Wearable device that enables direct current boosting in a switch-capacitor module for efficient use of a wearable thermoelectric power generation element, and an operating method thereof

Abstract

One embodiment of the present invention provides a technology that forms a switch-capacitor DC boost device together with a thermoelectric element, thereby allowing the connection of the capacitor to be variable in each case of electrical storage in the capacitor due to the generation of electricity by the thermoelectric element and the operation of an electrical device due to the discharge of electricity from the capacitor. For the efficient use of a wearable thermoelectric power generation element according to an embodiment of the present invention, a wearable device capable of switch-capacitor DC boosting comprises: a thermoelectric element that generates electricity by contacting the surface of a user's body; a capacitor module having a plurality of capacitors connected to the thermoelectric element and storing electricity generated from the thermoelectric element; a switch module having a plurality of switch parts that allow one capacitor among the plurality of capacitors to be connected in series or in parallel with another capacitor; and a device part that receives electricity from the plurality of capacitors when each of the plurality of capacitors is connected in series by the operation of the switch part.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a wearable device capable of switch-capacitor DC boosting for the efficient use of a wearable thermoelectric power generation element and a method of operating the same. More specifically, it relates to a technology that forms a switch-capacitor DC boosting device together with a thermoelectric element so that the connection of the capacitor is variable in each case of capacitor electrical storage due to electricity production by the thermoelectric element and electrical device operation due to electricity discharge from the capacitor. Background Technology

[0003] A thermoelectric element refers to a device that utilizes the effects resulting from the interaction between heat and electricity. The effect in which a temperature gradient occurs between the two ends of a thermoelectric material when current is passed through it is called the Peltier effect, and conversely, the effect in which electricity is generated when there is a temperature difference between the two ends of a thermoelectric material is called the Seebeck effect.

[0004] By utilizing the Seebeck effect, heat generated in computers, automobile engines, industrial plants, etc., can be converted into electrical energy. Thermoelectric power generation using this Seebeck effect can be utilized as a new and renewable energy source. Recently, there has been an increase in research and development on devices that utilize this electricity and generate electricity using human body heat by installing this Seebeck effect in wearable equipment.

[0005] Korean Published Patent No. 10-2022-0114297 (Title of Invention: Case Device and Method Providing Charging Function) discloses a case device providing a charging function, comprising: a housing including an internal space for storing a wearable device; a communication interface providing a wired or wireless connection with the wearable device; at least one receiving groove formed in the internal space for storing the wearable device; at least one thermoelectric element disposed such that a portion is exposed through the at least one receiving groove; a heat radiating member disposed adjacent to the at least one thermoelectric element; a battery disposed inside the housing; and at least one processor electrically connected to the communication interface, the at least one thermoelectric element, the heat radiating member, and the battery, wherein the at least one processor: acquires state information of the wearable device and controls the at least one thermoelectric element based on the state information of the wearable device. Prior art literature

[0007] Republic of Korea Published Patent No. 10-2022-0114297 The problem to be solved

[0008] The objective of the present invention, which is to solve the above-mentioned problems, is to form a switch-capacitor DC boost device together with a thermoelectric element so that the connection of the capacitor becomes variable (parallel / series) in the case of capacitor electrical storage resulting from the electricity production of the thermoelectric element and in the case of electrical device operation resulting from the discharge of electricity from the capacitor, respectively.

[0009] The technical problems that the present invention aims to solve are not limited to those mentioned above, and other unmentioned technical problems will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present invention belongs from the description below. means of solving the problem

[0011] The configuration of the present invention for achieving the above-mentioned purpose comprises: a thermoelectric element that generates electricity by contacting the surface of a user's body; a capacitor module having a plurality of capacitors connected to the thermoelectric element and storing electricity generated from the thermoelectric element; a switch module having a plurality of switch sections that allow one of the plurality of capacitors to be connected in series or in parallel with another capacitor; and a device section that receives electricity from the plurality of capacitors when each of the plurality of capacitors is connected in series by the operation of the switch section.

[0012] In an embodiment of the present invention, the switch portion may be an integrated circuit (IC).

[0013] In an embodiment of the present invention, the switch portion may include a NO terminal, which is a terminal that is typically open, an NC terminal, which is a terminal that is typically closed, and a common terminal.

[0014] In an embodiment of the present invention, the first common terminal and the first NC terminal are connected and energized in the circuit within the switch unit, and the second common terminal and the second NC terminal are connected and energized, so that each of the plurality of capacitors can be connected in parallel and charged.

[0015] In an embodiment of the present invention, in the circuit within the switch unit, the first common terminal and the first NO terminal are connected and energized, and the second common terminal and the second NO terminal are connected and energized, so that each of the plurality of capacitors can be discharged by being connected in series.

[0016] In an embodiment of the present invention, when one capacitor and another capacitor are connected in series or in parallel, each of the plurality of switch parts can sequentially change state.

[0017] In an embodiment of the present invention, the switch module may comprise: a front switch portion connected to one end of the device portion; a rear switch portion connected to the other end of the device portion; and at least one intermediate switch portion formed between the front switch portion and the rear switch portion.

[0018] In an embodiment of the present invention, the first NO terminal of the front switch unit and one end of the device unit may be connected, and the second NO terminal of the rear switch unit and the other end of the device unit may be connected.

[0019] In an embodiment of the present invention, the first NC terminal of the rear switch unit and one end of the thermoelectric element may be connected, and the second NC terminal of the front switch unit and the other end of the thermoelectric element may be connected.

[0020] In an embodiment of the present invention, the second NO terminal of one intermediate switch unit and the first NO terminal of another intermediate switch unit may be connected.

[0021] In an embodiment of the present invention, a first NO terminal of one intermediate switch part and a second NO terminal of the leading switch part may be connected, and a first NO terminal of the trailing switch part and a second NO terminal of another intermediate switch part may be connected.

[0022] In an embodiment of the present invention, the intermediate switch portion may be formed in multiple numbers.

[0023] In an embodiment of the present invention, the capacitor module may include a front capacitor connected in parallel with the front switch unit; an intermediate capacitor connected in parallel with the intermediate switch unit; and a rear capacitor connected in parallel with the rear switch unit.

