than that of the first embodiment can be mounted.

For example, the thermoelectric conversion element is electrically connected to a thin-film thermoelectric converter arranged on one surface of the band and a thin-film thermoelectric converter arranged on one surface of the object and arranged on the band. It is composed of a bulk thermoelectric converter. For example, the thermoelectric conversion element is composed of a thin-film thermoelectric converter arranged on one surface of the band and a conductive member that electrically connects both ends of the thin-film thermoelectric converter arranged on the band. For example, the conductive member includes a thermoelectric conversion material in which a current flows in the direction opposite to that of the thin film thermoelectric converter when a temperature gradient is applied in the same direction as the thin film thermoelectric converter arranged in the band. For example, the wearable device of the present embodiment is provided with a pair of bands in which one end is connected to an object and the fastener is arranged in the other end, and the fastener is a thin film type thermoelectric conversion arranged in the pair of bands. Connect your body electrically.

(Fourth Embodiment)
Next, the wearable device according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The wearable device of the present embodiment is different from the wearable device of the second embodiment in that a thermoelectric conversion element including a bulk type thermoelectric converter is arranged in a band.

(composition)
FIG. 13 is a side view for explaining an example of the configuration of the wearable device 4 of the present embodiment.

The wearable device 4 includes a thermoelectric converter 41, a conductive member 42, an object 45, and a band 47. The wearable device 4 is different from the wearable device 2 of the second embodiment in the position where the thermoelectric converter 41 is arranged. In the following, the differences from the wearable device 2 will be mainly described.

The thermoelectric converter 41 is a bulk thermoelectric converter that converts a spin current generated by a temperature gradient into an electric current. Since the thermoelectric converter 41 is a bulk type, it is inflexible. Therefore, the blocks of the plurality of thermoelectric converters 41 are electrically connected by the conductive member 42. The conductive member 42 is made of a material that deforms with the deformation of the band 47 when the band 47 is bent.

The plurality of thermoelectric converters 41 are arranged on the lower surface of the band 47. The plurality of thermoelectric converters 41 are connected in series by a bendable conductive member 42. The thermoelectric converter 41 arranged closest to the object 45 is connected to the object 45 so as to be able to supply power via a terminal (not shown). The thermoelectric converter 41 generates electricity according to the temperature gradient between the human body and the outside while the wearable device 4 is attached to the human body. The thermoelectric converter 41 supplies electric power generated by the temperature gradient to the object 45 via a terminal (not shown). In FIG. 13, the thermoelectric converter 41 and the conductive member 42 are shown to form irregularities on the human body side, but in order to improve power generation efficiency and wearability, they should be flush with each other on the human body side. It is preferable to configure it in.

The band 47 is a band-shaped body for attaching the wearable device 4 to the human body. The band 47 is arranged so as to extend to the peripheral portion of the object 45. In the example of FIG. 13, the band 47 is composed of two parts extending and arranged around the peripheral portion of the object 45. On the lower surface of the band 47, blocks of a plurality of thermoelectric converters 41 connected by a conductive member 42 are arranged. The band 47 is configured so that the thermoelectric converter 41 is arranged closer to the human body when the band 47 is wound around a part of the human body. In FIG. 13, fasteners and holes for attaching the band 47 to the human body are omitted. The material of the band 47 is not particularly limited, but a material having high thermal conductivity is preferable in order to increase the temperature gradient from the human body side to the outside.

The wearable device 4 can be worn on the human body by wrapping the band 47 around a wrist or the like. When the wearable device 4 is attached to the human body, a temperature gradient is generated between the human body side of the thermoelectric converter 41 and the side opposite to the human body, and an electromotive force is generated by the spin current generated by the temperature gradient. If the current generated by the electromotive force is supplied to the object 45, the object 45 can be driven.

