JP5764464B2 - Portable thermoelectric generator - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a thermoelectric power generation portable device that generates electric power and drives it with the body temperature of a living body.

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

Japanese Patent No. 3054933

  By the way, in the thermoelectric wristwatch according to the above-described prior art, after being mounted on the human body arm, the thermoelectric wristwatch goes to a thermal steady state so that the temperature of the entire configuration of the thermoelectric wristwatch is saturated. With this temperature change, the temperature difference between the heat generation side temperature and the heat dissipation side temperature of the thermoelectric generation element becomes smaller, and the power generation voltage of the thermoelectric generation element decreases. For this reason, the desired power generation amount cannot be secured, and the power generation efficiency may be reduced.

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

The first feature of the portable thermoelectric generator of the present invention for solving the above problems is that the temperature difference between the temperature of the heat source side position and the temperature of the heat radiation side position between the heat source and the heat radiation destination. And a heat conduction variable part having a thermoelectric power generation member that generates electric power based on, an internal space, and a first fluid movable in the internal space, wherein the heat conduction variable part is between the heat source and the heat radiation destination. The gist is to change the thermal resistance of at least a part of the heat transfer path depending on whether or not the first fluid passes through the heat transfer path.
According to such a feature, the heat source of the thermoelectric generator member is changed by changing the thermal resistance of a part of the heat transfer path with respect to a predetermined temperature difference between the heat source and the heat radiation destination such as the atmosphere outside the thermoelectric generator portable device. The temperature difference between the side and the heat dissipation side is increased. Accordingly, it is possible to suppress a decrease in power generation efficiency of the thermoelectric power generation member and secure a desired power generation amount.

In addition, the second feature of the portable thermoelectric generator according to the present invention is that the heat conduction variable portion has a first heat resistance of at least a part of the heat transfer path depending on the presence or absence of the first fluid in the heat transfer path. The gist is that it is possible to switch between a state of becoming a resistance and a state in which at least a part of the heat resistance of the heat transfer path becomes a second heat resistance different from the first heat resistance.
According to this feature, it is possible to switch a part of the thermal resistance on the heat transfer path by moving the first fluid with respect to the heat transfer path. Accordingly, it is possible to suppress a decrease in power generation efficiency of the thermoelectric power generation member and secure a desired power generation amount.

A third feature of the thermoelectric power generation portable device according to the present invention is that the first fluid and the second fluid are provided in the internal space of the heat conduction variable portion, and the second fluid is compared with the first fluid. The gist is that the thermal conductivity is low, the density is different, and the first fluid does not dissolve.
According to this feature, two types can be set in the heat transfer path: when passing through the first fluid and when passing through the second fluid. By moving the first fluid or the second fluid, it is possible to switch a part of the thermal resistance on the heat transfer path, thereby suppressing a decrease in the power generation efficiency of the thermoelectric power generation member and securing a desired power generation amount. Is possible.

The fourth feature of the portable thermoelectric generator of the present invention is that the first fluid is moved and the first thermal resistance and the second thermal resistance are switched by changing the posture of the heat conduction variable portion. The gist.
According to this feature, it is possible to switch a part of the thermal resistance on the heat transfer path by changing the posture of the heat conduction variable unit that does not require external power. As a result, it is possible to suppress a decrease in power generation efficiency of the thermoelectric power generation member and ensure a desired power generation amount without consuming electric power.

According to a fifth aspect of the portable thermoelectric generator of the present invention, the heat conduction variable unit includes a fluid control unit capable of linear movement or rotation, and the movement of the first fluid is controlled by the movement of the fluid control unit. The gist is to do.
According to such a feature, since the movement of the first fluid can be controlled by the fluid control unit, the heat transfer fluid can be moved at a desired time. Accordingly, it is possible to suppress a decrease in power generation efficiency of the thermoelectric power generation member and secure a desired power generation amount.

The sixth feature of the thermoelectric power generation portable device of the present invention is that the heat conduction variable portion is made of a flexible body, and the fluid control portion moves while pressing and deforming the heat conduction variable portion. The gist is to move the first fluid.
According to such a feature, two types can be set in the heat transfer path: when passing through the first fluid and when passing through the fluid control unit. By moving the first fluid or the fluid control unit, it is possible to switch a part of the heat resistance on the heat transfer path, thereby suppressing a decrease in power generation efficiency of the thermoelectric power generation member and securing a desired power generation amount. It becomes possible.

A seventh feature of the portable thermoelectric generator of the present invention is that the heat transfer fluid is a magnetic fluid, and the first fluid is moved in accordance with the movement of the fluid control unit formed of a magnet. And
According to this feature, it is not necessary to arrange the heat conduction variable portion and the fluid control portion in contact with each other, and the power applied to the movement of the fluid control portion can be small. As a result, it is possible to reduce power consumption, suppress a decrease in power generation efficiency of the thermoelectric power generation member, and secure a desired power generation amount.

Further, an eighth feature of the thermoelectric power generation portable device of the present invention is that the heat conduction variable portion has a plurality of hollow portions, two openings provided in each of the hollow portions, and different directions in the openings. And the fluid control unit has a movable valve and a weight, and the valve moves as the posture of the fluid control unit changes. The first fluid is moved to the different hollow portions.
According to this feature, the movement of the fluid control unit is due to gravitational acceleration, and it is possible to move the first fluid without requiring power. As a result, it is possible to suppress a decrease in power generation efficiency of the thermoelectric power generation member and ensure a desired power generation amount without consuming electric power.

  By changing the thermal resistance of a part of the heat transfer path for a predetermined temperature difference between the heat source and the heat radiation destination such as the atmosphere outside the thermoelectric portable device, the heat source side and the heat radiation side of the thermoelectric generation member Increase the temperature difference. Accordingly, it is possible to suppress a decrease in power generation efficiency of the thermoelectric power generation member and secure a desired power generation amount.

