Patent Application
20220190748
The present invention relates to a power generation element that converts a thermal energy into an electric energy, a power generation device, an electronic apparatus, and a method for manufacturing the power generation element.
Recently, a power generation element, such as a thermoelectric element that uses a thermal energy to generate an electric energy, has been actively developed. Patent Documents 1, 2 disclose thermoelectric elements that use electron emission phenomena using absolute temperature that occur between electrodes having work function differences. These thermoelectric elements can perform electric generation even when a temperature difference between electrodes is small compared with a thermoelectric element that uses a temperature difference between electrodes (Seebeck effect). Therefore, application for wider use has been expected.
Patent Document 1 discloses a thermoelectric element that includes an emitter electrode layer, a collector electrode layer, and electrically insulating spherical nanobeads that are dispersedly arranged on surfaces of the emitter electrode layer and the collector electrode layer and separate the emitter electrode layer and the collector electrode layer at submicron intervals. A work function of the emitter electrode layer is smaller than a work function of the collector electrode layer. Particle diameters of the spherical nanobeads are 100 nm or less.
Patent Document 2 discloses a nanofluid contact potential difference battery that includes an anode with a higher work function and a cathode with a lower work function separated by a nanometer-scale spaced interelectrode gap. The nanofluid is provided in the interelectrode gap.
In the thermoelectric elements using the above-described techniques disclosed in Patent Documents 1, 2, and the like, it is premised that a supporting member such as spherical nanobeads is used when an interelectrode gap is formed. Therefore, a variation of the interelectrode gap caused by variations in shape and thickness of the supporting member increases. Accordingly, there is a concern that a generation amount of the electric energy becomes unstable.
Therefore, the present invention has been made in consideration of the above-described circumstance, and has an object to provide a power generation element, a power generation device, and an electronic apparatus that can achieve stabilization of an electric energy generation amount, and a method for manufacturing the power generation element.
A power generation element according to the first invention is a power generation element that converts a thermal energy into an electric energy. The power generation element includes a first housing portion, a second housing portion, and an intermediate portion. The first housing portion includes a first substrate and a first electrode portion. The first substrate includes a first principal surface. The first electrode portion is provided on the first principal surface. The second housing portion includes a second substrate and a second electrode portion. The second substrate includes a second principal surface opposed to the first principal surface in a first direction. The second electrode portion is provided on the second principal surface, is separated from the first electrode portion, and has a work function different from a work function of the first electrode portion. The intermediate portion is provided between the first electrode portion and the second electrode portion. The intermediate portion includes nanoparticles having a work function between the work function of the first electrode portion and the work function of the second electrode portion. The first principal surface includes a first separated surface and a first joint surface. The first separated surface is in contact with the first electrode portion and separated from the second housing portion. The first joint surface is provided to be continuous with the first separated surface, separated from the first electrode portion, and in contact with the second housing portion. The second principal surface includes a second separated surface and a second joint surface. The second separated surface is in contact with the second electrode portion and separated from the first housing portion. The second joint surface is provided to be continuous with the second separated surface, separated from the second electrode portion, and in contact with the first housing portion. The intermediate portion is surrounded by the first joint surface and the second joint surface viewed in the first direction.
In the power generation element according to the second invention, in the first invention, viewed in the first direction, a portion at which the first joint surface is in contact with the second joint surface surrounds the first separated surface and the second separated surface.
The power generation element according to the third invention, in the second invention, further includes a first connection wiring and a second connection wiring. The first connection wiring penetrates the first substrate in the first direction and is in contact with the first electrode portion. The second connection wiring penetrates the second substrate in the first direction and is in contact with the second electrode portion.
In the power generation element according to the fourth invention, in the first invention, the first joint surface includes a first substrate joint surface in contact with the second joint surface and a first electrode joint surface in contact with the second electrode portion. The second joint surface includes a second substrate joint surface in contact with the first substrate joint surface and a second electrode joint surface in contact with the first electrode portion.
The power generation element according to the fifth invention, in the fourth invention, further includes a first connection wiring and a second connection wiring. The first connection wiring is provided outside the second electrode joint surface and in contact with the first electrode portion. The second connection wiring is provided outside the first electrode joint surface and in contact with the second electrode portion.
In the power generation element according to the sixth invention, in the fifth invention, a plurality of the first housing portions and a plurality of the second housing portions are stacked in the first direction, the first connection wiring extends in the first direction and is in contact with the plurality of first electrode portions, and the second connection wiring extends in the first direction and is in contact with the plurality of second electrode portions.
In the power generation element according to the seventh invention, in any of the first invention to the sixth invention, a thickness of the first substrate starting from the first separated surface is equal to a thickness of the first substrate starting from the first joint surface along the first direction, and a thickness of the second substrate starting from the second separated surface is equal to a thickness of the second substrate starting from the second joint surface along the first direction.
In the power generation element according to the eighth invention, in any of the first invention to the seventh invention, a side surface of the first electrode portion and a side surface of the second electrode portion are in contact with the intermediate portion.
In the power generation element according to the ninth invention, in any of the first invention to the eighth invention, at least any of the first principal surface and the second principal surface is formed in a curved shape.
In the power generation element according to the tenth invention, in any of the first invention to the ninth invention, the first electrode portion has a high wettability to the intermediate portion compared with the first principal surface.
In the power generation element according to the eleventh invention, in any of the first invention to the tenth invention, the first separated surface includes a contact surface in contact with the first electrode portion, a first surface provided outside the contact surface, and a second surface provided outside the first surface, and the first surface has a high wettability to the intermediate portion compared with the second surface.
The power generation element according to the twelfth invention, in any of the first invention to the eleventh invention, further includes a sealing portion provided between the first electrode portion and the first joint surface and between the second electrode portion and the second joint surface. The sealing portion surrounds the intermediate portion.
The power generation element according to the thirteenth invention, in any of the first invention to the twelfth invention, further includes a protective film at least surrounding a side surface of the first substrate and a side surface of the second substrate.
A power generation device according to the fourteenth invention is a power generation device including a power generation element that converts a thermal energy into an electric energy. The power generation element includes a first housing portion, a second housing portion, and an intermediate portion. The first housing portion includes a first substrate and a first electrode portion. The first substrate includes a first principal surface. The first electrode portion is provided on the first principal surface. The second housing portion includes a second substrate and a second electrode portion. The second substrate includes a second principal surface opposed to the first principal surface in a first direction. The second electrode portion is provided on the second principal surface, is separated from the first electrode portion, and has a work function different from a work function of the first electrode portion. The intermediate portion is provided between the first electrode portion and the second electrode portion. The intermediate portion includes nanoparticles having a work function between the work function of the first electrode portion and the work function of the second electrode portion. The first principal surface includes a first separated surface and a first joint surface. The first separated surface is in contact with the first electrode portion and separated from the second housing portion. The first joint surface is provided to be continuous with the first separated surface, separated from the first electrode portion, and in contact with the second housing portion. The second principal surface includes a second separated surface and a second joint surface. The second separated surface is in contact with the second electrode portion and separated from the first housing portion. The second joint surface is provided to be continuous with the second separated surface, separated from the second electrode portion, and in contact with the first housing portion. The intermediate portion is surrounded by the first joint surface and the second joint surface viewed in the first direction.