FIG. 14 is a variation of the wearable device 4 of the present embodiment (wearable device 4-2). The wearable device 4-2 has a configuration in which a plurality of bulk type thermoelectric converters 41 and a plurality of thin film type thermoelectric converters 43 are arranged on the lower surface of the band 47. The plurality of bulk type thermoelectric converters 41 are electrically connected via the thin film type thermoelectric converter 43. The thermoelectric converter 43 includes a thin-film thermoelectric converter that generates heat by spin thermoelectric conversion using a spin current. The thermoelectric converter 43 is flexible because it is a thin film type. Therefore, when the band 47 is bent, the thermoelectric converter 43 is deformed along with the deformation of the band 47. In FIG. 14, the bulk type thermoelectric converter 41 and the thin film type thermoelectric converter 43 are shown to form irregularities on the human body side, but in order to improve the power generation efficiency and wearability, the human body is used. It is preferable to configure them so that they are flush with each other on the side.

As described above, the wearable device of the present embodiment has a configuration in which a bulk thermoelectric converter is arranged on the lower surface of the band. Since the bulk thermoelectric converter can be made thicker than the thin film thermoelectric converter, the temperature gradient in the thickness direction becomes large. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the amount of power generation is larger than that of the first embodiment.

For example, the thermoelectric conversion element is composed of a plurality of bulk thermoelectric converters arranged on one surface of the band and a conductive member for electrically connecting the plurality of bulk thermoelectric converters arranged on the band. .. For example, the thermoelectric conversion element includes a plurality of bulk thermoelectric converters arranged on one surface of the band and a thin film thermoelectric converter electrically connected to a plurality of bulk thermoelectric converters arranged on the band. Consists of.

(Fifth Embodiment)
Next, the wearable device according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The wearable device of the present embodiment is different from the wearable device of the first embodiment in that a band is formed by a bulk thermoelectric converter.

(composition)
15 and 16 are conceptual diagrams for explaining an example of the configuration of the wearable device 5 of the present embodiment. FIG. 15 is a top view of the wearable device 5. FIG. 16 is a side view of the wearable device 5.

The wearable device 5 includes a thermoelectric converter 51, a connecting member 52, and an object 55. The plurality of thermoelectric converters 51 and the plurality of connecting members 52 are connected to each other to form a band 57. The wearable device 5 is different from the wearable device 4 of the fourth embodiment in that a band 57 is formed by connecting a plurality of thermoelectric converters 51 with a connecting member 52. In the following, the differences from the wearable device 4 will be mainly described.

The thermoelectric converter 51 is a bulk thermoelectric converter that converts a spin current generated by a temperature gradient into an electric current. Since the thermoelectric converter 51 is a bulk type, it is not flexible. Therefore, the blocks of the plurality of thermoelectric converters 51 are electrically connected by the connecting member 52.

The plurality of thermoelectric converters 51 are connected by a connecting member 52 to form a band 57. The plurality of thermoelectric converters 51 are connected by a connecting member 52. The thermoelectric converter 51 arranged closest to the object 55 is connected to the object 55 so as to be able to supply power via a terminal (not shown). The thermoelectric converter 51 generates electricity according to the temperature gradient between the human body and the outside while the wearable device 5 is attached to the human body. The thermoelectric converter 51 supplies electric power generated by the temperature gradient to the object 55 via a terminal (not shown).

The connecting member 52 is a member that connects the thermoelectric converters 51 arranged adjacent to each other. Further, the connecting member 52 has conductivity and electrically connects the thermoelectric converters 51 arranged adjacent to each other. For example, the connecting member 52 electrically connects two thermoelectric converters 51 to be connected, and rotatably connects the thermoelectric converters 51. In order to prevent the contact that electrically connects the two thermoelectric converters 51 and the connecting member 52 from being exposed, the contact portion may be covered with an insulating resin or the like.

The band 57 composed of the plurality of thermoelectric converters 51 and the plurality of connecting members 52 is a band-shaped body for mounting the wearable device 5 on the human body. In the example of FIG. 15, the band 57 is composed of two parts extending and arranged around the peripheral portion of the object 55. In addition, in FIGS. 15 and 16, fasteners and holes for attaching the band 57 to the human body are omitted.

The wearable device 5 can be worn on the human body by wrapping the band 57 around a wrist or the like. When the wearable device 5 is attached to the human body, a temperature gradient is generated between the human body side of the thermoelectric converter 51 and the side opposite to the human body, and an electromotive force is generated by the spin current generated by the temperature gradient. If the current generated by the electromotive force is supplied to the object 55, the object 55 can be driven.