It is sectional drawing of the thermoelectric-powered portable apparatus which concerns on 1st embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram of the movement of the thermoelectric generation portable apparatus which concerns on 1st embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram of the heat conduction variable part of the thermoelectric generation portable apparatus which concerns on 1st embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the thermal resistance model of the thermoelectric generation portable apparatus which concerns on 1st embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the temperature distribution in the thermal resistance model in the state with which the thermoelectric portable apparatus which concerns on 1st embodiment of this invention was mounted | worn with the biological body. It is explanatory drawing which shows the change of the temperature difference (DELTA) Tp which arises between the temperature of the heat-source side position of the thermoelectric generation member of the thermoelectric generation portable apparatus which concerns on 1st embodiment of this invention, and the temperature of a thermal radiation side position. It is explanatory drawing which shows the thermal resistance model which changes according to the state of the heat conduction variable part of the thermoelectric portable apparatus which concerns on 1st embodiment of this invention. The temperature difference (DELTA) Tp which arises between the thermal resistance of the heat conduction variable part of the thermoelectric generation portable apparatus which concerns on 1st embodiment of this invention, and the temperature of the heat-source side position of a thermoelectric generation member and the temperature of a thermal radiation side position is shown. It is explanatory drawing. It is sectional drawing of the thermoelectric generation portable apparatus which concerns on 2nd embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram of the heat conduction variable part of the thermoelectric portable apparatus which concerns on 3rd embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the heat conduction variable part periphery of the thermoelectric generation portable apparatus which concerns on 3rd embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure around the heat conduction variable part of the thermoelectric portable apparatus which concerns on 4th embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the heat conduction variable part periphery of the thermoelectric power generation portable apparatus which concerns on 5th embodiment of this invention.

(First embodiment)
Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. The thermoelectric power generation portable device 100 according to the present embodiment will be described below.
(overall structure)
The thermoelectric power generation portable device 100 according to the present embodiment is, for example, a wrist watch worn on the arm of a human body.
In FIG. 1, the structure of the cross section of the thermoelectric generation portable apparatus 100 which concerns on this embodiment is shown. The thermoelectric portable device 100 includes a housing 11, a frame body 12, a cover glass 13, a back cover 14, a holding member 15, a dial 16, a pointer portion 17, a movement 18, a substrate 19, The thermoelectric generation member 20, the heat conducting member 21, and the heat conduction variable unit 22 are configured.

The casing 11 is formed in a cylindrical shape by, for example, metal, one opening end is closed by a cover glass 13, and one opening end of the cylindrical frame 12 is connected to the other opening end.
The frame body 12 is formed in a cylindrical shape with, for example, a synthetic resin, and the other opening end is closed with a back cover 14.
The holding member 15 is formed of a metal such as aluminum, copper, or brass, for example, and is accommodated in the housing 11 and the frame body 12.

The dial 16 has a back surface 16B held by a movement 18 so that a front surface 16A on which indications such as seconds, minutes, and numbers of time are provided can be visually recognized through the cover glass 13. Yes.
The pointer portion 17 includes, for example, a second hand 17a indicating the second of the time, a minute hand 17b indicating the minute of the time, and an hour hand 17c indicating the hour of the time, and is provided so as to protrude from the surface 16A of the dial 16. And an appropriate display related to the time provided on the surface 16A of the dial 16 by being rotationally driven by the movement 18.
For example, the movement 18 is disposed on the back surface 16 </ b> B side of the dial 16 and is held by the holding member 15.

The substrate 19 is held by, for example, the holding member 15.
The thermoelectric generator 20 is made of, for example, a Peltier element or a thermocouple, and is held so as to be sandwiched between the holding member 15 and the heat conducting member 21.
The heat conducting member 21 is formed in a plate shape with, for example, copper or the like, and is disposed on the inner surface 14 </ b> A side of the back cover 14.
The heat conduction variable portion 22 is disposed on the back side of the movement 18 with respect to the dial 16 and is held by the holding member 15.
Thermally conductive grease 23 is applied between the housing 11 and the holding member 15, between the holding member 15 and the thermoelectric generator member 20, between the heat conducting member 21 and the back cover 14, and the like. .

(Composition of movement)
The configuration of the movement 18 will be described below.
FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram showing the configuration of the movement 18.
The movement 18 includes a control unit 31, a needle driving unit 32, a boosting unit 33, and a power storage unit 34.
The needle drive unit 32 includes a stepping motor, for example, and rotationally drives the second hand 17a, the minute hand 17b, and the hour hand 17c of the pointer unit 17 in accordance with a drive pulse output from the control unit 31.

The booster 33 includes, for example, an oscillation circuit and a charge pump circuit, and is connected to the thermoelectric generator member 20 to boost the generated voltage output from the thermoelectric generator member 20 and output the boosted voltage.
The power storage unit 34 includes, for example, a secondary battery, a capacitor, and the like, is connected to the booster 33, and stores power output from the booster 33.
The control unit 31 includes, for example, an oscillation circuit, a frequency dividing circuit, a motor drive pulse output circuit, and the like that are operated by electric power supplied from the power storage unit 34, and according to a signal that is a reference for timing output from the frequency dividing circuit, A drive pulse for driving the needle drive unit 32 is output from the motor drive pulse output circuit.

(Configuration of heat conduction variable part)
The configuration of the heat conduction variable unit will be described below.
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the heat conduction variable portion.
The heat conduction variable unit 22 includes two hollow portions 221a and 221b, a heat transfer fluid 222 and a fluid 223 enclosed in the hollow portions 221a and 221b, and a fluid control unit 230 that controls the flow of the heat transfer fluid 222. Has been.
The two hollow portions 221a and 221b are separated by a partition wall 224, and each of the hollow portions 221a and 221b has two openings. The two openings are each provided with a liquid one-way valve 226 in a different direction, and constitute an outlet 225a and an inlet 225b of the heat transfer fluid 222.