An electronic apparatus according to the fifteenth invention is an electronic apparatus including a power generation element that converts a thermal energy into an electric energy and an electronic apparatus configured to be driven using the power generation element as a power supply. The power generation element includes a first housing portion, a second housing portion, and an intermediate portion. The first housing portion includes a first substrate and a first electrode portion. The first substrate includes a first principal surface. The first electrode portion is provided on the first principal surface. The second housing portion includes a second substrate and a second electrode portion. The second substrate includes a second principal surface opposed to the first principal surface in a first direction. The second electrode portion is provided on the second principal surface, is separated from the first electrode portion, and has a work function different from a work function of the first electrode portion. The intermediate portion is provided between the first electrode portion and the second electrode portion. The intermediate portion includes nanoparticles having a work function between the work function of the first electrode portion and the work function of the second electrode portion. The first principal surface includes a first separated surface and a first joint surface. The first separated surface is in contact with the first electrode portion and separated from the second housing portion. The first joint surface is provided to be continuous with the first separated surface, separated from the first electrode portion, and in contact with the second housing portion. The second principal surface includes a second separated surface and a second joint surface. The second separated surface is in contact with the second electrode portion and separated from the first housing portion. The second joint surface is provided to be continuous with the second separated surface, separated from the second electrode portion, and in contact with the first housing portion. The intermediate portion is surrounded by the first joint surface and the second joint surface viewed in the first direction.
A method for manufacturing a power generation element according to the sixteenth invention is a method for manufacturing a power generation element that converts a thermal energy into an electric energy. The method includes: a first housing portion formation step of forming a first electrode portion on a first principal surface of a first substrate to form a first housing portion; a second housing portion formation step of forming a second electrode portion on a second principal surface of a second substrate to form a second housing portion, the second electrode portion having a work function different from a work function of the first electrode portion; an intermediate portion formation step of forming an intermediate portion including nanoparticles on the first electrode portion, the nanoparticles having a work function between the work function of the first electrode portion and the work function of the second electrode portion; and a joining step of joining the first housing portion and the second housing portion in a state where the first electrode portion is separated from the second electrode portion in a first direction. The first principal surface includes a first separated surface and a first joint surface. The first separated surface is in contact with the first electrode portion and separated from the second housing portion. The first joint surface is provided to be continuous with the first separated surface, separated from the first electrode portion, and in contact with the second housing portion. The second principal surface includes a second separated surface and a second joint surface. The second separated surface is in contact with the second electrode portion and separated from the first housing portion. The second joint surface is provided to be continuous with the second separated surface, separated from the second electrode portion, and in contact with the first housing portion. The intermediate portion is surrounded by the first joint surface and the second joint surface viewed in the first direction.
The method for manufacturing a power generation element according to the seventeenth invention, in the sixteenth invention, further includes a surface treatment step of performing a surface treatment to the first principal surface positioned in a peripheral area of the first electrode portion before the intermediate portion formation step and the joining step.
In the method for manufacturing a power generation element according to the eighteenth invention, in the sixteenth invention or the seventeenth invention, the joining step is performed in a state where a pressure between the first substrate and the second substrate is reduced.
According to the first invention to the fifteenth invention, the first principal surface includes the first separated surface that is in contact with the first electrode portion and separated from the second housing portion, and the first joint surface that is provided to be continuous with the first separated surface, separated from the first electrode portion, and in contact with the second housing portion. The second principal surface includes the second separated surface that is in contact with the second electrode portion and separated from the first housing portion, and the second joint surface that is provided to be continuous with the second separated surface, separated from the second electrode portion, and in contact with the first housing portion. That is, since the intermediate portion formed by joining the principal surfaces on which the respective electrode portions are provided is interposed, the interelectrode gap is formed. Therefore, the need for additionally providing a support member or the like is eliminated, and the variation of the interelectrode gap can be suppressed. Accordingly, the stabilized generation amount of the electric energy can be achieved.
According to the first invention to the fifteenth invention, the intermediate portion is surrounded by the first joint surface and the second joint surface viewed in the first direction. Therefore, the closed space surrounding the intermediate portion can be formed by the joint surfaces of the principal surfaces on which the respective electrode portions are provided. Accordingly, the structure configured to generate electricity can be provided without forming another configuration on the substrate. Additionally, leaking out or the like of the intermediate portion can be suppressed without forming another configuration on the substrate.
Especially, according to the second invention, viewed in the first direction, the portion at which the first joint surface is in contact with the second joint surface surrounds the first separated surface and the second separated surface. Therefore, the closed space surrounding the intermediate portion can be formed in a state where the portion at which the joint surfaces are mutually in contact is integrally formed without interruption. Accordingly, the leaking out or the like of the intermediate portion can be easily suppressed. Additionally, the electrode portions can be completely surrounded by the portion at which the joint surfaces are mutually in contact. Accordingly, the respective electrode portions are not exposed outside, thus allowing suppressing the deterioration.
Especially, according to the third invention, the first connection wiring penetrates the first substrate and is in contact with the first electrode portion. The second connection wiring penetrates the second substrate and is in contact with the second electrode portion. Therefore, the respective connection portions between the electrode portions and the connection wirings can be housed inside the substrates. Accordingly, the deterioration of the connection portion can be suppressed.
Especially, according to the fourth invention, the first joint surface includes the first substrate joint surface in contact with the second joint surface, and the first electrode joint surface in contact with the second electrode portion. The second joint surface includes the second substrate joint surface in contact with the first substrate joint surface, and the second electrode joint surface in contact with the first electrode portion. Therefore, the areas in which the respective electrode portions are provided on the substrates can be increased, thus allowing increasing the opposing areas of the respective electrode portions. Accordingly, the generation amount of the electric energy can be increased.
Especially, according to the fifth invention, the first connection wiring is provided outside the second electrode joint surface and in contact with the first electrode portion. The second connection wiring is provided outside the first electrode joint surface and in contact with the second electrode portion. Therefore, the connection wirings to be electrically connected to the respective electrode portions can be easily provided. Accordingly, facilitation of the manufacturing process can be ensured. Additionally, even in a case where the connection wirings are each deteriorated in accordance with the use of the power generation element, the repair can be easily made.
Especially, according to the sixth invention, the first connection wiring extends in the first direction and is in contact with the plurality of first electrode portions. The second connection wiring extends in the first direction and is in contact with the plurality of second electrode portions. Therefore, also in the case where the plurality of respective housing portions are stacked, the connection wirings to be electrically connected to the respective electrode portions can be easily provided. Accordingly, facilitation of the manufacturing process can be ensured.
Especially, according to the seventh invention, the thickness of the first substrate starting from the first separated surface is equal to the thickness of the first substrate starting from the first joint surface along the first direction. The thickness of the second substrate starting from the second separated surface is equal to the thickness of the second substrate starting from the second joint surface along the first direction. Therefore, the process of partially removing the respective substrates or the like is not performed, thus allowing suppressing local reduction of proof strengths of the respective substrates. Accordingly, the deterioration of the respective substrates can be suppressed. Additionally, it is not necessary to perform the process of partially removing the respective substrates, a process of stacking an additional configuration on the substrate, or the like, thus allowing ensuring reduction of the manufacturing process.