As described above, in the wearable device of the present embodiment, a plurality of bulk thermoelectric converters and adjacent bulk thermoelectric converters are connected to each other, and a plurality of connecting members electrically connected to each other and a thermoelectric conversion element are provided. It is provided with an object that receives the power generated in. The band formed by the structure in which a plurality of bulk thermoelectric converters are connected by a connecting member is arranged so as to extend to the peripheral portion of the object. In the wearable device of the present embodiment, the surface opposite to the human body is directly exposed to the outside air by charging the band with the bulk thermoelectric converter, so that the air can easily be replaced on the surface opposite to the human body. For example, the temperature gradient between the human body side and the side opposite to the human body becomes large. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, if the air around the wearable device is easily replaced, such as when the user wearing the wearable device is walking, the thermoelectric conversion is performed as compared with the first embodiment. Efficiency and power generation can be increased.
(Sixth Embodiment)
Next, the wearable device according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The wearable device of the first embodiment is different from the wearable device of the first embodiment in that it is equipped with a thermoelectric conversion element configured by alternately connecting two types of thermoelectric converters in which currents flow in different directions with the same temperature gradient. different.

FIG. 17 is a side view for explaining an example of the configuration of the wearable device 6 of the present embodiment. The wearable device 6 includes a first thermoelectric converter 61, a second thermoelectric converter 62, a conductive member 63, an object 65, and a band 67. The wearable device 6 is equipped with a thermoelectric conversion element in which the first thermoelectric converter 61 and the second thermoelectric converter 62 are connected by a conductive member 63. In the following, the differences from the wearable device 1 will be mainly described.

The first thermoelectric converter 61 includes a thermoelectric conversion element that converts a spin current generated by a temperature gradient into an electric current. The first thermoelectric converter 61 is made of a material in which a current flows in the direction opposite to that of the second thermoelectric converter 62 when the same temperature gradient as that of the second thermoelectric converter 62 is applied. For example, when the first thermoelectric converter 61 is N-type, the second thermoelectric converter 62 is P-type, and when the first thermoelectric converter 61 is P-type, the second thermoelectric converter 62 is N-type. .. In the P-type and the N-type, when the magnetization direction is the same and the temperature gradient direction is also the same, a current in the opposite direction flows. The first thermoelectric converter 61 may be a thin film type thermoelectric converter or a bulk thermoelectric converter.

The second thermoelectric converter 62 includes a thermoelectric conversion element that converts a spin current generated by a temperature gradient into an electric current. The second thermoelectric converter 62 is made of a material in which a current flows in the direction opposite to that of the first thermoelectric converter 61 when the same temperature gradient as that of the first thermoelectric converter 61 is applied. For example, when the second thermoelectric converter 62 is P-type, the first thermoelectric converter 61 is N-type, and when the second thermoelectric converter 62 is N-type, the first thermoelectric converter 61 is P-type. .. The second thermoelectric converter 62 may be a thin film thermoelectric converter or a bulk thermoelectric converter.

The first thermoelectric converter 61 and the second thermoelectric converter 62 are arranged so that the longitudinal directions are substantially parallel to each other. The first thermoelectric converter 61 and the second thermoelectric converter 62 that are adjacent to each other form a thermoelectric conversion unit, and are electrically connected in series by a conductive member 63. The first thermoelectric converter 61 and the second thermoelectric converter 62 located at the end of the thermoelectric conversion element are electrically connected to the object 65 via a terminal (not shown).

The thermoelectric conversion element composed of the first thermoelectric converter 61, the second thermoelectric converter 62, and the conductive member 63 is arranged on the lower surface of the object 65. The first thermoelectric converter 61 and the second thermoelectric converter 62 located at the ends of the thermoelectric conversion element are connected to the object 65 via terminals (not shown) so as to be able to supply power. The thermoelectric conversion element generates electricity according to the temperature gradient between the human body and the outside while the wearable device 6 is attached to the human body. The thermoelectric conversion element supplies electric power generated by the temperature gradient to the object 65 via a terminal (not shown). Since the wearable device 6 has a configuration in which a plurality of thermoelectric conversion units are connected in series, the voltage can be set high according to the number of thermoelectric conversion units. Although FIG. 17 shows an example in which the first thermoelectric converter 61 and the second thermoelectric converter 62 are arranged at the ends of the thermoelectric conversion element, a pair of first thermoelectric converters 61 or a pair of second thermoelectric converters 61 are shown. The thermoelectric converter 62 may be arranged at both ends of the thermoelectric converter element.