[0024] The configuration of the present invention for achieving the above-mentioned purpose comprises: a first step in which each of the plurality of capacitors is arranged in a parallel connection state; a second step in which, when a supply voltage signal is input to the other side control terminal of each of the plurality of switch units, the other side of each of the plurality of switch units is sequentially switched from a closed state to an open state; a third step in which, when a supply voltage signal is input to the one side control terminal of each of the plurality of switch units, the one side of each of the plurality of switch units is sequentially switched from a closed state to an open state, thereby connecting each of the plurality of capacitors in series; a fourth step in which, when a ground signal is input to the one side control terminal of each of the plurality of switch units, the one side of each of the plurality of switch units is sequentially switched from an open state to a closed state; and a fifth step in which, when a ground signal is input to the other side control terminal of each of the plurality of switch units, the other side of each of the plurality of switch units is sequentially switched from an open state to a closed state, thereby connecting each of the plurality of capacitors in parallel.

[0025] In an embodiment of the present invention, a sixth step may be further included in which the above-described second to fifth steps are repeated. Effects of the invention

[0027] The effect of the present invention according to the above configuration is that the output of a thermoelectric element is stored in a plurality of capacitors connected in parallel, and subsequently, each of the plurality of capacitors is converted into a series connection to boost the voltage with high efficiency and provide electricity to the outside.

[0028] The effects of the present invention are not limited to the effects described above, and should be understood to include all effects that can be inferred from the configuration of the invention described in the detailed description of the invention or the claims. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0030] Figure 1 is an image of the principle of electricity production using a thermoelectric element. Figure 2 is a graph related to the operating characteristics of a thermoelectric element. Figure 3 is a circuit diagram and graph related to capacitor operating characteristics. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of the switch-capacitor connection of a wearable device according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 is a graph showing the efficiency related to the residual voltage during parallel charging of the switch section and capacitor. Figure 6 is a graph related to the use of thermoelectric elements and capacitors. FIGS. 7 and FIGS. 8 are circuit diagrams of a wearable device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 9 to 13 are schematic diagrams regarding the connection of a capacitor module and a switch module according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 14 is a graph related to the operation of a switch module according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 15 and FIGS. 16 are actual embodiments of a wearable device according to one embodiment of the present invention and related graphs. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0031] The present invention will be described below with reference to the attached drawings. However, the present invention may be implemented in various different forms and is therefore not limited to the embodiments described herein. Furthermore, in order to clearly explain the present invention in the drawings, parts unrelated to the explanation have been omitted, and similar parts throughout the specification have been given similar reference numerals.

[0032] Throughout the specification, when it is stated that a part is "connected (connected, in contact, combined)" with another part, this includes not only cases where they are "directly connected," but also cases where they are "indirectly connected" with other members interposed between them. Furthermore, when it is stated that a part "includes" a certain component, this means that, unless specifically stated otherwise, it does not exclude other components but rather allows for the inclusion of additional components.

[0033] The terms used in this specification are used merely to describe specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the invention. Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this specification, terms such as "comprising" or "having" are intended to indicate the existence of the features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification, and should be understood as not precluding the existence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0035] Figure 1 is an image of the principle of electricity production using a thermoelectric element, and Figure 2 is a graph related to the operating characteristics of the thermoelectric element.

[0036] As shown in Fig. 1, a person can maintain a body temperature at a certain level, which can be higher than the temperature of a normal space, and to generate electricity using this, a wearable device may have a thermoelectric element located on the person's skin and a heat dissipation part formed on the upper part of the thermoelectric element to dissipate heat from the thermoelectric element.

[0037] In this case, the thermoelectric element emits heat due to the difference between the body temperature at the skin and the ambient temperature, and the emitted heat is 100–300 W / m² 2 It is at that level. In addition, thermoelectric devices can convert emitted body heat into electricity.

[0038] When using the thermoelectric element described above, the thermal conversion efficiency is determined by the figure of merit (zT) of the thermoelectric element, and is at the level of 0.01–0.08% in a human body thermal environment. Therefore, the area of ​​the thermoelectric element is 45 cm² 2 In this case, a maximum power of 0.15 to 1.18 mW can be recovered.

[0039] As shown in Fig. 2, maximum power refers to the power delivered when the resistance of the thermoelectric element and the external load are equivalent, and I / I of the graph in Fig. 2. max This corresponds to the case where α is 0.5. In this case, the normalized maximum voltage and power (V / V max , P / P max ) are 0.5 and 1, respectively.

[0040] Figure 3 is a circuit diagram and graph related to the operating characteristics of a capacitor. Here, Figure 3 (a) is a circuit diagram related to a capacitor connected to a DC power source and a resistor, and Figure 3 (b) is a schematic diagram related to the operating characteristics of a capacitor connected to a DC power source and a resistor.

[0041] As shown in FIG. 3(a), a capacitor with capacitance C reaches a maximum voltage V s It can be formed as an RC circuit connected to a DC power source producing and a resistor R, where V s R is equivalent to the electrically equivalent circuit model of the thermoelectric element.

[0042] In the circuit of Fig. 3(a), if points 2 and 3 are connected with the capacitor completely discharged, the voltage V at point 2 becomes the voltage V at point 1. s Power can be delivered until it becomes equal to .

[0043] Current I is influenced by resistance R (V s -V) / R flows through the circuit, and accordingly, the power P delivered to the capacitor is I*V. Also, the time from the moment the circuit is connected can be analyzed by non-dimensionalizing it with respect to the time constant τ, where τ is R*C.

[0044] The energy E transferred to the capacitor is the product of power P and time, and after a time of approximately 5τ, V is V s It becomes 99.3% of, and V max It can reach a value close to . In terms of power transmission, more than 80% power transmission is possible between 0.3τ and 1.3τ, and at this time, V / V maxIt is between 0.25 and 0.72.

