JP2015223061A - Base and power generator - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a base that makes it possible to reduce a power generator assembling workload and power generator size by reducing the number of components, and a power generator comprising such base.SOLUTION: A base is used for holding a power generation element including: at least one magnetostrictive rod formed by magnetostrictive material allowing lines of magnetic force to pass through in its axis direction; a beam member having a function for applying stress to the magnetostrictive rod; and a coil which is disposed so that the lines of magnetic force pass through in the axis direction and at which voltage is generated on the basis of change of density of the lines of magnetic force. The power generation element is configured so that extension and contraction caused by displacing one end of the magnetostrictive rod with respect to the other end in a direction approximately vertical to the axis direction of the magnetostrictive rod changes density of the lines of magnetic force to generate voltage at the coil. The base includes at least the beam member of members constituting a power generation element.

Description

  The present invention relates to a base and a power generation device, specifically, a base that holds a power generation element and a power generation device that holds the power generation element on the base.

In recent years, a power generation apparatus that generates electric power by using a change in magnetic permeability of a magnetostrictive rod made of a magnetostrictive material has been studied (for example, see Patent Document 1).
This power generator applies, for example, a pair of magnetostrictive rods arranged in parallel, a connecting yoke that connects these magnetostrictive rods, a coil provided so as to surround each magnetostrictive rod, and a bias magnetic field to the magnetostrictive rods. A permanent magnet and a back yoke are provided. A pair of magnetostrictive rods function as opposing parallel beams (parallel beams). When an external force is applied to the connecting yoke in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the pair of magnetostrictive rods, one magnetostrictive rod extends. It deforms so that the other magnetostrictive rod contracts. At this time, the density of magnetic lines passing through each magnetostrictive rod (magnetic flux density), that is, the density of magnetic lines passing through each coil changes, thereby generating a voltage in each coil.
In such a power generation device, it is preferable to reduce the number of assembly steps by reducing the number of parts as much as possible from the viewpoint of improving the dimensional stability and reducing the manufacturing cost. Furthermore, it is preferable to reduce the number of parts in order to reduce the size of the power generator (to reduce the height of the power generator). However, although the number of parts can be reduced to a certain degree, it is difficult to significantly reduce the number of parts. For this reason, it is not easy to reduce the assembly man-hours and size of the power generation device.

WO2011 / 158473

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described conventional problems, and an object of the present invention is to reduce the number of parts, thereby reducing the number of assembly steps of the power generator and reducing the height thereof, and such a base. It is in providing the electric power generating apparatus provided.

Such an object is achieved by the present inventions (1) to (12) below.
(1) A base for holding a power generation element,
The power generating element includes at least one magnetostrictive rod made of a magnetostrictive material that passes magnetic lines of force in the axial direction, a beam member that has a function of applying stress to the magnetostrictive bar, and the magnetic lines of force pass in the axial direction. And a coil for generating a voltage based on a change in density of the magnetostrictive rod. The other end of the magnetostrictive rod is displaced in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axial direction to expand and contract the magnetostrictive rod. By changing the density of the lines of magnetic force, the coil is configured to generate a voltage,
The base has at least the beam member among members constituting the power generating element.

  (2) The base according to (1), wherein at least the beam member is made of a nonmagnetic material.

(3) The base has a base body that holds the beam member with one end as a fixed end and the other end as a movable end,
The said beam member is a base as described in said (1) or (2) currently formed integrally with the said base main body.

  (4) The base according to (3), wherein the base body includes a flat plate portion that holds the beam member, and an angle formed by the flat plate portion and the beam member is 0.5 to 10 °.

  (5) The said beam member is a base as described in said (3) or (4) whose spring constant is higher than the spring constant of the said base main body.

(6) the base according to any one of (1) to (5) above;
At least one magnetostrictive rod made of a magnetostrictive material that is fixed to the base so that stress is applied from the beam member, and that passes magnetic lines of force in the axial direction;
The magnetic field lines are arranged so as to pass in the axial direction, and a coil that generates a voltage based on a change in density thereof,
The other end of the magnetostrictive rod is displaced in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axial direction of the magnetostrictive rod to expand and contract the magnetostrictive rod, thereby changing the density of the lines of magnetic force and generating a voltage in the coil. It is comprised, The electric power generating apparatus characterized by the above-mentioned.

  (7) The power generation device according to (6), wherein a distance between the magnetostrictive rod and the beam member is smaller at the other end than at the one end in a side view.

  (8) The power generation device according to (7), wherein an angle formed between the magnetostrictive rod and the beam member is 0.5 to 10 ° in a side view.

  (9) The power generation device according to any one of (6) to (8), wherein the magnetostrictive rod and the beam member are arranged so as not to overlap in a side view.

(10) The at least one magnetostrictive rod has two or more magnetostrictive rods provided side by side,
The power generation device according to any one of (6) to (9), wherein the magnetostrictive rods and the beam members are arranged so as not to overlap each other in plan view.

  (11) The power generator according to (10), wherein the beam member is disposed between the magnetostrictive rods in a plan view.

(12) The coil is wound on the outer peripheral side of each magnetostrictive rod so as to surround the magnetostrictive rod,
The power generator according to (10) or (11), wherein the coils and the beam members are arranged so as not to overlap each other in a plan view.

  According to the present invention, it is not necessary to prepare an independent part as a beam member, and the number of assembling steps for the beam member is reduced. Furthermore, it is possible to reduce the thickness of the power generation device by at least the thickness of the beam member, that is, to reduce the height of the power generation device.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a first embodiment of a power generator of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a first embodiment of the base of the present invention. FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view showing the first embodiment of the power generator of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a first embodiment of the power generator (coil is omitted) of the present invention. FIG. 5A is a perspective view showing the flow of magnetic lines of force on the front end side of the power generator shown in FIG. 1 (the base, the coil, and the beam member are omitted), and FIG. 5B is the same as FIG. It is a schematic diagram which shows the flow of the magnetic force line which passes the upper side connection member of a power generator shown, a permanent magnet, and a magnetic member. FIG. 6 is a side view schematically showing a state in which an external force is applied in the downward direction to the distal end of one bar (one beam) whose base end is fixed to the base body. FIG. 7 is a side view schematically showing a state in which an external force is applied downward to the distal ends of a pair of opposed parallel beams (parallel beams) whose base ends are fixed to the base body. FIG. 8 is a diagram schematically showing stress (elongation stress, contraction stress) applied to a pair of parallel beams to which an external force is applied to the tip. FIG. 9 is a graph showing the relationship between the applied magnetic field (H) and the magnetic flux density (B) according to the generated stress in a magnetostrictive rod made of a magnetostrictive material mainly composed of an iron-gallium alloy. It is. FIG. 10A is a perspective view showing the flow of magnetic lines of force on the tip side of another configuration example (the base, the coil, and the beam member are omitted) of the power generation device shown in FIG. 1, and FIG. It is a graph which shows the change of the magnetic flux density along the longitudinal direction of a magnetostriction rod, when stress is provided to the front end side connection part of the electric power generating apparatus shown in 1 and the electric power generating apparatus shown to Fig.10 (a). 11A is a plan view schematically showing each upper connecting member included in the power generation device shown in FIG. 1, and FIGS. 11B to 11E are each upper side included in the power generation device shown in FIG. It is a top view which shows the other structural example of a connection member typically. FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing a second embodiment of the power generator of the present invention. FIG. 13A and FIG. 13B are perspective views showing a bobbin of a coil provided in the power generation device shown in FIG. FIG. 14A and FIG. 14B are perspective views showing a magnetostrictive rod and a coil included in the power generation apparatus shown in FIG. FIG.14 (c) is a perspective view which shows the cross section which cut | disconnected the magnetostriction rod and coil of Fig.14 (a) by the BB line. FIG. 15 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a second embodiment of the power generator of the present invention. FIG. 16 is a perspective view showing a third embodiment of the power generator (base is omitted) of the present invention.

Hereinafter, a base and a power generator of the present invention will be described based on preferred embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings.
<First Embodiment>
First, a base and a first embodiment of the power generation apparatus 10 according to the present invention will be described.

  FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a first embodiment of a power generator of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a first embodiment of the base of the present invention. FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view showing the first embodiment of the power generator of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a first embodiment of the power generator (coil is omitted) of the present invention. FIG. 5A is a perspective view showing the flow of magnetic lines of force on the front end side of the power generator shown in FIG. 1 (the base, the coil, and the beam member are omitted), and FIG. 5B is the same as FIG. It is a schematic diagram which shows the flow of the magnetic force line which passes the upper side connection member of a power generator shown, a permanent magnet, and a magnetic member.

  In the following description, the upper side in FIGS. 1 to 5 is referred to as “upper” or “upper”, and the lower side in FIGS. 1 to 5 is referred to as “lower” or “lower”. Also, the right front side of the paper in FIGS. 1 and 2, the right back side of the paper in FIG. 3, the right side in FIG. 4, the left back side of the paper in FIG. 5 (a), and the front side of the paper in FIG. 5 (b). Is referred to as the “front end side”, the left rear side of the paper surface in FIGS. 1 and 2, the left front side of the paper surface in FIG. 3, the left side in FIG. 4, and the right front side in FIG. 5A and FIG. The back side of the paper is called the “base end side”.

  A power generation device 10 illustrated in FIG. 1 includes a power generation element 1 and a base 100 that holds the power generation element 1. Prior to the description of the power generation element 1, the base 100 will be described.

<Base>
The base 100 is used as a member that constitutes a part of a lighting switch, for example. The base 100 shown in FIG. 2 has a box shape, and includes a bottom portion (flat plate portion) 101 and side portions 102 (right side portion 102a, left side portion 102b, and upper side portion) that are provided upward along the four sides of the bottom portion 101. 102c and lower part 102d).

  The bottom 101 has a substantially rectangular plate shape, and a slit 108 having a predetermined shape is formed at a position slightly deviated from the center. In this embodiment, a portion (T-shaped portion 103) having a substantially T shape in a plan view surrounded by the slit 108 of the bottom 101 is a part of the members constituting the power generating element 1 (the beam member 8 and the lower side). The connecting member 51) is configured.

  A plurality of openings 104 are formed in the bottom portion 101. The opening 104 is inserted with wiring such as a sensor and a circuit board mounted on the base 100, screws for fixing the base 100 to other members, and the like. The shape, arrangement position, number, and the like of these openings 104 can be appropriately changed according to the type of sensor, the type and number of screws, and the like.

  A plurality of recesses 105 are formed on the upper surface of the bottom 101. For example, a convex portion formed on the lower surface of a member (lower coupling member 41) constituting the power generation element 1 is inserted into the concave portion 105. Thereby, positioning with the electric power generation element 1 and the base 100 can be performed easily and reliably. Further, the four corners of the bottom 101 are cut out in a fan shape. Note that the shape, size, and the like of the bottom portion 101 can be changed as appropriate according to the size, the number, and the like of the power generating elements 1 to be installed.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the right side 102a, the left side 102b, the upper side 102c, and the lower side 102d are provided on the four sides of the bottom 101, respectively.