Further, the heat transfer fluid 222 and the fluid 223 enclosed in the two hollow portions 221a and 221b have different thermal conductivities and densities. For example, the heat transfer fluid 222 is composed of silicon oil mixed with a filler having a high thermal conductivity (powder such as alumina, aluminum nitride, silicon carbide, graphite), and the fluid 223 is composed of an inert gas such as air or nitrogen gas.
The fluid control unit 230 is disposed so as to be in contact with the outlet 225 a and the inlet 225 b of the hollow part 221, and includes a valve part 231 and a weight 232. Depending on the posture of the fluid control unit 230, gravity acceleration is applied to the weight 232, so that the fluid control unit 230 can reciprocate in one direction.

  Here, when the right side of the heat conduction variable unit 22 is inclined downward, the fluid control unit 230 moves to the right due to the weight of the weight 232. Thereby, the valve 231 blocks only the inlet 225b of the hollow portion 221a. For this reason, the heat transfer fluid 222 inside the hollow part 221a moves to the hollow part 221b by gravity through the outlet 225a of the hollow part 221a, the fluid control part 230, and the inlet 225b of the hollow part 221b (FIG. 3A). )reference). At this time, since the movement of the fluid 223 is not controlled by the liquid one-way valve 226, the fluid 223 moves from the hollow portion 221b to the hollow portion 221a.

  Similarly, when the left side of the heat conduction variable part 22 is inclined downward, the fluid control part 230 moves to the left, and the valve 231 closes the inlet 225b of the hollow part 221b. For this reason, the heat transfer fluid 222 moves from the hollow portion 221b to the hollow portion 221a, and the fluid 223 moves from the hollow portion 221a to the hollow portion 221b (see FIG. 3B).

(Thermal conduction inside portable thermoelectric generator)
The flow of heat inside the thermoelectric portable device 100 will be described.
When thermoelectric power generation portable device 100 is attached to a human body, back cover 14 is heated by body temperature. This heat is transmitted in the order of the back cover 14, the heat conducting member 21, the thermoelectric generator member 20, the heat conduction variable portion 22, the holding member 15, and the housing 11. However, the heat transfer variable part 22 moves the heat transfer fluid 222 enclosed inside according to the posture. For this reason, a part of the heat transfer path is switched between the case of passing through the heat transfer fluid 222 and the case of passing through the fluid 223 depending on the posture of the heat transfer variable portion 22.
In order to explain the heat conduction inside the thermoelectric portable device 100, a thermal resistance model is applied. FIG. 4 shows a thermal resistance model of the thermoelectric power generation portable device 100 as a whole.

The thermal resistance model of the thermoelectric portable device 100 is an area formed by the back lid 14 and the heat conducting member 21 between a living body that is a heat source that contacts the back lid 14 and a heat radiation destination such as an atmosphere outside the thermoelectric portable device 100. The thermal resistance R5 of the thermoelectric generator member 20, the thermal resistance R3 of the region consisting of the frame 12 and the atmosphere inside the frame 12, the thermal resistance R2 of the region consisting of the casing 11 and the holding member 15, It consists of the heat resistance R1 of the heat radiating portion composed of the surface of the device 100 (for example, the surface 11A of the housing 11) and the region near the surface, and the heat resistance R22 of the heat conduction variable portion 22.
The thermal resistance model of the thermoelectric portable device 100 includes thermal resistances R1, R2, R3, and R5 connected in series, and thermal resistance R4 and thermal resistance R22 connected in series between the thermal resistances R2 and R5. A resistor R3 is connected in parallel.

The thermal resistance R22 of the heat conduction variable unit 22 is a variable thermal resistance that changes according to the posture. When passing through the heat transfer fluid 222, the heat resistance R22 of the heat conduction variable portion becomes the first heat resistance R22a having a small value, and when passing through the fluid 223, the heat resistance R22 has a large value as the second heat resistance R22a. R22b (> first thermal resistance R22a).
Here, each thermal resistance R1, R5 and thermal resistance R22a are configured to be equal to or smaller than the thermal resistance R4 of the thermoelectric generator member 20. The thermal resistance R3 is configured to be larger than, for example, the thermal resistances R1, R2, R4, R5, R22a, and R22b.

(Power generation operation of thermoelectric generator)
Next, power generation by the thermoelectric generator 20 will be described with reference to FIGS.
The thermoelectric generator 20 is an element that outputs a generated voltage according to the temperature difference between the heating side and the heat dissipation side.
As shown in FIG. 5, the thermoelectric portable device 100 attached to the living body has a temperature of the heat radiation destination (atmosphere temperature Ta) such as the atmosphere outside the thermoelectric portable device 100 from the temperature of the living body (heat source temperature Tc) as a heat source. The heat flow to Here, assuming that the temperature Tp2 at the heat source side position of the thermoelectric generation member 20 and the temperature Tp1 at the heat dissipation side position, the thermoelectric generation member 20 outputs a generated voltage corresponding to the magnitude of the temperature difference ΔTp (= Tp2−Tp1). It becomes.

The time change of the heat flow and the power generation operation will be described with reference to FIGS.
The thermoelectric power generation portable device 100 is attached to a living body that is a heat source having a higher temperature (heat source temperature) Tc than the temperature (atmosphere temperature) Ta of the atmosphere outside the thermoelectric power generation portable device 100. The back cover 14 comes into contact with the living body, and a heat flow is transmitted from the heat source to the heat source side position of the thermoelectric generator member 20 via the region formed of the back cover 14 and the heat conducting member 21.

