Wearing devices and gloves for human body use

JP2026142718APending Publication Date: 2026-09-08SEIKO EPSON CORP
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Patent Information

Application Number
JP2025029867
Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2025-02-27
Publication Date
2026-09-08

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Abstract

We provide a "wearable device" that can reproduce temperature changes of an object with high reproducibility. [Solution] A "device" to be attached to a living body, comprising an electric field generating unit 30 having a first electrode, a second electrode, a first conductor, and a second conductor, a high-frequency voltage generating unit, and a transmission line 70, wherein the minimum separation distance between the first electrode and the second electrode and the minimum separation distance between the first conductor and the second conductor are 1 / 10 or less of the wavelength of the output electromagnetic wave, and the first conductor includes a coil.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a wearing device and a glove for wearing on a human body.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a glove internally provided with a haptic temperature-control device capable of transmitting the temperature of a virtually contacted object in the field of virtual space. The haptic temperature-control device includes a Peltier element, and transmits the temperature of the Peltier element to an operator through heat conduction.

Prior Art Literature

Patent Literature

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problem to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the haptic temperature-control device described in Patent Document 1, since temperature is transmitted to an operator through heat conduction, delay is likely to occur in heat conduction, and there is a problem in the reproducibility of temperature changes of a virtually contacted object.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0005] The device is a device to be attached to a living body and comprises at least one electric field generating unit that generates electromagnetic waves, a high-frequency voltage generating unit that generates a voltage to be applied to the electric field generating unit, and a transmission line that electrically connects the electric field generating unit and the high-frequency voltage generating unit, wherein the electric field generating unit comprises a first electrode, a second electrode, a first conductor that electrically connects the first electrode and the transmission line, and a second conductor that electrically connects the second electrode and the transmission line, wherein a high-frequency voltage is applied to the first electrode and the second electrode from the high-frequency voltage generating unit, the minimum separation distance between the first electrode and the second electrode is 1 / 10 or less of the wavelength of the output electromagnetic wave, the minimum separation distance between the first conductor and the second conductor is 1 / 10 or less of the wavelength of the output electromagnetic wave, and the first conductor comprises a coil.

[0006] The glove for human body wear is a glove for human body wear, comprising: at least one electric field generating unit that generates electromagnetic waves; a high-frequency voltage generating unit that generates a voltage to be applied to the electric field generating unit; and a transmission line that electrically connects the electric field generating unit and the high-frequency voltage generating unit, wherein the electric field generating unit comprises a first electrode, a second electrode, a first conductor that electrically connects the first electrode and the transmission line, and a second conductor that electrically connects the second electrode and the transmission line, wherein a high-frequency voltage is applied to the first electrode and the second electrode from the high-frequency voltage generating unit, the minimum separation distance between the first electrode and the second electrode is 1 / 10 or less of the wavelength of the output electromagnetic wave, the minimum separation distance between the first conductor and the second conductor is 1 / 10 or less of the wavelength of the output electromagnetic wave, and the first conductor comprises a coil. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] A schematic diagram of a glove designed for human wear. [Figure 2] Cross-sectional view of line AA in Figure 1. [Figure 3] A block diagram showing the configuration of a dielectric heating device. [Figure 4] A flowchart illustrating temperature control. [Figure 5] Schematic diagram of the electric field generation section. [Figure 6] An explanatory diagram showing an example of an equivalent circuit related to the high-frequency voltage generation unit and the electric field generation unit. [Figure 7] An explanatory diagram showing an example of the circuit configuration of the high-frequency voltage generation unit and the electric field generation unit. [Figure 8] A schematic diagram of the electric field generation unit in the second embodiment. [Figure 9] A schematic diagram of the electric field generation unit in the third embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] 1. First Embodiment The human-wearable glove 1 of this embodiment will now be described with reference to the drawings. The human-wearable glove 1 shown in Figure 1 is a glove that can transmit the temperature of an object that is virtually touched in a virtual space, for example. The human-wearable glove 1 is at least an example of a "wearable device" that can be attached to a living body that has a sense of temperature. The "wearable device" may also be able to transmit a temperature set by the user in the real world, for example.

[0009] In the following drawings, the scale of each component is shown differently from the actual scale in order to make each component recognizable. Furthermore, identical components are denoted by the same reference numeral in each drawing, and redundant explanations are omitted. Additionally, for the convenience of explaining the orientation of each component, the X, Y, and Z axes are shown as mutually orthogonal coordinate axes where necessary. Arrows are denoted on the X, Y, and Z axes. For each of the X, Y, and Z axes, the direction of the arrow is positive, and the opposite direction is negative.

[0010] The configuration of the human-wearable glove 1 will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 3. Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing the palm side of the wearable glove 1, illustrating the state in which the user has inserted their right hand 2 into the glove body 1A of the wearable glove 1. As shown in Figure 1, the wearable glove 1 is equipped with a dielectric heating device 3 inside the glove body 1A. The dielectric heating device 3 comprises a control device 10, a plurality of tactile devices 20, and a transmission line 70 and control cable 80 that electrically connect the control device 10 and the tactile devices 20. The dielectric heating device 3 is capable of dielectric heating the right hand 2 inserted into the glove body 1A by electromagnetic waves generated from the electric field generating unit 30 of the tactile devices 20. Note that the wearable glove 1 for the user's left hand has the same configuration except for the difference between left and right, so the explanation is omitted.

[0011] The control device 10 is composed of electronic circuits and controls the tactile device 20 via a transmission line 70 and a control cable 80. The control device 10 is equipped with a power supply (not shown). In this embodiment, the control device 10 is located on the wrist side of the glove body 1A, but is not limited thereto. The control device 10 may be located on the back of the hand side of the glove body 1A, or it may be located separately from the glove body 1A as long as it is electromagnetically connected. The control device 10 may be a computer, a smartphone, or the like.

[0012] The tactile device 20 is provided between the glove body 1A and the right hand 2 inserted into the glove body 1A. In this embodiment, the tactile device 20 is provided corresponding to the first to fifth fingers of the glove body 1A, but is not limited to this. The tactile device 20 may be provided, for example, on the side of the glove body 1A facing the palm or the side facing the back of the hand.

[0013] The transmission line 70 transmits high-frequency power from the control device 10 to the electric field generating unit 30. Examples of the transmission line 70 include twisted pair cables, parallel feeders, and coaxial cables. In this embodiment, the transmission line 70 is provided on the palm side of the glove body 1A. The control cable 80 is a cable that electrically connects the control device 10 and the tactile device 20 in order to control the tactile device 20. The control cable 80 is provided on the palm side of the glove body 1A. Note that the transmission line 70 and the control cable 80 may be provided on the back of the glove body 1A, or on the outside of the glove body 1A.