  Each of the side portions 102a to 102d has a substantially rectangular shape, and is formed integrally with the bottom portion 101. A plurality of openings 106 having the same function as the opening 104 of the bottom 101 are formed in the right side 102a. The left side portion 102 b has a function of positioning the power generating element 1 with respect to the base 100 by contacting the base end of the power generating element 1.

  A pair of claw portions 107 protruding toward the inside of the bottom portion 101 is formed at the upper end of the left side portion 102b. When the power generating element 1 is placed on the base 100, the convex portion of the power generating element 1 is inserted into the concave portion 105, and the base end portion of the power generating element 1 is sandwiched between the claw portion 107 and the bottom portion 101. Thereby, the power generating element 1 can be reliably fixed to the base 100.

  From the viewpoint of pinching the power generation element 1 more reliably, the height of the left side portion 102b is preferably substantially equal to the height of the base end portion of the power generation element 1 (see FIG. 4). The claw portions 107 are provided in the same number (one in the present embodiment) via a center line along the longitudinal direction of the power generating element 1. Thereby, the stability in the short direction when the power generating element 1 is fixed to the base 100 is improved. Note that an additional claw portion 107 may be provided so as to be positioned on the center line of the power generating element 1.

  In the present embodiment, the base body 110 is configured by such side portions 102 (102a to 102d) and a portion excluding the T-shaped portion 103 (a portion inside the slit 108) of the bottom portion 101.

  The T-shaped portion 103 is provided on the base body 110 (bottom portion 101) with one end as a fixed end and the other end as a movable end. That is, the T-shaped portion 103 is cantilevered by the base body 110. The entire power generating element 1 is held (fixed) to the base body 110 using the T-shaped portion 103. The T-shaped portion 103 includes a beam member 8 that functions to apply stress to the magnetostrictive rod 2 included in the power generating element 1, and a lower connecting member 51 provided at the tip of the beam member 8. Note that the configurations, operations, and effects of the beam member 8 and the lower connection member 51 will be described in detail when the power generating element 1 is described.

  Such a T-shaped portion 103 may be formed as a separate member from the base body 110, but is formed integrally with the base body 110 in this embodiment. Thereby, the base 100 can be formed more easily and the bonding strength between the T-shaped portion 103 and the base main body 110 can be improved. Thereby, it can prevent suitably that the electric power generation element 1 detach | leaves from the base main body 110 (base 100).

  When the T-shaped portion 103 is formed integrally with the base body 110, the base 100 is obtained by forming the slit 108 after pressing, bending or forging a single plate material. The slit 108 can be formed by, for example, laser processing or cutting. When the T-shaped portion 103 is formed separately from the base main body 110, the T-shaped portion 103 may be fixed to the base main body 110 by, for example, welding or brazing.

  In such a base 100, it is preferable that at least the T-shaped portion 103 (beam member 8) is made of a nonmagnetic material. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the magnetic field generated in the power generation element 1 from being short-circuited. Examples of such nonmagnetic materials include metal materials, semiconductor materials, ceramic materials, resin materials, and the like, and these can be used alone or in combination.

  In addition, the arrangement position and the number of the T-shaped portions 103 can be appropriately set according to the configuration and the number of the power generating elements 1 placed on the base 100. The power generating element 1 is held (fixed) via the T-shaped portion 103 on the base 100 as described above.

<Power generation element>
Hereinafter, the power generation element 1 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 1 and 3 to 5.
The power generation element 1 shown in FIG. 1 includes two magnetostrictive rods 2 that are provided side by side to pass magnetic lines of force, a coil 3 that is arranged so that magnetic lines of force pass in the axial direction, and the base ends of the magnetostrictive rods 2. A proximal end side connecting portion 4 for fixing the magnetostrictive rod 2, a distal end side connecting portion 5 for fixing the distal end portions of the magnetostrictive rod 2, a permanent magnet 6 a provided on the proximal end side of the magnetostrictive rod 2, and a distal end side of the magnetostrictive rod 2 A permanent magnet 6b provided on the magnet, a magnetic member 7a disposed on the permanent magnet 6a, a magnetic member 7b disposed on the permanent magnet 6b, and a beam member 8 that functions to apply stress to the magnetostrictive rod 2. Have.

  In this power generation element 1, the distal end (the other end) of the magnetostrictive rod 2 is displaced in a direction (vertical direction in FIG. 1) substantially perpendicular to the axial direction of the magnetostrictive rod 2. Stretch the. At this time, the magnetic permeability of each magnetostrictive rod 2 changes due to the inverse magnetostrictive effect, and the density of magnetic lines generated from the permanent magnets 6a and 6b and passing through each magnetostrictive bar 2 (density of magnetic lines passing through the coil 3) changes. Thus, a voltage is generated in each coil 3.

Hereinafter, the configuration of each part of the power generation element 1 will be described.
(Magnetostrictive rod 2)
As shown in FIG. 1, the power generating element 1 of the present embodiment has two magnetostrictive rods 2 provided side by side. The magnetostrictive rod 2 is made of a magnetostrictive material, and is arranged with the direction in which magnetization is likely to occur (direction of easy magnetization) as the axial direction. In the present embodiment, the magnetostrictive rod 2 has a long flat plate shape, and passes lines of magnetic force in the axial direction thereof.

Such a magnetostrictive rod 2 has a substantially constant thickness (cross-sectional area) along the axial direction. The average thickness of the magnetostrictive rod 2 is not particularly limited, but is preferably about 0.3 to 10 mm, and more preferably about 0.5 to 5 mm. The average cross-sectional area of the magnetostrictive rod 2 is preferably in the range of about ² 0.2～200Mm, and more preferably ² about 0.5 to 50 mm. With this configuration, it is possible to reliably pass magnetic lines of force in the axial direction of the magnetostrictive rod 2.

  The Young's modulus of the magnetostrictive material is preferably about 30 to 100 GPa, more preferably about 50 to 90 GPa, and further preferably about 60 to 80 GPa. By configuring the magnetostrictive rod 2 with a magnetostrictive material having such a Young's modulus, the magnetostrictive rod 2 can be expanded and contracted more greatly. For this reason, since the magnetic permeability of the magnetostrictive rod 2 can be changed more greatly, the power generation efficiency of the power generation element 1 (coil 3) can be further improved.

  Such a magnetostrictive material is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include an iron-gallium alloy, an iron-cobalt alloy, and an iron-nickel alloy, and these can be used alone or in combination. . Among these, a magnetostrictive material whose main component is an iron-gallium alloy (Young's modulus: about 70 GPa) is preferably used. A magnetostrictive material whose main component is an iron-gallium alloy is easy to set in the range of Young's modulus as described above.

  The magnetostrictive material as described above preferably contains at least one of rare earth metals such as Y, Pr, Sm, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, and Tm. Thereby, the change of the magnetic permeability of the magnetostriction stick | rod 2 can be enlarged more.

  The coil 3 is wound (arranged) on the outer peripheral side of the two magnetostrictive rods 2 and 2 so as to surround a portion excluding their both end portions (the base end portion 21 and the tip end portion 22) (FIG. 1 and FIG. 1). (See FIG. 3).

(Coil 3)
The coil 3 is configured by winding a wire 31 around the outer periphery of the magnetostrictive rod 2. Thereby, the coil 3 is arrange | positioned so that the magnetic force line which has passed the magnetostriction stick | rod 2 may pass to the axial direction (penetrating a lumen | bore part). A voltage is generated in the coil 3 based on a change in magnetic permeability of the magnetostrictive rod 2, that is, a change in the density of magnetic lines of force (magnetic flux density) passing through the magnetostrictive rod 2.

  In the power generation element 1 of the present embodiment, the magnetostrictive rods 2 are arranged in the width direction, not in the thickness direction, so that the interval between them can be designed to be large. Therefore, a sufficient space for the coil 3 wound around the magnetostrictive rod 2 can be secured, and the number of turns can be increased even when the wire 31 having a relatively large cross-sectional area (wire diameter) is used. A wire rod having a large wire diameter has a small resistance value (load impedance) and can efficiently flow a current, so that the voltage generated in the coil 3 can be used efficiently.

Here, the voltage ε generated in the coil 3 based on the change in the magnetic flux density of the magnetostrictive rod 2 is expressed by the following equation (1).
ε = N × ΔB / ΔT (1)
(Where N is the number of turns of the wire 31, ΔB is the amount of change in magnetic flux passing through the lumen of the coil 3, and ΔT is the amount of change in time.)

  Thus, since the voltage generated in the coil 3 is proportional to the number of turns of the wire 31 and the amount of change in the magnetic flux density of the magnetostrictive rod 2 (ΔB / ΔT), the power generation element can be obtained by increasing the number of turns of the wire 31. The power generation efficiency of 1 can be improved.

  Although it does not specifically limit as the wire 31, For example, the wire which coat | covered the insulating film which added the fusion | fusion function to the copper base line, the wire which coat | covered the copper base line, etc. are mentioned, Of these, 1 Species or a combination of two or more can be used.

  The number of windings of the wire 31 is not particularly limited, but is preferably about 1000 to 10000, and more preferably about 2000 to 9000. Thereby, the voltage generated in the coil 3 can be further increased.

Moreover, although the cross-sectional area of the wire 31 is not specifically limited, It is preferable that it is about 5 * 10 < ^-4 > -0.15mm < ² >, and it is more preferable that it is about 2 * 10 < ^-3 > -0.08mm < ² >. Since the resistance value of such a wire 31 is sufficiently low, the current flowing through the coil 3 can be efficiently flowed to the outside by the generated voltage, and the power generation efficiency of the power generation element 1 can be further improved.

  In addition, the cross-sectional shape of the wire 31 may be any shape such as a polygon such as a triangle, a square, a rectangle, and a hexagon, a circle, and an ellipse.

  The magnetostrictive rods 2 are connected to each other by a proximal end side connecting portion 4 and a distal end side connecting portion 5 at a proximal end portion 21 and a distal end portion 22 around which the coil 3 is not wound. In the present embodiment, the base end side connecting portion 4 is fixed to the base 100, and a part of the members constituting the distal end side connecting portion 5 is formed integrally with the base body 110.

(Base end side connection part 4)
As shown in FIG. 3, the base end side connecting portion 4 includes a lower side connecting member 41 and an upper side connecting member 42 provided on the upper side of the lower side connecting member 41. The base end side connection part 4 connects these by mutually pinching the base end part 21 of each magnetostrictive rod 2 with the lower side connection member 41 and the upper side connection member 42. The method for fixing each part is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include welding (laser welding, electric welding), pin press-fitting, and adhesion using an adhesive.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the lower connecting member 41 includes a rod-like fixing portion 411 for fixing the magnetostrictive rod 2, and rod-like leg portions 412 and leg portions 413 provided at both ends of the fixing portion 411. . The leg portion 412 and the leg portion 413 are integrally formed with the fixing portion 411 so that the axial direction thereof is substantially orthogonal to the axial direction of the fixing portion 411. Thereby, the lower connection member 41 has a horizontally long H shape in a plan view.