Especially, according to the eighth invention, the side surface of the first electrode portion and the side surface of the second electrode portion are in contact with the intermediate portion. Therefore, the electrons can be moved via the side surfaces of the respective electrode portions in addition to the opposing surfaces of the respective electrode portions. Accordingly, the generation amount of the electric energy can be increased.
Especially, according to the ninth invention, at least any of the first principal surface and the second principal surface is formed in a curved shape. Therefore, a portion such as a protrusion to which a stress is locally concentrated is not formed. Accordingly, a damage due to an impact from outside can be suppressed.
Especially, according to the tenth invention, the first electrode portion has the high wettability to the intermediate portion compared with the first principal surface. Therefore, the nanoparticles dispersed in the solvent included in the intermediate portion can be easily kept between the respective electrode portions. Accordingly, the reduction over time in generation amount of the electric energy can be suppressed.
Especially, according to the eleventh invention, the first surface has the high wettability to the intermediate portion compared with the second surface. Therefore, oozing of the intermediate portion from the respective joint surfaces can be suppressed. Accordingly, the reduction over time in the amount of the intermediate portion can be suppressed.
Especially, according to the twelfth invention, the sealing portion is provided between the first electrode portion and the first joint surface and between the second electrode portion and the second joint surface, and surrounds the intermediate portion. Therefore, the oozing of the intermediate portion from the respective joint surfaces can be suppressed. Accordingly, the reduction over time in the amount of the intermediate portion can be suppressed.
Especially, according to the thirteenth invention, the protective film at least surrounds the side surface of the first substrate and the side surface of the second substrate. Therefore, the deterioration of the substrate due to an external factor can be suppressed. Accordingly, the time deterioration of the power generation element can be suppressed.
Especially, according to the fourteenth invention, the power generation device including a power generation element that ensures stabilization of the generation amount of the electric energy can be achieved.
Especially, according to the fifteenth invention, the electronic apparatus including a power generation element that ensures stabilization of the generation amount of the electric energy can be achieved.
According to the sixteenth invention to the eighteenth invention, in the joining step, the first housing portion and the second housing portion are joined in a state where the first electrode portion is separated from the second electrode portion in the first direction. At this time, the first principal surface includes the first separated surface that is in contact with the first electrode portion and separated from the second housing portion, and the first joint surface that is provided to be continuous with the first separated surface, separated from the first electrode portion, and in contact with the second housing portion. The second principal surface includes the second separated surface that is in contact with the second electrode portion and separated from the first housing portion, and the second joint surface that is provided to be continuous with the second separated surface, separated from the second electrode portion, and in contact with the first housing portion. That is, since the intermediate portion formed by joining the principal surfaces on which the respective electrode portions are provided is interposed, the interelectrode gap is formed. Therefore, the need for additionally providing a support member or the like is eliminated, and the variation of the interelectrode gap can be suppressed. Accordingly, the stabilized generation amount of the electric energy can be achieved.
According to the sixteenth invention to the eighteenth invention, the intermediate portion is surrounded by the first joint surface and the second joint surface viewed in the first direction. Therefore, the closed space surrounding the intermediate portion can be formed by the joint surfaces of the principal surfaces on which the respective electrode portions are provided. Accordingly, the structure configured to generate electricity can be provided without forming another configuration on the substrate. Additionally, leaking out or the like of the intermediate portion can be suppressed without forming another configuration on the substrate.
Especially, according to the seventeenth invention, in the surface treatment step, the surface treatment is performed to the first principal surface positioned in a peripheral area of the first electrode portion. Therefore, when the intermediate portion formation step is performed, the intermediate portion can be easily kept on the first electrode portion. Accordingly, the intermediate portion can be easily formed.
Especially, according to the eighteenth invention, the joining step is performed in a state where a pressure between the first substrate and the second substrate is reduced. Therefore, air and the like can be removed from inside the gap portion in which the interelectrode gap is formed, thereby allowing easily filling inside the gap portion with the intermediate portion. Accordingly, facilitating the manufacturing process can be ensured.
The following describes one example of each of a power generation element, a power generation device, an electronic apparatus, and a method for manufacturing the power generation element in the embodiments of the present invention by referring to the drawings. In each drawing, a height direction in which electrode portions are stacked is defined as a first direction Z, one planar direction intersecting with, for example, perpendicular to the first direction Z is defined as a second direction X, and another planar direction intersecting with, for example, perpendicular to each of the first direction Z and the second direction X is defined as a third direction Y. The configurations in the respective drawings are schematically illustrated for explanation, and for example, sizes of the respective configurations, ratios between sizes in each configuration, and the like may be different from the drawings.
<Power Generation Device 100>
As illustrated in
The wiring 102 includes a first wiring 102a electrically connected to one end of the load R and a second wiring 102b electrically connected to the other end of the load R. The load R indicates, for example, electrical equipment, and for example, can be driven using the power generation element 1 as a main power supply or an auxiliary power supply.
As the heat source of the power generation element 1, for example, an electronic device or an electronic part, such as a Central Processing Unit (CPU), a light-emitting element, such as a Light Emitting Diode (LED), an engine of an automobile or the like, a production facility of a plant, a human body, a solar light, and an environmental temperature are usable. For example, the electronic device, the electronic part, the light-emitting element, the engine, and the production facility are artificial heat sources. The human body, the solar light, the environmental temperature, and the like are natural heat sources. The power generation device 100 including the power generation element 1 can be provided in an electronic apparatus such as an Internet of Things (IoT) device, a wearable device, and a free-standing sensor terminal, and can be used as an alternative or an auxiliary of a battery. A power generation principle of the power generation element 1 can be used for a temperature sensor and the like. Furthermore, the power generation device 100 is applicable to a larger-sized power generation device such as solar power generation.
<Power Generation Element 1>
The power generation element 1 converts, for example, a thermal energy emitted from the above-described artificial heat source or a thermal energy of the above-described natural heat source into an electric energy, thus generating a current. The power generation element 1 is provided in the power generation device 100, and additionally, the power generation element 1 itself can be provided inside the above-described mobile device and the electronic apparatus such as a free-standing sensor terminal described above. In this case, the power generation element 1 itself can be an alternative component or an auxiliary component of a battery for the electronic apparatus.
The power generation element 1 includes a first housing portion 1A, a second housing portion 1B, and an intermediate portion 14. The power generation element 1 may include, for example, a connection wiring 15.
The first housing portion 1A includes a first substrate 11 and a first electrode portion 13a. The second housing portion 1B includes a second substrate 12 and a second electrode portion 13b. The housing portions 1A, 1B are joined to one another in a state where the electrode portions 13a, 13b are mutually separated.
The first substrate 11 has a first principal surface 11s intersecting with a first direction Z. The second substrate 12 has a second principal surface 12s that is opposed to the first principal surface 11s in the first direction Z and intersects with the first direction Z.
The first electrode portion 13a is provided on the first principal surface 11s. The first electrode portion 13a in the embodiment is separated from the second substrate 12. The second electrode portion 13b is provided on the second principal surface 12s. The second electrode portion 13b is separated from and opposed to the first electrode portion 13a. The second electrode portion 13b has a work function different from that of the first electrode portion 13a. The second electrode portion 13b in the embodiment is separated from the first substrate 11.
