Self-generating devices, wearable devices, and bedding

Abstract

To provide a self-generating power device capable of continuously supplying electricity to a target. [Solution] The self-generating device comprises a garment worn on the body, and a thermoelectric unit provided on the garment that can convert at least the thermal energy of the wearer's body into electrical energy and supply it to a power source.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The technology of the present disclosure relates to a self-power generation device, a wearable device, and bedding.

Background Art

[0002] There is known a technology for suppressing an increase in the body temperature of a wearer by providing a cooling device in clothing (see Patent Documents 1 to 4).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Patent Document 3

Patent Document 4

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, in the above-mentioned clothing, the cooling device is operated using a battery as a power source. When using a battery in this way, charging and replacement work of the battery are required. During the charging and replacement work of the battery, power supply to the cooling device is stopped.

[0005] One aspect of the present disclosure aims to provide a self-power generation device capable of continuously supplying electricity to a power supply target.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The self-power generation device according to the first aspect of the present disclosure includes an article of clothing worn on the body, and a thermoelectric unit provided on the article of clothing, which can convert at least the thermal energy of the body of the wearer wearing the article of clothing into electrical energy and supply power to a power supply target.

[0007] In the first embodiment of the self-generating device, the thermal energy of the wearer's body, when wearing the garment, is converted into electrical energy by a thermoelectric unit. The converted electrical energy is then supplied to the device to be powered. In this way, the self-generating device uses the thermal energy of the wearer's body as its energy source, and can continuously supply electricity to the device to be powered.

[0008] A self-generating device according to a second aspect of the present disclosure comprises a garment worn on the body and a thermoelectric unit provided on the garment, which is capable of converting ambient thermal energy input to the garment from at least outside the garment into electrical energy and supplying it to a power source.

[0009] In the second embodiment of the self-generating device, ambient thermal energy input to the garment from the outside is converted into electrical energy by a thermoelectric unit. Here, ambient thermal energy refers to the heat energy received by the garment in the environment in which it is placed (for example, in a high-temperature environment). The converted electrical energy is then supplied to the powered object. In this way, because the self-generating device uses ambient thermal energy as an energy source, it can continuously supply electricity to the powered object.

[0010] A third aspect of the present disclosure is a self-generating device in the first or second aspect of the present disclosure, wherein the power supply target is an operating device provided on the wearable garment, electrically connected to the thermoelectric unit, and operated by power supplied from the thermoelectric unit.

[0011] In the third embodiment of the self-generating device, the thermal energy of the wearer's body can be used as an energy source to continuously operate the operating device.

[0012] A self-generating device according to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure is a self-generating device according to a third aspect, wherein the operating device includes a cooling device that operates by power supplied from the thermoelectric unit to cool the body of the wearer wearing the garment.

[0013] In the fourth embodiment of the self-generating device, the cooling device operates using the thermal energy of the wearer's body as an energy source, cooling the wearer's body. In addition, since the thermoelectric unit converts the thermal energy of the wearer's body into electrical energy, the rise in the wearer's body temperature is suppressed by the heat absorption effect of the thermoelectric unit. In this way, the self-generating device can suppress the rise in the wearer's body temperature through the heat absorption effect of the cooling device and the thermoelectric unit. Therefore, by wearing the garment, it becomes possible to prevent health problems caused by the rise in the wearer's body temperature, even in high-temperature environments.

[0014] A self-generating device according to a fifth aspect of the present disclosure is a self-generating device according to a fourth aspect, wherein the operating device includes a temperature sensor for detecting the body temperature of the wearer and a control device for controlling the cooling capacity of the cooling device based on the detected body temperature information.

[0015] In the fifth embodiment of the self-generating device, the thermal energy of the wearer's body is used as the energy source to power the temperature sensor and control device. The control device controls the cooling capacity of the cooling device based on the wearer's body temperature information detected by the temperature sensor. As a result, the self-generating device is able to maintain the wearer's body temperature at an optimal level.

[0016] A self-generating device according to a sixth aspect of this disclosure is a self-generating device according to a third aspect, wherein the operating device includes a sensor device that detects the state of the wearer wearing the garment and transmits it to the outside.

[0017] In the sixth embodiment of the self-generating device, the thermal energy of the wearer's body is used as an energy source to power a sensor device that detects the wearer's condition and transmits it externally. In this way, the self-generating device transmits the wearer's condition, making it possible to understand the wearer's condition from a remote location.

[0018] A self-generating device according to the seventh aspect of this disclosure is a self-generating device according to the first or second aspect, wherein the power supply target includes a mobile terminal.

[0019] In the self - power generation device of the seventh aspect, the operation and charging of a portable terminal can be performed using the thermal energy possessed by the wearer's body as an energy source.

[0020] In the self - power generation device of the eighth aspect of the present disclosure, in the self - power generation device of the first aspect, in the wearable article, the thermoelectric unit is provided on the side of the wearer's skin.

[0021] In the self - power generation device of the eighth aspect, since the thermoelectric unit is provided on the side of the wearer's skin in the wearable article, for example, compared with the case where the thermoelectric unit is provided on the side opposite to the skin side, the thermoelectric unit can more easily obtain the thermal energy possessed by the wearer's body.

[0022] In the self - power generation device of the ninth aspect of the present disclosure, in the self - power generation device of the first aspect or the eighth aspect, on the surface of the thermoelectric unit on the side of the wearer's skin, a heat transfer material for transmitting the thermal energy to the thermoelectric unit is provided.