  The fixing portion 411 is located further on the base end side than the base end of the beam member 8 and is disposed so as not to interfere with the displacement of the beam member 8. Further, although not shown, a convex portion that is inserted into the concave portion 105 formed in the bottom portion 101 of the base 100 is formed on the lower surface of the fixed portion 411. When assembling the power generating element 1, the lower connecting member 41 can be easily positioned with respect to the base 100 by inserting the convex portion into the concave portion 105.

  In the present embodiment, the positioned lower connecting member 41 and the bottom 101 are fixed by welding. Thereby, compared with the case where these are mutually fixed with a screw etc., a number of parts can be reduced and an assembly man-hour can be reduced. In addition, since the bonding strength between the lower connecting member 41 and the bottom portion 101 can be increased, the power generating element 1 can be stably held on the base 100 even if the base 100 vibrates violently.

  Leg portions 412 and leg portions 413 are provided at both end portions of the fixing portion 411, respectively, and are arranged so as to be separated from the central axis of the beam member 8 by a substantially equal distance. Thereby, the stability at the time of fixing the lower side connection member 41 to the base 100 can be improved.

  Further, both end portions of the fixing portion 411 are connected to the vicinity of the center in the longitudinal direction of the leg portions 412 and 413, respectively. Accordingly, the lower connecting member 41 has a space on the distal end side and a space on the proximal end side with respect to the fixing portion 411. The space on the tip side of the fixing portion 411 functions so as not to interfere with the displacement of the beam member 8 of the lower connecting member 41 (as a non-interference space). On the other hand, the space on the base end side from the fixed portion 411 functions as a magnet storage space for storing the permanent magnet 6a.

  The constituent material of the lower connecting member 41 is preferably a material that can prevent a magnetic field loop, which will be described later, formed by the magnetostrictive rods 2 and 2 and the permanent magnets 6 a and 6 b from being short-circuited by the lower connecting member 41. Therefore, the lower connecting member 41 is preferably made of a weak magnetic material or a non-magnetic material, and more preferably made of a non-magnetic material from the viewpoint of more reliably preventing a short circuit of the magnetic field loop. .

  On the upper side of the lower connection member 41, an upper connection member 42 having a strip shape (a long flat plate shape) is provided. As shown in FIG. 1, the length of the upper connecting member 42 in the longitudinal direction is slightly shorter than the length of the lower connecting member 41 in the longitudinal direction. On the other hand, the length in the short direction (length from the base end to the tip end) of the upper connecting member 42 is not particularly limited, but is preferably about 3 to 30 mm, and more preferably about 5 to 10 mm. . From the viewpoint of reducing the thickness of the power generating element 1 (reducing the height), it is preferable to reduce the height (thickness) of the upper connecting member 42.

  Two concave portions 421 formed corresponding to the base end portions 21 of the two magnetostrictive rods 2 are formed on the distal end side of the bottom surface (lower surface) of the upper connecting member 42 as described above. The upper connecting member 42 and the lower connecting member 41 are fixed in a state where the base end portion 21 of the magnetostrictive rod 2 is inserted into each recess 421. Thereby, the base end part 21 of each magnetostriction rod 2 is clamped by the upper side connection member 42 and the lower side connection member 41, and the magnetostriction rods 2 are connected.

  At both ends of the upper connecting member 42 in the longitudinal direction, cutout portions 422 that are notched toward the inner side of the upper connecting member 42 are formed. The notch 422 is fitted with the protrusion 63 of the permanent magnet 6a. The upper connecting member 42 is formed with a slit 423 penetrating in the thickness direction substantially in the middle of the longitudinal direction. The action and effect of the slit 423 will be described in detail after the description of each member of the power generating element 1.

  As a constituent material of the upper connecting member 42, the base end portion 21 of the magnetostrictive rod 2 can be reliably fixed, and the magnetostrictive rod 2 has sufficient rigidity to apply a uniform stress, and A material having ferromagnetism capable of applying a bias magnetic field from the permanent magnet 6a to the magnetostrictive rod 2 is preferable. Examples of the material having the above characteristics include pure iron (for example, JIS SUY), soft iron, carbon steel, electromagnetic steel (silicon steel), high speed tool steel, structural steel (for example, JIS SS400), stainless steel, permalloy, and the like. These can be used, and one or more of these can be used in combination.

  The upper connecting member 42, the lower connecting member 41, and the magnetostrictive rod 2 may be fixed by any method, but are preferably fixed by welding. Thereby, components, such as a screw, can be reduced and the joint strength of each member can be improved.

(Lead side connection part 5)
As shown in FIG. 3, the distal end side connecting portion 5 includes a lower side connecting member 51 formed integrally with the distal end of the beam member 8, and an upper side connecting member 52 provided on the upper side of the lower side connecting member 51. It consists of The distal end side connecting portion 5 is a portion that functions as a weight that applies external force or vibration to the magnetostrictive rod 2. When an external force or vibration in the vertical direction is applied to the distal end side connecting portion 5, the magnetostrictive rod 2 has its proximal end as a fixed end and the distal end reciprocates in the vertical direction (the distal end is relative to the proximal end Relative displacement).

  The lower connecting member 51 has a strip shape (a long flat plate shape), and is provided such that its longitudinal direction is substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the beam member 8 and substantially parallel to the bottom 101 of the base 100. ing. The lower connecting member 51 can be obtained by deforming the T-shaped portion 103 by, for example, pressing, bending or forging so that the lower connecting member 51 is bent with respect to the beam member 8. . By using such a method, the angle formed by the lower connecting member 51 and the beam member 8 can be easily and arbitrarily adjusted. In addition, the constituent material similar to the constituent material quoted by the lower side connection member 41 can be used for the constituent material of the lower side connection member 51.

  On the upper side of the lower connection member 51, an upper connection member 52 having a strip shape (long plate shape) is provided. The magnitude | size in planar view of the upper side connection member 52 and the lower side connection member 51 is substantially equal. Thereby, since the upper side connection member 52 is mounted in the whole upper surface of the lower side connection member 51, the upper side connection member 52 and the lower side connection member 51 can be fixed stably. In addition, the length of the longitudinal direction of the upper side connection member 52 should just be the length of the extent which covers the front-end | tip part 22 of each magnetostriction rod 2 provided side by side, and is longer than the length of the longitudinal direction of the lower side connection member 51. It may be short.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 3, the upper connecting member 52 has a recess 521, a notch 522, and a slit 523. These functions and effects are also the same as those of the concave portion 421, the cutout portion 422, and the slit 423 of the upper connecting member 42. Further, the constituent material of the upper connecting member 52 can be the same constituent material as the constituent material mentioned in the upper connecting member 42.

  The upper connecting member 52, the lower connecting member 51, and the magnetostrictive rod 2 may be fixed by any method, but are preferably fixed by welding. Thereby, components, such as a screw, can be reduced and the joint strength of each member can be improved.

  Permanent magnets 6a and 6b for applying a bias magnetic field to the magnetostrictive rod 2 (hereinafter collectively referred to as “permanent magnets”) are provided on the lower surface on the base end side of the upper connecting member 42 and the upper surface on the distal end side of the upper connecting member 52. 6 ”(see FIG. 4).

(Permanent magnets 6a and 6b)
Each of the permanent magnets 6a and 6b has a long flat plate shape. As shown in FIG. 4, the permanent magnet 6 a is fixed to the lower surface on the proximal end side of the upper connecting member 42, and the permanent magnet 6 b is fixed to the upper surface on the distal end side of the upper connecting member 52.

  The lengths of the permanent magnets 6a and 6b in the longitudinal direction are preferably approximately the same as the lengths of the upper connecting members 42 and 52 in the longitudinal direction. Thereby, permanent magnet 6a, 6b can be fixed stably, and the enlargement more than necessary of the power generation element 1 can be prevented.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 4, the length of the permanent magnets 6a, 6b in the short direction is preferably shorter than the length of each of the upper connecting members 42, 52 in the short direction, More preferably, it is about 60% of the length of 52 in the short direction. Thereby, in a plan view, the upper connecting members 42, 52, the magnetostrictive rods 2, and the lower connecting members 41, 51 are collectively welded in a region where they do not overlap with the permanent magnets 6a, 6b. The strength of the entire power generating element 1 can be improved.

  The permanent magnet 6a includes a first portion 61 formed on the lower surface of the upper connecting member 42 of the magnetostrictive rod 2 on the left front side in FIG. 1 with the S pole on the upper side in FIG. 1 and the N pole on the lower side in FIG. 1 has a second portion 62 formed on the lower surface of the upper connecting member 42 of the magnetostrictive rod 2 on the right back side in FIG. 1 with the N pole on the upper side in FIG. 1 and the S pole on the lower side in FIG. That is, the permanent magnet 6a includes a first portion 61 magnetized in a direction (first magnetization direction) orthogonal to the direction in which the magnetostrictive rods 2 are provided, and a direction opposite to the first portion 61 ( And a second portion 62 magnetized in the second magnetization direction). In the present embodiment, the first magnetizing direction and the second magnetizing direction of the permanent magnet 6a are substantially the same as the direction in which the other end of the magnetostrictive rod 2 is displaced (vertical direction in FIG. 1). Parallel.

  Further, the permanent magnet 6b is a first portion 61 formed on the upper connecting member 52 of the magnetostrictive rod 2 on the left front side in FIG. 1 with the S pole on the upper side in FIG. 1 and the N pole on the lower side in FIG. And a second portion 62 formed on the upper connecting member 52 of the magnetostrictive rod 2 on the right back side in FIG. 1 with the N pole on the upper side in FIG. 1 and the S pole on the lower side in FIG. The permanent magnet 6b is also a dipole magnet similar to the permanent magnet 6a.

  As described above, in the power generation element 1, the permanent magnets 6a and 6b are arranged in a direction different from the direction in which the two magnetostrictive rods 2 and 2 in which the magnetization directions are provided are provided. The advantage by being arranged in this way will be described. First, in the case where each permanent magnet is arranged so that the magnetization direction is the direction in which two magnetostrictive rods are arranged, in order to give a sufficient bias magnetic field to the magnetostrictive rod, each permanent magnet is attached to two magnetostrictive elements. It is necessary to dispose between both end portions (the base end portion 21 and the tip end portion 22) or between either one of the end portions. In such a configuration, when the size of the power generation device 10 is reduced, it is necessary to reduce the thickness of each magnetostrictive rod, so that the area of the contact surface between each permanent magnet and the magnetostrictive rod is limited. On the other hand, in the power generation element 1 arranged so that the magnetization directions of the permanent magnets 6a and 6b are different from the directions of the two magnetostrictive rods 2 provided side by side, the permanent magnets 6a, The area of the contact surface with each magnetostrictive rod 2 (each upper connecting member 42, 52) of 6b is limited and can be designed relatively freely.