FIG. 18 is another variation of the wearable device 6 of the present embodiment (wearable device 6-2). The wearable device 6-2 has a configuration in which a thermoelectric conversion element in which a first thermoelectric converter 61 and a second thermoelectric converter 62 are connected by a conductive member 63 is arranged on the lower surface of the band 67. The first thermoelectric converter 61 and the second thermoelectric converter 62 are arranged so that the longitudinal direction is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the band 67. The first thermoelectric converter 61 and the second thermoelectric converter 62 located at the ends of the thermoelectric conversion element are electrically connected to the object 65 via terminals (not shown). As shown in FIG. 18, when the longitudinal direction of the first thermoelectric converter 61 and the second thermoelectric converter 62 is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the band 67, the band 67 can be bent if the conductive member 33 is made of a flexible material. Can be made to. Since the wearable device 6-2 can increase the surface area of the thermoelectric conversion element composed of the first thermoelectric converter 61 and the second thermoelectric converter 62, the wearable device 6-2 is set to have a higher voltage and higher output than the wearable device 6 of FIG. can.

FIG. 19 is another variation of the wearable device 6 of the present embodiment (wearable device 6-3). The wearable device 6-3 has a configuration in which a thermoelectric conversion element in which a first thermoelectric converter 61 and a second thermoelectric converter 62 are connected by a conductive member 63 is arranged on the lower surfaces of an object 65 and a band 67. The first thermoelectric converter 61 and the second thermoelectric converter 62 are arranged so that the longitudinal direction is substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the band 67. The first thermoelectric converter 61 and the second thermoelectric converter 62 located at the ends of the thermoelectric conversion element are electrically connected to the object 65 via terminals (not shown). As shown in FIG. 19, when the longitudinal direction of the first thermoelectric converter 61 and the second thermoelectric converter 62 is substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the band 67, the first thermoelectric converter 61 and the second thermoelectric converter 62 are thin films. The band 67 can be bent if it is composed of a type thermoelectric converter. Since the wearable device 6-3 can increase the surface area of the thermoelectric conversion element composed of the first thermoelectric converter 61 and the second thermoelectric converter 62 by the amount of the lower surface of the object 65, the wearable device 6- of FIG. 18 It can be set to a higher output than 2.

FIG. 20 is another variation of the wearable device 6 of the present embodiment (wearable device 6-4). The wearable device 6-4 has a configuration in which a thermoelectric conversion element in which a first thermoelectric converter 61 and a second thermoelectric converter 62 are connected by a conductive member 63 is arranged on the lower surface and the upper surface of the object 65 and the band 67. The second thermoelectric converter 62 on the upper surface side and the first thermoelectric converter 61 on the lower surface side are electrically connected by a conductive member 63 installed at the other end of the band 67 whose one end is connected to the object 65. The first thermoelectric converter 61 and the second thermoelectric converter 62 are arranged so that the longitudinal direction is substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the band 67. The first thermoelectric converter 61 and the second thermoelectric converter 62 may be arranged side by side along the longitudinal direction of the band 67 as shown in FIG. 19, or may be attached to the entire surface of the band 67. The first thermoelectric converter 61 and the second thermoelectric converter 62 located at the ends of the thermoelectric conversion element are electrically connected to the object 65 via terminals (not shown). As shown in FIG. 20, when the longitudinal direction of the first thermoelectric converter 61 and the second thermoelectric converter 62 is substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the band 67, the first thermoelectric converter 61 and the second thermoelectric converter 62 are thin films. The band 67 can be bent if it is composed of a type thermoelectric converter. In the wearable device 6-4, the surface area of the thermoelectric conversion element composed of the first thermoelectric converter 61 and the second thermoelectric converter 62 can be increased by the amount of the upper surface of the band 67. Therefore, the wearable device 6-4 of FIG. 20 is the wearable device of FIG. 19 unless the temperature gradient is affected by arranging the first thermoelectric converter 61 and the second thermoelectric converter 62 on each surface of the band 67. The output of the thermoelectric conversion element can be made larger than that of 6-3.