[0023] In the self - power generation device of the ninth aspect, since a heat transfer material is provided on the surface of the thermoelectric unit on the side of the wearer's skin, the thermoelectric unit can more easily obtain the thermal energy possessed by the wearer's body.

[0024] In the self - power generation device of the tenth aspect of the present disclosure, in the self - power generation device of the second aspect, the thermoelectric unit is provided outside the wearable article.

[0025] In the self - power generation device of the tenth aspect, since the thermoelectric unit is provided outside the wearable article, for example, compared with the case where the thermoelectric unit is provided on the side of the wearer's skin in the wearable article, the thermoelectric unit can more easily obtain the environmental thermal energy input from the outside of the wearable article.

[0026] In the self - power generation device of the eleventh aspect of the present disclosure, in the self - power generation device of the second aspect or the tenth aspect, on the surface of the thermoelectric unit outside the wearable article, a heat transfer material for transmitting the environmental thermal energy to the thermoelectric unit is provided.

[0027] In the self-generating device of the 11th embodiment, a heat transfer material is provided on the outer surface of the garment to which the thermoelectric unit belongs, making it easier for the thermoelectric unit to obtain ambient thermal energy input from the outside of the garment.

[0028] A self-generating device according to a twelfth aspect of the present disclosure is a self-generating device according to a first aspect, wherein the wearable item includes clothing, and the thermoelectric unit is provided on the side of the clothing that is against the wearer's skin.

[0029] In the self-generating device of the 12th embodiment, since the thermoelectric unit is placed on the side of the garment that is against the wearer's skin, the thermoelectric unit can more easily obtain thermal energy from the wearer's body compared to, for example, when the thermoelectric unit is placed on the opposite side from the skin.

[0030] A self-generating device according to a thirteenth aspect of the present disclosure, in which the garment is provided with an insulating material on the side opposite to the wearer's skin so as to cover the thermoelectric unit, in the self-generating device according to a twelfth aspect.

[0031] In the self-generating device of the 13th embodiment, insulating material is provided in the clothing so as to cover the thermoelectric unit on the side opposite to the wearer's skin, thereby suppressing the transmission of ambient thermal energy from outside the clothing, such as sunlight, to the wearer through the clothing. This makes it possible to prevent the wearer from becoming unwell due to rising body temperature, even in high-temperature environments, including under direct sunlight.

[0032] A self-generating device according to a 14th aspect of the present disclosure is a self-generating device according to a 12th or 13th aspect, wherein the surface of the thermoelectric unit facing the wearer's skin is covered with a heat transfer material for transferring thermal energy from the wearer's body to the thermoelectric unit.

[0033] In the self-generating device of the 14th embodiment, a heat transfer material is provided on the side of the thermoelectric unit that faces the wearer's skin, making it easier for the thermoelectric unit to obtain thermal energy from the wearer's body.

[0034] A self-generating device according to a 15th aspect of the present disclosure is a self-generating device according to a 12th or 13th aspect, wherein the surface of the thermoelectric unit facing the wearer's skin is covered with a mesh-like fibrous material.

[0035] In the self-generating device of the 15th embodiment, a mesh-like fibrous material is provided on the side of the thermoelectric unit that faces the wearer's skin, so that the wearer can feel a cooling sensation when their skin comes into contact with the fibrous material.

[0036] A self-generating device according to a sixteenth aspect of the present disclosure is a self-generating device according to a first aspect, wherein the wearable is a sheet-like member attached to the wearer's body, and the power supply target is a cooling device separate from the sheet-like member, electrically connected to the thermoelectric unit, and capable of operating by power supplied from the thermoelectric unit to cool the wearer's body.

[0037] In the 16th embodiment of the self-generating device, the cooling device operates using the thermal energy of the wearer's body as an energy source to cool the wearer's body. In this self-generating device, the cooling device, which is separate from the sheet-like member, can be moved to the part of the wearer's body that needs cooling, thereby enabling localized cooling of the wearer's body.

[0038] A self-generating device according to a 17th aspect of the present disclosure, in a self-generating device according to a first aspect, the thermoelectric unit converts ambient thermal energy input to the wearable from the outside of the wearable into electrical energy and supplies it to the power supply target.

[0039] In the self-generating device of the 17th embodiment, in addition to the thermal energy possessed by the wearer's body, ambient thermal energy input to the wearer from outside the wearer is converted into electrical energy by a thermoelectric unit. Here, ambient thermal energy refers to the thermal energy received by the wearer in the environment in which it is placed (for example, in a high-temperature environment). The converted electrical energy is then supplied to the powered object. In this way, the self-generating device uses the thermal energy of the wearer's body and ambient thermal energy as energy sources, thus ensuring a stable and continuous supply of electricity to the powered object.

[0040] A wearable device according to the 18th aspect of this disclosure is provided with a thermoelectric unit in the part worn on the body that can convert the thermal energy of the wearer's body into electrical energy and supply it to a powered device.

[0041] In the 18th embodiment of the wearable device, the thermal energy of the wearer's body is converted into electrical energy by a thermoelectric unit. The converted electrical energy is supplied to the powered device. In this way, the wearable device uses the thermal energy of the wearer's body as an energy source, and can continuously supply electricity to the powered device.

[0042] A wearable device according to a 19th aspect of this disclosure is provided with a thermoelectric unit in the part worn on the body that can convert ambient thermal energy input from at least the outside into electrical energy and supply it to a powered object.