  In the power generating element 1 of the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, the permanent magnets 6 a and 6 b are arranged on the lower surface on the proximal end side of the upper connecting member 42 and the upper surface on the distal end side of the upper connecting member 52, respectively. However, it is not limited to this. For example, instead of disposing the permanent magnet 6 a on the lower surface of the base end side of the upper connecting member 42, the permanent magnet 6 a can be fixed to the end face of the base connecting side of the upper connecting member 42. Further, even when one of the permanent magnets 6a and 6b is removed, the magnetostrictive rod 2 is sufficient for increasing the area of the contact surface between the permanent magnet 6a (6b) and the upper connecting member 42 (52). A bias magnetic field can be applied.

  As described above, according to the configuration of the present embodiment, the area of the contact surface of each permanent magnet 6a, 6b with each upper coupling member 42, 52, the position and number of permanent magnets 6 can be freely designed. That is, the degree of freedom in designing the permanent magnet 6 to be used can be increased.

  As the permanent magnet 6, for example, an alnico magnet, a ferrite magnet, a neodymium magnet, a samarium cobalt magnet, or a magnet (bond magnet) formed by molding a composite material obtained by pulverizing them and kneading them into a resin material or a rubber material is used. be able to. Such a permanent magnet 6 is preferably fixed to the upper connecting members 42 and 52 by, for example, bonding with an adhesive or the like.

  In the power generating element 1, since the permanent magnet 6b is configured to be displaced together with the upper connecting member 52, no friction is generated between the upper connecting member 52 and the permanent magnet 6b. Therefore, since the energy for displacing the upper connecting member 52 due to friction is not consumed, the power generating element 1 can generate power efficiently.

  On the lower surface of the permanent magnet 6a and the upper surface of the permanent magnet 6b, magnetic members 7a and 7b (hereinafter, collectively referred to as “magnetic member 7”) are provided, respectively.

(Magnetic members 7a, 7b)
The magnetic members 7 a and 7 b have a long flat plate shape, and the size thereof is approximately the same as that of the permanent magnet 6. As shown in FIG. 3, cutout portions 71 are formed at both ends of the magnetic members 7a and 7b in the longitudinal direction. The cutouts 71 are cut out toward the inside of the magnetic members 7a and 7b.

  The cutout portion 71 of the magnetic member 7a functions so as to fit with the projection portion 63 of the permanent magnet 6a together with the cutout portion 422 of the upper connecting member 42. At this time, the permanent magnet 6a and the magnetic member 7a can be fixed (connected) to the lower surface of the upper connecting member 42 by, for example, bonding each member by welding or an adhesive. Each member (the upper connecting member 42, the permanent magnet 6a, and the magnetic member 7a) attached in this manner is positioned in a space (magnet storage space) defined by the lower connecting member 41, the upper connecting member 42, and the side portion 102b. doing.

  Similar to the magnetic member 7a, the notch 71 of the magnetic member 7b functions together with the protrusion 63 of the permanent magnet 6b together with the notch 522 of the upper connecting member 52. At this time, the upper connecting member 52, the permanent magnet 6 b, and the magnetic member 7 b can be fixed (connected) to the upper surface of the lower connecting member 51 by, for example, bonding each member by welding or an adhesive.

  As a constituent material of the magnetic members 7a and 7b, for example, the same materials as those mentioned for the upper connecting members 42 and 52 can be used.

Here, the flow of the lines of magnetic force passing through each member of the power generation element 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 5.
FIG. 5A is a perspective view showing the flow of magnetic lines of force on the tip side of the power generating element 1 shown in FIG. 1, and FIG. 5B is a tip side connecting portion of the power generating element 1 shown in FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing the flow of magnetic lines of force passing through the permanent magnet 6b and the magnetic member 7b. Here, the left rear side in FIG. 5A and the front side in FIG. 5B are referred to as “tip side”, and the right front side in FIG. 5A and the paper side in FIG. 5B. The back side is called “base end side”. Further, the upper side in FIGS. 5A and 5B is referred to as “upper” or “upper”, and the lower side in FIGS. 5A and 5B is referred to as “lower” or “lower”.

  First, with reference to FIG. 1, the flow of magnetic lines of force of the entire power generating element 1 is shown. In the power generation element 1, the magnetic lines of force generated from the first portion 61 of the permanent magnet 6 a disposed on the base end side flow into the second portion 62 via the magnetic member 7 a and from the second portion 62. The generated lines of magnetic force pass through the magnetostrictive rod 2 on the right back side in FIG. 1 (in the order of the upper coupling member 42, the magnetostrictive rod 2 and the upper coupling member 52), and the first magnetic field of the permanent magnet 6b disposed on the distal end side. Into the second part 62. Further, the magnetic lines of force generated from the second portion 62 of the permanent magnet 6b disposed on the tip side flow into the first portion 61 via the magnetic member 7b, and the magnetic lines of force generated from the first portion 61. 1 passes through the magnetostrictive rod 2 on the left front side in FIG. 1 (in the order of the upper connecting member 52, the magnetostrictive rod 2 and the upper connecting member 42), and the first portion 61 of the permanent magnet 6a disposed on the base end side. Flow into.

  Next, the flow of the lines of magnetic force on the distal end side of the power generation element 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 5A and 5B. Note that the flow of magnetic lines of force on the base end side of the power generating element 1 is the same if the top and bottom of FIG.

  On the distal end side of the power generation element 1, the magnetic lines of force that pass through the magnetostrictive rod 2 on the front side of the sheet of FIG. 5A from the proximal end side to the distal end side flow into the second portion 62 via the upper connecting member 52. . The lines of magnetic force emitted from the second portion 62 pass in the longitudinal direction of the magnetic member 7b (see FIG. 5B) and flow into the first portion 61. Further, the lines of magnetic force generated from the first portion 61 pass through the upper connecting member 52 from the distal end side to the proximal end side of the magnetostrictive rod 2 on the back side of the sheet of FIG.

  As described above, in the power generating element 1, the magnetic lines of force generated from the first portion 61 of the permanent magnet 6a flow into the second portion 62 of the permanent magnet 6a via the magnetic member 7a, and the first of the permanent magnet 6a. The magnetic lines of force emitted from the second portion 62 flow into the second portion 62 of the permanent magnet 6b through the magnetostrictive rod 2. Further, the lines of magnetic force emitted from the second portion 62 of the permanent magnet 6b flow into the first portion 61 of the permanent magnet 6b via the magnetic member 7b and are emitted from the first portion 61 of the permanent magnet 6b. The generated magnetic field lines flow into the first portion 61 of the permanent magnet 6a through the magnetostrictive rod 2. As a result, a clockwise magnetic field loop is formed in the power generation element 1.

  In the present embodiment, as described above, the height (thickness) of each upper coupling member 42, 52 is used to reduce the overall size of the power generation element 1 or to reduce the thickness of the power generation element 1 (to reduce the height). ) Is desirable to be small. Therefore, the surface areas of the side surfaces of the upper connecting members 42 and 52 are reduced, but the surface areas of the upper and lower surfaces of the upper connecting members 42 and 52 can be sufficiently secured. Therefore, in the power generation element 1, the plate-like permanent magnet 6 is disposed on the upper surface or the lower surface of each upper coupling member 42, 52, so that the permanent magnet 6 (the first portion 61, the second portion 62). The area of the contact surface with each upper coupling member 42, 52 can be made sufficiently large. Accordingly, a large bias magnetic field is applied to the magnetostrictive rod 2, and the power generation efficiency can be improved while suppressing the size of the power generation element 1. Further, even when a ferrite magnet or the like whose characteristics such as coercive force and maximum energy product are inferior to those of the rare earth magnet is used as the permanent magnet 6, a sufficiently large bias magnetic field can be applied to the magnetostrictive rod 2. Since a ferrite magnet or the like is inexpensive, the production cost of the power generation apparatus 10 can be suppressed by using the ferrite magnet as the permanent magnet 6.

The area of the surface (upper surface or lower surface) of the permanent magnet 6 on the side where the upper coupling members 42 and 52 come into contact is not particularly limited, but is preferably about 10 to 300 mm ² , and is about ²⁰ to 100 mm ² . More preferably. Furthermore, the area of the surface (upper surface or lower surface) of each of the first portion 61 and the second portion 62 of the permanent magnet 6 that comes into contact with the upper coupling members 42 and 52 is lower than the lower surface and upper side of the upper coupling member 42, respectively. The size is preferably such that it covers about half of the upper surface area of the connecting member 52. Thereby, in a region where each upper connecting member 42, 52, each magnetostrictive rod 2, and each lower connecting member 41, 51 do not overlap with the permanent magnets 6a, 6b while applying a large bias magnetic field to the magnetostrictive rod 2. Since it can weld collectively, the joint strength of the base end side connection part 4 and the front end side connection part 5 can be improved, and the intensity | strength of the electric power generation element 1 whole can be improved. As a result, a member such as a screw becomes unnecessary, and the power generation efficiency can be improved while suppressing the size of the power generation element 1.

  The beam member 8 is provided between the base end side connection part 4 and the front end side connection part 5 as described above, and between the magnetostrictive rods 2.

(Beam member 8)
As shown in FIG. 4, the beam member 8 has a thickness of the lower connection member 41 of the base end side connection portion 4 larger than a thickness of the lower connection member 51 of the distal end side connection portion 5 (in this embodiment, It is inclined with respect to the bottom 101 by being set (substantially equal to the distance from the upper surface of the bottom 101 to the upper surface of the lower connecting member 51).

  Therefore, in a state where each magnetostrictive rod 2 is fixed to the lower connecting member 41 and the lower connecting member 51, each magnetostrictive rod 2 is cantilevered by the base body 110 with its base end as a fixed end and its tip as a movable end. In addition, it is substantially parallel to the bottom 101 in a natural state (a state in which the magnetostrictive rod 2 is not deformed). In other words, in the power generation element 1, the distance between each magnetostrictive rod 2 and the beam member 8 is smaller at the distal end than at the proximal end in a side view in a natural state (see FIG. 4).

  Further, as shown in FIG. 4, the beam member 8 and the magnetostrictive rod 2 are arranged so as not to overlap each other in a side view, and the magnetostrictive rods 2, 2 and the beam member 8 function as beams facing each other, and the tip side As the connecting portion 5 is displaced, each magnetostrictive rod 2 and the beam member 8 are displaced in the same direction (upward or downward in FIG. 1). At that time, stress is applied to each magnetostrictive rod 2 by the beam member 8. Thus, since the beam member 8 functions as a beam part (beam member) that applies stress to the magnetostrictive rod 2 constituting the power generating element 1, it is not necessary to prepare an independent part as the beam member, The assembly man-hour concerning a beam member can be reduced. Furthermore, since a part of the base 100 functions as the beam member 8, the thickness of the power generation apparatus 10 (base 100 and power generation element 1) can be reduced by at least the thickness of the beam member 8, and the power generation apparatus 10 Can be reduced in height.