[0045] In the graph of Fig. 3(b), the vertical axis represents the normalized value as described above, and the horizontal axis represents the time constant (τ). As can be seen in the graph of Fig. 3(b), the average power between 0.3τ and 1.3τ is approximately 93% of the maximum transferable power efficiency.

[0047] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a switch-capacitor connection of a wearable device according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 5 is a graph related to efficiency with respect to residual voltage during switch-capacitor parallel charging, and FIG. 6 is a graph related to the use of a thermoelectric element and a capacitor.

[0048] As shown in Fig. 4, when n capacitors with capacitance C are connected in parallel, they have a capacitance of nC, and when charged, all capacitors V s It can be charged up to. Afterwards, if points 2 and 5, 4 and 7, ..., and points (n-2) and (n+1) are connected in series, the capacitance decreases to C / n, but the voltage is n*V s It rises to.

[0049] This is the load resistance R L If you connect to, V L is n*V s If the load resistance is reduced until it is completely discharged, and the load resistance is connected to a rechargeable secondary battery or another capacitor, the boosted power can be transferred and stored.

[0050] In Fig. 5, P mean is the minimum power transfer efficiency (graph a), and E gain ε is the ratio of the amount of energy stored in the capacitor to the maximum storage capacity of the capacitor (graph b), and τ is the time constant (graph c).

[0051] In addition, in each of the graphs (a) to (e) of FIG. 5, the vertical axis represents the dimensionless (normalized) value (V / V) of the residual voltage (V). s It represents ) and the horizontal axis represents the time constant (τ). Also, the residual voltage (V) range is indicated at the top of each graph in Fig. 5 (a) to (e).

[0052] As shown in Figure 5, when a thermoelectric element and a capacitor are connected, a comparison can be made between when the residual voltage of the capacitor is at the 20% to 60% level and when it is charged to 80%. In addition, it can be seen that in an environment where the residual voltage of the capacitor is at the 20% to 60% level, the power transfer efficiency from the thermoelectric element to the capacitor is 80% or higher.

[0053] At this time, the energy stored in the capacitor decreases as the absolute charge amount decreases, but considering the charging time, the time-averaged power (E) when a residual voltage of 20% to 40% is formed gain It can be confirmed that / τ) is high.

[0054] In each of FIGS. 6(a) to (c), graphs are shown for different ranges of time constants (τ) in relation to circuit diagrams configured as in FIGS. 4, with the vertical axis representing the normalized value (ratio to the maximum value (max)) and the horizontal axis representing the time constant (τ), and graphs for voltage (V), current (I), power (P), and energy (E) are displayed.

[0055] Figure 6 shows a graph for the case where 16 capacitors are formed in the circuit diagram of Figure 4. The average power transfer efficiency (P) of the thermoelectric element is obtained by repeating the process of connecting the 16 capacitors in parallel, charging to 80% voltage, connecting them in series to discharge to 60%, and then switching them to parallel to charge from 60% to 80% voltage. avgThis indicates that ) is achieved at 80.8%. When discharged at 20% to 40% voltage, a power transfer efficiency of 58.2% to 87.1% can be achieved.

[0057] When energy is recovered by converting body heat into electricity based on the wearable thermoelectric device described above, the maximum recoverable output is at the level of 0.1 to 1 mW (DC 50 to 200 mV) depending on the surrounding environment, depending on the physical properties of the body heat and the thermoelectric device.

[0058] Therefore, to operate an actual application (electrical device), the output voltage must be increased through a boost circuit before use, but commercial DC voltage boost circuits have an efficiency of less than 40%.

[0059] The present invention provides a switch-capacitor DC boost technology capable of storing the output of thermoelectric elements in a capacitor connected in parallel and boosting the voltage with high efficiency by changing the capacitor connection to series when the electricity from the capacitor is used. The details thereof will be described in detail below using the respective drawings.

[0060] FIGS. 7 and FIGS. 8 are circuit diagrams of a wearable device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Here, FIG. 8(a) represents each connection terminal, and FIG. 8(b) represents an embodiment of the circuit configuration of the switch unit (10). In the following descriptions, 'connection' may indicate receiving an electrical signal.

[0061] As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the wearable device of the present invention comprises: a thermoelectric element that generates electricity by contacting the surface of a user's body; a capacitor module having a plurality of capacitors connected to the thermoelectric element and storing electricity generated from the thermoelectric element; a switch module having a plurality of switch units (10) that allow one capacitor among the plurality of capacitors to be connected in series or in parallel with another capacitor; and a device unit that receives electricity from the plurality of capacitors when each of the plurality of capacitors is connected in series by the operation of the switch unit (10).

[0062] Here, the device part may be an electronic device such as a lamp or a smartwatch that operates by receiving electricity, but is not limited thereto. Each of the capacitor and the thermoelectric element may have a volume suitable for a wearable device, and since details regarding this are prior art, a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0064] The switch unit (10) may be an integrated circuit (IC). Additionally, the switch unit (10) may be provided with a normally open terminal (NO terminal, NOx), a normally closed terminal (NC terminal, NCx), and a common terminal (Comx).

[0065] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 8(b), on one side of the switch unit (10), a supply voltage terminal (V+) (101) to which a supply voltage signal is input, a first NO terminal (NO1) (102) to which a NO terminal is input, a first common terminal (COM1) (103) to which a common terminal is input, a first control terminal (IN1) (104) to which a control signal is input or an output signal is output, and a first NC terminal (NC1) (105) to which a control signal is input or output signal is output may be formed, and the first common terminal (COM1) (103) may be selectively connected to the first NO terminal (NO1) (102) or the first NC terminal (NC1) (105) according to the digital control signal input to the first control terminal (104).

[0066] At this time, the first common terminal (COM1) (103), the first NO terminal (NO1) (102), and the first NC terminal (NC1) (105) are connected to the first switch (121), and the first common terminal (COM1) (103) can be selectively connected to the first NO terminal (NO1) (102) or the first NC terminal (NC1) (105) by the operation of the first switch (121).