The intermediate portion 14 is provided between the first electrode portion 13a and the second electrode portion 13b. The intermediate portion 14 includes, for example, nanoparticles 141 illustrated in
The connection wiring 15 includes, for example, a first connection wiring 15a and a second connection wiring 15b. The first connection wiring 15a penetrates the first substrate 11 in the first direction Z. One end of the first connection wiring 15a is in contact with the first electrode portion 13a and the other end is in contact with a first terminal 101a. The second connection wiring 15b penetrates the second substrate 12 in the first direction Z. One end of the second connection wiring 15b is in contact with the second electrode portion 13b and the other end is in contact with a second terminal 101b. The connection wiring 15 may be extracted from, for example, a side surface of the substrate 10.
The power generation element 1 is provided with a gap portion 14a. The gap portion 14a means a portion surrounded by the first substrate 11 and the second substrate 12, and includes a space separated from outside. In the gap portion 14a, the first electrode portion 13a, the second electrode portion 13b, and the intermediate portion 14 are provided. An inner side of the power generation element 1 means a portion including the gap portion 14a, and an outer side of the power generation element 1 means a portion separated from the gap portion 14a.
For example, as illustrated in
The following describes the configurations of the power generation element 1 and the power generation device 100 in the first embodiment in more detail.
«First Substrate 11, Second Substrate 12»
For example, as illustrated in
The second principal surface 12s of the second substrate 12 includes a second separated surface 12sa and a second joint surface 12sb. The second separated surface 12sa is in contact with the second electrode portion 13b, and separated from the first substrate 11. The second joint surface 12sb surrounds the second electrode portion 13b and the second separated surface 12sa, and is in contact with the first joint surface 11sb. The second joint surface 12sb is separated from the second electrode portion 13b.
For example, viewed in the first direction Z illustrated in
For example, viewed in the first direction Z illustrated in
The housing portions 1A, 1B are joined at joint surfaces 11sb, 12sb, and for example, joined in a region indicated by dashed lines in
In this embodiment, viewed in the first direction Z, the portion at which the first joint surface 11sb is in contact with the second joint surface 12sb surrounds the first separated surface 11sa and the second separated surface 12sa. Therefore, the closed space surrounding the intermediate portion 14 can be formed in a state where the portion at which the joint surfaces 11sb, 12sb are mutually in contact is integrally formed without interruption. The electrode portions 13a, 13b can be completely surrounded by the portion at which the joint surfaces 11sb, 12sb are mutually in contact.
Since the above-described substrates 11, 12 include the separated surfaces 11sa, 12sa and the joint surfaces 11sb, 12sb, respectively, the interelectrode gap is formed between the electrode portions 13a and 13b. That is, the interelectrode gap can be formed without providing a supporting portion or the like for supporting the second substrate 12. Therefore, the variation of the interelectrode gap can be suppressed.
The first joint surface 11sb is provided to be continuous with the first separated surface 11sa. The second joint surface 12sb is provided to be continuous with the second separated surface 12sa. Therefore, for example, when an external force is applied to a part of each of the joint surfaces 11sb, 12sb, the force can be easily dispersed to the entire substrates 11, 12. Accordingly, an early deterioration of the power generation element 1 can be suppressed.
Especially, at least any of the first principal surface 11s and the second principal surface 12s can be formed in a curved shape, for example, as illustrated in
Along the first direction Z, the substrates 11, 12 each have a thickness of, for example, 10 μm or more and 1 mm or less. For example, as illustrated in
For example, along the second direction X or the third direction Y, the substrates 11, 12 each have a width of about 1 mm to 500 mm, and the widths can be appropriately set depending on the usage.
As the materials of the respective substrates 11, 12, a plate-shaped insulating material can be selected. As examples of the insulating material, silicon, quartz, a glass such as Pyrex (registered trademark), an insulating resin, and the like can be included.
Each of the substrates 11, 12 may have a thin plate shape, and additionally, for example, may have a flexible film shape. For example, when the substrates 11, 12 are each formed in a flexible film shape, for example, a thin plate glass and a film containing a polymer of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polycarbonate (PC), polyimide, and the like as a material are usable.
Between the first substrate 11 and the second substrate 12 (inner side of the power generation element 1), the first electrode portion 13a, the second electrode portion 13b, and the intermediate portion 14 are internally provided. Therefore, by providing the first substrate 11 and the second substrate 12, the deterioration and the deformation of each of the first electrode portion 13a, the second electrode portion 13b, and the intermediate portion 14 due to the external force and the environmental change also can be suppressed. Accordingly, the durability of the power generation element 1 can be enhanced.
«First Electrode Portion 13a, Second Electrode Portion 13b»
The first electrode portion 13a and the second electrode portion 13b are provided between the separated surfaces 11sa and 12sa. For example, along the first direction Z illustrated in
For example, viewed in the first direction Z illustrated in
For example, viewed in the first direction Z illustrated in
The side surface of the first electrode portion 13a and the side surface of the second electrode portion 13b are in contact with the intermediate portion 14 as illustrated in
The first electrode portion 13a has a high wettability to the solvent 142 included in the intermediate portion 14 compared with, for example, the first principal surface 11s. That is, the solvent 142 easily spreads on the first electrode portion 13a and is less likely to spread on the outer peripheral side (joint surface 11sb) of the first principal surface 11s. Therefore, the nanoparticles 141 dispersed in the solvent 142 can be easily kept between the electrode portions 13a and 13b. The second electrode portion 13b may have a high wettability to the solvent 142 compared with, for example, the second principal surface 12s. As each of the electrode portions 13a, 13b, for example, materials having high wettability compared with the respective principal surfaces 11s, 12s are used, and additionally, surface treatments of the respective electrode portions 13a, 13b may be performed to increase the wettability. Surface treatments of the respective substrates 11, 12 may be performed to decrease the wettability of the respective principal surfaces 11s, 12s.
The first electrode portion 13a contains, for example, platinum (work function: about 5.65 eV), and the second electrode portion 13b contains, for example, tungsten (work function: about 4.55 eV). The electrode portion having the large work function serves as an anode (collector electrode), and the electrode portion having the small work function serves as a cathode (emitter electrode). In the power generation element 1 according to the first embodiment, a description will be given with the first electrode portion 13a as the anode and the second electrode portion 13b as the cathode. The first electrode portion 13a may be the cathode and the second electrode portion 13b may be the anode.
In the power generation element 1, an electron emission phenomenon using absolute temperature that occurs between the first electrode portion 13a and the second electrode portion 13b having the work function difference can be used. Therefore, the power generation element 1 can convert a thermal energy to an electric energy even when the temperature difference between the first electrode portion 13a and the second electrode portion 13b is small. Furthermore, the power generation element 1 can convert a thermal energy to an electric energy even when there is no temperature difference between the first electrode portion 13a and the second electrode portion 13b or when a single heat source is used.
Along the first direction Z, the electrode portions 13a, 13b each have a thickness of, for example, 10 nm or more and 10 μm or less, and for example, 10 nm or more and 1 μm or less is preferred. For example, when the electrode portions 13a, 13b each have the thickness of 10 nm or more and 100 nm or less, each of the above-described principal surfaces 11s, 12s is easily kept in the curved shape.