  The beam members 8 are arranged between the magnetostrictive rods 2 in a plan view, that is, so that the magnetostrictive rods 2 and the beam members 8 do not overlap each other (see FIG. 1). In the present embodiment, the width of the beam member 8 is designed to be smaller than the interval between the coils 3 wound around the outer peripheral side of each magnetostrictive rod 2. For this reason, when each magnetostrictive rod 2 displaces, these and the beam member 8 do not contact (interfere) with each other.

  In the power generating element 1 of the present embodiment, when the distal end side connecting portion 5 is displaced (rotated) downward with respect to the proximal end side connecting portion 4, that is, the distal end is lower than the proximal end of the magnetostrictive rod 2. When it is displaced toward, the beam member 8 is deformed so as to contract in the axial direction, and the magnetostrictive rod 2 is deformed so as to extend in the axial direction. On the other hand, when the distal end side connecting portion 5 is displaced (rotated) upward, that is, when the distal end is displaced upward with respect to the proximal end of the magnetostrictive rod 2, the beam member 8 is extended in the axial direction. Deforms so that the magnetostrictive rod 2 contracts in the axial direction. As a result, the magnetic permeability of the magnetostrictive rod 2 changes due to the inverse magnetostrictive effect, and the density of magnetic lines of force passing through the magnetostrictive bar 2 (the density of magnetic lines of force penetrating the lumen of the coil 3 in the axial direction) changes. As a result, a voltage is generated in the coil 3.

  As described above, the power generating element 1 is configured such that the distance between the magnetostrictive rod 2 and the beam member 8 (hereinafter, also referred to as “beam interval”) decreases from the base end toward the tip in a side view. Yes. In other words, the magnetostrictive rod 2 and the beam member 8 have a beam structure (taper beam structure) in which a taper is applied from the proximal end to the distal end (see FIG. 4). In such a configuration, the rigidity in the displacement direction of the pair of beams composed of the magnetostrictive rod 2 and the beam member 8 is smaller at the other end than at one end. For this reason, when the tip is displaced with respect to the proximal end of the magnetostrictive rod 2, the magnetostrictive rod 2 and the beam member 8 can be smoothly displaced in the displacement direction. As a result, the thickness of the stress generated in the magnetostrictive rod 2 is increased. Variation in direction can be reduced. Thereby, a uniform stress can be generated in the magnetostrictive rod 2, and the power generation efficiency of the power generation element 1 can be improved.

  In the side view, the angle formed between the beam member 8 and the bottom 101 is preferably about 0.5 to 10 °, more preferably about 1 to 7 ° in the natural state. Such an angle can be easily and arbitrarily adjusted by pressing, bending or forging the T-shaped portion 103. If the angle formed between the beam member 8 and the bottom 101 is within the above range, a sufficient amount of displacement of the tip 22 of the magnetostrictive rod 2 can be ensured, and the distance between the lower connecting member 51 and the bottom 101 can be increased. You can get closer. Thereby, the height reduction of the electric power generating apparatus 10 can be achieved, preventing the electric power generation amount of the electric power generation element 1 falling.

  Further, since the magnetostrictive rod 2 and the bottom 101 are parallel, the angle (taper angle) formed by the magnetostrictive rod 2 and the beam member 8 is also preferably about 0.5 to 10 °, preferably 1 to 7 °. More preferred is the degree. If the angle between the magnetostrictive rod 2 and the beam member 8 is within the above range, the magnetostrictive rod 2 and the beam member 8 on the proximal end side constitute the tapered beam structure with the magnetostrictive rod 2 and the beam member 8. Can be made sufficiently small. Thereby, a uniform stress can be generated by the magnetostrictive rod 2.

  The spring constant of such a beam member 8 may be different from the spring constant of each magnetostrictive rod 2, but preferably the total of the spring constants of all the magnetostrictive rods 2, that is, the spring constant of the two magnetostrictive rods 2 is used. It is preferable to have a combined value. As described above, in this embodiment, the two magnetostrictive rods 2 and the one beam member 8 function as a pair of opposed beams. Therefore, by using the beam member 8 that satisfies such conditions, the rigidity in the vertical direction can be made uniform between the beam member 8 and the two magnetostrictive rods 2. Thereby, the front end side connection part 5 can be smoothly and reliably displaced with respect to the base end side connection part 4 in the up-down direction.

In general, when an external force F is applied to the movable end (the other end) of the cantilever with one end fixed, the deflection d of the beam is expressed by the following equation (2).
d = FL ³ / 3EI (2)
(However, L represents the length of the beam, E represents the Young's modulus of the constituent material of the beam, and I represents the moment of inertia of the cross section of the beam.)

  The spring constant of the beam member 8 is preferably higher than the spring constant of the base body 110. Accordingly, when an external force or vibration in the vertical direction is applied to the distal end side connecting portion 5, the external force or vibration is transmitted to the beam member 8 preferentially over the base body 110. The distal end (the other end) can be displaced more smoothly and surely in the direction substantially perpendicular to the axial direction with respect to the base end (one end) of the two.

  In the power generating element 1, each magnetostrictive rod 2 and the beam member 8 have substantially the same cross-sectional area and cross-sectional shape, and therefore these cross-sectional secondary moments are substantially equal. Moreover, the length of each magnetostrictive rod 2 and the beam member 8 is also substantially equal. Therefore, according to the above equation (2), in the power generating element 1 in which the number of components of the beam member 8 is one and the number of components of the magnetostrictive rod 2 is two, the Young's modulus of the beam member 8 is set to the value of the magnetostrictive rod 2. The Young's modulus is preferably about twice. Thereby, each beam (the beam member 8 and the two magnetostrictive rods 2) is similarly deformed (flexed) by an external force, in other words, the vertical rigidity of each beam can be balanced.

  The Young's modulus of such a beam member 8 is preferably about 80 to 200 GPa, more preferably about 100 to 190 GPa, and further preferably about 120 to 180 GPa.

  As described above, the beam member 8 is preferably made of a nonmagnetic material. Examples of such nonmagnetic materials include, but are not limited to, metal materials, semiconductor materials, ceramic materials, resin materials, and the like, and these can be used alone or in combination. In addition, when using a resin material, it is preferable to add a filler in a resin material. Among these, it is preferable to use a nonmagnetic material whose main component is a metal material, and a nonmagnetic material whose main component is at least one of stainless steel, beryllium copper, aluminum, magnesium, zinc, copper, and alloys containing them. More preferably, a magnetic material is used.

  When a magnetostrictive material mainly composed of an iron-gallium alloy (Young's modulus: about 70 GPa) is used as the constituent material of each magnetostrictive rod 2, stainless steel (SUS316, Young's modulus) is used as the constituent material of the beam member 8. : About 170 GPa). By using a material having such a Young's modulus as a constituent material of each magnetostrictive rod 2 and beam member 8, the vertical rigidity of the beam member 8 and the two magnetostrictive rods 2 can be balanced. Thereby, the front end side connection part 5 can be displaced more smoothly and reliably with respect to the base end side connection part 4 in the up-down direction.

Such a beam member 8 has a substantially constant thickness (cross-sectional area). The average thickness of the beam member 8 is not particularly limited, but is preferably about 0.3 to 10 mm, and more preferably about 0.5 to 5 mm. The average cross-sectional area of the beam member 8 is preferably from ² about 0.2～200Mm, and more preferably ² about 0.5 to 50 mm.

  In the power generation element 1, the beam interval between the magnetostrictive rods 2, 2 and the beam member 8 can be designed freely. Specifically, by adjusting the size of the lower connecting member 41 constituting the base end side connecting portion 4 and the size of the lower side connecting member 51, the beam spacing on the base end side and the distal end side can be freely set. The beam spacing between the magnetostrictive rods 2 and 2 and the beam member 8 can be designed freely.

  Regarding the beam spacing, the present inventors have elucidated the relationship between the beam spacing of a pair of beams and the stress generated when an external force is applied to the tip of the beam. From the following examination results, the beam spacing is reduced. By doing so, it is known that a substantially uniform stress is generated in each beam.

  FIG. 6 is a side view schematically showing a state in which an external force is applied in the downward direction to the distal end of one bar (one beam) whose base end is fixed to the base body. FIG. 7 is a side view schematically showing a state in which an external force is applied downward to the distal ends of a pair of opposed parallel beams (parallel beams) whose base ends are fixed to the base body. FIG. 8 is a diagram schematically showing stress (elongation stress, contraction stress) applied to a pair of parallel beams to which an external force is applied to the tip.

  The upper side in FIGS. 6 to 8 is referred to as “upper” or “upper side”, and the lower side in FIGS. 6 to 8 is referred to as “lower” or “lower side”. Further, the left side in FIGS. 6 to 8 is referred to as a “base end”, and the right side in FIGS. 6 to 8 is referred to as a “tip”.

  When an external force is applied so as to bend and deform downward with respect to the tip of one beam, as shown in FIG. 6, stress is applied to the beam along with the bending deformation of the beam, and the upper side of the beam is uniform. Tensile (elongation) stress, and uniform compression (shrinkage) stress occurs below the beam. On the other hand, when an external force is applied to the tips of parallel beams having a fixed beam interval, each beam is bent and deformed as shown in FIG. In order to keep the beam spacing on the side constant, it is deformed to perform a parallel link operation. In such a parallel beam, the parallel link operation becomes more prominent as the beam interval is larger, and conversely, the parallel link operation is suppressed as the beam interval is smaller, and the bending of one beam as shown in FIG. Deforms close to deformation.

  Therefore, in the configuration of parallel beams having a relatively large beam interval, bending deformation and deformation due to the parallel link operation coexist, whereby each beam is deformed into a substantially S shape as shown in FIG. When the parallel beam is deformed downward, it is preferable that a uniform extension stress is generated in the upper beam. However, although the extension stress A is generated in the central portion as shown in FIG. A large shrinkage stress B is generated in the lower part on the side and the upper part on the tip side. In addition, it is preferable that a uniform shrinkage stress is generated in the lower beam. However, although a contraction stress B is generated in the central portion, a large elongation stress A is generated in the upper portion on the proximal end side and the lower portion on the distal end side. . That is, since both the elongation stress and the contraction stress generated in each beam are large, the absolute value of any one stress (elongation stress or contraction stress) generated in the entire beam cannot be increased. When a magnetostrictive rod is used as such a parallel beam, the amount of change in magnetic flux density in the magnetostrictive rod cannot be increased.

  In the magnetostrictive rod to which the bias magnetic field is applied, the magnitude of the generated stress (elongation stress or contraction stress) and the amount of change in the magnetic flux density have the following relationship.

  FIG. 9 shows the applied magnetic field (H) and magnetic flux density (B) according to the generated stress in a magnetostrictive rod composed of an iron-gallium alloy (Young's modulus: about 70 GPa) as a main component. ).