In this thermal transient state, the temperature Tp2 at the heat source side position of the thermoelectric generator member 20 rises. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, the temperature Tp2 at the heat source side position of the thermoelectric generator member 20 and the temperature Tp1 at the heat dissipation side position The temperature difference ΔTp (= Tp2−Tp1) and the generated voltage of the thermoelectric generator 20 increase toward the maximum value (FIG. 6A).
The maximum value of the temperature difference ΔTp is, for example, the thermal resistance R of the entire heat transfer path from the heat source to the heat radiating destination, the thermal resistance R4 of the thermoelectric generator member 20, and the thermal resistance R22 of the heat conduction variable unit 22. The thermal resistance R3 of the frame 12 and the region of the atmosphere inside the frame 12 and the ambient temperature Ta and the heat source temperature Tc are described as shown in the following mathematical formula (1).

  Then, the heat flow is transmitted to the heat radiation side position of the thermoelectric generation member 20 and further to the heat radiation destination via the thermoelectric generation member 20 and the heat conduction variable portion 22, the frame 12, and the region composed of the atmosphere inside the frame body 12. . Along with this, the temperature difference ΔTp changes from a local maximum value to a decreasing tendency, and the temperature of the entire thermoelectric portable device 100 is saturated. In other words, a predetermined temperature difference (Tc− between the heat source and the heat radiation destination). Ta) is distributed throughout the heat transfer path. As a result, a thermal steady state in which the local temperature gradient is reduced is formed (FIG. 6B). When such a thermal steady state in which the temperature of the thermoelectric portable device 100 as a whole is saturated is maintained, a state in which the temperature difference ΔTp and the generated voltage are reduced is maintained.

A case where the thermal resistance R22 of the heat conduction variable portion 22 is variable in the heat flow transmission described above will be described with reference to FIGS.
First, in the initial state where the thermoelectric portable device 100 is attached to a living body as a heat source, the heat transfer fluid 222 of the heat conduction variable unit 22 exists in the heat transfer path, and the heat resistance R22 of the heat conduction variable unit 22 has a small value. The first thermal resistance R22a is assumed. The heat source side position of the thermoelectric generator member 20 is heated from the heat source via the region composed of the back cover 14 and the heat conducting member 21, and the temperature Tp2 of the heat source side position rises. On the other hand, the heat radiation side position of the thermoelectric generator member 20 is cooled by the atmosphere outside the thermoelectric generator portable device 100 via the heat radiation portion and the region composed of the housing 11 and the holding member 15, and the temperature Tp1 of the heat radiation side position increases. It is suppressed (FIG. 7A).

  Thereby, the temperature difference ΔTp (= Tp2−Tp1) generated between the temperature Tp2 at the heat source side position of the thermoelectric generator member 20 and the temperature Tp1 at the heat radiation side position and the generated voltage of the thermoelectric generator member 20 increase toward the maximum value. (FIG. 8, until time t1).

  Next, as the temperature of the entire thermoelectric portable device 100 changes toward a thermal steady state so as to saturate, so to speak, a predetermined temperature difference (Tc−Ta) between the heat source and the heat radiation destination is a heat transfer. It is distributed over the entire path. As a result, the local temperature gradient is reduced, the temperature difference ΔTp (= Tp2−Tp1) generated between the temperature Tp2 at the heat source side position of the thermoelectric generator member 20 and the temperature Tp1 at the heat radiation side position is reduced, and thermoelectric power generation is performed. The power generation voltage of the member 20 decreases (FIG. 8, times t1 to t2).

  Next, the posture of the heat conduction variable unit 22 is changed, and the fluid 223 of the heat conduction variable unit 22 is passed through the heat transfer path. As a result, the thermal resistance R22 of the heat conduction variable portion 22 changes to the second thermal resistance R22b having a large value. The heat flow transmitted from the heat source to the heat radiation side position of the thermoelectric generator member 20 via the area consisting of the back cover 14 and the heat conducting member 21 and the thermoelectric generator member 20 or the frame 12 and the area consisting of the atmosphere inside the frame body 12 is In other words, it is blocked by the heat conduction variable portion 22 (FIG. 7B).

  As a result, the temperature Tp1 at the heat radiation side position of the thermoelectric generation member 20 rises to be equal to the temperature Tp2 at the heat source side position, and the temperature difference ΔTp and the power generation voltage of the thermoelectric generation member 20 decrease toward zero. On the other hand, the region composed of the casing 11 and the holding member 15 is easily cooled by the atmosphere outside the thermoelectric power generation portable device 100, and the temperature Tb of the region composed of the casing 11 and the holding member 15 decreases (FIG. 8, time t2). To t3).

That is, the temperature distribution in the heat transfer path between the heat source and the heat radiation destination is changed by changing the posture of the heat conduction variable unit 22. As a result, the temperature difference between the temperature Tp1 at the heat radiation side position of the thermoelectric generator 20 and the temperature Tb in the region composed of the housing 11 and the holding member 15 increases.
That is, the temperature difference (Tc−Ta) between the heat source and the heat radiating destination distributed over the entire heat transfer path is localized in a part of the heat transfer path (that is, the region of the heat conduction variable portion 22). A concentrated thermal steady state is formed.

  Next, the posture of the heat conduction variable unit 22 is changed, and the heat transfer path through the heat transfer fluid 222 of the heat conduction variable unit 22 is set again. The thermal resistance R22 of the heat conduction variable portion 22 changes to the first thermal resistance R22a having a small value. The heat generation side position of the thermoelectric generation member 20 is cooled by the atmosphere outside the thermoelectric generator portable device 100 via the heat dissipation unit, the housing 11, the holding member 15, and the heat conduction variable unit 22, and the temperature Tp1 of the heat generation side position decreases. (FIG. 7C).