For example, along the second direction X or the third direction Y, the electrode portions 13a, 13b each have a width of about 100 μm to 500 mm, and the widths can be appropriately set depending on the usage. Especially, when the widths of the respective electrode portions 13a, 13b are 1/10 or less compared with the widths of the respective substrates 11, 12, each of the above-described principal surfaces 11s, 12s is easily kept in the curved shape.
A distance (interelectrode gap) along the first direction Z between the first electrode portion 13a and the second electrode portion 13b is a finite value of, for example, 1 μm or less. 10 nm or more and 100 nm or less is more preferred. With the interelectrode gap set to 10 nm or more and 100 nm or less, the increase of the generation amount of the electric energy can be ensured. For example, when the interelectrode gap is less than 10 nm, there is a concern that a state where the nanoparticles 141 are evenly dispersed cannot be maintained.
By setting the thicknesses along the first direction Z of the respective electrode portions 13a, 13b and the interelectrode gap to the above-described ranges, for example, the thickness along the first direction Z of the power generation element 1 can be thinned. This is effective, for example, when a plurality of the power generation elements 1 are stacked along the first direction Z as illustrated in
The material of the first electrode portion 13a and the material of the second electrode portion 13b can be selected from, for example, metals below.
In the power generation element 1, it is only necessary that the work function difference is generated between the first electrode portion 13a and the second electrode portion 13b. Therefore, for the materials of the respective electrode portions 13a, 13b, the metal other than those described above can be selected. As the materials of the respective electrode portions 13a, 13b, an alloy, an intermetallic compound, and a metal compound can be selected in addition to the metal. The metal compound is one in which a metallic element and a non-metallic element are combined. The example of the metal compound can include lanthanum hexaboride (LaB6) and the like.
As the materials of the respective electrode portions 13a, 13b, a non-metallic conductive material can be selected. The example of the non-metallic conductive material can include silicon (Si: for example, p-type Si or n-type Si), a carbon-based material such as graphene, and the like.
The structure of each of the electrode portions 13a, 13b may be a stacked structure containing the above-described materials in addition to a single layer structure containing the above-described material.
«Intermediate Portion 14»
For example, as illustrated in
The nanoparticles 141 contains, for example, a conductive object. The value of the work function of the nanoparticles 141 is, for example, between the value of the work function of the first electrode portion 13a and the value of the work function of the second electrode portion 13b. For example, the plurality of nanoparticles 141 have the work function in a range of 3.0 eV or more and 5.5 eV or less. Therefore, the electrons e emitted between the first electrode portion 13a and the second electrode portion 13b can be moved, for example, from the second electrode portion 13b (cathode) to the first electrode portion 13a (anode) via the nanoparticles 141. Accordingly, the generation amount of the electric energy can be increased compared with a case where the intermediate portion 14 does not include the nanoparticles 141.
As the example of the material of the nanoparticle 141, at least one of gold and silver can be selected. The intermediate portion 14 only needs to include at least a part of the nanoparticles 141 having the work function between the work function of the first electrode portion 13a and the work function of the second electrode portion 13b. Accordingly, as the material of the nanoparticle 141, a conductive material other than gold or silver can also be selected.
The particle diameter of the nanoparticle 141 is, for example, 2 nm or more and 10 nm or less. The nanoparticles 141 may have, for example, the particle diameters with an average particle diameter (for example, D50) of 3 nm or more and 8 nm or less. The average particle diameter can be measured using, for example, a particle size distribution meter. As the particle size distribution meter, for example, a particle size distribution meter using a laser diffraction scattering method (for example, Nanotrac Wave II-EX150 manufactured by MicrotracBEL) may be used.
The nanoparticle 141 includes, for example, an insulating film 141a on its surface. As the example of the material of the insulating film 141a, at least one of an insulating metal compound and an insulating organic compound can be selected. The exemplary insulating metal compound can include a silicon oxide, alumina, and the like. The exemplary insulating organic compound can include alkanethiol (for example, dodecanethiol) and the like. The thickness of the insulating film 141a is a finite value of, for example, 20 nm or less. By providing the insulating film 141a on the surface of the nanoparticle 141, the electrons e can move, for example, between the second electrode portion 13b (cathode) and the nanoparticles 141 and between the nanoparticles 141 and the first electrode portion 13a (anode) using a tunneling effect. Therefore, for example, the improvement of the power generation efficiency of the power generation element 1 can be expected. At this time, for example, as indicated by arrows in
For the solvent 142, for example, a liquid with a boiling point of 60° C. or more can be used. Therefore, even when the power generation element 1 is used under an environment of room temperature (for example, 15° C. to 35° C.) or more, vaporization of the solvent 142 can be suppressed. Accordingly, the deterioration of the power generation element 1 due to the vaporization of the solvent 142 can be suppressed. As the example of the liquid, at least one of an organic solvent and water can be selected. The exemplary organic solvent can include methanol, ethanol, toluene, xylene, tetradecane, alkanethiol, and the like. As the solvent 142, a liquid having a high electrical resistance value and an insulating property is appropriate.
With the intermediate portion 14 including only the nanoparticles 141, for example, even when the power generation element 1 is used under a high temperature environment, it is not necessary to consider the vaporization of the solvent 142. Accordingly, the deterioration of the power generation element 1 under the high temperature environment can be suppressed.
«First Connection Wiring 15a, Second Connection Wiring 15b»
As the respective connection wirings 15a, 15b, conductive materials are used, and for example, gold is used. Each of the connection wirings 15a, 15b is provided only inside any of the substrates 11, 12, and additionally, for example, each of the connection wirings 15a, 15b may extend inside the gap portion 14a from the inside of any of the substrates 11, 12. In this case, each of the connection wirings 15a, 15b contacts any of the electrode portions 13a, 13b inside the gap portion 14a. Accordingly, areas of connection positions between the connection wirings 15a, 15b and the electrode portions 13a, 13b, respectively can be increased, and contact resistances at the connection positions can be decreased. For example, a plurality of respective connection wirings 15a, 15b may be provided.
«First Wiring 102a, Second Wiring 102b»
The first wiring 102a is electrically connected to the first electrode portion 13a via the first terminal 101a and the first connection wiring 15a. The second wiring 102b is electrically connected to the second electrode portion 13b via the second terminal 101b and the second connection wiring 15b.
A conductive material is used for each of the wirings 102a, 102b, and for example, the material such as nickel, copper, silver, gold, tungsten, or titanium is used. The structure of each of the wirings 102a, 102b can be appropriately designed insofar as the current generated by the power generation element 1 can be supplied to the load R in the structure.
<Operation of Power Generation Element 1>
When the thermal energy is provided to the power generation element 1, for example, the electrons e are emitted from the second electrode portion 13b (cathode) toward the intermediate portion 14. The emitted electrons e move from the intermediate portion 14 to the first electrode portion 13a (anode) (see
The amount of the emitted electrons e depends on the thermal energy, and additionally, depends on the difference between the work function of the first electrode portion 13a (anode) and the work function of the second electrode portion 13b (cathode). The amount of the emitted electrons e tends to increase in the material having the smaller the work function of the second electrode portion 13b.
The amount of the moving electrons e can be increased by, for example, increasing the work function difference between the first electrode portion 13a and the second electrode portion 13b, or decreasing the interelectrode gap. For example, the amount of the electric energy generated by the power generation element 1 can be increased by considering at least any one of increasing the work function difference and decreasing the interelectrode gap.