  9A shows a state in which no stress is generated in the magnetostrictive rod, FIG. 9B shows a state in which a contraction stress of 90 MPa is generated in the magnetostrictive rod, and FIG. 9C shows an extension of 90 MPa in the magnetostrictive rod. A state in which stress is generated, (d) shows a state in which a 50 MPa contraction stress is generated in the magnetostrictive rod, and (e) shows a state in which a 50 MPa extensional stress is generated in the magnetostrictive rod.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the magnetic permeability of the magnetostrictive rod in which elongational stress is generated is higher than that of the magnetostrictive rod in the state where no stress is generated. (Magnetic flux density) increases ((c) and (e)). On the other hand, compared to a magnetostrictive rod in a state where no stress is generated, a magnetostrictive rod in which a contraction stress is generated has a lower magnetic permeability, resulting in a lower magnetic flux density passing therethrough ((b) and ( d)).

  For this reason, in the state where the constant bias magnetic field shown in FIG. 9 is applied, the other end of the magnetostrictive rod is vibrated (displaced), thereby causing the magnetostrictive rod to have an extension stress of 90 MPa and a contraction stress of 90 MPa. Are alternately generated, the amount of change in the magnetic flux density passing through this is about 1 T, and the amount of change is maximized (see (b) and (c)). On the other hand, when the elongation stress and the contraction stress generated in the magnetostrictive rod are reduced to 50 MPa, the amount of change in the magnetic flux density passing through this is reduced (see (d) and (e)).

  Therefore, in order to increase the amount of change in the magnetic flux density that passes through the magnetostrictive rod, it is necessary to sufficiently increase the stress (elongation stress or contraction stress) in a certain direction generated in the magnetostrictive rod. In the case of a magnetostrictive rod made of the above-described magnetostrictive material, the amount of change in magnetic flux density passing through the magnetostrictive rod can be sufficiently increased by alternately generating an extension stress of 70 MPa and a contraction stress of 70 MPa. it can.

  From the above examination results, in the power generation device in which the magnetostrictive rod and the beam member form a pair of parallel beams, by reducing the beam interval between the magnetostrictive rod and the beam member, and suppressing the parallel link operation of the beam, It is desirable from the viewpoint of improving the power generation efficiency to approach the bending deformation behavior of one beam as shown in FIG.

  However, by reducing the beam spacing between the magnetostrictive rod and the beam member, it is possible to improve the uniformity of the stress generated in the magnetostrictive rod. It was found that the stress variation remained in the vertical direction.

  Therefore, as a result of further investigation, the present inventors have made the remaining gap in the thickness direction at both ends of the magnetostrictive rod 2 by making the beam interval between the magnetostrictive rod 2 and the beam member 8 smaller at the tip than at the base end. Also found that it can be made smaller.

  For the above reasons, in the power generating element 1, the magnetostrictive rods 2 and 2 and the beam member 8 have a tapered beam structure, and the beam interval between the magnetostrictive rod 2 and the beam member 8 is reduced, as shown in FIG. It is desirable from the viewpoint of improving the power generation efficiency to approach the bending deformation behavior of a single beam.

  Moreover, in such a power generation element 1, since the volume of the coil 3 is not limited by the beam spacing between the magnetostrictive rod 2 and the beam member 8, the magnetostrictive rod 2 and the beam member are formed while the volume of the coil 3 is sufficiently increased. 8 can be designed to be sufficiently small. Thereby, it is possible to make the stress generated in the magnetostrictive rod 2 more uniform while increasing the volume of the coil 3 and to improve the power generation efficiency of the power generation element 1.

  Further, in the power generating element 1, the pair of beams composed of the magnetostrictive rod 2 and the beam member 8 has low rigidity in the displacement direction from the proximal end toward the distal end, so that the magnetostrictive rod 2 can be applied even with a relatively small external force. Can be greatly deformed in the vertical direction, and the power generation efficiency can be improved.

  Note that the magnetostrictive rod 2 may be configured to apply an extension stress or a contraction stress, that is, an initial load (bias stress) by the beam member 8 in a natural state.

  Specifically, by reducing the length of the beam member 8, the magnetostrictive rod 2 is given an extensional stress in a natural state. In this case, when an external force is applied downward to the distal end side connecting portion 5, the magnetostrictive rod 2 is displaced downward more greatly than when no bias stress is applied. Thereby, the extensional stress generated in the magnetostrictive rod 2 can be further increased, and the power generation efficiency of the power generation element 1 can be further improved.

  Further, by increasing the length of the beam member 8, the magnetostrictive rod 2 is given a contraction stress in a natural state. In this case, when an external force is applied upward with respect to the distal end side connecting portion 5, the magnetostrictive rod 2 is displaced more upward than when no bias stress is applied. Thereby, the contraction stress generated in the magnetostrictive rod 2 can be further increased, and the power generation efficiency of the power generation element 1 can be further improved.

  Next, operations and effects obtained by providing slits 423 and 523 in the upper connecting member 42 and the upper connecting member 52 will be described.

(Slit action / effect)
Slits 423 and 523 penetrating in the thickness direction are formed substantially in the middle of the upper connecting members 42 and 52 in the longitudinal direction. Thereby, the magnetic field loop formed in the power generation element 1 can be partially short-circuited, and the amount of change in the magnetic flux density when the magnetostrictive rod 2 is deformed becomes more uniform over the entire axial direction of the magnetostrictive rod 2. As a result, the power generation efficiency of the power generation element 1 can be further improved.

  FIG. 10B shows the magnetic flux density along the longitudinal direction of the magnetostrictive rod 2 when stress is applied to the power generating element 1 shown in FIG. 1 and the distal end side connecting portion 5 of the power generating element 1 shown in FIG. It is a graph which shows the change of. More specifically, the graph of FIG. 10B is obtained when an extension stress of 60 MPa and a contraction stress of 60 MPa are applied to each magnetostrictive rod 2 applied to the power generating element 1 of FIGS. 1 and 10A. The relationship between the distance from the axial base end (0 mm) to the distal end side of the region around which the coil 3 of the magnetostrictive rod 2 is wound and the magnetic flux density passing through the magnetostrictive rod 2 is shown.

  Here, the power generating element 1 of FIG. 10A is different from the power generating element 1 of FIG. 1 in that the upper connecting members 42 and 52 are divided for each magnetostrictive rod 2.

  10B, the power generating element 1 shown in FIG. 1 and the power generating element 1 shown in FIG. 10A are both the length of the magnetostrictive rod 2 (from the tip of the upper connecting member 42 to the upper connecting member 52). Evaluation was performed using a 22 mm distance to the base end. Moreover, each upper connection member 42 and 52 of the electric power generating apparatus 10 shown to FIG. 1 and FIG. 10 (a) is respectively 7.5 mm in length from a base end to a front-end | tip. In addition, the slits 423 and 523 formed in the upper connecting members 42 and 52 of the power generation element 1 shown in FIG. 1 have a width of 1.5 mm and a length in the approximate center of the upper connecting members 42 and 52, respectively. It formed so that it might be set to 6 mm.

  As shown in FIG. 10 (b), in the power generating element 1 of FIG. 10 (a), the change amount of the magnetic flux density is maximum at the approximate center (near 11 mm) of the magnetostrictive rod 2, but On the base end side (near 0 mm) and the front end side (near 22 mm), the amount of change in magnetic flux density is smaller than that near the center. On the other hand, in the power generating element 1 of FIG. 1, not only near the center of the magnetostrictive rod 2 but also at the base end side and the tip end side, the amount of change in magnetic flux density is large as in the vicinity of the center.

  Thus, in the power generating element 1 of the present embodiment, the amount of change in the magnetic flux density when the magnetostrictive rod 2 is deformed can be made sufficiently large and uniform over the entire axial direction of the magnetostrictive rod 2. Thereby, the power generation efficiency of the power generation element 1 is further improved.

  The length of the slit 423 (523) in the longitudinal direction is not particularly limited as long as it is shorter than the short side direction (length from the base end to the tip end) of the upper connecting member 42 (52), but it is 0.5 to 20 mm. Is preferably about 2 to 9 mm. Further, the width (length in the short direction) of the slit 423 (523) is not particularly limited, but is preferably about 0.1 to 5 mm, more preferably about 0.5 to 1.5 mm. . By satisfying the above conditions, the amount of change in magnetic flux density when the magnetostrictive rod 2 is deformed can be made more uniform over the entire axial direction of the magnetostrictive rod 2. Thereby, the power generation efficiency of the power generation element 1 can be further improved.

Further, when the length in the short direction (length from the base end to the tip) of the upper connecting member 42 (52) is L _B , and the length in the longitudinal direction of the slit 423 (523) is L _S , L _B the value of -L _S is preferably about 0.5 to 5 mm, more preferably about 1 to 3 mm. Thereby, the amount of change in magnetic flux density when the magnetostrictive rod 2 is deformed can be made more uniform over the entire axial direction of the magnetostrictive rod 2 while sufficiently increasing the durability of the upper coupling member 42 (52). .

  For example, a slit having a pattern as shown in FIG. 11 may be formed in the upper connecting member 42 (52). Fig.11 (a) is a top view which shows typically the upper side connection member 42 (52) with which the electric power generation element 1 shown in FIG. 1 is provided, FIG.11 (b)-(e) is the electric power generation element shown in FIG. 6 is a plan view schematically showing another configuration example of the upper connecting member 42 (52) included in FIG.

  As described above, in the upper coupling member 42 (52) of the power generating element 1 shown in FIG. 1, between the end portions of the magnetostrictive rods 2 and 2 provided between them (between the proximal end portions 21 and 21 or between the distal end portions 22 and 22). ), A slit 423 (523) is formed in the approximate center. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 11B, such a slit 423 (523) may be formed so that the proximal end or the distal end of the upper connecting member 42 (52) is opened. Moreover, as shown to FIG.11 (c)-(e), the some slit may be formed in the upper connection member 42 (52). In the upper connecting member 42 (52) shown in FIG. 11 (c), two slits are formed so that both the proximal end and the distal end are opened. Further, the upper connecting member 42 (52) shown in FIG. 11 (d) has two slits formed by opening the base end and the distal end thereof, and one slit provided therebetween. ing. Further, the upper connecting member 42 (52) shown in FIG. 11 (e) has two slits formed by opening the proximal end and the distal end thereof, and three slits provided therebetween. ing. Even when the upper connecting member 42 (52) as shown in FIGS. 11B to 11E is used, the same operational effects as those of the power generating element 1 of the present embodiment can be obtained.

  Moreover, it is preferable that the upper connecting member 42 (52) is configured so that a pin made of a magnetic material can be inserted therein. Although not shown, by inserting such a pin into the upper connecting member 42 (52), the one base end 21 (the front end 22) of the two magnetostrictive rods 2 and 2 to the other base end 21 ( It is possible to adjust the amount of magnetic lines of force (short circuit amount) flowing to the tip portion 22). As a result, the amount of change in magnetic flux density (density of magnetic lines of force) passing through the magnetostrictive rod 2 can be adjusted, and as a result, the voltage generated in the coil 3 (the amount of power generated by the power generating element 1) is used by the power generating element 1. It can be appropriately adjusted according to the purpose. As a constituent material of such a pin, the same material as that of the upper connecting member 42 (52) can be used.