[0014] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in Figure 1, showing the configuration around the tactile device 20 located inside the glove body 1A when the second finger 2A of the right hand 2 is inserted into the glove body 1A. As shown in Figure 2, in addition to the electric field generating unit 30, the tactile device 20 further includes an actuator 40, a temperature detection unit 50, and a heat conductive member 60, located inside the glove body 1A at a position corresponding to the electric field generating unit 30. The electric field generating unit 30 is positioned at a location corresponding to the heat-sensitive area TS of the living body. The electric field generating unit 30 is positioned so as to face the pads of each finger when the user inserts each finger of the right hand 2 into the glove body 1A of the glove for human wear 1. The electric field generating unit 30 is located between the actuator 40 and the heat conductive member 60.

[0015] In this embodiment, the thermal region TS refers to the area where, in the case of a human being, warm points located in the dermis beneath the epidermis and cold points located in the shallower part of the dermis closer to the epidermis than the warm points are distributed. Although it varies depending on the part of the human body, the thickness of the epidermis is generally about 0.1 mm to 0.2 mm, and the thickness of the dermis is generally about 1.0 mm to 2.0 mm. It should be noted that the living organism is not limited to humans. Fish, birds, reptiles, insects, etc., have nerves that can sense temperature, and it can be said that living organisms such as fish, birds, reptiles, and insects also have a thermal region TS, just like humans.

[0016] The electric field generating unit 30 includes a first electrode 31, a second electrode 32, and a shield unit 36. The first electrode 31 and the second electrode 32 function as an antenna that transmits electromagnetic waves. The shield unit 36 is provided on the opposite side of the first electrode 31 and the second electrode 32 from the heat-sensitive area TS. The shield unit 36 shields electromagnetic waves radiated from the first electrode 31 and the second electrode 32 so that the electromagnetic waves do not travel toward the side opposite to the heat-sensitive area TS. Details of the electric field generating unit 30 will be described later.

[0017] The actuator 40 is arranged between the glove body 1A on the side facing the pad of a finger and the electric field generating unit 30. The actuator 40 can change the distance between the heat-sensitive area TS and the electric field generating unit 30. Furthermore, the actuator 40 can change the distance between the heat-sensitive area TS and the heat conductive member 60. The electric field generating unit 30 and the heat conductive member 60 are displaced by the actuator 40 in a direction approaching the heat-sensitive area TS or a direction moving away from the heat-sensitive area TS. The heat conductive member 60 can make the heat-sensitive area TS feel a cooling sensation. Electromagnetic waves generated from the electric field generating unit 30 attenuate in proportion to the square of the distance. In the present embodiment, it is sufficient that the actuator 40 can change the distance within a range of 2.0 mm or more and 4.0 mm or less.

[0018] Further, in the present embodiment, a piezoelectric actuator that can be reduced in size is applied as the actuator 40, but the actuator 40 is not limited thereto. As the actuator 40, an electromagnetic actuator, a solenoid actuator, an electric actuator, a linear actuator, or the like may be applied, or a pneumatic actuator, a hydraulic actuator, or the like may also be applied.

[0019] The temperature detection unit 50 is arranged to face the heat-sensitive area TS. The temperature detection unit 50 detects the surface temperature of the heat-sensitive area TS. Examples of the temperature detection unit 50 include a thermistor, a thermocouple, and an infrared temperature sensor. The temperature detection unit 50 may detect the surface temperature of the heat-sensitive area TS in a non-contact manner, or may detect the surface temperature in contact with the heat-sensitive area TS.

[0020] The heat conductive member 60 is provided between the electric field generating unit 30 and the heat-sensitive region TS. The heat conductive member 60 is positioned to face the heat-sensitive region TS. As described above, the heat conductive member 60 can cause the heat-sensitive region TS to feel cold. For this reason, it is desirable that the thermal conductivity of the heat conductive member 60 is greater than the thermal conductivity of other members that are close to the heat-sensitive region TS. Note that members that are close to the heat-sensitive region TS also include members that are in contact with the heat-sensitive region TS.

[0021] In this embodiment, silicon carbide (SiC), an example of a ceramic material, is used as the heat conductive member 60. Ceramic materials are suitable as the heat conductive member 60 because they have high thermal conductivity, can transmit radio waves, and do not generate heat easily even at high frequencies, but the embodiment is not limited to these. Examples of ceramic materials that may be used include alumina, silicon nitride, and aluminum nitride. Other examples of heat conductive members 60 that may be used include sapphire glass, quartz glass, and polytetrafluoroethylene sheets.

[0022] Furthermore, in order to dissipate the heat absorbed by the heat conductive member 60, a portion of the heat conductive member 60 may be exposed to the outside of the glove body 1A. In addition, in order to make the heat-sensitive area TS feel cold, the tactile device 20 may absorb heat by, for example, providing a Peltier element (not shown) between the electric field generating unit 30 and the heat-sensitive area TS. The Peltier element can make the heat-sensitive area TS feel cold by absorbing heat from the heat conductive member 60.

[0023] In this embodiment, the tactile device 20 is configured to include a heat conductive member 60 in order to make the heat-sensitive region TS feel cold, but it is not limited to this configuration, and the tactile device 20 may be configured without a heat conductive member 60. In this case, the Peltier element may absorb heat from the heat-sensitive region TS. Note that heat absorption by the Peltier element occurs when no high-frequency voltage is applied to the electric field generation unit 30 from the high-frequency voltage generation unit 12 (see Figure 3).

[0024] Furthermore, if it is not necessary to make the heat-sensitive area TS feel cold, the tactile device 20 does not need to be equipped with a heat-conducting member 60. For example, if it is desired to make the heat-sensitive area TS feel touch in addition to warmth, the actuator 40 may be able to change the distance between the heat-sensitive area TS and the electric field generating unit 30 so that the electric field generating unit 30 touches the heat-sensitive area TS. By making the electric field generating unit 30 touch the heat-sensitive area TS, the actuator 40 can make the heat-sensitive area TS feel a sensation that evokes touch. The actuator 40 is an example of a "tactile generating unit," and the "tactile generating unit" is provided at a position corresponding to the electric field generating unit 30. Note that the "tactile generating unit" may be configured in combination with, for example, a motor as a separate component from the actuator 40.

[0025] As shown in Figure 3, the dielectric heating device 3 comprises a control device 10 and a tactile device 20. The control device 10 comprises a control unit 11 that controls the entire wearable glove 1 and a high-frequency voltage generating unit 12 that applies a high-frequency voltage to the electric field generating unit 30. The control unit 11 includes a processor and memory. Furthermore, the control device 10 comprises a drive unit 13 that drives the actuator 40, a display unit 14 that displays the control status of the wearable glove 1, and an input / output unit 15 that inputs and outputs information related to the control of the wearable glove 1 to and from an external device. The input / output unit 15 can receive information in a virtual space via an external device. The input / output unit 15 can also transmit information indicating the control status of the wearable glove 1 to an external device.