[0043] In the 19th embodiment of the wearable device, ambient thermal energy input from outside the part worn by the wearer is converted into electrical energy by a thermoelectric unit. Here, ambient thermal energy refers to the heat energy received by the wearable device in the environment in which it is placed (for example, in a high-temperature environment). The converted electrical energy is then supplied to the powered object. In this way, because the wearable device uses ambient thermal energy as an energy source, it can continuously supply electricity to the powered object.

[0044] The bedding according to the 20th aspect of this disclosure comprises a futon and a thermoelectric unit provided on the futon, which is capable of converting the thermal energy of a person's body inside the futon into electrical energy and supplying it to a power source.

[0045] In the 20th embodiment of the bedding, the thermal energy of the human body inside the futon is converted into electrical energy by a thermoelectric unit. The converted electrical energy is then supplied to the powered object. In this way, the bedding uses the thermal energy of the human body as its energy source, allowing for a continuous supply of electricity to the powered object.

[0046] The bedding according to the 21st aspect of this disclosure, in the bedding according to the 20th aspect, includes a sensor device that detects the state of a person in the futon and transmits it to the outside.

[0047] In the bedding of the 21st embodiment, the thermal energy of the person's body inside the futon is used as an energy source to activate a sensor device that detects the state of the person inside the futon and transmits the information to an external location. In this way, the bedding transmits the state of the person inside the futon to a remote location, making it possible to understand the wearer's condition from a remote location. [Effects of the Invention]

[0048] As described above, according to one aspect of this disclosure, a self-generating device capable of continuously supplying electricity to a power supply target can be provided. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0049] [Figure 1] This is a front view, seen from the rear, of clothing used in a self-generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is a 2X-2X cross-sectional view showing the structure around the thermoelectric unit in the garment. [Figure 3] Figure 1 is a front view of a thermoelectric unit installed in clothing, as seen from the skin side. [Figure 4] This is a cross-sectional view (corresponding to Figure 2) showing a modified structure around a thermoelectric unit in clothing. [Figure 5] This is a cross-sectional view (corresponding to Figure 2) showing a modified structure around a thermoelectric unit in clothing. [Figure 6]This is a cross-sectional view (corresponding to Figure 2) showing a modified structure of the thermoelectric unit surrounding clothing. [Figure 7] This is a cross-sectional view (corresponding to Figure 2) showing a modified structure around a thermoelectric unit in clothing. [Figure 8] This is a front view, seen from the rear, of clothing used in a self-generating device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] This is a front view, seen from the rear, of clothing used in a self-generating device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 10] This is a front view, seen from the rear, of clothing used in a self-generating device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 11] This is a front view, seen from the rear, of clothing used in a self-generating device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 12] This block diagram shows the control system of the control device used in the self-generating device shown in Figure 11. [Figure 13] This is a front view, seen from the rear, of clothing used in a self-generating device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 14] This is a front view of clothing used in a self-generating device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, as seen from the front. [Figure 15] This is a front view of a clock used in a self-generating device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, as seen from the front. [Figure 16] Figure 15 shows a side cross-sectional view of the watch band. [Figure 17] This is a side cross-sectional view showing a modified example of the band of the watch shown in Figure 16. [Figure 18] This is a side cross-sectional view showing a modified example of the band of the watch shown in Figure 16. [Figure 19] This is a front view of a hat used in a self-generating device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 20] Figure 19 shows a side cross-section of the hat. [Figure 21] This is a perspective view of a school bag used in a self-generating device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 22]Figure 21 shows a side cross-section of the school bag. [Figure 23] This is a perspective view of a neck cooler used in a self-generating device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 24] Figure 23 is a side cross-sectional view of the neck cooler. [Figure 25] This is a perspective view of a hearing aid used in a self-generating device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 26] Figure 25 shows a side cross-sectional view of the hearing aid. [Figure 27] A plan view of footwear used in a self-generating device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 28] Figure 27 is a side cross-sectional view of footwear. [Figure 29] A front view showing a sheet-like contact member used in a self-generating device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure in contact with a human body. [Figure 30] This is a perspective view of bedding according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 31] Figure 30 is a side cross-sectional view of the comforter shown. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0050] The embodiments for implementing this disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. Components indicated by the same reference numerals in each drawing are considered to be the same or similar components. In the embodiments described below, descriptions and reference numerals that are repeated may be omitted. Furthermore, the drawings used in the following description are all schematic, and the dimensional relationships and ratios of each element shown in the drawings do not necessarily correspond to reality. Also, the dimensional relationships and ratios of each element do not necessarily correspond between multiple drawings.

[0051] Figures 1 to 4 show a self-generating device 20 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Furthermore, the self-generating power device described herein is a device that generates electricity by effectively utilizing the thermal energy of the human body and the thermal energy of the environment.

[0052] <Self-generating power device 20> As shown in Figure 1, the self-generating device 20 includes a garment 30 as an example of clothing worn on the body, and a thermoelectric unit 40 provided on the garment 30 that can convert the thermal energy of the wearer's body wearing the garment 30 into electrical energy and supply it to a power source.

[0053] (Clothing 30) The garment 30 is, for example, a jacket. A thermoelectric unit 40 is provided on the back portion 32 of this garment 30.

[0054] (Thermoelectric unit 40) The thermoelectric unit 40 has the function of converting thermal energy into electrical energy. In other words, the thermoelectric unit 40 has the function of generating electricity by supplying heat from an external source. The thermoelectric unit 40 of this embodiment may be equipped with a mechanism similar to the mechanism that converts thermal energy into electrical energy in the heat utilization power generation module described in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2021-005651. By being equipped with such a mechanism, the thermoelectric unit becomes capable of converting thermal energy into electrical energy. Furthermore, the thermoelectric unit 40 of this embodiment is configured to generate electricity when heat of around 25°C is supplied, as an example.