  Thereby, the heat radiation side position of the thermoelectric generator member 20 is cooled by the atmosphere outside the thermoelectric portable device 100 via the heat radiation portion and the region composed of the casing 11 and the holding member 15, and the heat radiation side position of the thermoelectric generator member 20 is Temperature Tp1 decreases. The temperature difference ΔTp (= Tp2−Tp1) generated between the temperature Tp2 at the heat source side position of the thermoelectric generation member 20 and the temperature Tp1 at the heat dissipation side position and the generated voltage of the thermoelectric generation member 20 increase toward the maximum value (FIG. 8). , Time t3 to t4).

  Then, after the temperature difference ΔTp (= Tp2−Tp1) and the power generation voltage of the thermoelectric generator member 20 reach the maximum value, the temperature of the entire thermoelectric portable device 100 changes toward the thermal steady state so that the temperature is saturated. Accordingly, a so-called predetermined temperature difference (Tc−Ta) between the heat source and the heat radiating destination is distributed over the entire heat transfer path, so that the local temperature gradient is reduced, and the thermoelectric generator 20 The temperature difference ΔTp (= Tp2−Tp1) generated between the temperature Tp2 at the heat source side position and the temperature Tp1 at the heat radiation side position and the power generation voltage of the thermoelectric generator member 20 change in a decreasing trend (FIG. 8, after time t4). .

  As described above, according to the thermoelectric power generation portable device 100 according to the present embodiment, the thermal resistance R22 of the heat conduction variable unit 22 can be changed according to the attitude of the heat conduction variable unit 22. For this reason, with respect to a predetermined temperature difference (Tc−Ta) between the heat source and the heat radiation destination, a temperature difference ΔTp (= Tp2) locally between the heat source side position and the heat radiation side position of the thermoelectric generation member 20. -Tp1) can be increased, and the power generation voltage can be increased to ensure a desired power generation amount, and a decrease in power generation efficiency can be suppressed.

  More specifically, the thermal resistance R22 of the heat conduction variable unit 22 is switched between the first thermal resistance R22a and the second thermal resistance R22b. For this reason, the temperature distribution in the heat transfer path between the heat source and the heat radiation destination can be changed, and the heat source and the heat radiation side position of the thermoelectric generation member 20 in the thermal transient state due to this can be changed. A desired temperature difference ΔTp (= Tp2−Tp1) based on a predetermined temperature difference (Tc−Ta) with respect to the heat radiation destination can be ensured.

  Furthermore, the thermal resistance on the heat transfer path can be changed only by providing the heat conduction variable portion 22 that unevenly distributes the heat transfer fluid 222 enclosed inside depending on the posture. Thereby, the fall of electric power generation efficiency can be suppressed with a simple structure. Moreover, since the fall of power generation efficiency can be suppressed without using external power, generated power can be used effectively.

(Second Embodiment)
Hereinafter, the portable thermoelectric generator 200 according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described. About the same location as 1st Embodiment, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected and detailed description is abbreviate | omitted.
The difference from the first embodiment is that a portable thermoelectric generator 200 is configured using a plurality of thermoelectric generator members 20.
FIG. 9 shows a cross-sectional configuration of a thermoelectric power generation portable device 200 according to the second embodiment.
The thermoelectric power generation portable device 200 includes two thermoelectric power generation members 20a and 20b, and the thermoelectric power generation members 20a and 20b are disposed in contact with the hollow portions 221a and 221b of the heat conduction variable portion 22, respectively.

  Here, it is assumed that the heat transfer fluid 222 is sealed in the hollow portion 221a and the fluid 223 is sealed in the hollow portion 221b. For this reason, there are two types of heat transfer paths of the thermoelectric portable device 200: a heat transfer path that passes through the hollow portion 221a and a heat transfer path that passes through the hollow portion 221b. In the heat transfer path passing through the hollow portion 221a, as shown in FIG. 7A, the heat resistance R22 of the heat conduction variable portion 22 takes a first heat resistance R22a which is a smaller value. For this reason, the temperature difference ΔTp of the thermoelectric generator 20a can be increased, the generated voltage is increased, and a desired power generation amount can be ensured. On the other hand, in the heat transfer path passing through the hollow portion 221b on the fluid 223 enclosure side, as shown in FIG. 7B, the heat resistance R22 of the heat conduction variable portion 22 has a large second heat resistance R22b. Take. For this reason, the temperature difference ΔTp of the thermoelectric generator member 20b decreases, and the thermoelectric generator member 20b does not generate electricity.

  Then, the attitude | position of the thermoelectric portable apparatus 200 is changed, and the heat transfer fluid 222 is moved to the other hollow part 221b. The fluid 223 is sealed in the hollow portion 221a, and the heat transfer fluid 222 is sealed in the hollow portion 221b. For this reason, the thermal resistance R22 of the hollow portion 221a becomes a larger second thermal resistance R22b, the temperature difference ΔTp between the thermoelectric generator members 20a in contact therewith decreases, and the thermoelectric generator member 20a does not generate electricity. On the other hand, the thermal resistance R22 of the hollow portion 221b becomes a smaller first thermal resistance R22a, the temperature difference ΔTp between the thermoelectric generation members 20b in contact therewith increases, and the generated voltage of the thermoelectric generation member 20b increases.

As described above, since one of the two thermoelectric generators 20a and 20b (the thermoelectric generator 20 on the side of the heat transfer path where the heat transfer fluid 222 exists) generates electric power, a desired amount of electric power generation is always ensured. It becomes possible to do.
In addition, in embodiment mentioned above, although the hollow part 221 of the heat conduction variable part 22 is two, it is not limited to this. For example, it is possible to divide the inside of the heat conduction variable portion 22 by a plurality of partition walls 223 to form three or more hollow portions, and to make the thermoelectric generator member 20 in contact with each hollow portion.