[0067] Additionally, on the other side of the switch unit (10), a ground terminal (GND) (106) which is a terminal for inputting a ground signal, a second NC terminal (NC2) (107) which is an NC terminal, a second control terminal (IN2) (108) which is a control terminal (Digital Control Input Terminal) for inputting a control signal or outputting an output signal, a second common terminal (COM2) (109) which is a common terminal, and a second NO terminal (NO2) (110) which is an NO terminal may be formed, and depending on the digital control signal input to the second control terminal (108), the second common terminal (COM2) (109) may be selectively connected to the second NO terminal (NO2) (110) or the second NC terminal (NC2) (107).

[0068] At this time, the second common terminal (COM2) (109), the second NO terminal (NO2) (110), and the second NC terminal (NC2) (107) are connected to the second switch (122), and the second common terminal (COM2) (109) can be selectively connected to the second NO terminal (NO2) (110) or the second NC terminal (NC2) (107) by the operation of the second switch (122).

[0069] As seen in FIG. 8(a), the first connection part (210), the second connection part (220), and the third connection part (230) can each be formed as connection parts that are terminal blocks that transmit signals input to the circuit of FIG. 7.

[0070] A negative TEG_L (Thermoelectric Generator_Low) signal of a thermoelectric element (Thermoelectric Generator) is input to the first terminal of the first connection part (210), a ground signal is input to the second terminal of the first connection part (210), a supply voltage (Vcc) signal is input to the third terminal of the first connection part (210), and a positive TEG_H (Thermoelectric Generator_High) signal of a thermoelectric element can be input to the fourth terminal of the first connection part (210).

[0071] At this time, the first terminal of the first connection part (210) and the fourth terminal of the first connection part (210) are connected to a thermoelectric element, the second terminal of the first connection part (210) is grounded, and the third terminal of the first connection part (210) can be connected to a voltage line supplied to the device part.

[0072] Additionally, the IN_L_I signal, which is a signal when the input control signal is in a Low state, is input to the first terminal of the second connection part (220), the negative LOAD_L signal of the load of the device part is input to the second terminal of the second connection part (220), the positive LOAD_H signal of the load of the device part is input to the third terminal of the second connection part (220), and the IN_H_I signal, which is a signal when the input control signal is in a High state, can be input to the fourth terminal of the second connection part (220).

[0073] At this time, the second terminal of the second connection part (220) and the fourth terminal of the second connection part (220) are connected to the device part, and the first terminal of the second connection part (220) and the fourth terminal of the second connection part (220) can be connected to the control part that transmits the control signal.

[0074] Additionally, the IN_L_O signal, which is the signal when the output signal output from the switch module is in a Low state, is output to the first terminal of the third connection part (230), the negative LOAD_L signal of the load of the device part is input to the second terminal of the third connection part (230), the positive LOAD_H signal of the load of the device part is input to the third terminal of the third connection part (230), and the IN_H_O signal, which is the signal when the output signal output from the switch module is in a High state, can be output to the fourth terminal.

[0075] At this time, the second terminal of the third connection part (230) and the fourth terminal of the third connection part (230) are connected to the device part, and the first terminal of the third connection part (230) and the fourth terminal of the third connection part (230) can be connected to the control part that receives the output signal.

[0077] The switch module may comprise a front switch section (11) connected to one end of the device section; a rear switch section (14) connected to the other end of the device section; and at least one intermediate switch section formed between the front switch section (11) and the rear switch section (14).

[0078] Here, the intermediate switch section can be formed in multiple numbers. That is, a plurality of intermediate switch sections can be formed between the front switch section (11) and the rear switch section (14), and each of the plurality of switch sections (10) can be connected in this way.

[0079] However, for the sake of convenience of understanding, FIG. 7 discloses that two intermediate switch sections, a first intermediate switch section (12) and a second intermediate switch section (13), are formed, and the explanation will be based on this. Here, the same principle applies even if the number of intermediate switch sections increases.

[0080] As shown in FIG. 7, the first NO terminal of the front switch unit (11) and one end of the device unit can be connected, and the second NO terminal of the rear switch unit (14) and the other end of the device unit can be connected. In addition, as described above, a LOAD_H signal passing through the second connection unit (220) or the third connection unit (230) can be transmitted to the first NO terminal of the front switch unit (11), and a LOAD_L signal passing through the second connection unit (220) or the third connection unit (230) can be transmitted to the second NO terminal of the rear switch unit (14).

[0081] One end of the thermoelectric element can be connected to the first NC terminal of the rear switch unit (14), and the other end of the thermoelectric element can be connected to the second NC terminal of the front switch unit (11). Accordingly, the TEG_L signal passing through the first connection unit (210) as described above can be transmitted to the second NC terminal of the front switch unit (11), and the TEG_H signal passing through the first connection unit (210) can be transmitted to the first NC terminal of the rear switch unit (14).

[0082] And, regarding the transmission of the remaining signals to each switch unit (10), the supply voltage signal passing through the first connection unit (210) can be transmitted to the supply voltage terminal (101) of the front switch unit (11), the supply voltage terminal (101) of the first intermediate switch unit (12), the supply voltage terminal (101) of the second intermediate switch unit (13), and the supply voltage terminal (101) of the rear switch unit (14).

[0083] Additionally, the grounding signal passing through the first connection part (210) can be transmitted to the grounding terminal (106) of the front switch part (11), the grounding terminal (106) of the first intermediate switch part (12), the grounding terminal (106) of the second intermediate switch part (13), and the grounding terminal (106) of the rear switch part (14).

[0084] Additionally, the IN_H_I signal passing through the second connection part (220) can be transmitted to the first control terminal (104) of the front switch part (11), the first control terminal (104) of the first intermediate switch part (12), the first control terminal (104) of the second intermediate switch part (13), and the first control terminal (104) of the rear switch part (14) after passing through the first resistance part (311) below.

[0085] Additionally, the IN_L_I signal passing through the second connection part (220) can be transmitted to the second control terminal (108) of the front switch part (11), the second control terminal (108) of the first intermediate switch part (12), the second control terminal (108) of the second intermediate switch part (13), and the second control terminal (108) of the rear switch part (14) after passing through the second resistance part (312) below.