  The base 100 to which the power generating element 1 is attached can be used as a part of the illumination switch as described above. Specifically, it can be used as a switch that is operated by a person by adding a structure for directly applying external force to the distal end side connecting portion 5 of the power generating element 1 and combining it with a wireless device. Such a switch functions without wiring the power supply and signal lines. For example, it is used for a home lighting wireless switch, a home security system (especially a system that wirelessly detects the operation of windows and doors), etc. Can do.

  In addition, by applying the power generation device 10 to each switch of the vehicle, the power supply and signal lines are eliminated, which not only reduces the number of assembly steps, but also reduces the weight required for the wiring provided in the vehicle, thereby reducing the weight of the vehicle, etc. Thus, it is possible to suppress the load on the tire, the vehicle body, and the engine, and to contribute to the basic performance and safety.

  In addition, it does not specifically limit as an apparatus which includes the base 100 which attaches the power generating element 1 in part, For example, a vapor | steam, water, fuel oil, gas (air, fuel gas, etc.) etc. move through a pipe or a duct (exhaust, Ventilation, inhalation, waste liquid, circulation). More specifically, air-conditioning ducts for large facilities, buildings, stations, and the like. Other examples of the apparatus partially including the base 100 to which the power generation element 1 is attached include transport aircraft (cargo trains, automobiles, truck beds), rails (sleepers) that form tracks, highways and tunnel walls. Examples include panels, bridges, equipment such as pumps and turbines. Furthermore, the base 100 can be used as a member constituting a part of the portable communication device by downsizing the power generating element 1.

  The vibrations that occur in these devices are vibrations that are unnecessary for the movement of the target medium (in the case of air-conditioning ducts, gas that passes through the ducts, etc.) and may cause noise and unpleasant vibrations. It has become. By using a part of such a device as the base 100 and attaching the power generation element 1, this unnecessary vibration (kinetic energy) can be converted (regenerated) into electric energy.

  The function of the sensor or the like can be exhibited by using the obtained power as a power source for the sensor or wireless device. For example, illuminance, temperature, humidity, pressure, and noise in a facility living space can be measured, or detection data can be transmitted by a wireless device and used as various control signals and monitoring signals. It can also be used as a system for monitoring the state of each part of the vehicle (for example, a tire air pressure sensor, a seat belt wearing detection sensor). In addition, by converting unnecessary vibration into electric power in this way, it is possible to obtain an effect of reducing noise and unpleasant vibration from a device that generates vibration. In addition, the power generation amount of the power generation element 1 attached to these devices or the like is not particularly limited, but is preferably about 20 to 2000 μJ. If the power generation amount (power generation capability) of the power generation element 1 is within the above range, for example, by combining with a wireless device, it can be effectively used for the above-described home illumination wireless switch, home security system, and the like.

Second Embodiment
Next, 2nd Embodiment of the electric power generating apparatus 10 of this invention is described.
FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing a second embodiment of the power generation apparatus 10 of the present invention. FIG. 13A and FIG. 13B are perspective views showing a bobbin of a coil provided in the power generation apparatus 10 shown in FIG. FIG. 14A and FIG. 14B are perspective views showing a magnetostrictive rod and a coil included in the power generation apparatus 10 shown in FIG. FIG.14 (c) is a perspective view which shows the cross section which cut | disconnected the magnetostriction rod 2 and the coil 3 of Fig.14 (a) by the BB line. FIG. 15 is a longitudinal sectional view of the power generation device 10 shown in FIG.

  In the following description, the upper side in FIGS. 12 to 15 is referred to as “upper” or “upper”, and the lower side in FIGS. 12 to 15 is referred to as “lower” or “lower”. Also, the right front side in FIG. 12 and the right side in FIG. 15 are referred to as “front end side”, and the left back side in FIG. 12 and the left side in FIG. 15 are referred to as “base end side”.

  Also, in FIG. 13A, the bobbin tip side is shown to be the right front side of the page. On the other hand, in FIG. 13B, the base end side of the bobbin is shown to be the right front side of the drawing. 14 (a) and 14 (c), the magnetostrictive rod and the tip of the coil are shown to be on the right front side of the paper, and in FIG. 14 (b), the base end of the magnetostrictive rod and the coil is on the right front side of the paper. Is shown to be

  Hereinafter, the power generation device 10 of the second embodiment will be described with a focus on differences from the power generation device 10 of the first embodiment, and description of the same matters will be omitted.

  In the electric power generating apparatus 10 of 2nd Embodiment, the structure of the coil 3 differs and other than that is the same as that of the electric power generating apparatus 10 of the said 1st Embodiment. That is, in the power generation device 10 of the present embodiment, the coil 3 is configured by the bobbin 32 disposed so as to surround the magnetostrictive rod 2 on the outer peripheral side of the magnetostrictive rod 2 and the wire 31 wound around the bobbin 32. Has been.

  As shown in FIGS. 13A and 13B, the bobbin 32 includes a long main body portion 33 around which the wire 31 is wound, and a first flange portion 34 connected to the base end of the main body portion 33. And a second flange 35 that is connected to the tip of the main body 33. The bobbin 32 may have a configuration in which the members are connected by welding or the like, but it is preferable that the members are integrally formed.

  The main body 33 includes a pair of long side plate portions 331 and 332, and a base plate side, a top plate portion 333 that connects upper end portions of the pair of side plate portions 331 and 332, and a bottom plate portion that connects lower end portions. 334. Note that each of the side plate portions 331 and 332, the upper plate portion 333, and the bottom plate portion 334 constituting the main body portion 33 has a flat plate shape. The main body portion 33 has a square cylindrical portion defined by a pair of side plate portions 331, 332, an upper plate portion 333, and a bottom plate portion 334 on the base end side thereof. The magnetostrictive rod 2 is inserted inside.

The distance between the pair of side plate portions 331 and 332 is designed to be larger than the width of the magnetostrictive rod 2, and the magnetostrictive rod 2 is disposed between the pair of side plate portions 331 and 332 while being spaced apart from each other. . Further, the interval between the upper plate portion 333 and the bottom plate portion 334 is configured to be substantially equal to the thickness of the magnetostrictive rod 2. The magnetostrictive rod 2 is inserted between the upper plate portion 333 and the bottom plate portion 334, whereby a part of the base end side of the magnetostrictive rod 2 is held between the upper plate portion 333 and the bottom plate portion 334 ( (Refer FIG.14 (c)).
The wire 31 is wound around the outer peripheral side of the main body portion 33 from the proximal end to the distal end.

On the base end side of the main body portion 33, a flat plate-like first flange portion 34 that is connected to the main body portion 33 (the side plate portions 331 and 332, the upper plate portion 333 and the bottom plate portion 334) is provided (FIG. 13 ( b)).
The 1st collar part 34 has comprised the substantially elliptical shape. The first flange 34 is formed with a slit 341 through which the magnetostrictive rod 2 is inserted at a position where it is connected to the main body 33. The shape of the slit 341 is formed to be substantially equal to the cross-sectional shape of the magnetostrictive rod 2.

  Furthermore, on the upper side of the first flange portion 34, two protruding portions 36 that protrude in the proximal direction from the first flange portion 34 are provided at both ends in the width direction. The projecting portion 36 is provided with two through holes for inserting the pins 37. In a state where the power generating element 1 (bobbin 32) is attached to the base 100, a portion (lower end portion 342) below the slit 341 of the first flange portion 34 abuts against the distal end surface of the fixing portion 411 of the lower connecting member 41. Each protrusion 36 abuts on the tip side of the upper surface of the upper connecting member 42 (see FIG. 12). In this state, the bobbin 32 is fixed to the proximal end side connecting portion 4 by inserting the pin through the through hole of the protruding portion 36. As described above, the pin 37 has an amount of magnetic lines of force (short circuit amount) flowing from one base end portion 21 (tip portion 22) of the two magnetostrictive rods 2 and 2 to the other base end portion 21 (tip portion 22). ) May be adjusted.

  Further, a flat plate-like second collar portion 35 that is connected to the main body portion 33 (side plate portions 331 and 332) is provided on the distal end side of the main body portion 33 (see FIG. 13A). The 2nd collar part 35 has comprised the substantially elliptical shape. The second flange 35 is formed with a substantially rectangular opening 351 through which the magnetostrictive rod 2 is inserted at a position where the main body 33 (side plate portions 331 and 332) is connected. The width of the opening 351 is substantially equal to the distance between the pair of side plate portions 331 and 332, and the distance from the upper end to the lower end of the opening 351 is the length in the short direction of each side plate portion 331 (332). Designed to be approximately equal.

  In addition, the lower end portion 352 of the second flange portion 35 is formed with two protruding portions 353 that protrude downward from both end portions in the width direction. With the power generating element 1 (bobbin 32) attached to the base 100, the lower end 352 abuts against the bottom 101, and the protrusion 353 is configured to engage with an edge defining the slit 108 of the base 100. ing. In this state, the second flange 35 is separated from the distal end side connecting portion 5.

  As shown in FIG. 14C, in the power generating element 1 of the present embodiment, the magnetostrictive rod 2 and the bobbin 32 or the wire 31 in the displacement (vibration) direction of the magnetostrictive rod 2 (vertical direction in FIG. 14C). A gap is formed between the center of the bobbin 32 and the tip. The gap is designed to have a size that does not cause interference between the magnetostrictive rod 2 and the bobbin 32 or the wire 31 when the magnetostrictive rod 2 is displaced, that is, a size larger than the amplitude of the magnetostrictive rod 2. Therefore, the magnetostrictive rod 2 can vibrate without coming into contact with the coil 3 (the wire 31 and the bobbin 32), and energy loss due to friction between the magnetostrictive rod 2 and the coil 3 can be prevented.

  Further, in the power generating element 1 of the present embodiment, when the magnetostrictive rod 2 and the beam member 8 are deformed, the coil 3 (the wire rod 31 and the bobbin 32) is not deformed along with the deformation. In general, a wire rod or bobbin constituting a coil is a member having a large amount of energy loss due to its deformation, that is, a large loss factor. Therefore, in the power generating element 1 of the present embodiment, generation of energy loss (structural attenuation) due to deformation of the wire 31 and the bobbin 32 of the coil 3 having a large loss coefficient is prevented. Further, in the power generation element 1, the coil 3 having a large mass is not displaced accompanying the vibration of the magnetostrictive rod 2. That is, in the power generation element 1, the mass of the coil 3 is not included as the mass of the vibration system that vibrates the magnetostrictive rod 2. Therefore, in the power generation element 1, it is possible to prevent a decrease in the vibration frequency of the magnetostrictive rod 2 (vibration system) compared to a power generation element in which the coil is displaced together with the magnetostrictive rod. Thereby, it can prevent that the variation | change_quantity (change gradient of magnetic flux density) of the magnetic flux density per time of the magnetostriction stick | rod 2 becomes small, and can prevent the fall of electric power generation efficiency.