[0026] Furthermore, the dielectric heating device 3 includes a transmission line 70 that electrically connects a plurality of electric field generating units 30 and a high-frequency voltage generating unit 12. In addition, the dielectric heating device 3 includes a control cable 80 that electrically connects a control device 10 with a plurality of actuators 40 and a plurality of temperature detection units 50. In this embodiment, one tactile device 20 is arranged corresponding to the heat-sensitive area TS located on the pad of each finger.

[0027] The control unit 11 can provide feedback control to the high-frequency voltage generation unit 12 of the control device 10 based on the detected temperature detected by the temperature detection unit 50. The control unit 11 can determine the surface temperature of the heat-sensitive area TS detected by the temperature detection unit 50 and adjust the power supplied from the high-frequency voltage generation unit 12 to the electric field generation unit 30.

[0028] The control unit 11 can, for example, control the high-frequency voltage applied to the electric field generation unit 30 using a transistor or the like, thereby adjusting the intensity of the electromagnetic waves generated from the electric field generation unit 30. In the following description, the control unit 11 may refer to the control of the surface temperature of the heat-sensitive region TS by performing feedback control on the high-frequency voltage generation unit 12 as temperature control. The control unit 11 performs so-called temperature feedback control, which controls the power supplied to the electric field generation unit 30 so that the surface temperature of the heat-sensitive region TS detected by the temperature detection unit 50 reaches a predetermined value. For example, PID control (Proportional Integral Differential Controller) can be applied as feedback control.

[0029] Referring to Figure 4, the temperature control of the control device 10 will be explained. Note that subsequent operations are controlled by the control unit 11.

[0030] For example, when the power supply of the control unit 11 is turned ON, the control unit 11 first determines in step S1 whether or not to start temperature control, as shown in Figure 4, based on the information in the virtual space received by the input / output unit 15. If "NO" is determined in step S1, step S1 is repeated until it is determined to start temperature control. If "YES" is determined in step S1, the process moves to step S2.

[0031] In step S2, the control unit 11 determines, for example, whether there is a request to supply the first high-frequency power based on the information in the virtual space received by the input / output unit 15. If "NO" is determined in step S2, the process proceeds to step S5. If "YES" is determined in step S2, the process proceeds to step S3. In this embodiment, the first high-frequency power is the power supplied by the high-frequency voltage generator 12 between the first electrode 31 and the second electrode 32 of the electric field generator 30 under the control of the control unit 11. The magnitude of the first high-frequency power is such that the heat-sensitive region TS can perceive a temperature that is neither warm nor cold. In other words, step S2 is a step in which the electric field generator 30 is biased in order to perceive a temperature that is neither warm nor cold in the heat-sensitive region TS. In the following description, the temperature that is neither warm nor cold and is perceived by the heat-sensitive region TS may be referred to as the "first temperature".

[0032] In step S3, the control unit 11 causes the high-frequency voltage generation unit 12 to supply the first high-frequency power to the electric field generation unit 30.

[0033] Next, in step S4, the control unit 11 determines whether the detected temperature detected by the temperature detection unit 50 has reached the "first temperature" that is pre-stored in the control unit 11. If it is determined to be "NO" in step S4, step S4 is repeated until the detected temperature reaches the "first temperature". If it is determined to be "YES" in step S4, the process proceeds to step S11.

[0034] In step S11, the control unit 11 determines whether or not to terminate temperature control based on information in the virtual space received by the input / output unit 15, for example. If "NO" is determined in step S11, the process returns to step S2. If "YES" is determined in step S11, the control unit 11 terminates temperature control.

[0035] In step S2, if the result is determined to be "NO", the control unit 11 proceeds to step S5, where it determines, for example, whether there is a request to supply second high-frequency power based on the information in the virtual space received by the input / output unit 15. If the result is determined to be "NO" in step S5, the process proceeds to step S8. If the result is determined to be "YES" in step S5, the process proceeds to step S6. In this embodiment, the second high-frequency power is the power supplied by the high-frequency voltage generation unit 12 between the first electrode 31 and the second electrode 32 of the electric field generation unit 30 under the control of the control unit 11. The magnitude of the second high-frequency power is smaller than the first high-frequency power and is large enough to make the heat-sensitive region TS feel a temperature lower than the "first temperature". The magnitude of the second high-frequency power includes 0W (second high-frequency power OFF). In the following description, a temperature lower than the "first temperature" that is felt in the heat-sensitive region TS may be referred to as the "second temperature".

[0036] In step S6, the control unit 11 causes the high-frequency voltage generation unit 12 to supply a second high-frequency power to the electric field generation unit 30.

[0037] Next, in step S7, the control unit 11 determines whether the detected temperature detected by the temperature detection unit 50 has reached the "second temperature" which is pre-stored in the control unit 11. If it is determined to be "NO" in step S7, step S7 is repeated until the detected temperature reaches the "second temperature". If it is determined to be "YES" in step S7, the process proceeds to step S11.

[0038] In step S11, the control unit 11 determines whether or not to terminate temperature control based on information in the virtual space received by the input / output unit 15, for example. If "NO" is determined in step S11, the process returns to step S2. If "YES" is determined in step S11, the control unit 11 terminates temperature control.

[0039] In step S5, if the result is determined to be "NO", the control unit 11 proceeds to step S8, where it determines, for example, whether there is a request to supply the third high-frequency power based on the information in the virtual space received by the input / output unit 15. If the result is determined to be "NO" in step S8, the process proceeds to step S11. If the result is determined to be "YES" in step S8, the process proceeds to step S9. In this embodiment, the third high-frequency power is the power supplied by the high-frequency voltage generation unit 12 between the first electrode 31 and the second electrode 32 of the electric field generation unit 30 under the control of the control unit 11. The magnitude of the third high-frequency power is greater than that of the first high-frequency power, and is large enough to make the heat-sensitive region TS feel a temperature higher than the "first temperature". In the following description, a temperature higher than the "first temperature" that is felt in the heat-sensitive region TS may be referred to as the "third temperature".

[0040] In step S9, the control unit 11 causes the high-frequency voltage generation unit 12 to supply a third high-frequency power to the electric field generation unit 30.

[0041] Next, in step S10, the control unit 11 determines whether the detected temperature detected by the temperature detection unit 50 has reached the "third temperature" which is stored in the control unit 11 in advance. If it is determined to be "NO" in step S10, step S10 is repeated until the detected temperature reaches the "third temperature". If it is determined to be "YES" in step S10, the process proceeds to step S11.

[0042] In step S11, the control unit 11 determines whether or not to terminate temperature control based on information in the virtual space received by the input / output unit 15, for example. If "NO" is determined in step S11, the process returns to step S2. If "YES" is determined in step S11, the control unit 11 terminates temperature control.