[0086] And, the IN_L_O signal output through the third connection part (230) can be output from the second control terminal (108) of the front switch part (11), and the IN_H_O signal can be output from the second control terminal (108) of the rear switch part (14).

[0087] The second NO terminal of one intermediate switch section and the first NO terminal (102) of another intermediate switch section can be connected. Additionally, the first NO terminal (102) of one intermediate switch section and the second NO terminal of the front switch section (11) can be connected, and the first NO terminal of the rear switch section (14) and the second NO terminal of another intermediate switch section can be connected.

[0088] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 7, the first NO terminal of the first intermediate switch section (12) and the second NO terminal of the front switch section (11) are connected, the second NO terminal of the first intermediate switch section (12) and the first NO terminal of the second intermediate switch section (13) are connected, and the first NO terminal of the rear switch section (14) and the second NO terminal of the second intermediate switch section (13) can be connected.

[0089] The capacitor module may include a front capacitor (21) connected in parallel with the front switch section (11); a middle capacitor connected in parallel with the middle switch section; and a rear capacitor (24) connected in parallel with the rear switch section (14).

[0090] Here, one end of the leading capacitor (21) can be connected to the first common terminal (103) of the leading switch unit (11), and the other end of the leading capacitor (21) can be connected to the second common terminal (109) of the leading switch unit (11). At this time, the other end of the leading capacitor (21) can be simultaneously connected to the second NC terminal of the first intermediate switch unit (12).

[0091] Additionally, one end of the first intermediate capacitor (22) connected to the first intermediate switch unit (12) may be connected to the first common terminal (103) of the first intermediate switch unit (12), and the other end of the first intermediate capacitor (22) may be connected to the second common terminal (109) of the first intermediate switch unit (12). At this time, one end of the first intermediate capacitor (22) may be simultaneously connected to the first NC terminal of the leading switch unit (11), and the other end of the first intermediate capacitor (22) may be simultaneously connected to the second NC terminal of the second intermediate switch unit (13).

[0092] Additionally, one end of the second intermediate capacitor (23) connected to the second intermediate switch unit (13) may be connected to the first common terminal (103) of the second intermediate switch unit (13), and the other end of the second intermediate capacitor (23) may be connected to the second common terminal (109) of the second intermediate switch unit (13). At this time, one end of the second intermediate capacitor (23) may be simultaneously connected to the first NC terminal of the first intermediate switch unit (12), and the other end of the second intermediate capacitor (23) may be simultaneously connected to the second NC terminal of the rear switch unit (14).

[0093] As shown in FIG. 8(b), in the circuit within the switch unit (10), the first common terminal (103) and the first NC terminal (105) are connected and energized, and the second common terminal (109) and the second NC terminal (107) are connected and energized, so that each of the multiple capacitors can be connected in parallel and charged.

[0094] In addition, in the circuit within the switch unit (10), the first common terminal (103) and the first NO terminal (102) are connected and energized, and the second common terminal (109) and the second NO terminal (110) are connected and energized, so that each of the multiple capacitors can be discharged by being connected in series.

[0095] When one capacitor and another capacitor are connected in series or in parallel, each of the multiple switch sections (10) can be sequentially changed state. Specifically, in sequentially changing each of the front switch section (11), the first intermediate switch section (12), the second intermediate switch section (13), and the rear switch section (14), a delay section formed by a resistor and a capacitor may be installed to avoid the inconvenience of operating each switch section (10) individually. Furthermore, the delay section may include the first resistor section (311), the second resistor section (312), and the first to eighth delay capacitors (328) described below.

[0096] Specifically, a first resistor section (311) may be formed between the line to which the IN_H_I signal is input and each switch section (10), and a second resistor section (312) may be formed between the line to which the IN_L_I signal is input and each switch section (10). Here, each of the first resistor section (311) and the second resistor section (312) may be equipped with a plurality of resistors.

[0097] Here, a first delay capacitor (321) is connected to the line connecting the first resistance section (311) and the first control terminal (104) of the front switch section (11), a second delay capacitor (322) is connected to the line connecting the first resistance section (311) and the first control terminal (104) of the first intermediate switch section (12), a third delay capacitor (323) is connected to the line connecting the first resistance section (311) and the first control terminal (104) of the second intermediate switch section (13), and a fourth delay capacitor (324) can be connected to the line connecting the first resistance section (311) and the first control terminal (104) of the rear switch section (14).

[0098] Additionally, a second delay capacitor (322) may be connected to the line connecting the second resistor (312) and the second control terminal (108) of the rear switch (14), a sixth delay capacitor (326) may be connected to the line connecting the second resistor (312) and the second control terminal (108) of the second intermediate switch (13), a seventh delay capacitor (327) may be connected to the line connecting the second resistor (312) and the second control terminal (108) of the first intermediate switch (12), and an eighth delay capacitor (328) may be connected to the line connecting the second resistor (312) and the second control terminal (108) of the front switch (11).

[0099] In a switch module configured as described above, when a ground (GND) signal is received as an IN_H_I signal at the first control terminal (104) of any switch unit (10), the common terminal and the NC terminal are connected at the switch unit (10), and the switch unit (10) can be in an NC state. That is, the NC state may mean that the switch unit (10) is closed when there is no separate operation.

[0100] Here, in one switch unit (10), the state in which the first common terminal (103) and the first NC terminal (105) are connected can be called the NC1 state, and the state in which the second common terminal (109) and the second NC terminal (107) are connected can be called the NC2 state.

[0101] And, when a supply voltage (V+, 1.8V~5.5V) signal is input as an IN_L_I signal at the second control terminal (108) of one of the switch units (10), the common terminal and the NO terminal are connected at the switch unit (10), and the switch unit (10) can become NO. That is, the NO state can mean an open state when there is operation on the switch unit (10).

[0102] Here, in one switch unit (10), the state in which the first common terminal (103) and the first NO terminal (102) are connected can be called the NO1 state, and the state in which the second common terminal (109) and the second NO terminal (110) are connected can be called the NO2 state.