Next, an exemplary method for manufacturing the power generation element 1 will be described.
The method for manufacturing the power generation element 1 includes, for example, as illustrated in
<First Housing Portion Formation Step S110>
In the first housing portion formation step S110, for example, as illustrated in
<Second Housing Portion Formation Step S120>
In the second housing portion formation step S120, for example, as illustrated in
An order of performing the first housing portion formation step S110 and the second housing portion formation step S120 is appropriately set. In the first housing portion formation step S110 and the second housing portion formation step S120, for example, a screen-printing method is used to form each of the electrode portions 13a, 13b, and additionally, for example, a sputtering method, an evaporation method, an inkjet method, and a spray application method may be used to form each of the electrode portions 13a, 13b. For example, platinum is used as the first electrode portion 13a and aluminum is used as the second electrode portion 13b, and additionally, the respective above-described materials may be used.
In each of the housing portion formation steps S110, S120, the wettability to the solvent 142 may be increased by, for example, performing a plasma treatment or the like to a surface of at least any of the electrode portions 13a, 13b. This surface treatment is performed, for example, so as to have the wettability of the respective electrode portions 13a, 13b higher than the wettability of the respective principal surfaces 11s, 12s. Accordingly, in the intermediate portion formation step S130 described later, the intermediate portion 14 can be easily formed on each of the electrode portions 13a, 13b.
<Intermediate Portion Formation Step S130>
In the intermediate portion formation step S130, for example, as illustrated in
At this time, for example, when the first electrode portion 13a has the high wettability to the solvent 142 included in the intermediate portion 14 compared with the first principal surface 11s, the solvent 142 easily spreads over the first electrode portion 13a while being less likely to spread over the outer peripheral side of the first principal surface 11s. Therefore, the intermediate portion 14 is less likely to flow out from the first principal surface 11s, and especially, it can be avoided to form the intermediate portion 14 on the joint surface 11sb joined in the joining step S140 described later. For example, the second electrode portion 13b may have the high wettability to the solvent 142 compared with the second principal surface 12s.
In the intermediate portion formation step S130, for example, the intermediate portion 14 is formed using a screen-printing method, and additionally, for example, an inkjet method and a spray application method may be used to form the intermediate portion 14. As the intermediate portion 14, for example, the solvent 142 in which the nanoparticles 141 are preliminarily dispersed is used.
<Joining Step S140>
In the joining step S140, for example, as illustrated in
In the joining step S140, for example, a direct joining method is used to join the substrates 11 and 12. In the joining step S140, a surface cleaning using a plasma treatment or the like is performed to a portion (surfaces corresponding to the respective joint surfaces 11sb, 12sb) at which the substrates 11, 12 are mutually joined. Subsequently, for example, as illustrated in
Since the interelectrode gap depends on the film thickness of the intermediate portion 14, by adjusting the film thickness forming the intermediate portion 14, the size of the interelectrode gap can be controlled.
For example, as illustrated in
Subsequently, in the intermediate portion formation step S130, the intermediate portion 14 is formed on the respective electrode portions 13a, 13b via the space 14s. The intermediate portion 14 is filled between the electrode portions 13a and 13b, and between the separated surfaces 11sa and 12sa by, for example, a capillarity (capillary force).
Subsequently, by joining the principal surfaces 11s and 12s in another direction (a pair of dashed line parts along the second direction X in
By performing each of the above-described steps S110 to S140, the power generation element 1 in the first embodiment is formed.
In the above-described first housing portion formation step S110, for example, the first connection wiring 15a that penetrates the first substrate 11 and is in contact with the first electrode portion 13a may be formed. In the above-described second housing portion formation step S120, for example, the second connection wiring 15b that penetrates the second substrate 12 and is in contact with the second electrode portion 13b may be formed. In this case, by connecting the terminal 101 and the wiring 102 to the connection wiring 15 and installing the load R after forming the power generation element 1, the power generation device 100 can be formed.
For example, as illustrated in
For example, as illustrated in
In this case, for example, the substrates 11, 12 may be divided for each of the electrode portions 13a, 13b, respectively after performing the respective housing portion formation steps S110, S120, and additionally, for example, as illustrated in
According to the embodiment, the first principal surface 11s includes the first separated surface 11sa that is in contact with the first electrode portion 13a and separated from the second housing portion 1B, and the first joint surface 11sb that is provided to be continuous with the first separated surface 11sa, separated from the first electrode portion 13a, and in contact with the second housing portion 1B. The second principal surface 12s includes the second separated surface 12sa that is in contact with the second electrode portion 13b and separated from the first housing portion 1A, and the second joint surface 12sb that is provided to be continuous with the second separated surface 12sa, separated from the second electrode portion 13b, and in contact with the first housing portion 1A. That is, the intermediate portion 14 that can be formed by joining the principal surfaces 11s and 12s on which the electrode portions 13a, 13b are provided, respectively is interposed, thereby forming the interelectrode gap. Therefore, the need for additionally providing a support member or the like is eliminated, and the variation of the interelectrode gap can be suppressed. Accordingly, the stabilized generation amount of the electric energy can be achieved.
According to the embodiment, viewed in the first direction Z, the intermediate portion 14 is surrounded by the first joint surface 11sb and the second joint surface 12sb. Therefore, the closed space (gap portion 14a) surrounding the intermediate portion 14 can be formed by the joint surfaces 11sb, 12sb of the principal surfaces 11s, 12s on which the electrode portions 13a, 13b are provided, respectively. Accordingly, the structure configured to generate electricity can be provided without forming another configuration on the substrate 10 (first substrate 11, second substrate 12). Additionally, leaking out or the like of the intermediate portion 14 can be suppressed without forming another configuration on the substrate 10.
According to the embodiment, viewed in the first direction Z, the portion at which the first joint surface 11sb is in contact with the second joint surface 12sb surrounds the first separated surface 11sa and the second separated surface 12sa. Therefore, the closed space (gap portion 14a) surrounding the intermediate portion 14 can be formed in a state where the portion at which the joint surfaces 11sb, 12sb are mutually in contact is integrally formed without interruption. Accordingly, the leaking out or the like of the intermediate portion 14 can be easily suppressed. Additionally, the electrode portions 13a, 13b can be completely surrounded by the portion at which the joint surfaces 11sb, 12sb are mutually in contact. Accordingly, the respective electrode portions 13a, 13b are not exposed outside, thus allowing suppressing the deterioration.
According to the embodiment, the first connection wiring 15a penetrates the first substrate 11 and is in contact with the first electrode portion 13a. The second connection wiring 15b penetrates the second substrate 12 and is in contact with the second electrode portion 13b. Therefore, the connection portions between the electrode portions 13a, 13b and the connection wirings 15a, 15b, respectively can be housed inside the substrates 11, 12 (gap portion 14a). Accordingly, the deterioration of the connection portion can be suppressed. Additionally, the positions at which the respective connection wirings 15a, 15b are exposed outside can be suppressed to minimum. Accordingly, the deterioration of the power generation element 1 can be suppressed.