[0055] The thermoelectric unit 40 in this embodiment is a sheet-like material, and its shape when viewed from the front is rectangular. However, the shape of the thermoelectric unit 40 is not limited to the above shape; for example, when viewed from the front, it may be circular, elliptical, or a polygon with rounded corners (including rectangular). Furthermore, the thermoelectric unit 40 in this embodiment is flexible.

[0056] The thermoelectric unit 40 is located on the back portion 32 of the garment 30. Specifically, the thermoelectric unit 40 is located on the inside of the garment 30, that is, on the side facing the wearer's skin. The dashed line in Figure 2 represents the skin S of the wearer wearing the garment 30. In this embodiment, as an example, the thermoelectric unit 40 is housed in a recess on the inside of the back portion 32, as shown in Figure 2.

[0057] As shown in Figure 2, a heat transfer material 42 is provided on the surface (skin-facing side S) of the thermoelectric unit 40. This heat transfer material 42 is a sheet-like material with excellent heat transfer properties. This heat transfer material 42 covers the surface of the thermoelectric unit 40. Specifically, as shown in Figure 3, the heat transfer material 42 covers the entire surface of the thermoelectric unit 40. As a result, the design of the back side of the back portion 32 of the garment 30 is improved.

[0058] (Cooling device 50) As shown in Figure 1, a cooling device 50, which is an example of an operating device to be supplied with power, is provided on the back portion 32 of the garment 30. This cooling device 50 is electrically connected to the thermoelectric unit 40. The cooling device 50 operates by power supplied from the thermoelectric unit 40 and has the function of cooling the body of the wearer wearing the garment 30. The cooling device 50 in this embodiment is a device that obtains a cooling function using a Peltier element. However, this disclosure is not limited to this configuration, and the cooling mechanism of the cooling device 50 is not particularly limited as long as it can exert a cooling effect by being powered.

[0059] As shown in Figure 1, the cooling device 50 in this embodiment is positioned below the thermoelectric unit 40, but the disclosure is not limited to this configuration. For example, the cooling device 50 may be positioned above, to the right, or to the left of the thermoelectric unit 40. Furthermore, multiple cooling devices 50 may be provided on the rear portion 32.

[0060] Next, the effects and advantages of this embodiment will be described. In the self-generating power device 20 of this embodiment, the thermal energy of the wearer's body while wearing the clothing 30 is converted into electrical energy by the thermoelectric unit 40. The converted electrical energy is supplied to the cooling device 50. In this way, the self-generating power device 20 uses the thermal energy of the wearer's body as an energy source, so it can continuously supply electricity to the cooling device 50. The self-generating power device 20 then uses the thermal energy of the wearer's body as an energy source to operate the cooling device 50 and cool the wearer's body. In addition, because the thermoelectric unit 40 converts the thermal energy of the wearer's body into electrical energy, the rise in the wearer's body temperature is suppressed by the heat absorption effect. In this way, the self-generating power device 20 can suppress the rise in the wearer's body temperature while wearing the clothing 30 through the heat absorption effect of the cooling device 50 and the thermoelectric unit 40. Therefore, by wearing the clothing 30, it is possible to prevent health problems caused by the rise in the wearer's body temperature, even in high-temperature environments. The term "high-temperature environment" as used herein includes environments where temperatures are high, such as during the summer; environments where temperatures are high due to the operation of equipment in factories, etc.; environments where temperatures are high due to radiant heat from furnaces, such as work areas near furnaces; and environments where temperatures are high due to the use of cooking equipment, such as in high-temperature cooking areas.

[0061] In the self-generating device 20, ambient thermal energy is input to the garment 30 from the outside of the garment 30 into the thermoelectric unit 40. Specifically, ambient thermal energy is input to the back portion 32. Here, ambient thermal energy refers to the heat energy received by the garment in the environment in which the garment 30 is placed (for example, in a high-temperature environment). Examples of ambient thermal energy include heat energy from sunlight, heat energy generated by the operation of factory equipment, heat energy from radiant heat from a furnace, and heat energy generated by the use of cooking appliances. However, ambient thermal energy is not limited to the above. In the self-generating device 20 described above, in addition to the heat energy possessed by the wearer's body, ambient thermal energy input to the garment 30 from the outside of the garment 30 is converted into electrical energy by the thermoelectric unit. The converted electrical energy is supplied to the cooling device 50. In this way, the self-generating device 20 uses the heat energy possessed by the wearer's body and ambient thermal energy as energy sources, so the effect of continuously supplying electricity to the cooling device 50 is stable. This effectively prevents the wearer of garment 30 from experiencing health problems due to rising body temperature, even when, for example, the wearer is working in direct sunlight.

[0062] Furthermore, in the self-generating device 20, since the thermoelectric unit 40 is provided on the side of the garment 30 that is against the wearer's skin S, the thermoelectric unit 40 can more easily obtain thermal energy from the wearer's body compared to, for example, the case where the thermoelectric unit 40 is provided on the opposite side from the skin S.

[0063] Furthermore, in the self-generating device 20, a heat transfer material 42 is provided on the surface of the thermoelectric unit 40, so that the thermal energy of the wearer's body is transferred to the thermoelectric unit 40 via the heat transfer material 42. In particular, since the heat transfer material 42 is arranged over a wider area than the surface of the thermoelectric unit 40, the thermal energy of the wearer's body can be obtained over a wide area via the heat transfer material 42. In this way, by using the heat transfer material 42, the thermoelectric unit 40 can more easily obtain the thermal energy of the wearer's body.