[0043] Thus, the control unit 11 enables the high-frequency voltage generation unit 12 to switch between a first state in which the heat-sensitive region TS perceives a "first temperature", a second state in which it perceives a "second temperature" lower than the "first temperature", and a third state in which it perceives a "third temperature" higher than the "first temperature".

[0044] Referring to Figure 5, the configuration of the electric field generating unit 30 will be described. As shown in Figure 5, the electric field generating unit 30 includes a first electrode 31, a second electrode 32, a first conductor 33 that electrically connects the first electrode 31 and the transmission line 70, a plurality of second conductors 34 that electrically connect the second electrode 32 and the transmission line 70, and a shielding unit 36. In this embodiment, there are four second conductors 34, each connected to the second electrode 32 and the shielding unit 36. Furthermore, the first conductor 33 includes a coil 35. The coil 35 is located closer to the first electrode 31 than to the transmission line 70. Note that the coil 35 is connected only to the first electrode 31, but it may also be connected only to the second electrode 32, or to both the first electrode 31 and the second electrode 32.

[0045] Furthermore, it is desirable to install the coil 35 close to the electrodes. This is because it allows for greater heating energy efficiency. Note that when applying high frequencies such as the 2.4 GHz band, one of the ISM bands, to the first conductor 33, the coil component can be omitted due to the inductance inherent in the first conductor 33 itself. In other words, the coil 35 can be rephrased as the self-inductance of the first conductor 33.

[0046] The first electrode 31 and the second electrode 32 are conductive. A high-frequency voltage is applied to the first electrode 31 and the second electrode 32 from the high-frequency voltage generation unit 12. As for the frequency of the high-frequency voltage, a heating effect is present at a frequency of 1 MHz or higher, but the dielectric loss tangent is maximized around 20 GHz, and therefore the heating efficiency is also maximized. In particular, from the viewpoint of heating moisture, a frequency of 100 MHz to 40 GHz is preferred, and from a regulatory standpoint, the 2.4 GHz band of the ISM band is preferred. In the case of the 2.4 GHz band, for example, 2.44 GHz to 2.45 GHz is preferred. For example, in the ITU (International Telecommunication Union) Region II, the 915 MHz band of the ISM band is preferred.

[0047] In Figure 5, the first electrode 31 and the second electrode 32 have a flat, plate-like shape parallel to the XY plane. The first electrode 31 and the second electrode 32 are arranged such that one surrounds the other. Specifically, the first electrode 31 has a rectangular shape in plan view. The second electrode 32 has a hollow rectangular shape and is arranged to surround the first electrode 31.

[0048] The planar shapes of the first electrode 31 and the second electrode 32 are arbitrary; for example, they can be squares, polygons, circles, or combinations of these shapes. However, it has been found that the heating efficiency of a rectangular shape is higher than that of a square shape.

[0049] The length of one side of the outer circumference of the second electrode 32 is, for example, 0.1 cm to 10.0 cm, preferably 0.3 cm to 5.0 cm, and more preferably 0.4 cm to 1.0 cm. It is also known that the width w of the second electrode 32 in plan view affects the heating efficiency of the heat-sensitive region TS. In this case, the width w of the second electrode 32 in plan view is 1.0 mm to 2.0 mm, preferably 1.4 mm to 1.6 mm, and more preferably about 1.5 mm. In this embodiment, the length of one side of the second electrode 32 is, for example, 12.0 mm in the longitudinal direction and 8.0 mm in the transverse direction.

[0050] Furthermore, multiple electric field generating units 30 may be provided for a predetermined unit area within the heat-sensitive region TS. Specifically, in this embodiment, one electric field generating unit 30 is provided for each of the first to fifth fingers of the glove body 1A, but for example, multiple electric field generating units 30 may be provided for a unit area where the range of the heat-sensitive region TS distributed on the pad of the first finger of the human body is considered as one unit. This makes it possible to generate electromagnetic waves for each of the multiple electric field generating units 30 within a predetermined unit area in the predetermined heat-sensitive region TS.

[0051] It is preferable that the first electrode 31 and the second electrode 32 are arranged so as not to overlap in a plan view. Furthermore, although the first electrode 31 and the second electrode 32 are arranged in parallel on the same XY plane, they do not necessarily have to be arranged in parallel on the same plane. However, by arranging the first electrode 31 and the second electrode 32 in parallel on the same plane, electromagnetic waves can be generated efficiently.

[0052] The first electrode 31 and the second electrode 32 are formed of a conductor. Examples of conductors include metals, alloys, and conductive oxides. The first electrode 31 and the second electrode 32 may be made of the same material or different materials. The first electrode 31 and the second electrode 32 may be appropriately constructed with selected thickness and strength so that they can stand on their own, or if it is difficult to maintain their strength, they may be formed on or inside a substrate or the like made of a material with a low dielectric loss tangent (not shown) that transmits electromagnetic waves.

[0053] The first electrode 31 is electrically connected to a transmission line 70 connected to a high-frequency voltage generating unit 12 (see Figure 3) via a first conductor 33. The second electrode 32 is electrically connected to the transmission line 70 connected to the high-frequency voltage generating unit 12 via a second conductor 34. The first conductor 33 and the second conductor 34 are connected to the surfaces of the first electrode 31 and the second electrode 32 that are opposite to the surfaces facing the heat-sensitive region TS. In other words, the first electrode 31 and the second electrode 32 are positioned closer to the heat-sensitive region TS than the first conductor 33 and the second conductor 34.

[0054] The minimum separation distance d1 between the first electrode 31 and the second electrode 32 is 1 / 10 or less of the wavelength of the electromagnetic wave output from the electric field generation unit 30. For example, if the frequency of the electromagnetic wave output from the high-frequency voltage generation unit 12 is 2.45 GHz, the wavelength of the high frequency is approximately 12.2 cm, so in this case, the minimum separation distance d1 between the first electrode 31 and the second electrode 32 is approximately 1.22 cm or less. In this embodiment, in order to reduce the intensity of the electromagnetic wave that reaches far from the first electrode 31 and the second electrode 32, the minimum separation distance d1 between the first electrode 31 and the second electrode 32 is further reduced to less than 1.22 cm. As a result, most of the electromagnetic wave generated when a high-frequency voltage is applied is attenuated in the vicinity of the first electrode 31 and the second electrode 32.

[0055] In other words, the electromagnetic waves radiated from the electric field generating unit 30 are very strong in the vicinity of the first electrode 31 and the second electrode 32, and very weak at a distance. In this embodiment, the electromagnetic field generated in the vicinity of the first electrode 31 and the second electrode 32 is sometimes referred to as the "near-field electromagnetic field." Also in this embodiment, the electromagnetic field generated by a general antenna intended to transmit electromagnetic waves over long distances is sometimes referred to as the "far-field electromagnetic field." The boundary between the near-field and far-field is located at a distance of approximately 1 / 6 of the wavelength of the generated electromagnetic waves from the electric field generating unit 30.