According to the embodiment, along the first direction Z, the thickness T1a of the first substrate 11 starting from the first separated surface 11sa is equal to the thickness T1b of the first substrate 11 starting from the first joint surface 11sb. Along the first direction Z, the thickness T2a of the second substrate 12 starting from the second separated surface 12sa is equal to the thickness T2b of the second substrate 12 starting from the second joint surface 12sb. Therefore, the process of partially removing the respective substrates 11, 12, or the like is not performed, thus allowing suppressing local reduction of proof strengths of the respective substrates 11, 12. Accordingly, the deterioration of the respective substrates 11, 12 can be suppressed. Additionally, it is not necessary to perform the process of partially removing the respective substrates 11, 12, a process of stacking an additional configuration on the substrate 10, or the like, thus allowing ensuring reduction of the manufacturing process.
According to the embodiment, the side surface of the first electrode portion 13a and the side surface of the second electrode portion 13b are in contact with the intermediate portion 14. Therefore, the electrons e can be moved via the side surfaces of the respective electrode portions 13a, 13b in addition to the opposing surfaces of the respective electrode portions 13a, 13b. Accordingly, the generation amount of the electric energy can be increased.
According to the embodiment, at least any of the first principal surface 11s and the second principal surface 12s is formed in the curved shape. Therefore, a portion such as a protrusion to which a stress is locally concentrated is not formed. Accordingly, a damage due to an impact from outside can be suppressed.
According to the embodiment, the first electrode portion 13a has the high wettability to the intermediate portion 14 compared with the first principal surface 11s. Therefore, the nanoparticles 141 dispersed in the solvent 142 included in the intermediate portion 14 can be easily kept between the electrode portions 13a and 13b. Accordingly, the reduction over time in generation amount of the electric energy can be suppressed.
According to the embodiment, in the joining step S140, the first housing portion 1A and the second housing portion 1B are joined in the state where the first electrode portion 13a is separated from the second electrode portion 13b in the first direction Z. At this time, the first principal surface 11s includes the first separated surface 11sa that is in contact with the first electrode portion 13a and separated from the second housing portion 1B, and the first joint surface 11sb that is provided to be continuous with the first separated surface 11sa, separated from the first electrode portion 13a, and in contact with the second housing portion 1B. The second principal surface 12s includes the second separated surface 12sa that is in contact with the second electrode portion 13b and separated from the first housing portion 1A, and the second joint surface 12sb that is provided to be continuous with the second separated surface 12sa, separated from the second electrode portion 13b, and in contact with the first housing portion 1A. That is, the intermediate portion 14 that can be formed by joining the principal surfaces 11s and 12s on which the electrode portions 13a, 13b are provided, respectively is interposed, thereby forming the interelectrode gap. Therefore, the need for additionally providing a support member or the like is eliminated, and the variation of the interelectrode gap can be suppressed. Accordingly, the stabilized generation amount of the electric energy can be achieved.
According to the embodiment, viewed in the first direction Z, the intermediate portion 14 is surrounded by the first joint surface 11sb and the second joint surface 12sb. Therefore, the closed space surrounding the intermediate portion 14 can be formed by the joint surfaces 11sb, 12sb of the principal surfaces 11s, 12s on which the electrode portions 13a, 13b are provided, respectively. Accordingly, the structure configured to generate electricity can be provided without forming another configuration on the substrate 10. Additionally, leaking out or the like of the intermediate portion 14 can be suppressed without forming another configuration on the substrate 10.
According to the embodiment, the joining step S140 is performed in the state where the pressure between the first substrate 11 and the second substrate 12 is reduced. Therefore, air and the like can be removed from inside the gap portion 14a in which the interelectrode gap is formed, thereby allowing easily filling inside the gap portion 14a with the intermediate portion. Accordingly, facilitating the manufacturing process can be ensured.
Next, a modification of the substrate 10 in the first embodiment will be described.
The difference between the above-described embodiment and the modification is that the first separated surface 11sa includes a contact surface 11sat, a first surface 11saf, and a second surface 11sas. For configurations similar to the above-described configurations, descriptions will be omitted.
As illustrated in
The first surface 11saf has a high wettability to the solvent 142 compared with the second surface 11sas. Therefore, the solvent 142 easily spreads over the first surface 11saf compared with the second surface 11sas, and oozing of the solvent 142 from the respective joint surfaces 11sb, 12sb can be suppressed.
The difference in wettability between the first surface 11saf and the second surface 11sas can be achieved by, for example, changing the surface energy of at least any of the first surface 11saf and the second surface 11sas using a plasma treatment method. At least any of the first surface 11saf and the second surface 11sas may have a moth-eye structure formed by, for example, a nano-imprint method.
For example, as illustrated in
Especially, in a case where the electrode portions 13a, 13b have the high wettability to the solvent 142 compared with the first surfaces 11saf, 12saf, respectively when the separated surfaces 11sa, 12sa include the contact surfaces 11sat, 12sat, the first surfaces 11saf, 12saf, and the second surfaces 11sas, 12sas, respectively, the solvent 142 can be stably held between the electrode portions 13a and 13b.
Next, a modification of the method for manufacturing the power generation element 1 will be described.
The difference between the above-described embodiment and the modification is that a surface treatment step S150 is further included. For steps similar to the above-described configurations, descriptions will be omitted.
<Surface Treatment Step S150>
In the surface treatment step S150, a surface treatment is performed to the first principal surface 11s positioned in the peripheral area of the first electrode portion 13a before the intermediate portion formation step S130 and the joining step S140. In the surface treatment step S150, for example, as illustrated in
In the surface treatment step S150, for example, the surface treatment is performed to the first principal surface 11s using a plasma treatment method. Note that, in the surface treatment step S150, for example, similarly to the first principal surface 11s, the surface treatment may be performed to the second principal surface 12s.
Subsequently, each of the above-described steps S130, S140 are performed, thus forming the power generation element 1 in the first embodiment. By performing the surface treatment step S150, for example, as illustrated in
According to the modification, the first surfaces 11saf, 12saf have the high wettability to the intermediate portion 14 (solvent 142) compared with the second surfaces 11sas, 12sas. Therefore, the oozing of the solvent 142 from the respective joint surfaces 11sb, 12sb can be suppressed. Accordingly, the reduction over time in the amount of the solvent 142 can be suppressed.
According to the modification, in the surface treatment step S150, the surface treatment is performed to the first principal surface 11s positioned in the peripheral area of the first electrode portion 13a. Therefore, when the intermediate portion formation step S130 is performed, the intermediate portion 14 can be easily kept on the first electrode portion 13a. Accordingly, the intermediate portion 14 can be easily formed.
Next, the first modification of the power generation element 1 in the first embodiment will be described.
The difference between the above-described embodiment and the first modification is that a sealing portion 17 is further included. For configurations similar to the above-described configurations, descriptions will be omitted.
For example, as illustrated in
As the sealing portion 17, for example, an insulating resin is used, and the exemplary insulating resin can include a fluorine-based insulating resin. In addition, as the sealing portion 17, for example, a metal such as aluminum may be used. By using a metal as the sealing portion 17, the deterioration of the power generation element 1 caused by a gas such as water vapor can be suppressed.
According to the first modification, the sealing portion 17 is provided between the first electrode portion 13a and the first joint surface 11sb and between the second electrode portion 13b and the second joint surface 12sb, and surrounds the intermediate portion 14. Therefore, the oozing of the intermediate portion 14 from the respective joint surfaces 11sb, 12sb can be suppressed. Accordingly, the reduction over time in the amount of the solvent 142 can be suppressed.