As described above, the thermoelectric conversion element of the wearable device of the present embodiment is composed of a plurality of first thermoelectric converters and a plurality of second thermoelectric converters. The plurality of second thermoelectric converters are electrically connected to the first thermoelectric converter by a conductive member, and when the same temperature gradient as that of the first thermoelectric converter is applied, a current flows in the opposite direction. The first thermoelectric converter and the second thermoelectric converter are arranged so that the longitudinal directions are substantially parallel to each other.

That is, the wearable device of the present embodiment is equipped with a thermoelectric conversion element having a configuration in which two types of thermoelectric converters in which currents flow in opposite directions when the same thermal gradient is applied are alternately connected. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, a plurality of thermoelectric conversion units can be connected in series, so that a higher voltage can be obtained than in the first embodiment.

(7th Embodiment)
Next, the wearable device according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The wearable device of the present embodiment is different from the wearable device of the first embodiment in that a band-shaped thin film thermoelectric converter is wound around the band.

(composition)
21 to 22 are conceptual diagrams for explaining an example of the configuration of the wearable device 7 of the present embodiment. FIG. 21 is a side view showing an example of the configuration of the wearable device 7. FIG. 22 is a top view showing an example of the configuration of the wearable device 7.

The wearable device 7 includes a thermoelectric converter 71, an object 75, and a band 77. The wearable device 7 differs from the wearable device 1 of the first embodiment in that a band-shaped thin film thermoelectric converter 71 is wound around the band 77. In the following, the differences from the wearable device 1 will be mainly described. Although the right end of the band 77 is exposed in FIG. 21, it is preferable that the thermoelectric converter 71 is actually wound around the right end of the band 77.

The thermoelectric converter 71 is composed of a thin-film thermoelectric converter that converts a spin current generated by a temperature gradient into an electric current. The thermoelectric converter 71 is flexible because it is a thin film type. When the band 77 is bent, the thermoelectric converter 71 is deformed along with the deformation of the band 77.

The thermoelectric converter 71 is wrapped around the band 77. The thermoelectric converter 71 is connected to the object 75 via a terminal (not shown) so that power can be supplied. The thermoelectric converter 71 generates electricity according to the temperature gradient between the human body and the outside while the wearable device 7 is attached to the human body. The thermoelectric converter 71 supplies electric power generated by the temperature gradient to the object 75 via a terminal (not shown). When the thermoelectric converter 71 is wound around the band 77, the temperature gradient from the front side to the back side of the thermoelectric converter 71 on the human body side of the band 77 is different from that on the outside of the band 77. On the surface, the temperature gradient is from the back side to the front side of the thermoelectric converter 71. Therefore, the directions of the spin currents generated by the temperature gradient are opposite on the human body side and the outside of the band 77, and the currents that can be taken out from the terminals are canceled out. However, when the wearable device 7 is attached to the human body, the temperature gradient applied to the thermoelectric converter 71 on the human body side of the band 77 is larger than the temperature gradient applied to the thermoelectric converter 71 outside the band 77. Therefore, a current flows between the terminals of the thermoelectric converter 71.

The band 77 is a band-shaped body for attaching the wearable device 7 to the human body. The band 77 extends to the periphery of the object 75. In the example of FIGS. 21 to 22, the band 77 is composed of two parts extending and arranged around the peripheral portion of the object 75. A thermoelectric converter 71 is wound around the band 77. In FIG. 21, fasteners and holes for attaching the band 77 to the human body are omitted. The thermoelectric converter 71 may be configured to be wound around one of the two parts constituting the band 77.

The wearable device 7 can be worn on the human body by wrapping the band 77 around a wrist or the like. When the wearable device 7 is attached to the human body, a temperature gradient is generated between the human body side of the thermoelectric converter 71 and the side opposite to the human body, and an electromotive force is generated by the spin current generated by the temperature gradient. If the current generated by the electromotive force is supplied to the object 75, the object 75 can be driven.