[0056] The electric field density of the electromagnetic waves generated from the electric field generator 30 is attenuated to less than 30% while traveling a distance of 1 / 6 of its wavelength. Furthermore, because the electromagnetic waves generated from the electric field generator 30 have a high attenuation rate, the transmission range of the electric field is suppressed.

[0057] As a result, unwanted radiation is less likely to occur in areas further away from the electric field generator 30 than the wavelength of the generated electromagnetic waves. Furthermore, compliance with regulations such as the Radio Law is unnecessary or easy, and even if compliance is required, the scattering of electromagnetic waves around the electric field generator 30 can be reduced by simple electromagnetic shielding. These characteristics of the electric field generator 30 are due to the small size of the first electrode 31 and the second electrode 32, and the short distance between the first electrode 31 and the second electrode 32.

[0058] To put it another way, the electric field generating unit 30 of this embodiment does not generate a "far-reaching electromagnetic field" like a dipole antenna, and can be said to be equivalent to an antenna in which the negative and positive polarities are reversed compared to a dipole antenna, and the slot width is made sufficiently small relative to the wavelength to make it difficult to generate a "far-reaching electromagnetic field". The electric field generating unit 30 only generates an electric field like a capacitor, and this electric field does not secondarily generate a magnetic field. Therefore, the so-called "far-reaching electromagnetic field," in which electric and magnetic fields are generated in a chain reaction and electromagnetic waves are propagated over long distances, is not generated.

[0059] In this embodiment, the electric field generating unit 30 generates a "near-field electromagnetic field" by separating the first electrode 31 and the second electrode 32 by a minimum separation distance d1. This allows electromagnetic waves to be concentrated and irradiated over a narrow area relative to the depth of the heat-sensitive region TS. In other words, with respect to the heat-sensitive region TS, the electromagnetic waves generated from the electric field generating unit 30 exist only in a narrow space nearby, and the "far-field electromagnetic field" is very weak. Therefore, there is little energy dissipation, and by appropriately positioning the heat-sensitive region TS in the area where electromagnetic waves exist, the electric field generating unit 30 can very efficiently make the heat-sensitive region TS feel warm.

[0060] In this embodiment, the distance over which the electric field generating unit 30 can radiate electromagnetic waves toward the heat-sensitive region TS is, for example, 3.0 mm. By miniaturizing the electric field generating unit 30 and reducing the minimum separation distance d1 between the first electrode 31 and the second electrode 32, the distance over which electromagnetic waves can be radiated toward the heat-sensitive region TS can be shortened, thereby allowing a warming sensation to be felt in a shallow area from the surface of the heat-sensitive region TS. This makes it possible to feel a warming sensation with less power and at a faster speed.

[0061] The shield section 36 is supported by four second conductors 34. In this embodiment, the shield section 36 has a substantially square shape with a plane parallel to the XY plane. The first conductor 33 is connected to one side of the transmission line 70 by passing through through holes formed in the shield section 36. The second conductors 34 may be connected to the other side of the transmission line 70 via the shield section 36, as shown in Figure 5. The minimum separation distance d2 between the first conductor 33 and the second conductor 34 is 1 / 10 or less of the wavelength of the electromagnetic wave output from the electric field generator 30.

[0062] The first electrode 31, the first conductor 33, and the coil 35 may be formed integrally. Furthermore, the second electrode 32, the second conductor 34, and the shield portion 36 may be formed integrally.

[0063] Referring to Figures 6 and 7, an example of an electrical circuit relating to the high-frequency voltage generation unit 12 and the electric field generation unit 30 will be described. In the equivalent circuit shown in Figure 6, the capacitor C of the electric field generation unit 30 corresponds to the first electrode 31 and the second electrode 32, and the resistance R of the electric field generation unit 30 corresponds to the radiation resistance of the emitted electromagnetic waves. The high-frequency voltage generation unit 12 provided by the control device 10 has a high-frequency power supply and internal resistance. The coil L inserted between the high-frequency voltage generation unit 12 and the electric field generation unit 30 corresponds to the coil 35 connected in series with the first electrode 31 or the second electrode 32. The coil L is connected to the high-frequency voltage generation unit 12 via the transmission line 70.

[0064] A reference potential is applied to one of the first electrode 31 and the second electrode 32. A high-frequency voltage is applied to the other of the first electrode 31 and the second electrode 32. The selection of the first electrode 31 and the second electrode 32 is arbitrary, and the reference potential is applied to one of the two electrodes, while the high-frequency voltage is applied to the other. In the following explanation, the electrode to which the reference potential is applied may be referred to as the "reference potential electrode," and the electrode to which the high-frequency voltage is applied may be referred to as the "high-frequency electrode." The reference potential is a constant potential that serves as a reference for the high-frequency voltage, and may be, for example, the ground potential.

[0065] As described above, since the electric field generating unit 30 includes a capacitor C, a specific resonant frequency can be obtained by connecting a coil L in series with capacitor C. Furthermore, transmission efficiency can be improved by increasing the inductance of coil L and minimizing the capacitance of capacitor C. The inductance of coil L and the capacitance of capacitor C are designed as appropriate.

[0066] The resistance R of the electric field generating unit 30, which corresponds to the radiation resistance, is small compared to the impedance of the transmission line 70. Also, the capacitance of the capacitor C seemingly formed by the first electrode 31 and the second electrode 32 is, for example, about 0.5 pF. The high-frequency power supply of the high-frequency voltage generating unit 12 may be configured by a high-frequency power supply circuit such as an analog amplifier, but it is preferable to configure it by the switching circuit shown in Figure 7.

[0067] The reason is that, for example, connecting multiple electric field generators 30 to an analog amplifier can cause a significant mismatch between the impedance of the analog amplifier and the impedance of the multiple electric field generators 30. This increases the reflected power from the electric field generators 30 to the analog amplifier, making it difficult for high-frequency power to be supplied to the electric field generators 30. Furthermore, it allows for miniaturization of the high-frequency voltage generator 12.

[0068] Furthermore, the heat-sensitive region TS of living organisms contains water. The dielectric constant of water is very high, approximately 80 F / m at room temperature, and the higher the dielectric constant, the greater the capacitance. In other words, the heat-sensitive region TS has a large capacitance. When the first electrode 31 and the second electrode 32 touch the heat-sensitive region TS, the capacitor C of the electric field generating unit 30 comes to contain a large capacitance.