Next, the second modification of the power generation element 1 in the first embodiment will be described.
The difference between the above-described embodiment and the second modification is that a protective film 18 is further included. For configurations similar to the above-described configurations, descriptions will be omitted.
For example, as illustrated in
As the protective film 18, for example, an insulating resin is used, and the exemplary insulating resin can include a fluorine-based insulating resin. In addition, as the protective film 18, for example, a metal such as aluminum may be used. By using a metal as the protective film 18, the deterioration of the power generation element 1 caused by a gas such as water vapor can be suppressed.
According to the second modification, the protective film 18 at least surrounds the side surface of the first substrate 11 and the side surface of the second substrate 12. Therefore, the deterioration of the substrate 10 due to an external factor can be suppressed. Accordingly, the time deterioration of the power generation element 1 can be suppressed.
According to the second modification, the oozing of the solvent 142 from the respective joint surfaces 11sb, 12sb can be suppressed. Accordingly, the reduction over time in the amount of the solvent 142 can be suppressed.
Next, a power generation device 100 and a power generation element 1 in the second embodiment will be described.
The difference between the above-described embodiment and the second embodiment is that the substrate 10 and the electrode portion 13 are joined. For configurations similar to the above-described configurations, descriptions will be omitted.
For example, as illustrated in
For example, as illustrated in
For example, as illustrated in
In this embodiment, the housing portions 1A, 1B are mutually joined at each of the first substrate joint surface 11sbs and the second substrate joint surface 12sbs, the first electrode joint surface 11sbm and the second electrode portion 13b, and the first electrode portion 13a and the second electrode joint surface 12sbm, and for example, joined in the region indicated by dashed lines in
In the case of joining in the above-described region, the areas in which the electrode portions 13a, 13b are provided on the substrates 11, 12, respectively can be increased. Therefore, the opposing areas of the respective electrode portions 13a, 13b can be increased.
In this embodiment, for example, the first connection wiring 15a is provided outside the second electrode joint surface 12sbm, and in contact with the first electrode portion 13a. The second connection wiring 15b is provided outside the first electrode joint surface 11sbm, and in contact with the second electrode portion 13b. Therefore, the connection wirings 15a, 15b to be electrically connected to the electrode portions 13a, 13b, respectively can be easily provided, and for example, facilitation of the manufacturing process of the power generation device 100 can be ensured.
For example, as illustrated in
In this embodiment, for example, as illustrated in
For example, as illustrated in
For example, as illustrated in
According to this embodiment, in addition to the content of the above-described embodiment, the first joint surface 11sb includes the first substrate joint surface 11sbs in contact with the second joint surface 12sb, and the first electrode joint surface 11sbm in contact with the second electrode portion 13b. The second joint surface 12sb includes the second substrate joint surface 12sbs in contact with the first substrate joint surface 11sbs, and the second electrode joint surface 12sbm in contact with the first electrode portion 13a. Therefore, the areas in which the electrode portions 13a, 13b are provided on the substrates 11, 12, respectively can be increased, thus allowing increasing the opposing areas of the respective electrode portions 13a, 13b. Accordingly, the generation amount of the electric energy can be increased.
According to this embodiment, the first connection wiring 15a is provided outside the second electrode joint surface 12sbm, and in contact with the first electrode portion 13a. The second connection wiring 15b is provided outside the first electrode joint surface 11sbm, and in contact with the second electrode portion 13b. Therefore, the connection wirings 15a, 15b to be electrically connected to the electrode portions 13a, 13b, respectively can be easily provided. Accordingly, facilitation of the manufacturing process can be ensured. Even in a case where the connection wirings 15a, 15b are each deteriorated in accordance with the use of the power generation element 1, the repair can be easily made.
According to this embodiment, the first connection wiring 15a extends in the first direction Z, and is in contact with the plurality of first electrode portions 13a. The second connection wiring 15b extends in the first direction Z, and is in contact with the plurality of second electrode portions 13b. Therefore, also in the case where the plurality of respective housing portions 1A, 1B are stacked, the connection wirings 15a, 15b to be electrically connected to the electrode portions 13a, 13b, respectively can be easily provided. Accordingly, facilitation of the manufacturing process can be ensured.
<Electronic Apparatus 500>
The power generation element 1 and the power generation device 100 described above can be mounted to, for example, an electronic apparatus. The following describes some embodiments of the electronic apparatus.
As illustrated in
The electronic part 501 is driven using the main power supply 502 as a power supply. As the exemplary electronic part 501, for example, a CPU, a motor, a sensor terminal, an illumination, and the like can be included. For example, when the electronic part 501 is a CPU, the electronic apparatus 500 includes an electronic apparatus controllable by a built-in master (CPU). When the electronic part 501 includes, for example, at least one of a motor, a sensor terminal, an illumination, and the like, the electronic apparatus 500 includes an external master or an electronic apparatus controllable by a human.
The main power supply 502 is, for example, a battery. The battery includes a rechargeable battery. A positive terminal (+) of the main power supply 502 is electrically connected to a Vcc terminal (Vcc) of the electronic part 501. A negative terminal (−) of the main power supply 502 is electrically connected to a GND terminal (GND) of the electronic part 501.
The auxiliary power supply 503 is the power generation element 1. The power generation element 1 includes at least one of the above-described power generation elements 1. An anode (for example, first electrode portion 13a) of the power generation element 1 is electrically connected to the GND terminal (GND) of the electronic part 501, the negative terminal (−) of the main power supply 502, or a wiring connecting the GND terminal (GND) and the negative terminal (−). A cathode (for example, second electrode portion 13b) of the power generation element 1 is electrically connected to the Vcc terminal (Vcc) of the electronic part 501, the positive terminal (+) of the main power supply 502, or a wiring connecting the Vcc terminal (Vcc) and the positive terminal (+). In the electronic apparatus 500, the auxiliary power supply 503 is, for example, used together with the main power supply 502, and can be used as a power supply for assisting the main power supply 502 and a power supply to back up the main power supply 502 when the capacity of the main power supply 502 is exhausted. When the main power supply 502 is a rechargeable battery, the auxiliary power supply 503 can be further used as a power supply for charging the battery.
As illustrated in
As illustrated in
As illustrated in
As illustrated in each of
In the embodiment illustrated in
It is common in the embodiments illustrated in respective
The electronic apparatus 500 may be an autonomous type (autonomous type) including an independent power supply. An exemplary autonomous electronic apparatus can include, for example, a robot and the like. Furthermore, the electronic part 501 including the power generation element 1 or the power generation device 100 may be an autonomous type including an independent power supply. An exemplary autonomous electronic part can include, for example, a movable sensor terminal and the like.
While the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, these embodiments have been presented by way of examples only, and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. For example, these embodiments can be embodied in combination as necessary. The present invention can be embodied in various novel embodiments in addition to the above-described embodiments. Therefore, for each of the above-described embodiments, various omissions, substitutions and changes can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. The accompanying claims and their equivalents cover such novel embodiments and modifications as would fall within the scope and spirit of the invention.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019-078459 | Apr 2019 | JP | national |
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/JP2020/016262 | 4/13/2020 | WO | 00 |