As described above, the wearable device of the present embodiment has a configuration in which a thin film type thermoelectric conversion element formed in a band shape is wound around the band. According to the present embodiment, as compared with the first embodiment, the distance between both ends of the strip-shaped thin film thermoelectric converter is longer, so that a higher voltage can be obtained.

(8th Embodiment)
Next, the wearable device according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The wearable device of the present embodiment is different from the wearable device of the first embodiment in that an object can be attached and detached.

23 to 27 are conceptual diagrams for explaining an example of the configuration of the wearable device 8 of the present embodiment. FIG. 23 is a top view of the wearable device 8. FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA of FIG. 23 when the wearable device 8 is cut. FIG. 25 is a bottom view of the object 800 mounted on the wearable device 8. FIG. 26 is a top view showing a state in which the object 800 is mounted on the wearable device 8. FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line BB of FIG. 26 when the wearable device 8 is cut.

The wearable device 8 includes a thermoelectric conversion element 81, a mounting portion 82, a first power feeding terminal 83, a second power feeding terminal 84, and a band 87. Further, the object 800 has a first power receiving terminal 801 and a second power receiving terminal 802. In the following, when the wearable device 8 is mounted on the human body, the thermoelectric conversion element 81 is located closer to the human body than the mounting portion 82. The thermoelectric conversion element 81 may be in any of the first to seventh embodiments as long as it is electrically connected to the first power supply terminal 83 or the second power supply terminal 84.

The thermoelectric conversion element 81 includes a thermoelectric conversion element that converts a spin current generated by a temperature gradient into an electric current. The thermoelectric conversion element 81 is arranged on the lower surface of the mounting portion 82. When the object 800 is mounted on the mounting portion 82 of the wearable device 8, the thermoelectric conversion element 81 is connected so as to be able to supply power to the object 800 via the first power supply terminal 83 and the second power supply terminal 84. The thermoelectric conversion element 81 generates electricity according to the temperature gradient between the human body and the outside while the wearable device 8 is attached to the human body. The thermoelectric conversion element 81 supplies electric power generated by the temperature gradient to the object 800 via the first feeding terminal 83 and the second feeding terminal 84.

The mounting portion 82 has a portion on which the object 800 is mounted. As shown in FIG. 23, the first power supply terminal 83 and the second power supply terminal 84 are exposed in the recess of the mounting portion 82. Further, as shown in FIG. 24, the first power receiving terminal 801 and the second power receiving terminal 802 are exposed on the lower surface of the object 800. As shown in FIG. 26, the object 800 can be mounted on the mounting portion 82 by fitting the object 800 into the recess of the mounting portion 82. As shown in FIG. 27, the object 800 is fitted into the mounting portion 82 so that the first power supply terminal 83 and the first power receiving terminal 801 and the second power supply terminal 84 and the second power receiving terminal 802 are in contact with each other. The 800 and the thermoelectric conversion element 81 are electrically connected.

The object 800 may be any electronic device as long as it can be driven by the electric power generated by the thermoelectric conversion element 81. For example, the object 800 is an electronic device such as a clock, an activity meter, a communication terminal, or the like.

The above is the description of the configuration of the wearable device 8 of the present embodiment. The configuration of the wearable device 8 shown in FIGS. 23 to 27 is an example, and the configuration of the wearable device 8 of the present embodiment is not limited to the same configuration.

As described above, the wearable device of the present embodiment includes a thermoelectric conversion element that converts a spin current generated by a temperature gradient into an electric current, and a mounting unit that mounts an object that receives electric power generated by the thermoelectric conversion element. It is provided with a band that extends to the peripheral portion of the portion. The thermoelectric conversion element performs thermoelectric conversion using the spin current generated by the temperature gradient. According to the present embodiment, not only the mounted object can be supplied with power, but also the mounted object can be exchanged, so that the versatility is high.

Although the present invention has been described above with reference to the embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. Various changes that can be understood by those skilled in the art can be made to the structure and details of the present invention within the scope of the present invention.