[0064] Furthermore, with the self-generating power device 20, the wearer may wear the garment 30 inside out. In this case, the thermoelectric unit 40 and heat transfer material 42 are arranged on the outside of the garment 30. Here, for example, if the ambient thermal energy is greater than the thermal energy of the wearer's body, the amount of electrical energy converted increases, resulting in an effect of increasing the cooling capacity (output) of the cooling device 50. In addition, the thermoelectric unit 40 can obtain ambient thermal energy over a wide range through the heat transfer material 42. Note that the wearer wearing the garment 30 inside out may also be applied to other embodiments and modifications of this disclosure.

[0065] In the embodiment described above, the thermoelectric unit 40 is housed in a recess in the back portion 32 of the garment 30, but this disclosure is not limited to this configuration. For example, as shown in Figure 4, the thermoelectric unit 40 may be provided on the back surface (skin-side surface) of the back portion 32 of the garment 30 without providing a recess in the back portion 32. In this case, since the thermoelectric unit 40 protrudes from the back surface of the back portion 32, it is preferable to cover the surface of the thermoelectric unit 40 with a heat transfer material 42. Here, the surface of the thermoelectric unit 40 refers to the entire surface that protrudes from the back surface of the back portion 32. By covering the surface of the thermoelectric unit 40 with a heat transfer material 42 in this way, the thermal energy of the wearer's body can be obtained over a wide area via the heat transfer material 42. In this way, using a heat transfer material 42 makes it easier for the thermoelectric unit 40 to obtain the thermal energy of the wearer's body.

[0066] In the configuration shown in Figure 4, the thermoelectric unit 40 is provided on the back surface (skin-facing side) of the back portion 32. However, as shown in Figure 5, for example, an insulating material 33 may be provided on the opposite side (outside) of the back portion 32 to cover the thermoelectric unit 40. Specifically, a portion of the back portion 32 is made up of insulating material 33, and the thermoelectric unit 40 is provided on this insulating material 33. In this case, it is possible to suppress the transmission of ambient thermal energy from outside the garment 30, such as sunlight, to the wearer through the garment 30. This makes it possible to prevent the wearer from becoming unwell due to rising body temperature, even in high-temperature environments, including under direct sunlight.

[0067] In the configuration shown in Figure 5, the thermoelectric unit 40 provided on the back surface (skin-facing side S) of the back portion 32 is covered with a heat transfer material 42. However, as shown in Figure 6, for example, the thermoelectric unit 40 may be covered with a mesh-like fiber material 43. In Figure 6, reference numeral 43A indicates an opening in the mesh. By covering the surface of the thermoelectric unit 40 with the mesh-like fiber material 43 in this way, the wearer can experience a cooling sensation when their skin comes into contact with the fiber material 43.

[0068] In the configuration shown in Figure 5, the heat insulating material 33 is provided on the side opposite to the back of the rear portion 32 (outside) so as to cover the thermoelectric unit 40. However, as shown in the configuration in Figure 7, the thermoelectric unit 40 may be housed in a recess provided in the heat insulating material 33.

[0069] In the embodiment described above, a cooling device 50 using a Peltier element is provided on the back portion 32 of the garment 30, as shown in Figure 1, but this disclosure is not limited to this configuration. For example, one or more cooling devices 51, which are cooling fans, may be provided on the back portion 32, as shown in the self-generating device 21 in Figure 8. When a cooling fan is used in this way, the effect of suppressing the rise in the wearer's body temperature is improved.

[0070] In the self-generating power device 21 shown in Figure 8, one thermoelectric unit 40 supplies power to each cooling device 51, but the disclosure is not limited to this configuration. For example, as in the self-generating power device 22 shown in Figure 9, a thermoelectric unit 40 may be provided on the rear surface 32 for each cooling device 51. By providing a thermoelectric unit 40 for each cooling device 51 in this way, the cooling devices 51 can be operated efficiently.

[0071] In the self-generating power device 22 shown in Figure 8, a thermoelectric unit 40 is provided for each cooling device 51 on the back portion 32. However, as in the self-generating power device 23 shown in Figure 10, a thermoelectric unit 40 may be provided for each cooling device 51, while also providing a thermoelectric unit 40 corresponding to each cooling device 50. By setting the arrangement of the cooling devices 50 and 51 according to the temperature distribution on the body, the rise in the wearer's body temperature can be efficiently suppressed. Furthermore, by blowing air from the cooling device 51 to areas of the body that are prone to temperature rise, the rise in the wearer's body temperature can be efficiently suppressed.

[0072] In the self-generating device 21 shown in Figure 8, the cooling device 51 operates, i.e., the fan rotates, in response to power supplied from the thermoelectric unit 40, but the disclosure is not limited to this configuration. As in the self-generating device 24 shown in Figure 11, it may also include a temperature sensor 60 that detects the wearer's body temperature and a control device 100 (see Figure 12) that controls the cooling capacity of the cooling device 51 based on the detected body temperature information. The temperature sensor 60 is placed, for example, on the surface of the thermoelectric unit 40 or on the surface of the heat transfer material 42. This allows the temperature sensor 60 to detect the wearer's body temperature. The control device 100 also controls the rotation speed of the fan, which is the cooling capacity of the cooling device 51, based on the body temperature information from the temperature sensor 60. Note that the temperature sensor 60 and the control device 100 are examples of operating devices in this disclosure and operate by power supplied from the thermoelectric unit 40. In this self-generating device 24, the temperature sensor 60 and the control device 100 operate using the thermal energy of the wearer's body as an energy source. Furthermore, since the control device 100 controls the cooling capacity of the cooling device 51 based on the wearer's body temperature information detected by the temperature sensor 60, it becomes possible to maintain the wearer's body temperature in an optimal state. Note that the configuration for controlling the cooling capacity of the cooling device using a temperature sensor may be applied to other embodiments and modifications of this disclosure.