The fluid 223 is not limited to gas. The fluid 223 does not mix or dissolve with the heat transfer fluid 222 and can be composed of liquids having different thermal resistance and density. For example, if the heat transfer fluid 222 is oil mixed with a heat conductive filler and the fluid 223 is water, the above function can be realized.
Further, it can be configured without the structure of the partition wall 224. For example, when mercury or the like having a large surface tension is used as the heat transfer fluid 222, the structure of the partition wall 224 is unnecessary because the heat transfer fluid 222 is reliably separated from the fluid 223.

(Third embodiment)
The third embodiment according to the present invention will be described below. The same parts as those in the first and second embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.
The difference from the first and second embodiments is that the heat conduction variable portion 22 includes a single hollow circular hollow portion 221, and the heat transfer fluid 222 and the fluid 223 are enclosed in the hollow portion 221. It is.

The configuration of the heat conduction variable unit 22 is shown in FIG.
The heat transfer variable portion 22 includes a hollow portion 221, a heat transfer fluid 222, and a fluid 223.
The hollow portion 221 is formed of a hollow tube-shaped metal, resin, or the like, and a plurality of partition walls 224 that are open at the top are provided therein.

  A heat transfer fluid 222 and a fluid 223 are sealed inside the hollow portion 221. The heat transfer fluid 222 and the fluid 223 have different thermal conductivities and densities, do not dissolve each other, and are separated by their surface tensions and the like. For example, here, it is assumed that the heat transfer fluid 222 has higher thermal conductivity and density than the fluid 223. The heat transfer fluid 222 is composed of oil mixed with a heat conductive filler, and the fluid 223 is composed of air.

  The heat transfer fluid 222 and the fluid 223 are free to move in the inner area of the hollow portion 221. For example, when the heat conduction variable part 22 is tilted, the heat transfer fluid 222 moves inside the heat conduction variable part 22, and the heat transfer fluid 222 stays in the lowest region of the heat conduction variable part 22. In addition, the fluid 223 exists in the remaining region inside the heat conduction variable portion 22.

FIG. 11 shows a configuration in which the thermoelectric generator member 20 is disposed in the heat conduction variable portion 22.
Four thermoelectric generator members 20 a, 20 b, 20 c, and 20 d are installed in contact with the heat conduction variable portion 22 along the circumference of the heat conduction variable portion 22.
Here, when the thermoelectric power generation portable device is attached to the living body, the back cover 14 is heated by the body temperature of the living body, and the back cover 14, the heat conducting member 21, the thermoelectric generation member 20, the heat conduction variable unit 22, the holding member 15, and the housing 11. Heat is transferred in this order. There are two types of heat transfer paths, which may be routed through the heat transfer fluid 222 and may be routed through the fluid 223.

  In the case of the posture as shown in FIG. 11, the thermoelectric generators 20a and 20d on the heat transfer path via the heat transfer fluid 222 have the heat resistance R22 of the heat conduction variable portion 22 as the first heat resistance R22a. A temperature difference ΔTp (= Tp2−Tp1) between the side position and the heat radiation side position can be ensured. For this reason, the thermoelectric generator members 20a and 20d can ensure a predetermined power generation amount due to the temperature difference. At the same time, in the thermoelectric generators 20b and 20c on the heat transfer path passing through the fluid 223, the thermal resistance R22 of the heat conduction variable unit 22 is the second thermal resistance R22b, and therefore the temperature difference between the heat source side position and the heat radiation side position. ΔTp is almost zero. For this reason, the thermoelectric generator members 20b and 20c are in a state where no electric power is generated.

  Thereafter, when the posture of the heat conduction variable portion 22 changes and the heat transfer fluid 222 moves inside, the thermoelectric generator having the heat transfer fluid 222 on the heat transfer path generates power, and the fluid 223 exists on the path. The thermoelectric power generating member does not generate electricity.

  For this reason, the thermoelectric generation member to generate electric power can be switched by the posture change of the heat conduction variable portion 22. Thereby, any one of the plurality of thermoelectric generator members can supply a predetermined amount of power generation. Further, according to the above structure, the mobility of the heat transfer fluid 222 is enhanced by the action of gravity, and the presence / absence of the heat transfer fluid 222 with respect to the heat transfer path accompanying the change in posture of the heat transfer variable portion 22 is easily generated. Can be made. For this reason, it is possible to easily change the thermal resistance R22 of a part of the heat transfer path (that is, the heat conduction variable portion 22).

  In the above-described embodiment, the four thermoelectric generator members are used, but the number can be changed. In addition, the volumes of the heat transfer fluid 222 and the fluid 223 are illustrated as being equal, but the ratio of the volume of the heat transfer fluid 222 and the fluid 223 is changed according to the number of thermoelectric generation members and the time for heat saturation. Is also possible.

(Fourth embodiment)
The fourth embodiment according to the present invention will be described below. About the same location as the said embodiment, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected and detailed description is abbreviate | omitted.
The difference from the above embodiment is that the heat conduction variable portion 22 has a hollow portion 221 of a hollow circular tube structure formed of a flexible body such as resin.
The structure of the heat conduction variable part 22 and the thermoelectric generator members 20a, 20b, 20c, and 20d is shown in FIG.

The heat conduction variable part 22 includes a hollow part 221 and a fluid control part 230.
The hollow portion 221 has a hollow circular tube structure formed of a flexible body such as resin, and encloses a heat transfer fluid 222 therein. The heat transfer fluid 222 is composed of oil mixed with a heat conductive filler.