Some or all of the above embodiments may also be described, but not limited to:
(Appendix 1)
A thermoelectric conversion element that converts the spin current generated by the temperature gradient into an electric current,
An object that receives the electric power generated by the thermoelectric conversion element and
A wearable device including a band extending and arranged around the object.
(Appendix 2)
The thermoelectric conversion element is
The wearable device according to Appendix 1, which is a thin-film thermoelectric converter in which a electromotive body and a magnetic material arranged in contact with the electromotive body are laminated.
(Appendix 3)
The thermoelectric conversion element is
The wearable device according to Appendix 1, which is a bulk thermoelectric converter composed of an aggregate of thermoelectric conversion unit structures composed of magnetic fine particles and an electromotive body that covers the surface of the magnetic fine particles.
(Appendix 4)
The thermoelectric conversion element is
The wearable device according to any one of Appendix 1 to 3, which is arranged on one surface of the object.
(Appendix 5)
The thermoelectric conversion element is
The wearable device according to any one of Supplementary note 1 to 4, which includes a thin film thermoelectric converter arranged on one surface of the band.
(Appendix 6)
A pair of the bands, one end of which is connected to the object and the other end of which the fastener is placed, are provided.
The fastener is
The wearable device according to Appendix 5, which electrically connects the thin-film thermoelectric converters arranged in the pair of bands.
(Appendix 7)
The thermoelectric conversion element is
A thin-film thermoelectric converter arranged on one surface of the band,
The wearable device according to Appendix 1, which is composed of a thin-film thermoelectric converter arranged on one surface of the object and electrically connected to the thin-film thermoelectric converter arranged in the band.
(Appendix 8)
The thermoelectric conversion element is
A thin-film thermoelectric converter arranged on one surface of the band,
The wearable device according to Appendix 1, which is composed of a conductive member that electrically connects both ends of the thin film thermoelectric converter arranged in the band.
(Appendix 9)
The conductive member is
The description in Appendix 8 comprising a thermoelectric conversion material in which a current flows in the direction opposite to that of the thin film thermoelectric converter when a temperature gradient is applied in the same direction as the thin film thermoelectric converter arranged in the band. Wearable device.
(Appendix 10)
The thermoelectric conversion element is
A plurality of bulk thermoelectric converters arranged on one surface of the band,
The wearable device according to Appendix 1, which is composed of a conductive member that electrically connects a plurality of the bulk thermoelectric converters arranged in the band.
(Appendix 11)
The thermoelectric conversion element is
A plurality of bulk thermoelectric converters arranged on one surface of the band,
The wearable device according to Appendix 1, which is composed of a plurality of the bulk thermoelectric converters arranged in the band and a thin film thermoelectric converter electrically connected to the bulk thermoelectric converter.
(Appendix 12)
The thermoelectric conversion element is
With multiple first thermoelectric converters,
It is composed of a plurality of second thermoelectric converters that are electrically connected to the first thermoelectric converter by a conductive member and in which a current flows in the opposite direction when the same temperature gradient as that of the first thermoelectric converter is applied. ,
The wearable device according to any one of Supplementary note 1 to 3, wherein the first thermoelectric converter and the second thermoelectric converter are arranged so that their longitudinal directions are substantially parallel to each other.
(Appendix 13)
The thermoelectric conversion element is
The wearable device according to Appendix 1, which is formed in a band shape and is composed of a thin film thermoelectric converter that is wound around the band.
(Appendix 14)
Multiple bulk thermoelectric converters that convert spin currents generated by temperature gradients into currents,
A plurality of connecting members that connect the bulk thermoelectric converters that are adjacent to each other and electrically connect them to each other.
It includes an object that receives electric power generated by a thermoelectric conversion element composed of a plurality of the bulk type thermoelectric converters.
A wearable device in which a band formed by a structure in which a plurality of the bulk thermoelectric converters are connected by the connecting member is arranged so as to extend to a peripheral portion of the object.
(Appendix 15)
A thermoelectric conversion element that converts the spin current generated by the temperature gradient into an electric current,
A mounting unit that mounts an object that receives power from the thermoelectric conversion element,
A wearable device including a band extending and arranged around the mounting portion.

This application claims priority on the basis of Japanese Application Japanese Patent Application No. 2019-003515 filed on January 11, 2019 and incorporates all of its disclosures herein.