[0069] In this embodiment, when the electric field generating unit 30 is in contact with the heat-sensitive region TS, the resonance frequency of the electric field generating unit 30 and the driving frequency of the high-frequency voltage applied to the electric field generating unit 30 are pre-set to match. This allows the electric field generating unit 30 to generate the strongest electromagnetic wave when the first electrode 31 and the second electrode 32 are in contact with the heat-sensitive region TS. Note that the resonance frequency and the driving frequency do not need to match perfectly. More specifically, the resonance frequency and the driving frequency should match within a range where the ratio of the difference between the resonance frequency and the driving frequency to the driving frequency is ±1.0%, preferably within a range of ±0.5%, and more preferably within a range of ±0.1%.

[0070] On the other hand, when the first electrode 31 and the second electrode 32 move away from the heat-sensitive region TS, the capacitance contained in the capacitor C of the electric field generating unit 30 decreases according to the distance of separation. Since the equivalent circuit of the electric field generating unit 30 is an LCR series circuit, when the capacitance of the capacitor C of the electric field generating unit 30 decreases, the resonant frequency of the electric field generating unit 30 increases. If the resonant frequency continues to increase, eventually the resonant frequency will not match the driving frequency, so the electric field generating unit 30 will become unable to resonate and will no longer be able to generate electromagnetic waves. In this way, the electric field generating unit 30 can change the intensity of the electromagnetic waves it generates.

[0071] One method for pre-setting the resonant frequency of the electric field generator 30 to match the driving frequency of the high-frequency voltage applied to the electric field generator 30 is to adjust the proportion of electric field lines passing through the heat-sensitive region TS. For example, if you want to increase the proportion of electric field lines passing through the heat-sensitive region TS, you can do so by increasing the thickness of the first electrode 31 or the second electrode 32. Alternatively, you can do so by shortening the minimum separation distance d1 between the first electrode 31 and the second electrode 32. Or, you can do so by narrowing the width w of the first electrode 31 or the second electrode 32.

[0072] Figure 7 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a circuit configuration of the high-frequency voltage generation unit 12 and the electric field generation unit 30, which differs from the equivalent circuit shown in Figure 6. In Figure 7, to facilitate understanding of the technology, some of the circuit configurations of the high-frequency voltage generation unit 12 and the electric field generation unit 30 provided by the control device 10 are omitted. In particular, in Figure 7, to facilitate understanding of the technology, two of the electric field generation units 30, which are arranged to face the pads of each finger, are shown. As shown in Figure 7, the high-frequency voltage generation unit 12 is configured as an inverter having a high-frequency power supply unit 90. The high-frequency power supply unit 90 is electrically connected to the electric field generation unit 30. The high-frequency power supply unit 90 switches the DC voltage of the DC power supply 93 to convert it into a high-frequency voltage set to the drive frequency and outputs the high-frequency voltage to the two electric field generation units 30.

[0073] In this embodiment, the high-frequency power supply unit 90 is configured as a full-bridge inverter and has four switching elements 91 and Zener diodes 92 for overvoltage protection provided in conjunction with each switching element 91. In this embodiment, the switching elements 91 are composed of N-channel type metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistors (MOSFETs).

[0074] The switching element 91 may be composed of, for example, a bipolar transistor, an insulated gate transistor, or a gate turn-off thyristor. The high-frequency power supply unit 90 may have, in addition to or instead of the Zener diode 92, a PN junction diode or the like. The high-frequency power supply unit 90 may be configured as, for example, a phase-shift type full-bridge inverter or a half-bridge type inverter.

[0075] Each switching element 91 repeatedly opens and closes a portion of the high-frequency power supply unit 90 in response to a control signal input to the gate of each switching element 91. The high-frequency power supply unit 90 converts the DC voltage of the DC power supply 93 into a high-frequency voltage set to the drive frequency through the operation of these switching elements 91. As a result, the high-frequency voltage set to the drive frequency is applied to the two electric field generating units 30.

[0076] In this embodiment, a high-frequency voltage with a phase inverted by 180° is applied to each of the two electric field generating units 30. More specifically, as shown in Figure 7, the first electrode 31 of one of the two electric field generating units 30 and the second electrode 32 of the other electric field generating unit 30 are connected to the high-frequency power supply unit 90 so that they are in phase, and a high-frequency voltage with a phase inverted by 180° is applied to each of the two electric field generating units 30. In this way, by applying a high-frequency voltage with a phase inverted by 180° to each of the adjacent electric field generating units 30, the radiated waves from the adjacent electric field generating units 30 can be weakened against each other.

[0077] As described above, the following effects can be obtained with the "attachment" of the first embodiment. According to this embodiment, the "wearing device" is equipped with an electric field generating unit 30 instead of a heat source. As a result, when the "wearing device" is attached to a living body, the "wearing device" can provide a sensation of warmth without delay, compared to a configuration that uses heat conduction from a heat source. This makes it possible to reproduce the temperature change of an object that is virtually in contact with the wearer with high reproducibility. Alternatively, the "wearing device" can also be used as a cold-weather garment or a heat-retaining garment.

[0078] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the electric field generating unit 30 is positioned at a location corresponding to the heat-sensitive region TS of the living body. This allows the living body to easily perceive warmth.

[0079] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the "attachment" includes a heat conductive member 60 between the electric field generating unit 30 and the heat-sensitive region TS, and the thermal conductivity of the heat conductive member 60 is greater than that of the other members. This allows the heat conductive member 60 to be used as a heat-absorbing member for the heat-sensitive region TS.

[0080] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the "wearing device" includes an actuator 40 that can change the distance between the heat-sensitive area TS and the heat-conducting member 60. This allows the heat-conducting member 60 to be brought closer to or further away from the heat-sensitive area TS, so that the living body can feel the cold.

[0081] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the high-frequency voltage generation unit 12 can switch to a first state in which the heat-sensitive region TS feels a "first temperature" by supplying a first high-frequency power between the first electrode 31 and the second electrode 32. The high-frequency voltage generation unit 12 can also switch to a second state in which the heat-sensitive region TS feels a "second temperature" lower than the "first temperature" by supplying a second high-frequency power smaller than the first high-frequency power. The high-frequency voltage generation unit 12 can also switch to a third state in which the heat-sensitive region TS feels a "third temperature" higher than the "first temperature" by supplying a third high-frequency power larger than the first high-frequency power. As a result, the living body can feel a sensation of neither cold nor warm by feeling the "first temperature," feel cold by feeling the "second temperature," and feel warm by feeling the "third temperature."

[0082] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the "wearing device" is equipped with multiple electric field generating units 30 for a predetermined unit area in the heat-sensitive region TS. As a result, the distance between the first electrode 31 and the second electrode 32 becomes smaller, allowing the sensation of warmth to be felt in a shallow area from the surface of the heat-sensitive region TS, and also allowing the electric field generating units 30 to be miniaturized. In addition, since electromagnetic waves can be generated for each of the multiple electric field generating units 30 within a predetermined unit area in the heat-sensitive region TS, the body can feel the sensation of warmth in a dense and fine manner.