[0103] At this time, the control signal (operation signal) input as described above can delay the signal arrival time through a combination of a resistor and a delay capacitor appropriately combined as seen in the delay section, and accordingly, sequential signal input to each of the plurality of switch sections (10) as described above is possible.

[0104] Specifically, in the circuit diagram of FIG. 7, when the supply voltage (V+) signal is input as the IN_L_I signal, the rear switch unit (14) is switched from the NC2 state to the NO2 state, and then the second intermediate switch unit (13) is switched from the NC2 state to the NO2 state, and then the first intermediate switch unit (12) is switched from the NC2 state to the NO2 state, and then the front switch unit (11) can be switched from the NC2 state to the NO2 state.

[0105] Next, when a supply voltage (V+) signal is input to the IN_H_I signal on the opposite side, the leading switch unit (11) is switched from the NC1 state to the NO1 state, and then the first intermediate switch unit (12) is switched from the NC1 state to the NO1 state, and then the second intermediate switch unit (13) is switched from the NC1 state to the NO1 state, and then the trailing switch unit (14) can be switched from the NC1 state to the NO1 state.

[0106] And, as described above, when the NO1 state and NO2 state are completed in each switch unit (10), each capacitor can be connected in series.

[0107] Afterwards, when the IN_H_I signal receives the ground (GND) signal, the leading switch unit (11) is switched from the NO1 state to the NC1 state, and then the first intermediate switch unit (12) is switched from the NO1 state to the NC1 state, and then the second intermediate switch unit (13) is switched from the NO1 state to the NC1 state, and then the trailing switch unit (14) can be switched from the NO1 state to the NC1 state.

[0108] Next, when a ground (GND) signal is input to the IN_L_I signal on the opposite side, the rear switch unit (14) is switched from the NO2 state to the NC2 state, and then the second intermediate switch unit (13) is switched from the NO2 state to the NC2 state, and then the first intermediate switch unit (12) is switched from the NO2 state to the NC2 state, and then the front switch unit (11) can be switched from the NO2 state to the NC2 state.

[0109] And, as described above, when the NO1 state and NO2 state are completed in each switch unit (10), each capacitor can be connected in series.

[0111] FIGS. 9 to 13 are schematic diagrams regarding the connection of a capacitor module and a switch module according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 9 to 13 schematically show the configuration of the switch module in a circuit configured as in FIGS. 7 and 8, and may represent an NC state or an NO state generated in chronological order.

[0112] That is, Fig. 9 (a) and (b), Fig. 10 (a) and (b), Fig. 11 (a) and (b), Fig. 12 (a) and (b), and Fig. 13 (a) each may represent items performed sequentially.

[0113] Here, NC and NO represent the NC terminal and the NO terminal, respectively. If a thick line border is formed on the NC terminal, it indicates the connection between the common terminal and the NC terminal (NC1 state or NC2 state), and if a thick line border is formed on the NO terminal, it indicates the connection between the common terminal and the NO terminal (NO1 state or NO2 state).

[0114] Figure 9 (a) shows the connection state of each capacitor and each switch unit (10), and Figure 9 (b) shows the state in which each switch unit (10) is connected in parallel with the capacitors in NC1 state and NC2 state.

[0115] FIG. 10(a) shows that each switch unit (10) is sequentially switched from the NC2 state to the NO2 state in the order of the rear switch unit (14), the second intermediate switch unit (13), the first intermediate switch unit (12), and the front switch unit (11). Here, the time when each of the rear switch unit (14), the second intermediate switch unit (13), the first intermediate switch unit (12), and the front switch unit (11) is in the NO2 state can be called t0. Additionally, FIG. 10(b) shows that the front switch unit (11) is switched from the NC1 state to the NO1 state at t1, which is a short time after t0.

[0116] Figure 11 (a) shows an abnormal state. If the rear switch unit (14) is switched from the NC1 state to the NO1 state at time t2 as in Figure 11 (a), the second intermediate capacitor (23) can be electrically shorted internally and discharged.

[0117] Therefore, as shown in Fig. 11 (b), the leading switch section (11), the first intermediate switch section (12), the second intermediate switch section (13), and the trailing switch section (14) must each be switched sequentially (t2, t3, t4) from the NC1 state to the NO1 state to prevent power loss and to sequentially connect each capacitor in series to discharge the capacitor.

[0118] Afterwards, all switch units (10) can be returned to the NC1 and NC2 states by switching in reverse order as shown in (a) and (b) of FIG. 12 and (a) of FIG. 13.

[0119] Specifically, FIG. 12 (a) shows that the rear switch unit (14) switches from the NO1 state to the NC1 state at time t5, and FIG. 12 (b) shows that it switches from the NO1 state to the NC1 state sequentially (t6, t7, t8). Also, FIG. 13 (a) shows that from time t9, the rear switch unit (14), the second intermediate switch unit (13), the first intermediate switch unit (12), and the front switch unit (11) each switch from the NO2 state to the NC2 state sequentially, and accordingly, it shows that it returns to the same state as FIG. 9 (b).

[0120] Afterwards, as seen from the arrow in Fig. 13 (b), the state of each switch module in Fig. 9 (b), Fig. 10 (a) and (b), Fig. 11 (b), Fig. 12 (a) and (b), and Fig. 13 (a) cycles to perform a parallel / series state switching of each capacitor, and accordingly, low-voltage charging and discharge after boosting of the capacitor module can be implemented.

[0122] FIG. 14 is a graph related to the operation of a switch module according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0123] As shown in FIG. 7, as an example of a combination of appropriate resistors and delay capacitors for delaying the control signal (input signal) of the switch-capacitor, the resistance value of each of the first resistor part (311) and the second resistor part (312) may be 100Ω. In addition, the first delay capacitor (321), the second delay capacitor (322), the fifth delay capacitor (325), and the sixth delay capacitor (326) may each be 1pF, and the remaining third delay capacitor (323), the fourth delay capacitor (324), the seventh delay capacitor (327), and the eighth delay capacitor (328) may each be 47pF.