The fluid control unit 230 has a structure in which a flat plate has two convex portions 233 and a rotation shaft 234 and is formed of resin or the like. The rotating shaft 234 is connected to the needle driving unit 32, supplied with a rotating torque synchronized with the pointer unit 17, and rotates at a constant speed.
Here, the hollow part 221 of the heat conduction variable part 22 is pressed by the convex part 233 of the fluid control part 230. The heat transfer fluid 222 in the pressed area of the hollow portion 221 is pushed away. For example, it is assumed that the thermal resistance of the fluid control unit 230 is higher than the thermal resistance of the heat transfer fluid 222.

The thermoelectric generators 20 a, 20 b, 20 c, and 20 d are installed along the circumference of the heat conduction variable unit 22 on the side facing the fluid control unit 230 of the heat transfer variable unit 22.
Here, when the thermoelectric power generation portable device is attached to the living body, the back cover 14 is heated by the body temperature of the living body, and the back cover 14, the heat conducting member 21, the thermoelectric generation member 20, the heat conduction variable unit 22, the holding member 15, and the housing 11. Heat is transferred in this order. There are two types of heat transfer paths. There are cases where the heat transfer path passes through the heat transfer fluid 222 of the heat transfer variable section 22 and cases where the heat transfer path passes through the convex portion 233 of the fluid control section 230.

  In the case of the position of the fluid control unit 230 as shown in FIG. 12B, the thermoelectric generators 20a and 20c on the heat transfer path via the heat transfer fluid 222 have the first heat resistance R22 of the heat conduction variable unit 22. Because of the thermal resistance R22a, a temperature difference ΔTp (= Tp2−Tp1) between the heat source side position and the heat radiation side position can be secured. For this reason, the thermoelectric generator members 20a and 20c can ensure a predetermined power generation amount due to the temperature difference. At the same time, the thermoelectric power generation members 20b and 20d on the heat transfer path passing through the convex portion 233 of the fluid control unit 230 have a higher heat resistance than the thermal resistance R22a of the heat transfer fluid 222, so The temperature difference ΔTp from the side position is almost zero. For this reason, the thermoelectric generator members 20b and 20d are in a state where no electric power is generated.

  Thereafter, when the fluid control unit 230 rotates and the heat transfer fluid 222 moves inside the heat transfer variable unit 22, the thermoelectric power generation member in which the heat transfer fluid 222 exists on the heat transfer path generates power, and the convex part 233 passes the path. The thermoelectric power generation member existing above does not generate electricity.

  For this reason, the thermoelectric power generation member to generate electric power can be sequentially switched by the rotation of the fluid control unit 230. Thereby, any one of the plurality of thermoelectric generator members can supply a predetermined amount of power generation. Further, according to the above structure, since the rotation of the fluid control unit 230 is constant in time, it is possible to set the rotation speed so that the next thermoelectric power generation member is switched to generate power before the thermoelectric power generation member is thermally saturated. . For this reason, it becomes possible to improve and supply the power generation amount of the thermoelectric power generation member.

  In the above-described embodiment, the four thermoelectric generator members are used, but the number can be changed. Further, the heat resistance of the heat transfer fluid 222 is high, and the heat resistance of the convex portion 233 of the fluid control unit 230 can be configured to be low. For example, the heat transfer fluid 222 is made of nitrogen gas, and the convex portion 233 is made of a metal such as aluminum. In this case, the thermoelectric generator having the convex portion 233 on the heat transfer path generates power, and the thermoelectric generator having the heat transfer fluid 222 on the heat transfer path does not generate power.

  Moreover, although the rotating shaft 234 of the fluid control unit 230 is connected to the needle driving unit 32 and rotational torque is supplied, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, an eccentric weight can be attached to the rotation shaft 234, and the weight can be moved depending on the posture, and rotational torque can be supplied to the rotation shaft 234.

(Fifth embodiment)
The fifth embodiment according to the present invention will be described below. About the same location as the said embodiment, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected and detailed description is abbreviate | omitted.
The difference from the above embodiment is that the heat transfer fluid 222 inside the hollow portion 221 of the hollow circular tube structure is made of a magnetic fluid.
The structure of the heat conduction variable part 22 and the thermoelectric generator members 20a, 20b, 20c, and 20d is shown in FIG.
The heat conduction variable part 22 includes a hollow part 221 and a fluid control part 230.

  The hollow portion 221 has a hollow circular tube structure, in which a heat transfer fluid 222 and a fluid 223 are enclosed. The heat transfer fluid 222 is composed of a magnetic fluid, and the fluid 223 is composed of air. For this reason, the thermal resistance R22 of the heat conduction variable unit 22 becomes the first thermal resistance R22a when passing through the heat transfer fluid 222 and becomes the second thermal resistance R22b when passing through the fluid 223.

The fluid control unit 230 has a structure including a semicircular magnet and a rotating shaft 234. The rotating shaft 234 is connected to the needle driving unit 32, supplied with a rotating torque synchronized with the pointer unit 17, and the magnet rotates at a constant speed.
When the magnet of the fluid control unit 230 rotates, the magnetic field of the magnet moves, and the magnetic fluid as the heat transfer fluid 222 moves in the heat conduction variable unit 22 following this.

The thermoelectric generators 20 a, 20 b, 20 c, and 20 d are installed along the circumference of the heat conduction variable unit 22 on the side facing the fluid control unit 230 of the heat transfer variable unit 22.
Here, when the thermoelectric power generation portable device is attached to the living body, the back cover 14 is heated by the body temperature of the living body, and the back cover 14, the heat conducting member 21, the thermoelectric generation member 20, the heat conduction variable unit 22, the holding member 15, and the housing 11. Heat is transferred in this order. There are two types of heat transfer paths. There are cases where the heat transfer path passes through the heat transfer fluid 222 of the heat transfer variable portion 22 and the heat transfer path 222 passes through the fluid 223.