  As described above, in the power generation element 1 of the present embodiment, it is possible to prevent energy loss due to friction between the magnetostrictive rod 2 and the coil 3 and energy loss due to deformation of the coil 3 having a large loss coefficient. . Furthermore, it is possible to prevent the vibration frequency from being lowered due to the displacement of the coil 3 having a large mass. As a result, the magnetostrictive rod 2 can be efficiently deformed, and as a result, the power generation efficiency of the power generation element 1 can be improved.

  Further, the size of the gap formed in the bobbin 32 changes the length in the short direction of the pair of side plate portions 331 and 332, and changes the distance from the upper end to the lower end of the opening 351 in accordance with this change. Therefore, it can be set freely. In addition, as a constituent material of the bobbin 32, the material similar to the material quoted as a constituent material of the beam member 8 can be used, for example. The power generation element 1 of the second embodiment also produces the same operations and effects as the power generation element 1 of the first embodiment.

<Third Embodiment>
Next, 3rd Embodiment of the electric power generating apparatus 10 of this invention is described.
FIG. 16 is a perspective view showing a third embodiment of the power generation apparatus 10 (base is omitted) of the present invention.

  In the following description, the upper side in FIG. 16 is referred to as “upper” or “upper”, and the lower side in FIG. 16 is referred to as “lower” or “lower”. Further, the right rear side of the paper surface in FIG. 16 is referred to as “front end”, and the left front side of the paper surface in FIG. 16 is referred to as “base end”.

  Hereinafter, the power generation device 10 of the third embodiment will be described with a focus on differences from the power generation device 10 of the first embodiment, and description of similar matters will be omitted.

  The power generating element 1 shown in FIG. 16 includes a base end side connecting portion that connects the magnetostrictive rod 2 and the beam member 8 each having the coil 3 wound around the outer peripheral side thereof, and the base end portion 21 and the tip end portion 22 thereof. 4 and the front end side connecting portion 5, the yoke 9 provided together with the magnetostrictive rod 2 and the beam member 8, 2 provided between the upper connecting member 42 and the yoke 9 and between the upper connecting member 52 and the yoke 9. There are two permanent magnets 6c, 6d.

  In the power generation element 1 having such a configuration, the magnetostrictive rod 2 and the beam member 8 are provided side by side in the thickness direction, and the beam spacing between the magnetostrictive rod 2 and the beam member 8 is similar to that of the power generation element 1 of the first embodiment. , And is configured to become smaller from the proximal end toward the distal end.

  The magnetostrictive rod 2, the coil 3, the proximal end side connecting portion 4, the distal end side connecting portion 5 and the beam member 8 of the present embodiment can have the same configuration as described in the first embodiment.

  The yoke 9 has a long flat plate shape and is provided in the width direction with respect to the magnetostrictive rod 2 and the beam member 8. As a constituent material of the yoke 9, the same material as the material mentioned in the base end side connection part 4 and the front end side connection part 5 of 1st Embodiment can be used.

  The permanent magnets 6c and 6d have a cylindrical shape. As a constituent material of such permanent magnets 6c and 6d, the same material as the permanent magnets 6a and 6b of the first embodiment can be used.

  In the present embodiment, the permanent magnet 6 c provided between the upper connecting member 42 and the yoke 9 is disposed with the S pole on the upper connecting member 42 side and the N pole on the yoke 9 side. As shown in FIG. 16, the permanent magnet 6d provided between the yoke 9 and the yoke 9 is disposed with the south pole on the yoke 9 side and the north pole on the upper connecting member 52 side. Thereby, a clockwise magnetic field loop is formed in the power generation element 1.

  In the power generation element 1 of the present embodiment, the magnetostrictive rod 2 and the beam member 8 are provided side by side in the thickness direction, so that the volume of the coil 3 wound around the magnetostrictive rod 2 is limited. Similar to the power generation element 1, the beam spacing between the magnetostrictive rod 2 and the beam member 8 is configured to decrease from the proximal end toward the distal end. Therefore, when an external force is applied to the distal end side connecting portion 5, the magnetostrictive rod 2 and the beam member 8 can be smoothly displaced in the displacement direction (vertical direction), and as a result, the thickness of the stress generated in the magnetostrictive rod 2 The variation in the vertical direction can be reduced. Thereby, a uniform stress can be generated in the magnetostrictive rod 2, and the power generation efficiency of the power generation element 1 can be improved.

  In the present embodiment, the coil 3 may be wound around the outer periphery of the yoke 9 instead of being wound around the magnetostrictive rod 2. As the magnetic flux density in the magnetostrictive rod 2 changes, the magnetic flux density that passes through the yoke 9 also changes in the same manner, so that a voltage can be generated in the coil 3 as in the power generating element 1 having the above configuration. Further, in this configuration, the upper connecting members 42 and 52 are increased in width (length in the longitudinal direction) and the permanent magnets 6c and 6d are increased in thickness so that the magnetostrictive rod 2 and the beam member 8 and the yoke are increased. Since the space | interval with 9 can be enlarged, it is possible to enlarge a coil volume similarly to the electric power generation element 1 of 1st Embodiment. Thereby, the power generation efficiency of the power generation element 1 can be further improved.

  In addition, fixation and connection of each member can fix and connect each member by methods, such as screwing, pin press-fit, welding, adhesion | attachment with an adhesive agent, for example.

  The power generation element 1 of the third embodiment also produces the same operations and effects as the power generation element 1 of the first embodiment.

  As mentioned above, although the electric power generating apparatus of this invention was demonstrated based on embodiment of illustration, this invention is not limited to this, Each structure is substituted with the arbitrary things which can exhibit the same function. Or an arbitrary configuration can be added.

For example, the arbitrary configurations of the first to third embodiments can be combined.
One of the two permanent magnets can be omitted, and one or both of the permanent magnets can be replaced with an electromagnet. Furthermore, the power generation device of the present invention may be configured to generate power using an external magnetic field (external magnetic field), omitting both permanent magnets.

  In each of the above embodiments, the magnetostrictive rod 2 and the beam member 8 both have a rectangular cross-sectional shape. For example, the magnetostrictive rod 2 and the beam member 8 have a circular shape, an elliptical shape, a triangular shape, a square shape, or a hexagonal shape. Such a polygonal shape may be used.

  Moreover, although the permanent magnet 6 of each said embodiment has comprised flat form or the column shape, all may have comprised the prism shape or the triangular prism shape.

  In each of the above-described embodiments, the base 100 includes the beam member 8 and the lower connecting member 51 among the members constituting the power generating element 1, but the base 100 only needs to include at least the beam member 8, The lower connecting member 51 may not be provided. Further, the base 100 may include a lower connection member 41 in addition to the beam member 8 and the lower connection member 51.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Electric power generating apparatus 1 ... Electric power generation element 2 ... Magnetostrictive rod 21 ... Base end part 22 ... Tip part 3 ... Coil 31 ... Wire rod 32 ... Bobbin 33 ... Main-body part 331, 332 ... Side board part 333 ... Upper board part 334 ... Bottom board part 34 ... 1st collar part 341 ... Slit 342 ... Lower end part 35 ... 2nd collar part 351 ... Opening part 352 ... Lower end part 353 ... Projection part 36 ... Projection part 37 ... Pin 4 ... Base end side connection part 41 ... Lower side Connecting member 411 ... Fixing part 412 ... Leg part 413 ... Leg part 42 ... Upper connecting member 421 ... Recessed part 422 ... Notch part 423 ... Slit 5 ... Base end side connecting part 51 ... Lower side connecting member 52 ... Upper connecting member 521 ... Recessed part 522 ... Notch 523 ... Slit 6a ... Permanent magnet 6b ... Permanent magnet 6c ... Permanent magnet 6d ... Permanent magnet 61 ... First part 62 ... Second part 63 ... Projection part 7 ... Magnetic member 7b ... Magnetic member 71 ... Notch 8 ... Beam member 100 ... Base 101 ... Bottom part (flat plate part) 102a ... Side part 102b ... Side part 102c ... Side part 102d ... Side part 103 ... T-shaped part 104 ... Opening 105 ... recessed portion 106 ... opening 107 ... claw portion 108 ... slit 110 ... base body 9 ... yoke

Claims (12)

A base for holding a power generation element,
The power generating element includes at least one magnetostrictive rod made of a magnetostrictive material that passes magnetic lines of force in the axial direction, a beam member that has a function of applying stress to the magnetostrictive bar, and the magnetic lines of force pass in the axial direction. And a coil for generating a voltage based on a change in density of the magnetostrictive rod. The other end of the magnetostrictive rod is displaced in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axial direction to expand and contract the magnetostrictive rod. By changing the density of the lines of magnetic force, the coil is configured to generate a voltage,
The base has at least the beam member among members constituting the power generating element.   The base according to claim 1, wherein at least the beam member is made of a nonmagnetic material. The base has a base body that holds the beam member with one end as a fixed end and the other end as a movable end,
The base according to claim 1, wherein the beam member is formed integrally with the base body.   The base according to claim 3, wherein the base body includes a flat plate portion that holds the beam member, and an angle formed by the flat plate portion and the beam member is 0.5 to 10 °.   The base according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the beam member has a spring constant higher than that of the base body. A base according to any of claims 1 to 5,
At least one magnetostrictive rod made of a magnetostrictive material that is fixed to the base so that stress is applied from the beam member, and that passes magnetic lines of force in the axial direction;
The magnetic field lines are arranged so as to pass in the axial direction, and a coil that generates a voltage based on a change in density thereof,
The other end of the magnetostrictive rod is displaced in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axial direction of the magnetostrictive rod to expand and contract the magnetostrictive rod, thereby changing the density of the lines of magnetic force and generating a voltage in the coil. It is comprised, The electric power generating apparatus characterized by the above-mentioned.   The power generation device according to claim 6, wherein, in a side view, an interval between the magnetostrictive rod and the beam member is smaller at the other end than at the one end.   The power generator according to claim 7, wherein an angle formed between the magnetostrictive rod and the beam member is 0.5 to 10 ° in a side view.   The power generation device according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the power generation device is arranged so that the magnetostrictive rod and the beam member do not overlap in a side view. The at least one magnetostrictive rod has two or more magnetostrictive rods attached thereto;
The power generator according to any one of claims 6 to 9, wherein the magnetostrictive rod and the beam member are arranged so as not to overlap each other in a plan view.   The power generator according to claim 10, wherein the beam member is disposed between the magnetostrictive rods in a plan view. The coil is wound around the magnetostrictive rod on the outer peripheral side of each magnetostrictive rod,
The power generation device according to claim 10 or 11, wherein each of the coils and the beam member are arranged so as not to overlap each other in a plan view.

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