[0124] In FIG. 14, a single red dotted box indicates that a control signal (operation signal) is transmitted from the IN_H_I signal or IN_L_I signal described in FIG. 7 through the four switch sections (10) (front switch section (11), first intermediate switch section (12), second intermediate switch section (13) and rear switch section (14)) to the IN_H_O signal or IN_L_O signal.

[0125] In FIG. 14, delayed signals are input to the consecutive dotted boxes (boxes a, b, c, and d) for operation of the switch unit (10), and FIG. 14 shows that delayed signals are sequentially input to a total of 16 switch units (10).

[0126] In the NC to NO graph (a) of FIG. 14, the time interval of delay from the leftmost switch unit (10), where the signal is first input by receiving the supply voltage (V+) signal to each switch unit (10), to the rightmost switch unit (10) is indicated, and in the NO to NC graph (b) of FIG. 14, when the ground (GND) signal is input to each switch unit (10), it can be confirmed that the conversion signal is reversed from the rightmost switch unit (10) to the leftmost switch unit (10).

[0127] FIGS. 15 and FIGS. 16 are actual embodiments of a wearable device according to an embodiment of the present invention and related graphs. Specifically, FIG. 15 is a photograph of a prototype of the wearable device of the present invention, FIG. 16 (a) is a graph showing the prototype transferring power to an external capacitor, and FIG. 16 (b) is a graph showing the prototype transferring power to an external resistor.

[0128] As shown in FIG. 15, for the formation of a prototype, the leading capacitor (21), the first intermediate capacitor (22), the second intermediate capacitor (23), and the trailing capacitor (24) were each provided as 3.3mF capacitors.

[0129] And, each capacitor is a thermoelectric element (V s After connecting to (=100mV), power was transferred to an external capacitor using an external capacitor with a capacitance of 3.3mF. Then, the voltage and current were measured over time to obtain a graph as shown in Fig. 16 (a).

[0130] As shown in Fig. 16 (a), when multiple capacitors are connected in series, it can be confirmed that a voltage of 400mV and a capacitance of 0.825mF are formed in the capacitor module. At this time, when power is transferred to an external capacitor, it can be confirmed that the external capacitor can be finally charged to 400mV by going through each step (reflecting changes in NO and NC states).

[0131] In addition, each capacitor is a thermoelectric element (V s After connecting to (=100mV), power transfer was performed to an external resistor. Then, the voltage and current were measured over time to obtain a graph as shown in Fig. 16 (b).

[0132] As shown in Fig. 16 (b), multiple capacitors were charged to 100mV and then converted in series to form 400mV, and then discharged to 160mV, and each of the multiple capacitors was converted in parallel and charged.

[0133] And, as seen in the graph, since all capacitors form a residual voltage of 40mV immediately after switching, it can be confirmed that 0.6mA is applied, and it can be confirmed that they operate by repeating the discharge when fully charged again.

[0135] Hereinafter, the method of operation of the present invention reflecting the above-mentioned matters will be described.

[0136] In the first stage, each of the multiple capacitors can be arranged in a parallel connection state.

[0137] In the second step, when a supply voltage signal is input to the other side control terminal of each of the plurality of switch units (10), the other side of each of the plurality of switch units (10) can be sequentially switched from a closed state to an open state.

[0138] In the third step, when a supply voltage signal is input to one side control terminal of each of the plurality of switch units (10), one side of each of the plurality of switch units (10) is sequentially switched from a closed state to an open state, so that each of the plurality of capacitors can be connected in series.

[0139] In the fourth step, when a ground signal is input to one side control terminal of each of the plurality of switch units (10), one side of each of the plurality of switch units (10) can be sequentially switched from an open state to a closed state.

[0140] In the fifth step, when a ground signal is input to the other side control terminal of each of the plurality of switch units (10), the other side of each of the plurality of switch units (10) is sequentially switched from an open state to a closed state, so that each of the plurality of capacitors can be connected in parallel.

[0141] And, in step 6, steps 2 through 5 may be repeated.

[0142] When using the wearable device of the present invention as described above, the output of the thermoelectric element is stored in a plurality of capacitors connected in parallel, and subsequently, each of the plurality of capacitors is converted into a series connection to increase the voltage with high efficiency and provide electricity to the outside.

[0143] In addition, high-efficiency power transfer is possible through the formation of residual voltage by the sequential state switching of multiple switches.

[0144] In addition, internal power loss of the capacitor module is prevented by performing sequential switching of multiple switches, and the operation efficiency can be improved by configuring a resistor-capacitor delay unit that can achieve a sequential switching sequence using only two signal input terminals.

[0146] The foregoing description of the present invention is for illustrative purposes only, and those skilled in the art will understand that other specific forms can be easily modified without altering the technical spirit or essential features of the present invention. Therefore, the embodiments described above should be understood as illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. For example, each component described as a single unit may be implemented in a distributed manner, and components described as distributed may likewise be implemented in a combined form.

[0147] The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims set forth below, and all modifications or variations derived from the meaning and scope of the claims and equivalent concepts thereof should be interpreted as being included within the scope of the present invention. Explanation of the symbols

[0149] 10: Switch section 11: Tip switch section 12: 1st intermediate switch section 13: 2nd intermediate switch section 14: Rear switch section 21: Front capacitor 22: 1st intermediate capacitor 23: 2nd intermediate capacitor 24: Subsequent capacitor 101: Supply voltage terminal 102: 1st NO terminal 103: 1st common terminal 104: 1st control input terminal 105: 1st NC terminal 106: Ground terminal 107: 2nd NC terminal 108: Second control input terminal 109: Second common terminal 110: 2nd NO terminal 121: 1st switch 122: Second switch 210: First connection part 220: Second connection part 230: Third connection part 311: First resistance section 312: Second resistance section 321: First delay capacitor 322: Second delay capacitor 323: Third delay capacitor 324: Fourth delay capacitor 325: 5th delay capacitor 326: 6th delay capacitor 327: 7th delay capacitor 328: 8th delay capacitor 1021: 1st NO terminal of the tip switch section 1022: 1st NO terminal of the 1st intermediate switch section 1023: 1st NO terminal of the 2nd intermediate switch section 1024: 1st NO terminal of the rear switch section 1051: 1st NC terminal of the tip switch section 1052: 1st NC terminal of the 1st intermediate switch section 1053: 1st NC terminal of the 2nd intermediate switch section 1054: 1st NC terminal of the rear switch section 1071: 2nd NC terminal of the tip switch section 1072: 2nd NC terminal of the 1st intermediate switch section 1073: 2nd NC terminal of the 2nd intermediate switch section 1074: 2nd NC terminal of the rear switch section 1101: 2nd NO terminal of the leading switch section 1102: 2nd NO terminal of the 1st intermediate switch section 1103: 2nd NO terminal of the 2nd intermediate switch section 1104: 2nd NO terminal of the rear switch section