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 Wearable devices 11, 21, 31 Thermoelectric conversion elements 15, 25, 35, 45, 55, 65, 75 Objects 17, 27, 37, 47, 57, 67, 77, 87 Band 34 Folded electrode 33, 42, 63 Conductive member 41, 43 Thermoelectric converter 51 Thermoelectric converter 52 Connecting member 36 Fastener 61 First thermoelectric converter 62 Second thermoelectric converter 82 Mounting part 83 First Power supply terminal 84 Second power supply terminal 111 Electromotive layer 112 Magnetic material layer 200 Thermoelectric conversion unit structure 210 Magnetic material fine particles 220 Electromotive element 800 Object 801 First power receiving terminal 802 Second power receiving terminal

Claims (15)

A thermoelectric conversion element that converts the spin current generated by the temperature gradient into an electric current,
An object that receives the electric power generated by the thermoelectric conversion element and
A wearable device including a band extending and arranged around the object. The thermoelectric conversion element is
The wearable device according to claim 1, which is a thin-film thermoelectric converter in which a electromotive body and a magnetic material arranged in contact with the electromotive body are laminated. The thermoelectric conversion element is
The wearable device according to claim 1, which is a bulk thermoelectric converter composed of an aggregate of a thermoelectric conversion unit structure composed of magnetic fine particles and an electromotive body covering the surface of the magnetic fine particles. The thermoelectric conversion element is
The wearable device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, which is arranged on one surface of the object. The thermoelectric conversion element is
The wearable device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, which includes a thin film thermoelectric converter arranged on one surface of the band. A pair of the bands, one end of which is connected to the object and the other end of which the fastener is placed, are provided.
The fastener is
The wearable device according to claim 5, wherein the thin-film thermoelectric converters arranged in the pair of bands are electrically connected. The thermoelectric conversion element is
A thin-film thermoelectric converter arranged on one surface of the band,
The wearable device according to claim 1, wherein the wearable device is composed of a thin-film thermoelectric converter arranged on one surface of the object and electrically connected to the thin-film thermoelectric converter arranged in the band. The thermoelectric conversion element is
A thin-film thermoelectric converter arranged on one surface of the band,
The wearable device according to claim 1, further comprising a conductive member that electrically connects both ends of the thin film thermoelectric converter arranged in the band. The conductive member is
8. The eighth aspect of the present invention includes a thermoelectric conversion material in which a current flows in the direction opposite to that of the thin film thermoelectric converter when a temperature gradient is applied in the same direction as the thin film thermoelectric converter arranged in the band. Wearable device. The thermoelectric conversion element is
A plurality of bulk thermoelectric converters arranged on one surface of the band,
The wearable device according to claim 1, further comprising a conductive member that electrically connects the plurality of bulk thermoelectric converters arranged in the band. The thermoelectric conversion element is
A plurality of bulk thermoelectric converters arranged on one surface of the band,
The wearable device according to claim 1, wherein the wearable device is composed of a plurality of bulk thermoelectric converters arranged in the band and a thin film thermoelectric converter electrically connected to the bulk thermoelectric converter. The thermoelectric conversion element is
With multiple first thermoelectric converters,
It is composed of a plurality of second thermoelectric converters that are electrically connected to the first thermoelectric converter by a conductive member and in which a current flows in the opposite direction when the same temperature gradient as that of the first thermoelectric converter is applied. ,
The wearable device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first thermoelectric converter and the second thermoelectric converter are arranged so that their longitudinal directions are substantially parallel to each other. The thermoelectric conversion element is
The wearable device according to claim 1, wherein the wearable device is formed in a band shape and is composed of a thin film thermoelectric converter that is wound around the band. Multiple bulk thermoelectric converters that convert spin currents generated by temperature gradients into currents,
A plurality of connecting members that connect the bulk thermoelectric converters that are adjacent to each other and electrically connect them to each other.
It includes an object that receives electric power generated by a thermoelectric conversion element composed of a plurality of the bulk type thermoelectric converters.
A wearable device in which a band formed by a structure in which a plurality of the bulk thermoelectric converters are connected by the connecting member is arranged so as to extend to a peripheral portion of the object. A thermoelectric conversion element that converts the spin current generated by the temperature gradient into an electric current,
A mounting unit that mounts an object that receives power from the thermoelectric conversion element,
A wearable device including a band extending and arranged around the mounting portion.

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