[0073] In the embodiment described above, as shown in Figure 1, a cooling device 50 using a Peltier element is provided on the back portion 32 of the garment 30, but this disclosure is not limited to this configuration. For example, a cooling device 52 may be provided on the back portion 32, as in the self-generating device 25 shown in Figure 13. This cooling device 52 includes a refrigerant circulation path 52A provided within the back portion 32, a refrigerant storage unit 52B arranged on the circulation path 52A, and a circulation pump 52C that circulates the refrigerant in the circulation path 52A. In the self-generating device 25, the circulation pump 52C operates using the thermal energy of the wearer's body as an energy source. When the circulation pump 52C operates, the refrigerant circulates in the circulation path 52A, which can suppress the rise in the wearer's body temperature. Furthermore, by extending the circulation path 52A within the back portion 32, or in addition to the back portion 32, to other parts of the garment 30, the effect of suppressing the rise in the wearer's body temperature can be improved.

[0074] Although garment 30 can be used inside out, it may also be garment with a designated wearing direction. In this case as well, the same effects as in the above-described embodiment will be achieved. Alternatively, the thermoelectric unit 40 may be placed on the outside of garment with a designated wearing direction. In this case, the same effects as when garment 30 is inside out will be achieved.

[0075] (Other embodiments) In the embodiment described above, clothing 30 (upper garment) is used as an example of wearable clothing for the self-generating device, but wearable clothing for the self-generating device is not limited to the above, as long as it can utilize the thermal energy of the human body or environmental thermal energy. For example, a watch, neck cooler, auxiliary device, hat, footwear, lower garment, backpack, etc. may be used as wearable clothing for the self-generating device. For example, as shown in Figure 14, clothing 34 may be used as an example of wearable clothing for the self-generating device 26. Clothing 34 is lower garment. A thermoelectric unit 40 is provided on the side of clothing 34 that faces the wearer's skin S (the back side of clothing 34). Electrical wiring 70 extends from this thermoelectric unit 40. A connector is provided at the end of the electrical wiring 70 that connects to a mobile terminal 90 which is the target of power supply. The mobile terminal 90 and the thermoelectric unit 40 are electrically connected via the electrical wiring 70. In this self-generating device 26, the thermal energy of the wearer's body is used as an energy source to operate and charge the mobile terminal 90. Furthermore, the configuration for electrically connecting the thermoelectric unit 40 and the mobile terminal 90 via the electrical wiring 70 may be applied to the above-described embodiment, other embodiments, and modifications. In addition, the self-generating device 26 may have a configuration in which the thermoelectric unit 40 converts ambient thermal energy input from the outside of the garment 34 into electrical energy, similar to the above-described embodiment. Alternatively, the thermoelectric unit 40 may be positioned on the outside of the garment 34.

[0076] As shown in Figure 15, a watch 35 may be used as an example of wearable equipment, similar to the self-generating device 27. The watch 35 comprises a watch body 35A and a band 35B. As shown in Figures 15 and 16, in the self-generating device 27, a thermoelectric unit 40 is provided on the side of the band 35B that faces the wearer's skin (the back surface of the band 35B). The self-generating device 27 can operate and charge the watch body 35A using the thermal energy of the wearer's body as an energy source. The self-generating device 27 may also have a configuration in which the thermoelectric unit 40 converts ambient thermal energy input from outside the band 35B into electrical energy, similar to the embodiment described above. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 17, the surface of the band 35B (the side opposite to the wearer's skin) may be covered with an insulating material 35C. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 18, multiple thermoelectric units 40 may be arranged inside the band 35B.

[0077] As shown in Figure 19, a hat 36 may be used as an example of wearable clothing, similar to the self-generating device 28. As shown in Figure 20, in the self-generating device 28, a thermoelectric unit 40 is provided on the side of the hat 36 facing the wearer's skin S (the back surface of the hat 36). An electrical wire 71 extends from this thermoelectric unit 40. A connector is provided at the end of the electrical wire 71 for connection to a mobile terminal 90, which is the target of the power supply. The mobile terminal 90 and the thermoelectric unit 40 are electrically connected via the electrical wire 71. In this self-generating device 28, the thermal energy of the wearer's body can be used as an energy source to operate and charge the mobile terminal 90. In particular, since the wearer's head generates a lot of heat, the operation and charging of the mobile terminal 90 can be done efficiently. The self-generating device 28 may also have a configuration in which the thermoelectric unit 40 converts ambient thermal energy input from the outside of the hat 36 into electrical energy, similar to the embodiment described above. Alternatively, the thermoelectric unit 40 may be positioned on the outside of the hat 36.