Claims

Claim 1 A wearable device capable of switch-capacitor DC boosting for efficient use of a wearable thermoelectric power generation element, comprising: a thermoelectric element that generates electricity by contacting the surface of a user's body; a capacitor module having a plurality of capacitors connected to the thermoelectric element and storing electricity generated from the thermoelectric element; a switch module having a plurality of switch units that allow one capacitor among the plurality of capacitors to be connected in series or in parallel with each other; a device unit that receives electricity from the plurality of capacitors when each of the plurality of capacitors is connected in series by the operation of the switch unit; a control unit that transmits a control signal to each of the plurality of switch units; and a delay unit that passes each control signal transmitted to each of the plurality of switch units and adjusts the transmission time of each control signal; wherein, by the delay unit, when one capacitor and another capacitor are connected in series or in parallel, the state of each of the plurality of switch units is sequentially changed in the order in which they are connected. Claim 2 A wearable device capable of switch-capacitor DC step-up for efficient use of a wearable thermoelectric power generation element, characterized in that, in claim 1, the switch portion is an integrated circuit (IC). Claim 3 A wearable device capable of switch-capacitor DC step-up for efficient use of a wearable thermoelectric power generation element, wherein the switch portion comprises a NO terminal which is a terminal that is typically open, an NC terminal which is a terminal that is typically closed, and a common terminal. Claim 4 A wearable device capable of switch-capacitor DC boosting for efficient use of a wearable thermoelectric power generation element, characterized in that, in the circuit within the switch portion of claim 3, the first common terminal and the first NC terminal are connected and energized, and the second common terminal and the second NC terminal are connected and energized, thereby connecting each of the plurality of capacitors in parallel and charging. Claim 5 A wearable device capable of switch-capacitor DC boosting for efficient use of a wearable thermoelectric power generation element, characterized in that, in the circuit within the switch portion of claim 4, the first common terminal and the first NO terminal are connected and energized, and the second common terminal and the second NO terminal are connected and energized, thereby each of the plurality of capacitors is connected in series and discharged. Claim 6 delete Claim 7 A wearable device capable of switch-capacitor DC boosting for efficient use of a wearable thermoelectric power generation element, characterized in that, in claim 3, the switch module comprises: a front switch portion connected to one end of the device portion; a rear switch portion connected to the other end of the device portion; and at least one intermediate switch portion formed between the front switch portion and the rear switch portion. Claim 8 A wearable device capable of switch-capacitor DC step-up for efficient use of a wearable thermoelectric power generation element, characterized in that, in claim 7, the first NO terminal of the front switch part is connected to one end of the device part, and the second NO terminal of the rear switch part is connected to the other end of the device part. Claim 9 A wearable device capable of switch-capacitor DC boosting for efficient use of a wearable thermoelectric power generation element, characterized in that, in claim 7, one end of the thermoelectric element is connected to the first NC terminal of the rear switch portion, and the other end of the thermoelectric element is connected to the second NC terminal of the front switch portion. Claim 10 A wearable device capable of switch-capacitor DC step-up for efficient use of a wearable thermoelectric power generation element, characterized in that, in claim 7, the second NO terminal of one intermediate switch part and the first NO terminal of another intermediate switch part are connected. Claim 11 A wearable device capable of switch-capacitor DC step-up for efficient use of a wearable thermoelectric power generation element, characterized in that, in claim 7, a first NO terminal of one intermediate switch part is connected to a second NO terminal of the leading switch part, and a first NO terminal of the trailing switch part is connected to a second NO terminal of another intermediate switch part. Claim 12 A wearable device capable of switch-capacitor DC step-up for efficient use of a wearable thermoelectric power generation element, characterized in that, in claim 7, the intermediate switch portion is formed in a plurality. Claim 13 A wearable device capable of switch-capacitor DC step-up for efficient use of a wearable thermoelectric power generation element, characterized in that, in claim 7, the capacitor module comprises: a front capacitor connected in parallel with the front switch unit; an intermediate capacitor connected in parallel with the intermediate switch unit; and a rear capacitor connected in parallel with the rear switch unit. Claim 14 A method of operating a wearable device capable of switch-capacitor DC boosting for efficient use of the wearable thermoelectric power generation element of claim 1, comprising: a first step in which each of the plurality of capacitors is arranged in a parallel connection state; a second step in which, when a supply voltage signal is input to the other side control terminal of each of the plurality of switch units, the other side of each of the plurality of switch units is sequentially switched from a closed state to an open state; a third step in which, when a supply voltage signal is input to the one side control terminal of each of the plurality of switch units, the one side of each of the plurality of switch units is sequentially switched from a closed state to an open state, thereby connecting each of the plurality of capacitors in series; and a fourth step in which, when a ground signal is input to the one side control terminal of each of the plurality of switch units, the one side of each of the plurality of switch units is sequentially switched from an open state to a closed state. A method of operating a wearable device capable of switch-capacitor DC boosting for efficient use of a wearable thermoelectric power generation element, characterized by including: a fifth step in which, when a ground signal is input to the other side control terminal of each of the plurality of switch parts, the other side of each of the plurality of switch parts is sequentially switched from an open state to a closed state, and each of the plurality of capacitors is connected in parallel. Claim 15 A method of operating a switch-capacitor DC boosting wearable device for efficient use of a wearable thermoelectric power generation element, characterized in that, in claim 14, the above-described second to fifth steps are repeated and further included in a sixth step.

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