[0083] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the resonant frequency of the electric field generating unit 30 is set to match the driving frequency of the high-frequency voltage when the electric field generating unit 30 is in contact with the heat-sensitive region TS. This allows the electric field generating unit 30 to change the intensity of the electromagnetic waves it generates. In other words, by contacting the heat-sensitive region TS, the electric field generating unit 30 can maximize the intensity of the electromagnetic waves it generates, and by moving away from the heat-sensitive region TS, the electric field generating unit 30 can reduce the intensity of the electromagnetic waves it generates. This eliminates the need for a separate detection device to detect when the electric field generating unit 30 is in contact with or away from the heat-sensitive region TS, or a device to switch and control the intensity of the electromagnetic waves generated by the electric field generating unit 30 based on the detection results of the detection device.

[0084] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the "wearing device" is equipped with a "tactile sensation generating unit" that evokes a sense of touch at a position corresponding to the electric field generating unit 30. As a result, the living body can feel warmth and touch.

[0085] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the "wearing device" includes a Peltier element between the electric field generating unit 30 and the heat-sensitive area TS that absorbs heat when no high-frequency voltage is applied. This makes it possible to control the temperature at which a cooling sensation is felt.

[0086] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the electric field generating unit 30 is equipped with a shielding unit 36, and the shielding unit 36 ​​is provided on the side opposite to the heat-sensitive region TS with respect to the first electrode 31 and the second electrode 32. This prevents the electric field generating unit 30 from radiating electromagnetic waves on the side opposite to the heat-sensitive region TS.

[0087] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the "wearing device" includes a temperature detection unit 50 that detects the temperature of the heat-sensitive area TS, and a control unit 11 that provides feedback control to the high-frequency voltage generation unit 12 based on the detected temperature detected by the temperature detection unit 50. This makes it possible to appropriately control the temperature felt in the heat-sensitive area TS. In particular, it is possible to prevent the body from feeling overheated.

[0088] According to this embodiment, the wearable glove 1 is equipped with an electric field generating unit 30 instead of a heat source. As a result, when the wearable glove 1 is worn, it can provide a sensation of warmth without delay, compared to a configuration that uses heat conduction from a heat source. This makes it possible to reproduce the temperature change of a virtually contacted object with high reproducibility. Alternatively, the wearable glove 1 can also be used as a cold-weather garment or a heat-retaining garment.

[0089] 2. Second Embodiment The configuration of the electric field generating unit 30A in the second embodiment will be described below with reference to Figure 8. In the second embodiment, an electric field generating unit 30A different from the electric field generating unit 30 shown in the first embodiment will be described. In the second embodiment, components identical to those shown in the previously presented figures are denoted by the same reference numerals and detailed descriptions will be omitted.

[0090] As shown in Figure 8, the electric field generating unit 30A comprises a first electrode 31A, a second electrode 32A, a second conductor 34A, and a shielding unit 36A. The first electrode 31A and the shielding unit 36A have a circular shape in plan view. The second electrode 32A and the second conductor 34A have an annular shape. The configuration other than the first electrode 31A, the second electrode 32A, and the shielding unit 36A is the same as that of the electric field generating unit 30 described above, so the explanation will be omitted.

[0091] In the electric field generating section 30A, one end of the transmission line 70 is connected to the first electrode 31A via the first conductor 33, and the other end of the transmission line 70 is connected to the second electrode 32A via a ring-shaped second conductor 34A that continuously surrounds the first conductor 33. The first conductor 33 is connected to one end of the transmission line 70 by passing through through holes formed in the shield section 36A. The second conductor 34A may be connected to the other end of the transmission line 70 via the shield section 36A, as shown in Figure 8. Furthermore, the second electrode 32A, the second conductor 34A, and the shield section 36A may be formed integrally.

[0092] For example, if the first electrode 31A is designated as a "high-frequency electrode" and the second electrode 32A as a "reference potential electrode," and a coaxial cable is used for the transmission line 70, the "high-frequency electrode" is connected to the inner conductor of the coaxial cable, and the "reference potential electrode" is connected to the outer conductor of the coaxial cable via a ring-shaped second conductor 34A that continuously surrounds the first conductor 33. This provides a shielding effect from the "reference potential electrode," making it difficult for electromagnetic waves to leak outside the "reference potential electrode." In other words, the electromagnetic waves generated from the electric field generating unit 30A can be given directionality.

[0093] As described above, the second embodiment can also obtain the same effects as the first embodiment.

[0094] 3. Third Embodiment The configuration of the electric field generating unit 30B in the third embodiment will be described below with reference to Figure 9. In the third embodiment, an electric field generating unit 30B different from the electric field generating unit 30 shown in the first embodiment will be described. In the third embodiment, components identical to those shown in previous figures are denoted by the same reference numerals and detailed explanations will be omitted.

[0095] As shown in Figure 9, the electric field generating unit 30B includes a flexible substrate 37. The flexible substrate 37 includes a first electrode 31B, a second electrode 32B, a first conductor 33B, and a second conductor 34B. The first electrode 31B, the second electrode 32B, the first conductor 33B, and the second conductor 34B are formed on the same plane of the flexible substrate 37. The first electrode 31B has a rectangular shape in plan view. The second electrode 32B has a hollow rectangular shape and is arranged to surround the first electrode 31B. The planar shapes of the first electrode 31B and the second electrode 32B are both rectangular, but they may be any shape.

[0096] The portion of the first conductor 33B closest to the first electrode 31B may have a meander pattern formed on it, for example, a bent shape. In Figure 9, the meander pattern is formed only on the first conductor 33B, but it may also be formed only on the second conductor 34B, or on both the first conductor 33B and the second conductor 34B. This allows either the first conductor 33B itself or the second conductor 34B itself, or both, to function as a coil 35.

[0097] In this way, by constructing the electric field generating section 30B using the flexible substrate 37, the electric field generating section 30B can be made thin. Furthermore, the electric field generating section 30B may be provided with another flexible substrate (not shown) on the opposite side of the flexible substrate 37 from the heat-sensitive area TS, which has the role of shielding electromagnetic waves, similar to the shielding section 36 shown in the first embodiment. This also allows for shielding electromagnetic waves so that they do not go away from the heat-sensitive area TS. The other flexible substrate, for example, only needs to be large enough to cover the second electrode 32B and connected to the "reference potential electrode".

[0098] As described above, according to the third embodiment, in addition to the same effects as the first embodiment, the following further effects can be obtained.

[0099] According to this embodiment, the first conductor 33B and the second conductor 34B are formed on a flat surface, and the first conductor 33B is in a bent shape. As a result, the first conductor 33B, the second conductor 34B and the coil 35 can be formed on a flat surface such as a flexible substrate 37, and the thickness of the electric field generating section 30B can be reduced.