[0078] As shown in Figure 21, a school bag 37 may be used as an example of wearable clothing, as in the self-generating device 29. As shown in Figure 22, in the self-generating device 29, a thermoelectric unit 40 is provided on the side of the school bag 37 that faces the wearer's skin S (the back of the school bag 37). Electrical wiring 72 extends from this thermoelectric unit 40. A connector is provided at the end of the electrical wiring 72 that connects to a mobile terminal 90, which is the target of the power supply. The mobile terminal 90 and the thermoelectric unit 40 are electrically connected via the electrical wiring 72. In this self-generating device 29, the thermal energy of the wearer's body can be used as an energy source to operate and charge the mobile terminal 90. In particular, when the school bag 37 is worn, the wearer's back and the back of the school bag 37 are in contact over a wide area, so the operation and charging of the mobile terminal 90 can be done efficiently. Alternatively, the thermoelectric unit 40 may be placed on the outside (front side) of the cover of the school bag 37. In this case, ambient thermal energy input from the outside of the cover of the school bag 37 can be converted into electrical energy. Alternatively, the thermoelectric unit 40 may be placed on the back of the backpack instead of the school bag 37, or on the outside of the backpack.

[0079] As shown in Figure 23, a self-generating device 120 may be used as an example of wearable clothing, such as a neck cooler 38. As shown in Figure 24, in the self-generating device 120, a thermoelectric unit 40 is provided on the side of the neck cooler 38 facing the wearer's skin S (the inner circumferential surface of the neck cooler 38). Power is supplied from this thermoelectric unit 40 to a cooling device 51 provided on the neck cooler 38. In this way, the self-generating device 120 operates the cooling device 51 using the thermal energy of the wearer's body as an energy source. In particular, since the temperature of the wearer's neck is high, the cooling device 51 is likely to operate stably. The self-generating device 120 may also have a configuration in which the thermoelectric unit 40 converts ambient thermal energy input from the outside of the neck cooler 38 into electrical energy, similar to the embodiment described above. Alternatively, the thermoelectric unit 40 may be placed on the outside of the neck cooler 38.

[0080] As shown in Figure 25, a hearing aid 39 may be used as an example of wearable equipment, similar to the self-generating device 121. As shown in Figure 26, in the self-generating device 121, thermoelectric units 40 are provided on the side of the hearing aid 39 facing the wearer's head and on the side facing the wearer's ear. Power is supplied from these thermoelectric units 40 to the control equipment of the hearing aid 39. In this way, the control equipment of the hearing aid 39 operates using the thermal energy of the wearer's body as an energy source in the self-generating device 121. Because the temperature of the human head is high, the cooling device 51 operates stably. Alternatively, in the self-generating device 121, the thermoelectric units 40 may be placed on the outside of the hearing aid 39 (a part that does not come into contact with the wearer's skin) to convert ambient thermal energy into electrical energy.

[0081] As shown in Figure 27, footwear 130 may be used as an example of wearable clothing, similar to the self-generating device 122. As shown in Figure 28, in the self-generating device 122, a thermoelectric unit 40 is provided on the side of the footwear 130 that faces the wearer's skin. The footwear 130 is also equipped with a sensor device 62 that detects the wearer's condition and transmits the information to the outside. This sensor device 62 operates using power supplied from the thermoelectric unit 40, detects the wearer's condition, and transmits that information to the outside. Here, the sensor device 62 detects, for example, the wearer's heartbeat and breathing as part of the wearer's condition. The sensor device 62 is called, for example, a monitoring sensor. In the self-generating device 122, the sensor device 62 operates using the thermal energy of the wearer's body as an energy source, detecting the wearer's condition while wearing the footwear 130 and transmitting the information to the outside. In this way, the self-generating device 122 transmits the wearer's condition, making it possible to understand the wearer's condition from a remote location.

[0082] As shown in Figure 29, a sheet-like member 131 that can be attached to the wearer's body may be used, as in the self-generating device 123. A thermoelectric unit 40 is provided on the side of the sheet-like member 131 that is attached to the wearer's skin. Electrical wiring 73 extends from this thermoelectric unit 40. The end of the electrical wiring 73 is connected to a cooling device 50, which is the recipient of the power supply. The cooling device 50 and the thermoelectric unit 40 are electrically connected via the electrical wiring 73. In this self-generating device 123, the cooling device 50 operates using the thermal energy of the wearer's body as an energy source. Here, with the self-generating device 123, it is possible to locally cool the wearer's body by moving the cooling device 50, which is separate from the sheet-like member 131, to the part of the wearer's body that needs cooling. In other words, with the self-generating device 123, for example, thermal energy can be obtained from a low-temperature part of the human body and the high-temperature part of the human body can be cooled by the cooling device 50. Furthermore, the self-generating device 123 may have a configuration in which the thermoelectric unit 40 converts ambient thermal energy input from the outside of the sheet-like member 131 (the side opposite to the human body) into electrical energy, similar to the embodiment described above.

[0083] In the embodiment described above, a thermoelectric unit 40 is provided on the wearer's garment to supply power to the powered object using the wearer's body's thermal energy as an energy source. However, this disclosure is not limited to this configuration. For example, as shown in Figure 30, the thermoelectric unit 40 may be provided on the futon 135. Specifically, the bedding 125 has a comforter 135A and a mattress 135B. In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 31, the thermoelectric unit 40 is provided on the comforter 135A. This thermoelectric unit 40 is provided on the underside (bottom) of the comforter 135A. A sensor device 62 is also provided on the comforter 135A. This sensor device 62 has the function of detecting the state of the person inside the futon 135 and transmitting it to the outside. In the bedding 125, the thermal energy of the person inside the futon 135 is converted into electrical energy by the thermoelectric unit 40. The converted electrical energy is supplied to the sensor device 62, which is the powered object. In this way, the bedding 125 can supply electricity to the sensor device 62 using the thermal energy of the person's body inside the futon 135 as an energy source. The powered sensor device 62 then operates, detects the state of the person inside the futon 135, and transmits the information externally. Because the bedding 125 transmits the state of the person inside the futon, the wearer's condition can be monitored remotely. The thermoelectric unit 40 may also be installed in the mattress 135B. Furthermore, the thermoelectric unit 40 may also be installed in the pillow that makes up the bedding 125. If the thermoelectric unit 40 is installed in the pillow, the sensor device 62 should also be installed in the pillow.