  In the case of the position of the fluid control unit 230 as shown in FIG. 13, the thermoelectric generators 20 a and 20 d on the heat transfer path via the heat transfer fluid 222 have the heat resistance R22 of the heat conduction variable unit 22 as the first heat resistance R22 a. Therefore, a temperature difference ΔTp (= Tp2−Tp1) between the heat source side position and the heat radiation side position can be secured. For this reason, the thermoelectric generator members 20a and 20d can ensure a predetermined power generation amount due to the temperature difference. At the same time, in the thermoelectric generators 20b and 20c on the heat transfer path via the fluid 223, since the fluid 223 has the second thermal resistance value R22b, the temperature difference ΔTp between the heat source side position and the heat radiation side position is substantially zero. . For this reason, the thermoelectric generator members 20b and 20c are in a state where no electric power is generated.

  Thereafter, when the fluid control unit 230 rotates and the heat transfer fluid 222 moves inside the heat transfer variable unit 22, the thermoelectric generator having the heat transfer fluid 222 on the heat transfer path generates power, and the fluid 223 moves on the path. The thermoelectric power generation member existing in the ceased to generate electricity.

  For this reason, the thermoelectric power generation member to generate electric power can be sequentially switched by the rotation of the fluid control unit 230. Thereby, any one of the plurality of thermoelectric generator members can supply a predetermined amount of power generation. Further, according to the above structure, since the rotation of the fluid control unit 230 is constant in time, it is possible to set the rotation speed so that the next thermoelectric power generation member is switched to generate power before the thermoelectric power generation member is thermally saturated. . For this reason, it becomes possible to improve and supply the power generation amount of the thermoelectric power generation member.

In the above-described embodiment, the four thermoelectric generator members are used, but the number can be changed. In addition, the volumes of the heat transfer fluid 222 and the fluid 223 are illustrated as being equal, but the ratio of the volume of the heat transfer fluid 222 and the fluid 223 is changed according to the number of thermoelectric generation members and the time for heat saturation. Is also possible.
Moreover, although the rotating shaft 234 of the fluid control unit 230 is connected to the needle driving unit 32 and rotational torque is supplied, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, an eccentric weight can be attached to the rotation shaft 234, and the weight can be moved depending on the posture, and rotational torque can be supplied to the rotation shaft 234.

In the above-described embodiment, the portable thermoelectric generator is an analog display wristwatch using the pointer unit 17, but is not limited thereto, and may be a digital display wristwatch such as a liquid crystal display.
In the embodiment described above, the thermoelectric portable device is a wristwatch worn on the human body, but is not limited thereto, and portable electronic devices worn on the human body and animals include, for example, headphones, It may be stereoscopic glasses or an electronic device that measures biological information such as pulse, heart rate, respiratory rate, blood pressure, and body temperature and wirelessly transmits the measurement result.

  It should be noted that the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and includes those in which various modifications are made to the above-described embodiments without departing from the spirit of the present invention. In other words, the configuration described in the above-described embodiment is merely an example, and can be changed as appropriate. Moreover, it is also possible to employ | adopt combining each embodiment mentioned above suitably.

100, 200 Thermoelectric power generation portable device 11 Case 14 Back cover 15 Holding member 17a Second hand 17b Minute hand 17c Hour hand 20, 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d Thermoelectric generation member 22 Heat conduction variable portion 221a, 221b Hollow portion 222 Heat transfer fluid 223 Fluid 224 Partition 225a Outlet 225b Inlet 226 One-way valve 230 Fluid control unit 231 Valve 232 Weight 233 Projection 234 Rotating shaft

Claims (8)

A thermoelectric generator that generates electricity based on the temperature difference between the temperature of the heat source side position and the temperature of the heat dissipation side position between the heat source and the heat radiation destination;
Internal space,
A heat conduction variable part having a first fluid movable in the internal space,
The heat conduction variable unit changes heat resistance of at least a part of the heat transfer path according to whether or not the first fluid passes through the heat transfer path between the heat source and the heat radiation destination. Power generation portable device.   The heat conduction variable portion is configured such that at least a part of the heat transfer path has a first thermal resistance depending on the presence of the first fluid in the heat transfer path, and at least a part of the heat transfer path. 2. The portable thermoelectric generator according to claim 1, wherein a thermal resistance can be switched between a state in which the thermal resistance becomes a second thermal resistance different from the first thermal resistance. In the internal space of the heat conduction variable part, the first fluid and the second fluid,
The portable thermoelectric generator according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second fluid has lower thermal conductivity than the first fluid, has a different density, and does not dissolve with the first fluid.   4. The portable thermoelectric generator according to claim 2, wherein the first fluid is moved to switch between the first thermal resistance and the second thermal resistance according to a change in posture of the heat conduction variable unit. 5. The heat conduction variable unit includes a fluid control unit capable of linear movement or rotational movement,
5. The portable thermoelectric generator according to claim 1, wherein movement of the first fluid is controlled by movement of the fluid control unit. 6.   The heat conduction variable portion is made of a flexible body, and the fluid control unit moves the first fluid by moving the heat conduction variable portion while pressing and deforming the heat conduction variable portion. The thermoelectric power generation portable device according to any one of 4.   3. The portable thermoelectric generator according to claim 2, wherein the first fluid is a magnetic fluid and moves the first fluid in accordance with the movement of the fluid control unit configured by a magnet. The heat conduction variable part is:
A plurality of hollow portions;
Two openings provided in each of the hollow portions;
A one-way valve provided in each of the openings in different directions,
The fluid control unit has a movable valve and a weight,
The thermoelectric mobile phone according to claim 4, wherein the first fluid inside the hollow portion moves to the different hollow portion by moving the valve in accordance with a change in posture of the fluid control portion. machine.

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