[0100] Although each embodiment has been described in detail above with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to each embodiment and may be modified, substituted, or deleted as long as it does not depart from the gist of this invention. Furthermore, other embodiments described below may also be used. Similar effects to those of the above embodiments can be obtained with other embodiments as well.

[0101] In each of the embodiments described above, a glove 1 for human attachment was used as an example of an "attachment," but the "attachment" could also be, for example, a hat, earmuffs, scarf, underwear, socks, footwear, or any item that can be worn, such as a handkerchief, towel, blanket, or mat. The shape of the dielectric heating device 3 and the intensity of the electromagnetic waves should be designed according to the intended use and size of the "attachment."

[0102] In the embodiments described above, the device is configured to allow the user to feel warmth or coldness, but it is not necessary to provide a cold sensation. In this case, the "wearable device" can be used, for example, as a cold-weather garment or a heat-retaining device such as a hand warmer.

[0103] In the embodiments described above, a shielding section 36 is provided, but a configuration without a shielding section 36 is also possible. In this case, for example, electromagnetic waves can be emitted in the direction along the Z-axis in Figure 5, making it possible to create a reversible "wearing device".

[0104] In each of the embodiments described above, the "first temperature," "second temperature," and "third temperature" are assumed to be stored in the control unit 11 in advance. However, the "first temperature," "second temperature," and "third temperature" may also be set by the user by operating a dial, button, or the like provided on the control device 10.

[0105] In each of the embodiments described above, the electric field generating unit 30 is configured by connecting multiple electric field generating units 30 to one high-frequency voltage generating unit 12. However, it is also possible to connect one electric field generating unit 30 to each of the multiple high-frequency voltage generating units 12.

[0106] In each of the above embodiments, if a Peltier element is included, the high-frequency voltage generation unit 12 may have a high-frequency rejection filter to prevent electromagnetic waves from affecting the Peltier element. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0107] 1...Glove for human body wear, 1A...Glove body, 2...Right hand, 2A...Second finger, 3...Dielectric heating device, 10...Control device, 11...Control unit, 12...High frequency voltage generation unit, 13...Drive unit, 14...Display unit, 15...Input / output unit, 20...Tactile device, 30,30A,30B...Electric field generation unit, 31,31A,31B...First electrode, 32,32A,32B...Second electrode, 33,33B...First conductor, 34, 34A, 34B... Second conductor, 35... Coil, 36, 36A... Shield section, 37... Flexible substrate, 40... Actuator, 50... Temperature detection section, 60... Heat conductive material, 70... Transmission line, 80... Control cable, 90... High-frequency power supply section, 91... Switching element, 92... Zener diode, 93... DC power supply, d1, d2... Minimum separation distance, w... Width, TS... Heat-sensitive area.

Claims

1. A device that is attached to a living body, At least one electric field generating unit that generates electromagnetic waves, A high-frequency voltage generating unit that generates a voltage applied to the electric field generating unit, A transmission line electrically connecting the electric field generating unit and the high-frequency voltage generating unit, Equipped with, The electric field generating unit comprises a first electrode, a second electrode, a first conductor electrically connecting the first electrode and the transmission line, and a second conductor electrically connecting the second electrode and the transmission line. A high-frequency voltage is applied to the first electrode and the second electrode from the high-frequency voltage generation unit. The minimum separation distance between the first electrode and the second electrode is less than or equal to 1 / 10 of the wavelength of the output electromagnetic wave. The minimum separation distance between the first conductor and the second conductor is 1 / 10 or less of the wavelength of the output electromagnetic wave. The mounting device is characterized in that the first conductor comprises a coil.

2. The electric field generating unit is positioned at a location corresponding to the heat-sensitive region of the living body. The attachment device according to claim 1.

3. A heat conductive member is provided between the electric field generating unit and the heat-sensitive region. The thermal conductivity of the heat-conducting member is greater than the thermal conductivity of the members other than the heat-conducting member. The attachment device according to claim 2.

4. The system includes an actuator capable of changing the distance between the heat-sensitive region and the heat-conducting member. The attachment device according to claim 3.

5. The aforementioned high-frequency voltage generating unit is By supplying a first high-frequency power between the first electrode and the second electrode, a first state is achieved in which the heat-sensitive region senses a first temperature. By supplying a second high-frequency power that is smaller than the first high-frequency power, a second state is created in which the heat-sensitive region perceives a second temperature lower than the first temperature, By supplying a third high-frequency power greater than the first high-frequency power, a third state is created in which the heat-sensitive region perceives a third temperature higher than the first temperature, It is possible to switch between these two options. The attachment device according to claim 2.

6. The first conductor and the second conductor are formed on a plane, and the first conductor is in a bent shape. The attachment device according to claim 1.

7. A plurality of electric field generating units are provided for a predetermined unit area in the heat-sensitive region. The attachment device according to claim 2.

8. The resonant frequency of the electric field generating unit is set to match the driving frequency of the high-frequency voltage when the electric field generating unit is in contact with the heat-sensitive region. The attachment device according to claim 2.

9. The electric field generating section is positioned to include a tactile sensation generating section that evokes a sense of touch. The attachment device according to claim 2.

10. Between the electric field generating unit and the heat-sensitive region, there is a Peltier element that absorbs heat when the high-frequency voltage is not applied. The attachment device according to claim 2.

11. The electric field generating unit includes a shielding unit, The shield portion is provided on the side opposite to the heat-sensitive region with respect to the first electrode and the second electrode. The attachment device according to claim 2.

12. A temperature detection unit for detecting the temperature of the heat-sensitive area, A control unit that provides feedback control to the high-frequency voltage generation unit based on the detected temperature detected by the temperature detection unit, Equipped with, The attachment device according to claim 2.

13. A glove designed to be worn on the human body, At least one electric field generating unit that generates electromagnetic waves, A high-frequency voltage generating unit that generates a voltage applied to the electric field generating unit, A transmission line electrically connecting the electric field generating unit and the high-frequency voltage generating unit, Equipped with, The electric field generating unit comprises a first electrode, a second electrode, a first conductor electrically connecting the first electrode and the transmission line, and a second conductor electrically connecting the second electrode and the transmission line. A high-frequency voltage is applied to the first electrode and the second electrode from the high-frequency voltage generation unit. The minimum separation distance between the first electrode and the second electrode is less than or equal to 1 / 10 of the wavelength of the output electromagnetic wave. The minimum separation distance between the first conductor and the second conductor is 1 / 10 or less of the wavelength of the output electromagnetic wave. The first conductor is characterized by comprising a coil, and is a glove for human wear.

Citation Information

Patent Citations

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    JP2019003470A