[0084] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, a thermoelectric unit is provided on a garment. Therefore, a garment equipped with a thermoelectric unit may be referred to as a wearable device. For example, a garment 30 equipped with a thermoelectric unit 40 may be referred to as a wearable device, a watch 35 equipped with a thermoelectric unit 40 may be referred to as a wearable device, or a hat 36 equipped with a thermoelectric unit 40 may be referred to as a wearable device.

[0085] Although embodiments of this disclosure have been described above with reference to examples, these embodiments are merely examples and can be modified in various ways without departing from the gist of the disclosure. Furthermore, it goes without saying that the scope of rights of this disclosure is not limited to these embodiments. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0086] 20 Self-generating device 21 Self-generating device 22 Self-generating device 23 Self-generating device 24 Self-generating device 25 Self-generating device 26 Self-generating device 27 Self-generating device 28 Self-generating device 29 Self-generating device 30 Clothes 32 Back section 33. Insulation 34 Clothes 35 Clocks 35A Clock body 35B Band 35C insulation 36 hat 37 Schoolbag 38 Neck Cooler 39 Hearing aids 40 Thermoelectric Units 42 Heat transfer material 43 Fiber materials 43A opening 50 Cooling device 51 Cooling device 52 Cooling device 52A Circulation path 52B Refrigerant storage section 52C Circulation Pump 60 Temperature Sensors 62 Sensor equipment 70 Electrical Wiring 71 Electrical Wiring 72 Electrical Wiring 73 Electrical Wiring 90 Mobile devices 100 Control device 120 Self-generating device 121 Self-generating device 122 Self-generating device 123 Self-generating device 125 Bedding 130 Footwear 131 Sheet-like member 135 futon 135A Duvet 135B Futon S skin

Claims

1. Clothing worn on the body, The garment is provided with a thermoelectric unit capable of converting the thermal energy of the wearer's body into electrical energy and supplying it to a power source, A self-generating device having [a certain feature].

2. Clothing worn on the body, A thermoelectric unit provided in the garment, capable of converting ambient thermal energy input to the garment from at least the outside of the garment into electrical energy and supplying it to a power source, A self-generating device having [a certain feature].

3. The self-generating device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the power supply target is an operating device provided on the wearable garment, electrically connected to the thermoelectric unit, and operated by power supplied from the thermoelectric unit.

4. The self-generating device according to claim 3, wherein the operating device includes a cooling device that operates by power supplied from the thermoelectric unit to cool the body of the wearer wearing the garment.

5. The self-generating power device according to claim 4, wherein the operating device includes a temperature sensor for detecting the body temperature of the wearer and a control device for controlling the cooling capacity of the cooling device based on the detected body temperature information.

6. The self-generating device according to claim 3, wherein the operating device includes a sensor device that detects the state of the wearer wearing the garment and transmits it to the outside.

7. The self-generating device according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the power supply target includes a mobile terminal.

8. The self-generating device according to claim 1, wherein the thermoelectric unit is provided on the side of the wearer's skin in the garment.

9. The self-generating device according to claim 1 or claim 8, wherein a heat transfer material is provided on the surface of the thermoelectric unit that faces the wearer's skin for transferring the thermal energy to the thermoelectric unit.

10. The self-generating device according to claim 2, wherein the thermoelectric unit is provided on the outside of the garment.

11. The self-generating device according to claim 2 or claim 10, wherein a heat transfer material for transmitting the ambient thermal energy to the thermoelectric unit is provided on the outer surface of the garment of the thermoelectric unit.

12. The aforementioned garments include clothing, The self-generating device according to claim 1, wherein the thermoelectric unit is provided on the side of the wearer's skin in the garment.

13. The self-generating device according to claim 12, wherein the garment is provided with an insulating material on the side opposite to the wearer's skin so as to cover the thermoelectric unit.

14. The self-generating device according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the surface of the thermoelectric unit facing the wearer's skin is covered with a heat transfer material for transferring thermal energy from the wearer's body to the thermoelectric unit.

15. The self-generating device according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the surface of the thermoelectric unit facing the wearer's skin is covered with a mesh-like fibrous material.

16. The garment is a sheet-like member that is attached to the wearer's body. The self-generating device according to claim 1, wherein the power supply target is separate from the sheet-like member, electrically connected to the thermoelectric unit, and is a cooling device that operates by power supplied from the thermoelectric unit and is capable of cooling the wearer's body.

17. The self-generating device according to claim 1, wherein the thermoelectric unit converts ambient thermal energy input to the garment from the outside of the garment into electrical energy and supplies it to the power supply target.

18. A wearable device equipped with a thermoelectric unit in the part worn on the body that can convert the thermal energy of the wearer's body into electrical energy and supply it to a power source.

19. A wearable device equipped with a thermoelectric unit that can convert ambient thermal energy, at least externally, into electrical energy and supply it to a power source in a part worn on the body.

20. Futon and A thermoelectric unit provided in the aforementioned futon, capable of converting the thermal energy of the human body inside the futon into electrical energy and supplying it to a power source, Bedding that has [this feature].

21. The bedding according to claim 20, wherein the power supply target includes a sensor device that detects the state of a person in the futon and transmits it to the outside.

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